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.

Gong Hay Fat Choy!  The Fourth Street shopping district will be having a Chinese New Year celebration this Saturday, February 4th, from 12-4.  Participating merchants will be handing out candy for the kids, and there will be martial arts demonstrations and dances throughout the afternoon.  For a schedule of events click here: http://www.fourthstreet.com/loft26.html

The American Planning Association’s “Great Places In America” has voted our own Northbrae neighborhood in their top 10 places in 2011.

Most people associate Northbrae with Monterey Market, Berkeley Horticultural Nursery, and Marin Circle Fountain.  Me being me must associate it with food and coffee, so after I grab a latte from Espresso Roma Cafe and a slice of pizza from Gioia, I head with the kids to King Park and take in the amazing scenery.

http://www.planning.org/greatplaces/neighborhoods/2011/

Mahmood Mokhtari has a fantastic lot for sale in Berkeley.  He describes it as “A very rare find in a fabulously diverse & bustling business district of Berkeley. Zoned R3 high density multi-family. Preliminary approval for 8 condos was obtained approximately in 07 for 4 2bd/2ba, 2 1bd/1.5ba & 2 3bd/2.5ba on 3 levels. Close to public transp., freeway, UC and fantastic nightlife.”

2010 9th St, Berkeley @ University
$355,000

Give our office a call!  510-524-9888

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?

I am so thrilled to be with Berkeley Hills Realty.  With small-compay ethics and big-world views, Berkeley Hills Realty has an outstanding reputation in the real estate community which gives buyers and sellers a real advantage.  For the agents, everyone is treated equally and with respect.  From the moment I walked up the stairs of the Craftsman house that I have walked past for years, and into the office, I was greeted with nothing but kindness and consideration, a true testiment of the quality of agents at BHR.

You can now find me at:

Berkeley Hills Realty
1714 Solano Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94707
www.berkhills.com
office: 510-524-9888

http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/09/13/in-law-units-east-bay/

• 3 beds and 1 bath!
• Radiant heating!  Yes, warm toes all day long.  And it comes with a solar back up.
• Solar water heater!
• Dual pane windows, wood floors!
• Fun colors throughout!
• Granite counters!

Ok, so here is what makes it E X T R A fab…

• 5200 sf lot, tastefully landscaped using California Natives!
• Tranquil and private patio and garden
• Automatic irrigation
• Landscape lighting

And if that isn’t enough, here is the icing on the cake…

• 240sf detached workspace w/concrete floors, vaulted ceiling and double doors overlooking the garden (think art studio, music studio, photography studio, and more!)
• adjacent to the workspace is a 600+ sf shed (owner was a photographer and used it as her dark room)

Told you it was cool.

www.1610-9thSt.com

Open Sunday!

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

My guess is that the turnout was much bigger than expected.  The event was supposed to go from 5-9 and most trucks sold out.  My family arrived at 6:15 pm to find swarms and swarms of people.  Cupkates sold out before 6pm, 510 Burger (which is what I wanted!) sold out and was only offering french fries by 6:30, Liba Falafel, Hapa SF and Brass Knuckle had lines that were over a half hour long.  Apparently 3 trucks were a no-show.  Trucking along with two hungry kids, there was no way we could wait in line for over 30 minutes.  Despite my grumbles, we headed down Shattuck to look for something to eat.

Walking back towards the trucks just before 8pm, there were still people all around.

Next week 10 trucks are slated to show, which is the maximum the permit will allow.  Rain was expected, so perhaps that is why they weren’t 100% prepared.  Next week is the official grand opening, and you can count on seeing me there right at 5, probably in line at 510.