Life + Culture

Holiday Spirit in Action

Meet Community Heroes Making a Difference All Year Long Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Provided As the holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving comes alive. Communities come together through acts of kindness, donations, and volunteering to spread joy and warmth. Here are some programs in Walnut Creek that are changing the lives of others all year long. Firefighters Assemble Christmas Joy When you think about first responders, most think of the brave individuals who show...

Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide

Looking For Interesting, Handy, Helpful, Memorable Presents? Article by Julie Brown Patton Finding ‘perfect’ holiday gifts for everyone can be daunting. This year’s Walnut Creek City Lifestyle gift suggestions make that undertaking easier, unique, practical, and thoughtful.  Sculptology co-founders Lauren Morgan, a certified CoolSculpting master, and Alejandro Arnez, M.D., state that their medical team in Lafayette assists individuals with enhancing their self-esteem, health, and wellness...

Home + Design

Elegance on a Budget

Aram Mortazavi's Guide to Stylish, Festive Looks Article by Sarah Capperauld | Photography by Aika Cardin The holidays are when the art of interior design and festive creativity blend perfectly, transforming our living space into a haven filled with warmth and style. For event planner Aram Mortazavi, the founder and owner of LovelyMomentsPlanning, the fusion of tradition and trendy accents is at the heart of her holiday décor. Aram's Christmas setup is nothing but a masterclass in luxurious...

Local Services

Community Concern for Cats (CC4C)

Making a Pawsitive Impact on Contra Costa Cats Article by Cole Cronk | Photography by Lori Chang Cat overpopulation is a huge problem in the United States, and Contra Costa County is no exception. Feline overpopulation can bring a host of problems, as these feral cats face harsh living conditions. If left unchecked, their number can grow rapidly. Realizing this, a non-profit called Community Concern for Cats, also known as CC4C has been helping to lessen the suffering of these furry animals...

Life + Culture

Giving Thanks by Giving Back

Support Your Community This Holiday Season to Make a Difference Article by Savannah Dewberry | Photography by Provided by organizations 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...

Life + Culture

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...

Home + Design

From Fables to Culinary Feasts

The Journey of Chef Hasan Yildiz Article by Cole Cronk | Photography by Aika Cardin In the 1970s, an elementary school student in Turkey stumbled upon a book that would leave a lasting impression on his life: Jean de La Fontaine's Fables. Little did he know, this collection of timeless stories would become a cornerstone of his future, influencing his career and the creation of his own restaurant decades later. Fast forward 40 years to 2012, that boy from Turkey had grown into a man with a...

Life + Culture

Kailani Kimoto

The Art Of Giving Back Article by Hema Siva | Photography by Provided by Kailani Kimoto As a realtor, Kailani Kimoto is dedicated to helping people find their perfect home. She is also passionate about giving back to the community. She makes it a point to reach out to organizations and individuals to see if they need assistance and offers her support where it's needed most. One of the most rewarding experiences for Kailani was collaborating with the pickleball club in Rossmoor to raise funds...

Arts + Culture

Local Gems around Walnut Creek

A Glimpse Into Salon Hanover's Founder Krystal Kerkezian's Top Picks Article by Hemananthani Sivanandam | Photography by Adobe Stock Photos From charming breakfasts to chic boutiques and perfect staycations, here are some of the favorite spots of Krystal Kerkezian, the founder and owner of Salon Hanover in Walnut Creek.  Sunrise Bistro: It is the best breakfast spot and an example of community leadership. Deliciouz Boutique: A local upscale clothing store with the best personalized...

Home + Design

Opulence Beckons

Luxury Trends in Interior Design Article by Hemananthani Sivanandam | Photography by Interior Designers & Photographers The world of interior design is ever-evolving, and discerning homeowners with a taste for the finer things crave spaces that reflect their unique personalities and opulent lifestyles. Here are some of the latest trends that are redefining luxury living. "Grandmillennial" and vibrant colors  The pendulum is swinging back towards a more decorative and luxurious aesthetic. ...