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September 2021
Vol 5: Issue 9
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The Shadelands Scene
Your place for community news, updates, and insights
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SHADELANDS IS GOING TO THE DOGS . . . AND CATS! |
Shadelands is a booming community of innovative and comprehensive medical facilities, services, and technologies and health & wellness centers that serve to heal the human body, mind, and spirit.
Owner and veterinarian Jill Christofferson moved her thriving veterinary practice to its new Shadelands location in March 2021, after outgrowing its original office of seven years on La Casa Via.
WCVH is a beneficiary of the City’s extensive Shadelands rezoning amendments approved in March 2016, which permitted previously disallowed businesses to open in Shadelands, including animal-related businesses such as veterinary clinics and hospitals.
Dr. Christofferson purchased the building and, with the help of an architect, created an extraordinary facility with state of the art, top of the line technology, offering an advanced level of care in a comprehensive, purpose-built veterinary clinic and hospital for the health, safety, and well-being of its animals and staff.
Primarily a general practice open Monday through Friday, 8am–6pm, WCVH now operates in an airy, expansive 8,500-SF building that sports a large welcoming lobby where dogs and cats have their own entrances and individual cubicles in waiting areas.
The facility includes nine exam rooms, including two designed for the practice of Eastern veterinary medicine; a fully stocked pharmacy; surgical suite with two tables; dental suite with two tables for exams and surgery; isolation ward for contagious patients; ultrasound and x-ray treatment rooms; surgical prep and recovery wards; and a full lab.
“Our hospital turned out exactly how I dreamed it could be.”
Dr. Christofferson, who’s been practicing veterinary medicine for 30 years, is joined by a extraordinary staff of more than 30 professionals, including five veterinarians who treat both dogs and cats and a number of doctors’ assistants, techs, and customer service reps.
Asked what stands WCVH apart, Dr. Christofferson doesn’t hesitate. “Our team. Every member of our team is truly top notch. We keep current on procedures and approaches to medical care and practice that high level of medicine that I was trained in and expect.
"We have a diverse group of doctors—we all have our special interests, but we’re a cohesive team and that makes this veterinary practice the very best place to be.”
Welcome to Shadelands,
Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital!
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Doctors Kelley Cayton, Wendy Wallace, Jill Christofferson (owner), Leah Isaacson, Dana Thistlethwaite, and Shann Ikezawa
[Photo credit Jessamyn Photography]
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540 Lennon Lane
Walnut Creek
925.448.2908
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STEPPING INTO THE POOL AND RE-ENTERING THE WORKFORCE |
American Swim Academy (ASA) Assistant Director Johanna Perez loves to swim and loves to teach and has now found herself, after years out of the workforce raising a family, combining those loves to create a new career for herself.
Businesses are not the only ones pivoting during these unprecedented times, even outside the pandemic. In January 2021, with her children grown, Johanna re-entered the workforce taking on a full-time position with ASA and has already made a positive impact on the children, parents, and staff of the award-winning swim school.
You don’t have to spend much time with Johanna to see that she has as much buoyancy in spirit and personality as she has in the water.
As one of three assistant directors, Johanna focuses on reviewing and following up on résumés that come in for swim instructors, while also working in the water as an instructor, out of the water as deck manager, and in the office, handling issues that come up with staff, parents, and swimmers.
Johanna has spent her life involved in sports and teaching children. She grew up in Fremont with parents who ran a kids’ soccer camp, and every summer, she instructed children in soccer while playing youth soccer herself. To this day, she plays in several soccer clubs. In high school, Johanna also swam competitively.
While raising a family of her own, Johanna was a classroom teacher and substitute teacher, so teaching children new skills and helping them build confidence come easily to her.
When she decided to go back to work, Johanna sought that ideal combination of rewarding work in a field she loved.
Tapping into long-time friendships with ASA staff, she was offered a position in the Walnut Creek facility. It has been a “second career” dream come true. According to Johanna, all the pieces fell into place at the right time: ASA needed her, and she needed ASA.
ASA is looking for qualified swim instructors who are ready to teach children and adults the skills and joys of swimming. If you’re looking for a first job or for that ideal next career, as Johanna did, check out American Swim Academy.
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Shadelands SportsMall
2650 Shadelands Drive
Suite C
Walnut Creek
925.452.7946
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“There are so many rewards,” says Johanna. “If you love swimming, you’re in the water. If you like kids, you’re with kids. If you like working in a family-like environment where everyone has everyone’s back and everyone helps you do your best work, then this is the place for you.”
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SHADELANDS WELCOMES
DR. ESSAPOOR, PODIATRIST
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Readers met Diablo Foot & Ankle in the May 2021 issue of The Shadelands Scene when they read about Dr. Eman Elmi, an advance-trained podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon who moved his practice from the North Bay to Shadelands.
Dr. Elmi’s practice has grown so quickly that he’s now welcomed an associate, Dr. Shayan Essapoor, who joined Diablo Foot & Ankle in July.
Born and raised in San Diego, Dr. Essapoor completed undergraduate and doctorate work in southern California, and then moved north for his residency in foot and ankle surgery at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, with affiliations at Stanford Medical Center and Kaiser San Jose serving as chief resident.
As a podiatrist, Dr. Essapoor treats all conditions related to the foot and ankle and, as he says, “without hesitation. We’re advance-trained and well qualified, and we treat it all.”
That means issues as simple as toenail fungus, hammer toes, and bunions, to more complex issues such as pediatric club foot, diabetic limb salvage, reconstructive surgery, and joint replacement.
“You don’t’ realize how important your feet are until they start bothering you," says Dr. Essapoor. “It’s important for people with foot issues to understand what’s going on, what their unique pathology is, and how to prevent further complications.
“The majority of foot and ankle issues can be treated conservatively successfully—non-surgically and with non-invasion treatment options. That's always our first approach,” says Dr. Essapoor.
“My training is in modern, relevant, evidence-based medicine. It’s current, it’s up to date, it’s effective. There is nothing I’m uncomfortable treating.”
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A Division of BASS Medical Group
2637 Shadelands Drive
Suite H
Walnut Creek
925.464.1982
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It is safe to say that Dr. Essapoor will be making his own professional footprint at Diablo Foot & Ankle.
Welcome to Shadelands, Dr. Essapoor!
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KAIPERM FOOD DRIVE:
NO ONE SHOULD GO HUNGRY
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Going on a Costco run soon? Please consider picking up a few additional non-perishable food items for drop off at the Loaves and Fishes Food Drive barrel located at Kaiperm Credit Union in Shadelands.
Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa has been feeding the hungry of Contra Costa County since 1983 through its food pantry and dining rooms, which serve hot lunches in Antioch, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, and Walnut Creek.
Kaiperm Credit Union, a longtime supporter of Loaves and Fishes, has placed a food drive barrel in plain view with easy access in its lobby.
If you're going to Costco anyway, please pick up a few extra items, then visit the food drive barrel at Kaiperm on your lunch hour with your donations of non-perishables. It's just that easy to make a profound difference in the lives of others.
No one should go hungry.
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325 N. Wiget Lane
Suite 130
Walnut Creek
925.939.5626
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Food drives remind people of the desperate, ongoing needs of our hungry neighbors—and how we can all help. |
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CALICRAFT CELEBRATES SEPTEMBER OUTDOORS |
• September 4 | 1–7pm
Enjoy live music, food trucks, and some of the best micro-brews around while supporting small, local businesses at Calicraft's outdoor family-friendly, pet-friendly event showcasing the arts and crafts of more than 20 small-batch artisans—makers who craft thoughtfully and with sustainability in mind.
• September 23–26 | Oktoberfest
[Check here for beer garden hours]
In addition to releasing a new dry hopped lager, Calicraft is pairing a few of its favorite brews with a different food truck each day, Thursday through Sunday.
Thursday, September 23
3–7:30pm
Friday, September 24
3–7:30pm
Saturday, September 25
Noon–7:30pm
Sunday, September 26
Noon–4pm
For more information and details about Calicraft's September activities and events, visit Calicraft.
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2700 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.478.8103
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Saturday, September 25
5:30–8:00pm
ARF Headquarters
2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
Guests will enjoy fruits of the vine from local wineries, vegetarian appetizers from local eateries, and distinctive auction items while mingling with ARF's four-legged furry friends looking for their forever homes.
All proceeds benefit ARF's life-saving programs for pets and people, which include animal rescues and adoptions, veterinary care for low-income families, disaster relief, service dog training for veterans, and more.
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2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.256.1ARF
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FALL REGISTRATION OPEN AT
CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ARTS
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Join Center for Community Arts in the studio for classes in drawing, painting, printmaking, glass, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, photography, digital media, fiber arts, music, drama, literary arts, dance, yoga, and more.
Registration is now open for fall quarter arts classes offered through the City of Walnut Creek.
Adult and youth classes begin in September, and scholarships are available.
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111 N. Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek
925.943.5846
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VICTORIAN TEA TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 |
Join family and friends for WCHS's popular Victorian Holiday Tea featuring a three-course luncheon with scones, homemade lemon curd, and secret Shadelands Tea Blend held inside the historic 1903 Hiram Penniman home—the Shadelands Ranch Museum.
Tickets on sale
Friday, October 1 | 9am
They sell out quickly.
Victorian Holiday Teas
November 27–December 12
Seatings every day
11:00am & 1:30pm
Champagne Teas
December 4 & 11 | 4pm
December 10 | 1:30pm
Call for reservations beginning
October 1, 9am
925.935.7871
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Shadelands Ranch Museum
2660 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek
925.935.7871
Open for tours
Wednesdays & Sundays
1–4pm
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DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WORTHY OF RECOGNITION? |
Walnut Creek Mayor Kevin Wilk's year-long campaign to celebrate the everyday heroes among us continues with a 4th round of submissions that opens this month, September 6–17.
Three recipients will be announced at the Walnut Creek City Council meeting on Oct. 5. Visit Heroes Among Us for the nomination form.
At the August 3 City Council meeting, 3rd round recipients were recognized: Kim Machek, Diablo Vista Chorus; Melanie Kress, Monument Crisis Center; and Jane Erdiakoff, Walnut Acres Elementary.
Visit Heroes Among Us for more information and to meet the local heroes honored to date.
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Kim Machek was recognized for her service to others as a Threshold Singer, singing at the bedside of those nearing the end of their lives, bringing comfort and joy through music and personal connection. |
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BLADES CO BARBER SHOP
CUTS THE RIBBON!
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On a warm and welcoming afternoon in August, Susan D'Arcangelo, owner of Blades Co Barber Shop, gathered with City and Walnut Creek Chamber friends to officially "cut the ribbon" on her new shop in The Orchards. You first read about Blades Co Barber Shop in the August 2021 issue of The Shadelands Scene.
Stop by for a visit and check out the contemporary services Susan and her team provide in a friendly, traditional barber shop environment.
The Orchards at Walnut Creek
2355 Oak Grove Road
Walnut Creek
925.322.8638
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Joining Blades Co Barber Shop owner Susan D'Arcangelo (holding the big scissors) are (l-r), Matt Sanregret, City Council Member Loella Haskew, Walnut Creek Chamber CEO Bob Linscheid, Teresa Zocchi, and Vito LoGrasso. |
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THE SHADELANDS SCENE CELEBRATES 4 YEARS! |
The Shadelands Scene Team would like to thank our readers and supporters who have shared story ideas with us the past four years so we could share your good news with others. And thank you for spreading the news about your community newsletter for and about Shadelands through word of mouth and forwarding links!
We launched The Shadelands Scene in September 2017 and have been publishing monthly to showcase what's happening up the street, down the block, and around the corner in Shadelands.
And a lot has happened in the past four years! Shadelands is a vibrant business and lifestyle center—diverse, growing, and resilient.
Check out Archives to learn more about your Shadelands neighbors. And check out the December 2020 issue for a three-year retrospective. Great stories about your Shadelands!
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Our first issue, September 2017 |
Thank you, readers and supporters,
for four amazing years!
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Do you know a person or business you'd like to see showcased?
Let us know at Shadelands@walnut-creek.com.
What did you like in this issue? What do you want to see here?
Write to us at Shadelands@walnut-creek.com.
Thank you for supporting your Shadelands community!
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Please forward The Shadelands Scene to community friends and colleagues.
Click Archives to enjoy past issues of The Shadelands Scene.
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