Northgate Living Magazine February 2019

Exclusively Serving the Northgate Community.

FEBRUA RY 2 019

Northgate LIVING

Meet the Chens:

Happy to Call Northgate Home COVER PHOTO:

by Julie Cheshire Photography

We are FIRST in Luxury Transportation!

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Wine Tours, Proms, Weddings, Concerts, Special Occasions Traveling? We offer airport service and pier drop offs From dinners out to drop offs/pick ups, stay safe and let us do the driving

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You Can Beat High Natural Gas Prices

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…

Your entire “Fighting Back” package includes: » The “old price”…

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

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

» At least a $680 Trade-In…

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

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.

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 2

FEBRUARY 2019

Northgate LIVING

Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek

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

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.

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. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

We Are Now Online!! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

Dear Residents Welcome to our February issue of Northgate Living. I hope that you are enjoying our community magazine and are learning about new things going on in our neighborhood.

I’m excited to share the story of the Chen family this month, a family that has lived all over the country and has decided to make Northgate home. They are great examples of so many families that live here and appreciate the great schools, plethora of activities available, and the wonderful people that make Northgate great.

In this issue you will also find articles about exciting things going on in our schools from newly elected School Board Member Cherise Khaund and two Northgate High School students.

Frank Napoli shares his joy of working with seniors at the Walnut Creek Senior Center, and I share my favorite children’s books that focus on the theme of love (just in time for Valentine’s Day).

I’m looking forward to seeing you out in the neighborhood, and I’m eager to hear from you and share your stories whether you have gardening or book tips, an adorable pet, an interesting adventure to share, a hobby, a recipe, a charity you’re involved with, or any other topic you think the Northgate neighbors would like to hear more about. I’m also looking for families to feature each month on the front cover. I believe that interesting stories don’t just come from celebrities, but from our own communities. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’d love it if you’d let me tell yours. Send your articles and photos to knavolio@ bestversionmedia.com. You can also follow our Facebook page or visit our website: northgatelivingCA.com.

Kara Navolio Content Coordinator, Resident since 1991

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 3

February

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Throughout Feb. Altered States Exhibit @Bedford Gallery Guest curated by Heather Marx, Altered States features artists across generations living and working along the California coast who harness natural elements or the environment to create their artwork.

This exhibition highlights the natural cycles of our complex environment and offers patrons an opportunity to slow down and reflect on how we are all interconnected by the sun, moon, air, and tides. Show will run through March 24. Free first Tuesday of each month.

Cost: $5 adults, $3 youth 13-17 Time: 12-5pm, Tuesday – Sunday and 6-8pm when there is a performance at Lesher www.bedfordgallery.org

Wed., Feb. 13 Learning to See, A Novel of Dorothea Lange, the Woman Who Revealed the Real America Book Launch @Walnut Creek Library An East Bay Book Launch: Seattle author Elise Hooper will be here to discuss her newest novel about the famed Depressionera documentary photographer. Enjoy a wine reception and book signing.

Advance registration is encouraged.

Cost: Free Time: 7-8:30pm www.wclibrary.org/live or 925-935-5395

Thurs., Feb. 14 Conversation Heart Poetry

@Walnut Creek Library Join us in the Las Trampas Room for Conversation Heart Poetry. We’ll make poems out of conversation hearts... and will undoubtedly eat a few! For teens 12-18.

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

Wed., Feb. 20 Trevor Tonsing Blanket Festival @Northgate High School Forum Students and community members gather to make tie blankets for Children’s Hospital Oakland in memory of past student Trevor Tonsing, Class of 2012.

Cost: Free Time: 2-5pm cooperk@mdsud.net

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.

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

4

Save the Date…

Fri., Mar. 1 – Sat., Mar. 2 Musical America @Northgate HS Little Theatre Northgate’s Choral Music Program presents its yearly production of group and individual singers to entertain us all. Also repeated Mar. 7, 8 & 9.

Cost: Time: 7-9pm www.northgatehs-pfc.com/ncmb.html#

Sun., Mar. 3 Scottsdale Swim Team Registration @Sports Basement Scottsdale Swim and Tennis Club will be hosting their 2019 Swim Team and Membership Registration and Kickoff. For more information, please visit www.sscsquids.com.

Time: 4-6pm

Wed., Mar. 6 Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Cost: FREE Time: 6:30-7:30pm www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html

Sat., Mar. 9 Alt Fair – Alternatives to College @WC Library In its 5th year, the Alternative to College Fair is designed to highlight the many post secondary paths that high school students may wish to explore. The event will showcase trade schools, military, young adult transitional programs, college support programs, gap year programs and more.

Cost: Free Time: 12-3pm More information: Shayna Abraham at shayna@preparetobloom.

FEBRUARY 2019 com or 650-888-4575.

Expert Contributors Active Seniors

Happy Holidays!

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

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

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.

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)

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

HVAC & Plumbing

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

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.

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.

Mortgage Lending

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.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Dr. Karas and his staff are focused on providing advanced treatment for oral and facial conditions. As both a licensed dentist (D.D.S.) and physician (M.D.), we can assure you that when you require state-of-the-art Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery we will work with you at the highest level of individualized care dedicated to your safety and good health. Please feel free to ask Dr. Karas or his staff about any of the treatments that our office provides.

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.

Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore Erik Oberbruner Diversified Capital Funding NMLS#433990 (925) 586-5474 EOberbruner@divcap.net

Dr. Nestor Karas Nestor D. Karas DDS, MD (925) 933-6190 www.drnestorkaras.com

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

We Are Now Online!! www.NorthgateLivingCA.com

NORTHGATE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the Chens: Happy to call Northgate home

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

E

ric and Melissa Chen have lived in many places across the U.S., but have fallen in love with the Bay Area and are happy to call Northgate home.

Eric, originally from Topeka, Kansas, and Melissa, who hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, met while both were college students in Boston, MA. Eric was attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology while Melissa studied across the Charles River at Boston University, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees there.

Melissa then made the big move to California to attend medical school at the USC Keck School of Medicine. After a year of the coast to coast relationship, Eric followed suit and moved to California to attend graduate school at Stanford University where he earned his Master’s and PhD in engineering. For the time being, they were at least in the same state.

By 2006, both were living in the Bay Area while Melissa was completing her medical internship at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. They married in 2006 at a winery in Sonoma. “It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony and really made us fall in love with the Bay Area even more,” said Melissa.

However, the Bay Area would not become home quite yet. Soon after their wedding they packed up with their cat Beni and moved to San Diego while Melissa completed her neurology residency and dementia fellowship at UC San Diego. There Eric also started his current career path in biotech.

After five years in Southern California, the couple returned to the Bay Area having added their first child, daughter Isla, and another cat (Sadie) to the family. It was 2011, and although they enjoyed La Jolla and taking Isla on hikes and to the beach, “we decided to return to the Bay Area for all that it has to offer both culturally and professionally.

We discovered Walnut Creek when Melissa was recruited to join a local neurology practice,” stated Eric. “The beautiful city, warm weather, and family friendliness made it a perfect place to call home.

It’s one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We still remember taking Isla to the Heather Farms playground during our visit and discussing our future here.”

Melissa is now a partner at BASS Neurology Medical Group with a busy clinical practice in Pleasant Hill and also providing neurology care at both John Muir Hospitals, while Eric is now at his 7th biotech company in 12 years in an industry where there is rarely a dull moment. His current company is a start-up in San Francisco focusing

on rare diseases. After settling in Walnut Creek, the couple’s 2nd and 3rd children were born, Carson and Fiona, bringing the family to 5.

The young family is very busy with the children’s activities; they all enjoy sports. Both Eric and Melissa are accomplished athletes. Eric was an All-American tennis player in college, while Melissa was an avid runner and completed both the Boston and LA marathons. Now they enjoy cheering on the kids at their many sporting events. Isla’s favorite is competitive gymnastics, and Carson’s favorite is baseball.

The two older kids attend public school at Valle Verde Elementary.

“Despite all the organized activities, they love nothing more than playing with our neighbors on the street or spending the afternoon at the pool,” said Eric. The family believes in having fun, doing your best and embracing challenges. Beni and Sadie, on the other hand, enjoy sleeping in the Northgate sunshine during the day and peace and quiet after the kids go to bed.

Before children, and even with baby Isla, the Chens enjoyed travel in Europe, Asia and South America. But now, when time allows, the Chens love travelling to spots around the U.S., as well as taking trips to Disneyland or Legoland. Making time for vacation with extended family to Hawaii or on a cruise is also a priority.

“We feel lucky to have stumbled into Northgate and have wonderful neighbors. Through the kids’ schools and activities, we’ve also formed many relationships with other families. We find the community to be safe, inclusive and genuine,” reflected Melissa.

And Northgate is lucky to have a family that embraces all that is great about the neighborhood: the schools, the activities, and the people who call Northgate home.

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.

6

FEBRUARY 2019

Book Corner

Books about Love for little ones –

just in time for Valentine’s Day

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

I

have to admit, I’m a sucker for Valentine’s Day. I totally get into this celebration of love. I like to think of it as a day to celebrate not just romantic love, but love of family and friends too. When my kids were little, we used to set up a mailbox for each family member for the first half of February. In each we would deposit little love notes to each other and then read them all on Valentine’s Day. Some notes were especially sweet like “thank you for working so hard Daddy”; others were adorable, failed attempts at poetry like this one from my son who had never been to Europe: “Mom, I love you in Rome, I love you in London. Well, I love you everywhere I guess.” But cuddling up with fun picture books is another great way to spend the cold, end-of -winter days of February with our little ones. Here’s a list of my favorites that have a message of love:

Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal I’ve Loved You Since Forever by Hoda Kotb Someday by Allison McGhee I’ll Never Let You Go by Smriti Prasadam-Halls Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara Joosse If you have other favorites, I’d love to hear about them. Send me an email: knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Love Is by Diane Adams Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

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

Community Event

Alternatives to College Fair is open to all on March 9

By Shayna Abraham, Resident since 2018

A

fter working with teens and young adult clients for over a decade as a consultant at Prepare to Bloom Consulting, LLC, I saw that many of my clients were struggling to find a path that fit their unique post high school needs. Many of these teens needed to know that there were options outside of the traditional two and four year college path most commonly thought of. As a result I partnered with local schools (Fusion Academy and Holden High School) to create a community event called the Alt Fair.

The Alt Fair was born from an understanding that not all students fit in the same educational box. With the growing number of alternative schools and learning environments comes the need for a platform providing options for alternative post high school education as well. The Alt Fair provides students and families a place to explore both local and national options such as trade schools, gap year programs, young adult transitional programs, college support programs and more.

2019 marks the fifth year for this event in Walnut Creek! Due to the popularity of the fair, we have expanded it to a second location in Marin. This year, Prepare to Bloom, Fusion Academy, JET Consulting and Holden High School are happy to host this

free community wide event.

The Walnut Creek event is March 9th in the Oak View Room at the Walnut Creek Public Library from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The Marin fair will take place on March 10th at the Mill Valley Community Center Cascade Room from 1:30-3:00pm.

We hope that families come away from these events excited about the variety of options out there. For any questions, contact Shayna Abraham @ shayna@preparetobloom.com or 650-888-4575.

Get Cash From Your Home FOUR OPTIONS TO UTILIZING UNTAPPED EQUITY. CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT

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If you want to get out from under high interest rate charges from credit cards, student loans, or other forms of debt, then a cash-out refinance might be the solution for you.

A great way to save money on your home loan is to refinance for a lower interest rate. Just a small drop in interest rate can lower your mortgage payment significantly.

Refinancing your home to take advantage of its equity can be a great way to get the funds you need for home improvements, retirement, vacations and more.

Do you plan to stay in your home for an extended period?

If so, then refinancing to a fixed-rate mortgage is a great way to keep your payment from rising.

Call me today, let’s discuss your options.

Loan Officer

NMLS #433990

a Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #1850

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 Š 2018 Diversified Capital Funding a Division of American Pacific Mortgage, NMLS #1850, DRE #01215943 | 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 295, Alamo, CA 94507

8

FEBRUARY 2019

1/10/2019

Active Listings Address List Price 798 Windchime Ct 3832 Arbolado Dr 30 Corte Ellena 531 Fenway Dr

$1,950,000 $1,638,000 $1,539,000 $1,079,990

Pending Listings Address List Price 375 La Casa Via 740 Sutton Dr 2049 Belford Dr 137 Arbolado Dr 62 Castle Rock Ct

$3,288,000 $1,350,000 $1,099,999 $1,095,000 $935,000

Sold Listings Address List Price 376 La Casa Via 2538 Pawnee Dr 2673 San Carlos Dr 245 Firestone Dr 3356 Chamberlain Ct

$2,498,000 $1,475,000 $1,175,000 $1,125,000 $919,000

BD 4 5 5 3

BD 5 4 5 3 3

BD 5 5 5 5 4

BT

SQFT

3 3 3 2

3,742 3,488 3,457 1,723

BT

SQFT

5 2.5 2 3 2

7,972 2,665 2,547 2,118 1,620

BT

SQFT

4 2.5 2 3 2.5

4,005 2,900 1,742 2,562 2,164

Real Estate Listings in Northgate

DOM Lot Size 15 113 62 7

15,681 SF / 0.36 AC 17,859 SF / 0.41 AC 13,500 SF / 0.31 AC 13,503 SF / 0.31 AC

DOM Lot Size 93 50 9 9 9

84,942 SF / 1.95 AC 10,560 SF / 0.24 AC 11,970 SF / 0.27 AC 14,080 SF / 0.32 AC 13,000 SF / 0.30 AC

DOM Lot Size 32 17 5 44 39

Sold Price

37,897 SF / 0.87 AC 15,376 SF / 0.35 AC 8,500 SF / 0.20 AC 12,480 SF /0.29 AC 4,200 SF / 0.10 AC

$2,400,000 $1,490,000 $1,200,500 $1,100,000 $885,000

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’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

Our Schools

Meet Your New School Board Member

By Cherise Khaund, Resident since 2012

Hi neighbors,

I’m honored to introduce myself to you here as the newest member of the Mt Diablo School District Board, elected in November 2018!

Thank you to all who answered the door when I went knocking, and to all of you who’ve volunteered and helped our schools in positive ways. In November, voters overwhelmingly supported our Mt Diablo Measure J school bond with over 70% yes votes, ensuring $150 million for safety and facilities upgrades on our campuses. You can stay involved by following the progress of our Facilities Master Plan at www.mdusd.org, where you can complete the parent/community online survey and find dates of upcoming town hall meetings.

At that website you can also find contact information for me and the other 4 board members, as well as agendas and details for all our Board meetings, which are held every 2nd & 4th Monday night at 7pm.

We welcome your input and ideas.

My goals as a school board member are to ensure a quality education for every student in our district, by fostering a sense of unity and community, championing innovation, prioritizing safety, and clearly communicating how our dollars are spent towards student achievement. Our schools face many challenges, including the underfunding of schools statewide (see www.fullandfairfunding.org ), but together I believe that we can ensure the promise of public education for all our students. Thank you for all your support of our schools.

The oral and maxillofacial procedures o

dental implants bone grafting removal of wisdom teeth corrective jaw surgery trauma reconstruction treatment of nerve injuries oral pathology

Sincerely, Cherise Khaund

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.

10

FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

Importance of Vitamin D

By Carolyn Krieg, DO and Paul H Kim, MD

Why Vitamin D is So Important for You Low Vitamin D is the most common deficiency we see. Very rarely do we see an optimal Vitamin D level in someone who isn’t already supplementing. Even with all the summertime sun exposure! And optimal Vitamin D levels are more important than for just maintaining healthy bones. In recent decades there has been a great deal of research on its importance in other areas of health. Not only are low Vitamin D levels known to cause osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures; but deficiency has also been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, dementia, and common cancers. It’s also vital for a healthy immune system. That’s why it’s one of the foundational supplements we recommend to everyone.

Risks of Vitamin D Deficiency To name a few ...

Immune System. Vitamin D strengthens your immune system and reduces the risk of infectious disease. Vitamin D turns on key peptides in your immune system that trigger an antimicrobial response, allowing you to quickly and effectively fight off invaders before they can develop into a full-blown infection. As published in a 2010 issue of Nature Immunology, scientists discovered the importance of Vitamin D for activating the immune system. They found that Vitamin D is necessary to trigger T-cells, which are the immune system’s killer cells. They also found that insufficient levels of the vitamin simply leave T cells dormant and inactive.

Cancer Risk. A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found “higher concentrations of vitamin D circulating in the bloodstream are linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.” According to the researchers, the results strengthen the evidence that vitamin D may play a protective role against the disease.

Dementia. A study published in August 2014 in the journal Neurology found that moderate and severe Vitamin D deficiency in older adults was associated with a doubling of the risk for some forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Are You Getting Enough Vitamin D? Clearly, Vitamin D plays a vital role in optimal health, and it’s essential to maintain an adequate level. Vitamin D is the only vitamin made by the body, but it’s hard to get in adequate quantities except through sunlight or supplementation. And if you’re like me, you tend to avoid the sun and wear plenty of sunscreen.

It’s present in very few foods. And the two primary Vitamin

D-fortified foods are milk and breakfast cereal, which contain dairy and gluten, and cause their own set of health problems.

So how do you know if you’re getting enough?

You should get your Vitamin D level tested, which can be ordered by your regular doctor. I recommend a Vitamin D level between 50 and 80 ng/mL. A typical maintenance dose of Vitamin D is 5,000 IUs daily. We frequently recommend a dose of 10,000 IUs daily if someone has very low Vitamin D, and the goal is to increase their level into the optimal range. When taking higher doses, it’s important to test your Vitamin D level regularly because you don’t want to overshoot. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin and it’s possible to overdose but extremely rare.

It’s important to take a Vitamin D3 supplement with Vitamin K2 (the only ones I recommend). Vitamin D and K2 work together (along with Magnesium) to pull calcium from your bloodstream into your bones. We don’t recommend calcium supplementation alone for bone health because it maybe now associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

We often see patients with very low Vitamin D levels despite the fact they’re supplementing. One reason for this is fat malabsorption, for example with liver or gallbladder disease.

Your body needs to be able to absorb dietary fat in order to absorb Vitamin D because it is a fat-soluble vitamin. Another reason is using a low quality brand that the body doesn’t absorb.

Using a quality brand with proven bioavailability and absorption, Vitamin D levels can improve within a short time.

So get your Vitamin D level tested so you know how much you should supplement, and make sure you maintain an optimal level.

Please come to Medical Institute of Healthy Aging for more education.

NORTHGATE LIVING 11

Expert Contributor

Because we all love apps…

Apps for House Hunting and Buying

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

H

ome buyers are calling for more technology in their home buying experience, and these apps are bringing more knowledge to your fingertips. Bonus - these apps are all free!

•

DivCap Mobile: The Diversified Capital App can guide you through the entire loan process with real time updates and communication to all parties involved. It includes education to help understand mortgage terms, calculators for monthly payments and more, even secure document transfers during your loan process.

level crime and sex offender information. Accesses the largest crime mapping and sex offender website in the world. You can filter crime by location, date, and type all the way down to the neighborhood level.

•

Walk Score App: calculates the walkability of any location and includes a map of nearby businesses. Get a Walk Score, Transit Score, and Bike Score of a location. Search by commute time and near public transit.

24 24 HOUR PROOF HOUR PROOF 24 HOUR PROOF HOMESTYLER App: Use this app to see how new furniture and decor items will look in the rooms of homes. Take a picture of DATE any room to create your own 3D interior design. Get design DATE PLEASE REPLY PROMPTLY trends and tips from community users.

•

com Real Estate App: A home sales app directly from 99% of MLS. You can browse photos, draw your search area, get open house times and directions, save and share your favorite PLEASE REPLY PROMPTLY San Ramon · Danville · Blackhawk · Alamo · Diablo DATE THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS WE listings.

San Ramon · Danville· Dublin · Blackhawk · Alamo · Diablo Walnut Creek · Lafayette · Pleasanton · Livermore Additional Website Resources for House Hunting and Buying •

THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS WE Walnut Creek · Lafayette Pleasanton Vacaville · Fairfield · Travis AFB · Suisun· City · Dixon· ·Dublin Winters· Livermore RECEIVE CHANGES PRIOR TOfor PRESS. PLEASE REPLY • Homesnap App: Powered by the same real-time data that Not every helpful website has an PROMPTLY app ready you, but they still Vacaville · Fairfield · Travis AFB · Suisun City · Dixon · Winters RECEIVE CHANGES PRIOR TO PRESS. San Ramon · Danville · Blackhawk · Alamo · Diablo licensed realtors are using, real-time updates on home listings, give you a virtual way to increase your knowledge duringWE the home THIS AD WILL RUN AS IS UNLESS Walnut Creek · Lafayette · Pleasanton · Dublin · Livermore email eastbay@yourtownmonthly.com phone 925.328.0888 faxas925.397.3038 connect directly with your real estate agent, and use the in-app buying journey.

Try these two additional sources you house hunt: 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. •

messaging to discuss specific homes with your agent or family • Google Earth: As you consider homes to look at, look up members. email eastbay@yourtownmonthly.com phone 925.328.0888 fax 925.397.3038 addresses on Google Earth to get a satellite view of the home, CrimeReports App: Gives you real-time access to neighborhood

PROOF World Class Service at 24 an HOUR Affordable Price DATE

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

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yard and street and to get an overview of the neighborhood and general area.

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AreaVibes: Enter in any address, neighborhood, zip code or city to find good places to live in and around that location. The Livability Score uses a unique algorithm with characteristics in 7 different categories including nearby amenities, cost of living, crime rates, education, employment, housing and weather.

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Taking advantage of technology and apps for house hunting can further improve the process, but there’s no substitute for a live, personal connection with a knowledgeable loan advisor by your side to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Download our DivCap app and contact me today to help you take the next step!

For more information, contact Erik Oberbruner Sr. Mortgage Consultant, Diversified Capital Funding Cell (925) 586-5474 NMLS#433990/1850

WE ARE ONLINE!

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

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.

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

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NORTHGATE LIVING 13

Northgate High School

First half of 2018-2019 school year filled with meaningful activities

By Gage Mettler and Mateo Etcheveste, Northgate HS Seniors and Residents since 2000

W

ith the advent of the New Year upon us, Northgate High School wrapped up another successful year, with an abundant amount of activities ran by Northgate Leadership which increased student engagement and spirit. In early September, the annual Homecoming week returned with dress-up days, an allschool assembly, and the anticipated Friday night football game.

The entire Northgate community and Alumni came together for a pregame tailgate complete with food trucks and games. The following day, nearly 700 students arrived in their stylish outfits, ready to boogie down at the Wonderland Upside Down themed Homecoming Dance.

The next significant event on Northgate’s busy calendar was Wellness Week. Starting on the first week of November, this week was all about encouraging mental health awareness and positivity across the campus. As students within Northgate’s leadership class, we aimed to lighten the pressure felt from rigorous academic work. Throughout the week, random acts of kindness such as encouraging sticky notes were distributed to every student. On the last day of wellness week, Houston Kraft, a renowned motivational speaker came to speak at our school about happiness and choosing love. In addition, there were numerous other workshops that students could attend such as mindfulness meditation, calm coloring, and drum circles.

2pm-5pm and all are welcome!

Looking onward to the 2019 school year, Northgate’s Leadership class is very excited and looks forward to several prominent events, including: Multicultural Week Feb.5-8 (a week where students can comfortably represent their culture) Junior Prom March 16, and Senior Ball May 25.

Northgate Leadership wishes all Northgate students and fellow community members a happy new year and wishes to see you later on this school year at these upcoming events.

Continuing the spirit of compassion and kindness, our school banded together to aid those affected by the Chico/Paradise fires.

Leadership facilitated multiple drives from other clubs as well as organized their own, amassing a large amount of clothes and food donations in order to reach outside our own community and lend a helping hand.

As winter approached, Northgate bundled up with winter week and Northgate’s Winter Olympics. Students had the choice to either vibe out to music in the forum or participate/watch the friendly competitions between Northgate students and teachers held within the gym. Winter sports; basketball, soccer, cheer & dance, and wrestling are underway and our Big Battle of the Creek games for girls and boys basketball were held on 1/10 and 1/29.

For ten years now Northgate High School has honored our beloved Bronco who left us too early in life, Trevor Tonsing, and we will be honoring him at our Annual Blanket Making Festival and wearing Disney attire to remember his spirit. Trevor was a student here at NHS and his Eagle Scout Project was making blankets for Children’s Hospital. Nearly every year we complete over 150 blankets, and Trevor’s dear family and friends continue to deliver the blankets to our local children’s hospital. This event will take place Wednesday, Feb.20 in the NHS forum from 14

FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

What Happened in 2018?

By David Nissim, Managing Partner Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC

A

s I wrote in some of my previous commentaries, the beginning of 2018 was a continuation of strength from the previous year.

January and February were strong and then reality set in. As in previous markets, history has shown us that markets can, and very often will, be overdone on the upside and on the downside.

We had a strong 2017, so it should not be a surprise that in 2018 we would have to reevaluate whether we could continue at that pace. That’s what started to happen, and then the market started to worry about other factors. That being the election, rising interest rates and the trade war and tariffs with China. The market got concerned regarding comments made by the head of the Federal Reserve that they could see numerous interest rate hikes in the next 12-18 months, which was not what the market wanted to hear and took as bad news. Coupled with a lack of progress in the China trade talks, the market was down about 20% from its high of the year. While that was a staggering number by the end of the year, the S&P 500 was down 6-7%.

My thoughts are that we will undoubtedly see a slowdown from the previous year, but overall the economy is still relatively strong and interest rates are still historically low. Barring any serious unforeseen events, that should give the financial markets some confidence to move forward in 2019. The situation in Washington is obviously a problem going forward, but with having a split government now that should give us some balance.

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BT.W Danville, Ca NORTHGATE LIVING 15

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LIVING