Singh Family: Chemistry brought them together – spending time together keeps them bonded Meet the
Photo by Mehak Khullar Photography
Jo Peek
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Meagan Cowle
Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar
Advertising
Contact: Jo Peek
Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:
Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Happy spring! I have been enjoying hiking all around our Walnut Creek open space trails searching for this year’s first wild flowers and letting nature feed my soul. I hope you are enjoying it too.
This month we are so pleased to introduce you to the Singh family. They have been living in Northgate for seven years and put a priority on spending time with their daughter and enjoying all that the neighborhood has to offer. I hope you enjoy their story.
We are dedicated to sharing your stories and interests. If there is anything you would like to share with our community, or see in our magazine, please don’t hesitate to email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Please follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCa for the latest updates.
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator
Resident Since 1991
Rita Dhillon Team #1
If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
SALES VOLUME FROM 2004 - 2024
Sat., Mar. 14
Family Art Day
@Shadelands Art Center
March CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Join Center for Community Arts in Shadelands for its annual outdoor, free, and fun-filled Family Art Day: Festivals of Spring at Center for Community Arts, 111 N. Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. This is the perfect opportunity to get creative with loved ones, whether it’s painting, crafting, or just having fun with colors. Create, explore, and connect while making lasting memories and memorable art while learning about spring festivals across the world.
Time: 10am-1pm
Cost: Free
Sat., Mar. 21
Friends of the Library Book Sale
@Walnut Creek Library
Come browse through thousands of new and gently-used books in a wide range of topics: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s & YA, Cookbooks, History, Politics, Self-help, Hobbies, Sports and more. CDs, DVDs and Audio books are also for sale. Book sale will take place on the 2nd floor in the Oak View Room Bag Sale: 2-3:30pm - Fill a grocery bag for $5! Please bring your own bag or box. All proceeds benefit the Walnut Creek Library’s programs and services. We thank you for your support!
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
two-dimensional 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.
Time: 9-10am
Cost: Free
Every Saturday
Farmers’ Market
@Shadelands Business Park
Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market
Time: 9am-1pm
Save the Date:
Mon., Apr. 6
Ygnacio Valley Book Club Meeting
@Ygnacio Valley Library
Join the Ygnacio Valley Library Book Group for lively, thoughtful book discussions! Share your thoughts and connect with fellow readers. Our club meets in person every 1st Monday of the month at the Ygnacio Valley Library. All teens and adults are welcome. Check with Ygnacio Valley Library Staff about obtaining copies of the selected titles. April’s book is Prequel by Rachel Maddow. Each month a new book is selected.
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.
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.
Chemistry brought them together –spending time together keeps them bonded Meet the
Singh Family:
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by the Singh Family
It literally was chemistry that brought Laxmi and Arsh together. In 2007 they were both students at West Valley College in Saratoga and met in a chemistry class. They saw each other every day in class and began meeting up in between classes. The first time they spent time together outside of school was at a Barnes & Noble in San Jose. Laxmi says, “Sadly, the Barnes & Noble closed down, but driving by that location still brings back many good memories as it ended up being a favorite hangout spot for many years.”
They both grew up in the south bay and attended college in San Francisco after West Valley College. They continued their habit of spending as much time together as they could in between classes. Laxmi was attending the University of San Francisco pursuing a degree in nursing while Arsh was attending San Francisco State and majoring in accounting. They would take BART to San Francsico together, go to their respective campuses, then meet up to ride BART back to the south bay together.
They married in 2014 with a typical “big fat Indian wedding” in India that lasted entire week. There were over 2,000 people at the wedding in total, not including the reception party they had when they came back to the U.S. for all the family and friends that could not travel to India. Laxmi adds, “It would seem unlikely to most,
but tallying the gifts afterwards was a challenge. Unfortunately, there were no elephants.”
Arsh, “a total numbers guy,” has been a CPA for 12 years and is a Senior Tax Manager at the firm he started his career with. Arsh looks forward every year to his “boys trip” where his friends from all over the U.S. meet up for a week of adventure like hiking and outdoor activities. It’s always a different location, with the 2026 meetup being in Michigan.
Laxmi has been an OB nurse for 10 years. Laxmi adds, “being at deliveries and working with new moms and babies is a gift I cherish every day.” She recently went back to school to get her Masters of Science in nursing and become a Family Practice Nurse Practioner, but she discovered she likes her role as an RN better because it allows flexibility to be involved in her daughter’s activities.
Maya is now 6 years old and in 1st grade. She enjoys swimming and gymnastics. She’s a big thrill seeker and loves amusement parks, especially ones with scary looking rollercoasters. Her current favorite is The Demon at Great America. For her 6th birthday, a “real” mermaid came to swim in the pool with Maya and her friends. “Along with Mexican food and an ice cream cart, Maya still constantly talks about how it was the best birthday party ever.” She wants to be a teacher or nurse when she grows up.
The Singhs have a goal to travel the world, one country, and one city at a time. Closer to home they love visiting Hawaii 1-2 times per year and have been to all the islands. The Big Island is their favorite. Laxmi shares, “the slowed down Hawaii life gives us the much-needed break from day-to-day life.” They also have a family tradition of traveling during the week between Christmas and New Years, to regroup as a family and plan for the year ahead by setting goals. In 2025, they spent this restorative time in Mendocino at an inn overlooking the ocean.
Other traditions include Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo after Thanksgiving and the Napa Valley Santa Train over the Christmas break. Maya enjoys hand delivering her letter to Santa.
The Singhs came to Walnut Creek in 2017 looking for a neighborhood that was family oriented and had great schools. “Not only do we have friendly neighbors,” says Laxmi, “but also the convenience of having so many amenities we can walk to like restaurants, grocery stores, dessert shops, and a library.” They also enjoy weekends at Arbolado Park, hiking Mt. Diablo or taking day trips to places like Carmel, Big Sur, and San Francisco.
But most importantly, the Singhs love to be home, connecting by watching a movie or playing board games. Arsh adds, “As a parent, I want my daughter to grow up knowing that integrity and hard work matter. We talk a lot at home about doing things the right way, staying true to your word, and following through. Those are the values I hope will guide her throughout her life.” The Singhs are passionate about spending time with each other, creating a strong and safe environment for their family.
The 50-Year Perspective: Why Smart Homeowners are Changing How They Remodel
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
Mosthomeowners in the Greater East Bay begin a remodel with a mix of excitement and guarded unease. They’ve heard the stories: the “six-month” kitchen that stretches into a year, or the budget that quietly balloons by 30% once the walls are open.
I started remodeling in 1976. Over the last 50 years—42 of them at the helm of Gordon Reese Design Build—I’ve seen every trend come and go. But more importantly, I’ve seen why projects fail. After five decades, I’ve learned a hard truth that most contractors won’t tell you: A project’s success isn’t determined by the first swing of a hammer. It’s determined by the clarity of the plan created months before the dust starts flying.
The Myth of the “Free Estimate”
The most common mistake I see is homeowners relying on traditional “free estimates.” Usually, people gather three bids, compare the numbers, and pick the one in the middle.
The problem? In the professional world, we call this “unqualified guessing.” Those estimates are built on “hope,” not verified data. In my early years—my school of hard knocks—I realized that craftsmanship is only 20% of the equation. The other 80% is a disciplined planning process.
That’s why we replaced “guessing” with a structured Feasibility Study. Think of it as a diagnostic X-ray for your home. You wouldn’t ask a surgeon to operate without an MRI; your home—and your investment— deserves that same level of clinical respect before you commit.
Why Remodels Go Off Track (and How We Prevent It)
When a remodel fails to meet expectations, it’s rarely due to a lack of effort. It’s a failure of the system. My team and I have refined a process to eliminate the three “hidden” killers of a remodel:
1. The Uncertainty Gap: Most contractors “budget to a design”— they draw a dream and tell you later it’s unaffordable. We do the opposite. We design to a budget. By establishing accurate investment ranges and up-front allowances first, we ensure your vision and your finances stay in sync.
2. Surface-Level Planning: A beautiful design that doesn’t solve your daily frustrations is a missed opportunity. We dig deep into the “why” behind your project to ensure the final space improves your life, not just your home’s aesthetic.
3. The Change-Order Culture: Comprehensive design saves you money because every decision is made on paper—where it’s inexpensive—rather than during construction when changes are costly. Planning is where price certainty is created.
A Quick Q&A with Gordon Reese
Q: Gordon, after 50 years, what do you still see homeowners underestimating? A: The value of a predictable schedule. A remodel is an intrusion into your private life. Our goal is to make that intrusion as short and organized as possible through rigid pre-construction planning. We do it right the first time so you don’t have to do it a second time.
Q: Does a comprehensive design process actually save money? A: Paradoxically, yes. It is the single most effective way to control costs. Every dollar spent in planning buys “certainty,” and certainty prevents the 20-30% “budget creep” that plagues unmapped projects.
Q: Who is your process best suited for? A: Homeowners who value their time and want a professional, “no-surprises” experience. If you want to know exactly what you’re getting into before the dust starts flying, we are likely a great match.
Stop Gambling with Your Home
A remodel should feel deliberate, informed, and predictable. If you aren’t ready to start construction but want to see what is actually possible (and what it actually costs), I invite you to learn from our half-century of experience.
Upcoming Remodeling Seminar
Date: May 14, 2026
Topic: How to Avoid the Top 5 Remodeling Pitfalls
Location & Registration: VisitGordonReese.com
Plan with Clarity. Build with Confidence. Done right the first time.
The Analog Tipping Point: A Northgate Story
By Chris Hammer, Resident since 2021
It began on a Wednesday night in a local restaurant crowded with Jag Dads—a group of Walnut Acres fathers generally more concerned with school fundraisers and the logistics of the next BBQ than social revolution. We were there to discuss community building, but the conversation kept snagging on a familiar hook. For those with fourth and fifth graders, the “iPhone puppy eyes” had already become a daily ritual at the dinner table. For those with younger kids, the smartphone era felt less like a choice and more like an upcoming mandatory subscription to a service we never actually wanted.
We realized that while we were all dreading the day our kids traded tree-climbing for TikTok, we were all waiting for someone else to go first. That night, Wait Till Northgate was born.
In less than a week, we moved with the frantic energy that only a group of parents driven by the sudden, collective realization that we are the last line of defense can summon. We dove into the literature, distilled the science of child development, and built a website to see if our neighbors felt the same way. We weren’t sure if we’d get twenty pledges or fifty.
We got 500.
In just a few days since our “soft start,” over 500 families across ten Northgate feeder schools have signed the pledge. It turns out there is a “quiet majority” in Walnut Creek that isn’t looking to banish electricity; we simply believe that protecting a child’s development is more important than an app’s engagement metrics.
By delaying smartphones, we aren’t saying “no” to technology—we’re saying “not yet” to tools that were never designed for developing brains, and “yes” to the biological necessity of an analog childhood.
Smartphones are not just phones—they are powerful, portable delivery systems for social media, gaming, and constant digital pressure. The research is increasingly clear that they have become the “new smoking,” exposing children to dopamine loops that can erode attention, sleep, self-esteem, and the ability to find joy in anything that doesn’t happen on a fiveinch screen. By delaying smartphones, we aren’t saying “no” to technology—we’re saying “not yet” to tools that were never designed for developing brains, and “yes” to the biological necessity of an analog childhood.
This isn’t about being Luddites. We’ve built our pledge to be inclusive, acknowledging that some kids need devices for medical monitoring or essential safety. This is about delaying the pressures that come with always-on devices—endless scrolling, notifications, and digital comparison—during the most vulnerable years of growth.
When this works, the “gap” between elementary school and high school changes. It becomes normal again for kids to connect through bike rides or basketball games instead of group chats and algorithms. No child has to feel like the odd one out for not being “online.” And parents get something precious in return: fewer late-night conflicts, fewer digital dramas, and a little more peace at the dinner table.
The goal is to bring back the magic of being present. We have the momentum; now we need the critical mass in every grade. If you’ve been looking for a sign to wait, this is it.
Join the movement at waittillnorthgate.com. Because smartphones can wait—but childhood definitely can’t.
Irish Mint Brownies
By Tori S. Bevens
BROWNIES:
½ C butter
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1½ C sugar
3 eggs
1½ t vanilla
1 C flour
½ t salt
Place butter and chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stirring once after the first minute. Stir until smooth. In another bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs, and then stir in the chocolate and vanilla. Add in flour and salt and stir until combined. Pour into lightly greased 9x9 pan and bake at 350° for 25 minutes. Allow cooling for an hour.
TOPPING:
1 pkg (10 oz.) mint chocolate chips
½ C plus 1 T of butter, cubed
Melt chocolate chips and butter in a saucepan. Cool for about 30 minutes while stirring occasionally. Spread over cooled brownies.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound Public Relations Manager
Adoption Hours
Mon-Fri: 12 – 7 PM Sat-Sun: 11 AM-6 PM
(Early sign-in begins at 9 AM)
Business Hours
Mon-Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Visit https://joybound.org/ for more information.
•
•
•
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
•
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
Taego
Ivy
Bree Eve
Victor
Lanson
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
$4,500,000
$2,798,000
$2,945,000
$1,250,000
$1,050,000
$1,025,000
Pending Listings
Sold Listings
$1,595,000
$1,198,000
$2,325,000
$1,940,000
$1,600,000 $1,350,000
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 ...
Create a Memorable Wine and Food Pairing at Home
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
Throwing a wine tasting and pairing party doesn’t need to be formal or fussy. One of the smartest (and most Instagram-worthy) tricks is rolling out butcher paper as your table runner or use butcher paper placemats. It turns your dining table into an interactive canvas. Cleanup is a breeze—just roll it up and toss it. This casual setup encourages conversation, experimentation, and memorable discoveries.
Set Up
Cover your table with wide butcher paper (available at restaurant supply stores or online) or use individual butcher paper place mats. Use a thick marker to create a place for each glass of wine and label each wine. I suggest tasting four wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Beneath each wine label, leaving enough space to label a “cheese”, “meat”, “fruit” and “sweet treat” that would pair with that particular wine. (*see pairing ideas listed with each wine below) If possible, place as many food items on the label butcher paper for each guest ahead of time. Set small plates, cheese knives, and napkin at each place setting. For
a tasting scorecard, either print simple templates or draw columns directly on the paper: Wine Name | Appearance | Aroma | Taste | Finish | Best Pairing | Overall Score (1–10) | Notes.
Serving tips: Taste in this order to build intensity—Sauvignon Blanc first, then Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and finally Cabernet Sauvignon. Serve whites at 45–50°F and reds at 60–65°F (slightly cool for reds prevents them from tasting flat). Pour 2–3 ounces per tasting to avoid overindulgence. Provide water, plain crackers, and palate cleansers between wines.
The Wines and Food Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc Tasting notes: Vibrant and zesty with high acidity, aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, freshly cut grass, and green apple. On the palate, expect crisp minerality and a clean, herbaceous finish. Pairings: Fresh goat cheese, fontina or feta for tangy contrast; thinly sliced prosciutto or cerviche; bright fruits like green apple slices or citrus segments; a sweet treat of mini lemon tarts or key lime bites that echo its citrus brightness.
Chardonnay Tasting notes: Rich and rounded, often showing notes of baked apple, pear, tropical pineapple, vanilla, and toasted oak (especially if barrel-aged). Look for a creamy texture and balanced acidity. Pairings: Creamy Brie or triple-crème cheese or Emmental; milder cured meats like honey ham or light salami or crab; sliced pears and apples; a luxurious sweet finish with crème brûlée or warm apple crisp.
Pinot Noir Tasting notes: Elegant and silky with red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry aromas, plus earthy undertones of mushroom, forest
floor, and subtle spice. Soft tannins and bright acidity make it versatile. Pairings: Soft-ripened cheeses like Camembert or Brie; pâté, duck prosciutto, or lighter salami; fresh raspberries and cherries; chocolatecovered cherries or raspberry sorbet for a romantic sweet note.
Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting notes: Bold and structured with intense blackberry, black currant, cassis, and plum fruit, layered with cedar, tobacco, graphite, and firm tannins that provide a long, grippy finish. Pairings: Aged sharp cheddar, nutty Gouda, or Gruyère; hearty salami, soppressata, prosciutto, or bresaola; dark fruits like blackberries, figs, and plums; finish with high-quality dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa) or salted chocolate truffles that tame the tannins beautifully.
Encourage guests to write directly on the butcher paper—circle favorite pairings, rate each wine, and note surprising combinations. Or use the scorecard for a keepsake to bring home. The visual record becomes a fun keepsake (or hilarious reminder) of the evening. Provide extra markers and encourage creativity: doodle flavor wheels or pairing “match made in heaven” stars.
A butcher paper wine party strikes the perfect balance between education and entertainment. Guests leave with new tasting skills, favorite pairings, and stories to share. Roll out the paper, uncork the bottles, and let the good times (and great flavors) flow.
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)
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)
ANSWERING THE CALL TO GIVE BACK Bringing Comfort Home Where It’s Earned
In this line of work, you get a front-row seat to people’s lives. You walk into homes on the hottest days of summer and the coldest nights of winter. You see families doing their best, seniors trying to stay independent, and neighbors who have spent their lives giving more than they’ve taken. Over the years, that has shaped how we operate at Perfect Star Heating, Cooling & Electrical.
Giving back isn’t something we schedule once and move on from. It’s part of how we define service. Every day, our team shows up across the East Bay to restore comfort when systems fail, respond to emergencies, and help people stay safe in their homes. Once a year, we’re able to take that commitment a step further through our participation in the Lennox Feel The Love Program—a national initiative that provides free HVAC systems to veterans, first responders, and community heroes.
In October 2025, that opportunity brought us to the Concord home of U.S. Army veteran Marco Nunez.
Marco is a decorated combat veteran who continues to serve others long after returning home. He spends his time helping unhoused neighbors and seniors, and he
“Comfort isn’t just about temperature. It’s about dignity, peace of mind, and knowing someone truly cares.”
openly shares his experience with PTSD to support people facing similar challenges. Despite a lifetime of service, Marco and his family had lived without central heating or air conditioning for more than 20 years. When we arrived that morning, it was clear this job was about more than installing equipment. Lennox provided the system, and our team handled the installation and ongoing maintenance—but what mattered most was what it represented. For years, Marco had put others first. That day, the focus was finally on him and his family.
I’ve said this many times, and I believe it deeply: comfort isn’t just about temperature. It’s about dignity, safety, and peace of mind. Marco represents the quiet strength we see throughout our communities—people who don’t ask for help, even when they deserve it. Being able to serve someone like him is something our entire team takes seriously.
Marco’s installation wasn’t a one-off. Each year, we carefully review local nominations and choose someone in our community to support. In previous years, that has included organizations like Hope House in Brentwood, a nonprofit that provides food distribution and essential services to families in need. The recipients change, but the intention stays the same: give back locally, thoughtfully, and with heart.
Since 2009, the Lennox Feel The Love Program has donated more than 2,700 HVAC systems nationwide. For us, participating aligns naturally with how we already operate—serving the same communities we live and work in, not just once a year, but every day.
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
The East Bay Regional Parks District Trails Challenge 2026
By Kendra Strey, Communications and Outreach Manager
If you’re looking for a fresh reason to lace up your hiking shoes, hop on your bike, or simply spend more time outdoors, the Trails Challenge 2026 is the perfect invitation.
Now in its 33rd year, the East Bay Regional Park District’s beloved Trails Challenge continues to inspire residents to explore the incredible network of parks and trails right in our own backyard. Best of all, the program is completely free and designed for participants of all ages and abilities.
What Is the Trails Challenge?
Each year, the Trails Challenge highlights 20 designated trails across the East Bay, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate and challenging routes. Several of the trails are fully accessible and have been evaluated for use by people with mobility limitations, making this a truly inclusive program.
To complete the challenge, participants simply need to:
• Walk, ride, or roll five trails or
• Complete a total of 26.2 miles (a full marathon’s worth of exploration!)
Walking, biking, and horseback riding are all welcome ways to participate, so you can choose what works best for you and your family.
Pick Up Your Guide and Get Started
The 2026 Trails Challenge guidebook and commemorative T-shirt are available at any East Bay Regional Parks Visitor Center while supplies last. Prefer digital? The guidebook is also available to download online.
All of the 2026 Trails Challenge routes are also listed on AllTrails, making it easy to track your progress and discover trail details right from your phone.
Finish and Earn Your Pin
Participants who complete the challenge can earn a commemorative Trails Challenge pin. Simply submit your trail log online by December 31, 2026, and your pin will be mailed to you while supplies last.
Trail logs must be submitted online to qualify for prizes, giveaways, and special awards.
New Prizes and Fun Incentives for 2026
This year’s Trails Challenge comes with even more reasons to join in:
• Free 3-month AllTrails Plus membership for all participants
• Monthly prize drawings for finishers and first-time participants
• All-20 Club prize for those who complete all 20 trails
• Special finisher categories, including:
• Pathfinder (ages 0–9)
• Junior Trailblazer (ages 10–12)
• Trailblazer (ages 13–18)
• Timeless Trekkers (ages 65+)
Prizes range from AllTrails gear to a special 2026 Trails Challenge bandana, celebrating every kind of explorer.
