THE KNOLL, Where Claremont and Elmwood meet.  Featuring houses by Henry H. Gutterson, Edward Seely, George T. Plowman & John Hudson Thomas, Williams & Wastell, Joseph Coward, F.E. Allen, and Louis Engler.

Sunday May 6th from 1pm – 5pm.

Call 510-841-2242 or visit www.berkeleyheritage.com.

Beautiful dining room with original details

Bill McDowell and Tracy Sichterman just listed this sweet 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Oceanview district of Berkeley.  Less ornate than their Victorian predecessors, Edwardian style homes suite our modern aesthetic. Circa 1908, this spacious home boasts the original details we love (wainscoting, plate rails, built-ins) without feeling fussy or dark.

4th Street shops and restaurants, public transportation, and San Pablo Avenue shops are nearby.

Offered at $585,000!

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.

You Gotta Do This!

Sunday, 3/4 - Family Day from noon until 2:30pm. Back by popular demand, is the AMAZING Lawrence Lemon. If you haven’t seen him yet, go check him out. He is simply unbelievable! They will have balloons for the kids, kid combos, and of course their famous chalk wall!  And now they serve beer.  Get some tater tots and a milk shake, pull up a chair, and enjoy the tunes.

www.philssliders.com
2024 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley.

I know, lots of food posts.  But… You Gotta Do This!

Berkeley Rose Garden

Friday was a gorgeous day and I decided to take my girls to play and hike at Cordonices Park and check out the Berkeley Rose Garden.  It was a magical day, full of fun, adventure, and sliding.

Bridges of Cordonices Park

If you haven’t been over to Cordonices, you should really check it out.  On the backside of the park there are tons of paths for hiking and bridges for crossing.  My 4 year old was pretty certain there were fairies frolicking about.  In looking at the pictures, she might be right!

The park itself is one-of-a-kind.  There is a long and windy cement slide.  Grab a piece of cardboard, sit down, and go!  Be careful though, this thing goes fast!  Take your tot into the gated totlot and go for a train ride.  Bring your bikes, a soccer ball, and a picnic and you can spend hours here.

Rose Garden in February

Through the tunnel and adjacent to the tennis courts you will find the Rose Garden.  Magical is the only way to describe this place.  From up above there are views of the bay, down below there is a babbling stream melodically singing through the air.  I have never been at this time of the year, when there aren’t blooms on the roses.  But I am so glad I went because I was able to see behind the scent and abundant color of the roses to find a mystical, almost enchanting, forest.  And to have done it with my girls was the greatest gift.

My girl Melia!

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