Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
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.
Spring is here! Our open space is full of wildflowers, spring fever is in the air, and baseball season is well underway! Whatever it is that you like to do at this time of year, Happy Spring! It’s time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful area we live in.
In this issue you will meet the Varga family. They are new to Northgate and excited to meet you all. Enjoy their story.
I’m eager to hear from you and share your stories whether you have gardening or book tips, an adorable pet, an interesting adventure to share, a hobby, a recipe, a charity you’re involved with, or any other topic you think the Northgate neighbors would like to hear more about. I’m also looking for families to feature each month on the front cover. I believe that interesting stories don’t just come from celebrities, but from our own communities. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’d love it if you’d let me tell yours. Send your articles and photos to knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram and visit us online at www.northgatelivingCA.com.
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.
Rita Dhillon Team
Jo Peek
April
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mon., Apr. 6
Ygnacio Valley Book Club Meeting
@Ygnacio Valley Library
Join the Ygnacio Valley Library Book Group for lively, thoughtful book discussions! Share your thoughts and connect with fellow readers. Our club meets in person every 1st Monday of the month at the Ygnacio Valley Library. All teens and adults are welcome. Check with Ygnacio Valley Library Staff about obtaining copies of the selected titles. April’s book is Prequel by Rachel Maddow. Each month a new book is selected. Visit: ccclib.org. May’s book is The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.
Cost: Free
Time: 7-8:30pm
Sat., April 18 - June 28
Aztec Stories in Modern Mexico
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Aztec Stories in Modern Mexico: An Inocencio Jiménez Chino Retrospective explores over five decades of the artist’s practice through paintings, video interviews, and audio recordings. Jiménez Chino’s firstever retrospective, this exhibition traces the artist’s evolution from early works on board to protest line drawings from the 1990s and newly completed narrative amate paintings that capture, with remarkable intimacy and detail, daily life in the Balsas River basin of Guerrero, Mexico. Rooted in Nahuatl storytelling and cultural preservation, Jiménez Chino’s work bridges ancient and contemporary traditions, offering profound insight into Indigenous culture, community, and craft. The exhibition invites visitors to explore connections between art and ancestry, labor and landscape, and storytelling and cultural survival.
Time: Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm
Sat., April 18
Community Service Day
@various locations throughout Walnut Creek Join other residents to make a difference with this year’s Community Service Day. Projects help support our libraries, schools, parks, and nonprofits. To sign up:https:// www.walnutcreekca.gov/community/ get-involved/community-service-day
Every Monday
Free Yoga Class
@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26
Behavioral Fitness Presents- Another Living Better through Community offering - Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the week- come join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere: PEACE (501 (c)3). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.
Cost: Free Time: 9-10am
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
@Gordon Reese Design Build (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek) Charcuterie and adult beverages provided. Visit our website to register: www.GordonReese.com
Cost: Complimentary
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
May 15-17
Aquanuts Showcase
@Clarke Memorial Swim Center
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts Artistic Swimming Club will showcase their award winning athletes. To see the Aquanuts in action, the club will host two events in May. May 15-17th WCA hosts the Regional Championships, which will qualify athletes for the Junior Olympics in Michigan in June. Then on May 30th the Aquanuts put on their annual Celebration of Champions showcase with live auction, elegant food and spectacular artistic swimming. For more information on the team please visit www.aquanuts.org
Sat., June 6 and Sun., June 7
Art & Wine Festival
@Civic Park
The Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival has attracted a broad and loyal audience for 42 years. Fun for the entire family, the annual kick-off to the summer festival draws 30,000 + attendees from all over the Bay Area. Festival goers fill the park to enjoy arts and crafts and commercial vendor booths, festival foods, a wide range of wines, a craft beer garden, continuous live music, Kids ‘ Zone & children’s activities, and more in a beautiful park setting in Walnut Creek. For times and more information: https://www. walnut-creek.com/art-wine-festival-2026/
Northgate Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Design, Build & Remodeling
Gordon Reese
Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953
Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com
Heating and Air
Perfect Star Heating, Cooling & Electrical
Chris Donzelli (925) 444-STAR (7827) info@perfectstarhvac.com www.perfectstarhvac.com
Jewelry
Highline Custom Jewelry
Hasan Kader 510-786-4505 www.highlinecustomjewelry.com
Real Estate
Rita Dhillon
Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com
LNB Accounting provides expert accounting and tax services for Bay Area businesses. We streamline your financial operations while ensuring compliance and growth. Whether you’re managing nonprofit grants or overseeing construction projects, we bring the same detailed attention that powers our consumer service clients to every industry we serve.
Find
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.
With more than 42 years of experience, Gordon Reese Design Build is a national award-winning firm known for creating beautifully designed, expertly crafted kitchens, baths, additions, and whole-home remodels. Our proven design-build process gives homeowners price certainty, fewer surprises, and a smoother experience from first ideas through final completion. With thoughtful 3D design, clear communication, and meticulous execution, we deliver remodels that are built to last — and we do it right the first time.
With over 30 years of experience, Perfect Star Heating, Cooling and Electrical is proud to be a truly locally owned and operated family business serving Alameda & Contra Costa County. We specialize in Furnace/Heating, Air Conditioning, and Ductless Mini-Split installation, along with repair and maintenance for Central HVAC systems. Our services also include Ductwork, Indoor Air Quality solutions, and now Electrical Repair & Installation, as well as Solar Installation.
We started with an aim to make sure we will shine in the Bay Area and beat the prices from any jeweler. With over ten years in business, our expert staff and superior products will make you a lifetime customer. Serving all of your needs from our wide variety stock to our unparalleled custom work you will find a home with Highline Custom Jewelry.
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.
Al is a life-long Detroit sports fan, cheering for the Lions and Tigers. He learned golf at age 6 and became a champion junior golfer. Golf remains a passion, and he still plays competitively in local men’s clubs and in many NCGA events. Al spent his early career in sales and project management.
After spending 6 years in Los Angeles, they returned to the Bay Area in August 2025. Together Al and Jen started WSI Digital Marketing with a clear purpose: to support small, local businesses, and, in turn, the communities they serve. Al says, “I chose a career in digital marketing and strategy because I’ve always been drawn to solving business problems at the intersection of technology, data, and human behavior. When done correctly, digital marketing isn’t about tactics or trends—it’s about helping businesses grow predictably, make smarter decisions, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex digital landscape.”
AVarga Family:
Happily settled into Northgate Meet the
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by the Varga family
l, a Detroit native, and Jen, a local girl, met in Oakland after each had started their careers. They enjoyed traveling, attending sporting events, hiking and cultural events together. Lake Tahoe became a special getaway for them. Jen’s job took them to Stamford, CT for a while, and there Al proposed. They decided to get married in Lake Tahoe as it remained a special place for them, and still is.
Jen grew up in Walnut Creek and attended Ygnacio Valley High School. She then attended Arizona State University and returned to the Bay Area to kickstart her career in sports media. She worked for NBC Sports Bay Area before being recruited to lead digital strategy for NBC Sports Regional Networks in Stamford. She launched the first-ever live streaming for the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Cubs, Washington Wizards, and more. She’s now the COO of Raidiant, a broadcast production company designed to amplify and champion women in gaming.
The Vargas have a three-year-old daughter Yolande. She loves to draw, play at the local parks and help her mom in the kitchen. Al and Jen’s biggest passion is raising their daughter well – making sure she has the opportunity to pursue her own passions in life. Jen adds, “As a family, we’re focused on creating a supportive, loving environment where she can explore, learn, and grow into whoever she wants to be.” This way of supporting their daughter is something passed down by their own families, especially their grandparents, who continue to shape how they live and parent. Yolande is name after her maternal greatgrandmother, “honoring that legacy of family connection, care, and support that we hope to carry forward for generations.” Her middle name, Freddie, is to honor her paternal grandfather, Fred Franklin, a fixture in Bay Area theater, who was a proud member of Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble and winner of multiple Shellie Awards. You might have seen him on stage at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Jen and Al believe in setting the example for Yolande by leading with integrity, staying curious and showing up for each other.
“We chose Northgate for the great public schools. We also enjoy the serenity of the neighborhood, while still being accessible to shopping, restaurants, and other amenities. Our neighbors are genuinely friendly and welcoming, which creates a strong sense of community.”
As new residents, just 8 months, they look forward to getting to know more people and being good neighbors for years to come.
Al adds, “If you have a child around 3 years old who enjoys swimming, feel free to stop by – our pool is always a hit.” You can reach out to Al at 925-386-1515 or through his website: https:// wsiworld.com/al-varga.
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 Northgate Homeowner’s Guide to a Stress-Free Remodel
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
If you live in the Northgate neighborhood, you already know the draw: beautiful tree-lined streets, great schools, and a fantastic sense of community. But as many of our classic Northgate homes enter their fourth or fifth decade, the need for modern updates—whether it’s a chef’s kitchen, an open-concept living space, or a backyard sanctuary— becomes undeniable.
Unfortunately, for many homeowners, the excitement of a remodel quickly turns into a stressful cycle of confusing bids and skyrocketing budgets.
After 42 years of remodeling homes right here in Walnut Creek, we’ve found that most remodeling stress boils down to one simple flaw in the traditional process: The Disconnected Estimate.
The Trap of the “Free Estimate” The traditional approach goes like this: You call a contractor, they walk through your home, and they hand you a bid. It seems simple. But here is the catch—how can anyone give you an accurate price before you’ve chosen your countertops, your tile, or your fixtures?
They can’t. Those initial bids are often best-case scenarios based on entry-level materials. Once the walls are opened and you start picking the high-quality finishes you actually want for your Northgate home, the dreaded “Change Orders” pile up, and the budget blows out.
The Solution: Designing for Price Certainty A successful remodel
doesn’t start with a hammer; it starts with a Feasibility Study. At Gordon Reese Design Build, we believe your design and your budget must be locked together from day one.
Before construction ever begins, you should demand Price Certainty. This means utilizing advanced 3D Design software so you can walk through your new kitchen virtually—seeing exactly how the morning light hits the island—before you sign off. It means selecting every fixture and finish in advance so that the price you agree on is the price you pay. No surprises. No regrets.
Your home is your sanctuary. The process of upgrading it should be just as carefully curated as the final result.
Gordon Reese is the founder of Gordon Reese Design Build, bringing over 42 years of award-winning remodeling expertise to Walnut Creek. Want to learn how to avoid the biggest remodeling traps? Join Gordon for his next “Master Your Remodel” Seminar on May 14th. As a special gift to our Northgate neighbors, readers who register will receive an exclusive $3,500 Design Planning Credit. To reserve your seat and claim your credit, visit GordonReese.com
Youth Homes Supports Contra Costa’s At-Risk Youth
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Serving vulnerable youth who have experienced trauma is the mission of Youth Homes, a nonprofit serving Contra Costa County for 60 years.
The organization provides services to kids referred by social services. In 2025 they served 194 youth, from ages 3 to 26. These children and teens have often experienced the loss of a parent, grown up in violent or unhealthy situations, or been abused. Youth Homes have a staff of 60 therapists, life skills coaches, and behavioral specialists working with kids to help them heal and grow and become independent, healthy adults. As children approach young adulthood, Youth Homes also helps them find housing, set up bank accounts, learn job skills, and continue to get the resources they need. Danielle John, Community Engagement and Thrift Shop Director, said, “We have truly amazing providers who could make more money in private practice, but they are dedicated to these young people.”
Youth Homes receives funding from the county, but it is not enough for the high-quality services they provide. One way they supplement funding is through their Thrift Shop, located on Vivian Dr. at Contra Costa Blvd. in Pleasant Hill. Kaitlin, the Thrift Shop manager, said, “Shoppers tell us we are the Nordstrom of Thrift Shops. They like how everything is displayed and the quality of the items we have. We are also one of the last thrift shops to have fitting rooms.”
The Thrift Shop has some employees, but it is able to run efficiently due to their 63 volunteers. Kaitlin added, “Volunteers are the heart of how we run.” Each volunteer works a 3 hour shift per week. The store takes in used clothing and household items from 10am-3pm every day. The shop is also unique in that the youth being served by the organization can shop there for free, and many work there as well to build job skills. The Thrift Store added $742,000 in 2025 to help support Youth Homes programs.
These programs include mental health therapy and life skills coaching; enrichment services like creative arts and outdoor or animal-based experiences; and employment skills. They also have a Day Center where kids can go to learn cooking, gardening and other skills, as well as to gather for social events.
In December 2025 Northgate students Sophia De la Rosa and Elizabeth Meyer arranged for a Youth Homes trailer to be brought to campus to collect used clothing and household items. Sophia said, “Last year I started the Foster Friends Alliance Club at my school where my goal was to educate others on the foster care system and encourage volunteer work. My club members and I meet once a month at Contra Costa Foster Friends, where we help sort through clothes and toys for foster families.
“At the end of last year, the president of the Youth Homes club at Monte Vista reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in collaborating with them in the future, and of course I said yes! They helped us organize the drive with Youth Homes…it was amazing, and the Youth Homes Board President even stopped by to cheer us on and drop off some clothes, which was really meaningful.”
Currently there is a bin at Club Pilates on Botelho Dr. in Walnut Creek for collecting your items. Northgate resident Cyndy Jacobsmeyer is a Thrift Shop volunteer and added, “I have always felt a pull towards wanting a way to help Foster Youth. My observations were these youth lacked so much in security of family, consistency in their lives, and feeling they were really being seen and heard. Their foster parents rarely showed up for Parent-Teacher nights, if at all... As life happens, a former neighbor, Jim Caponigro, mentioned what he did (President at the time of the Board of YH) and brought me to the Shop one Saturday. I was so impressed with the mission of the shop, the quality of it and how many ways a volunteer could make an impact. I was equally impressed with the fabulous Danielle and the team she had assembled. I started volunteering there … I love seeing the fabulous programs the revenue from the Shop provides our Youth and the fact that they can shop, with dignity, absolutely free, for what they want.”
How to help:
• Drop off used clothing and household items at the shop on Vivian Dr.
• Drop off used clothing and household items at Club Pilates on Botelho
• Organize your own drive
• Volunteer at the shop or to drive the trailer
• Volunteer to teach basic finance skills
• Shop at the Thrift Shop
• Visit the website youthhomes.org to see other ways to help
Three of the 63 volunteers who help make the Youth Homes Thrift Shop a success
Young people in the program help paint a mural for the Thrift Shop
Northgate’s National Merit Scholarship Finalists
By Kelly Cooper and Kara Navolio
Five Northgate students who made it to the semifinals round for the National Merit Scholarship have now been named finalists! Finalists for $2500 scholarships are chosen by a panel that considers academic record, the student’s essay; demonstrated leadership and contributions to school and community activities, and the school official’s recommendation. Robyn Khaund is also a candidate for the Presidential Scholarship Award. Congratulations to these five students.
Aleah Clark
Robyn Khaund
Avanti Morucci
Ava Scattergood
Angie Yao
From L-R- Avanti Morucci, Ava Scattergood, Angie Yao, Aleah Clark, Robyn Khaund
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
Adoption
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.
•
•
•
•
•
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• $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
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
$4,500,000
$2,748,000
$2,399,000
$2,199,000
$1,650,000
Pending Listings
$3,895,000
$2,895,000
$1,995,000
$1,895,000
$1,755,000
Sold Listings
$1,940,000
$1,825,000
$1,617,000
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The
of any
Rita Dhillon Team Presents ...
Spring Time is Perfect for a Tea Party
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Hosting an afternoon tea is one of the most charming ways to gather friends, family, or colleagues for a leisurely, elegant interlude. Recently, I hosted a tea party to celebrate my mom’s birthday. It has become a tradition, that we look forward to each year. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, hosting at home lets you personalize every detail while keeping the spirit of refinement intact.
Start with the essentials: timing and guest list. Afternoon tea traditionally runs from 3 to 5 p.m., making it ideal for a relaxed weekend or weekday escape. Invite 4–12 people to keep the atmosphere intimate yet lively. Send invitations a couple of weeks ahead—elegant, printed cards or even a themed digital invite work beautifully. Suggest smart casual attire to encourage that special touch without formality.
The setting sets the tone. Choose a bright, comfortable space like your dining room, sunroom, or garden if weather permits. Drape the table with a crisp linen or floral tablecloth. I used a linen tablecloth depicted with birds, twigs and leaves. To continue the theme, I set out the tiered cake stands and plates first, then decorated with green moss balls, twigs and little clip-on birds. Feel free to use your finest china—teacups, saucers, small plates, and tiered cake stands if you have them. Play gentle classical music or light jazz in the background to enhance the mood without overpowering chatter.
Tea is the star. Offer a selection of 3–5 varieties to suit different tastes: classic Earl Grey or English Breakfast, a fragrant herbal like chamomile, and perhaps a green or fruit-infused option. Use loose-leaf tea for superior flavor—warm the teapot first, add one teaspoon per person plus “one for the pot,” steep 3–5 minutes, and provide strainers. Have milk, lemon slices, sugar, and honey on hand. Pour tea first, then add milk or lemon (tradition varies on milk-in-first vs. after). Provide extra hot water to refresh pots.
The menu follows a traditional progression: savories first, then scones, and sweets last. Aim for bite-sized, finger-friendly portions—about 4–5 sandwiches, 1–2 scones, and 3–4 sweets per person.
For savories, I prepared dainty finger sandwiches with crusts removed:
• Chicken salad with dried cranberries
• Roast beef rosettes on toasted brioche rounds with horseradish sauce and micro-greens
• Egg salad with chives
• Smoked turkey with cheddar cheese and garlic aioli
Cut them into neat triangles or fingers.
Next come scones—warm, flaky, and essential. Served homemade orange scented plain scones with raspberry jam, and homemade lemon curd. Crumpets make a wonderful addition to the scones – toast in the oven and lightly butter each one.
We finished with sweets: an assortment of petite treats like mini opera cakes, mini mousse cakes, lemon bars, macarons, shortbread, or petite fours. A tiered stand displays everything beautifully—savories on the bottom, scones in the middle, sweets on top. Trader Joe’s is a great resource for mini frozen sweets – makes entertaining easier with a combination of homemade and store bought.
Preparation tips make the day smooth. Bake scones the same day but can be prepared and refrigerated a day prior. Make sandwich fillings a day prior and assemble just before serving to avoid soggy bread. Set the table the night before. Have extra teapots ready for different brews.
Etiquette adds polish without stiffness. Eat in order: sandwiches, scones, then sweets. Use utensils for messier items, but fingers for sandwiches. Stir tea quietly, no clinking. Place your napkin on your lap (not tucked in), and excuse yourself properly if stepping away. Keep pinkies down—it’s a myth!
The magic of afternoon tea lies in its unhurried pace. Encourage conversation, share stories, and savor each sip and bite. With thoughtful planning, your gathering becomes a memorable oasis of elegance and warmth. Brew a pot, gather your loved ones, and let the afternoon unfold deliciously.
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)
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.
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 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
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
The Local Trust Loop
hy Local Businesses
N eed An Online Listings Se rvice
How Print & Digital Strategies Work Together to Build Credibility
Buying decisions rarely happen after just one message. Instead, customers move through a trust loop, encountering a business across print, digital, and online reputation channels before feeling confident enough to choose. For local businesses, mastering the trust loop is the key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.
Inaccurate or outdated online information can severely impact
Trust Report showed that 62% of consumers would avoid using a business if they found incorrect information online.1
44% Visit Websites After Print
98%
Outdated information leads to many challenges for local businesses
▶ PRINT CREATES INITIAL AWARENESS
Community print advertising remains one of the most credible ways to introduce your brand to local audiences. Visibility plants the first seed of recognition, increasing the likelihood that a future online search – or digital ad – will lead back to your business. Passive Secrets reports that 44% of customers visit a brand’s website after receiving direct mail or print marketing, showing how print branding boosts online actions.
By Insert Publisher, Expert Contributor
▶ REVIEWS & LISTINGS VALIDATE THE DECISION
Customers may show up when you’re closed, leading to frustration, loss of trust, and potentially a negative review.
Mismatched info across platforms can confuse search algorithms, reducing your search ranking and overall visibility.
Managing dozens of individual listings is a headache and takes time away from running your business.
Accurate business listings can give companies a competitive edge
Once awareness is established, buyers look for proof. BrightLocal reports that 98% of consumers3 read online reviews for local businesses, and 87% won’t consider a business4 with an inaccurate listing. Strong reviews and accurate listings close the trust loop, turning curiosity into confidence.
Consistent information builds credibility and trust with new and existing customers, giving them peace of mind to choose your business over others.
Accurate listings lead to increased engagement and improved search rankings, boosting your local visibility.
Easier updates from a single dashboard allow businesses to conveniently manage their online information with just a few clicks, saving valuable time for owners.
Inconsistent or missing details lead to fewer customer interactions and missed revenue opportunities.
An online listings service ensures that your business data, such as your name, address, phone number, hours, and website, is accurate across search engines, maps and directories.
When your info is up-to-date, more people will reach out, and stop by, which can directly boost your bottom line.
When print awareness, digital reinforcement, and online reputation work together, they create a powerful cycle of credibility. Local businesses that remain visible across all three touchpoints earn more trust and position themselves to win more customers.
Online listings services help local businesses stay competitive, visible, and credible. Don’t let wrong information limit your growth.
Girls Wrestling Program Brings Two State Medalists and a Top-15 Team Finish
By Tyler Rosecrans and Kara Navolio
The Northgate High School girls wrestling team continues to rewrite the Northgate record book. This year the Lady Broncos finished 15th in the state, a program-best! Coach Tom Booth adds, “We chased a lot of quality competition this year to prepare the girls for the state meet. We traveled to Sacramento, San Jose and SoCal twice. The preparation paid off as they had seen many of their opponents previously.”
Girls have been part of the Northgate Wrestling Team for many years. Coach Tom Booth adds, “In recent years our numbers jumped from less than a handful to nearly a full squad. Overall, the girls wrestling scene has been booming in the Bay Area. Two years ago we added girls dual meets in our league. This past year had the inaugural NCS Dual Team Championship. I would encourage any girl to give wrestling a try. None of our girls had experience prior to high school. However, as long as you are willing to put the work in, you can be successful on the biggest stages.”
Top athletes at the state meet include:
SYMONE JEWELL (155 weight class) finished third in the state of California following a dominating rebound in the consolation bracket. This is her third state medal in as many seasons.
HAILEY LIU (140 weight class) battled her way to the podium, finishing 8th, after a gutsy blood round match - possibly the best of her career.
LEXI ROTENBERRY (170 weight class) finishes top-12 in the state after falling short in the blood round. Lexi, a junior, takes away valuable experience as she aims to battle her way to the top next year.
Congrats on an absolutely historic season, ladies. We are so proud of you!!
