Meet
the Alabbas Family: Doing their Part to Fight the Pandemic
Photo by Julie Cheshire Photography


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Kara Navolio Northgate Living CA Content ResidentCoordinatorSince1991 Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
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.
Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek Content Coordinator: Kara ResidentNavolio,since1991
Dear Neighbors,
In our September issue of Northgate Living CA you will meet the Alabbas family. Nahla Alabbas, an independent pharmacist, and her entire family have been doing their part to help protect the community during the pandemic. 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.
Wishing all of our Northgate area students a great back to school experience for the 22-23 school
Weyear!are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community.
2 SEPTEMBER 2022
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 and spotlighting our sponsors in new ways!
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. © 2022 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Designer: Emily Lund Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
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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. 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.
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.
Financial Advice Element Wealth Management
HVAC & IAQ Evergreen IAQ JC https://evergreeniaq.comjc@evergreenIAQ.com925-444-5069Garcia Insurance Services
Crusberg-Decker is your local independent insurance agency with experience in both personal and commercial insurance. As independent agents, representing only “A” rated insurance companies, Patrick and Scott work with their clients to provide proper coverage, competitive premiums, and outstanding service. They take pride in establishing relationships and offering personalized service to each and every client.
Sports Medicine Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) www.precisionsportsmedicine.cominfo@precisionsportsmedicine.com322-8074
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.
We specialize in hardscape restoration, repairing, cleaning, sealing & staining enhancing your outdoor surfaces. We have developed state of the art equipment with steam cleaning capability of 280° disinfecting and melting away years of dirt debris, algae, and moss. Our technicians are ICPI certified in paver repairs, root damage, settling cracks and trip hazards. “We Bring Your Hardscapes Back To Life!”
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.
Functional Medicine & Nutrition Body Love Clinic Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP www.BodyLoveCafe.comTeam@BodyLoveCafe.com(925)888-8101
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.”
Dentist Life Dental & Orthodontics
Design, Build & Remodeling Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) GordonReese.comMarketing@GordonReese.com885-3770
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Chris J. Held, CFP®, CRPS® CA Insurance #0E56816 (925) www.elementwm.comchris.held@elementwm.com433-9533
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.”
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www.pacificscapes.comvic@pacificscapes.com Real Estate Rita CompassDhillonReal Estate (925) www.RitaDhillonTeam.comRita.Dhillon@compass.com570-1010
Religious Education Contra Costa Christian Schools
Expert Contributors
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.
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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.
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Nahla says, “The pharmacy became a collective effort of the whole family. Fadi, after building the pharmacy structure from ground up, is now responsible for HR, business development, and behind the scenes operations. Our two boys work as delivery drivers and jump in to help at the pharmacy whenever their school schedules
4 SEPTEMBER 2022
Resident Feature
Nahla Alabbas immigrated from Syria to marry a man she had fallen in love with while he visited family there. Fadi was born in Tripoli, Lebanon and moved to Syria when he was six. He then moved to the US when he was 18, and on a visit back home in 1998 he happened to stop into the pharmacy that Nahla owned. “That same day he came back three times to buy different items,” says Nahla. “He came back again the next day and the day after, at which time he asked me out. We hit it off right away and stayed in touch after he came back to the US. Eight months later, he came back to Syria, and we got engaged. We got married in April 2000, and I moved to the US to start a family Nahlatogether.”was born in Damascus, Syria, and grew up in different regions of Syria where her family moved following her parents’ jobs in the oil industry. She graduated with a BS in pharmacy from Damascus University in 1994. After working for a small pharmacy, she opened her own at the young age of 25. After moving to the US, she had to pass several exams to obtain her California pharmacist license. She worked for Rite Aid, Longs Drugs, and CVS. She became the pharmacy manager at CVS in Clayton in 2007. After her 3rd child was born, Nahla stepped down to a part-time role to spend more time with her family. Fadi was working as a civil engineer; having arrived in the US with only a few dollars to his name, he worked his way through college in Cleveland, Ohio, and then a master’s degree from Colorado State University. He recently left his job to focus on the pharmacy that he and Nahla opened in 2018. As Nahla says, “After reducing my hours at CVS, I felt a little void and decided to go back to school and get a Doctorate degree in
Laila, 11, just finished at Bancroft Elementary Dual Immersion program where she learned Spanish. She will be attending Foothill Middle School this fall.
Theallow.”couple’s three children all like to accompany them on ski vacations. The two eldest, Sami (21) and Farris (18), swam on the Scottsdale Swim Team from 20072012 and then for Rancho San Miguel. They both also played water polo and participated in Boy Scouts. Sami also played in the jazz band and the marching band at De La Salle High School. He now attends UC Santa Cruz studying Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology. Farris also enjoyed soccer and lacrosse, and just graduated from De La Salle High School. He will attend the University of Nevada, Reno this fall.
They opened CareLink Pharmacy in the Rossmoor area of Walnut Creek. Nahla says, “It’s been an amazing journey of hard work and rewarding growth.” Fadi adds, “Nahla has played a vital role in fighting the pandemic by vaccinating many community members throughout the Bay Area. With the help of her staff and family, Nahla orchestrated and carried out vaccination clinics not only in Walnut Creek but also in Berkeley, Oakland, Castro Valley and Livermore, at elementary schools and low-income housing developments. Nahla went as far as going into the homes of elderly and disabled patients who couldn’t make it to the pharmacy and administered their vaccines at home. She has received great feedback from the community as a testament to her hard work.”
Pharmacy. I attended a hybrid program at University of Florida and graduated with a PharmD degree in 2015. At the end of 2017, Fadi and I finally gathered our courage and decided to start our own pharmacy.”
Alabbas Family: Doing their Part to Fight the Pandemic
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alabbas family
Their Pomeranian Chihuahua mix is 9 years old. He is named Luce, an Italian name Sami gave him after coming back Meet the

NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5Where residents find and 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. from Walnut Creek’s Sister Cities exchange program in Noceto, Italy. Luce means “light”. He gets along great with the family cat, Uno, and both are spoiled by the entire family! The Alabbases came to Northgate in 2005 from Dublin. After making 10 offers in the very hot real estate market of 2005, they finally got their home on Bowling Green Dr. They enjoy the tight-knit community here and love to travel. Their travels have taught them to have great respect for all religions and cultures. Like so many in our community who have been on the front lines of the pandemic, we appreciate Nahla’s pharmacy for its part in helping keep everyone safe!



By Christa Noriega, ARF Adoption Manager
2-year-old Pebbles is a sweet lover girl with a heart of gold. Being the social and bubbly girl that she is, some of her favorite things are snuggles, giving kisses, and leaning in to her person for a good petting session. She’s also an active, energetic girl, so she’ll do well in a household that will provide her plenty of physical exercise, adventures, and doggie play dates–anything to tire her out–plus mental stimulation as well. Energetic as she may be, she also has great manners that she would love to showoff and hone with continued training at home. One thing is for sure: miss Pebbles is certain to make an amazing companion! She can’t wait to find her forever home where she can truly shine and share all the love she has to give. Pebbles has a positive history with other dogs and currently weighs 41 pounds. ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $375 for a puppy (<6 months), $150 for a special-needs dog, $200for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), and $150for a senior dog (7+ years). Adoption fees are waived for US military Veterans.
galon.cuddled,Twelve-year-oldMiffyisanabsolutesweetheartwholovestobeheld,andlovedSheisanolderwhoismakingthe best of her golden years and still has so much love to give! She has also purrfected the art of biscuit making, and her tongue adorably sticks out all the time. A relaxed and laid back girl, she enjoys being held and leans in to be close. She is truly medicine for the soul! If you’re looking for a calm, snuggly lap cat who to relax and unwind with, Miffy is the perfect girl for you .Plus, her adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor. Miffy is being cared for in a foster home, and is available to meet/adopt by ARFappointment.Adoption fees: $125 for an adult cat, $175 for a kitten (<6 months), $200 for two adult cats,$300 for two kittens, $75 for a special-needs cat, $100for a special-needs kitten (<6 months),and $75for a senior cat (7+ years). Adoption fees are waived for US military Veterans.
MiffyPebbles
6 SEPTEMBER 2022
Adopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit ARF in-person: Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6pm, with early-bird sign-in available on weekdays beginning at 9 am. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources. This process can take time—please allow 60-90 minutes for in-person appointments. Here are a few of our adorable animals looking for love:
ARF Adoption Stars





NORTHGATE LIVING CA 7 Real Estate Listings in Northgate
magazine
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 is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
8/10/2022 Active Listings Address List Price BD BT SQFT DOM Sold Listings Address Sold Price BD BT SQFT DOM Pending Listings Address List Price BD BT SQFT DOM$2,249,500$2,350,000$2,680,000$3,150,000$3,500,000$1,760,000$1,816,000$2,000,000$2,255,000$2,950,000$3,100,000$3,350,000$3,095,000$3,500,000$3,799,0001155 Snyder Ln 78 Meadow Walk Pl 39 Tierra Verde Ct 2822 Comistas Dr 2 Quail Creek Ct 3745 Waterford Ln 254 Tamarisk Dr 1052 Choctaw Ct 624 Creekmore Ct 110 Los Altos Ave 777 N Gate Rd 465 Arbol Via 84 Orchard Estates Dr 401 Silver Hollow Dr 423 Las Lomas Way 2,7723,3003,4004,0005,2601,9742,9652,2962,5485,1162,1594,3463,4716,0986,609 4890308398105039522063786445554445445455 433.544.523.52.53.53.52.543.55.54.5 Rita Dhillon Team #1 Northgate & Walnut Creek Realtor *TOTAL SALES VOLUME FROM 2001-2021 Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Rita Dhillon DRErita.dhillon@compass.com925.570.101001109990 Tim Dhillon DREtim.dhillon@compass.com925.570.041801521381 Khush Kermanizadeh DREkhush@compass.com925.577.342201480990 Real Estate Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team





Remodeling Seminar @online or in person (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek)
RSVP:
We can help turn your dream into a reality. Join our home remodeling seminar and allow our expert team to guide you through the basic steps of a home remodel, answer all of your questions, and more. Let us help you dream a little. After all, dreaming is the first step to creating something new. The event shall be available virtually or with limited in-person attendance with social distancing and following health and safety protocols.
Do you dream of transforming your space?
Quilts and Blooms Quilt Show @The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Dr, Wanut Creek Diablo Valley Quilters and Heather Farm present their first ever outdoor quilt show with over 100 quilts and local vendors.
Time:Cost:byhome-remodeling-seminar/https://gordonreese.com/orphone(925)885-3770Complimentary6-8pm
8 SEPTEMBER 2022
Save the date:
Cost:$10 (good for both days) Time: 10am-4 Quiltsandblooms.orgpm Sat., Sept. 17 Public Art Walking Tour @ Start at Lesher Center Bedford Gallery docents will lead walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection. Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Each month will feature a different walk. Registration not required. More information: Time:toCost:org/public-art/public-art-tourshttps://www.bedfordgallery.$5cash,includesadmissionBedfordGallery10:00-11:00am
Thurs., Sept. 29
Sat., Sept. 10 and Sun., Sept. 11
Time:diablo-valley-farmers-marketwww.cafarmersmkts.com/9am-1pm
Sat., Oct. 15 Oktoberfest @Civic Park It’s time to clink glasses and lift your spirits with Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit — a toast to cheers and good times — in honor of the upcoming fall season and popular Oktoberfest celebration. Join us in the biergarten or on the dance floor for another epic Oktoberfest in Walnut Creek. It’s a great place to show off your dirndl dress or don the lederhosen (not mandatory!). This daylong, family-friendly event recreates the beloved German fall celebration. Oktoberfest will include live entertainment, music, dancing, gourmet food and dozens of artisan vendors, arts & crafts, biergarten with dozens of craft beers, wine, international music, Kinder Platz Kids Zone. Time: 12-7pm
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Every Saturday Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music.
Thurs., Sept. 22 – Sun., Sept. 25
Walnut Festival @Heather Farm Park Celebrating 86 years of music, community and kindness bringing us together. The four-day Festival offers familyfriendly entertainment, live music, a large carnival with more than 15 rides, Kid Zone, a showcase of amazing local and regional talent including artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, builders, food specialties, craft beer garden, and more. For more information about times, prices, parking, carnival ride tickets and the free supervised bicycle valet, please visit wwww.thewalnutfestival.org.



3. Cheese please! Add a little cheese on top of your favorite meats and vegetables. This improves the taste and adds some grams of protein.
1. Protein packed oatmeal. When you make your oatmeal in the morning, add a little extra water or milk and a scoop of protein powder. You can add chocolate protein powder, pecans, and peanut butter to make it both tasty and protein packed!
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 9
4. Add some peanut butter! When you grab an apple for a snack, dip it in peanut butter.
5. Trade rice or pasta for quinoa. Quinoa has more protein and is a good way to change things up. There are tons of ways to add protein and it’s possible to make it tasty as well. An easy way to increase your protein without counting grams is to make sure there’s at least one protein-rich part of your meal. Have fun trying your new recipes!
By Emily SniderFun Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet
Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses People often add meat to their diet when they want to increase their protein intake. The good news is that there are so many other foods that also provide this necessary nutrient. Protein is often talked about a lot in weightlifting culture. Lifting weights breaks down your muscles and adequate protein intake allows for the broken-down muscles to repair themselves and become stronger. Protein is extremely important for athletes, but it’s also important for everyone else. Here are a few creative ways to add protein to your diet.
2. Use milk instead of water for a smoothie. Milk is full of protein and other important nutrients as well.






We have an opportunity to share our amazing local sports on a national level with the new BVMSports website. There are so many fantastic teams across all levels (youth through professional!) represented right here in our town, how great would it be to get them nationally recognized?! If you know of an athlete, coach, or team that you would love to shine a light on? Send me an email at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Read about our local athletes at www.bvmsports.com.
The Walnut Creek Library Foundation’s Live! From the Library series will host Art Historian and author Celia Stahr as she discusses the birth of her book, Frida in America: The Creative Awakening of a Great Artist and the birth of Kahlo’s creative development and artistic breakthroughs during her three years living in America. As one of Kahlo’s favorite authors D.H. Lawrence put it: “All art partakes of the Spirit of Place in which it is produced.” Program sponsors are East Bay Times, Friends of the Walnut Creek Library, and Minuteman Press Lafayette. Register for this free program at wclibrary.org/live/ or call 925-935-5395.
Live from the Library presents: Frida in America: The Impact of Place
Looking for Sports Stories
Have a star athlete in your home or on your team? Know of a coach that’s been around forever? Is there an undefeated team out there or a team doing great things?
Tues., November 1, 2022 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM | Oak View Room
Submitted by Kathleen Chau, Walnut Creek Library Foundation



NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11 The Walnut Creek Library Foundation presents Finance 101 programs with local experts who will share timely and relevant information in their areas of expertise. RGP LLP Partner Ward Pynn will present “Tax Planning for the Remainder of 2022”; Estate Planning Attorney R. Gordon Baker, Jr. will discuss “Trust & Estate Planning - What You Really Need to Know”; and Absolute Trust Counsel Managing Partner Kirsten Howe will explain “Special Needs Planning: Much More than Government Benefits.” Register for these free virtual programs at wclibrary.org/finance/ or call 925-935-5395. Thursdays: September 15, 22, & 29, 2022 4:00 – 5:30 PM | Zoom Webinar Increase your financial knowledge with free classes from the library Submitted by Kathleen Chau, Walnut Creek Library Foundation



12 SEPTEMBER 2022 408-828-6903We Service Northern California CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION BEFOREAFTER BEFOREAFTER BEFOREAFTER DRIVEWAYS ∙ WALKWAYS ∙ PATIOS POOL DECKS ∙ CONCRETE EXPOSED AGGREGATE ∙ PAVERS NATURAL STONE ∙ BRICK WE REPAIR PAVERS! ROOT DAMAGE ∙ TRIP HAZARDS WWW.CPRPAVER.COM Refresh Revive Restore Your Hardscapes! BEFOREAFTER $ 250 OFF WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD! VIRTUAL ESTIMATES Try it, you’ll love it. A satisfying meal in less than 3 minutes. A real short-cut to making a healthy choice that kids will enjoy. Tortilla Flats By Lisa Assoni, Shortcut Cook, Resident since 2018 • 1 tsp. butter • 2 medium, low carb tortillas • 3 tbs. cream cheese • 2 cups cooked chicken, beef or go veggie. • 1/2 cup salsa • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped • 3/4 cup shredded cheese Optional accompaniments: • Avocado • Sour Cream Spread both tortillas with cream cheese. Cover one tortilla with chicken, shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro. Top with salsa and remaining tortilla, cream cheese side down. Add butter to small/medium skillet. Add tortillas, and heat ‘till side is brown or crisp for two minutes. Carefully turn over and cook other side for about 1 1/2 minutes. Slide tortilla onto a plate. Let cool. Cut into fourths. Serve with sour cream or avocado if desired. Recipe









Torrey says of his historical fiction novel, “These kids unknowingly gave a community and a nation a lesson in race relations that is even more powerful today than it was then [in the 1970’s].”
pens book about an amazing group of young basketball players
In the novel, you’ll read about the fictional sports caster’s interactions with famous sports stars like Hank Aaron, John Madden and Arthur Ashe as you discover the true meaning of sportsmanship through the eyes of these teens from two Indiana high schools who both shared a dream of becoming Indiana State Champions and created these games to help each other improve.
Long time Northgate resident Pete Torrey recently published his first book, Safe Passage Guaranteed, a story based on true events he witnessed over 50 years ago involving teens from two different racial groups coming together to secretly play the game they loved.
The book is available on Amazon.com and other retail outlets (paperback $12.95).
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses AIRPORT TRANSFERS WINE TOURS POINT TO POINT TRANSPORTATION CITY TOURS WEDDINGS HOURLY CHAUFFER SERVICES FLEET: SUV | LIMOUSINESEDAN| BUS (925) DLXLIMOUSINE.COM852-8995 dlxlimousine@gmail.com
“While playing a pick-up basketball game I overheard a conversation between an African-American teenager from the inner city and white high school basketball player from the country,” adds Torrey. “They were playing a series of secret games with no coaches, no refs, and no press. They would play two games - one in each other’s hood - and they would guarantee each other’s safety - hence the title of the book.”
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Torrey has lived in Northgate for over 40 years after he and his wife moved here from Indiana. He is now a real estate broker and heads the Torrey Team.
Northgate resident Pete Torrey
The boys told Torrey back then that he could not share their story until “they were really old, like 50!” as they feared it would get politicized. So, now almost 50 years later, he finally had the chance to publish the book and share their story against the backdrop of his own life as a television sports anchor in the 70’s.



14 SEPTEMBER 2022
Electric underfloor heating is a type of HVAC system that uses electric resistance to warm your home. It works by passing wires through your floor that heat up and distribute warmth throughout your living spaces. It provides even, consistent heat to every room, unlike radiators, which only heat the room they’re placed in.
Electric Underfloor Heating: Pros, Cost and More By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2013 Expert Contributor Fernando Hernandez Marissa Hernandez 925-437-8302 xaspainting@yahoo.comAFamilyOwnedBusinessServices Provided: Interior & Exterior Painting Deck/Fence Staining Popcorn Ceiling Removal RefinishTexturingCabinetsWallsLIC#1063171
The cost of electric underfloor heating varies greatly depending on your home’s size and layout. A professional should come to your home to assess the installation before giving you a price quote. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot for installation. The price is based on the type of flooring that you have in your home.
Safety - There are no open flames or gases, which means it’s a great choice for homes with children or pets.
Even heat distribution - It heats every part of your home, allowing you to turn down your thermostat and save money in the long run.
Modern electric floors have become all the rage for homeowners looking to make luxurious updates to their homes. This article covers everything you need to know about electric underfloor heating so that you can make an informed decision when it comes to upgrading your home’s heating system.
How Much Does Electric Underfloor Heating Cost?
Efficiency - It uses much less energy than other options like gas or oil boilers, so it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to save money on their bills.
Gordon Reese Can Help If you have more questions about electric underfloor heating, give us a call and get started today! You can book a call with me here: gordonreese.com
Pros of Electric Floor Heating
What is Electric Underfloor Heating?




NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15 We are dedicated to sharing your stories and your interests, please reach out to us with any ideas you may have. Some of the topics we would love to cover are: Travel (where have you been to recently? Share your trip with us!) Kids’ Corner (art, stories, etc. provided by children) BookPetsReviews Acts of Kindness Show Us Your Best Shot LocalGardening(photography)HobbiesHikesMore... If you’d like to submit something, or have any questions, please email knavolio@bestversionmedia.com We Want to Hear From You! H a v e Q u e s t i o n s ? G e t A n s w e r s ! F U N C T I O N A L M E D I C I N E I m m u n e S u p p o r t N u t r i t i o n & W e i g h t I B S & G u t H e a l t h H o r m o n e H e a l t h T h y r o i d H e a l t h H e a r t H e a l t h A D H D & M o o d I s s u e s W E E K L Y F O O D D E L I V E R Y 9 2 5 8 8 8 8 1 0 1 T e a m @ B o d y L o v e C a f e c o m V I R T U A L V I S I T S , S H I P S U P P L E M E N T S , L A B T E S T S F r e e 1 5 - m i n c o n s u l t a t i o n Family-owned and operated providing excellent home comfort since 2012, Hometown Heating and Air Conditioning is the premier Heating and Air Conditioning Company of the East Bay. Call Us today to schedule your 25 point system inspection! 925.263.9963 hometownheatingandair.com Call Today For Your 25-Point System Tune-Up For Only $88







16 SEPTEMBER 2022 Local Sports Be sure to make it to a Broncos Football game this season. The Battle of the Creek will take place on Oct. 14 on the Broncos’ field! Northgate Broncos Football By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Football schedule for 2022 Aug 26th- vs Deer Valley Sept 2 - @ Ukiah Sept 9th vs Fremont Sept 16th @Bethal Sept 23 vs College Park Oct 7 vs Miramonte Oct 14 vs Las Lomas Oct 21 @Campolindo Oct 28 @ Benicia Nov 4 vs Acalanes Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP Dr. Sergio Perry, DC 925.322.8074 www.precisionsportsmedicine.com Graston Technique • Myofacial Release • Rehabilitation Cold Laser Therapy • Kinesio Taping Method • Cupping Replace Pain with Precision more local sports articles just like this on BVMSports.comFind ShareAND




Spillman brothers journey from West African orphanage to DI football By Andrew Florio, BVM Sports Journalist
County
Local Sports Congratulations
Rancho
the
The Spillman brothers were born in Sierra Leone, a country on the southwest coast of West Africa where 53% of the population makes less than $1.25 per day. There was never a thought of pursuing an education at an American university. This changed in 2013. Nate and Edwin, who were 8 and 7 years old respectively at the time, were able to come to the United States through a missionary orphanage program. Not too long after coming over, they quickly found a love for the game of football… Scan to continue reading bvmsports.com to the San Miguel Swim Team for their 2nd place finish at the Swim Meet, highest ever for the Polar Bears!
Rancho San Miguel Polar Bears Placed 2nd at County Swim Meet
Submitted by Christian Rasmussen
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 17Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses Image Courtesy: Provided @bvm.sports@BVMSports Featured Article






18 SEPTEMBER 2022 Business Spotlight
“How have your leadership skills contributed to your community?
personal narrative can be a game changer when applying to college and looking for a job. High school English classes focus on expository writing and school college counselors may have hundreds of students to guide. Parents and students come to Diana for her specialized college essay Diana,expertise.who lives in the Northgate neighborhood and is a Northgate graduate herself, shares that the most successful essays are written by students she starts working with comprehensively in 10th and 11th grade. “An early start allows us to ensure that students explore interests, engage and create content for these essays. This summer a 10th grader was nudged to become a certified lifeguard and get a job; artists took advanced classes and prepared portfolios; a basketball player took a UCLA class exploring the profession of Sports Management. I work with a lot of swimmers who took classes on nutrition, taught swimming, studied early for the SAT and researched colleges so that they would be prepared for our fall recruiting program.” In addition to essay expertise, Diana provides personalized, holistic guidance that inspires students. Best of all, families find college application tension is greatly reduced when their student follows Diana’s proven process and timeline. Find out more www.dianadaymondcollegeadmissionadvising.comat:
Guiding
“Tell me about yourself!”
Each fall, for over 15 years, Berkeley and MIT graduate Diana Daymond has guided high school seniors to craft effective personal college essays on these topics and more.
“What have you learned from a challenge or setback?”
CollegeSchoolersHightoSuccess
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
“How have you independently explored your academic interests? “All of our strong local high school students qualify and apply for the UC’s,” says Diana. “But the top campuses only accept 14- 36% of applicants. Now that they do not consider test scores, effectively sharing your story makes a huge difference in Writingadmissions.”aneffective



In addition, the Bedford Gallery is offering Free First Fridays, when the Bedford Gallery will be open to all. The current exhibit is Cultural Currency, an exhibit of art made from dollar bills, coins and other types of currency. It will run through mid-September. The next exhibit is Works on Paper: The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art, which opens Sept. 29.
Arts and Culture
Walnut Creek makes the arts accessible to all
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 19
As described on Walnut Creek’s Center Rep website: “Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience live theatre at a price they can afford. Launching with the 22/23 season, any audience member can join Center Rep for “Pay What You Can” preview performances (the first performances of each production). Tickets are available for reservation/purchase online at any time – no discount code needed! We’re counting on you to let us know what price level is right for you. If you can afford to, please consider paying a little extra to support those who can’t.”
Upcoming “Pay What You Can” shows include Clue on Oct. 29 and A Christmas Carol on Dec. 8.
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991



Rita Dhillon Team #1 Northgate & Walnut Creek Realtor *TOTAL SALES VOLUME FROM 2001-2021 Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Rita Dhillon DRErita.dhillon@compass.com925.570.101001109990 Tim Dhillon DREtim.dhillon@compass.com925.570.041801521381 Khush Kermanizadeh DREkhush@compass.com925.577.342201480990





