ELEVATE YOUR HOME, INSIDE AND OUT WITH ASHER BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
Transform your living spaces into elegant retreats with Asher Brothers Construction. We specialize in luxury home remodeling, offering services such as kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, additions, ADUs, and full home remodels. Enhance both the beauty and value of your interiors with our expertise and personalized designs that make a statement.
Transform your outdoors into exquisite escapesAsher Brothers Construction crafts custom patios and serene landscapes, creating environments perfect for relaxation and entertainment. Our exterior services include outdoor kitchens, artificial turf, patio covers, decks, retaining walls, hardscapes, and pool construction. Let us tailor each project to your lifestyle and redefine your outdoor living, turning every moment into an experience of comfort and beauty.
Celebrating And Embracing Gratitude
As we step into November, a month that embodies gratitude and reflection, I find myself eagerly anticipating one of my favorite holidays: Thanksgiving. Unlike other holidays, this day is not about the exchange of gifts but rather about gathering with loved ones to share a meal and create new memories. The tradition of Thanksgiving, with its familiar dishes gracing tables across the country, fosters a sense of unity and connection to me that resonates deeply and feels much needed.
The essence of the holiday remains a beautiful opportunity to come together, express our gratitude, and celebrate the blessings in our lives. It’s a time to pause and appreciate the people and experiences that enrich our lives, reminding us to hold these moments dear throughout the month.
In this issue, we spotlight local business owners who exemplify commitment to their employees, fostering an environment where they can thrive and advance in their careers. Their dedication not only strengthens their businesses but also enriches our community.
In this spirit of gratitude, we've also featured inspiring nonprofits doing incredible work. Discover how you can support them on page 18.
As we embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving, I encourage you to reflect on the many things you are grateful for and cherish those moments with family and friends. I wish you all a wonderful November filled with warmth, love, and gratitude.
Jennifer Starbuck jennifer.starbuck@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Savannah Dewberry, Cole Cronk
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Aika Cadin
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1—3: Dive into the vivacious world of champagne and sparkling wine with Fizz in Walnut Creek. Fizz is the brainchild of Raymond James Irwin, who found his passion for champagne while working at one of Cleveland’s top restaurants. 4—5: Gourmet Grazing Goat, based in Walnut Creek, specializes in high-end gourmet grazing tables and boards. This was at a fall event hosted by Anthropologie. 6—7: Rothy’s is now open at Walnut Creek. Visit their store at Broadway Plaza!
Want to be seen in the magazine?
FIZZ WALNUT CREEK
FIZZ WALNUT CREEK
FIZZ WALNUT CREEK
Little House of Kings
Transform your holiday celebrations with Little House of Kings’ dazzling party offerings. Elevate your event with their shimmering backdrop wall, adding a touch of glamour to any space. Make a bold statement with marquee letters to usher in 2025. From bouncy houses to backyard cinemas, Little House of Kings has everything you need for an unforgettable celebration. Call or text now at 707.770.9959 or visit their Instagram page: @littlehouseofkings
Photography by Little House of Kings
Nathan D. Pastor is the founder of Pastor Law Group, PC, which specializes in state
and probate law. Focusing on probate, conservatorships, and estate planning, Pastor leverages extensive experience to navigate complex legal matters. The firm is known for its quick response times and competitive pricing. Pastor is a member of the Court’s Conservatorship Panel and offers personalized support for clients dealing with California probate law. Contact nathan@nathanpastor.com or call 925.322.1012.
Aika Cardin Photography
Celebrate the beauty of Fall and the joy of the holiday season with a family photo session! Aika specializes in capturing stunning portraits in the picturesque Bay Area and her downtown Walnut Creek studio. Let Aika create timeless images that reflect your family’s unique moments. Aika also offers personalized business headshot sessions to elevate your professional image. Call Aika at 978.239.6528 orvisit her Instagram page at instagram.com/aikacardinphotography or website AikaCardin.com to book your session!
Photography by Pastor Law Group, PC
Photography by Aika Cardin Photography
Building Community in the Workplace
ENTREPRENEURS SHARE THEIR STRATEGIES FOR FOSTERING CONNECTION AND PERSONAL GROWTH IN THEIR BUSINESSES.
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH DEWBERRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY AIKA CARDIN
Creating an inviting and collaborative workspace has never been more important, especially at a time when isolation has become all too common. We sat down with three successful local business owners to discuss how they foster a welcoming environment in their businesses and, in turn, help build a thriving community.
Krystal Pohl-Kerkezian, Salon Hanover
For Krystal Pohl-Kerkezian, fashion and her family are her primary sources of inspiration. So, when it came time to open her own salon, she named it after her grandmother. She was inspired to open Salon Hanover to promote a welcoming environment that encouraged and built up its employees. She wanted to create a space that felt like a sanctuary for her employees.
"I saw young stylists who seemed defeated, and I wanted to create a salon with the opportunities that I was lucky to have," she says.
Krystal wants to create a space that feels like a sanctuary for her employees.
"I wondered if we could have a salon that felt like a sanctuary, where they felt safe, heard, loved, and appreciated. Where they could unlock their full potential."
Disregarding archaic hierarchies traditionally found in salons, Krystal empowers her employees through their own passions. She has promoted people to brand ambassadors or even as partners, trying to give them the same opportunities she was fortunate to have.
She focuses on connections within and outside of the salon. Salon Hanover has partnered with local artists and clothing designers to create a beautiful and luxurious space.
"We believe other types of art fuel a community of artists, so we've partnered with a lot of other artists to make our surroundings inspirational," she says.
While creating a safe, inclusive, and beautiful space isn't as easy as snapping your fingers, Krystal says the process has been inspirational. She says it pushes her salonists to collaborate instead of compete with each other.
"It transforms envy into admiration," she says.
“I saw young stylists who seemed defeated, and I wanted to create a salon with the opportunities that I was lucky to have,” says Krystal.
“Cultures are created. When you see behaviors or attitudes that aren’t aligning with the bigger goal, we have a conversation. We’re not always perfect,” says Melissa.
Melissa
believes that culture is something that can be shaped and developed.
Melissa Arbil, Walnut Creek Cadillac
Melissa Arbil is all about the hustle. Originally from Oakley, she started at Walnut Creek Cadillac as a saleswoman and worked from the ground up. Now—as the general manager—she inspires her employees to do the same.
“I want every person who comes to work for us to say ‘I want Melissa’s job,’ and then I’m here to try and help them get there,” she says.
Part of this includes building a good team, which she says she’s curated over the past 11 years.
She believes that culture is something that can be shaped and developed.
“Cultures are created. When you see behaviors or attitudes that aren’t aligning with the bigger goal, we have a conversation,” she says.
“We’re not always perfect.”
One of her goals is to find the sweet spot where employees’ hobbies and interests align with their jobs. When Melissa learned that her employee Dominic Hanecak did photography on the side, she encouraged him to take over their digital marketing and social media.
“I would never want to inhibit somebody who has a skill set or a talent like that, so if we’re able to incorporate it into what we do here? Absolutely,” she says.
At the end of the day, seeing her employees succeed makes everything worth it.
“When I see these guys have big life achievements, buying a home, starting a family—knowing I played some small part of that, it’s very rewarding.”
Giusseppe Farfan, Atypical Men's Grooming
Giusseppe Farfan grew up with a brush and comb in his hands. The founder of Atypical Men’s Grooming moved from Peru to the Bay Area when he was just 13 years old. He always preferred working with his hands and developed his skills with hair by practicing on himself and his friends.
In 2022, his dream of having his own shop came true when he opened his first ATypical Men’s Grooming in Walnut Creek. This July, he opened a second location in Danville, partnering with his employee Zuriel Paniagua.
Giusseppe leads by example for his employees, many of whom remind him of his younger self.
“I started being careful with my word choices and my eating habits. I started going to the gym, and I worked hard in the shop,” he says.
“We want to build a space, not just for cutting hair, but for personal growth. To challenge ourselves to do better,” he says.
Giusseppe reflects on not having a mentor and how it could have helped him avoid many mistakes. However, he believes there’s a certain beauty in learning from those mistakes.
“But that’s the beauty of it: learning from your mistakes and being courageous… Eventually, you’ll get there.”
Giusseppe hopes his work ethic and dedication pay off with his employees, who he hopes can balance work and fun,
“I show them what to do, so they know they can do it too,” he says.
“But that’s the beauty of it: learning from your mistakes and being courageous… Eventually, you’ll get there.”
Giusseppe leads by example for his employees, many of whom remind him of his younger self.
Sharifa Raouf Dr. Sam Johnson, AuD
ARTICLE BY SAVANNAH DEWBERRY PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY ORGANIZATIONS
MONUMENT CRISIS CENTER’S
ANNUAL TURKEY DRIVE
1990 MARKET ST., CONCORD, CA (925) 825-7751
While turkeys are being baked and basted, and people debate on the best type of cranberry sauce, there are people in need during this holiday season. So, what better way to practice thankfulness and gratitude than to give back to your community? We’ve gathered three volunteer opportunities for November to help spread the joy around. Whether you can donate your time, food, or wallet, there’s no better time to give back than right now.
MONUMENTCRISISCENTER.ORG
Thanksgiving would not be complete without turkey, and you can help set the table for families in need. Monument Crisis Center will be accepting frozen turkeys from November 18th-21st for their annual Turkey Drive. Last year, the center gave over 600 turkeys to at-risk and low-income families. Monetary donations are gladly welcome if you don’t have time to snag an extra bird.
Courtesy of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
MEALS ON WHEELS DIABLO REGION 1300 CIVIC DRIVE, WALNUT CREEK, CA (925) 937-8311
MOWDIABLOREGION.ORG
As the days get darker, many people start to feel more isolated and alone. Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is looking for helping hands and friendly volunteers this holiday season. Delivery drivers can help deliver comforting holiday meals for local seniors in need, and several companionship volunteer positions can help brighten their spirits. Handmade gift cards and bags with essentials such as non-slip socks, flashlights, and batteries are encouraged and welcomed.
WINTER NIGHTS FAMILY SHELTER 404 GREGORY LANE #7, PLEASANT HILL, CA (925) 414-3883
CCCWINTERNIGHTS.ORG
Having a warm and welcoming community helps on those cold winter days. Winter Nights Family Shelter is looking for volunteers interested in making meals, tutoring, or doing activities with kids. Preparing a Thanksgiving basket full of non-perishable foods fit for a feast is also a great way to give back. Donations are always needed at the shelter for things like snacks, gift cards, and gas cards.
Courtesy of Winter Nights Family Shelter
A volunteer delivering meals. Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Courtesy of Winter Nights Family Shelter
Bringing Joy
Back into the Kitchen
Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates
Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @ dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on
Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with them around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.
Yet, in the midst of all of this, Dennis was not taking care of himself — eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life. A friend had a “come to Jesus” moment with him and stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself. Having no idea exactly what that meant or how to do so, the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.”
The Start
“Go to the library and borrow some cookbooks,” his friend suggested. Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.
Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.
“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment.
What eventually followed were 13 episodes over nine months where the Restaurants on the Edge team traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.
“When you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.
Travel Recommendations for Foodies
“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”
Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.
“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”
Restaurants on the Edge is important and meaningful to Chef Prescott because it tells stories of hope and joy and redemption around the kitchen. Oftentimes the food space can be very stressful, but he believes that at the end of the day, people just want to spend time with other people that they love.
One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’
Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.
“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”
giving dip -
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Fall is synonymous with gathering with friends and family and enjoying time together. Whether it is for Thanksgiving, a football watch party or a simple fall gathering, these easy appetizer dips are the perfect shareable snack to share.
fig & honey brie
The perfect cheesy fall dip that is both savory and sweet. The chopped pecans add a subtle crunch that makes this irresistible.
ingredients:
• 8 ounce brie wheel
• 1/3 cup fig spread or jam
• ¼ cup pecans
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
directions: Place brie in a baking dish. Spread the fig spread on top of brie and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Drizzle with honey. Add fresh herbs, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
garlic herb feta dip
This savory dip is quick and easy to assemble and is perfect to serve with fresh veggies or crackers of any kind.
ingredients:
• ½ cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 whole garlic bulb, roasted
• 1 ¼ cup feta cheese
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dill
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
directions:
First, cut the head off of the top of the garlic bulb, and drizzle olive oil on top. Wrap in foil, and place it in a n oven heated to 425 degrees. Roast for 30 minutes or until soft. Squeeze roasted garlic into a bowl, and set aside. Next, add the yogurt, feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper and water in a blender and lightly blend. Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables. Enjoy!
ingredients:
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1 can pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
directions: Place cream cheese in a microwave safe bowl, and soften for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar and blend with a hand mixer until smooth. Add in pumpkin and blend until combined. Mix in heavy whipping cream and mix on high for 2 minutes. Next, stir in pumpkin pie spice. Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
Nothing screams fall quite like the flavor of pumpkin. This lightly sweet dip takes just a few minutes to make and is perfect for any fall get-together.
creamy pumpkin cheesecake dip
realty report
This data is a sampling of sold properties from August 1, 2024 - September 24,2024. Information above is obtained from the Contra Costa Association of Realtors MLS , at the time of printing information was reliable but not guaranteed.
ARTICLE BY COLE CRONK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOB GOLDNER
Libraries BOOK FRIENDS: THE POWERHOUSE BEHIND OUR
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE ENABLES THE LIBRARY TO PROVIDE MORE BOOKS AND PROGRAMS FOR THE COMMUNITY.
The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library (Friends) have expanded their mission by opening a new bookstore, Book Friends, at Ygnacio Valley Plaza in Walnut Creek. If you’re unfamiliar with Friends, it is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that has been selling donated books and using the proceeds to support our libraries since 1953.
“Working with the Friends providing competitively priced books to the community and being able to support a wonderful library system has been very rewarding and great fun over the years,” said Bob.
Friends started with parking lot sales and eventually a small store inside the Pleasant Hill Library until Covid hit, forcing them to close down their store as the library was set to be demolished to build a new one. In 2020, Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library opened a stand-alone store on Contra Costa Boulevard, across from the Sun Valley Mall. Two years later, they set up a second store inside the new Pleasant Hill library on Monticello Avenue. The non-profit received donations from all over the Bay Area, which led to an abundance of high-quality used books for sale. They also have an online store that ships domestically and internationally. With all the success and excess inventory, Friends decided to open Book Friends to support not only the Pleasant Hill Library but the entire Contra Costa County library system.
Bob Goldner, one of the managers at Book Friends, has been volunteering with Friends since 2012. He led the team that organized thousands of books to set up an outdoor bookstore in the library parking lot, selling to the local community while supporting the library.
“Working with the Friends providing competitively priced books to the community and being able to support a wonderful library system has been very rewarding and great fun over the years,” he says.
Since 2020, Friends has raised $2 million. The money raised enables the library to buy more books and provide programs like storytimes for toddlers, educational and hobby classes, and afterschool programs for teens. In addition, the library outfits and supplies the best Makerspace in the system. Outside resources like Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Wild Things Conservation Ambassadors, I Heart Art, and Kinetic Steam Works, among others, provide these many programs.
Book Friends, which opened in July this year, has an extensive inventory of great books that can be sourced from all their stores if you are looking for a particular title. If you are interested in helping Book Friends and The Friends of the Pleasant Hill Library, you can find information about donating and buying books at https://www.phlibraryfriends.org/
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 9TH
Succulent Tree Workshop
The Ruth Bancroft Garden | 10:00 AM
Learn how to make botanical tabletop decorations with fresh succulents and showcase your creative flair this holiday season. Succulent selection may vary depending on availability on the day of the workshop. Tickets for the workshop cost between $80 and $95. For ticketing details, visit: ruthbancroftgarden.org/event/ succulent-tree-workshop/#tribe-tickets
NOVEMBER 11TH
Veterans Day Ceremony
Presented by the City of Walnut Creek
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek | 11:00 AM
Join the Walnut Creek Mayor, City Council members, and the Walnut Creek Concert Band at the city’s annual Veterans Day ceremony. Before or after the ceremony, the public is invited to visit the memorial of the Walnut Creek Veterans outside of City Hall.
Escape the Routine
NOVEMBER 14TH
The “Phoenix Boutique”
Sip & Shop 2024
Boundary Oak Golf Course, 3800 Valley Vista Rd, Walnut Creek | 4:00 PM
Save the date and shop a premier selection of local artisans and boutique shops at the Sip & Shop event. Enjoy music, free massage, art demos and a raffle draw. Proceeds from this fundraising event go to the Child Life Program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.
NOVEMBER 19TH
“Live! From the Library”
Oak View Room, Walnut Creek Library | 7:00 PM
The Walnut Creek Library Foundation proudly welcomes local author Gail Tsukiyama back to the Library to discuss her novels, including her latest publication, The Brightest Star. Reserve your seat today, as this program will fill up quickly!
NOVEMBER 22ND
Walnut Creek On Ice
Civic Park, Walnut Creek | 6:00 PM
Walnut Creek On Ice — Bay Area’s favorite seasonal outdoor ice skating rink is back! This partially covered rink allows for skating all season during the day and night. General admission is $20/person for a 90-minute session. For more information on timing and other details, visit: https:// walnutcreekonice.com/
NOVEMBER 29TH
Contra Costa Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek | 2:00 PM
Celebrate the 35th year of The Nutcracker for one weekend only! Join Clara and her beloved nutcracker-turned-prince on a magical journey into the delightful Candy Kingdom. This one-hour performance, brought to you by the Contra Costa Ballet, is filled with colorful costumes, whimsical sets, and an array of talented young dancers. It is an elegant introduction to the holiday classic.
Want to be featured?
INGREDIENTS
• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin
• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum
• 1/2oz- Lime juice
• Topped with ginger beer
• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame
GARNISH
• Small paint brush
• Simple syrup
• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame
INSTRUCTIONS
Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.
Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up! Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).
ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
