Real Estate Juice » Community

Who’s Cooler: Oakland or San Francisco

Krista Miller — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:30:45 +0000

The Bay Area Guardian just wrote the coolest story. It features a group of varied creative folks from all parts of Oakland. They were each asked “Is Oakland cooler than San Francisco? Some of the answers were fun, expressive, and surprising. And of course, the consensus said “Hell ya.” Here is the article, it is worth a read!

http://www.sfbg.com/pixel_vision/2012/04/10/their-words-oakland-locals-weeks-guardian-cover

A Day at Tilden Park

Krista Miller — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:28:17 +0000

Tilden Park is one of those amazing places that makes that Bay Area…well, the “great” Bay Area. Most people who move here never want to leave. For some it is the food, for others it is the culture. But for many it is the proximity to all things mother nature. Yes, we are only 2 hours from skiing, 1 hour from surfing, and 5 minutes from the beach. But right in our own backyard boasts one of the most amazing and glorious wilderness areas: Tilden Park. From carousel rides to swimming in Lake Anza, from the steam trains to the Botanical Gardens, Tilden Park has a little something for everyone.

Last Sunday my family and I went for a hike, and as always with little kids, we visited the Little Farm. Here are some pictures from our visit.

Hearts Around Town

Krista Miller — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:13:39 +0000

In honor of Valentine’s I would like to give Marin Elementary School in Albany props for its fantastic community arts project entitled “Hearts on Solano.” This adorable project was created by 3rd grade artists at Marin Elementary School and is funded by Albany Education Foundation & Marin PTA. These creative, 3-D hearts can be found in local shops along Solano Avenue between Ensenada and The Alameda in Berkeley. All 84 whimsical sculptures are now on display so be sure to check them out!!

Please Drive Slow on Marin: Tonight’s Vigil Brought Many but Some Cars Still Didn’t Slow Down

Krista Miller — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:13:12 +0000

Many of you have seen my facebook posts pertaining to a tragic accident that occurred Monday evening on the corner of Marin and Tulare at the Berkeley/Albany border. On Monday evening an 18 year old male, who was on his skateboard and not wearing a helmet, was struck by an oncoming car and died late this afternoon. Today, the Berkeley Police Department made a statement that the driver was not at fault.

Regardless of who was at fault, this intersection is a dangerous one. I should know, it is in my neighborhood and I cross at this crosswalk almost daily. In the past six months I alone have caused 2 minor fender benders, all because someone stopped, but the car behind them did not stop in time. This intersection is located on two blind curves, and at night it is nearly impossible to see who is crossing the street.

Tonight a vigil was held. For a few hours, the southeast corner of this intersection was lit with candles, flashlights, and tears. There had to be close to 75 people there by 8:30, most of them friends. Despite the lights and the large number of people, many cars did not slow down or stop for pedestrians crossing the street. I don’t think this was intentional, I just don’t think they were visible to the drivers.

Some have mentioned the need for more police handing out traffic tickets. Others have mentioned it is a non-issue since it is not listed as one of Berkeley’s dangerous intersection and there are others that are worse. Are you kidding? A kid was killed and something needs to happen! More lighting, flashing pedestrian lights…something! My husband and I spoke to the Berkeley Police about this intersection last September and they said “Bring it up with the City Council.” Seriously?

Do you know the dark spots in your neighborhood? Do you know alternate routes to use when driving? When crossing the street? Do you use a flashlight or clothing with reflectors at night? A life was taken much to early this week and I can guarantee that in my family, helmets will always be worn and flashlights will be used at night. Life is much to precious not to.

Philz Coffee in Berkeley

Krista Miller — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:18:39 +0000

Philz Coffee in Berkeley is da bomb. Just sayin’.

http://www.philzcoffee.com/Customer-Service/Store-Locations

And for you Oakland peeps, did you know Philz is working on getting you a location by the end of the year?

Harding Carnival and Pumpkin Patch

Krista Miller — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 08:08:49 +0000

Step right up, step right up! On Oct. 2nd from 12-4 Harding Elementary in El Cerrito will turn into a Harding Carnival and Pumpkin Patch.

Last year the carnival was a great success. This year they have taken the successes and added in more bang. In addition to the typical carnival games like milk bottle knock-down, cake walks, tic-tac-toe, and golf putt-putt, the Harding Dads Club filled in the blanks by adding elements to appease not only the kiddies, but parents, too. Clearly they are trying to cater to the parental crowd because every postcard I saw had a sticker on the front that said “beer garden.” So, without further ado, this year’s added attractions include a beer garden sponsored by the new El Cerrito brewery, Elevation 66, live music, and a pumpkin patch with pumpkins donated by Marvin Gardens Real Estate.

So come one, come all! Tickets are $5 for guests ages 5 and up, and I think I saw somewhere that you get one ticket free if you bring a baked good.

Mr. Mopps in Berkeley isn’t going anywhere

Krista Miller — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 05:55:23 +0000

I received a sweet call last weekend from Devin McDonald, the new owner of Mr. Mopps in Berkeley. The call was in response to a post I did awhile back about the store closing. Seems people keep walking in there saying “aren’t you closing?” Well, they aren’t! And I am truly thrilled that they aren’t. You see, there aren’t a lot of good, whole-hearted businesses left anymore. Big box stores and online stores are putting so many of these local gems out of business. I am so grateful that Devin stepped up to keep the Mr. Mopps spirit alive.

If you are looking for a real Berkeley treat, go and check out Mr. Mopps, you will be glad you did.

Visit their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Mr.Mopps.

Mr. Mopps Children’s Books and Toys
1405 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley
510-525-9633

Dog Park in Albany?

Krista Miller — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:08:35 +0000

A dog park in Albany? They are one step closer to getting one!

I was talking with a colleague about the new pool that is coming to Albany High School, and that conversation led to another conversation about the new fence that will be installed at Memorial Park to separate the ballpark from the rest of the park. City Council just approved the addition of the fence so it sounds like dog-owners may get their play space before long.

How Much Rent for my House?

Krista Miller — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:43:02 +0000

Ever wonder what the average rental rate might be on your house? In your neighborhood? It seems like in the world of short sales and REO’s that people are starting to rent a bit more. I am often asked how much rent a particular house could get. I am not in the rental market, but I do have some great resources. To find out what rents in a particular neighborhood look like, check out:

www.rentrange.com/rental-rates
www.zilpy.com
www.rentometer.com
www.craigslist.com

To compare rental rates in your neighborhood, or a neighborhood you would like to live in, be sure to check these sites first.

Freecycle

Krista Miller — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:41:17 +0000

Ok, so last week I posted some great resources for recycling your unwanted items. What I completeley forgot to mention was my FAVORITE reuse website, www.freecycle.org. You can list items that you want to get rid of for free, as well as items that you are looking for.

Example: I bought some shampoo and conditioner that I didn’t really like, and since I can’t return it, I put it on freecycle and someone picked it up the next day. I have posted packing peanuts, moving boxes, even cabbage that was in my CSA box that I won’t eat…

Just log onto the website and join the freecycle community closest to you.