I went to register my daughter for kindergarten and while looking through the AUSD website I saw that the Albany Swim Center is finished, staffed, and ready for happy swimmers!  February 15th will be the swim center’s grand opening, with the Albany High Swim Team and Aquatic Center staff geared up for the first dip.  After that it will be open for the general public.

The new swim center includes an indoor and outdoor pool and will offer group and private swim lessons, open swim, lap swim, exercise classes.

Click here to scroll through the photo gallery from the Albany Patch: http://albany.patch.com/articles/photo-gallery-albany-pool-construction-updates#photo-8979463

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?

The Albany market is getting hotter now that the New Year is underway.  Based on current levels of supply and demand I don’t see the trend in price increasing much, if at all.  I can’t believe that last month the Average Sales Price for Albany was in the mid-$350k range.  But with a large amount of condo sales in the sub $350k range, and a sale above $1.1mil, Albany’s numbers are quite skewed.

(Discovered yesterday while showing clients houses in Rockridge)

” New restaurants and bars beckon amid the grit.”  Despite the Occupy protests, Oakland is getting pretty good reviews. Oakland has some phenomenal restaurants- Commis, Dona Tomas and Plum are some favorite restaurants.  The historic Fox Theater reopened in 2009 and quickly cemented its status as one of the Bay Area’s top music venues, although Yoshi’s will always be my top spot.  Although I have not personally been a part of Oakland’s night scene since having kids (I know, it stinks!), I hear it is still alive and kicking.  Another reason Oakland hit the top 5.

Funny note: this morning, while listening to Sarah and Vinnie on Alice, one caller said “Oakland is San Francisco’s worst neighborhood.” Clearly they won’t be visiting anytime soon.

Maybe once they realize Umami Burger is coming to Oakland they will change their mind.