Nathan Pastor and Caroline Chiara's family roots span coasts, but their hearts are firmly planted in Walnut Creek. Nathan was born in Oakland but grew up in Walnut Creek. He attended the Las Lomas High School and graduated from UC Berkeley. He then earned a prestigious Master of Law (LLM) in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law from Golden Gate University. As a certified specialist in trusts and estates, Nathan made waves in the legal world in 2019 when he won a case at the California Supreme Court. He runs his practice, Pastor Law Group, PC, in Walnut Creek.
Caroline, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, charted her own impressive path. After graduating with a BA in Biology from Kenyon College, she earned her Master of Social Work from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She has over a decade of experience as a clinical social worker and has an advanced certification in Hospice and Palliative Care. Before opening her private therapy practice in Walnut Creek, Caroline worked as a medical social worker in hospice and palliative care and as a director of a homeless services program.
Their paths crossed in Washington, DC, thanks to a mutual friend. Today, Nathan and Caroline call the Saranap neighborhood of Walnut Creek home, where they enjoy life with their beloved cats, Sneakers and Tiramisu.
What do you love most about living in Walnut Creek as a couple?
We love the easy access to many activities like hiking trails, good restaurants, and museums in San Francisco, and just a short drive away from the beach, wine country, and the mountains.
Do you have a favorite date-night spot in Walnut Creek?
We love to go to the Cheesecake Factory and then window shop at Broadway Plaza. We love going to Li Cha Tea on Broadway Avenue. The owners are welcoming, and the tea selection and drinks are unmatched. It brightens our day when we go there.
Do you look forward to any local events or festivals each year?
We enjoy walking around our neighborhood during the fall and winter months. Our neighbors get into the holiday spirit by decorating their lawns. There is a Halloween parade and party at the end of the street. Also, Following Francis (a local non-profit) often creates a Living Nativity during the Christmas holidays that includes live animals and singing.
Are there any causes or organizations in Walnut Creek that you support?
We both volunteer for Following Francis, a local non-profit that offers inspiring field trips for children and their families from underserved neighborhoods and gives them gifts of quality clothes, shoes, groceries, books, educational toys, and needed supplies. Nathan is on their board, and we have volunteered at many of their local events.
Walnut Creek offers many outdoor activities—what are your favorites?
Civic Park and the Shell Ridge Open Space are our favorites.
What would the perfect weekend in Walnut Creek be?
We get coffee and tea at Rooted in downtown Walnut Creek, then head out on an early morning hike at Shell Ridge, enjoying the sunrise behind Mt. Diablo. We would have brunch at Sunrise Bistro and then knock out some shopping downtown. After enjoying the pool and sauna at Forma Fitness in the late afternoon, we would head to Thorsap Thai Kitchen or Flemmings Steakhouse for dinner, then a movie at Cinemark Century Walnut Creek 14. Top it off with ice cream at Lottie's Creamery.