Northgate Living CA October 2020

Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online

OCTOBER 2020

Northgate LIVING CA

Meet the O’Tooles: Deeply Rooted in Northgate Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography

Picture Perfect Pool Service inc.

■ Monthly Pool Service ■ Repair and Installation ■ Pool and Spa Remodel

925-370-6675

■ New Construction ■ 3D Designs ■ Pool Inspections

Visit our website: www.pppsinc.com

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OCTOBER 2020

Table of Contents Letter to Residents

04

Expert Contributors List

05

Meet the O’Tooles: Deeply Rooted in Northgate

06

ARF Adoption Stars

08

Real Estate Statistics

09

Calendar of Events

10

COVID Doesn’t have to put the Trick in Trick or Treat

11

Behaviorally Fit Backyards

12

Earthquake Preparedness

13

Summer Limb Drop Expert Contributor

14

My Top 5 Tools I’m Using Right Now Life Hacks in a Sheltered World

15

Two families find a true labor of love in running a business together

16

Project Second Chance provides life-long skills

17

Cover Article

Pet Adoption Corner

Health and Wellness

Community Safety

Expert Contributor

Business Profile

Charity Spotlight

Help us Build Up Northgate!

Our Schools

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

18

Little Free Library In our backyard

19

What Should You Consider When Planning Your Backyard Remodel?

21

The Times They Are a Changin’ – And So Are We: Padis Jewelry Downtown Napa is Now Open!

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Recipe

Expert Contributor

Expert Contributor

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:

In our October issue of Northgate Living CA you will meet the O’Toole family. They are an adventurous family with deep roots in our community. It’s always a pleasure getting to know more about the families that make up Northgate and learning the many ways we all connect with our community.

This month we also feature a great article by Dr. Allyson Mayo on a new community initiative called Behaviorally Fit Backyards. Dr. Mayo is a resident of Northgate and knows the importance to our emotional health of making meaningful connections with our community during this pandemic. These events are so enriching, and I hope to meet you at one of them. We also have some great articles from the local businesses that support this magazine.

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.

Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/northgatelivingca and Instagram @ northgatelivingca. We look forward to connecting with the community!

Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia. com and click “Submit Content.”

You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

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Kara Navolio Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991

OCTOBER 2020

Expert Contributors Happy Holidays!

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)

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Active Seniors

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.

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!

Functional Medicine & Nutrition

Dr. Zachary is the Founder of Body Love Cafe and specializes in getting to the root cause of an issue for her patients. She utilizes a variety of techniques ranging from advanced blood labs or hormone testing to a thorough nutrition exam. She wants to look at her patient’s health from all angles, find patterns and uncover the source of the problem based on the physiological function of the body.

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.

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.

Landscaping

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

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.

Pool Maintenance & Remodel

Family owned and operated for 30+ years, proudly serving Contra Costa and Solano counties. 42 years pool industry experience including former red cross water safety instructor. Former local lifeguard and swim coach. Former collegiate all american swimmer. California licensed contractor C-61 D-35, C53. CPO (certified pool operator) certified. National board of directors for the independent pool and spa service association. Warranty stations for all major swimming pool manufacturers. Water chemistry certified. Call us today for an energy and gas audit for pool equipment.

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.

Tree Service

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.

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.

Jenny Shively The Heritage Downtown www.theheritagedowntown.com (925) 943-7427 Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com

Body Love Cafe Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, AFMCP (925) 788-6300 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com

Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Vic Cvijanovic Pacific Landscaping 925-938-1777 vic@pacificscapes.com www.pacificscapes.com Dr. Vivian Ting Veritas Plastic Surgery (925) 949-8587 www.viviantingmd.com Brian Duncan Picture Perfect Pool Service inc 925-370-6675 www.pppsinc.com Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com John Traverso Traverso Tree Service (925) 930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.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

Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5

Resident Feature

Resident Feature is proudly sponsored by Veritas Plastic Surgery

to work for Native American Health Center in Oakland as a Diabetes Coordinator. They married in 2009.

Brian grew up right here in the Northgate neighborhood in the same house he now lives in with Abbie and their three daughters. The O’Toole family has lived in the same house on Encina Camino for four generations, beginning with his grandparents. He graduated from Northgate High School in 1993 where he was an avid track and field athlete competing in long, triple and high jump. He received the Jim Howard Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Athletics. He may have bagged your groceries if you shopped at the Encina Safeway from 1993 to 1995 as he attended Diablo Valley College. He then went to UC Davis, getting a B.S. in Genetics and a B.A. in Philosophy. After working at Genetech for a couple of years, he decided to take some time to see the world and joined the Peace Corps. After law school he started The Law Office of Brian O’Toole where he specializes in Estate Planning and Elder Law.

Meet the O’Tooles:

Deeply Rooted in Northgate

Abbie grew up in Okoboji, Iowa, which is nestled in the northwest corner of Iowa. “Okoboji is home to one of only three blue water, spring-fed lakes in the world and is a popular vacation destination for Midwesterners,” adds Brian. “Her parents owned a resort on the lake for a significant portion of her childhood, and she has many fond memories of growing up there.” She received her B.S. in Dietetics from Iowa State University, spending her sophomore year in Newcastle, Australia. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After the Peace Corps and her time with the Native American Health Center, she became a Senior Health and Safety Specialist with Contra Costa County Schools Insurance Group, making sure every site in the Mt. Diablo School District was safe. Abbie is now a busy mom to three girls and an active volunteer with Girl Scouts and at Walnut Acres Elementary where her daughters attend.

Fiona is 9 and just started 4th grade. The future chef (or police officer) loves gymnastics and art. “Many handstands and cartwheels are done at our house,” says Abbie. She also loves sleepovers with friends and

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

T

he O’Toole’s relationship began a world away: in The Gambia. Both Abbie and Brian were sent to the West African country for their respective assignments with the Peace Corps in 2002. The girl from Iowa and the boy from Walnut Creek lived and worked in separate villages in The Gambia. Brian worked at a “hospital” (a clinic where babies were delivered and malaria patients were treated, sometimes without electricity) in Farafenni, and Abbie provided HIV/AIDS and Diabetes education in Ngeyen Sanjal. They met at a volunteer meet and greet and saw each other a few more times when Abbie would take a 1 ½ hour donkey cart ride to Brian’s village to get supplies. They began dating in February 2003. Brian returned to California in October 2003 to attend UC Hastings College of the Law. Abbie followed 6 months later and went 6

OCTOBER 2020

anything with wheels – hoverboarding, roller skating, and biking, and is a Brownie Girl Scout.

Alayna is 7 and in 2nd grade. She loves gymnastics, art and Girl Scouts (like her sister) and soccer. She would like to be an artist when she grows up and is currently a collector of many things: gems/crystals, sea shells, crab legs and Hatchimals. Alayna is also an explorer, not shy about lifting up a rock to find out what critters live underneath.

Kyla just started Kindergarten. She hopes to start soccer this fall, loves playing board games and has an extensive collection of Disney princess dolls. She mostly spends her days trying to keep up with her two older sisters and wants to be a “flower girl” when she grows up (her term for a florist).

The O’Tooles love National Parks. They have already taken the girls to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, and Thousand Islands (on the border with Canada). This summer they shared their love of Yosemite with the kids. In 2006 Abbie and Brian summited Half Dome, and Yosemite has always been a special place for Brian growing up, taking vacations there with his cousins and extended family. This year they had family there ranging from ages 5 to 73, and they all made it on a hike to the bridge where you can watch Vernal Falls.

The O’Tooles have lasting ties to their time in Africa, friends who send emails back and forth still after 18 years or talk on the phone, giving Brian a chance to practice his Mandika (the language of The Gambia). Abbie has a namesake in The Gambia as two of their good friends there named their daughter Abbie Ceesay.

But home is Northgate where the O’Tooles enjoy their proximity to great schools, parks and the library and a neighborhood of wonderful families, new and old.

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

Birdie

ARF Adoption Stars Submitted by ARF

Hula

Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is now offering a no-contact 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.

Six-year-old Birdie is a sweet, sensitive girl searching for a special someone to take her under their wing. She loves tasty treats, the company of other canine friends, and napping in cozy spots. While Birdie enjoys walks in quiet areas, loud cars and heavy foot traffic are overwhelming for her. Birdie’s perfect home would be a calm, quiet household with another gentle, low-key dog who would like to be friends.

The adoption fee for puppies (<6 months) is $350, for adult dogs is $250, and senior dogs (7+ years) and special needs dogs are 50% off the adoption fee.

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.

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Ten-year-old Hula will happily greet you with a gentle meow and head bunt. This sweetheart is so affectionate and enjoys being close to people. He is looking for a loving home with lots of cozy places to snuggle, including your lap, where he will happily purr up a storm. Hula has some arthritis in his spine and is taking gabapentin for pain management.

Hula’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.

The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) is $150, for adult cats is $100, $25 off each for multiple cats/kittens, and senior cats (7+ years) and special needs cats are 50% off the adoption fee.

OCTOBER 2020

Active Listings Address List Price 3739 Shadowbrook Ct $3,500,000 139 Brodia Way $2,850,000 2484 Deer Valley Ln $1,824,000 828 Foxtail Ct $1,729,000 290 Firestone Dr $1,500,000

Pending Listings Address

List Price

3716 Northgate Woods Ct 3715 Rancho Estates Ct 26 Kerley Ct 2659 Cassandra Ct 3613 Shukla Ct 426 Kit Fox Ct 3685 Vista Charonoaks 162 Clyde Dr

$2,999,000 $2,890,000 $2,349,888 $1,850,000 $1,699,000 $1,480,000 $1,459,000 $1,450,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 404 Boundary Oak Way 752 Woodwind Pl 1555 Sorrel Ct 4020 Arbolado Dr 160 Brodia Way

$1,675,000 $1,650,000 $1,699,000 $1,675,000 $1,375,000

Real Estate

Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

BD 5 5 4 5 7

BD 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 4

BD 6 4 4 4 3

BT

SQFT

4.5 6 3 3 3.5

5,222 6,150 4,507 3,121 3,522

BT

SQFT

4.5 4.5 3 3.5 2.5 3.5 3 2.5

5,143 4,223 3,453 3,786 3,171 3,389 3,502 2,461

BT

SQFT

3 3 3.5 3 2

3,381 3,045 3,453 2,948 1,851

DOM 32 23 72 7 27

Real Estate Listings in Northgate 9/18/2020

DOM 78 8 19 9 29 21 169 7

DOM

Sold Price

5 9 124 10 10

$1,850,000 $1,725,000 $1,710,000 $1,675,000 $1,525,000

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.

The Rita Dhillon Team

#1 Northgate Realtor *Total Sales Volume in 2019

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

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9

October

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Everyday

Self-Guided Downtown Heritage Walk @ downtown Walnut Creek Walnut Creek residents and visitors can explore Walnut Creek’s fascinating heritage through a free self-guided cellphone walking tour that allows you to visit downtown heritage sites on your own schedule and at your own pace.

The Heritage Walk is part of “Walk Walnut Creek: Art and History Live Here,” an immersive self-guided tour that tells the stories that shaped Walnut Creek’s history and describes the public art that graces the current city landscape. Check out Walk Walnut Creek.

The Heritage Walk features some 60 sites — from Botelho’s Island (now Broadway Plaza) to the Nuthouse (now the Lesher Center for the Arts). Each site is marked with prominent, colorful signage on downtown street lamp posts. The signs include pertinent information about the site and details on how to listen to the audio and, for those with smartphones, how to access a mobile app.

Cost: FREE www.wchistory.org/ events/historical-tours/

Throughout October

CoCo Reads – A community wide read Join us for CoCo Reads, a community-wide read of How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang. We encourage you to check out a copy of this debut, Booker-nominated novel about two Chinese American orphans trying to survive during the California Gold Rush and find a sense of home. The program includes several virtual events that complement the themes in the book, as well as a discussion

with the author. The author will join a virtual presentation via Zoom on October 28 at 7:00 p.m. Other virtual events include a talk about the history of immigration law in the United States with renowned University of San Francisco law professor Bill Hing, a book club discussion, an introduction to the newly released book “San Francisco’s Chinatown” by photographer Dick Evans and writer Kathy Chin Leong, and a presentation from the Asian Art Museum titled Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art. Dates, times and descriptions of each event are by visiting ccclib.org.

Every Week

Behaviorally Fit Backyards @Arbolado Park Join your neighbors and create community at these events. All are welcome for a nominal charge.

Every Wed. 4:30-5:30pm – Teens discussing what matters Every Thurs. 8:30-9:30am – Yoga under the trees Every Thurs. 9:45-10:45am – Emotional Wellbeing Workshops (Nutrition, mindfulness, anxiety, parenting and more) Every Saturday 8:00 – 9:00am – Body Sculpting under the trees For more details about Behaviorally Fit Backyards, see article on page 12.

Tues., Oct. 13

WEBINAR: “Your Body’s Defense System - Understanding How It Works and How to Keep It Strong” Our bodies possess an incredible innate system that is designed to keep us vibrant, energized and well as we interact with our environment. While

there are many factors that could impede our immune system’s ability to keep us from getting sick, there are also many lifestyle factors that can provide us with the boost our bodies need to fend off anything that can make us feel unwell. Join Dr. Christine Garvey for this free Immune webinar to find out how good nutrition, herbs, exercise and stress reduction can improve your immunity.

Register at https://www. bodylovecafe.com/classes.

Time: 1-2:30pm Cost: Free

Wed., Oct. 21Thurs., Oct. 22

Live!From the Library: The Great Escape Shackleton’s Grand Antarctic Adventure

member, or a friend looking to remodel, and just don’t know where or how to get started?

Do you have questions like: • How do I get started?

•How do I make sure that the construction costs don’t exceed my budget? • How do I make design decisions I won’t regret later? • How do I choose the right contractor?

• How do I avoid an ugly court battle? • What is a mechanic’s lien and how do I protect myself? • How do I make sure my remodel gets completed on schedule? Join us and get your questions answered. RSVP required at gordonreese.com.

Cost: Free Time: 10am-12pm https://gordonreese.com/ remodeling-seminar or call (925) 885-3770 today!

Every Monday

@online Ernest Shackleton set out with 27 men to cross the Antarctic Continent, but before landing, his ship was locked into the ice and eventually crushed.

The men were stranded on the Weddell Sea ice pack, and only barely managed to escape.

Landing on the extremely remote Elephant Island, Shackleton left 21 of the men to survive while he and five others made an incredible small boat journey. Learn about one of the greatest rescue stories of all time, with original photographs, as well as photographs from Mark Jordan’s recent trip to the area. Register at wclibrary. org/live or call 925-935-5395 Part 1: Wednesday, October 21 | 7-8:30pm Part 2: Thursday, October 22 | 7-8:30pm

Book- Talk it Up

Sat., Oct. 24

On-line story time

Virtual Remodeling Seminar

@online See our favorite storytellers create impromptu story times every Tuesday and Thursday Time: 10am www.ccclib.org

@The comfort of your own home Are you, a neighbor, a family

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@online Get great book recommendations by library staff as they share their adult and teen favorites with you.

Cost: FREE Time: 1-1:15pm https://facebook.com/ WalnutCreekLibraryCCCL/

Every Tuesday and Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Castle Rock Farm, 700 Castle Rock Rd. Local farmers and neighbors provide organic produce grown right in the Northgate neighborhood.

Time: 10am-5pm www.castlerockfarmstand. com

Every Tuesday and Thursday

OCTOBER 2020

COVID Doesn’t have to put the Trick in

Trick or Treat

By Kristin Shopp, Resident since 2014

I

t’s 2020, and parents are feeling more spooked than ever about Halloween this year. While smoke or rain always have the potential to put a damper on the festivities, the real fear this year is the COVID pandemic. Expect to hear less “Trick or Treat” on Halloween night: Half of a sampling of Northgate parents indicated they are unsure if they will allow their children to trick or treat, and 20% said they will not be trick or treating. Halloweenhaters will enjoy the quieter night, while Halloween fans are disappointed that most haunted houses and pumpkin patches are not open this year.

For those choosing to participate in Halloween activities, they will certainly be more low-key. As the risk for COVID is greater due to time spent with others

rather than from candy - half of the families surveyed plan to trick or treat with immediate families only. For kids who are going out with friends, their parents plan to accompany them to ensure they are social distancing. Many traditional parties are off due to the social gathering ban, though some plan to hold small outdoor gatherings with a few friends. Most families plan to wear masks, so costumes that include masks will likely be more popular - think less princesses and more PJ Masks.

Most are still planning to give out candy to trick or treaters, but many of them will leave it outside their house and not open the door.

Currently it is not recommended to leave a bowl out where lots of hands can touch and spread germs, but placing individual candies on the porch or lawn can reduce shared

contact. And how to handle all that candy when the kids bring it home? Although surface contact has been shown less likely to cause spread of COVID, particles can last for up to a couple days. It is recommended to put most candy aside for a couple days until safe to eat.

For those who do not want to do traditional trick or treating, there are still creative ways for your family to get into the spirit.

Decorating your home with jack o’ lanterns, ghosts, and skeletons does not require social distancing! Trunk or treats, where parents gather their cars together in a parking lot, decorate their cars, and give out candy, are gaining in popularity. Throwing a scavenger hunt in your own yard is an easy and safe way for little ones to experience the thrill of finding treasure. Pinterest has dozens of ideas of Halloween crafts and recipes from milk carton lanterns to Rice Krispie pumpkins that you can create as a family.

And let’s not forget all those scary movies!

In a year that has been extremely dark, celebrating Halloween under a rare full moon is more important than ever. With proper precautions, children can still feel a bit of normalcy and have a lot of fun! And that is something they all deserve.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11

Health and Wellness

Behaviorally Fit Backyards

By Dr. Allyson Mayo, Doctor of Behavioral Health, Resident since 2013

W

e’re a social species, and it is our nature to grow and thrive in community.

When events beyond our individual control (a pandemic, for instance) force us into prolonged isolation, most of us can only sustain that isolation for so long before it threatens our emotional wellness. Where do we go when there are major constraints on where, when and how people can safely gather? When resources seem thin, how do we find healing, find peace, find growth, find abundance, find meaningful contact with others?

We improvise. And here’s something cool: those improvisations can reveal equally good or even better ways to interact, to get what you need, and to share what you already have. Here in Northgate, if we focus on what we already have (a worthy calm-down ritual in its own right) we’re likely to notice an underutilized resource: the backyard. Whether it’s your own comfy chair on the patio, our wealth of trails and parks, or the shapeshifting spectacle of Mount Diablo in the near distance, we are blessed with mild, Mediterranean weather and a diverse abundance of beautiful outdoor spaces. Perhaps you’ve already found yourself imagining new, innovative ways to leverage our backyard resources.

A Family Owned Business

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Interior & Exterior Painting Deck/Fence Staining Popcorn Ceiling Removal Refinish Cabinets Texturing Walls

Fernando Hernandez Marissa Hernandez

925-437-8302

xaspainting@yahoo.com LIC# 1063171

We all know it’s therapeutic to get out from behind the screen and into the outdoors; to be among trees, birdsong, and the sound of running water. But it’s not just “Mother Nature” who exerts a healing influence. It is something we can all be ordained to offer to one another.

Behaviorally Fit Backyards is a community movement based on sharing our abundant community resources, fitting resources with needs in distancing-friendly humanscale settings. I believe that optimal mental and emotional health happens not just at the individual level, but at the level of the Coach Steph Fit and Dr. Allyson Mayo Body Sculpting Under the Trees. community, and that one adaptive response to “unprecedented times” is to band together. I’ve brought a roster of talented wellness professionals together with a rotating complement of outdoor spaces, with an eye on optimizing physical and mental health and deepening community engagement. Your backyard (or your neighbor’s, or a local park) might host a yoga class, a reiki session, a lecture or discussion group. This is an evolving collective of community members and all are welcome.

So consider this an official call to action. Behaviorally Fit Backyards is expanding within and beyond Northgate, collecting backyards, scheduling events, and reaching out to our community. Please visit https://www.behavioralfitnesstoday.com/programs/ behaviorally-fit-backyards/ for the latest offerings. We do charge modest program fees, but we’re sensitive to economic hardship and dedicated to inclusivity, so talk to us about your situation. Pulling together to improve the health of the entire community is the whole idea.

We all have more to share, more to give, and more to learn than we tend to imagine. Have a space? A need? An idea? A vision? Please reach out (drmayo@behavioralfitnesstoday. com or call/text (925) 818-8062).

Or you can link to the website and schedule a free 15 minute call: www. behavioralfitnesstoday.com.

Dr. Allyson Mayo is the Founder of Behavioral Fitness LLC. She is a pioneer in behavioral health and addiction medicine.

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OCTOBER 2020

Community Safety

Earthquake Preparedness

By Judy Caponigro, Northgate CERT team, Resident since 2016

T

he State of California experiences earthquakes every single day. Most we don’t feel, but every now and again we get quite a rattle.

DROP where you are onto your hands and knees. This position protects you from being knocked down and also allows you to stay low and crawl to shelter if nearby.

Do you know what to do during an earthquake to keep you and your family safe? Everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves.

COVER your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Stay on your knees and bend over to protect vital organs.

International ShakeOut Day – October 15, 2020

International ShakeOut Day is an annual event with the purpose of reminding people what to do during an earthquake. Taking the proper actions, such as “Drop, Cover, and Hold On,” can save lives and reduce the risk of injury. On October 15, please gather your family and practice what to do in the event of an earthquake. In most situations you will reduce your chance of injury if you practice the following:

HOLD ON until shaking stops. Under shelter; hold on to your shelter with one hand; be ready to move with it if it shifts.

No shelter: hold on to your head and neck with both arms and hands.

It is important to remember that running outside, standing in doorways or the “triangle of life” are dangerous or outdated recommendations.

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Practice the above on October 15 so you and your family are prepared in the event of a large earthquake.

Note: the above is the recommended way to help prevent injury. If you are a person with disabilities or are in another location besides home, please go to www. earthquakecountry.org for more detailed information.

Stay Safe Out There.

Your Northgate Area CERT Team If you are interested in learning more about CERT and/or how to become a volunteer, please visit our website at www.walnutcreek.org/cert

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13

Expert Contributor

Summer Limb Drop

By John Traverso, Traverso Tree Service

I

t can be very disconcerting to wake one random morning and find a branch that has fallen from one of your trees. Especially if it fell in the middle of summer on a calm, hot day with no wind. Aren’t tree branches supposed to fall during the winter when it’s really windy and rainy? A little spooked, you’re suddenly aware of ALL the trees in your yard and wonder when the next branch will fall!

Every summer, after several days of extreme heat, arborists will receives calls about broken tree branches. We get more calls about broken branches in the summer months then we do in the winter! This is such a common occurrence that it has its own name: Summer Limb Drop or Sudden Limb Drop.

Why Does It Happen?

Research over the years has led to lots of speculations but no definite cause. There is enough consensuses among arborists to believe water is a factor.

One theory suggests that on hot days, branches become lighter because the tree is transpiring water quicker than it can pull it up. Many SLD branches fall in the late afternoon, early evening, or early morning when there is a change in temperature. If a fog rolls in as the sun sets, or the overnight temperature reaches its lowest point in the early morning hours, the tree is able to pull up more water, weighting the lifted branch and causing it to fall back down and snap off. Or so the theory goes.

We also know that Sudden Branch Drop is more frequent in trees that have not been pruned in a number of years (or not at all!) and in trees with defects. However, many sudden limb failures have occurred in trees with no defects at all, which makes it really difficult for arborists to predict.

Can Summer Limb Drop Be Prevented?

Education is your first line of defense. Being knowledgeable about Sudden Limb Drop will help you understand and value the need for periodic inspection of your trees by a professional arborist and specifically one who is also a Tree Risk Assessor. An arborist will look for long branches that extend outside the canopy and that contain a lot of foliage at the ends, creating the perfect situation for SLD to occur. Minimize this by thinning the heavy foliage and if possible reduce the length of the branch back to a suitable lateral.

Sudden Limb Drop List of Common Observations • • • • • • • •

SLD is more likely in summer or early fall on hot, dry days with little or no wind SLD is more likely in afternoons and early evenings Deciduous trees appear to be more susceptible than conifers Older oaks, maples, ashes, beeches, and elms are common victims of sudden branch drop Mature trees with larger limbs are more susceptible than younger trees with small limbs Horizontal limbs that extend outside the canopy are more susceptible than upright limbs Affected limbs may appear healthy and show no signs of defects Trees experiencing SLD on one occasion may be more likely to drop limbs in the future

If you are concerned about your tree or it has been several years since it has been pruned, please call and arrange an appointment with an ISA Certified Arborist.

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Expert Contributor

My Top 5 Tools I’m Using Right Now Life Hacks in a Sheltered World

By Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, AFMCP with Body Love Cafe, Northgate resident since 2019

A

nyone else at “surge capacity” with everything life has been throwing our way? I’ve had many patients calling in because they feel burnt out. Some are drawing inward and struggling with depression, others find themselves highly irritable and losing patience with their kids.

I’ve also been feeling the “weight of the world”, so I reached into my toolbox for a few tricks that have made an amazing difference in just a week’s time. #1 Life Hack I’m Using First, I started getting up very early at the same time each day (that was the hardest part), but it allowed more self-care time and got me to bed on time.

I also added supplements to support my mood such as 5-HTP, SAMe and PharmaGABA. I added BroccoProtect because of all the smoke! #2 App I’m Loving I committed to daily meditation and the only way I can do that is to make it fun. For that, I use Headspace, my favorite mindfulness app.

We Won!

Have you tried it? “The Daily Wake Up”’is a great way to start the day with a cup of tea.

I’ve also used our health coaching app to provide meal planning, recipes, tracking and accountability. We pay for it so our patients don’t have to, reach out and we’ll set you up. #3 Guilty Pleasure I Liked It was a “cheesy” book, but that’s what I was looking for, a light read as a distraction so I ordered “Perfect is Overrated” by Karen Bergreen.

Who hasn’t used Netflix as a distraction? Definitely a guilty pleasure and Dead to Me, Working Moms and Queer Eye were some fun views. #4 Topic I’m Studying I teach Functional Medicine to other doctors so I’m always reading research which probably sounds boring to most, but I find the body infinitely fascinating.

My latest study has been a deeper dive into mitochondrial dysfunction, methylation and one-carbon metabolism as a whole.

These pathways are central to the function of every cell in the body and a medical text referred to it as “An Unsung Hero for Healthy Aging”.

Thank you!

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I just presented a 35-page case review on a patient with Histamine Intolerance and mitochondrial dysfunction, so this topic has definitely taken up my study time! #5 What I’m Eating With the shift toward Fall (can you believe it already!) and the high stress demands of life, I increased my protein and fat consumption.

My favorite animal proteins I order through Butcherbox, and I throw in some fatty fish. My favorite plant-based proteins are quinoa, almonds, and I’m using an organic pea protein detox shake for two weeks.

My favorite veggies are large mixed salads and frozen blueberries. I order weekly food delivery from Chef Claudia, which is how I sneak tasty veggies into my teen!

We are here to help with free, informative classes, advanced lab analysis, discounted supplements, and key lifestyle hacks.

Curious to learn more? Schedule a no charge 15 min consult with Body Love Cafe at www.BodyLoveCafe.com.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15

Business Profile

Two families find a true labor of love in running a business together

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

A

lex Diaz and Matthew Hechim met over 20 years ago while working for a plumbing company. They both dreamed of one day owning their own business, and in 2006 they embarked on that journey opening Water Heaters Masters Inc. along with their wives, Tuty and Maura.

empathy for people who are going through hard times. Although we are a business, we feel very connected to the community, and we are happy to do our part.”

They built their business on the foundation of high quality service, affordable pricing and integrity. “We created the environment where the customers’ needs can be met with ease and where we treat our team like family,” says Matthew.

Their children and loved ones provide inspiration. “All the hard work that goes into running a business sets a good example for our kids and allows us to support our families,” says Alex. “When it is done right, and we are able to get people hot water in a timely manner, it provides a lot of satisfaction…helping out other families in a time of need.” When a water heater fails, it often happens at a very inopportune moment. Water Heater Masters prides itself on finding a replacement quickly and affordably to reduce the stress for their customers.

The Diazes spend much of their free time cheering on the sidelines as their two grown children play baseball and softball. Gio is pursuing a career in baseball after playing for St. Mary’s College in Moraga.

Their daughter, Xiara, is a middle infielder for the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo softball team. Alex and Tuty also have four fur babies: Jack, Boo, Frank and Olivia.

Matt and Maura Hechim enjoy spending time with their daughter, Samantha, hiking, going to the beach and cooking together. They are also very involved in charity work through their church.

Matt adds, “This is truly a family run business, and all four owners are heavily involved…both Tuty and Maura have been a big part of the company, running the office, advertising, website, social media, HR and IT. Work has always been our passion, and creating this business together with the Diaz family has been a very rewarding experience.”

Water Heaters Masters would like the neighborhood to know: “This has been a difficult year for a lot of families in the community.

We all have been affected by the California fires, the civil unrest, COVID-19 and the shift in the economy. We are all trying to help each other out, and together we can get through this. At Water Heaters Masters, we want to do our part. Not just by social distancing, or wearing a face shield or mask, but also through respect and showing 16

OCTOBER 2020

Charity Spotlight

Project Second Chance provides life-long skills

By Vicky DeYoung, Resident Since 2013

W

hen I moved to Walnut Creek 7 years ago from Oakland, I was looking for a volunteer activity to get involved in. Since I worked in Walnut Creek in Commercial Real Estate for 26 years, I had attended numerous fundraisers for Project Second Chance (PSC). I always thought it was a great program. As an avid reader, with time on her hands, I decided it would be good to help someone else experience the joy of reading that I have. I took my tutor training about 6 years ago and have since put in over 1,000 hours of volunteer time. My first student had a learning disability. She and I worked together for 3 1/2 years. She gained so much confidence that she went on to speak at literacy events and participate in the PSC 3-day leadership seminar as a student one year and a presenter the next.

My current student is an ESL student, new to the United States. It is a totally different experience. She too has gained confidence to volunteer in her son’s school, make new friends, talk to contractors/repairmen, etc.

I made new friends and helped them gain skills….how much more rewarding can it get? Here is some information on Project Second Chance……please consider joining me as a tutor.

Project Second Chance is Contra Costa County Library’s adult literacy program.

With the assistance of volunteer tutors, the program provides free, confidential, oneon-one basic English reading and writing to adults in Contra Costa County, serving all communities within the Contra Costa County Library system.

Library literacy programs emerged in the early 1980’s in response to the nationwide adult literacy crisis. In 1984, Contra Costa was one of 27 library systems across California awarded five-year grants by the State Library to serve adults in need of reading and writing assistance. Thirty-six years later, Project Second Chance has served over 6,100 adults and continues to provide services to approximately 200 adult learners each year. And in 2020, the need in our community is still significant. The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that as many as one in five Contra Costa County residents struggle with the literacy skills needed to complete their daily tasks.

Tutors are community volunteers who’d like to help a neighbor improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience or degrees are required; good tutors are confident with their own English reading and writing and are empathetic, patient, able to give clear directions, and willing to learn new skills themselves.

The one-onone structure of the program is truly what makes Project Second Chance special. Adults enter the program with wide-ranging goals related to literacy, from obtaining their high school equivalency, to becoming a US citizen, registering to vote, reading to a child, getting a promotion at work, or managing a health condition. Lessons are tailored to help adult learners meet their specific goals.

Tutors and adult learners learn and grow together as they navigate this process, often developing meaningful relationships along the way.

Tutor-learner pairs traditionally meet in a library or other public location; however, during the COVID pandemic, tutoring is occurring remotely using technologies like Zoom and the telephone. Project Second Chance is currently seeking volunteer tutors to work virtually with adult learners during the COVID pandemic. Training will be provided and is required for all new tutors. For more information, prospective volunteers can attend an online orientation session via Zoom. To register for an orientation, please visit ccclib.org/psc or call (925) 691-3960.

Our Schools

Help us Build Up Northgate!

By Emeline Thomsen, Resident since 2015, Northgate High School PFC President

I

n lieu of holding our annual Oktoberfest event due to the impacts of COVID-19, this year we’re inviting you to participate in Build Up Northgate. From now through the end of October, Northgate High School families and friends can contribute to the campaign, so that we can build up the many programs Northgate’s PFC supports.

Obviously, things look very different this year, but our ability to support students, faculty, and staff at Northgate is as important as ever. We rely on this campaign to pay for Support Counselors, Class Sections, and our Computer Technician. Visit our website to find out how you can help: www.northgatepfc.com The Northgate Education Fund allows the Parent Faculty Club to equip Northgate High School to best live out its mission of “Excellence For, and From, All Students.” 100% of donations goes back to the school to help bridge the gap between public funding and the current, true cost of the full educational experience that Northgate offers. The Northgate PFC is a 501c(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 17

Recipe

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

By Meg Sexton, Resident since 2011 | Photos by Meg Sexton.

Pasta Dough Recipe Ingredients • 3 cups of semolina flour (fine) • 4 extra large eggs • 2 tsp of olive oil • 3.5 Tbs of water (or more depending on size of eggs) In the food processor: Add all the ingredients and mix for 30 seconds using the steel blade. Add water if necessary. It’s done when the dough starts forming a natural ball.

Place the ball of dough on a plate. Pour a drop of olive oil over and smooth. Cover the plate with cloth and let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.

• • •

Cut a slice of dough approximately 1/2 inch thick Flatten with your hands or rolling pin Place the rolling machine at the first hole (the largest).

• •

• • •

Christine Pageaua, her husband Julien Nadeau and their two children Lily-Rose and Amelia Nadeau make ravioli making a family affair.

Pass the slice between the rollers.

Fold the slice and go again. Repeat this step 5 to 7 times until the slice is smooth.

(Sprinkle the slice with semolina regularly.)

Place the machine on the 2nd and 3rd holes, repeat the previous step 1 time.

Repeat with the 4th and 5th holes. (This step will flatten the dough tremendously) Stop at the 5th hole.

Filling & Sauce Recipe Ingredients • 2 1/2 lbs butternut squash peeled and roughly chopped • 6 whole garlic cloves (minced) • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage • 2 amaretti cookies • salt and pepper to taste Brown butter and sage sauce 4 tablespoons butter (1/2 stick)

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In Our Backyard 10 whole fresh sage leaves freshly grated parmesan cheese To make the filling: Toss the squash with the garlic in a bowl with just enough olive oil to evenly coat everything. Roast on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes until soft. Remove from the oven and mix in a food processor to combine - slowly pouring additional olive oil into the mixture until the consistency is smooth. Add parmesan, crumbled amaretti cookies, and salt and pepper, to taste. Use this filling to make the ravioli.

To make the sauce: Combine butter and fresh sage leaves in small sauce pan. Heat over low heat for at least 15 minutes to infuse the butter. Then, increase the heat just a bit (take care not to burn) and stir continuously until the butter browns slightly and the sage leaves crisp.

The Rita Dhillon Team

Little Free Library Submitted by Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

A

s I was walking along the Contra Costa Canal Trail, I discovered a new addition: a Little Free Library perched on the fence of a neighbor’s backyard.

It faces the trail for easy access to passersby on foot or bicycles. You are welcome to take a book and return it, or leave one of your own. See if you can spot it between Oak Grove Rd. and the fire station. Enjoy a new book, for free!

There is also a Little Free Library at 767 Buckingham Ct. that was featured in our May issue. You can find out more about starting your own at littlfreelibrary.org.

#1 Northgate Realtor *Total Sales Volume in 2019

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

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 19

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L CA Y! LO DA A O IT E T BM ICL SU RT A OCTOBER 2020

Expert Contributor

What Should You Consider

When Planning Your Backyard Remodel?

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

Kids and Pets Considering that you’re remodeling your backyard for family use, it’s important to think about your kids and pets, too. If there are little ones at home, it’s highly crucial to take extra safety measures to keep your backyard kid-friendly.

Entertainment Warm summer nights and longer days can’t help but suggest outdoor entertaining.

Adding an outdoor entertainment area is one of the most popular ways to extend home living space. Do you love hosting BBQ parties? A small outdoor kitchen with an earth tone countertop will put everything in place.

C

reating the ideal home isn’t just about interiors, it’s about creating an attractive and functional outdoor environment as well. That’s why more and more homeowners are choosing backyard remodels to create the perfect stay-cation, and to extend entertaining and living areas beyond the walls of their homes. Here we look at some of the points you need to consider for building your dream space.

Lifestyle When you’re thinking about how to redesign your backyard, you need to consider a couple of things – how you use your backyard now, and how you would like to ideally use your backyard in the future.

Whether you want to use your backyard for entertaining, relaxing, playing sports, or all of the above, a carefully planned design based on your lifestyle can help you make the most of the space you have.

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For your visitors, a cozy nook can be completed with soft outdoor lounge chairs and plush pillows. A small fire pit on the side is perfect for roasting marshmallows. And of course, keep your backyard welcoming with pleasant landscaping and plants.

The Right Pro With so many options to transform your backyard into your ideal relaxation and play space, talk to an experienced design build contractor about finding the right backyard remodel solution to add value and beauty to your home.

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 21

Expert Contributor

The Times They Are a Changin’ – And So Are We: Padis Jewelry Downtown Napa is Now Open!

By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Broadway Plaza Forevermark Boutique

2

020 has certainly been QUITE the year.

We’ve faced a global pandemic, civil unrest, devastating wildfires, and orange skies right out of a horror movie. As a family and a company, we have been evaluating how we can best serve you, our clients, and we are ready to meet you where you need to be met.

We understand that everyone has their own preferences on handling these unique times.

Know that the Padis Jewelry team is going to do absolutely everything we can to make you feel comfortable and exceed your expectations.

Now it’s time to celebrate all those “I Do’s”, “I Love You’s”, and “Will You Marry Me’s.” We are grateful for our community’s commitment to safety and health and we look forward to welcoming you back to Padis Jewelry – either at our Broadway Plaza Forevermark store, our locations in San Francisco, or our brand new store in downtown Napa!

Napa is the perfect local day or weekend getaway; just a short drive away. The congestion of the Bay Area and San Francisco quickly disappears into rolling hills of open space and fresh air of the Napa Valley. The vibrant restaurant scene and the copious amounts of wine available certainly helps one relax and enjoy!

The Padis Family has long been involved in the local Napa community, and is now taking an exciting step further with a brand new 4000 sq. ft. Padis Jewelry & Wine Tasting Experience, located within the luxurious Hotel Andaz.

This vast new Padis Jewelry Napa Valley location is nestled among outstanding

restaurants, luxury shopping and tasting rooms, with short walks to the scenic Napa River and Oxbow Market, a hub of central Napa and a destination for any local visitor.

The Napa Padis experience features an enormous selection of sought-after designers like Tacori, A Jaffe, Verragio, and Breitling, as well as one of California’s largest collections of Forevermark diamonds, which are ethically-sourced and traced from mine to finger.

Additionally, the location is aiming to create a first-of-its-kind unique luxury experience by adding a space for exclusive Padis wine tastings and a Breitling Bar and Boutique, set to open later in the year. Plus, there’s free parking at the Clay Street garage to make shopping even more convenient.

Padis Jewelry will be announcing a (socially-distanced) Grand Opening celebration soon, so be sure to register at padisgems.com/napa to get your invitation to the festivities!

We sincerely thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life’s most precious moments.

Email us at concierge@padisjewelry.com or visit our website at www.padisjewelry.com to book your appointment either virtually or in person.

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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 23