OCTOBER 2026
Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online
Meet the
Gronert Family: Finding Home in Northgate
Photo by Mehak Khullar Photography
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Dear Neighbors, Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Jo Peek
Designer: Meagan Cowle Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar
Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. 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, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2026 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Fall is here! I love this time of year with the falling leaves, the cooler days, and all the yummy foods that accompany fall. Our food and wine contributor has some delicious recipes for fall entertaining. In this issue of Northgate Living CA you will meet the Gronert family. They have come from far away to find “home” in Northgate and have made life-long friends through raising their daughter in this 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. Please consider adding your ideas to our neighborhood magazine! I’d love to feature your family too! 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. We are always looking for cover stories; we welcome all families, couples, or individuals. Please email me with your recommendations or if you are interested, please reach out! Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/northgatelivingca and Instagram @northgatelivingca. We look forward to connecting with the community! Warmly,
Kara Navolio Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991 If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
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Rita Dhillon REALTOR® 925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990 Tim Dhillon REALTOR® 925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush Kermanizadeh REALTOR® 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990 RitaDhillonTeam.com
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.
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 3
October
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sat., Oct. 17 Once Upon A Street: Broadway Plaza Turns 75 @Broadway Plaza, Broadway Plaza Street A Celebration of Community & 75 Years. Step into a storybook afternoon on Broadway Plaza Street as Once Upon A Street honors a special milestone—75 years of Broadway Plaza. Join us for a festive celebration filled with joyful moments, community spirit, and family-friendly fun. • Interactive Activities • Birthday-Themed Experiences • Family Fun for All Ages • Pet Adoptions by Joybound People & Pets • + More Celebrate the legacy, memories, and vibrant future of Broadway Plaza with an afternoon of connection and celebration. Time: 11 am-2 pm Cost: Free
Fri., Oct. 23 Trunk or Treat @Civic Park Get ready for a spine-tinglingly good time! Walnut Creek Arts + Rec proudly presents our 7th annual Trunk or Treat event. Bring the whole family and stroll through our “trick-or-treat” lane, where you’ll encounter captivating booths brimming with activities, games, and candy galore. 3:00-4:00 pm | Low-Sensory Hour 4:00-6:00 pm | General Event: Music, activities, giveaways, a scavenger hunt with prizes, and TRUNK-ORTREATING! Don’t forget to bring your buckets or bags for goodies. Cost: Free
4
Fri., Oct. 23 Diwali Celebration Drone Show
SAVE THE DATE:
@Lesher Center for the Arts Join us for a free drone light show over the Lesher Center for the Arts by Northern Lights Drone Shows as part of our 2026 Diwali Celebration. Viewing area available on Locust Street in front of the Lesher Center. Drone light show will last 12-14 minutes. Time: 9:15-9:30 pm Cost: Free
Sun., Nov. 15 Shadelands FallFest
Sat., Oct 24 Diwali Celebration Street Fair @Lesher Center for the Arts Join the Lesher Center for a celebration of the festival of lights! The Diwali Celebration Street Fair includes an artisan market, food vendors, and live performances - free and family friendly! Time: 12-5pm Cost: Free
Through Dec. 13 Exhibit: High Pile: Concepts in Tufting @Bedford Gallery High Pile: Concepts in Tufting explores tufting beyond its traditional associations with domestic and commercial craft, highlighting the medium’s role within contemporary fine art as a site of experimentation and conceptual inquiry. This exhibition examines tufting as a practice where color is built through fiber density, form emerges through pile structure, and materiality plays a central role in how the work is experienced. Time: Wed. - Sun., 12-5pm
Every Saturday Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market Time: 9am-1pm
@Shadelands SportsMall, 2640 Shadelands Dr. Enjoy a day with family and friends at the Shadelands FallFest, held on the grounds of the Shadelands SportsMall. This popular, all-community fall festival, hosted by Shadelands Walnut Creek, is free and familyfriendly, and features a live DJ and nonstop music, food trucks, ice cream, craft beer, Shadelands exhibitors, giveaways, and free sports activities for all ages, including yoga, golf, soccer, dance, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, taekwondo, and batting cages. Click VisitShadelands. com/fall-fest for more information. Time:11am - 2pm Cost: Free
Tues., Nov. 17 The Phoenix Boutique Annual Fundraiser -- SIP, SHOP & SMILE @ Boundary Oak Golf Club Join un in celebrating the Joy of the Season. Local artisans, raffle prizes, carolers, free massage, cash bar, good cheer and so much more. Benefiting the Child Life Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Time: 3-7pm Cost: Free Admission
Sat., Nov. 21 Craft Fest @Bedford Gallery In 2008, the Bedford hosted its inaugural Craft Fest to bring the best Bay Area artists and craftspeople to Walnut Creek for a one-day pop-up shop in the gallery. Now in its 18th year, the cheerful, bustling marketplace continues to delight visitors with the finest handmade jewelry, ceramics, beauty + wellness, home goods, artisanal foods, clothing, and more. Treat yourself with a variety of unique goods and kickstart your holiday shopping. Time: 10am-5pm Cost: Free
OCTOBER 2026
Expert Contributors
Expert Contributors
Accounting
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Advertising - Website, SEO & Digital Marketing
Over the last 10 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
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.
LNB Accounting Certified Public Accountants Lilas Baketa 925-231-1464 www.lnbaccounting.com info@lnbaccounting.com
Northgate Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com
Find us online NorthgateLivingCA
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 5
Resident Feature and surroundings and began searching for a place where we could put down permanent roots. That search led us to Walnut Creek and Northgate.” Karsten is a professor, and his research focuses on glaucoma and immune diseases. Outside of work, he maintains a collection of reptiles, including a 70-pound tortoise. He is also a beekeeper and cares for the family’s chickens. He’s an avid motorcycle rider and swimmer with Walnut Creek Masters.
Meet the
Gronert Family: Finding Home in Northgate By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991, Photo provided by the Gronert family
K
arsten and Jackie Gronert were both born a whole continent away, in Germany. They grew up as military brats, although they did not know each other then. Karsten’s father worked for NATO, and Jackie’s father was serving in the United States Army. Jackie’s childhood brought her to live in many places in the U.S. When her father retired after 30 years of service, they were living in Fort Bliss, TX. Karsten, on the other hand, spent most of his childhood in Germany and came to the U.S. as a teenager.
Jackie was heavily involved in Zoe’s schools, as a room mom, and active in the community. “I watched many children grow into young adults and remain close with many of the families Zoe grew up with.” She chaired Northgate High School’s Grad Night 2020, which was cancelled due to COVID, and again in 2021, this time changing it into an outdoor Grad Day while the pandemic ebbed and flowed. When Zoe graduated, Jackie returned to work full-time as a Senior Executive Assistant to the Dean of the School of Economics and Business Administration at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Jackie also enjoys a 2nd career now, using her creative skills as a writer and photographer. She is the author of a poetry and photography book titled SelfPortrait: The Art of Words, Moods, and Inner Voice. She spends early mornings and weekends in creative pursuits such as writing, guitar and art. Zoe earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Santa Cruz, where she
It was not until 1983 that they would meet at a local college bar while they attended the University of Texas, El Paso. “We began spending time together with a group of friends,” shares Jackie. “His friends jokingly called him ‘Johnny Karsten,’ and I completely missed the joke. For six months, I called him John, believing Karsten was his last name! When he explained that Karsten was actually his first name, I asked why he had let me call him John for so long. He replied, ‘I thought you were giving me a nickname.’ We both laughed.” They began dating while working on their degrees; Jackie’s in management and Karsten’s in science. They married in 1990 at a chapel on Fort Bliss. Karsten went on to earn his master’s degree and later a PhD from New Mexico State University while Jackie worked as Assistant Director of the Family Business Forum and Editor of the college’s magazine, while teaching people to use software programs on weekends. The couple moved to Boston for Karsten’s postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School. Jackie then worked as an Executive Assistant to the founder of a Public Relations firm. Their daughter, Zoe, was born there in 2003. Soon after, Karsten joined the faculty at New York Medical College and Jackie became a stay-at-home mom. Four years later, Karsten accepted a faculty position at UC Berkeley, bringing the family to the Bay Area in 2007. “Coming from the East Coast, I was initially nervous about earthquakes and less than excited about moving to California,” says Jackie. “That quickly changed. I fell in love with the people, climate, 6
OCTOBER 2026
also swam on the swim team for four years. After working for a year as a Registered Behavior Technician with children with autism, she started her graduate studies at USF to pursue a career as a clinical therapist. She is an avid reader and a Masters swimmer like her dad. The Gronerts enjoy exploring California’s parks and natural areas through hiking and camping. They also return to Europe each year to visit family. They have adopted some of Karsten’s childhood traditions from Germany.On Dec. 6 they celebrate St. Nicholas Day. Jackie adds, “We polish one shoe and leave it outside the door; by morning, it is filled with chocolates and a small gift. We celebrate Christmas Eve by opening presents followed by a meat Fondue dinner and Christmas Day by eating Raclette (an interactive tabletop grill dinner popular in Germany).” The Gronerts feel fortunate to live just minutes from both the Open Space and the Canal Trail, with lots of options for nature exploration. Through the Valley Vista Barracudas Swim Team, they built lasting friendships with neighborhood families. Jackie adds, “Our neighbors have also become close friends. We celebrate graduations, birthdays, baby showers, and other milestones together. Several years ago, we began holiday block parties and created a group text called “BOWies,” named after our street. We stay connected, help one another, and celebrate each other through every stage of life. I wouldn’t trade our neighbors for anyone.” The Gronerts truly exemplify what finding home in Northgate really means; and how lucky we are to call this community our home too.
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.
The Path to Stardom:
How to Be on the Cover of THIS Magazine! Don’t think you have an interesting story? We hear this from neighbors often. We’ve got you covered! You’ll be surprised how interesting you really are! Your magazine has a great team of professionals ready to guide you on the simple, fast, and easy process of “Bringing People Together” through sharing your story on the cover of the magazine! We’re here to set your mind at ease and explain the excitement behind how YOU can become a local star.
they are out enjoying all our neighborhood has to offer. You’ll even get set up with our Photographer to capture professional photos of your family doing what they do best—having fun! During this phase, you will also sign our Feature Article Release, a form that allows us to publish the information you provide.
Wait For The Magic It Starts With You
Maybe you’ve seen a neighbor on the cover of a recent edition, or you have a striking story that needs to be told. Either way, contacting Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com with your information is the first step to moving forward.
Give Us The Facts
The next step is providing your story. It’s as easy as describing your favorite hobbies and restaurants in the area, what activities your family participates in within the neighborhood, and why you love your community. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire or complete a short interview. This process is entirely free and you can provide as much information as you’re comfortable with. We would also like photos of your smiling family as
Once you’ve sent off your completed questionnaire, our Content Coordinator will get started whipping up your article! The best part? You’ll get a sneak peek of the story before it goes to print! We’ll give you an opportunity to review the story to ensure all facts are correct and that you’re happy with the information being shared! We know waiting is the hardest part, but during this time you’ll also be able to place an order to receive copies and share with all your friends and family. And it’s as easy as that! Once the magazine appears in mailboxes, enjoy being a local star by sharing your story with your neighbors. We’d love to have you and your family grace the cover of our magazine, so reach out today and become a local star! Contact Kara Navolio today: knavolio@bestverstionmedia.com
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 7
Community Corner
Behavioral Fitness is building a healthier community in Walnut Creek By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
D
r. Allyson Mayo and Registered Nurse Teri DeLaMontanya met while working at John Muir Health. They shared a vision for creating a place where people could gather for a sense of community while making wellness an everyday practice. Allyson received her doctorate in 2019 and Teri retired from the emergency room; together they founded Behavioral Fitness. The duo also leads a non-profit called PEACE (Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere), which provides funding for some of Behavioral Fitness’ programs. In 2022, Behavioral Fitness began free yoga classes at Arbolado Park. In April 2024 they moved into a space off of Tampico Drive that features a large studio and a living room/ kitchen area for gatherings. More classes were added, from a walking group, to parenting groups and teen groups. Now in 2026, they have about 100 classes per month from yoga to strength and mobility to games like Mahjong, meditation to sound healing, all with the goal of physical and mental well being. You can become a member and take as many classes you like each month or pay a small fee for the classes you take. They also sponsor some peer to peer groups, that are free to all, where people can gather for special discussions. Death Cafe offers the opportunity to share stories of lost loved ones or simple to discuss mortality; Estranged Together is a welcoming space for those affected by estrangement, no-contact or loss. A Queer Young Adult group meets twice a month. Connection is the goal and knowing that you are not experiencing challenges alone. Allyson says, “People come for wellness; they stay for love and community.” And the community is growing. They are now searching for a larger space to accommodate more classes. Teri adds, “Maybe the more connected we become to ourselves—to our bodies, our emotions, our joy, even the parts of ourselves we’re still figuring out—the more available we become for genuine connection with other people. . . We’re each bringing a little piece of ourselves into this place, and somehow, together, we’re creating a little piece of our collective heart . . . I’m not sure we need to explain BF anymore.” All are welcome to come and experience this special place. The Behavioral Fitness Team can be found here: www.behavioralfitnesstoday.com
1399 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 26
info@behavioralfitnesstoday.com
Walnut Creek, CA 9459
Sampling of classes offered at Behavioral Fitness Yoga Yoga for Recovery (12 steps) Everyday Strength Balance & Mobility Learn Mahjong Qigong Sound Bath Queer Young Adult Group Estranged Together Discussion Group Death Cafe Open Game Day Cats & Coffee Tai Chi Guided Meditation
“Build a life you don’t need a vacation from.”
Call/text 925-818-8062
8
OCTOBER 2026
Expert Contributor
By Jo Peek, Expert Contributor
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Food, Wine & Entertaining
Entertaining with Fall-Inspired Appetizers By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
E
ntertaining with appetizers is one of my favorites—it gives guests a variety of small bites to linger over and pair with different wines. With fall around the corner, a heartier bite feels right for the season, so I wanted to share three fall-inspired appetizers that shine next to a glass. The Fig and Caramelized Onion Crostini is decadent: sweet fig, jammy onion, and crisp bread against a silky Pinot Noir whose bright cherry and earth make the whole bite sing. Next are the Apricot Mostarda Brie Cups, a luxurious little tartlet with an unexpected sweet-tangy, mustardkissed palate that loves Champagne, Prosecco, or an off-dry Riesling. Last are the Wild Mushroom Pinwheels—woodsy, herbaceous filling wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry—pure perfection beside an unoaked Chardonnay or another pour of Pinot Noir that echoes the forest-floor richness of the mushrooms.
Fig and Caramelized Onion Crostini Makes 12 • • • • • • • •
1 Baguette, 12 ½ slices toasted 1 Large Onion 3 Tablespoons Butter 2 teaspoons sugar Salt and Pepper Brie – room temperature 6 Large Fresh Figs, cut into quarters Fresh Thyme
Peel and thinly slice one large onion. In a large skillet, add the butter and melt on medium. Toss in the sliced onions and coat with the melted butter. Add the sugar and season with salt and pepper. Toss periodically to ensure all onions are fully cooked. Cook on medium heat until the onions are golden brown, and it should take about 15 minutes. Lay out the toasted baguette slices. Spread about 1 heaping tablespoon of brie on each one. Top with a heaping tablespoon of the caramelized onion and spread if needed. Top each one with 2 quarters of the fig and a small sprinkling of fresh thyme on each one.
Apricot Mostarda Brie Cups Apricot Mostarda • • • • • • • • • •
1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar 1/2 Cup Water 1 1/4 Cup Dried Apricots (diced small) 2 T Sugar 1 T Honey 1 Shallot (finely minced) 1 Garlic Clove (finely minced) 2 T. Whole Grain Mustard 1 T. Dijon Mustard Pinch of Salt
Place all of the above ingredients into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a spoon to combine. Let cook for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature. You will need phyllo cups, brie and basil. You can buy the phyllo cups at Safeway or Whole Foods in the frozen section. To assemble the appetizer, place 12 to 15 of the phyllo cups onto a baking sheet and pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the outer rind of the brie and place a couple teaspoons of the brie into each phyllo cup. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and top with about a teaspoon of the Apricot Mostarda on each and top with the micro basil or small piece of regular basil cut thin. 10
OCTOBER 2026
Wild Mushroom Pinwheels Makes 14 to 16 pinwheels • • •
1 Sheet Puff Pastry - thawed 1/3 cup herb goat cheese, room temperature 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
Mushroom Filling • • • • •
1 Pound of Wild Mushrooms (I used maitake, shiitake and crimini) 2 large shallots, finely minced 4 T. Butter 2 Garlic cloves, minced 1 T. Fresh thyme leaves
•
Salt and pepper to taste
Clean, de-stem and finely chop the mushrooms. In a large skillet, add the butter over medium heat and when melted, add the minced shallots. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms, garlic, thyme and salt & pepper. Turn the heat up to medium high and cook until the liquid is absorbed. Using a rolling pin, place the thawed puff pastry onto a board and gently use the rolling pin to flatten just slightly and bring the seams together. Spread the herb goat cheese over the puff pastry, leaving a half inch on one side. Spread the cooled mushroom mixture on top of the goat cheese and spread to almost the edges. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese but reserve 2 tablespoons for the top. Start rolling the puff pastry on the opposite side that you left the 1/2 inch. Once you get to the 1/2-inch blank puff pastry, gently brush a bit of water to help it stick. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes. When ready to bake, pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Slice the roll into slightly less than 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place at least an inch apart to allow for expansion. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese evenly over the unbaked pinwheels. Bake for 15 minutes.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www.crossettsearchgroup.com). Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 11
Community Corner
Your East Bay Parks are about to get even better The Regional Parks Foundation has a bold new plan for the next five years — and it means great things for the community Submitted by Kendra Strey, Communications and Outreach Manager
If you have ever hiked the trails near Mount Diablo, let your kids splash around at a regional swim area or simply watched the sun set over the East Bay hills, you already know what a gift these spaces are. Now the organization working behind the scenes to protect and enhance those experiences has just unveiled an ambitious new vision for the next five years. The Regional Parks Foundation, the philanthropic partner of the East Bay Regional Park District, has released its Strategic Plan for 2026 through 2030. For over 55 years this nonprofit has been the fundraising engine behind one of the largest regional park systems in the country — 73 parks, more than 126,000 acres, 1,330 miles of trails and 55 miles of shoreline. The Foundation funds projects, supports programs that increase equitable access and invests in stewardship initiatives that protect the natural resources we all love.
How You Can Get Involved Whether you want to support, volunteer or simply spread the word about our incredible parks, there is a place for you in this story. Visit regionalparksfoundation.org to learn more. The trail ahead is a promising one.
What Is Changing The new plan revolves around three pillars that will have real impact on how we experience our parks. The Foundation is significantly expanding its fundraising capacity, hiring dedicated staff and diversifying its revenue so more resources can flow directly to park improvements and capital projects beyond what tax dollars alone can provide. On the community side things get exciting. A brand new membership program will invite residents into the life of the parks as ambassadors, advocates and volunteers — not just parking pass holders. Expect more community events, volunteer led nature walks, behind the scenes park experiences and even park themed merchandise. A full rebrand and expanded social media presence means you will be hearing a lot more from the Foundation in the coming months. And over the next five years the Foundation plans to make strategic investments in high priority projects including capital improvements, youth development programs, land acquisitions and expanded support for organizations connecting people to the outdoors. Looking further ahead the Foundation hopes to launch major capital campaigns in the five to thirty million dollar range for truly transformational park projects. 12
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SHOPPING THAT GIVES BACK: SCHOOL CENTS LAUNCHES AT BROADWAY PLAZA WITH UP TO $15,000 IN PRIZES FOR PARTICIPATING LOCAL SCHOOLS By Tracy Dietlein, Sr. Marketing Manager, Broadway Plaza New rewards program runs August 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027 Broadway Plaza is proud to announce the launch of School Cents, a community-driven rewards program that turns everyday shopping into meaningful support for local schools. Running from August 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, School Cents makes it easier than ever for shoppers to give back to their communities.
How It Works
Local Schools Benefiting from School Cents Broadway Plaza is proud to partner with the following local schools for the 2026-2027 program year:
School Cents makes supporting your local school as simple as shopping. For every purchase made at Broadway Plaza — whether it’s back-to-school shopping, a dinner out, a salon visit or a holiday gift — shoppers earn points for their designated school by uploading their receipts through the new School Cents app. The more receipts shoppers upload, the more points their school can earn. Bonus points opportunities will be available throughout the program year.
Bancroft Elementary School
Ten local schools were chosen to participate this year, competing for a shared prize pool of up to $15,000 based on the points they accumulate. Prizes range from $500 to $4,000 per school, with funds supporting classroom technology, curriculum supplies, student resources and more. Prize checks will be presented in April 2027.
Murwood Elementary School
Buena Vista Elementary School Diablo View Middle School Eagle Peak Montessori School Indian Valley Elementary School Springhill Elementary School St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception School
How to Participate
Walnut Acres Elementary School
Shoppers can get started by downloading the School Cents app and selecting their preferred participating school. From there, simply shop at Broadway Plaza, save receipts and upload them through the app to start earning points. For full program details, to access the app and to learn more about the participating schools, visit BroadwayPlaza. com/SchoolCents.
Walnut Creek Intermediate School
“At Broadway Plaza, we’ve always believed that a great shopping center is more than a place to shop — it’s a place where community comes together,” said Shelly Dress, General Manager, Broadway Plaza. “School Cents is our way of making sure that every visit here has a lasting impact on the kids and families who call Walnut Creek home. We’re proud to support the chosen schools and can’t wait to see how this community rallies around them all year long.”
NORTHGATE LIVING CA 13
Pet Adoption Corner Here are some currently available cuties! CATS:
Hula Hoop
Joybound
DOGS:
Harley
Looking for Love By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
A
dopt a new best friend at Joybound Mr. Big Shot People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person.
Adoption Hours Mon-Fri: 12 – 7 PM Sat-Sun: 11 AM-6 PM (Early sign-in begins at 9 AM)
Business Hours Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM Visit https://joybound.org/ for more information.
Sir Purrington Joybound adoption fees: • • • • • •
$150 for an adult dog • $375 for a puppy (<6 months) • $75 for a special-needs dog • $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months) • $75 for a senior dog (7+ years) • Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans •
Kermit
Tim
$100 for an adult cat $175 for a kitten (<6 months) $50 for a special-needs cat $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months) $50 for a senior cat (7+ years) Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
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Real Estate
Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team
Real Estate Listings in Northgate Active Listings Address
List Price
BD
BT
SQFT
DOM
1206 N Gate Rd 31 Tierra Verde Ct 725 Castle Rock Rd 3318 Cottingham Ct 161 Wiget Ln 160 Los Cerros Ave
$3,870,000 $3,550,000 $2,850,000 $2,199,999 $1,799,000 $1,749,000
5 4 4 5 4 3
4.5 4.5 3.5 3 2.5 2
4,629 4,795 3,661 3,043 2,654 1,956
150 24 175 4 4 21
715 Castle Rock Rd 3611 Vista Charonoaks 2722 Harland Ct 136 Arbolado Dr
$2,998,000 $2,499,000 $2,399,000 $1,850,000
Sold Listings Address Sold Price
4 4 5 4
3.5 3.5 3 3
5,070 4,643 3,630 2,150
51 1 7 27
BD
BT
SQFT
DOM
2050 Shell Ridge Trail 779 Woodwind Pl 471 Silver Hollow Dr 2883 Bowling Green Dr 2871 Bowling Green Dr
6 4 4 4 4
5 2.5 3 3 2.5
6,916 2,812 3,602 2,286 2,127
73 3 81 7 19
Pending Listings Address Sold Price BD BT SQFT DOM
$3,000,000 $2,350,000 $2,300,000 $2,030,000 $1,760,000
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.
Rita Dhillon Team Presents ... SOLD
3211 Stone Valley Road, Alamo 4 Bed | 2 Bath 2,395 Sq Ft | 1 Acre $2,500,000 Rita Dhillon REALTOR® 925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990
101 Hillcorft Way, Walnut Creek SOLD
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath 2,529 Sq Ft | .64 Acres $1,798,000
Tim Dhillon REALTOR® 925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush Kermanizadeh REALTOR® 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990 RitaDhillonTeam.com
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.
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NORTHGATE LIVING CA 15
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