It’s not often that your first crush in 6th grade becomes your spouse, but that’s how Hana and Alex’s story unfolded. They met in art class at Foothill Middle School 24 years ago. Hana shares, “Alex had a friend deliver a bag of Hershey’s Kisses with a letter to me inside. The letter asked if I wanted to be his girlfriend and to check the box yes or no. We exchanged rings on the blacktop and got “married”. Even though we “divorced” two weeks later and gave the rings back, we remained good friends.”
They started dating again during their sophomore year at Northgate High School, and Alex’s knack for extravagant invitations continued. He asked Hana to homecoming with a homemade puzzle in which she was pulled out of class to complete. Alex also orchestrated a balloon drop during brunch from Northgate’s second story into the forum, with a sign that read ‘Will you go to Prom with me?’ They finished their high school career as Dance Production co-captains and were voted best dancers their senior year.
After graduation, both attended college in Southern California; Hana attended UC Irvine and Alex was
at CSU Fullerton. After college they moved together to New York so Hana could do Teach for America in the Bronx, and Alex could attend the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. Hana earned her master’s degree in early childhood education while teaching, and Alex later worked as a chef at Colicchio and Sons.
After three years in New York, they returned to California, buying a home in San Jose. Hana taught Kindergarten Literacy at a charter school and later became Academic Dean and Principal. Alex was a corporate chef. During this time, they added two children and a rescue pup to their family.
Grayson, their first born, ended up in the NICU after birth. Hana reflects, “My wonderful interactions with the NICU nurses made me realize that I might want to work in healthcare.” When Hana’s mother passed away and Hana gave birth to their daughter Siena, she decided to make a career change. They returned to Walnut Creek, moving into Hana’s childhood home on Castle Rock Rd. Hana attended Samuel Merritt’s ABSN program and Alex, too, changed careers from chef to Realtor. He works with Compass and specializes in the Northgate area and greater East Bay. Hana works as an RN in the ICU at Sutter.
Grayson is a busy 6th grader at Foothill. He plays soccer with SURF, AAU Basketball, and flag football. He also swims for Rancho San Miguel. This year, a team of middle school boys ran the first ever Polar Café at RSM; it was Grayson’s first job, and he loved it. He also takes piano lessons with Ms. Luann [a neighbor we featured in Sept. 2021].
Siena, a 4th grader at Walnut Acres, also plays soccer and flag football. She is on two flag football teams; she is the only girl on an all-boy team and also plays in a girls league where her team has been undefeated champions for two years. She also takes guitar lessons, is a mother’s helper, and is the ultimate hype-girl.
Charlie is the family’s 15-year-old dog who gives the best cuddles.
When Hana was growing up on Castle Rock Rd., her parents and their next-door neighbors had a pact. The neighbors took the garbage cans of both homes out on Thursday nights, and Hana’s family took both sets in on Fridays. Now with Hana and the eldest daughter next door both owning their childhood homes, they continue this tradition! “Even better,” adds Hana, “our kids are in the same grades and are the closest of friends.”
You might also find Alex playing golf or opening car doors each morning at Walnut Acres drop off. He’s also the chef for RSM home meets. His salsa is legendary!
Hana volunteers at Walnut Acres, takes classes at Club Studio, and enjoys hiking the trails in the neighborhood. “Funny story: Growing up, my family renamed Hanna Grove Trail (behind Northgate) the ‘lollipop hill,’ which meant that if we hiked to the top of the hill, we would get a piece of candy. Now, when you walk up to the top of the hill, there is a bench in memory of my mom, Ruth Bass, which I walk past weekly when I hike with my friends.” That hill has a whole new meaning!
Alex adds, “The Northgate neighborhood has played a big part in our lives, and to share why we treasure this community, I launched @NeighborsofNorthgate on Instagram! We support small business owners who live within our community, promote neighborhood events, and share everyday life experience – be sure to follow and tag us! Neighbors of Northgate also launched a line of hats! Get your Neighbors of Northgate hat today and start representing the BEST neighborhood in Walnut Creek.”
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991; Photos provided by The Martinez Family