@Locust Street between Civic Dr. and Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Experience Downtown Walnut Creek’s most popular street festival. Locust Street Festival is an evening of art, beer/wine, food, activities, live music, and shopping from artisan vendors at this beloved street festival. Grab a bite and support a small business by ordering from one of many Walnut Creek restaurants that are within walking distance. Connect with the community and explore all of what Downtown Walnut Creek has to offer. Kid and pet friendly. Repeats Aug. 6.
Cost: Free
Time: 5:30-9pm
Sat., July 19
Public Art Walking Tour
@Lesher Center for the Arts Plaza is the beginning point Bedford Gallery offers one hour docentled walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection every third Saturday, April through November. Our Docents are trained by public art specialists and offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Cost: $5 cash for adults, free for those under 18
Time:10-11am
Beginning July 12
Beyond Color: The Language of Black and White exhibit
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts This juried exhibition featuring local, national, and international artists explores the complex simplicity and expressive power of artwork rendered exclusively in black and white. Featuring a diverse range of work, Beyond Color highlights the remarkable ways artists harness the stark contrasts and subtle gradations of achromatic media to convey profound emotion, intricate detail, and striking composition.
Time: Wed.-Sun. 12-5pm
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
Save the date: Thurs., Aug. 21
Remodeling Seminar
@Gordon Reese Design Build (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek)
Join our exclusive seminar and learn how to avoid:
Designing a project that is too expensive to build
Making regretful design decisions
Choosing the wrong contractor
Charcuterie and adult beverages provided. Visit our website to register: www.GordonReese.com
Cost: Complimentary
Time: 5:45-7:30pm
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Meagan Patry
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.
Summer is here. The swim season is in full swing, the days are warmer and longer, and I hope you are enjoying the time to relax, have barbeques, travel, and attend events.
Northgate Living Magazine is your neighborhood magazine, and in this issue you’ll meet your neighbor Brian Reynoso. Brian is raising his two kids here, just a mile from where he grew up and teaching his kids to create a joyful life. There are also lots of interesting articles from your neighbors about things going on right here in our neighborhood, including sports news from Northgate High School.
We are eager to hear from you with your stories, local sports, or any other topics you’ d like to share. For the latest updates follow us on Instagram or Facebook. Contact me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Wamly,
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 Presents
Jo Peek
Expert Contributors
Advertising - Print & Digital
Northgate Living CA
Jo Peek 925-272-8246 NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Auto Service and Repair
Diablo Auto Specialists
Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson 925-478-5721 1439 Autocenter Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.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
Over the last 9 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.
Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.
With over 41 years of experience, Gordon Reese Design Build is a nationally recognized, award-winning firm dedicated to transforming homes into spaces that truly reflect your lifestyle. Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home remodels, additions, and ADUs, our expert team guides you from concept to completion with creativity, clear communication, and proven craftsmanship. We combine thoughtful design, 3D visualization, and a seamless process to deliver beautiful, functional results—making your remodeling journey stress-free and exciting. Trusted throughout the community, we’re proud to be your friend in the remodeling business. Let’s bring your dream home to life.
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.
At Shadelands Self-storage we provide peace of mind to our clients by offering a state of the art facility with video recorded surveillance and a real-time closed-circuit TV security monitoring station. In addition to our secured facilities, we have climate-controlled units, non-combustible construction and many additional features to fit your storing needs.
Why Scheduled Maintenance Matters
— And Where to Get It Done Right in
By Bill Adams, Diablo Auto Specialists
Owning a vehicle isn’t just about getting from A to B—it’s about reliability, safety, and longevity. Regular scheduled maintenance is the single most effective way to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly breakdowns.
At Diablo Auto Specialists, located right here in Walnut Creek, we understand the unique driving demands of Bay Area motorists. From bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-680 to quick trips around town, your car works hard every day. That’s why sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals—typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles—is critical.
Scheduled maintenance includes oil changes, brake inspections, fluid checks, tire rotations, and more. These routine services help identify and resolve minor issues before they become major repairs. Plus, maintaining your vehicle’s service history helps preserve its resale value.
Most importantly, regular maintenance ensures your vehicle remains safe for you and your passengers—giving you peace of mind every time you hit the road.
At Diablo Auto Specialists, we specialize in honest, expert service tailored to your vehicle and your schedule. Whether you drive a domestic, Asian, or European car, our ASE-certified technicians use the latest tools and OEM-quality parts to keep your vehicle at its best.
Your Car Expertly Maintained
Walnut Creek
Brian Reynoso: Creating joy even when life surprises you Meet
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by The Reynoso family
Brian Reynoso grew up just down the road, off of Oak Grove Road and in the neighborhood next to The Woodlands. He attended The Palmer School and De La Salle High School, where he was part of the school’s first rugby team. His plan was to become a firefighter. “I loved the idea of serving my community and tackling challenges head on,” says Brian. When he started at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, the weight of student loan debt forced him to rethink his career choice. “I realized I needed a career that offered stability, especially early on, financially, if I wanted to put down roots and build a family in the Bay Area.”
So, he shifted to San Francisco State as a finance major. “I discovered that finance is not just about numbers; it’s about problem-solving, planning for the future, and creating security. Those skills became part of my toolkit in life.”
Brian was motivated to dig himself out of student loan debt so he could give his children the kind of childhood that was not bogged down with worry about paying bills, but instead, which adventure to tackle next. “Every late-night study session, internship, and every role I’ve taken since has been about that goal,” adds Brian. He now works at Cash App, building the life he worked for, and raising his two small children.
Brian Henry is four and loves marble mazes and building domino structures. “Brian is a tiny superstar; he’s memorized multiple Selena songs and the dance moves to go with them. Picture a preschooler belting “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom’ with full dramatic flair…” He can also be found chasing their 5-year-old Labrador Lima with water balloons.
Two-year-old Natalie is a class clown that is always smiling and dancing. She loves her stuffed animals. Brian adds, “She’s fierce, already showing off her athletic genius on the soccer field. And the best part is her determined look that says, “Move over Dad – I’ve got this.’”
Brian is grateful to have his parents nearby who help out with the kids and spend quality time together. He also has a brother and sister who live nearby with lots of cousins for the kids to play with. A deeply meaningful thing the Reynosos do together is cooking. For each holiday they have a special dish like tamales or mole. “What I love most is how it connects different generations of the family together, from grandparent to grandchild. It keeps our history alive.”
Bay Area Sports balance out Brian’s life; he’s a die-hard 49ers and Warriors fan. A fun fact Brian likes to share is that in college he interned for the Raiders and made sure they knew his heart belonged to the red and gold. He also enjoys recreational basketball with friends, trash talk included, of course! And backyard
barbeques and games with his family are a summer staple. Brian believes in giving back to the community that “gave me so much” through coaching youth basketball and football.
The Northgate neighborhood attracted Brian for the safety, the schools, and how family-oriented it is. He especially loves seeing all the neighbors getting into the Halloween spirit and looks forward to meeting more neighbors and building connections with the Walnut Acres community.
Brian’s family motto is “Los Reynosos no se rajan – The Reynosos don’t give up.” He is building a life of curiosity and resilience for his kids. “I want to fill their childhood with adventures that teach them to embrace the world boldly – whether it’s playing outdoors, exploring new cities, or simply baking messy cookies on a rainy Sunday. I want them to remember how we lived, not just what we had…the laughter, the ‘let’s figure this out’ moments, and the quiet talks before bed. Long-term, I want them to carry forward the idea that family isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up, messes and all, and creating joy even when life surprises you.”
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.
Natural. Timeless. Unforgettable.
At Highline Custom Jewelry, we specialize in fine, 100% natural diamonds, luxury timepieces, and expert craftsmanship. Whether you’re seeking the perfect engagement ring, a one-of-a-kind custom piece, or precise onsite jewelry and timepiece repairs – we’re your local destination for timeless elegance.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
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
• $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
Mrs. Potato Head Moby
Cookie
Saffron
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
$4,895,000
$3,850,000
$2,950,000
$1,999,900
$1,998,000
Pending Listings
$3,500,000
$2,200,000
$1,999,900
$1,989,000
$1,988,500
$3,295,000
$2,100,000
$1,988,000
$1,926,000
$1,900,000
Rita Dhillon Team
Two Bay Area destinations elevate the way we engage with food
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
InNorthern California, where culinary diversity thrives and fresh, local ingredients are celebrated, two food destinations stand out for their unique offerings and immersive experiences: Eataly in San Jose and Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Though different in concept and scale, both serve as gastronomic landmarks, drawing food lovers, locals, and tourists alike with their curated selections, artisanal products, and dedication to elevating how we experience food.
Opened in 2022 at Westfield Valley Fair, Eataly San Jose is the Italian food emporium’s first Northern California location—and its sprawling 45,000-square-foot space makes a bold statement. More than just a grocery store or restaurant, Eataly is a full-fledged Italian culinary universe, blending retail, dining, and education under one roof.
What makes Eataly great? It’s all about authenticity, variety, and experience. The marketplace is filled with hard-to-find Italian imports like bronze-extruded pasta, DOP-certified Parmigiano-Reggiano, and regional olive oils. Freshly baked focaccia, made-in-house mozzarella, and a seafood counter featuring Mediterranean-style selections further enrich the offerings.
For those who prefer to sit down and savor, Eataly includes multiple restaurants, each showcasing different aspects of Italian cuisine. We chose Terra for lunch, which was simply delicious. We feasted on woodfired trumpet mushrooms, a colorful salad with various lettuce, fennel, paper thin carrots and watermelon radish and our entrée was handmade asparagus ravioli with parmesan and lemon. Dining on the rooftop offered a wonderful breeze and view.
Beyond dining and shopping, Eataly educates. Cooking classes, wine tastings, and chef demonstrations help food lovers of all skill levels connect with Italian culinary traditions. In true Italian spirit, the experience is about slowing down, savoring flavors, and understanding the story behind what’s on your plate.
Set along the Napa River and just steps from downtown Napa, Oxbow Public Market has become a culinary landmark since its opening in
2007. Its vibrant, openlayout market is home to a curated collection of local vendors, artisans, and eateries that reflect the heart and soul of Napa Valley’s food and wine culture.
What sets Oxbow apart is its emphasis on local, sustainable, and high-quality offerings. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co., handcrafted ice cream from Three Twins, or a wood-fired pizza from Live Fire Pizza, there’s something for every craving. The market also houses gourmet spice blends, organic produce, handmade pastas, and boutique wines, many of which you can’t find anywhere else.
One of Oxbow’s standout features is its community feel. Unlike larger food halls, Oxbow retains a sense of intimacy and connection. Shoppers can chat with cheese mongers, meet winemakers, or watch chefs at work in open kitchens. The Ritual Coffee bar is a local favorite, perfect for a caffeine break in between bites.
For wine lovers, the market is a gateway to Napa’s best. Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant offers tastings, pairings, and a knowledgeable staff eager to help visitors discover their new favorite vintage. Plus, the adjacent outdoor deck is ideal for sipping wine and enjoying sweeping views of the riverfront. Bar Lucia is a quaint spot to enjoy sips of rose, sparkling wine and seasonal cocktails along with light bites. You can stop next door for a sweet treat at Kara’s Cupcakes. Kara happens to own both Bar Lucia and Kara’s Cupcakes. I met Kara at a 6-week “How to write & publish a cookbook” class we took together at Stanford University.
Eataly and Oxbow Market may differ in origin—one rooted in Italian tradition, the other deeply local—but both elevate the way we engage with food. Eataly brings the best of Italy to your fingertips, blending culture and cuisine in an immersive experience. Meanwhile, Oxbow captures the essence of Napa Valley’s farm-to-table movement, offering access to some of the finest local producers in an approachable, community-driven space.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
Northgate’s Baseball and Softball Teams have Stellar Seasons
Submitted by Zack Torrey
Baseball:
The Northgate Varsity Baseball team enjoyed an incredible rejuvenation under 1st year Head Coach Lou Cesario in the 2025 season. Led by Seniors Blayne Ballard, Chris Flores, Nate Leuhs and Max Carlos, the Broncos entered the post season having secured an impressive 16-7 regular season record. Seniors Connor Weitl, Adrian Croce and Jackson Peck were also major contributors on this veteran team. The Junior class chipped in with excellent efforts from Luke Dress and Shane Malloy to go with the strong contributions from Sophomores Robert Jurado, Tyler Eby and Cole Torrey. They won the Valley Conference for the Diablo Athletic League and headed into the playoffs. They went on to defeat Piedmont at Piedmont in the quarterfinals of the NCS tournament before losing a heartbreaker at Marin Catholic 4-3 in the semi’s. Congratulations Broncos!
Softball:
The Northgate Varsity Softball team has been on a roller coaster ride for their 2025 campaign. They started red hot by winning their first 3 games with a combined score of 53-0. Then, they dropped their next 6 of 7, which included injuries to key players along the way. The Broncos entered league play in the very tough Foothill Division of the Diablo Athletic League not sure what they would be able to accomplish. They have since gotten healthy and experienced incredible success beating College Park, Clayton Valley Charter and Benicia for the first time in years! Led by Senior Captains Makenna Choi and Addison Baxter and Junior Captains Ashley Herman and Stella Hanko, they were poised to make a serious run in the playoffs.
Northgate beat Acalanes 5-2 in the quarterfinals in NCS, Pinole Valley 7-4 in the Semi’s and Berean Christian 10-0 to bring home the program’s first NCS Championship in the school’s history! The Broncos then went on to host round 1 of the CIF tournament and beat Gridley 11-2. In the semi finals of the CIF NorCal Regional Championship, they were knocked off by East Nicolaus in a tight ball game 1-0. Congratulations Broncos for a recordsetting season!
Turn Your Remodel Dreams Into a Reality—Without the Surprise Price Tag
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Thinking about remodeling your Northgate home? Whether you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, a new accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or a complete home transformation, starting with the right strategy is essential. Too often, homeowners fall in love with a design only to discover it’s more expensive than expected to build. These smart planning tips will help you avoid that frustration—and ensure your project becomes everything you hoped for.
1. Start with Clear Priorities
Before diving into the design process, take time to identify what matters most. What areas of your home are underperforming? Where do you want to invest more—function, aesthetics, or both? Setting your priorities upfront helps you stay focused on your goals and allocate your budget more effectively.
2. Establish a Realistic Budget
A well-planned remodel begins with a comprehensive and accurate budget. That includes not just materials and labor, but also permits, design fees, and a cushion for unexpected costs. The best way to stay within your comfort zone? Work with an experienced team that offers price certainty. They’ll help you establish a reliable investment range early in the process so that you design to a budget—not the other way around.
3. Balance Style, Function, and Cost
One of the biggest advantages of working with the right team is their ability to help you make smart, informed decisions. You’ll discover materials, fixtures, and appliances that align with your vision without pushing you beyond your investment range. Experienced pros can suggest cost-effective alternatives with similar looks or performance, ensuring every dollar you spend adds real value.
4. Plan for the Unexpected
Remodeling can come with a few surprises—unseen structural issues, supply chain hiccups, or minor design changes. That’s why it’s wise to set aside a contingency fund of 10–20% of your total budget. With that buffer in place, you can navigate challenges smoothly and keep your project moving forward without added stress.
5. Make Energy Efficiency a Priority
A remodel is the perfect time to boost your home’s efficiency and comfort. With expert guidance, you can incorporate upgrades like LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, upgraded windows, and insulation—often without stretching your budget. These improvements can reduce your utility bills while enhancing year-round comfort and sustainability.
6. Work with a Trusted Team
Choosing the right professionals makes all the difference. Independent architects and designers can be great options for creative vision and layout ideas, but they often don’t have direct insight into current construction costs—making it harder to offer the same level of price certainty. A reputable design-build firm, on the other hand, brings everything under one roof—from the first sketches to the final nail. With design and construction working hand-in-hand, your project benefits
from cohesive planning, accurate budgeting, and a streamlined process that helps reduce surprises, delays, and stress.
7. Keep Communication Open and Easy
Remodeling doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you work with a seasoned team, proactive communication is built into the process. You’ll always know what’s happening, what decisions are coming up, and how things are progressing. That kind of transparency helps eliminate surprises and ensures your home reflects your goals every step of the way.
Let’s Build Something You’ll Love
At Gordon Reese Design Build, we believe your remodel should be an exciting and rewarding experience—not a stressful one. With more than 41 years of experience and serving the Northgate community, our design-build process is built around transparency, trust, and exceptional results. We begin with accurate investment ranges so we can confidently design to your budget. Our 3D design services help eliminate anxiety by allowing you to see your vision clearly before construction begins. And our commitment to communication means you’re always informed and involved.
If you’re thinking about remodeling and want to learn more, we host quarterly Remodeling Planning Seminars to help homeowners like you make informed decisions. Our next seminar is August 21st from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at our Walnut Creek office. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, explore the design-build process, and plan your project with confidence. Visit www.GordonReese.com to reserve your space —we’d love to see you there.
