Paige and Chad Buccine came to California from Maryland, where they both grew up in suburbs of Washington DC. They and their four children have jumped right into the Northgate community with a splash, joining Scottsdale Swim Club and building new friendships.
Their story began in college. Although they grew up close to each other, they did not meet until college. They both attended the University of Maryland. It took Chad two years to muster the courage to ask Paige out on a date. The first time she said, “no,” but he persisted. They dated for four years and married in 2011 in Maryland. Chad got his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering; Paige got hers in American Studies. They moved to California in 2009 for Chad’s first job as a solar engineer with BP Solar. Chad later attended UC Berkeley for his MBA. Paige got her California teaching credential and became a teacher.
Later Chad founded a solar engineering firm called Jolt Engineering. Jolt designs photovoltaic and energy storage on commercial properties across the country. Paige says, “He feels very lucky to have found a career that both provides a service to the greater good of the planet/community and also provides well for his family.” Paige left the teaching profession to stay home with their four children. They lived on the west side of Walnut Creek until this past March when they found their dream home on Comistas Drive.
Giada is 10 and loves singing and performing. She played Dorothy in her school’s production of The Wizard
of Oz. Briggs is 8 and loves chess and basketball. He even won the school’s chess tournament last school year. Giada and Briggs swam for Scottsdale this summer and play soccer for WC Surf. Sophia is 5 and recently celebrated with “Five is a Vibe” birthday party with a disc jockey and 70’s theme. She attended Northgate High School’s Bronco Cheer Camp and is a budding cheerleader. Allie is two and loves Bluey. The kids are now
attending Walnut Acres and forging new friendships. They recently adopted a puppy named Bo, a labradoodle who adds a bit of chaos and energy to this lively family. “We are truly living our dreams,” adds Paige. “Living in the beautiful community, we have felt so very welcome. Our lives are certainly busy and often chaotic but filled with lots of joy and noise. We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Buccines also enjoy Tahoe several times per year, both in summer and winter. The kids are learning to ski. But their travels are not limited to California. They have a goal to visit another country each summer and learn about the culture and customs of each place they go. Their first international trip will be in June 2025 to Italy. Paige’s mother is Sicilian and has never been to visit where her family is from. “It’s such a blessing to be able to take her and have her share it with her grandchildren,” says Paige.
Paige reflects with gratitude, “I think my husband and I are very proud of how far our families have come and how hard they have worked to get us where we are…We truly feel we would not be where we are without immense support of both of our families. We hope to be able to provide that type of support system for our children as they grow.”
“The most important thing to us is to live a full and meaningful life, filled with rich experiences and deep connections with things that are important to you and the people you love the most…We are so excited to build a community of friends and family here that will last for decades to come,” adds Paige.
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Buccine Family