Northgate Living CA November 2022

Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Team

Dear Neighbors,

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. I continue to be grateful for this magazine that focuses on good news and helps us all get to know our neighbors better. 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 magazine.

Our feature residents this month, the Bang family, have an uplifting and fun story to share. Our expert remodeler Gordon Reese is starting an “Ask the Remodeler” column, and I hope you’ll take a minute to send in a question and read his column. There are also ideas for fall entertaining and a special sports story about a local young equestrian you don’t want to miss. And so much more! Enjoy this month’s issue and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Warmly,

Kara Navolio

Northgate Living Magazine is 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. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.

Jo Peek

Dentist

Life Dental & Orthodontics

Brian J. Hockel, DDS 925-357-3630 admin@lifedentalortho.com www.lifedentalortho.com

Design, Build & Remodeling

Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com

Financial Advice

Element Wealth Management

Chris J. Held, CFP®, CRPS® CA Insurance #0E56816 (925) 433-9533 chris.held@elementwm.com www.elementwm.com

Functional Medicine & Nutrition

Body Love Clinic

Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP (925)888-8101 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com

Hardscape Restoration

Concrete Paver Restorations Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com

HVAC & IAQ

Evergreen IAQ JC Garcia 925-444-5069 jc@evergreenIAQ.com https://evergreeniaq.com

Insurance Services

Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc. Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004 Scott@cdinsurance.com Patrick@cdinsurance.com http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/

Landscaping

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

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

Expert Contributors

Dr. Brian Hockel graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1989 and has practiced dentistry for over 30 years next door to the Ygnacio Val ley 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.

Since 1984, our family owned business has been guiding busy and successful homeowners in and around Walnut Creek through the design and construction of their dream spaces, providing them with price certainty, a stress-free experience, the highest level of professionalism, and environmentally sustainable methods and products. Contact us to turn your dream into reality with our 3D design and remodeling process.

For over 17 years, Chris has been working with families in Walnut Creek and the surrounding area. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he en gages 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.

Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP discovered the power of Functional Medicine first hand when a “mystery illness” left her declared perma nently 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.”

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

We are a family owned, residential AC and heating company specializing in indoor air quality and high efficiency system mainte nance. I truly believe that every household should be able to control their comfort level while keeping their energy costs to a mini mum AND ensure clean, fresh air to breathe inside their own homes. It IS your castle after all.I am committed to reinventing the in dustry and showing the world a new way to do business and get things done... The Evergreen Way.

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.

Pacific Landscaping has been a premier provider of landscaping services in Contra Costa since 1986. We provide 1st class quality at com petitive rates. For three decades, we’ve upheld a reputation of integrity and professionalism by strict dedication to our motto: “When Prom ised, As Promised.”

Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including be ing nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Jour nal/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 attend ed 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.

Meet the Bangs: A family of many talents

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Andres and Yejee have three talented and busy children. They are all musically gifted, participate in a myriad of sports, and love school.

Natalie is in the 7th grade at Foothill Middle School and loves reading. She’s very talented on the piano and also plays violin and guitar. She can often be found playing piano downtown on one of the many free Painted Pianos. She also plays volleyball at the Vibe Gym in Shadelands and takes the family with her to tournaments all around Northern California. “In her free time,” says Yejee, “If Natalie is not playing the piano, you will find her drawing or reading. Her head is always buried in a book, currently addicted to mythology and fantasy novels.”

Hunter is in the 4th grade at Walnut Acres Elementary School. He has a love of learning, teaching himself to read at the age of three and excelling at spelling and word games. After school activities include chess club, coding school, jujitsu and soccer. Like his sister, he fervently plays piano. He’s currently obsessed with escape rooms and even creates his own around the house.

The youngest Bang is Cooper; he’s in the 2nd grade at Walnut Acres. He’s very outgoing, and, like his older brother, plays chess and soccer and practices jujitsu. He takes piano lessons and is a cub scout with Pack 210. His favorite subject is math and adds that “multiplication is fun!” Cooper also plays baseball with Walnut Creek Little League.

Yejee

and Andres both grew up in the New York City borough of Queens, a highly populated and diverse neighborhood full of ethnic restaurants and immigrants from around the world. Yejee grew up in Flushing, and Andres is from Bayside. They met when they both attended SUNY (State University of New York) at Albany. Their college paths only intersected for one semester, but the bond held tight throughout their college years, and they married in 2007.

Yejee transferred to SUNY Binghamton and majored in history with a minor in graphic design. Andres finished at SUNY Albany with a BS in Business Administration. After graduation Yejee became a paralegal, but her passion drew her to fashion, so she attended Parsons School of Design in order to change careers. She worked at Bloomingdales’ headquarters and then at a home interiors company in midtown Manhattan where she managed the branding content for Donna Karan Home, Kate Spade Home and MG+BW Home.

Andres started his career at General Electric and has also worked at other companies such as CBS and LinkedIn. His job at LinkedIn is what brought the New Yorkers to California in 2013. He is now the Director of Operations for AirBnb.

Even with a busy family, Yejee finds time to run a small business as a fiber artist. “I knit and crochet and have an Etsy shop where you can find my handmade one-of-a-kind items online or at vendor booths at the local craft fairs. I recently started a Youtube channel to teach others how to knit and crochet, as this is where I learned myself,” shares Yejee. You can find her on Instagram or her website: yejeeknits. She also makes time for volunteering at Walnut Acres.

Andres enjoys golf, home improvement projects and is also musically talented, teaching himself a variety of instruments.

In 2017 the Bang family found the Northgate neighborhood and moved near Foothill Middle School for the safe, family-friendly neighborhood. They love their neighbors, and the kids love playing together with the other kids in the neighborhood.

Photo by Julie Cheshire

Summertime for the Bangs usually means trips to Santa Cruz/Capitola, going to Giants games, or to more far-away destinations like Oahu or Europe. In the winter they love going to Lake Tahoe and often spend the holidays in New York City with family. They live by the motto: Be kind, look out for each other – we are all on the same team!

We love having such talented neighbors that call Northgate home and look forward to seeing what these talented kids do in the future!

Gordon

recommend the best local, trusted businesses

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.

Photos submitted by YeJeeArlo with pumpkins knitted by YeJee

Ask the Remodeler

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

We get a lot of remodeling questions and felt it would be helpful and interesting to create a segment in this magazine “Ask the Remodeler”. You can submit your remodeling and home repair questions to: Questions@GordonReese.com.

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “How do I start my remodel?”

This is a topic we cover in more depth at our monthly remodeling seminars. You can register by visiting our site using the QR code in our ad located on page 5..

Planning is the first step to any successful remodeling project. There is a famous saying - “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. You have 3 choices of teams you can work with: a designer, an architect or a design build team.

Designers: not all designers offer the same skills. Some can do drawings and help with product selections, some just do product selections or drawings, some can present you with 3D renderings to help you visualize your new space in more detail. Budget to a design.

Architects: very skilled designers, sometimes do not offer 3D or product selection services. Budget to a design.

Design Build Team: a team of professionals managed by one responsible party. Design to a budget. Some offer 3D design.

What sets the design build team apart from either a designer or an architect is the concept of designing to a budget. Having the construction experience of a design build team provides the expertise required to accurately estimate construction costs during the design process.

Avoid creating a project you love only to find out it is too expensive to build by considering the design build approach.

We look forward to answering your questions. Happy Remodeling! gordonreese.com

Real Estate Listings in Northgate

Address

Price BD BT SQFT DOM

Address List

4135 Arbolado Dr 2873 Brian Ranch Ct 332 Castle Rock Rd 300 Fenway Dr 715 Cascade Ct

Listings

1180 Sebastian Ln 1155 Snyder Ln 78 Meadow Walk Pl 101 N Gate Rd 3870 Arbolado Dr 619 Creekmore Ct 777 N Gate Rd 39 Tierra Verde Ct 465 Arbol Via

$2,695,000 $2,399,000 $1,895,000 $1,749,000 $1,595,000

$3,995,000 $3,799,000 $3,500,000 $2,998,500 $2,250,000 $1,950,000 $3,175,000 $3,095,000 $3,000,000

BD BT SQFT DOM

3,842 2,830 3,221 2,504 2,245

Address Sold Price BD BT SQFT DOM

6,800 6,609 6,098 3,542 2,749 2,589 5,260 3,471 4,000

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.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS November

Sat., Nov. 12

50th Anniversary Celebration

@Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery

Please join us the Ruth Bancroft Garden and Nursery in celebrating our 50th anniversary as a Garden. This unique botanical garden, in the heart of Walnut Creek, contains a unique collection of dry garden plants and hosts a variety of educational and cultural events within the community. The free anniversary celebration will include: A variety of educational partners sharing hands-on interactive materials for both children and adults

Local vendors and food

Live music

Storytime with a librarian representing Contra Costa County Library

A special toast with Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

To learn more and RSVP to this free event, please visit: https://www.ruthbancroftgarden. org/event/community-day-golden-jubilee/. Garden admission applies to those that wish to view the special outdoor exhibit chronicling the history of the Garden.

Cost: FREE

Time: 10am-1pm

Thurs., Nov. 17

Remodeling Seminar

@ Online

Do you dream of transforming your space? We can help you 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. Let us help you dream a little. After all, dreaming is the first step to creating something new. RSVP: https://gordonreese.com Phone: (925) 885-3770 Cost: Complimentary Time: 6pm

Throughout November

The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts Curated from the extensive collection of Harmon and Harriet Kelley, this exhibition highlights seventy works on paper by 54 African American artists spanning the 20th and early 21st centuries. Cost: $5, first Friday of each month is free. Time: Gallery open from Wed. – 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

Every Saturday Farmers’ Market

@Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market Time: 9am-1pm

Save the date:

Sat., Dec. 3

Celebrate the Season

@Downtown Walnut Creek Bring the family together. Write letters to Santa. Enjoy a Horse and Carriage ride under the stars. Relax and indulge on delicious sips & savors at downtown restaurants. Enjoy fun and festive activities during your holiday shopping in downtown Walnut Creek. Visit walnutcreekdowntown.com for more details.

Sat., Dec. 3 – Sun., Dec. 4

Handcrafted Holiday Sale

@Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Ln. 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: 10am-5pm Sat.; 11am-4pm Sun.

Dec. 9 - Jan. 16

Walnut Creek on Ice @Civic Park

Enjoy ice skating in downtown Walnut Creek. Tickets will be available at walnutcreekdowntown.com; private cabana rentals; birthday parties.

Fall colors

Northgate HS

A view of Mt. Diablo from Northgate HS

A Heron on the Canal Trail, next to Walnut

Near Arbolado Park

Equestrian Star lives and trains in Northgate

Northgate’s own, Payton Fullmore, has been dominating the equestrian scene. This 8th grader who trains with Goshay Equestrian at Sunny Hill Farm recently won Division Champion at the Tri-Valley Classic III, with her horse AmaraZ. This is a 3-part show at KMT in Pleasanton, in addition to the awards at each show, they combine your scores for all three competitions and present an overall Division High Point Award. Payton earned the Tri-Valley Classics Horse Show Series Champion High Point Award for the 2’ Short Stirrup Division!

She is also a member of the Hayes Training IEA Team, based at North Peak Equestrian Center. IEA, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, is a nationwide organization where riders compete on horses randomly

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos by Anne-Marie Fullmore

assigned to them the day of the competition. This really helps riders build their skills and test their mettle. At the most recent IEA Show in Pleasanton, Payton won Individual Middle School Champion, contributing to her team receiving the Team Middle School Champion award as well!

She recently made her debut on the AA rated show circuit at the Sacramento International Horse Show - World Cup Week. It was her first time competing in the .80 m Jumpers. Competition was stiff, with around 20 to 25 competitors per round. Even though she was one of the youngest riders, she placed in the top five in 6 out of 8 rounds and ended up as the Reserve Champion for the .80 m Child / Adult Jumper division!

Look for Payton on the equestrian circuit at Sonoma Horse Park, Murieta Equestrian Center and Paso Robles Horse Park.

Find Share

Dietary SupportThrough Holidaysthe

By Shelise Irby R.D., Body Love Cafe

It’s a wonderful time of year for traveling and visiting family and friends. For those of us following certain diets, the holidays can feel like navigating through a minefield of dietary disasters! Here are practical ways to avoid derailing your dietary goals through the holiday season so that you feel motivated to end 2022 healthier than when you started it.

PLAN AHEAD – Last minute get-togethers and unplanned meals can mean chaos and confusion for your diet. Try to plan out your meals at home and be strict with your meal-prepping. Things get busy this time of year and eating out more often can upset your eating schedule, leading to blood sugar crashes and late-night snacking.

CHOOSE THE RESTAURANT – Whenever you are invited out this holiday season, volunteer yourself for the task of choosing the restaurant. That way you know there will be dishes there that fall into your dietary requirements. If the restaurant is already chosen, call ahead and ask if they are sensitive to patrons with special diets.

INFORM YOUR HOSTS – If you are traveling this season to visit family or friends, let your gracious hosts know about your dietary preferences in advance so they can stock up on some specific foods for you. This might seem “too much to ask” as a guest, but generally hosts want their guests to feel comfortable in their space and are happy to accommodate. If it’s family you’re staying with, hopefully they support your health decisions and want to set you up for success!

ALWAYS BRING SNACKS – Keeping your blood sugar stable during this holiday season will help you make better choices overall and the easiest way to do that is to ALWAYS have healthy snacks with you. Pick snacks that are shelf stable and high in protein to keep you full.

EAT BEFORE THE PARTY – If it’s a potluck or you are unclear on what the food options will be at an event, eat beforehand. Don’t get caught in a situation where you’re starving and the only food options are going to put your diet in jeopardy. Eating beforehand will ensure you enjoy yourself and make better choices without trying to fill up on just olives and pickles!

AVOID FOOD COMBINING – If you decide to “cheat” on your diet this holiday, be smart about it. Depending on your specific diet, avoid combining foods in the same meal that you are trying to avoid. For example, if you are trying to avoid dairy and gluten, order the panna cotta for dessert instead of the bread pudding – then you won’t be “doubling up” on potential problem foods.

BE PICKY ABOUT YOUR SWEETS – If you are indulging in some sugary delicacies this season, don’t let any old Christmas cookie sway you. Avoid the cheap boxed chocolates and hot cocoa packets and save your sweet cravings for homemade or higher-quality desserts that don’t have the food dye, corn syrup and artificial flavors.

Cheers to a healthy, happy holiday season! Free 15-minute consults with Body Love Clinic. Visit our website: www.bodylovecafe.com

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

Fire at Meals on Wheels

does not deter meal delivery

By Zoe Broussard, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region | Photo By Sean McDonough

When a fire ripped through a storage room and damaged its Walnut Creek headquarters on Saturday, September 24th, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region never missed a beat. Despite the building being completely inoperable, meal deliveries and other essential services that keep seniors nourished and safe at home continued as usual Monday morning. MOW Diablo Region will not be able to return to the building for at least six months to a year. While seniors have not felt the impact of the fire, the staff and volunteers have had to make some major adjustments.

“Currently, our entire staff is working remotely,” says Caitlin Sly, Executive Director of MOW Diablo Region, “We have an incredibly resourceful and resilient staff and volunteers that always put our mission of serving older adults first.”

The organization is working to secure temporary office space for its staff while repairs are being done. “It is a difficult time for seniors, some have not bounced back from Covid and now they are struggling due to the high cost of gas and food,” says Sly. “We continue to see more demand for our services and the fire has caused unanticipated

expenses that make our work even more challenging. No matter what, we are committed to being there for our vulnerable elders.”

MOW Diablo Region needs more volunteers to keep up with the growing demand, and donations to help them deliver meals and services to the increasing number of older adults who turn to them for assistance. “For many people, we are the safety net,” says Sly. “Without MOW Diablo Region, our clients would go hungry. We hope the community, who has been so generous in the past will help us by going to our website www.mowdiabloregion.org to help us recover.”

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region: Helping over 7,000 seniors each year, our mission is to enhance the lives of older adults in Contra Costa County by providing coordinated care that enables them to live independently and with dignity. Our dedicated staff of experts connects seniors with essential services in Contra Costa County. We work to keep our elderly neighbors nourished, healthy, safe, and independent because we provide more than a meal. As our list of seniors in need grows, so does our need for more volunteers. Help us support more seniors in the county! If you would like to get involved, please visit our website. We have several open positions for employment, click here to join the team. Stay in the loop with our updates and announcements, “LIKE” and connect with us on Facebook!

EASING THE PET SHELTER CRISIS: ADOPTION & VOLUNTEERING

By Desiree Gatto

Pets are being surrendered at an alarming rate to Bay Area rescues and shelters. The need for finding homes for rabbits brings me back to when our family adopted our first bunny. I thought having a rabbit would be like having a guinea pig or hamster; a pet that would enjoy its life in a hutch and allow us to pet it once in a while. My eldest son was 12 at the time and had researched rabbits. Little did I know a rabbit would steal my heart. Our first bunny, adopted from East Bay Rabbit Rescue, was named Tansy. Only two and a half pounds, she was full of personality and spunk. Even our dog liked her, and that’s saying a lot because Corgis like to believe they’re the only animal on the planet.

The day we adopted Tansy, East Bay Rabbit Rescue reviewed proper care with us, so we knew to start off differently. Instead of a hutch and water bottle, Tansy came home with a puppy exercise pen, litter box, water bowl and a hideaway. An exercise pen is less expensive than a hutch, while being spacious and easy to maintain. Since most rabbits do not like to be picked up, a bonus is that it is easy for the bunny to hop in and out on their own making it easier to integrate the bunny into a home.

Things that surprised me were that Tansy used a litter box perfectly, enjoyed hanging out with us humans, and loved to run around our home. I learned rabbits could be free roaming pets, just like dogs and cats, so that’s what we did. Having a free roam bunny is even more enjoyable because they become a member the family and bond. Just like dogs and cats, each rabbit has their own personality. Tansy slept under our bed and was a joy. Tansy developed health issues; we lost her after only a couple of years. Our home was empty without a bunny, so we adopted Luna from East Bay Rabbit Rescue.

Luna is a big bun, 11 pounds! This big sweetheart has lots of love to share. When I come home after being away, Luna will run to the door to greet me. When I lay down on the floor to pet her, she “grooms” me back by licking my hand or arm.

Our family learned to love rabbits, every size and breed. And we’ve enjoyed giving back by volunteering and fostering. Our current foster, Notch, is a real love bug. He likes to come right up on my lap or on my chest when I’m lying in bed just to get pets. He is very curious, and I will often catch him up on his hind legs checking out what’s on a table or in the room. Sometimes I find him lounging on my bed or the sofa relaxing as if I put it there for him. Like most rabbits, he’s friendly towards anyone who wants to give him attention.

The best part about owning a rabbit is the love they give back to you. They know their name; they want to be near you (although not necessarily on your lap) and they become part of your family. You might be surprised to learn that a rabbit could be a perfect pet for you too.

From East Bay Rabbit Rescue, below are suggestions of how you can help during this crisis.

Adoption: Check out our available bunnies at https://www.eastbayrabbit.org and fill in an adoption questionnaire.

Fosters: We provide the basic set up. Fosters provide indoor space, a minimum of a 2 ft by 6 ft for the pen, hay, dark leafy greens, rabbit pellets and love. We ask for a 4-week commitment for foster homes. Email us at eastbayrabbit@gmail.com.

Transport Volunteers: Our fosters often need help getting their foster bunny from the shelter to their house, to spay/neuter appointments and adoption appointments. If you have flexible hours and can help from time to time, your contribution would be significant. Email us at eastbayrabbit@ gmail.com.

Shelter Volunteers: There is a huge demand for shelter volunteers with shelters overflowing and short staffed. Contact your local shelter for details.

Notch, our current foster bunny from East Bay Rabbit Rescue, enjoys being the center of attention. (Photo credit Emily Hren)

Notch, our foster bunny, and our Corgi show how most rabbits get along with wellbehaved dogs. (Photo Desiree G.)

As a foster family, we socialize the bunnies to prepare them for their forever home. This is Ali, a lionhead lop, who is available for adoption. (Photo credit Desiree Gatto)

In honor of the Queen

Host an Afternoon Tea

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

Recently the world mourned the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who was an extraordinary woman who has been credited with modernizing many aspects of the monarchy. I have been fortunate to travel to England on multiple occasions and consider myself a bit of an Anglophile, most specifically admiring the tradition of afternoon tea. The afternoon tea at Brown’s hotel and the Savoy in London are two of my absolute favorites and is an occasion in itself. The formality, civility and tradition of afternoon tea is something to behold perched on a hotel armchair at a British hotel.

Each year, we celebrate my mom’s birthday by having afternoon tea at Lovejoy’s in San Francisco. It is a quirky, quaint tea room that has been an annual birthday celebration destination. The pandemic disrupted our beloved tradition, so I pivoted to hosting afternoon tea at my house. It quickly became a new passion that I expanded the frequency and diversified my guest lists. With fall around the corner, I recently created an autumnal themed afternoon tea to celebrate my mom along with the Queen. Creating an afternoon tea at home is quite simple to execute with a bit of planning and ingenuity. It is an occasion to relax and socialize with all the preparations done prior to your guest arriving. The “wow” factor will be in full force.

Tips for creating an Afternoon Tea at home:

• Set the date, send invitations (snail mail or evite) and determine the afternoon tea theme.

• Purchase or borrow tea related accessories like tea pots, teacups, tiered stands, linens, table runners, silverware and cream and sugar containers.

• Plan the menu to include both savory and sweet treats. Typically, I serve a variety of finger sandwiches sans crusts (chicken salad, egg salad, cucumber & cream cheese, roast beef & horseradish, pear & stilton, ham & English mustard), handmade scones served with lemon curd, clotted cream, and jam, assorted small,

mini desserts such as petit fours, toasted crumpets with butter and fruit salad. I included my favorite Lemon English Scones recipe.

• An extra special touch is a printed menu set at each guest plate along with a name place card for each guest.

• Shop for all of the menu items and prepare as much as possible a day before. Best to assemble finger sandwiches the day of the event. Make the scones a day ahead, refrigerate then bake about an hour prior to guest arriving, so they are served warm.

• Set the table a day before the scheduled afternoon tea and assemble or purchase floral arrangements for the table. Place post it notes with the name of each menu item on the serving vessel it will adorn, which makes it simple to set the table for the day of the event.

• For a fall tea, choose fall colors for the table runner, decorative faux or real pumpkins, fabric fall leaves, faux acorns, tea candles and autumn-colored flowers for the floral arrangements.

• Purchase an assortment of teas including fan favorites – Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling and one of my favorites Good Earth Sweet & Spicy. Add the loose or bagged tea to each tea pot the day of the event, then add hot water right before your guests sit down and let steep for at least 5 minutes. For loose leaf tea, have a tea strainer on hand.

• About 30 minutes before the guests arrive, place the food items in the pre-designated with post it notes, serving dishes, tiered stands, and bowls.

• If you want to add a special adult touch, you can serve a signature cocktail when your guests arrive – something like an Orange Blossom Bellini, Pimm’s, Earl Grey Martini or Champagne with Elderflower.

Afternoon tea is a chance to bring everyone together and reminisce, get excited about the future, and relax, forgetting about everyday stresses. If you can’t wait to throw an afternoon tea, I would recommend making a reservation at one of these established afternoon tea spots in San Francisco – Lovejoy’s, Fairmont Hotel, Palace Hotel, The Rotunda at Neiman Marcus, or Maison Danel.

Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the Head of Talent Acquisition for Mechanics Bank with headquarters in Walnut Creek. She is the President of California Recruiters and on the board for 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 elegant dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine and cook great food.

authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com authenticsuburbangourmet@gmail.com Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet

Lemon Scones

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

These scones will make a perfect addition to your fall afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

Makes 10-12 scones

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• 1 Tbsp grated lemon rind

• 1/3 cup shortening

• 1/3 cup butter, ¼ inch cubes

• 1/3 cup half and half

• 1 egg, beaten

Recipe

Place all dry ingredients in a large bowl plus the lemon zest and mix. Add the shortening and chilled butter cubes. Use either your fingers or a pastry cutter to break down to pea sized pieces.

Add the half and half and egg to the dry mixture and use a spoon to combine. The mixture may seem dry. Dump onto a work surface and knead the dough together just until it forms a ball. For the final kneading, fold the dough entirely onto itself.

Roll dough out to a thickness of 1 inch. Use round cookie cutter (2 inch) to punch out rounds. Use flour on rolling pin and cookie cutter as necessary, to stop dough from sticking. Place rounds into a plastic container with a lid and let the scones chill overnight. When you are ready to bake, pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees. Place dough rounds on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper, at least 1″ apart.

Sprinkle with a touch of sugar. Bake scones for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve with lemon curd, clotted cream and your favorite jam.

ANNOUNCING THE NORTHGATE LIVING TEEN JOURNALISM TEAM

Submitted by Kara Navolio and Diana Daymond

Sharing the teen perspective with the neighborhood

• Do you have a teen writer in your family?

• A budding journalist?

• A student looking to contribute to the community through volunteer work and build their college application portfolio?

• Adult writers: Please join us as a teen mentor!

Encourage your teen to join the Northgate Living Teen Journalism Team!

• Writers in grades 8-12

• Research, investigate, interview, report and write about life in our Northgate neighborhood: athletic teams, neighborhood events, interesting classmates and neighbors, volunteer projects, parks and open

spaces, history…. your ideas!

• Have your work published and enjoyed by your neighbors.

• Support your community.

• Work with other teen journalists.

• Create material for your college application portfolio.

• Volunteer Work

• Be willing to commit to attending the monthly meeting and devote about 6-8 hours a month to create an article.

• Monthly meetings First Tuesday of the month.

• Next meeting: Tuesday, December 6th 6:30pm. Email for location.

• Mentored by Diana Daymond and Kara Navolio

• We are also welcoming adult mentors who love to write and will help guide our Teen Team

• Questions? Email: dianadaymond@ gmail.com

Change Can Be Good

By Gina Buckley, CCCS Parent

As a parent, you want to do the best for your children. Sometimes events, like COVID, challenge you and cause you to grow. After COVID, and all the changes that came with it, we realized it was time for a change in our child’s education.

We looked at 3 different private schools in the Walnut Creek area and one school clearly rose above the others. It was aligned with our values and we loved that it offered Preschool – 12th, so our son wouldn’t have to switch schools during those impressionable middle and high school years.

Our son was welcomed with open arms at Contra Costa Christian Schools (CCCS). He didn’t skip a beat establishing friendships, and I was surprised at how quickly their extended staff knew his name and genuinely cared about him. He loves all the classes they call “specials,” which include music, art, library, PE and technology. The students also attend Chapel each week and the teachings of God are woven into the lessons. I love seeing his excitement for learning! He has been challenged to try new things, step outside of his comfort zone and grow in his faith.

CCCS offers fun events every month or two that really help strengthen family friendships and build that sense of community. The school is fully funded by tuition,

Rita

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