Education

The Walnut Creek Education Foundation:

Helping Local Students Thrive Article by Debbie Cohen | Photography by Provided By Students and Teachers Before enrolling in Las Lomas High School's Biomedical Science Pathway program, 17-year-old Kamila Sanchez never expected to become passionate about healthcare or to pursue a career in science or medicine. “A friend encouraged me to join, and it helped me discover a career path,” said the rising senior . The Biomedical Science Pathway is one of many programs supported by the Walnut Creek...

Life + Culture

Meet Walnut Creek's Superstars!

Article by Walnut Creek City Lifestyle | Photography by Submitted By Readers We asked you, our wonderful readers, to submit photos of your photogenic pets, and you did not disappoint! From cuddly companions to camera-ready characters, we received an incredible collection of furry friends and heartwarming stories. We thoroughly enjoyed reading about the special bonds and how they enrich your lives. Meet some of our featured superstars, with more lovable faces to come in future issues. Jojo: ...

Life + Culture

More Than Just a Pet

How Furry Friends Helped Build a Community Article by Walnut Creek City Lifestyle | Photography by Studio 96' Productions When Navya G. moved to Walnut Creek with her husband Sid, they knew almost no one. As they adjusted to life in a new town with Pluto, their Maltese poodle, they visited a local park. The daily visits quickly turned into something more meaningful. Those casual conversations between dog owners have grown into lasting friendships. "We met some friends at the dog park, and...

Local Services

The Mental Load of Parenting

Why So Many Parents Feel Overwhelmed Article by Teresa M. Christian, Psy.D. | Photography by Megan Gery Photography It's 8:00 a.m., and you've already wrestled everyone into their clothes, changed a diaper or two, packed lunches, signed a permission slip, filled and refilled water bottles, made breakfast, emptied the dishwasher, scheduled a doctor’s appointment, remembered that your child needs a poster board for tomorrow's project, and mentally reviewed what's for dinner. Oh wait, it’s also...

Education

Navigating College Admissions in 2026:

What Has Changed and What Matters Most Article by Sunny Grewal | Photography by Marissa Rocke I'll skip "start early" and "stay organized" — you already know that. Here's what's actually changed in the past 18 months that most families in our area haven't caught up to. The SAT is back. Pretending it isn't will cost your kid. When the UCs went test-blind in 2020, the country followed. That era is ending. Yale, Harvard, Brown, Dartmouth, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Caltech...

Health + Wellness

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

Why Oral Hygiene Matters More Than You Think Article by Dr. Tiziana Procopio Towle | Photography by Stock Photos When people think about staying healthy, they often focus on exercise, nutrition, and sleep. However, one of the most important—and often overlooked—factors in overall health is oral hygiene. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is primarily caused by plaque buildup that allows harmful bacteria to thrive. When these bacteria infect the gums, the body's immune system responds by...

Life + Culture

A Romantic Weekend in Yountville

The Napa Valley Escape That Felt Effortless Article by Laurel Kellam | Photography by Hotel Yountville Resort & Spa Some anniversaries call for a big trip. Others—especially in the thick of busy schedules, kids’ activities, and everyday life—call for something simpler. One that’s easier to execute, but still far enough away to give you real time together. This year, that’s exactly what we needed. Instead of flights and overplanning, my husband and I opted for something refreshingly easy—a...

Arts + Culture

The Winery That Changed California Wine Forever

A Memorable Afternoon at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Article by Laurel Kellam | Photography by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars On our trip to Yountville, we knew we wanted to go wine tasting—but not in a rushed, check-the-box kind of way. We wanted to slow down, pick one place, and actually enjoy it. That’s what led us to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars—and it ended up being exactly what we were looking for. As we settled in, our host pointed out the dramatic rock formations rising just beyond the vineyards...

Fitness

Exploring Nature

Discovering East Bay Trails Article and Photography by Gina Mannucci The spirit of exploration thrives in the East Bay’s trails. These trails are an invitation to experience a seamless transition from bustling city blocks to wide-open ridges and serenity. They are versatile, and every adventure reveals a different facet of the region’s evolving landscape. Whether you are looking for ancient history, a rugged workout, or a casual weekend stroll, these four distinct paths around Contra Costa...

Arts + Culture

Behind the Baton

An Interview with California Symphony’s Donato Cabrera Article by Ryan Phillips | Photography by Kristen Loken For Donato Cabrera, the artistic and music director of the California Symphony, the work that matters most happens long before he steps onto the stage.  “I’m a process person,” he said. “The 0.1 percent of my job is actually conducting the concert. It’s the icing on the cake. The majority of things that are happening no one sees.”  That unseen work—from selecting every piece to...