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.
Welcome to our February issue of Northgate Living . I’m excited to share the story of the Blitstein family; Josh Blitstein attended Valle Verde, Foothill and Northgate High School and now he and his wife are raising their two kids in the neighborhood too. Josh’s brother Alex has also recently moved back to the area and opened The Dance House in the Shadelands. Like so many others, the Blitsteins feel connected to this community and have returned to live in the same place they were raised. Enjoy their story.
I’m looking forward to seeing you out in the neighborhood as I take my daily walk or bike ride, 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 us on Instagram or Facebook or visit our website: northgatelivingCA.com.
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator
Resident Since 1991
If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
Rita Dhillon Team #1
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Jo Peek
February
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Feb. 6-8
The Little Mermaid
@Lesher Center for the Arts Dive into an enchanting underwater world with Julia Adam’s brand-new ballet, The Little Mermaid. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale, this one-act ballet tells the story of a water nymph who falls in love with a mortal, blending ethereal choreography with imaginative storytelling. www.lesherartscenter.org for tickets
Sat., Feb. 7
Unleash the Love Festival & Adopt-a-thon
@Joybound, 2890 Mitchell Drive
One week before Valentine’s Day, Joybound People & Pets will be celebrating all things love at the third annual Unleash the LOVE Festival & Adopt-a-thon. This year’s event includes the inaugural pre-festival 5K Fun Run & 1 Mile Walk, 10am-11am. Free and family-friendly, Unleash the LOVE features adoptable cats and dogs, kittens and pups from Joybound, as well as from partner shelter organizations across Northern California. Time: 11am-3pm
Sat., Feb. 7
Lunar New Year Celebration
@Ygnacio Valley Library
Celebrate Lunar New Year with us at the library! Enjoy a vibrant lion dance performance by One Tribe Martial Arts Academy and create a festive take-home craft to mark the occasion. This free program is open to all ages.
Cost: Free
Time: 11am - 12:30pm
Thurs., Feb. 19
African Village Experience with Onye Onyemaechi
@Walnut Creek Library
Join us for an interactive, educational, and music-filled event to celebrate Black History Month. Onye Onyemaechi, a renowned African master percussionist, performer, author, and inspirational speaker, brings the joy and soul of African culture and the celebration of Village Life to this motivational event. Enjoy dances, drums, songs, and stories about village life in West Africa. Generously sponsored by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation.
@Gordon Reese Design Build (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek)
Charcuterie and adult beverages provided. Visit our website to register: www.GordonReese.com Cost: Complimentary Time: 5:30-7:30pm
Through April 5
Viola Frey: Foundations Exhibition
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts Foundations explores the formative years of legendary Bay Area artist Viola Frey from 1965 to 1987, tracing her pivotal shift from twodimensional works to groundbreaking threedimensional forms. Rarely exhibited paintings, drawings, photographs, and ceramics emphasize her practice and spectacularly illustrate the artist’s mind and her cyclical reinvention of ideas. This exhibition draws from the Artists’ Legacy Foundation’s deep holdings in addition to seminal works from private and institutional collections. 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
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.
With more than 42 years of experience, Gordon Reese Design Build is a national award-winning firm known for creating beautifully designed, expertly crafted kitchens, baths, additions, and whole-home remodels. Our proven design-build process gives homeowners price certainty, fewer surprises, and a smoother experience from first ideas through final completion. With thoughtful 3D design, clear communication, and meticulous execution, we deliver remodels that are built to last — and we do it right the first time.
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.
Meet the
Blitsteins: A Life Woven Together Through Food and Hospitality
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by The Blitstein Family
Stephanie and Josh Blitstein’s lives were woven together by a shared love of food and entertaining. In addition to cooking together and sharing food with family and friends, they both worked in the hospitality field, enjoy supporting local restaurants, and now teach their two young daughters how to cook.
They met by being set up by a mutual friend. The friend told Stephanie, “He sells plates,” but that he would be a good match for her. Stephanie was skeptical, but after their first date, at a restaurant in The Presidio, the friend was right. “The rest was history,” says Stephanie. Not only was The Presidio the location of their first date, but Josh also proposed there at the Palace of Fine Arts, and they were married at the Golden Gate Club. A favorite memory was taking a San Francisco trolley to the venue and stopping traffic at California and Stockton Streets for an epic kiss and photo.
Josh is a 4th generation San Franciscan but grew up in Walnut Creek, right in the Woodlands neighborhood. Stephanie was born in New Jersey and moved to Southern California when she was 10. She moved north for college (Chico State) while Josh moved south (UCLA). Post college they both ended up in the Bay Area.
Stephanie worked as an event and marketing professional, first at an agency, then the Hilton in San Francisco, and finally in the tech industry before transitioning to full time mom. Josh began his career working for a large glassware manufacturer as a sales representative. He then transitioned to a company selling a wide array of tabletop and cooking equipment to hotels, restaurants, wineries and event venues. Eventually Josh opened his own firm, The Action Group, focused entirely on hospitality tableware and catering equipment sales throughout Northern CA and Hawaii.
As a San Franciscan, Josh is true to his roots and is a big 49ers fan; his family has had season tickets for decades. Josh is also a great cook; one of his specialties is homemade pizza. He shares his secret: Trader Joe’s pizza dough that has been proofed for hours.
Stephanie loves crafting and baking and shares these hobbies with their girls Zoe and Ava. She has also recently learned Mahjong and plays regularly with friends at Boichik Bagel meet-ups on Tuesday mornings. She shares that she’d love to start a group of Mahjong playing moms from the Northgate neighborhood. Reach out to her on Instagram or Facebook @stephanieblitstein.
Zoe is 4 and in TK at the same school her dad attended 35 years ago. And Ava is one and a half years old and also a force of nature. Both girls dance at their uncle’s studio, The Dance House in the Shadelands Sports Complex. “They also love getting their flips
Photo credit: Angel Sheree Photography
and wiggles out in gymnastics (Encore for Zoe and MyGym for Ava),” shares Stephanie. And like their parents, they both love food and cooking. “We sometimes laugh at the fact that despite having amazing space for the kids to play, we always find ourselves spending the majority of the day huddled in the kitchen.”
The Blitsteins spend time every December in Florida which is something both Josh and Stephanie did growing up. Their grandparents were snowbirds who escaped cold winters for hot sun. This is now a tradition passed down despite living in a more temperate climate. They also travel to New York and Chicago often to visit both of their extended families.
The Blitsteins moved here about a year ago. Stephanie reflects, “I’ll never forget early on in our dating relationship Josh took me to a holiday gathering at a childhood friend’s parents’ house that lived in in the area. As we drove down Arbolado Drive I recall him saying ’this would be a dream to live here one day!’ ...and so it was manifested.”
“We absolutely love living in Rancho Paraiso. It’s a nice mix of suburban vibes mixed with beautiful nature. When we were looking at homes, the trees and greenery going down Arbolado Drive gave me a really peaceful feeling and was a bit reminiscent of my life growing up on the east coast. Our neighbors are amazing and make us feel right at home… We look forward to spending more time meeting new families in the neighborhood with similar aged kids!”
“This would be a dream to live here one day!” ...and so it was manifested.
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.
Beyond the Dream: The Essential Steps to a Stress-Free, On-Budget Remodel in 2026
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Fordiscerning homeowners in Walnut Creek, the start of the year often sparks dreams of transformation: a kitchen designed for true culinary function, a spacious addition, or a primary suite that is a genuine retreat. You know you want to upgrade your home, but the real question is, how do you ensure the process is as elegant as the final result?
Achieving a high-end remodel that is completed on time and on budget requires shifting your focus away from construction and entirely onto planning. The decision to start the design process early in the year is not about speed—it’s about protection.
The Three Non-Negotiables for a Successful Remodel
High-value projects—the ones that avoid the nightmare scenarios often discussed among neighbors—share three critical planning elements that should guide your start to 2026:
1. Plan When Demand is Low, Not High
The best trade partners and design teams are booked months in advance. Waiting until spring or summer to start planning means competing with peak season demand. Starting your design now secures your place with the most skilled professionals when they have the focused time to dedicate to your vision.
2. Demand Price Certainty from Day One
Beware of initial estimates that feel too good to be true. Many design processes fail when the homeowner falls in love with a design, only to discover the final construction cost is far beyond their budget, forcing time-consuming and expensive redesigns or the cancellation of the project entirely. A truly professional process confirms, in writing, that the proposed design fits within a pre-established investment range. Never allow design to outpace budgeting.
3. Time is Your Greatest Asset
The winter months allow for a thoughtful, unhurried process: exploring layout options, vetting materials, securing permits, and finalizing engineering. This deliberate speed ensures every question is answered on paper before demolition begins. A project that is fully mapped and guaranteed requires less time and causes less disruption during the actual build phase. Time invested in planning is always paid back in peace of mind during construction.
Experience That Delivers: The Gordon Reese Difference
A successful remodel is the result of a commitment to a detailed, clientfocused process. It requires a partner who understands that your biggest pain point is the fear of the unknown and who provides these nonnegotiable assurances:
• Price Certainty: We stand by our method: We design to a budget; we don’t budget to a design. This guarantees your final investment aligns with your initial goals.
• A Process That Eliminates Surprises: A proprietary, mapped system that defines every step and selection before construction begins.
• End-to-End Project Management: Full control and oversight from initial concept through final walk-through, giving you one point of contact and accountability.
For 42 years, we have relied on these principles to help Walnut Creek homeowners create their dream spaces with confidence and control.
Start Your 2026 Transformation with Confidence
Don’t let your next great space begin with a guessing game. Take control of your investment and your time.
Join us for our February 19th Remodel Planning 2026: Budget, Design & Timing Strategies Seminar, at our Walnut Creek office to learn how we execute this disciplined approach. Or schedule your complimentary consultation at www.GordonReese.com to begin defining your goals with certainty.
New year. New spaces. Done right the first time.
The Path to Stardom: How to Be on the Cover of THIS Magazine!
Don’t think you have an interesting story? We hear this from neighbors often. We’ve got you covered! You’ll be surprised how interesting you really are! Your magazine has a great team of professionals ready to guide you on the simple, fast, and easy process of “Bringing People Together” through sharing your story on the cover of the magazine!
We’re here to set your mind at ease and explain the excitement behind how YOU can become a local star.
It Starts With You
Maybe you’ve seen a neighbor on the cover of a recent edition, or you have a striking story that needs to be told. Either way, contacting Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com with your information is the first step to moving forward.
Give Us The Facts
The next step is providing your story. It’s as easy as describing your favorite hobbies and restaurants in the area, what activities your family participates in within the neighborhood, and why you love your community. All you have to do is fill out a questionnaire or complete a short interview. This process is entirely free and you can provide as much information as you’re comfortable with. We
would also like photos of your smiling family as they are out enjoying all our neighborhood has to offer. You’ll even get set up with our Photographer to capture professional photos of your family doing what they do best—having fun!
During this phase, you will also sign our Feature Article Release, a form that allows us to publish the information you provide.
Wait For The Magic
Once you’ve sent off your completed questionnaire, our Content Coordinator will get started whipping up your article! The best part? You’ll get a sneak peek of the story before it goes to print! We’ll give you an opportunity to review the story to ensure all facts are correct and that you’re happy with the information being shared! We know waiting is the hardest part, but during this time you’ll also be able to place an order to receive copies and share with all your friends and family.
And it’s as easy as that! Once the magazine appears in mailboxes, enjoy being a local star by sharing your story with your neighbors. We’d love to have you and your family grace the cover of our magazine, so reach out today and become a local star!
Contact Kara Navolio today: knavolio@bestverstionmedia.com
Why Local Businesses Need An Online Listings Ser vice
By Jo Peek Expert Contributor
Inaccurate or outdated online information can severely impact
Trust Report showed that 62% of consumers would avoid using a business if they found incorrect information online.1
By Insert Publisher, Expert Contributor
Outdated information leads to many challenges for local businesses
Customers may show up when you’re closed, leading to frustration, loss of trust, and potentially a negative review.
Mismatched info across platforms can confuse search algorithms, reducing your search ranking and overall visibility.
Managing dozens of individual listings is a headache and takes time away from running your business.
Inconsistent or missing details lead to fewer customer interactions and missed revenue opportunities.
An online listings service ensures that your business data, such as your name, address, phone number, hours, and website, is accurate across search engines, maps and directories.
Accurate business listings can give companies a competitive edge
Consistent information builds credibility and trust with new and existing customers, giving them peace of mind to choose your business over others.
Accurate listings lead to increased engagement and improved search rankings, boosting your local visibility.
Easier updates from a single dashboard allow businesses to conveniently manage their online information with just a few clicks, saving valuable time for owners
When your info is up-to-date, more people will reach out, and stop by, which can directly boost your bottom line.
Online listings services help local businesses stay competitive, visible, and credible. Don’t let wrong information limit your growth.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
Rita Dhillon Team Presents ...
788 Woodwind Place
Walnut Creek
Rancho Paraiso
5 Bed | 3.5 Bath 3,804 Sq Ft | .33 Acre Office | Bonus Room | Pool/Spa $2,325,000
460 Silver Hollow Drive
Walnut Creek
Rancho Paraiso
5 Bed | 3 Bath 3,376 Sq Ft | .36 Acre Stunning Panoramic
$2,510,000
01521381
01480990
ABella
A Little Piece of Italy - Right in Your Own Home
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Notte dinner party is the perfect way to capture the romance and warmth of an Italian evening under the stars. My inspiration came from the paper houses I found on amazon and the desire to make Italian food. It was a magical, fun celebration of great friends enjoying good food, fine wine, and interesting conversation.
The table was set to impress. A crisp white linen tablecloth provided an elegant base, topped with a bold, wide red velvet runner that evoked the rich hues of Italian sunsets and added a luxurious, festive touch. Scattered along the runner were delicate white paper Christmas village houses and trees, each one softly illuminated from within by batterypowered votive candles. The gentle glow created a magical, twinkling village scene, reminiscent of a cozy Italian hillside at dusk.
Wood-carved “welcome” signs greeted each guest at their place, paired with personalized individual menus printed on elegant cardstock. The overall effect was sophisticated yet cozy, blending holiday charm with timeless Italian elegance.
The menu paid homage to classic Italian flavors with a modern twist. Dinner began with an amuse-bouche of caprese bites: fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fragrant basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze and a touch of olive oil. These one-bite wonders set a bright, summery tone.
Next came homemade crab cakes, golden and crispy on the outside, tender and packed with sweet lump crab inside. They were served with a zesty lemon aioli sauce that cut through the richness perfectly.
A refreshing Italian chopped salad followed, brimming with crisp romaine, radicchio, pepperoncini, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, olives, salami, provolone, and a tangy, oregano vinaigrette—providing the ideal palate cleanser.
The main course was a showstopper: tender chicken piccata with its
signature lemon-caper sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. The bright citrus notes balanced the buttery richness, making every bite feel luxurious. A quick tip: if you slice the chicken breasts while semifrozen, you can achieve the delicate thin slices.
To complement the meal, each place setting featured two exceptional wines: a crisp Frank Family Chardonnay from the renowned Beckstoffer vineyards, with notes of green apple, citrus, and subtle oak, and a bold BV Cabernet Sauvignon, rich with dark fruit, velvety tannins, and hints of mocha—perfect for sipping through the evening.
Dessert brought the meal to a dreamy close with affogato — vanilla gelato drowned in hot espresso, creating that irresistible contrast of hot and cold. Guests finished with a selection of imported Italian cookies: buttery biscotti, amaretti, and for a kick we had assorted baklava, perfect for lingering over conversation.
Hosting a memorable dinner party like this requires a little planning and a lot of heart. Here are a few key tips:
• Plan ahead: Create a timeline for prep, cooking, and plating so you’re not rushed. Make as much as possible in advance—crab cakes can be formed and chilled, the salad components prepped, and sauces made early.
• Check ahead: Inquire with guests for any food allergies or aversions.
• Keep the menu balanced: Offer a mix of textures and
flavors—fresh, creamy, crispy, bright, and rich—so the meal feels cohesive but never heavy.
• Set the mood early: Dim the lights, light candles, and play soft Italian music (think Dean Martin or Andrea Bocelli) as guests arrive. The atmosphere is just as important as the food.
• Be present: Once guests arrive, step away from the kitchen as much as possible. Delegate final touches (like pouring wine or plating dessert) to a partner or trusted friend so you can enjoy the company.
• Personal touches matter: Curated name cards, a small favor, or a personalized menu makes guests feel truly special.
• Don’t over-schedule: Leave room for conversation and laughter. The best evenings linger naturally, not because the clock says so.
As the candles flickered and laughter filled the room, the Bella Notte dinner party lived up to its name—a beautiful night of connection, flavor, and simple magic. It proved that with heartfelt details, delicious food, and warm hospitality, any gathering can feel like a little piece of Italy under the stars.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com). Lisa’s passion is food, wine, and entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
Galentines Day HOSTING CHECKLIST
Submitted by Lexi Breunig
Food & Drinks
☐ Prepare easy-to-share appetizers like mini quiches, bruschetta, or a charcuterie board
☐ Plan a fun dessert, like chocolate fondue or themed cupcakes
☐ Set up a cocktail/mocktail bar with pink/red drinks
Activities
☐ Cue up a Galentines-themed playlist
☐ Plan at least one or two games, such as a card game or conversation cards
☐ If you’re up for it, plan a DIY or craft. Ideas include canvas painting or charm bracelet making
☐ Curate a photo booth area with fun props
Decor
☐ Plan decor that fits a pink and red color scheme
☐ Make sure there are plenty of comfortable seating arrangements
☐ To set the mood, opt for fairy lights or soft ambient lighting
☐ To take your hosting game up a notch, create personalized place settings or name cards
Extra Thoughtful Touches
☐ Create small party favors with items like bath salts, lip balm, etc.
☐ Write a handwritten note for each of your guests expressing your appreciation for them
☐ Provide a Polaroid or disposable cameras to capture your night
Pro Tips:
☐ Send a digital invite 2-3 weeks in advance
☐ Make sure to ask about dietary restrictions
☐ Keep the mood light and celebratory
Mt. Diablo Village Now Accepting Members and Volunteers
Submitted by Ellen Osmundson
Mt. Diablo Village is a new nonprofit organization for Walnut Creek seniors. While its goal is to help seniors age in place for as long as possible, it also offers a wide variety of programs to provide opportunities for seniors to continue to learn, stay active, make friends and find meaning and purpose by caring and helping others.
A Membership and Volunteer Drive will be held on Wednesday, February 25, from 4pm to 6pm at Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, 55 Eckley Ln, Walnut Creek. Membership and volunteer applications will be officially accepted at the event.
Mt. Diablo Village’s mission is to build an active community among seniors to promote social connections, support independence, engage volunteerism, and support continued growth through education. Its vision is to see seniors in Mt. Diablo Village make new friends, explore their hidden talents, stay healthy with physical exercise, know who to call when help is needed, stay informed of community affairs, volunteer when possible, and continue to be invaluable assets and resources for the community they call home.
Numerous reports have shown prolonged social isolation as being one of the main causes for depression. When seniors get together and socialize with one another, not
Membership and Volunteer Drive Wed., Feb. 25 4-6pm
only will the seniors themselves be happier individuals, it will also reduce the number of depression cases in the community.
While Mt. Diablo Village takes pride as a
connector among its members, it is also a giant magnet that connects different components in the community. Its program offerings have been collaborative projects with the Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association, the Arts and Rec Department, the East Bay Regional Parks District and other nonprofit organizations. A well webbed network is being established to create a dynamic and vibrant community for our seniors to enjoy.
According to Ellen Osmundson, founder of Mt. Diablo Village, “Walnut Creek’s senior population of 55+ is about 43%. Now that they are at an age to enjoy themselves, we are delighted to be able to provide opportunities for them to make friends and age together with their friends old and new. At Mt. Diablo Village, we believe aging is better together.”
Northgate High School Named to Advanced Placement School Honor Roll for 2nd Year
Submitted by Kelly Cooper, Northgate Principal
Northgate High School has been recognized for student success in Advanced Placement program while broadening participation
The College Board announced that Northgate High School has been named to the 2025 Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) School Honor Roll, earning Gold distinction.
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening participation. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.
Northgate had 68% of seniors who took at least one AP Exam during high school, 56% of seniors scoring a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam, and 26% of seniors who took five or more AP Exams!
Northgate has seen a steady increase both in participation and in pass rate for their AP courses, with several subject areas boasting 100% pass rates for their students, including 2D Art, Drawing, PreCalculus, and US History, in 2025.
Some highlights of Northgate’s AP program include
24 Courses Offered
44 Sections
17 Teachers
Principal Cooper states, “This recognition celebrates our students who are willing to stretch themselves academically and teachers who support them every step of the way. The AP Honor Roll Gold Award affirms that our students are taking on rigorous coursework, persisting through challenge, and succeeding! I am incredibly proud of their commitment, resilience, and excellence.”
“AP gives students opportunity to engage with college-level
“The AP Honor Roll Gold Award affirms that our students are taking on rigorous coursework, persisting through challenge, and succeeding!”
work, earn college credit and placement, and build professional career skills they can use no matter what path they choose after high school,” said Trevor Packer, head of the AP program. “Congratulations to this year’s AP School Honor Roll recipients for proving it’s possible to expand participation in these rigorous courses and still drive strong performance.”
