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.
June means summer vacations, backyard barbecues, seeing friends, flip-flops, swim teams, and maybe some graduations to celebrate. Enjoy the beginning of summer. Congratulations to all the graduates and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads.
Northgate Living Magazine is your neighborhood magazine, and in this issue you’ll meet your neighbors, The MacLeans, a busy family of 6 who moved here to be close to grandparents and has forged deep bonds with this community. There are also lots of interesting articles from your neighbors and great articles by our expert contributors.
Northgate Living Magazine is devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. Please nominate a neighbor for our cover, share a story, event or news.
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 #1 Northgate Realtor
FROM 2004 - 2025
Jo Peek
Mon., June 1
June CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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. June’s book is Connie by Connie Chung. July’s book is Remarkable Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Time: 7-8:30pm
Cost: Free
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/
Thurs., June 18
Walnut Creek Uncorked
@Downtown Walnut Creek
Kick off summer at the ultimate Sip, Savor & Stroll experience! Spend a warm evening at Walnut Creek Uncorked tasting your way through 30+ downtown locations featuring curated tastings of wine, beer, and spirits, along with delicious bites from local restaurants. Discover new favorites as you explore boutiques, shops, and restaurants throughout downtown, with exclusive in-store specials and offerings along the way. Enjoy live music, a lively atmosphere, and the energy of downtown coming to life for one unforgettable night out.
Time: 5-8:30pm
Cost: get tickets at https:// walnutcreekdowntown.com/do/ walnut-creek-uncorked-2026
Sat., June
20
Once Upon A Street: Pitch & Paint - A Celebration of Father’s Day & Play
@Broadway Plaza Street
Step into a storybook afternoon on Broadway Plaza Street as Once Upon A Street returns with a spirited celebration of Father’s Day, sports, and hands-on fun. Enjoy an energetic day filled with playful activities and quality time for the whole family.
Live DJ Entertainment
Paint Your Own Custom Baseball*
Face Painting + More
Celebrate the joy of the game, creativity, and time well spent together at Broadway Plaza.
Time: 11 am–2 pm
Through 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
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:
July 8 & August 5, 2026
Locust Street Festival
@Locust Street
Mark your calendars for an epic street festival series, once a month on Wednesday evenings in July and August. Join us for these 2 vibrant street festivals in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek! Locust Street Festival (formerly known as First Wednesday Street Fest) is the ultimate celebration of community, creativity, and connection. This is a free public event and all are welcome... including your furry friends.
Northgate Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Chiropractor
Dr. Scott Threde
Active Life Chiropractic www.walnutcreekchiro.com 925-939-2224 info.circulation100@gmail.com
Design, Build & Remodeling
Gordon Reese
Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953
Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com
Gifts, Handcrafted
Décor & Creative Gifting
Dede Nettles
DN Gifts for Life 925-775-9337 dngiftsforlife.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.
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.
Dr. Jonathan Scott Threde, DC has over 30 years of clinical experience helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life naturally. Through Active Life Chiropractic, powered by Circulation Health, he combines advanced regenerative technology with compassionate, whole-body care focused on long-term healing and wellness.
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.
DN Gifts for Life is Concord’s premier boutique for heartfelt, handcrafted gifts where every basket, vase, and curated set is assembled with intention and love. Founded by Dede Nettles, a lifelong artisan inspired by her grandmother’s craft lessons, the business blossomed from a home studio into a vibrant Bay Area storefront. Rooted in faith, creativity, and community, DN Gifts for Life transforms ordinary occasions into unforgettable memories. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a milestone, or simply someone you care about, Dede and her team craft the perfect expression of your heart.
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 MiniSplit 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.
Meet the
MacLean Family: A
Life Centered around Family, Friends, Music, and Baseball
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by the MacLean family
“When you know, you know,” says Jeff MacLean describing how he met Alex. He was in the last eight weeks of his five-year long orthopedic residency at UCSF when Alex ended up as his surgical technician. A romance bloomed quickly. Jeff was on his way to Nashville for one more year of training, and Alex decided to take a leap and move there with him. They were engaged eight months later in March of 2016 during a trip back to Walnut Creek, where, with the help of Alex’s grandparents holding up a sign, Jeff proposed in the gazebo at Civic Park. They married in October of that same year in Calistoga.
Jeff grew up in New Hampshire, attended college in Vermont, and spent time in Switzerland before he landed in San Francisco. Alex was born in the Bay Area but grew up mostly in Texas. She spent 5th and 6th grade in Clayton, not far from her grandparents’ home in Northgate. Her parents were high school sweethearts, graduating from Northgate High School in 1979. Alex attended Sacramento State and did her surgical nurse training in Washington. She became a travelling nurse and spent time in many states. After Nashville, they knew they would return to the Bay Area someday where Alex’s grandparents had lived for 85 years and ultimately be closer to family.
Jeff took a job at Kaiser in San Jose where their two sons were born. When the 3rd child arrived in 2020, during the pandemic, they finally made the move to Walnut Creek, wanting to raise their family surrounded by the love of four generations. One more baby arrived, and Alex’s parents had now also returned to Walnut Creek to help out her grandmother. The three grandparents could not be happier to help out and watch their four grandchildren grow. It has become a tradition to spend Tuesday
and Sunday dinners all together. Alex shares, “We all go around the table and share the best part of our day. We love the kids growing up around family and the constant support of grandma, grandpa, and great grandma, who is now 97!”
Fitz is 8 and in 3rd grade. He loves baseball and music. He plays the electric guitar and piano. He was inspired by his mom’s book club to start one of his own. He and a group of friends are reading and discussing the series “The Lemonade Wars.” During a family Disney Cruise, Fitz made a friend that he is still a pen pal with, writing letters back and forth for a year now.
Duke is 7 and in 1st grade. He loves baseball and soccer. Like his brother, he is also a musician, focusing on drums and piano. The two brothers have started a rock band called Hugs & Roses. They have played for Bancroft Elementary’s Talent Show for 2 years now.
Through their music school, they have played in a 2nd band called Pick 6 with other students at the Village Music School. They performed at The Chicken Pot Pie Shop in downtown Walnut Creek to a crowd of 150 people. They’ll be performing again at the Rancho San Miguel Porch Fest on Sept. 19.
Stella, a kindergartener, loves girl scouts, dance, and baseball. She dances at Dance Connection and plays coachpitch baseball with Walnut Creek Little League. Stella and her two older brothers attend Bancroft’s dual-immersion Spanish program.
Little sister Molly is 3 and attends a Spanish-only preschool. “She’s our little spit-fire child, very independent,” adds Jeff. “She gives hugs all day and might be the youngest T-ball player in Walnut Creek Little League.”
Two dogs round out this busy family, both named after favorite musicians. Elvis is a Standard Poodle and Dolly is a miniature Dachshund.
Jeff now works in Stockton. He and a friend started a training program for orthopedic residents. He also practices at the Stockton area emergency rooms as a trauma surgeon. His passion, however, is his kids. He coaches both daughters’ baseball teams. And he and Alex recently joined a co-ed softball team so mom and dad could have their own baseball fun. Managing 5 baseball games per week plus all the other activities is Alex’s job. “She’s the master coordinator,” adds Jeff.
“We definitely utilize our friend network too.”
The MacLeans love hosting an annual Christmas party and taking the kids to new places. Last year they travelled to Honduras, San Diego, Oregon and Disney World; this summer it will be Chicago. Alex adds, “We want the kids to be exposed to as much as possible and give them all the opportunities to succeed in life.”
The MacLeans feel they hit a home run moving to Walnut Creek. Alex says, “We love our community, access to the open space, being close to family, and the friend network we’ve gained at Bancroft.” Jeff adds, “it definitely takes a village.”
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 True Cost of a “Good Deal”: Redefining Value in Your Home Remodel
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
We all want to feel like we made a smart financial decision. When planning a kitchen, bathroom, addition, or wholehome remodel, it is human nature to hunt for the best price, instinctively gravitating toward the lowest number. But when you are trusting someone to tear the roof off your home or gut your primary suite, we have to ask a hard question: Does the lowest initial cost actually equal the best final result?
Experienced homeowners know this important truth: the lowest bid is rarely the best value. True value isn’t found in a cheap, upfront contract. It is the intersection of a clear Investment Range, a predictable process, and a finished Sanctuary you love—delivered without agonizing surprises, stress, or budget blowouts.
Why Low Bids Often Cost the Most
Most contractors don’t set out to create problems for homeowners; they enter a project genuinely believing they can deliver. However, without rigorous experience, a suspiciously low estimate usually means crucial details were missed. By estimating a “best-case scenario,” they accidentally trap themselves. When construction begins and hidden structural or site-specific challenges emerge, change orders start piling up because the contractor literally cannot afford to finish the job as promised.
What looked like a bargain can easily end up costing significantly more than what an experienced company suggested in the first place. Beyond the financial shock, there is the hidden toll: sleepless nights, living in a construction zone far longer than expected, and the emotional exhaustion of constant mid-project decisions.
Think of remodeling like buying a parachute. You don’t shop for the cheapest one—you want the one you have absolute certainty will open. The same logic applies to your home.
Expert Tips: What Smart Homeowners Demand
If you want real value and Peace of Mind, shift your focus from “Who’s the cheapest?” to these key questions:
• Does their process include a Professional Diagnostic? Accurate remodeling cannot be engineered through a quick, complimentary walk-through. Look for a company that requires a rigorous Feasibility Study before a single hammer is swung. This intensive pre-construction planning deeply analyzes your site’s challenges and aligns your goals, taking the guesswork out of the equation entirely.
• Do they guarantee Price Certainty? You should know your realistic budget early so you are designing to a budget—not falling in love with a design and then trying to budget to it later. By establishing an accurate investment range before design begins, you eliminate the massive time and cost drains of constant redesigns. We believe so strongly in this upfront alignment that we back our projects with a strict
“No Change Order” guarantee —protecting you from the trap of unqualified guessing.
• Will you experience Design-Build Synergy? In our 42 years of helping Northgate and Contra Costa families navigate renovations, we’ve found that true design-build firms—where design, estimating, and construction live under one roof—are the only way to eliminate communication breakdowns and deliver projects done right the first time.
A Better Way Forward
Remodeling done right doesn’t just protect your home’s equity; it transforms your daily life, giving you a restorative space where you can finally relax and connect with your family. You shouldn’t have to gamble with your greatest asset.
If you are considering a remodel in the coming months, join us for our free Remodeling Seminar on September 10th at our Walnut Creek studio. We will pull back the curtain on current market costs, reveal the most expensive mistakes homeowners make, and teach you the exact framework we use to deliver Total Predictability. Seats are limited. Register at gordonreese.com or call 925-885-3770.
Ready to explore what true value looks like for your specific project? Your home deserves more than a low price. It deserves absolute certainty.
Advanced Tissue Regenerative Healing Technology
at Active Life Chiropractic and Laser
@ The Bay Club Walnut Creek
By Dr. Scott Threde, DC
There is advanced healing technology available right here in the Walnut Creek community. At Active Life Chiropractic and Laser, located inside The Bay Club Walnut Creek, patients are discovering a powerful non-invasive treatment designed to help the body heal naturally without surgery, injections, or lengthy recovery times.
SoftWave Tissue Regenerative Therapy (TRT) is an advanced regenerative technology that uses acoustic wave therapy to stimulate the body’s natural healing response at the cellular level. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus only on temporary symptom relief, SoftWave Therapy is designed to support tissue repair, circulation, collagen production, and longterm recovery.
Dr. J. Scott Threde, DC, brings more than 30 years of clinical experience to patients throughout Walnut Creek and the surrounding East Bay communities. His approach combines chiropractic care with leading-edge regenerative therapies to help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy most.
One of the most exciting aspects of SoftWave Therapy is its ability to help activate and recruit the body’s own circulating stem cells. By delivering focused acoustic waves into injured or damaged tissue, the treatment encourages blood flow, cellular activity, and regenerative healing responses naturally within the body.
Patients seek SoftWave Therapy for a wide range of conditions, including knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, sports injuries, chronic inflammation, rotator cuff injuries, ligament injuries, and back pain. It has become especially popular among active adults and athletes searching for alternatives to surgery or long-term medications.
Treatment sessions are typically fast and convenient, often lasting only 10–15 minutes with little to no downtime afterward. Many patients appreciate that there are no needles, no medications, and no invasive procedures involved. Patients are often surprised by how quickly they begin noticing improvements in flexibility, movement, pain levels, and overall function.
SoftWave Therapy may also help improve circulation, stimulate collagen production, support the formation of new blood vessels, and promote healthier cellular activity — all important components in supporting natural recovery and long-term performance.
What sets Active Life Chiropractic and Laser apart is its whole-body philosophy toward healing. Rather than simply masking symptoms, Dr. Threde and his team focus on supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate from within.
For individuals living with chronic pain, reduced mobility, or unresolved injuries, regenerative therapies like SoftWave may offer renewed hope and a new path forward.
Dr. J. Scott Threde, DC is the founder of Active Life Chiropractic powered by Circulation Health in Walnut Creek, California. His work focuses on chiropractic care, regenerative therapies, and advanced wellness technology designed to help patients heal naturally and stay active at every stage of life.
Why Being Seen Once Isn’t Enough
Trust Report showed that 62% of consumers would avoid using a business if they found incorrect information online.1
▶ TRUST IS BUILT THROUGH REPETITION
By Insert Publisher, Expert Contributor
Long-term, multichannel marketing works because it matches how people actually make decisions: gradually, with trust built over time. When your business shows up consistently across all touchpoints, you’re not just advertising, you’re establishing credibility and staying top of mind until the moment a customer is ready to take action. Long-Term Campaigns vs. Short-Term Bursts:
Most customers don’t act the first time they see an ad. Research shows consumers usually need 5–7 exposures to a brand before they form enough awareness and trust to engage.1 Consistent print ads paired with digital ads help your business feel familiar and dependable over time. That repeated presence builds confidence in a way that one-time promotions simply can’t accomplish.
Outdated information leads to many challenges for local businesses
Accurate business listings can give companies a competitive edge
▶ CONSISTENCY DRIVES STRONGER RESULTS
Studies show maintaining consistent branding across channels — from print to digital — can boost revenue by as much as 23%.2 When print ads, digital campaigns, and online listings all reinforce the same message, customers recognize you faster and remember you longer. Long-term marketing campaigns ensure your story stays clear, no matter where people encounter your business.
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.
Consistent information builds credibility and trust with new and existing customers, giving them peace of mind to choose your business over others.
▶ VISIBILITY MATTERS WHEN CUSTOMERS ARE READY
Managing dozens of individual listings is a headache and takes time away from running your business.
Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers read online reviews, with roughly 92% consulting review sites before trying a local business.3 This indicates that listings and reputation management are just as important as your advertising. Pair that with print and digital exposure, and your business shows up strong—from AIdriven results to traditional search—whether customers are browsing, researching, or ready to buy.
▶ THE BIG PICTURE
Inconsistent or missing details lead to fewer customer interactions and missed revenue opportunities.
ne listings service ensures that your business , uch as your name, address, phone number, hours, and website, is accurate across search engines, maps and directories
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.
When your info is up-to-date, more people will reach out, and stop by, which can directly boost your bottom line.
Online listings services help local businesses stay competitive, visible, and credible. Don’t let wrong information limit your growth
Here are some currently available cuties!
CATS:
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.
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.
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
Marmalade
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
$4,250,000
$3,995,700
$3,750,000
$3,500,000
$2,850,000
Pending Listings
$2,598,000
$2,575,000
$2,199,000
$1,950,000
$1,895,000
Sold Listings
Best Version Media does not
of any
or
$2,800,000
$2,325,000
$2,165,000
the
Rita Dhillon Team Presents ...
My Favorite Things
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
As the song says, “These are a few of my favorite things…” And today, I’m sharing 50 of them. From crave-worthy dishes and standout wines to hidden-gem local restaurants, indispensable kitchen tools, and those irresistible Trader Joe’s finds I can’t stop buying — this is my ultimate celebration of the everyday pleasures that make life (and mealtimes) so much better. Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a weekend wine explorer, or someone who simply loves a great grocery haul, I hope this list brings you inspiration, a few smiles, and maybe even your next new obsession. Restaurants (East Bay Favorites)
• See’s Candy Classics: Molasses Chip, Scotchmallow, California Brittle, Kona Mocha, Apricot Delight, Almond Truffle & Bordeaux
• Deviled Eggs topped with crushed potato chips
• Friday night charcuterie boards with my husband
• Starbird Chicken Tenders + Chimichurri Sauce
• Vanilla Ice Cream mixed with malted milk powder
• Homemade Fondue with artisan French bread
• Classic French Onion Soup
• Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
• Gnocchi with Alfredo Sauce
• Italian Chopped Salad
Favorite Kitchen Things
• KitchenAid Mixer + Pasta Attachments
• My go-to Chef’s Knife
• Microplane zester
• Vitamix Blender
• Plastic Cutting Boards
• Mandolin Slicer
• Digital Kitchen Scale
• Chef Plastic Containers with Lids (32oz, 16oz, 8oz) (Can find on Amazon)
• Great Wine Glasses (Riedel, Schott Zwiesel, Josephine, Gabriel Glas)
• Clear Fridge Organizer Bins from HomeGoods
These are the things that bring me joy in the kitchen, at the table, and in everyday life. I hope at least a few of them become your favorites too. Life is too short not to enjoy the little pleasures — so go ahead and treat yourself to something delicious this week.
What’s on your list of favorite things? I’d love to hear!
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)
THIDDEN TREASURES, LASTING IMPACT:
The Story of The Garret Thrift Shop
By Brian Corona, Store Manager
ucked away among the auto shops and car dealerships just off Main Street lies a small store with a long history. The Garret Thrift Shop is a cornerstone of the community and a favorite among Walnut Creek thrifters for more than 65 years. The Garret proves that the best treasures are often found in the most unexpected places.
Far more than a simple retail space, The Garret is the largest fundraising arm of the John Muir Health, Walnut Creek Medical Center Auxiliary. It has helped contribute more than $20 million to support John Muir Health’s Walnut Creek Medical Center over the decades. From purchasing stateof-the-art medical equipment to funding essential programs and facility upgrades, every purchase transforms a pre-owned item into a tangible healthcare resource for the community.
Started in 1959, the Auxiliary began as a grassroots effort led by a small group of determined women who organized bridge luncheons and fashion shows to fund a yet-to-be-built hospital. Their work helped lay the foundation for John Muir Memorial Hospital , where they later became its first in-service volunteers when it opened in 1965. Today, that vision has expanded into a network of fundraising efforts, including The Garret Thrift Shop, the Muir Galleria Gift Shop, and an annual golf tournament. Together, these initiatives support programs such as student scholarships, the Wig Source, which provides free wigs for women experiencing hair loss while undergoing chemotherapy, and the Trauma Closet for patients needing new clothing, extending the Auxiliary’s reach beyond the hospital walls.
The engine behind this success is a dedicated team of volunteers, many with deep personal ties to John Muir Health. Some are former employees or patients, while others have benefited from Auxiliary-funded programs like Wig Source or first discovered The Garret as shoppers. Their care and attention to detail are evident throughout the store, from tested electronics to boutique-quality clothing carefully selected for the sales floor. This shared sense of purpose creates an atmosphere that feels welcoming, intentional, and rooted in service.
For long-time volunteer Joye Morris, the joy of volunteering comes from the atmosphere the team creates. She finds her favorite part of the day is greeting customers and brightening their day. “When you come into The Garret, it’s always filled with lots of smiley faces,” Morris shares. “I like to go places that sparkle and make people happy.”
While The Garret is known as a great place to shop, it also serves as a community hub where people come to connect. Shoppers visit not only to browse but also to spend time with friends, catch up with familiar volunteers, or continue long-held traditions. This bond is best described by longtime customer Jari Hazard. When asked what keeps her returning so frequently, she shared: “The prices and I come because the people here feel like family. The Garret has the nicest volunteers, and shopping here has been the high point of my week for the last 20 years.” Many shoppers like Hazard return week after week, building traditions and connections that extend beyond the store itself.
In an era of fast fashion and one-click shopping, The Garret offers something different, a chance to slow down and discover items with a story. Its model also supports sustainability by giving pre-owned goods new life while reducing waste.
More than six decades after its founding, The Garret continues to embody compassion, resourcefulness, and community. Whether you arrive in search of a hidden treasure or simply a familiar face, you leave knowing your presence supports something far greater, a tradition of care that continues to shape the community one purchase at a time.
The Garret Thrift Shop - 1530 3rd Ave., Walnut Creek. To support their mission consider giving your old items a new life.
Needed: clothing, household items, electronics, and furniture
m custom gift baskets to handcrafted décor, every m at DN Gifts For Life is assembled with intention Step de and find the perfect gift for every occasion hdays, holidays, milestones & more. Every visit is a que experience crafted just for you
0 Clayton Rd, F35 Concord, CA 94521
-775-9337 dngiftsforlife com n giftsforlife | Instagram TikTok Facebook
From 1976 to 2026: 50 years of seniors have walked the stage at the Concord Pavilion
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Fifty years ago, they walked across the stage at the Concord Pavilion as the first graduating class of Northgate High School, unaware they were also stepping into a shared story that would bind generations to come. They were the class of 1976. They came to Northgate as juniors as the newly constructed school was built to relieve overcrowding at Ygnacio Valley High School. “We were the top dogs as juniors,” said Joni Chiesa. “It was very exciting to start at a brand-new school.”
Dorene Soe, who still lives in the neighborhood, said, “We were told when we were at Foothill that we would be the first students at Northgate.”
Some students joined a steering committee led by Mr. Russo, the Director of Student Activities. Joni, Vicky Harrison and Dorene were part of that committee and were tasked with coming up with the new school’s mascot and colors. Joni suggested Broncos and the red and gold color scheme because this was the
mascot of the University of Santa Clara where her brothers attended. Others presented their choices, but in the end Joni’s suggestions won in the voting.
Sept. 4, 1974 was opening day for Northgate. There was a parade in the parking lot, a basketball game and gymnastics exhibition in the gym. There was also a puppet and variety show in the Little Theater, with guided tours of the school lead by the Varsity Cheerleaders. Mr. Hansen, the principal, gave an opening day speech followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony and Northgate High School became a reality.
According to a Northgate Sentinel article by Managing Editor Vincent Tanforan on March 24, 2022, “When Northgate opened in 1974…it was part of a cutting-edge wave in education. The layout was open… Five-foot walls, like the ones still present in the library … served as dividers between classrooms.” This set up proved to be problematic and disruptive to teaching, so walls were phased in starting in 1991. The school also lacked a swimming pool and a football field. There were very few windows, just lots of concrete and red carpet at the entrance of the school. The basketball courts weren’t wood, but some kind of synthetic flooring. Students drove their Ford Mustangs, Datsuns, or their parents’ Buicks to DVC to watch Friday night football games. Swimmers practiced at Heather Farms. It was not until 2012 that Northgate had a stadium with bleachers and regular home football games, thanks to a group of parents who started Northgate Community Pride Foundation. This group also raised money for the pool, a new wood gym floor, and renovations for the Little Theatre.
In 1976, girls donned their Gunne Sax dresses and boys their powder blue tuxedos for the first Senior Ball at the UC Berkeley Pauley Ball Room. There was a “smoking” area on campus. There were driver’s ed classes and auto shop. Favorite memories include the first time it snowed in W.C.
Members of the Class of ‘76 who contributed to this article and are helping to plan the reunion: Left to right - Dan Klistner, Glenn McBee, Dorene Soe, Joni Tooliatos (Chiesa ), Vicky Pease (Harrison), Cary Canoun
Joni and her parents at the 1976 graduation ceremony
50TH
9/25 - School tour and Homecoming Football Game
9/26 - Dinner buffet @ The Greenery
9/27 - Picnic at Heather Farms More information coming soon.
Check this magazine’s next issues for contact info and how to buy tickets.
Classes of ’76, ’77 and ’78 are all invited.
and they had snowball fights in the parking lot. The first Senior All- Nighter was at Great America after graduation.
As Ann Katzburg reflected, “It was great. We got to choose the mascot, write the theme song, choose the colors, stake our own territory at lunch time. And we got the coolest teachers because everyone wanted to come to a new school…On the track team we got to set every record because we were the first. We made up the rules and started the culture that would create a legacy for our campus.”
As the class of 2026 prepares for graduation, those who wrote the first chapter of Northgate are preparing for a 50-year class reunion, to be held in September. Thousands of students have donned the red and gold, sang the theme song, and walked the halls of Northgate since its opening, each generation carrying on some of the traditions started 50 years ago while also writing new chapters and binding a community through a shared story.
Dorene and Joni
Smart Ways East Bay Homeowners Can Save Money and Improve Home Efficiency
By Chris Donzelli
For many homeowners in Blackhawk, Pleasant Hill, and throughout the East Bay, opening the monthly utility bill has become increasingly frustrating. Rising energy costs continue to put pressure on household budgets, leaving many families searching for practical ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing comfort.
The good news is that improving your home’s efficiency does not always require a major remodel. In many cases, small upgrades and proactive maintenance can lead to meaningful savings over time while improving comfort, air quality, and longterm home value.
One of the best places to start is your HVAC system, which is often the largest energy user in the home. An older or poorly maintained heating and cooling system can quietly drive up utility costs month after month. Routine tune-ups, filter changes, and system inspections help improve airflow, reduce strain on equipment, and keep systems operating efficiently. Homeowners should generally replace air filters every one to three months depending on pets, allergies, and overall household usage.
Technology can also play a major role in lowering monthly expenses. Smart thermostats allow homeowners to automate temperature settings based on schedules, occupancy, and outdoor conditions. Even adjusting the thermostat a few degrees while away from home can create noticeable annual savings. Additional upgrades such as LED lighting, energy-efficient ceiling fans, and modern electrical improvements can further reduce energy consumption while improving safety and convenience.
“Improving your home’s efficiency doesn’t always require a major remodel— thoughtful upgrades and preventative maintenance can deliver meaningful long-term savings.”
If your system is more than 10–15 years old, it may also be worth evaluating whether upgrading to a high-efficiency system could lower long-term operating costs and improve overall comfort. Another common source of energy waste is air leakage. Many homes lose conditioned air through gaps around doors, windows, attics, and ductwork. Sealing leaks and improving insulation can significantly reduce wasted energy while helping maintain more consistent indoor temperatures year-round. Proper attic insulation and sealed ductwork also reduce unnecessary strain on your HVAC system, helping equipment last longer.
Indoor air quality is another important factor that homeowners often overlook. Dirty ductwork, poor ventilation, and airborne contaminants can negatively affect both comfort and system performance. High-quality filtration systems, air purifiers, and properly balanced airflow help HVAC systems operate more efficiently while improving the air your family breathes every day.
More East Bay homeowners are also exploring solar solutions to offset rising utility costs and create greater long-term stability. When combined with efficient heating, cooling, and electrical systems, solar can become part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce monthly expenses and improve property value.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until something breaks before taking action. Reactive repairs are often far more expensive and disruptive than proactive maintenance. Small improvements today can prevent costly problems tomorrow while steadily reducing energy costs year after year.
At Perfect Star Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we help homeowners identify practical ways to improve efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings through HVAC, electrical, indoor air quality, and solar solutions tailored to their home and goals.
