Northgate Living Magazine December 2018

Exclusively Serving the Northgate Community.

DECE MBER 2 018

Northgate LIVING

Meet the

Shopp Family: World Travelers COVER PHOTO:

by Julie Cheshire Photography

2

DECEMBER 2018

We Are Now Online!!

Northgate LIVING

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Emily Lund Kara Navolio

Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire

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.

Dear Residents As we embark on our second year here at Northgate Living Magazine, I am thankful and humbled by the success.

First and foremost, our purpose is to bring neighbors closer together. We have dozens of residents contributing to the magazine each month and we want to invite you Theandoral and maxillofacial procedures to participate by adding your articles, stories photos!

dental implants Secondly, our sponsors choose to contribute a portion of their ad budget to making this magazine possible for you as a Northgate resident.

They truly love the idea of a bone grafting neighborhood newsletter-style magazine and wanted to be part of OUR neighborhood.

o

removal of wisdom teeth

These sponsors make this magazine possible.

There arejaw no paid subscriptions; it’s corrective surgery delivered free to you each month.

trauma reconstruction

We ask that you please take a moment to thank our sponsors, and let them know how treatment ofmagazine nervewould injuries much you appreciate them! Without their generosity, this not exist.

Sincerely,

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2018 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

oral pathology

Jo Peek Northgate Living Publisher

Our practice covers the diagnostic, surg defects of a person’s mouth, jaw and fac

We treat both functional and cosmetic c

and diagnose the problem and then, to h Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery costCA, effective 1800 San Miguel Drive, Walnutmost Creek, 94596way Phone: (925) 933-6190 • Fax: The(925) Sierra945-7320 Miguel Professional Center:

Diplomate, American Board Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery.

Phone: 925-933-6190 The oral and maxillofacial procedures offered by Dr. Nestor Karas include: Website: www.drnestorkaras.com Phone: 925-933-6190

• Dental implants • Bone grafting • Removal of wisdom teeth • Corrective jaw surgery • Trauma reconstruction • Treatment of nerve injuries • Oral pathology Our practice covers the diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative procedures to treat injuries, diseases and defects of a person’s mouth, jaw and facial areas. We treat both functional and cosmetic conditions for patients of all ages. Please visit our website at www.drnestorkaras to find out more about Dr. Karas and his practice.

NORTHGATE LIVING 3

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December

Throughout December

Fri., Dec. 7

Walnut Creek on Ice

Holiday Stroll

@ Civic Park Ice skating downtown. Runs through Jan. 15.

Cost: $12-$15 www.walnutcreekonice.com

@Downtown Walnut Creek Decorated for the holidays, Walnut Creek retailers celebrate the season with extended hours, goodies, special promotions, music and holiday treats. Free Admission!

Cost: Free Time: 5-9pm www.walnutcreekdowntown.com

Wed., Dec. 5

An Evening of Music with Charged Particles

@Walnut Creek Library Just home from a world tour with Grammy-winning jazz reed player Paul McCandless, Charged Particles plays a fresh blend of original funky, swinging Latin jazz, with splashes of delicate romance. Don’t miss this performance at the library, which will also feature a selection of fun and festive holiday music.

Cost: Free Time: 7:00-8:00

Sun., Dec. 9

Jazz Band and Flock of Flutes Concert @Shadelands Art Center Auditorium Enjoy an evening of music featuring Flock of Flutes, the East Bay’s premiere flute choir, as well as classic jazz tunes performed by the Community Arts Jazz Band.

Time: 3-4:30pm www.communityarts.org

Fri., Dec.7 to Sun., Dec. 9

Thurs., Dec. 12

Holiday Shopping Event

SF Opera in an Hour: Carmen

@Flashlight Books, 1537 N. Main St. Come celebrate with Walnut Creek’s new children’s bookstore! Flashlight Books will be hosting a special shopping weekend to kick off their opening month.

Come sing songs at Sunday’s storytime (11am), or make snowflakes at the craft table! All weekend long there will be raffles, free gift wrapping, and of course gifts for everyone on the list! Also, every purchase over $50 will get a free gift. Come shop local for the holidays! Cost: Free Time: 10am-7pm More information: www. flashlightbooks.com

@Walnut Creek Library An SF Opera teaching artist will present a live introduction to Carmen. This beloved opera tells the passionate tale of the alluring Gypsy girl Carmen, the Spanish soldier who loves her and the spirited bullfighter who comes between them. For all ages.

Cost: Free Time: 4:00-5:15pm www.ccclib.org

Sat., Dec. 16

Upcycling Workshop @Bedford Gallery Portia Munson will lead an upcycling workshop where participants can create art from everyday objects.

A perfect opportunity to make

4

holiday gifts! All ages welcome.

Cost: Adults $5, youth $3, children 12 and under free Time: 3-5pm www.bedfordgallery.org/ exhibitions/on-view

Every Monday

Picture Book Time @Ygnacio Valley Library Helps build kindergarten readiness using longer books, flannel board stories, songs, crafts and other literacy building activities for ages 3-5. No meeting Dec. 25.

Cost: Free Time: 10:15-11am www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music.

Time: 9am-1pm www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market

Save the Date…

Wed., Jan. 2

Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate.

Cost: Free Time: 6:30-7:45pm www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html

DECEMBER 2018

We Are Now Online!! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Expert Contributors Happy Holidays!

To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Active Seniors

The Heritage Downtown is “the” Bay Area’s #1 Active Senior Living Apartments, focused on providing the highest Quality of Life for each and every one of its residents. The Heritage Downtown promotes, facilitates and encourages our residents to continue to lead a Full Active Life in Retirement.

The Heritage Downtown is beautifully and conveniently located in Downtown Walnut Creek.

General Contractor

After growing up and working in the construction industry, Jordan Engeldinger decided to use his extensive knowledge and experience to start his own General Contracting business. His contemporary view to the remodeling process brings a refreshing aspect to the construction industry. Jordan is professional, communicative and transparent with his clients. Blue Diamond Builders, Inc. delivers superior c ustomer service while producing a five-star product.

Healthy Aging Medicine

Dr. Kim graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Medicine Residency at the Carle Clinic in Champaign, Illinois. He started in private practice in Clayton, CA. However, frustrated with the reactive form of medicine, Dr. Kim went for additional training and is now board-certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Kim now practices a more proactive approach to medicine known as Valengerontology (Healthy Aging Medicine). Dr. Kim lives in Danville with his wife and 2 children.

HVAC & Plumbing

Stewart Heating, Air and Plumbing has dedicated its 44 years in business to our customers’ comfort and home efficiency. We believe our customers should have a home more comfortable than their neighbors, breathing the cleanest air, with Eco friendly water, and energy efficient dual fuel heating and cooling systems. We exist to make your life better.

Insurance

Vanessa Sisemore, owner of a Farmers Insurance agency since 2016, grew up in Walnut Creek and received her college degree from UNLV in 2006.

She is the loving wife to Isaac of 7 years and mother to 3-year-old daughter Mckenzie. After working for Farmers for 8 years, Vanessa is proud to serve people in the community that have given her so much.

Jenny Shively The Heritage Downtown www.theheritagedowntown.com (925) 943-7427

Mention this ad to learn more about our

New Year 2018 Move-In Special!

Place a holding deposit before January 1st & The Heritage Downtown will donate $1,000 to the Charity of your Choice this Holiday Season!

Discover the Almond / Shuey Neighborhood, Home to our Boutique, Condo-Style Senior-Living Community!

Call 925.943.7427

to learn more, and to schedule your visit!

www.TheHeritageDowntown.com 1785 Shuey Avenue

(off of Bonanza & California)

Jordan Engeldinger Blue Diamond Builders (925) 362-0168 www.bluediamondbuildersinc.com

Paul H. Kim, MD Previ Medical Group (925) 979-0979 www.Previmd.com

Ryan Stewart Stewart Heating & Air (925) 427-5522 ryan@stewartair.net www.stewartheatingandair.com

Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore

Mortgage Lending

Erik Oberbruner Diversified Capital Funding NMLS#433990 (925) 586-5474 EOberbruner@divcap.net

Plastic Surgery

Dr. Vivian Ting (Veritas Plastic Surgery) is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Walnut Creek, California in practice since 2003. She specializes in cosmetic rejuvenation of the face, breast augmentation and body contouring as well as reconstruction for breast and skin cancer. Her philosophy is to combine proven surgical techniques with the best in technology to achieve superior results and high patient satisfaction.

Real Estate

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.

Wealth Management & Financial Planning

David and Frank started Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC to give their clients the flexibility and independence that they deserve. They pride themselves in working with families and understanding their long terms goals, from retirement to setting things up for the next generation by removing emotions from investing and taking the time to understand their client’s individual needs.

Dr. Vivian Ting Veritas Plastic Surgery (925) 949-8587 www.viviantingmd.com

Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

David Nissim & Frank Gavidia Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC David (925) 239-0117 Frank (925) 239-0116 DavidNissim@NissimGavidia.com FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com www.NissimGavidia.com

With over 14 years in mortgage banking, Erik has closed hundreds of transactions for clients, exercising great care and taking time for consultations to ensure they receive the best program to meet their goals. Purchases, refinances, Conventional, FHA/VA, Jumbo products. His business is built on integrity, professionalism and expertise. Referrals and repeat business are key! He is a Little League coach and father of two.

NORTHGATE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the Shopp Family: World Travelers

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 England

A

lthough new to the neighborhood, the Shopp family has jumped right in and made Northgate home.

Ryan and Kristin met in 2005 while they were both working in Austin, Texas. Both had gone to school in Texas: Ryan at Texas A&M and Kristin at the University of Texas.

After one year of dating, Ryan proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower. “He told me to turn around and point at the Eiffel Tower,” says Kristin, “then when I turned back he was on his knee and he proposed in French.

Unfortunately I didn’t understand his French and said ‘What?’ So he had to do it again in English.”

The couple had often vacationed in Napa Valley and chose that location for their wedding in 2007. Since they both were laid off from their jobs before their wedding, they decided to take their honeymoon before their wedding. They spent six weeks in Europe and were then able to find new jobs after their wedding. Their first child, Travis, was born on their 1-year anniversary. Their daughter, Savannah, arrived two years later.

Kristin, after also receiving a Master’s Degree in Education in Counseling, worked as a recruitment manager while Ryan put his electrical engineering degree to good use working in marketing for different technology companies. His work took them on two extended moves to Europe.

From 2013 to 2014 they lived in Vevey, Switzerland with views of Lake Geneva and the French Alps. The kids spent half their day in English classrooms and half in French classrooms. They then moved to

Walnut Creek for two years and went back to Europe for a year in London. While there Kristin attended the KLC School of Design, receiving a certificate in Interior Design.

These expat assignments created a rich world of travel experiences. The Shopp children, at the young ages of 10 and 8, have already visited 24 countries. Some of their favorite memories include seeing the northern lights in Iceland, shopping for Venetian glass, smelling lavender growing in Provence, and boating around the Isle of Capri, Italy. Kristin learned French during this time and became an expert at moving and traveling with young ones.

Travis, a 5th grader at Walnut Acres, has his father’s skills with technology. “He regularly fixes our friends’ computers. He wants to be a computer engineer when he grows up,” says Kristin. He also participates in Parkour at Apex Gym and is learning golf and piano.

Savannah is in 2nd grade at Walnut Acres and is interested in the arts and animals. She sings and dances, plays soccer and loves art projects. Savannah wants to be a zoologist so she can study animals.

Georgie the Siberian cat rounds out the family. He became part of the family while they lived in London and chose the name George because it fit his British heritage.

His favorite activity is sleeping in the sun on his back.

Kristin is currently a homemaker and serves on Walnut Acres PFC’s executive board.

Both Ryan and Kristin enjoy working

6

Germany 2015

on home improvement projects together.

Kristin is actively involved in overseeing a kitchen remodel and other renovations.

Ryan jokes, “Kristin paints every room in a new house within one year of living there.” She also enjoys tennis, gardening, cooking and decorating for the holidays; she has a huge wreath for every holiday that she hangs on her front door. She is starting a Bunco group with other moms from the neighborhood.

Ryan is VP of Marketing for AppDynamics, which was recently acquired by Cisco. He loves watching college football on his outside TV while using his smoker to make a good brisket. He also is the assistant coach for Savannah’s soccer team and enjoys Texas country music.

DECEMBER 2018

Austria Vevey, Switzerland

The family also enjoys traveling within the US, especially skiing in Lake Tahoe. Last summer they went to Park City, Utah with extended family where they rafted, rode horses and went fly fishing.

Even after traveling all over Europe, the Shopps are happy to call Northgate home.

“We like that our street has a lovely view of the hills,” says Kristin. “We love the proximity to San Francisco, wine country, and Lake Tahoe.” The touching going away

party thrown by friends and neighbors before they left for London in 2016 also reinforced for them that this was home.

They feel very grateful for being so warmly welcomed to Northgate twice, in 2014 and again in 2017.

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.

REVEAL YOUR TRUE BEAUTY Vivian Ting, MD, FACS Veritas Plastic Surgery 1776 Ygnacio Valley Road, Suite 202 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (925) 949-8587, Fax (925) 949-8420 www.veritasplasticsurgery.com

Surgical and Non-Surgical Rejuvenation of the Face, Neck and Eyes Breast Augmentation, Lift and Reduction Body Contouring and Buttock Enhancement Tummy tucks and Mommy Makeovers Scarless Breast, Arm and Face lifts with BodyTite and Facetite Ultherapy and Laser Botox, Fillers (liquid facelifts) and Skin Care

• Chair, Division of Plastic Surgery • John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek • Clinical Assistant Professor, UCSF • Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery • Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program • Voted a Top California Plastic Surgeon

NORTHGATE LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Rain

Mya

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

Eight-year-old Rain is a scruffy muffin with the cutest ears. This sweetheart is looking for gentle, patient guardians who will appreciate his sensitive nature. A daily walk around the block, some mental enrichment like foodpuzzle toys and evening cuddles would make Rain’s day perfect.

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www. arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

One-year-old Mya is a sweet girl with the most beautiful gold speckled markings.

She may be shy at first, but when she feels loved, she comes out of her shell to reveal a fun and playful young cat. If a wand toy passes by her, she lights up and can’t wait to bat at it with her little paws.

Mya is sensitive but flourishes when given time and patience. She would do best going to a home where she knows that she is safe and has an abundance of toys sprinkled throughout her space to keep her entertained.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

We Love What We Do. Mortgage.

We appreciate your business and wish you the best in the coming year.

-Erik Oberbruner Loan Officer

a Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #1850

NMLS #433990

Erik Oberbruner 925.586.5474

E-mail: eoberbruner@divcap.net Web: www.divcap.net 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 295, Alamo, CA 94507

Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Diversified Capital Funding is a Branch of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation. This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions apply. Equal Housing Opportunity. Copyright © 2018 Diversified Capital Funding a Division of American Pacific Mortgage, NMLS #1850, DRE #01215943 | 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 295, Alamo, CA 94507

8

DECEMBER 2018

Active Listings Address List Price 375 La Casa Via 3708 Northgate Woods Ct 168 Brodia Way 3685 Vista Charonoaks 3832 Arbolado Dr 30 Corte Ellena 2538 Pawnee Dr 740 Sutton Dr 245 Firestone Dr

$3,498,000 $1,999,988 $1,890,000 $1,679,900 $1,638,000 $1,539,000 $1,475,000 $1,350,000 $1,125,000

Pending Listings Address List Price 376 La Casa Via 829 Stonehaven Dr 252 Clyde Dr 2571 Chinook Ct

$2,498,000 $1,475,000 $1,325,000 $1,295,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 73 Meadow Walk Pl 4025 Arbolado Dr 2226 Comistas Dr 305 Mangrove Way 233 Las Lomas Way 3465 Sutcliffe Ct 239 Langlie Ct 3113 Valley Vista Rd

$2,199,888 $1,900,000 $1,350,000 $1,449,000 $1,098,000 $1,150,000 $1,150,000 $1,099,000

11/16/2018

BD 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 5

BD 5 4 5 5

BD 5 4 5 5 3 4 4 4

BT

SQFT

5 4.5 3.5 3 3 3 2.5 2.5 3

7,972 4,306 3,644 3,505 3,488 3,457 2,900 2,665 2,562

BT

SQFT

4 3 3 2.5

4,005 2,894 2,499 2,810

BT

SQFT

4.5 3.5 3 2.5 2 3 2.5 3

3,775 3,612 2,737 2,533 1,878 2,288 2,471 3,751

Real Estate Listings in Northgate DOM Lot Size 56 60 161 27 54 1 14 4 35

84,942 SF / 1.95 AC 40,075 SF / 0.92 AC 40,075 SF / 0.92 AC 13,400 SF / 0.31 AC 17,859 SF / 0.41 AC 13,500 SF / 0.31 AC 15,376 SF / 0.35 AC 10,560 SF / 0.24 AC 12,480 SF / 0.29 AC

DOM Lot Size 32 50 11 14

37,897 SF / 0.87 AC 11,900 SF / 0.27 AC 11,310 SF / 0.26 AC 11,000 SF / 0.25 AC

DOM Lot Size 44 14 18 20 8 3 56 3

Sold Price

17,206 SF / 0.39 AC 20,473 SF / 0.47 AC 12,054 SF / 0.28 AC 13,440 SF / 0.31 AC 9,900 SF / 0.23 AC 10,200 SF / 0.23 AC 14,490 SF / 0.33 AC 15,987 SF / 0.37 AC

$2,185,000 $1,870,000 $1,400,000 $1,365,000 $1,221,500 $1,171,000 $1,085,000 $1,070,000

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

NORTHGATE LIVING 9

Expert Contributor

Rates rise, appreciation slows and homeowners are waiting it out.

Do you know the cost of WAITING?

By Erik Oberbruner, Sr. Mortgage Consultant, NMLS#433990, Diversified Capital Funding, NMLS 1850

T

he cost of waiting to buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase or prices were to decrease, and interest rates were to increase.

If you are wondering if the rise in mortgage interest rates continues, doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t that mean that home prices will decline?

In actuality, mortgage rates tend to rise when the economy is growing, but factors like inventory and cost of construction drive housing prices.

In the Danville area, for every 1% increase in interest rates (and rates currently are up almost 1% over last year), housing prices would need to decline between 9 and 11 percent for a buyer to have the same purchasing power as they had when rates were lower. The last time mortgage interest rates reached levels reported in August and September of this year was in 2011.

Current predictions are for year-overyear national home price appreciation to

be 4.7% in the period of August 2018 to August 2019. Home prices rose 5.5% in the same period year-over-year ending 2018.

Questions about your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equity, the housing market or your cost of waiting?

We can help!

10

For more information, contact Erik Oberbruner Sr. Mortgage Consultant, Diversified Capital Funding Cell (925) 586-5474 NMLS#433990/1850 Sources: CoreLogic, Trulia, National Association of Realtors (NAR)

DECEMBER 2018

We want to hear from you!

We are looking for stories from you, our Northgate residents. We’d love to add colum ns on the following: • Green Ideas • Kids’ Corner (art, stories, etc. provided by children of the •

community) Northgate High School (student reporter or colum nist)

Book Reviews Acts of Kindness Show Us Your Best Shot (photography) • Hobbies • More ...

If you’d like to submit something, please send an email to knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com.

• • •

These are some of the most important decisions that you make in your lifetime.

Don’t make them alone.

Consider working with a fiduciary.

David N. Nissim Managing Partner Portfolio Manager 1299 Newell Hill Place, Suite 303 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 DavidNissim@NissimGavidia.com (925) 239-0117 www.NissimGavidia.com

We have an obligation to act in your best interest.

Frank A. Gavidia, CFP ® Managing Partner Chief Compliance Officer 1299 Newell Hill Place, Suite 303 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com (925) 239-0116 www.NissimGavidia.com NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Northgate Resident’s Travel Experiences

Iceland – A Unique Vacation Destination

By Kristin Shopp, Resident since 2014

I

f you have watched Game of Thrones, then you probably have seen some of the beautiful rugged scenery that is Iceland. Due to the HBO series and a very successful marketing campaign by the Icelandic government in the wake of the 2010 eruption of the volcano Eyjafjallajökull, Icelandic tourism is on the rise.

It had been on our list for some time as we had read about all this northern island had to offer: The Northern Lights, amazing volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife.

My family visited Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, in October as we wanted to view the Northern Lights, which are visible between September and April. We stayed for five nights as we had read that this would increase our chances of seeing them-they are quite elusive! We rented an apartment through Airbnb on the main downtown street Laugavegur, which we found convenient but a bit noisy.

As Reykjavik is a walkable city we did not rent a car, and chose to book excursions to see the sites. Bus tours are the preferred way to visit the many geological sites around the island and range from cars to large coaches. We booked with a smaller van line called Iceland Guided Tours and had only six other people in the van with us. While we do not usually prefer guided tours we found it a really relaxing experience to let someone else navigate and plan the itinerary! We learned so much interesting trivia from the driver who was an Iceland native, and even the kids (aged 6 and 9 at the time) enjoyed her funny stories!

We did three tours with this company. The first, the Golden Circle Tour, took us to amazing waterfalls, geysers, and a national park that is a rift valley between the tectonic plates. The second tour was the South Coast Tour which included seeing tall basalt sea stacks on a black sand beach, a glacier, and a waterfall you can walk behind. We got a lot of great photos on the basalt sea stacks for our Christmas card that year! However, the most interesting tour for us was the Northern Lights tour. We were picked up in the evening and driven out to a viewing spot far away from the city lights. We were extremely lucky in that the lights were visible from the moment we arrived! The other-worldly display of vibrant green and purple dancing in the sky was nothing like what we had seen before!

After a couple days of tours we slowed down to do a bit of shopping and other activities. Iceland is very expensive so we mostly window-shopped, with the exception of the Tiger store, an

Basalt Sea Stacks of Iceland

Skógafoss Waterfall

inexpensive Danish chain that has all kinds of random items that the kids liked, and a Christmas store, Litla Jólabúðin, because I buy Christmas ornaments at every place we visit! We booked a trail ride with Viking Horses, and enjoyed learning about the history of the Icelandic horse, as well as a peaceful ride on these

12

DECEMBER 2018

small, shaggy animals! My husband’s favorite activity (after the Northern Lights) was visiting the Blue Lagoon, a 100 degree geothermal seawater pool, set in a natural lava rock setting. He enjoyed an in-water massage and the swim-up mud mask bar, while I enjoyed champagne at the regular swim up bar!

Our dinners consisted mainly of stews featuring the wild lamb of the island, fish, and even puffin! We loved Svarta Kaffið, whose menu consisted of only two soups a night.

We also walked to Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur for their famous hot dog made of pork, lamb, and beef with a remoulade sauce. On our bus tour we stopped at Erpsstaoir Creamery to pet cows and eat delicious ice cream that was made from their milk. We were surprised to learn that ice cream is so popular in such a cold climate!

The number of people visiting Iceland is increasing dramatically year over year, but during our trip we never felt too crowded. It is important to note however that tourist costs are intentionally high to keep tourists at bay. It was definitely one of our more expensive vacations. However, I do recommend it as a unique family destination.

The Northern Lights

WE ARE ONLINE!

www.NorthgateLivingCA.com Share our magazine with your friends and family today! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

NORTHGATE LIVING 13

Nonprofit Spotlight

Exercising That Green Thumb!

By Carole Wynstra, Resident since 1981

D

o you love to garden? Would you like to learn more about the correct way to prune a rose bush, or how to propagate plants?

The Gardens at Heather Farm, a 6.5 acre public garden which sits alongside Heather Farm Park, relies on our garden volunteers to keep the garden looking its best year around. The Gardens at Heather Farm, a 47-year old non-profit organization, built and maintains the public garden for the enjoyment and education of our community about plants that thrive in our summerdry climate. The grounds also provide excellent examples of landscaping features, such as water permeable walkways, that encourage good stewardship of the environment. The Gardens are open to the public, free of charge.

The Gardens relies on volunteers to help maintain the grounds, as well as to propagate new plants for use in the garden and for plant sales. A beautiful new greenhouse and shadehouse for propagation activities have just been built at the rear of the gardens, providing an improved plant nursery facility.

Whether you are a seasoned gardening veteran or are new to gardening, there is an opportunity for you to volunteer to help this local non-profit and work alongside experienced volunteers.

Our garden volunteers donate over 8,000 hours in the gardens each year, and the majority of the volunteers have been active for more than ten years. Volunteers meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. and work until noon, taking a break at 10:30 a.m. for tea/coffee and socializing. Volunteers can simply arrive at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays and come to the rear of our building at 1540 Marchbanks Drive, and we will partner you with an experienced volunteer for an enjoyable morning of gardening.

The Gardens also hosts corporate volunteer days for local businesses looking for a team-building activity or an opportunity for employee volunteering. If your business is interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact Executive Director, Joan Lucchese, at (925) 947-0571.

14

DECEMBER 2018

Expert Contributor

2018 3rd Quarter Market Commentary

By David N. Nissim, Portfolio Manager, Managing Partner Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning,LLC

T

o all of our readers, I thought that I would share my email to all of our clients this past quarter because of the volatility in the financial markets.

Where are we now? The first part of the year has been strong from an economic standpoint. The economy has been growing nicely and unemployment is at a 20 year low. Also, the recent tax reforms are having an immediate impact on corporate profits.

With that said you would think that the markets would be easily pushing higher. That has not been the case. Instead the first half of 2018 has been a bumpy road for a lot of stocks. As an example, five stocks alone have accounted for one half of the gains in the S&P 500 so far this year. Much of the anticipation of this strong economy was represented in the market last year leaving 2018 to find new reasons for strength in the markets.

Also the US stock market is one of the few markets around the world that was positive through the end of the 3rd quarter this year.

Even with a strong economy, the market is faced with some serious headwinds going forward. Those being tariffs (China), the threat of much higher interest rates, warranted or not, and finally inflation. The market has been recently going through a phase of de-risking while looking at these threats on the horizon. Any of these headwinds can be resolved with the right decision. The threat of a full-scale trade war is, and has been, what I worry about the most given the headwinds that I am looking at right now.

What do we do from here? First of all, I think that we need to understand that the markets have already factored in some of these threats and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why you have seen the volatility in the stock market recently. What they have not factored in is how high is the Federal Reserve going to take interest rates to combat inflation, and will they over do it and cause a slowdown in the economy, which will be reflected in the stock markets around the world. The other part, which I think is more immediate, is how long will these tariffs last, and the threat of an all-out trade war.

While our economy is currently much stronger than Chinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and can take a little more pain than they can, we cannot afford to, nor should we, push this to the brink. You can be assured, as always, that I am watching all of these events very closely and will react when it is necessary, keeping in mind that these types of pullbacks in the market are normal.

Remember the market is a very emotional animal and decisions should be made on fundamentals not emotions.

I hope that this has been helpful.

Happy Holidays

NORTHGATE LIVING 15

Northgate Football

The Future is Bright for Northgate Football

By Zack Torrey, Assistant Varsity Football Coach

T

he Northgate Football team did not qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2011, but the tale of the 2018 season is far more positive than their record would indicate. The Broncos were young this year to begin with. They did not have a large senior class, and when they were bit by the injury bug early in the season, it forced some younger players into larger roles than they would have normally taken on. But the young players stepped up, the small band of Seniors lead, and the team improved dramatically each and every week! Eric Prough (WR/ LB), Owen Pulver (WR/DB), Jonathan Campbell (RB/DB), Dominic Balestrieri (OL/DL), Max Berrien (RB/LB), Francisco Everyone kept an incredibly positive attitude, and it showed with Espinoza (OL/DL) and Nathan Wu (QB/WR/DB) were among a DATE max effort performances each and every Friday night!

DATE strong group of Juniors who truly came of age through incredibly PLEASE REPLY PROMPTLY valuable game repetitions. And Sophomores Cooper Champion The program wouldPLEASE like to thank the Seniors ~ Blaine Schmidt, REPLY PROMPTLY San Ramon · Danville · Blackhawk · Alamo · Diablo DATE (OL/DL), Tesini Ma’ake (OL/DL), and Andrew Daigle (WR/LB) THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS WE Blake Stokes, Xiang Ding, Adrian Burke, Adam Joseph, Joe San Ramon · Danville · Blackhawk · Alamo · Diablo Walnut Creek · Lafayette · Pleasanton · Dublin · Livermore THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS WE Walnut Creek · Lafayette · City Pleasanton Dublin were among stand outs from a highly SophomoreRECEIVE Vacaville · Fairfield · the Travis AFB · Suisun · Dixon· ·productive Winters· Livermore Lerma andCHANGES Nico Lerma ~ for their strong effort and PRIOR TO PRESS. positive PLEASE REPLY PROMPTLY Vacaville · Fairfield · Travis AFB · Suisun City · Dixon · Winters RECEIVE TO PRESS. class. San TheRamon Broncos even saw a · Alamo Freshman make a strong · Danville · Blackhawk · Diablo attitudes this year. WeCHANGES will miss you all!PRIOR The future is bright for THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS WE Walnut Creek · Lafayette · Pleasanton · Dublin · Livermore email eastbay@yourtownmonthly.com phone 925.328.0888 fax 925.397.3038 contribution in WR/DB Johnny Walker. The development of the program which will be returning a bunch of starters who will Vacaville · Fairfield · Travis AFB · Suisun City · eastbay@yourtownmonthly.com Dixon · Winters email phone 925.328.0888 fax 925.397.303 RECEIVE CHANGES PRIOR TO PRESS. each and every one of the players this year was quite remarkable. be hungry for wins in 2019!

24 24 HOUR PROOF HOUR PROOF 24 HOUR PROOF

email eastbay@yourtownmonthly.com

phone 925.328.0888

fax 925.397.3038

PROOF World Class Service at 24 an HOUR Affordable Price DATE

San Ramon · Danville · Blackhawk · Alamo · Diablo Walnut Creek · Lafayette · Pleasanton · Dublin · Livermore Vacaville · Fairfield · Travis AFB · Suisun City · Dixon · Winters

PLEASE REPLY PROMPTLY

World ClassClass Service at anatAffordable PricePrice World Service an Affordable World Class Service at an Affordable Price DRIVEWAYS • WALKWAYS On Selected DRIVEWAYS • WALKWAYS

Lifetime Warranty

email eastbay@yourtownmonthly.com

Lifetime Pavers Lifetime Warranty Warranty On Selected Lifetime On Selected Pavers Warranty Pavers On Selected Pavers

THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS WE RECEIVE CHANGES PRIOR TO PRESS. phone 925.328.0888

fax 925.397.3038

RETAINING WALLS • LANDSCAPES RETAINING• WALKWAYS WALLS • LANDSCAPES DRIVEWAYS IRRIGATION • OUTDOOR LIGHTING DRIVEWAYS WALKWAYS LIGHTING IRRIGATION ••OUTDOOR RETAINING WALLS • LANDSCAPES POOL DECKS • OUTDOOR PATIOS RETAINING WALLS ••OUTDOOR LANDSCAPES POOL• DECKS IRRIGATION OUTDOOR LIGHTINGPATIOS ARTIFICIAL TURF LIGHTING IRRIGATION • OUTDOOR POOL DECKS • ARTIFICIAL OUTDOOR PATIOS TURF POOL DECKS • OUTDOOR PATIOS ARTIFICIAL DRIVEWAYS • WALKWAYS FREE Fire PitTURF or ARTIFICIAL TURF FREE Fire Pit or

World Class Service at an Affordable Price Lifetime Warranty On Selected Pavers

RETAINING WALLSDiscount • LANDSCAPES $500 Cash $500 Cash Discount FREE Fire Pit or IRRIGATION • OUTDOOR LIGHTING The Best Designers in the Bay Area for jobs over 800 sq. ft. for jobs over 800 sq. ft.

Expires 7/31/18Discount POOL DECKS • OUTDOOR PATIOS $500 Cash Expires 7/31/18

The Rated800 Company forHighest jobs over sq. ft.on Yelp ARTIFICIAL TURF

The Best Designers in7/31/18 the Bay Area Expires TheFire Best Designers in the Bay Area Ask Us About theor Advantages FREE Pit The Highest Rated Company on Yelp of Interlocking Pavers The BestThe Designers inRated the Bay Area on Yelp $500 Cash Discount Highest Company for jobs over 800 sq. ft.

AskHighest Us About the Advantages Expires 7/31/18 The Rated Company Yelp Ask UsPavers About theon Advantages of Interlocking The Ask BestUs Designers theAdvantages Bay Area Pavers ofinthe Interlocking About Visit Our Showrooms!

Highest Rated CompanyPavers on Yelp of Interlocking VisitTheOur Showrooms!

Call Today toCall Schedule Your FREE Estimate Lic: #972318 Lic: #972318 Today to Schedule Your FREE Estimate Visit Our Showrooms!

3148 Road, Concord Ask Us Clayton About the Advantages Clayton Road, Concord Call Today to Schedule Your FREE Estimate Lic: #972318 3148Visit Our Showrooms! of Interlocking Pavers 925.852.7438 • AtlasPaversCo.com 140 South Boulevard, San Mateo 3148 Clayton Road, Concord 925.852.7438 • AtlasPaversCo.com Call Today to Schedule Your •FREE Estimate Lic: #972318 140 South Boulevard, San Mateo 925.852.7438 AtlasPaversCo.com 3148 Clayton Road, Concord Visit Showrooms!

140Our South Boulevard, San Mateo 16 DECEMBER 2018 Call Today to Schedule Your FREE Estimate Lic: #972318 925.852.7438 • AtlasPaversCo.com 3148 Clayton Road, Concord 140 South Boulevard, San Mateo 925.852.7438 • AtlasPaversCo.com 140 South Boulevard, San Mateo

You Can Beat High Natural Gas Prices

STEPS AWAY

FROM WORLD-CLASS SHOPPING, DINING, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Plus Get a $680 Trade-In for Your Old Energy Wasting Furnace It’s about time someone made it easy to win at this game; read on…

WE PAID through the nose for gasoline last summer.

And now this: The Walnut Creek area is warned to “Brace for a Surge in Natural Gas Prices.” So, how much is this surge supposed to be?

Oh, just a little 20% increase on top of your already high heating bill!

If you paid $180 or so per month last winter, count on spending $220 a month this year.

Increases appear unavoidable. And once they hit, there won’t be any “barequipment. It’s supply and demand like always.

Except for one thing…

WALNUT CREEK’S PREMIER ACTIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY The Heritage Downtown places you at the crossroads of nature and culture, food and theatre, fitness and programs. A walkable community, shops, restaurants, and tree-lined streets are all within easy access. It doesn’t get better than this! Schedule a tour of our beautiful garden property and join us for a delicious meal in our farm to table restaurant, Newton’s.

on a brand new Bryant heating and cooling system.

» Guaranteed 20% energy

savings.

If your new Bryant system doesn’t reduce energy consumption by 20% over your old central I’ll write you a check for

» 10-year parts and labor

warranty.

Don’t even think about paying a penny for repairs for 10 years.

» At least a $680 Trade-In…

on your “gas guzzler” furnace toward a new,

quality Bryant heating and cooling system at the “old” price. (They’re going up later.)

Bryant heating and cooling system.

Call or email Jshively@theheritagedowntown.com

925-943-7427

» The “old price”…

We came up with a way for you to get a brand new,

“Walnut Creek Active Seniors Complimentary ticket to our next event! “

1785 Shuey Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94596 www.TheHeritageDowntown.com

Your entire “Fighting Back” package includes:

You can take control now and place a quick call for a completely free, no-obligation Energy Survey.

We can come tell you how much energy you can save, and any details you want about this exciting program.

925-203-9091

www.stewartair.net NORTHGATE LIVING 17

Charity Spotlight

Walnut Creek’s Youth Ambassador Program Encourages Exchanges with Sister Cities

By Fran Doggett, Walnut Creek Sister City International, Communications Volunteer

W

alnut Creek Sister Cities International (WCSCI) organizes a Youth Ambassador Exchange (YAE!!) for 8th grade students with our two sister cities: Noceto, Italy and Siófok, Hungary.

On September 27th, twenty-six 8th grade students, along with four parent chaperones and two teacher chaperones, departed on the adventure of a lifetime.

They had been preparing for this trip for months, and now the day had come for their journey to begin. The mix of emotions felt by students, parents and organizers as they assembled to depart was palpable!

For ten days, the students and chaperones experienced life and culture in one of our sister cities. Each 8th grade ambassador was hosted by a family in their assigned sister city. They experienced day to day life in a foreign country, were exposed to rich culture and sights, and gained travel experience and a sense of independence.

In addition to the amazing experience, the delegations gained amazing friendships, far greater than they could imagine when this all began. The incredible warmth and welcoming from our sister cities, the students, families and communities, truly embodies the mission statement of WCSCI:

Walnut Creek 8th grade Siófok delegation visits Budapest

and interested in applying to be a YAE!!

Ambassador for the 2019/2020 exchange must attend a mandatory informational meeting on January 6th, 7-8:30 p.m.

in the Oak View Room at the Walnut Creek Library. For more information about WCSCI and YAE!!, please visit our website at www.wcsci.org.

Promote peace through mutual respect, understanding and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time.

YAE!! Ambassadors and families are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Noceto and Siófok delegations in April 2019. The students and families cannot wait to return the warmth and hospitality they received during their stay. This program not only brings students together, but it also brings families and communities together!

Seventh-graders residing in Walnut Creek

Youth Ambassadors visit Siófok City Hall

18

DECEMBER 2018

Resident Spotlight

Youth Ambassador Experience is Life Changing

By Allison Webster, Resident since 2010

T

his October fifteen 8th graders including myself traveled to Noceto, Italy, and twelve youth traveled to Siófok, Hungary as Youth Ambassadors for Walnut Creek. I stayed with a girl my own age named Nicole and her family in Noceto. In April, we will return the favor, and Nicole will stay with me at my house.

While in Italy I was treated to the most fantastic experiences like climbing the tower of Pisa, riding bikes around Lucca, venturing through the alleyways of Venice, and seeing how cheese is made in Parma. But the very best part of the experience for me was getting to know my Italian family and their culture. They loved to watch professional volleyball and cook delicious food like homemade lasagna, pizza, soup, and spaghetti. The gelato was amazing too! We played games together and laughed at our attempts to speak each other’s language or poor Google translations.

Youth Ambassadors visiting Pisa, Italy

I also made great friends with the other ambassadors from schools like Walnut Creek Intermediate and Tice Creek School. We had so much fun on the plane and bus rides playing silly games like truth or dare and dancing and singing. I would recommend that current 7th graders try to be an ambassador. Not many kids from Foothill went this year; I don’t think many applied! I would love to see more

Walnut Creek 8th graders on their way to Noceto, Italy

kids from Foothill go on this amazing experience. It was truly life changing!

To learn more about how 7th graders can apply in February to be a Walnut Creek Sister Cities Ambassador in 2019 please go to http://wcsci.org/index.php/youthambassador-exchange/. Ciao!

Bringing Your Remodeling Vision To Reality www.bluediamondbuildersinc.com jordan@bluediamondbuildersinc.com janae@bluediamondbuildersinc.com

Kitchen Remodels Bathroom Remodels Whole Home Remodels Custom Home Builds In-law suite/Additions We take on every aspect of the project as if it was our own.

We are transparent with our clients and walk them through every step of the way.

Testimonial from a Resident

"We had a great experience with Jordan and his crew. I'm a stickler for communication. I always was able to contact Jordan by text or phone. He returned calls promptly which really helped our relationship.

He also has a project manager who follows up on the progress. I remodeled a bathroom, two fireplaces, flooring, and new doors. The subs he uses are top quality and they were all polite and cleaned up daily. I have referred many friends and would not hesitate to use them again for another project."

BT.W Danville, Ca

NORTHGATE LIVING 19

Northgate 0940

LIVING

20

DECEMBER 2018