This is the perfect opportunity to get creative with your loved ones, whether you’re painting, crafting, or just having fun with colors. Come create, explore, and connect while making lasting memories and artwork. All ages and skill levels are welcomejust bring your creativity and enjoy a day of art, laughter, and family fun!
Cost: Free Time:10am-1pm
Throughout March
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Stitched: Contemporary Embroidery explores the evolution of embroidery and the artists who are redefining the medium. Works by 18 national and international artists bring new perspectives to the genre, which has historically been labeled as ‘women’s work’ and commonly dismissed in fine art conversations. By merging traditional embroidery techniques with innovative approaches and social/political themes, the artists in this exhibition create powerful narratives that challenge outdated perceptions and elevate textile art to new heights. Stitched serves as a deep dive into contemporary embroidery practices and encourages visitors to experience embroidery as more than decorative craftwork by revealing its historical depth and contemporary relevance. We invite art lovers, craft enthusiasts, and the curious to discover the artistic potential of this ancient technique through the eyes of today’s most gifted stitching artists.
Cost: recommended $10, but open to all regardless of ability to pay
Time: Gallery open from Wed.. –Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays
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
Any day
Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour
Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Public Art in Walnut Creek, featuring 33 stops about the artwork in the downtown area. Look for the pink and orange Public Art signs around town, located by artworks. Dial the number on the signs to hear about that artwork. More information: https:// www.bedfordgallery.org/ public-art/public-art-tours
Cost: Free
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
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Designer: Meagan Patry
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
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.
Happy spring! I have been enjoying hiking all around our Walnut Creek open space trails searching for this year’s first wild flowers and letting nature feed my soul. I hope you are enjoying it too.
This month we are so pleased to introduce you to the Wilk family. Kevin is one of our Walnut Creek City Council members, and he and his wife, Jill, love living here. They see life as a beautiful journey, not a destination. I hope you enjoy their story and their zest for life.
We are dedicated to sharing your stories and interests. If there is anything you would like to share with our community, or see in our magazine, please don’t hesitate to email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCa for the latest updates.
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.
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 40 years of dedicated service, Gordon Reese Design Build stands as a trusted leader in the remodeling industry. Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, additions, and ADUs, our award-winning firm helps homeowners realize their vision from design through construction. Our skilled team brings creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to every project, ensuring exceptional results. From concept to completion, we prioritize great ideas, clear communication, and meticulous execution. When you’re ready to transform your home, trust Gordon Reese Design Build to exceed your expectations.
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.
Meet the Wilks: Meet the
Life is a journey, not a destination
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by the Wilk Family
Kevin and Jill Wilk moved to the Northgate neighborhood 28 years ago to raise their family here, and even though those “kids” are grown up now, they still love it here. As Kevin says, “Walnut Creek is such a special place to live, work and play and raise a family. We could live anywhere now that the kids are out of the house, and yet we choose to still live here and enjoy everything Walnut Creek has to offer.”
Kevin and Jill met bowling at a Jewish mixer in San Francisco over 30 years ago. Jill, having grown up in Burlingame, was living in Cupertino after graduation in theater from the University of Washington. Kevin was living in Walnut Creek, after growing up in Kenya, Thousand Oaks (So Cal), and Lafayette, and working in internet marketing. They married in Walnut Creek and had their wedding reception right here in the neighborhood at Boundary Oak.
Kevin graduated from UCLA with a degree in Political Science (a harbinger perhaps of his future role as a Walnut Creek City Councilmember). He spent time in LA after college acting in movies and TV and doing bartending to pay the bills. He then took a year off backpacking around the work, visiting 30 countries and living for a while in both Israel and Australia. When he returned to LA he began the first restaurant delivery service (way before DoorDash). He lived for a bit in England, then eventually settled in Walnut Creek.
Later Kevin’s interest in local politics grew, and he first applied for and was appointed to the Arts Commission, then later the Transportation Commission. In 2016 he decided to run for city council. He is now on his 3rd term, also serving as mayor in 2021 and currently as Mayor Pro Tem. Kevin is proud to hold several leadership positions in the region and state and has become a leading voice in fighting hate speech throughout the Bay Area. He enjoys connecting with residents and answering
questions. He is active on social media, keeping everyone up to date with Walnut Creek news. You can connect with him there.
After getting her B.S., Jill went on to get a master’s in Human Resources Management and Organizational Behavior. She worked in Human Resources for over 25 years before founding her own HR consulting business, Jill Wilk Consulting. She is a credentialed executive and career coach, working for several companies coaching executives and managers in leadership development. Jill also spent many years volunteering with the Northgate area schools and is currently a volunteer with Kitty Corner, a program she helps with by feeding, caring for, and socializing cats. She also dedicates some of her free time to her previous passion: theatre. She has performed in “A Christmas Carol” for the past three years, trains in improv through Synergy Theatre, and takes dance at The Ballet School for the Performing Arts.
Kevin and Jill love traveling. Kevin climbed to Mt. Everest Base Camp last year, and both Kevin and Jill went to Tasmania and Australia in 2024. Croatia is next. “There is a lot of world to explore,” says Kevin, “and we are intending to see as much as possible.”
The Wilk’s children are adults now. Darielle and Shane both attended the
Northgate area schools with Darielle graduating from Northgate HS in 2015 and Shane in 2018. Darielle also graduated from the University of Arizona and now lives in San Francisco and works at Digitas, leading the Sephora social media account. Shane graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a degree in Communications and now lives in Southern California and works for Niagara Bottling in their Business Optimization group. He’s engaged to another Northgate grad, and they will be married this May.
The Wilk’s dog, Kodi, and cat, Nala, tolerate each other, but bring Jill and Kevin lots of joy. They attend Congregation B’nai Tikvah and
are proud to be passing on their Jewish heritage to their kids. “We always make sure we are together for Passover, the High Holidays and Hanukkah.”
Some hidden talents in the Wilk family include a family of fantastic piano players (Kevin, Darielle and Shane), a competitive ice skater (Jill), and a 4-time game show contestant (Kevin).
The Wilks live life as a journey, not a destination. “Enjoy life as you go; take advantage of opportunities that come up; you rarely regret saying ‘yes’ to new things,” adds Kevin.
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.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
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
Mervyns
Lilac
Muffin Angel
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
Rita Dhillon Team Presents
Northgate High School Competitive Cheerleading Team Wins National Championship Title
By Karma Christensen, Northgate Competitive Cheerleading Coach
Northgate High School Competitive Cheerleading team returns from the JAMZ National Cheer Competition in Las Vegas with a National Championship Title. This prestigious event, held annually, hosts the top cheerleading teams from across the country, with 260 schools in attendance. Cheer teams compete in various divisions, and this year the Northgate High School Team came out on top with the win. The Northgate Competitive cheer squad is a small, but fierce team of fourteen competitive athletes. The team is a relatively inexperienced squad, but through dedication, hard work, and great captains, they all learned to work cohesively and treat one another as equals proving anything is possible!
The squad of fourteen includes athletes of all grade levels, from freshmen to seniors. There are two freshmen and one sophomore new to cheer and competition this year. Joining these three athletes, there are eight sophomores including one who has no cheer experience and five who only started in the sport last year; one junior and four seniors. Seniors Katelyn Zheng and Kailee Newberry returned for her final year wanting to have this be a season to remembered. Team captains: Breanna Christensen, Jocelyn Torrey, Kailee Newberry, and Junior Jenna Peterson were determined to lead this team by sharing their experience, knowledge, discipline, and love for the sport. Helping their teammates with technique, confidence, and preparing them for competitions.
Two seniors, Breanna Christensen and Jocelyn Torrey are standout senior captains for the Northgate Competitive Cheer team. Both athletes have been on the squad since it was established only three years ago. As captains, both Breanna and Jocelyn have worked
together to lead the squad and create a unified team where each individual athlete was important and respected. Their leadership and cheer skills created a winning combination of grit and persistence, proving with dedication, encouragement, and hard work a young, inexperienced team can win a National Cheer Title.
Before this National event, Northgate’s Competitive Cheerleading Team had participated in regional qualifying competitions, including the inaugural year of the North Coast Section (NCS) competition only a week before winning the Champion title. Throughout the season, the squad faced difficult competition, within their region with some of the hardest to beat competitive teams and a past National Championship Team. These teams are bigger squads with more experienced athletes, and we kept falling short on the score sheet, sometimes coming only half a point short of winning. But our squad never gave up.
A week before, we made a few choreographic changes and pushed the athletes to step outside of their comfort zones. A few of the athletes have been battling injuries and were only able to have a modified practice.
On the day of the competition Senior Captain, Breanna Christensen, prepped the team before they completed both the longest and most spirited 1 minute and 15 seconds of their season. After a short break, they executed their second performance of the day, as they compete in two different divisions with two completely different routines and requirements.
The second routine was two minutes and thirty seconds long, and the squad HIT their routine! There were a few things that didn’t go as planned, but the team was excited for how the day went and had high hopes for the awards ceremony. At the awards ceremony they called
and recognized everyone in our division and the major awards started to be called. Excitement filled the air as third place was one of the teams they had scored above at regionals. Second place was called, and the squad realized it was the regional champions who had previously beaten them. It felt as though the announcer paused before announcing our team, Northgate High School, as the High School Varsity Sideline Cheer National Champions!
The team rushed to the stage for medals and photos and then headed back stage for their championship jackets and even more photos. The JAMZ staff hugged all the girls and said, “I knew you would make it to the stage.” The squad was so excited and could not believe it. But that is the difference between a competition and a national championship routine, as the squad beat out many of the teams that had taken higher places throughout the season. One other very special aspect of the squad is that I got to coach my daughter Breanna.
After celebrating with my team, I searched for my daughter and husband. We hugged, cried, and expressed the true joy of this experience. Not often do coaches get to coach their own children, and my daughter always wanted me to be her coach as she saw me coach so many teams as she grew up. The Northgate team, not only beat the two teams they had been battling all season, but they bested them both by almost an entire point (judging is based on 0.05 point scale). It was the highest score we ever earned and our very first 1st place finish. Really the only 1st place that mattered in the end.
Winning a National Championship title has never happened at Northgate High School and is an incredible accomplishment for these dedicated athletes. Their hard work, perseverance, and teamwork paid off earning them the win.
Northgate Softball Team is Poised for a Great Season
By Zack Torrey, Northgate Softball Head Coach
The Northgate Softball program is excited for another very optimistic season. For the first time in years the team features 3 seniors committed to play college softball. Makenna Choi is committed to Oregon State, MacKenzie Hudson is committed to Fort Hayes State in Kansas, and Addison Baxter is committed to the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Plus, the Broncos boast a strong group of returning Varsity players in Ashley Herman (2024 Diablo Athletic League MVP Pitcher), Taelyn Jriyasetapong (2024 First Team all DAL), Stella Hanko (2024 2nd Team all DAL), Jillian Neil (2024 DAL Honorable Mention), Sophie Hanko and Jocelyn Torrey. There are very promising newcomers in Keeley Brennan and Ryann Bohmaker along with Kailee Newberry. After winning the DAL Valley Conference in 2023 and 2024 the Broncos have been moved up to the very stout Foothill Division of the DAL for 2025. This should be a great test for this program that continues to improve and grow. Look for the Broncos at their home opener on March 11 against Mt. Diablo at 4pm.
Battle of the Creek Trophy
Hudson Signing
Choi Signing
Baxter Signing
Boundary Oak Golf Course hosts President’s Cup
By Gery Koch, Walnut Creek Golf Men’s Club 2025 President
The Men’s Golf Club at Boundary Oak hosted its yearly President’s Cup Tournament at the end of January. The top 24 golfers of the year are divided into two teams, The Oaks and The Walnuts, to play each other in a match-style tournament. The tournament was followed by an awards ceremony and meal.
This year Team Oaks, captained by Mr. Adrian Pena, won the cup. The final tally was 29.5 points to 24.5 points for the two-day event. Saturday’s matches were 2-man best ball with 18 team points possible. Sunday was singles matches worth a total of 36 team points. Both days were extremely well contested.
OAKS
Captain: Adrian Peña
Pramod Arora
Graham Carter
Thomas Farrell
Trent Hennessy-York
Alexei Ilinykh
Brant Karstetter
Sung Lee
Joseph Lesher
Michael Attiyeh
Stephen A Cherepy
Gery Koch (Alternate)
Ken Hoehn
WALNUTS
Captain: Sam Patti
Bob Krueger
Mike Batesole
Jeff Brummitt
Chris McMenamy
Charles McNeil
John Navolio
Darius Russo
Bill Burmeister
Ed Newhouse
Sam Patti
Matthew Sanregret
Mitchell Sanregret
President’s Cup participants
Current and past President’s of WCGMC (from Left to Right) Gery Koch (current), Sam Patti, Bob Kruger and Adrian Pena.
Maximizing Space: Ingenious Remodeling Tips for Small and Large Homes
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Whether you live in a cozy cottage or a sprawling estate, one thing remains true: space matters. The way you optimize your home’s layout can significantly enhance its functionality and comfort. By creatively rethinking your current space, you can make even the smallest areas feel expansive or ensure that larger spaces are used effectively. From compact storage hacks to transformative accessory dwelling units (ADUs), here are some ingenious remodeling tips to help you make the most of your home.
Small Spaces, Big Ideas
1. Built-In Storage
In compact homes, every square inch counts. Built-in storage solutions are a game-changer for maximizing functionality without sacrificing style. Consider floor-to-ceiling shelves, under-stair cabinets, or custom-designed window seats with hidden compartments. These options keep clutter at bay while adding a touch of elegance.
2. Open-Concept Living
Removing unnecessary walls can instantly make a small home feel more spacious and airy. Open-concept layouts blend living, dining, and kitchen areas into a cohesive space, improving traffic flow and enhancing natural light.
3. Multi-Functional Furniture
Look for furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. Murphy beds, extendable dining tables, and ottomans with hidden storage are excellent ways to save space while maintaining functionality.
4. Strategic Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in making small spaces feel larger. Incorporate recessed ceiling lights, under-cabinet LEDs, and large mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of depth.
5. Vertical Expansion
Think upward! Utilize vertical space by installing lofts, bunk beds, or tall storage units. This strategy frees up valuable floor space while providing extra storage or sleeping areas.
Expanding Large Spaces with Purpose
1. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
ADUs are a perfect solution for those with larger properties looking to add usable space. These self-contained units can serve as guest suites, rental properties, home offices, or even private retreats for multigenerational living. ADUs not only provide additional space but also boost your property’s value.
2. Custom Room Dividers
Large, open spaces are fantastic, but sometimes they lack definition. Room dividers such as sliding barn doors, glass partitions, or custom shelving units can create separate zones without compromising the open feel.
3. Outdoor Living Areas
If you have a spacious yard, consider expanding your living area outdoors. Build a deck or patio with comfortable seating, a fire pit, and ambient lighting to create a cozy yet functional extension of your home. Outdoor kitchens and dining areas are excellent additions for those who love entertaining.
4. Dedicated Hobby or Wellness Rooms
Transform unused square footage into purpose-driven spaces. Whether it’s a home gym, art studio, or meditation room, dedicating space to your passions enhances your home’s value and your daily life.
5. Walk-In Closets and Storage Rooms
In larger homes, storage can often be overlooked. Convert an unused bedroom or nook into a walk-in closet or dedicated storage room to keep your living areas clutter-free
The Magic of 3D Design
Regardless of your home’s size, using 3D design during the planning phase helps you visualize how your remodeled space will look and feel. This powerful tool lowers anxiety by giving you a clear picture of layouts, finishes, and design elements, ensuring you won’t lose sleep over second-guessing your decisions.
Key Takeaways for Any Home
Whether you’re enhancing a small space or maximizing a large one, the key is thoughtful planning and innovative design. From smart storage to creating purposeful areas, there’s no limit to how you can optimize your home. The right remodeling team can guide you through every step, ensuring your vision aligns with your lifestyle and budget.
At Gordon Reese Design Build, we specialize in creating spaces that work for your family, whether you need a more efficient layout or are looking to expand your home’s potential with an ADU. Contact us today to start reimagining your space and take the first step toward a home that truly fits your life.e with a process you can trust!
Why You Should Never Ignore Your Check Engine or Safety Lights
By Bill Adams, Diablo Auto Specialists
Your car’s dashboard lights are its way of communicating with you. When the Check Engine Light or any safety warning lights turn on, it’s not just a suggestion—it’s a sign that something needs attention. Ignoring these warnings can lead to costly repairs, reduced performance, and even safety risks. That’s why at Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek , we make it easy for you to get answers fast.
As the only Google 5-Star rated service shop in the Bay Area, we pride ourselves on delivering expert service with integrity. Our ASE Certified Technicians have the training and experience to diagnose and repair any issues, ensuring your vehicle stays safe and reliable. Whether it’s a simple sensor reset or a more complex repair, we provide free evaluations so you can make informed decisions about your car’s health.
At Diablo Auto Specialists, your safety is our top priority. We don’t just fix cars— we care for our clients by providing a relationship-based experience, not just a transaction. Our goal is to be your trusted automotive partner for the long haul, ensuring your vehicle stays safe and reliable for you and your loved ones.
We also understand life gets busy, so we offer “Anytime Appointments”, making it easy for you to schedule service when it’s most convenient. Whether you need a quick check-up or a full diagnostic, Jon Kearns and Melissa Brunson lead our team with a commitment to excellence and customer care.
As part of the Autoworx Automotive Team, we are proud to celebrate 60 years of family service to the East Bay. Keeping our community’s vehicles running safely has been our mission for decades, and we continue to uphold the highest standards in automotive care.
If your Check Engine Light or any safety light is on, don’t wait. Bring your vehicle to Diablo Auto Specialists in Walnut Creek for a free evaluation today. We care about your safety and are here to build a lasting relationship with you!
Diablo Auto Specialists | Walnut Creek Anytime Appointments Available (925) 932-6701 www.diabloautospecialists.com
Giving Back can be as Simple as Baking a Cake
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Manypeople have an innate desire to give back to their communities, whether through volunteering, donating, mentoring, fundraising, or advocacy. I believe people contribute for various reasons—to support causes they care about, develop new skills, connect with others, make a meaningful impact, or fulfill a sense of civic responsibility. While there are countless motivations, one common thread remains: the human instinct to help others.
For me, giving back is a deeply personal and rewarding experience. Currently, I serve as the Co-President of the Community Arts Foundation, where we act as the fundraising engine for the Community Arts Center in Walnut Creek. Our motto, “Arts for All,” embodies our mission to provide scholarships that enable individuals to explore and experience the arts—opportunities they might not have otherwise had.
Additionally, I volunteer with the San Francisco Job Forum, where professionals across various industries support job seekers by offering career advice, resume guidance, LinkedIn optimization strategies, and job search techniques. Helping others navigate their career journeys is incredibly fulfilling, and it’s inspiring to see the impact that collective expertise and mentorship can have.
One of my most unique and heartfelt ways of giving back is through baking. I donate homemade cakes to charity auctions for organizations I believe in, such as the MakeA-Wish Foundation and Knights of Columbus. These cakes have helped raise anywhere from $500 to $2,000 each, and every creation is designed with a specific inspiration in
mind. For instance, after the release of the Barbie movie, I crafted a Barbie-themed cake that became a highlight of the auction.
One of my most cherished experiences involved a dear colleague whose young daughter, Chloe, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at the age of six. Make-A-Wish granted Chloe’s wish for a trip to Disneyland, bringing her immense joy. After her passing, her family honored her memory by organizing annual fundraising events to support the foundation. Each year, I contributed a themed cake for their auction. One particularly meaningful year, when the theme was “Cowboy/Cowgirl Disneyland,” I surprised Chloe’s parents with a handcrafted country-themed doll cake —a tribute to Chloe’s love for dolls. Seeing the joy and comfort it brought them was truly priceless.
Giving back is more than just an act of kindness— it’s a way to build connections, uplift others, and create lasting change. Whether through fundraising, mentoring, or something as simple as baking a cake, I believe that even small gestures can have a profound impact.
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)
