Life + Culture

Thankful Hearts

Gather, Give Thanks, Share Article by Walnut Creek City Lifestyle | Photography by Albena Ilieva Photography Gratitude can look different for everyone. For some, it’s found in family traditions and treasured memories; for others, it’s in the simple everyday moments that are easy to overlook. We asked some residents to reflect on what they’re most thankful for. Gordon and Michelle Reese, owners of Gordon Reese Design Build. For Gordon Reese, gratitude begins with family. He is...

Event Planning + Services

The Art of Gathering:

Four Women Create a Fall Picnic to Remember Article by Walnut Creek Cityllifestyle | Photography by Albena Ilieva When the Walnut Creek Citylifestyle editorial team began brainstorming ideas for November’s cover, one vision stood out—a fall picnic that would capture the season's warmth and abundance. To bring that vision to life, we turned to Carlota Lock, the owner of Blooms ’N Bliss, who does floral design, event styling, and her signature “all-inclusive luxury picnics.” Drawing on the...

Life + Culture

Pre-Holiday Season Fundraiser to Benefit Children’s Hospital

The Phoenix Boutique Supports Creative Outlets for Hospitalized Kids Article by Debbie Cohen | Photography by Provided Photos It isn’t easy being a child in a hospital. Time away from friends, school, and normal routines can be difficult for both young patients and their families. To make hospital stays less intimidating, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland offers the Child Life Program, giving kids comforting, creative outlets. Led by specialists, the creative arts programming is...

Food + Beverage

Celebrate Thanksgiving With These Healthy Holiday Recipes

Article and Photography by Dr. Ari Katz This Thanksgiving, keep the holiday warmth and flavor with healthier recipes, packed with fresh ingredients and plenty of flavor. It's perfect for gathering around the table, sharing good food, and enjoying the season without feeling weighed down. Honey Mustard Salmon Serves 4 Ingredients 4 wild-caught salmon fillets 3 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp honey 1 tbsp whole grain mustard 2 garlic cloves (minced) 3 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp salt ¼...

Arts + Culture

A Season of Music, Dance and Theater Awaits!

Celebrate the Holidays at the Lesher Center For The Arts Article by Gina Mannucci | Photography by Stock Photos This fall and winter, the Lesher Center For The Arts, located in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, is bringing an exciting lineup of must-see performances. From iconic musical shows to cherished holiday traditions, the community can enjoy a wide variety of performances.  Here are some of the performances lined up for November and December: Nov. 10: Performing Arts Studio’s...

Health + Wellness

Three Good Things:

A Simple Practice for a More Grateful Life Article by Teresa M. Christian, Psy.D. | Photography by Stock Photo “Just be grateful.” “Look on the bright side.” “Think about everything you have.” “It can be so much worse.” If you’re having a hard day, those phrases can feel less than helpful. As a psychologist, I talk about gratitude a lot and would never suggest that gratitude means ignoring the difficult parts of your life because gratitude and a difficult day can coexist. However, I believe...

Life + Culture

From San Francisco to Walnut Creek:

Original Joe’s Brings Nearly 90 Years of Family Tradition to Walnut Creek Article by Laurel Kellam | Photography by Kendall Marie Photography. Original Joe’s has brought its nearly 90-year Bay Area restaurant legacy to Walnut Creek, and the community has responded enthusiastically. At the heart of the family-owned restaurant is a simple philosophy: comforting food, warm hospitality and a place where generations can gather around the table. We speak with siblings Elena and John Duggan, the...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Local Favorites:

Salon Hanover Stylists Share Their Go-To Food and Drinks Article by Walnut Creek City Lifestyle | Photography by Studio 96' Productions Food is personal—shaped by memories, cravings, traditions, and the places where we love to gather. For this issue, we asked a few stylists from Salon Hanover to step out from behind the chair and share what’s on their plates, their favorite restaurants, and the stories behind why they keep coming back. Krystal Kerkezian, founder of Salon Hanover. Favorite...

Food + Beverage

Clementina

A New Kind of Italian Restaurant Inspired by A Father’s Mission Article by Laurel Kellam | Photography by Albert Law For Gianluca Legrottaglie, owner of Montesacro in Walnut Creek and San Francisco, opening a gluten-free Italian restaurant wasn't driven by a business opportunity—it grew out of a deeply personal journey. When Legrottaglie's daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease, everything changed. "There is no cure," he explains. "The only way to live with it is to completely avoid...

Auto + Marine

Ruggedness In A Luxury Ride

The Subaru Outback Wilderness Has It All Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Provided by Subaru For drivers looking for a vehicle built to handle off-road journeys while delivering a smooth ride to work, the grocery store, or kids’ drop-off, check out the 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Styled more like an SUV versus the station wagon design of the past, it checks all the boxes.  "In general, our buyers are more outdoorsy," says Kao Saechao, general manager of Diablo Subaru of Walnut...