Fitness

Your Smartest Health Investment?

It Might Just Be A Pair of Dumbbells Article by By Kate White | Photography by Stock Photos When we think about investing, we tend to picture stock tickers, real estate portfolios, or perhaps a well-timed leap into a promising start-up. We rarely picture a kettlebell. And yet, if you ask the physicians, trainers, and women I’ve been interviewing lately, strength training may be one of the highest-yield investments you can make — not just for your body, but for your future. In this...

Food + Beverage

Omega-Protein Power Bites

A Healthy No-Bake Energy Snack Article and Photography by Dr. Ari Katz Prep time: 15 mins (plus chilling) Yields: Approx. 22 bites The Ingredients 1 cup Rolled oats ½ cup Whey protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, or unflavored) ½ cup Natural unsweetened peanut butter ⅓ cup Honey or maple syrup ¼ cup Hemp hearts 3 tbsp Chia seeds 2 tbsp Ground flaxseed ¼ cup Dark chocolate chunks 1 tsp Vanilla extract Pinch of salt 1-2 tbsp Water...

Finance + Legal Services

Beyond the Portfolio

Investing in Your Family's Legacy and Your Peace of Mind Article by Samantha Durbin | Photography by Simone Rotman When I spoke with Omar Chyou in February, we were coming off a volatile week in the stock market. Market conditions have long been a source of anxiety for investors, but Chyou, a wealth enhancement professional, reassures me. He says that things are "generally good" despite turbulence early in the year. Addressing the common concern about market overvaluation, Chyou explains...

Life + Culture

Maui Now:

How to Visit With Heart, Intention, and Respect Article and Photography by Laurel Kellam More than two years after the devastating Lahaina wildfires of August 2023, Maui is open, welcoming visitors again—and asking for something deeper in return. “We need you to come back,” says John Pele, Executive Director of the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association. “You are an important part of our recovery. We want you to be part of our healing, part of our community, and part of our future.” Tourism has...

Local Services

Investing in Those Who Serve

How CCCFD is redefining support for the firefighters who protect the community. Article by Lindsey Hickman | Photography by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFD) has long understood that taking care of its people is fundamental to caring for the community. From rigorous physical training to ongoing professional development, the district has consistently invested in preparing firefighters for the demanding realities of the job. ...

Education

When Should You Start Retirement Planning?

Sooner Than You Think Article by Ryan D. Thompson | Photography by Provided by Presidio Group Wealth Management  For many people, retirement feels like a distant milestone—something to think about “later.” Careers are busy, children are growing, and daily life leaves little room to imagine a chapter that may still be years away. For most, retirement planning doesn’t begin with a calendar date but with a sobering realization: time is moving faster than expected, and financial decisions are...

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...