Home + Design

A Quieter Spring

Navigating Walnut Creek’s Gas Leaf Blower Ban Article by Walnut Creek City Lifestyle Team | Photography by Provided by Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware Changes are in the air for Walnut Creek—and they are significantly quieter. Starting April 1, 2026, the City of Walnut Creek will officially prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.  The move follows a growing trend across California, with over 100 cities—including neighboring Lafayette—already implementing similar restrictions to...

Home Services

Why Home Safety Matters

5 Essential Home Safety Tips Everyone Should Know Article by Luke Luchini | Photography by Stock Photo Home is where we should feel the most at ease—but that comfort is best supported by preparation. Whether you live in a busy neighborhood or a quiet cul-de-sac, home safety isn’t just about preventing break-ins. It’s about protecting your family, your belongings, and the everyday moments that make a house feel like home. Small, proactive steps can significantly reduce risk, deter unwanted...

Home + Design

Creating Your Sanctuary

The Art of the Modern Bathroom Article and Photography by Dalia Nishimori We all dream of that "home spa" feeling—a space to luxuriate in after a long, hectic day or a calm corner to start a busy morning. However, achieving that sense of zen requires a bit of design acrobatics during the design and planning stages. Because bathrooms are often smaller spaces with specific plumbing and electrical requirements, they require a level of care and attention to detail that other rooms don’t. Striking...

Home + Design

Designing With Confidence

Gordon Reese Shares His Remodeling Philosophy Article by Walnut Creek City Lifestyle Team | Photography by Marilyn Cunningham Photography For over four decades, Gordon Reese, founder of the Walnut Creek–based remodeling firm Gordon Reese Design Build, has been setting the standard for home transformations across the East Bay. Launched 42 years ago, this family-owned, award-winning home remodeling company is known not only for expert craftsmanship but also for providing homeowners with a clear...

Home Services

Spring Weed Control 101

How Weed-and-Feed Helps Our Lawns Thrive Article by Peter Larson and David Larson | Photography by Lawn Doctor of Walnut Creek As lawns across Northern California begin to wake up from winter dormancy, spring presents a critical window for homeowners to get ahead of weeds before they take over. With rising soil temperatures, increased moisture, and the season’s first growth surge, this is when both weeds and grass are actively absorbing nutrients—making it the most effective time to apply...

Home + Design

Aging With Grace

Preparing Your Home for a Loved One’s Care Article by Roshmi Mukherji | Photography by Roshmi Mukherji / Stock Photos As a home care agency owner, I often sit down with families, and the conversation usually starts the same way: “We want Mom to stay home, but we’re just not sure if it’s safe anymore.” When we think of "home design," we often focus on aesthetics, but it should be viewed through the lens of functional longevity. Adapting a home isn’t about making it look like a hospital; it’s...

Life + Culture

Local Love

Meet the Market Makers at the Walnut Creek Farmer's Market Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Provided by vendors Nestled on Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie, the Walnut Creek Farmers Market is easily accessible by foot, bike, car, or public transit, just a short stroll from BART. Open year-round, this market brings together more than 100 local producers, creating a vibrant hub where fresh, sustainable, and seasonal foods meet community spirit. Founded in 1982, Contra Costa...

Life + Culture

A New Chapter in Walnut Creek:

Nathan Pastor and Caroline Chiara on Navigating Parenthood Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Simone Rotman We met Nathan Pastor and Caroline Chiara in 2025’s February issue. And what a difference a year can make. The couple welcomed a son last summer: David Francis Pastor was born on August 19th at Kaiser in Walnut Creek. As expected, a baby changed everything for the couple. Well, not everything. Here, they share the ups and downs of parenthood and how they keep finding ways to...

Local Services

Rossmoor Realty:

Decades of Family-Owned Excellence in Walnut Creek Article by Ryan Phillips | Photography by Simone Rotman For nearly 60 years, Rossmoor Realty has been a family story. Founded in 1967 by John H. Russell, Sr., the business was built on a deep commitment to the unique community it serves.  In 1981, his son, John H. Russell, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Barbara Russell, purchased the company. Barbara continues this proud family tradition as the owner and leader today.  "I saw what my...

Local Services

Volunteering in Walnut Creek:

How to Support Local Nonprofits Article by Laurel Kellam | Photography by Stock Photos As we celebrate all things local in our February issue, we're spotlighting organizations in our area that rely on volunteers to make a meaningful impact. These local nonprofits shared how community members can get involved and what they look for in volunteers. Whether you have a special skill, a little extra time, or simply a desire to support others, each offers accessible, rewarding ways to give back. ...