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.
In our October issue of Northgate Living you will meet the Martinez family. They have spent most of their lives here Northgate meeting in 6th grade and now raising their kids here too. You will enjoy their story! It’s always a pleasure getting to know more about the families that make up Northgate and learning the many ways we all connect with our community. Please consider adding your ideas to our neighborhood magazine! I’d love to feature your family too!
We are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share, please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. We are always looking for cover stories; we welcome all families, couples, or individuals. Please email me with your recommendations or if you are interested, please reach out!
Check out our Facebook www.facebook.com/northgatelivingca and Instagram @northgatelivingca. We look forward to connecting with the community!
Warmly,
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991
If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
Jo Peek
October
Sat., Oct. 18
Public Art Walking Tour
@Lesher Center for the Arts Plaza is the beginning point
Bedford Gallery offers one hour docent-led 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
Sat., Oct. 25
Makers Market
@Broadway Plaza Street
Come to lovely Broadway Plaza to enjoy our Makers Market Fair! We are rounding up the Best Local Makers and Great Vibes! Stop by and enjoy live music, great food, and incredible products from local makers! Shop small and support your community, you won’t want to miss this!
Cost: Free Time: 11am-5pm
Beginning Sept. 27
Observations of a Still Life
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts Observations of a Still Life explores the enduring relevance of the still life. Throughout its long history, the genre has remained a fascination for both artists and audiences, as its resonance lies in its ability to reflect the times. In contemporary culture, we’re saturated with information to the point of overload. The artists in this exhibition deftly navigate our chaotic environment, transforming ordinary items into objects of curiosity and, at times, obsession. 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 weekcome 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:
Sun., Nov. 2
Made in the Shade Family Fall Festival
@Shadelands SportsMall
Enjoy a day with family and friends at Made in the Shade, hosted by Shadelands Walnut Creek and held at the Shadelands SportsMall, 2640 Shadelands Drive, Walnut Creek. Free and family-friendly, Made in the Shade features live music, food trucks, ice cream, craft beer, exhibitors, giveaways, demonstrations, and sports activities for all ages, including yoga, soccer, gymnastics, basketball, taekwondo, and batting cages. Local taproom Calicraft Brewing Co. will bring its best microbrews and spritzers to the table. Visit Made in the Shade at VisitShadelands.com/ made-shade for more information and to register as an exhibitor. Time: 11am-2pm
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.
Trevor Adams and Ian Anderson 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. Trevor and Ian 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.
A highly skilled PMU artist, Cosmetologist with over 20 years of medical experience. Nataliya combines artistry and scientific precision to deliver safe, beautiful results. Her expertise in anatomy, skin physiology, and sterile techniques ensures clients receive tailored enhancements, from eyebrow microblading to skin care.
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.
Martinez Family: From Foothill Crush to Happily Ever After Meet the
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by The Martinez Family
It’s not often that your first crush in 6th grade becomes your spouse, but that’s how Hana and Alex’s story unfolded. They met in art class at Foothill Middle School 24 years ago. Hana shares, “Alex had a friend deliver a bag of Hershey’s Kisses with a letter to me inside. The letter asked if I wanted to be his girlfriend and to check the box yes or no. We exchanged rings on the blacktop and got “married”. Even though we “divorced” two weeks later and gave the rings back, we remained good friends.”
They started dating again during their sophomore year at Northgate High School, and Alex’s knack for extravagant invitations continued. He asked Hana to homecoming with a homemade puzzle in which she was pulled out of class to complete. Alex also orchestrated a balloon drop during brunch from Northgate’s second story into the forum, with a sign that read ‘Will you go to Prom with me?’ They finished their high school career as Dance Production co-captains and were voted best dancers their senior year.
After graduation, both attended college in Southern California; Hana attended UC Irvine and Alex was at CSU Fullerton. After college they moved together to New York so Hana could do Teach for America in the Bronx, and Alex could attend the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. Hana earned her master’s degree in early childhood education while teaching, and Alex later worked as a chef at Colicchio and Sons.
After three years in New York, they returned to California, buying a home in San Jose. Hana taught Kindergarten Literacy at a charter school and later became Academic Dean and Principal. Alex was a corporate chef. During this time, they added two children and a rescue pup to their family.
Grayson, their first born, ended up in the NICU after birth. Hana reflects, “My wonderful interactions with the NICU nurses made me realize that I might want to work in healthcare.” When Hana’s mother passed away and Hana gave birth to their daughter Siena, she decided to make a career change. They returned to Walnut Creek, moving into Hana’s childhood home on Castle Rock Rd. Hana attended Samuel Merritt’s ABSN program and Alex, too, changed careers from chef to Realtor. He works with Compass and specializes in the Northgate area and greater East Bay. Hana works as an RN in the ICU at Sutter.
Grayson is a busy 6th grader at Foothill. He plays soccer with SURF, AAU Basketball, and flag football. He also swims for Rancho San Miguel. This year, a team of middle school boys ran the first ever Polar Café at RSM; it was Grayson’s first job, and he loved it. He also takes piano lessons with Ms. Luann [a neighbor we featured in Sept. 2021].
Siena, a 4th grader at Walnut Acres, also plays soccer and flag football. She is on two flag football teams; she is the only girl on an all-boy team and also plays
in a girls league where her team has been undefeated champions for two years. She also takes guitar lessons, is a mother’s helper, and is the ultimate hype-girl.
Charlie is the family’s 15-year-old dog who gives the best cuddles.
When Hana was growing up on Castle Rock Rd., her parents and their next-door neighbors had a pact. The neighbors took the garbage cans of both homes out on Thursday nights, and Hana’s family took both sets in on Fridays. Now with Hana and the eldest daughter next door both owning their childhood homes, they continue this tradition! “Even better,” adds Hana, “our kids are in the same grades and are the closest of friends.”
You might also find Alex playing golf or opening car doors each morning at Walnut Acres drop off. He’s also the chef for RSM home meets. His salsa is legendary!
Hana volunteers at Walnut Acres, takes classes at Club Studio, and enjoys hiking the trails in the neighborhood. “Funny story: Growing up, my family renamed Hanna Grove Trail (behind Northgate) the ‘lollipop hill,’ which meant that
if we hiked to the top of the hill, we would get a piece of candy. Now, when you walk up to the top of the hill, there is a bench in memory of my mom, Ruth Bass, which I walk past weekly when I hike with my friends.” That hill has a whole new meaning!
Alex adds, “The Northgate neighborhood has played a big part in our lives, and to share
why we treasure this community, I launched @NeighborsofNorthgate on Instagram! We support small business owners who live within our community, promote neighborhood events, and share everyday life experience – be sure to follow and tag us! Neighbors of Northgate also launched a line of hats! Get your Neighbors of Northgate hat today and start representing the BEST neighborhood in Walnut Creek.”
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.
Grayson was voted by his 5th grade peers to speak at 5th grade promotion.
Siena shows her soccer skills.
Invest Where It Matters: Remodeling Projects That Pay Off Every Day
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Whenhomeowners think about remodeling, they often focus on the future resale value of their home. But the truth is, the real return on investment begins the moment you walk into a space that works better for you and your family. Every day you spend in a home that’s more functional, beautiful, and tailored to your needs is a return in comfort, joy, and peace of mind.
Beyond Resale Value: Living Better Now
Yes, remodeling can increase your home’s market value—but the benefits go far deeper. Think about how much time your family spends in the kitchen preparing meals, or how your bathroom sets the tone for your morning routine. When these spaces are designed around your lifestyle, the value shows up in countless daily moments, not just at resale.
An open-concept kitchen with improved storage means meal prep becomes a time of connection instead of stress. A spa-like bathroom creates a sense of retreat after a long day. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) offers flexibility for guests, multigenerational living, or rental income. These improvements pay dividends in quality of life long before you ever consider selling.
Smart Investments that Deliver Daily Returns
1. Kitchens that Inspire Gathering
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and upgrades here consistently rank among the best investments. Modern cabinetry, durable countertops, and open layouts create spaces that invite connection. Whether it’s family dinners, holiday gatherings, or casual Sunday mornings, a thoughtfully designed kitchen turns everyday moments into cherished memories.
2. Bathrooms that Refresh and Relax
Your bathroom is where the day begins and ends. A remodel that includes features like a walk-in shower, heated floors, or improved lighting doesn’t just update your home—it makes your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable. Investing in your comfort here pays back every single morning and evening.
3. Additions and ADUs for Flexibility
Life changes, and your home should adapt with it. Additions and ADUs provide space for growing families, home offices, or aging parents. These projects not only add significant value to your property but also solve pressing space issues, offering you comfort and flexibility right now.
4. Outdoor Living that Expands Your Home
In Walnut Creek’s climate, an outdoor entertainment area can become an extension of your living space. Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, and fire features allow you to enjoy your home year-round. It’s an investment that enhances your lifestyle daily while boosting your home’s appeal.
5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Remodeling is also an opportunity to lower long-term costs. High-performance windows, improved insulation, and energyefficient appliances not only reduce utility bills but also create a more comfortable, sustainable home. These choices combine practicality with peace of mind, knowing your investment is working for you every month.
Why the Process Matters as Much as the Project
One of the biggest frustrations homeowners share is designing a project they love, only to later discover it’s too expensive to build. This leads to stress, delays, and disappointment. The key to avoiding these pitfalls is partnering with a design-build team that prioritizes price certainty and eliminates surprises.
With the right process, you’ll start with accurate investment ranges and work within them from the beginning. This means you design to a budget, not budget to a design—ensuring your project is financially feasible and emotionally rewarding.
Make Your Investment Count
A remodel is more than an expense—it’s an investment in your family’s lifestyle, comfort, and happiness. Every day you spend in a home that functions beautifully and reflects your style is a return worth celebrating.
At Gordon Reese Design Build, we’ve spent 41 years refining a process that puts homeowners first. From kitchens and baths to additions and ADUs, our design-build approach delivers price certainty, eliminates surprises, and creates spaces that pay off from day one. If you’re ready to invest where it matters most, we’d love to help you make your vision a reality.
Northgate Wrestler Symone Jewel Starts the Year Strong
Submitted by Kelly Cooper
Wrestler Symone Jewell (11th grade) is ranked # 2 in the nation and #2 in the state. She has recently been invited to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs this year. (photo is from her championship win at the Queen of the Hill Wrestling Tournament). Congratulations Symone!
Holiday Sip & Shop Event at Boundary Oak
Submitted by Julia Minasian
Save the date: November 12, 4-8 pm
for the Phoenix Boutique Sip and Shop event benefiting UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland’s Child Life Program
Drinks, Food, Music & Raffle
Local vendors will have wonderful gift items available for purchase.
Hosted by Rowan Ranch | Sponsored by Boundary Oak
Northgate Girls Varsity Tennis Serves Up Strong Start to Season
By Tyler Rosecrans
The Northgate High School Girls Varsity Tennis team is making waves early in the season with an impressive 7–1 record. The Broncos reached the finals of the prestigious Logan Tournament, defeating defending NCS champion Dublin along the way.
Other marquee victories include wins over San Ramon Valley, Alameda, Lick-Wilmerding of San Francisco, and Bishop O’Dowd from Oakland, highlighting the team’s depth and resilience.
A trio of standout freshmen — Anna Yang, Anulika Mishra, and Peyton Wu — have quickly established themselves as key contributors in the starting lineup, adding new energy to an already talented roster.
Currently ranked No. 6 in the UTR power rankings, Northgate is wellpositioned to qualify for the Open Division at NCS, a testament to their strong play on the courts.
Off the court, the team credits its chemistry and leadership for fueling their success. Captains Mia Thompson, Shriti Dham, Greer Swanson, and Karina Shteyn have kept spirits high with creative team-bonding events that bring the group closer together.
The Broncos will look to carry their momentum into league play, opening at home on September 16 in a highly anticipated rivalry match against Las Lomas.
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)
• $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 Veterans
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
Your Car Expertly Maintained
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
$4,895,000 $3,145,000
$2,650,000
$1,700,000
$1,700,000
Pending Listings
$1,549,000
$1,525,000
$2,575,000 $2,300,000
$2,200,000
$1,735,000
$1,650,000
Wine and Food Merge Beautifully at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
On a recent journey to California’s wine country, we ventured to Sonoma County for an exquisite five-course food and wine pairing lunch at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Under a flawless sky, the rolling vineyards and majestic hills painted a breathtaking backdrop, evoking a sense of timeless serenity. This idyllic retreat, just a short drive from Walnut Creek, offered the perfect balance of proximity and escape, transporting us to a world of rustic elegance and culinary delight.
For over five decades, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has crafted exceptional wines from Sonoma County’s finest mountain and valley vineyards. Founded in 1971 by Joe Martin, who planted Chardonnay and Merlot in Sonoma Valley, the winery blossomed under winemaker Tom Mackey, who elevated Merlot to ultra-premium status. Today, winemakers Katie Madigan and Chris Louton uphold this tradition, producing luscious, fruit-driven wines from over 400 acres of Certified Sustainable estate vineyards in Sonoma and Russian River Valleys.
St. Francis’ commitment to quality is rooted in its partnerships with top Sonoma grape growers and its 1988 alliance with the Kopf family, whose wine and spirits legacy dates to 1933. The winery’s state-ofthe-art facility, built in 1999, features a 457-kilowatt solar energy system, reflecting its dedication to preserving Sonoma’s natural resources. This sustainability ethos earned St. Francis recognition for conserving local creeks and waterways.
Nestled in Sonoma Valley, the winery’s mission-style Tasting Room, framed by estate vineyards, offers breathtaking views and an iconic bronze bell that chimes hourly. St. Francis has been voted SFGATE’s 2024 and 2025 “Best of the Bay Area” for Best Winery and Best Tasting Room, a testament to its winemaking passion. Its ZAGATrecommended Wine & Food Pairing voted “#1 in America” by OpenTable in 2013 and 2015, showcases seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine paired with award-winning wines.
ZAGAT’s acclaim was undeniable. Upon arrival at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, we were warmly welcomed with a glass of crisp, vibrant 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, its bright acidity setting the tone for an extraordinary experience. A leisurely stroll through the winery’s lush, verdant grounds—where sprawling vineyards meet rolling Sonoma hills—ignited our senses before the culinary journey began. Chef Peter Janiak’s seasonal menu, masterfully paired with St. Francis’ awardwinning wines, surpassed all expectations, weaving a tapestry of flavors that celebrated Sonoma’s bounty.
The five-course feast opened with a vibrant heirloom tomato gazpacho, adorned with delicate ahi tuna, creamy avocado, fragrant basil, and a dusting of sumac, perfectly complemented by a refreshing 2024 Rosé. Next, a succulent duck confit atop a saffron rice cake, joined by earthy mushrooms, velvety carrot puree, cherry wine emulsion, and crunchy Marcona almonds, danced harmoniously with a refined 2022 Pinot Noir. The third course, an elegant eggplant rotolo with summer tomato, fennel pollen sugo, nutty Parmesan, and fresh chervil, found its match in a robust 2022 Sangiovese. The final savory dish—a tender, smoked pork loin au jus with creamy white bean puree, chimichurri-kissed zucchini, and burst blueberries—paired exquisitely with a bold 2021 Zinfandel, its rich fruit notes amplifying the dish’s depth. For dessert, a warm bittersweet chocolate cake, crowned with ripe strawberries, silky vanilla ice cream, and toasted pecans, was elevated by a luxurious 2021 Port, delivering a decadent finale.
Each course, a symphony of farm-to-table ingredients and impeccable wine pairings, showcased Chef Janiak’s artistry and St. Francis’ commitment to Sonoma’s culinary heritage, leaving an indelible mark on our palates.
From old-vine Zinfandel to elegant Chardonnay, St. Francis delivers a standout Sonoma wine tasting experience. Whether savoring the region’s bounty or soaking in vineyard vistas, visitors find an unforgettable blend of tradition, innovation, and natural beauty at this family-owned winery.
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)
Koin Coffee Offers a Unique Coffee Shop Experience
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Koin Coffee, which just celebrated their 1-year anniversary, has built a unique coffee shop experience in the Shadelands Business Park.
Co-owners Tristyn Johnson and Donna Jean (DJ) Allen wanted to build a business together after meeting on a mission trip to Mexico where they built houses for people in need. Tristyn says, “We wanted to serve the best coffee in a place that feels like a community.”
There is a large sitting area where groups gather, from moms and toddlers, to book groups, and faith groups. They also offer outdoor seating and have a large indoor space. It’s a popular destination on Saturdays for shoppers at the Farmers’ Market as they are located near the parking lot at 325 N. Wiget Lane.
In addition to craft coffee, they also have teas, including a hibiscus tea that they make in house. All of their flavored syrups are also made in house. This month they are featuring Pumpkin Spice and Salted Maple.
Food items include several kinds of toasts (from avocado to peanut butter and banana), muffins, and coffee cake. And a new partnership with Model Bakery in downtown Walnut Creek has expanded the menu to include some of their craft pastries. At lunch time, they offer sandwiches as well.
Koin is a shortened version of the word Koinonia, which is a Greek word that means fellowship, sharing, or partnership in Christianity. This is the guiding principle for Tristyn and DJ. “We want to know our customers and create a space where people can come together. We don’t work with Grub Hub or Door Dash because we want to be face to face with our customers. We know many of our customers and know what drinks they like to order.”
They are open 7-2 every day. They also offer a space for local vendors to sell their handcrafted products like candles, honey, books, etc. During off hours they rent out the space for private events.
If you’re looking for a more personal coffee shop that is based on prioritizing the best coffee with a sense of community, try Koin. Tristyn adds, “We have had huge support from this community, from Shadelands workers, people walking the trails or going to doctor appointments, our church community, and shoppers at the Farmers’ Market. We feel blessed to be part of this community.”
Northgate’s National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
By Kelly Cooper and Kara Navolio
Five Northgate students are semifinalists for the National Merit Scholarship! Only 1% of high school seniors are chosen for the semifinal round. PSAT scores are used to determine semifinalists. Finalists for $2500 scholarships are chosen by a panel that considers academic record, the student’s essay; demonstrated leadership and contributions to school and community activities, and the school official’s recommendation. Best of luck to these student scholars:
