Halloween is not far away, and Piedmont families are making plans to attend two upcoming events which promise lots of fun, and a huge variety of things to do while waiting for the "big night" on the 31st.  The appealing "Haunted Halloween Bash" is first on their list. Scheduled for Friday, October 25th, from 6:30-9:30 p.m., it is designed to attract K-5th grade children to attend a super party filled with games with a Halloween theme, a dance party, a magic show and the thrills of a mini haunted house.  If they get hungry while enjoying all this activity, snacks and treats are available. Costumes are encouraged to stay with the theme of the activities, and add to the fun. They should meet at the Buzz Redford Gym at Piedmont Middle School, 740 Magnolia…

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One of the most popular parks in Oakland is Montclair Park.  Located in the heart of Montclair Village, it offers a quiet place for lunch break under a tree, while listening to the water spray from the fountain in the center of the pond.  This gentle, scenic pond is often seen with ducks floating on the water, and settling in amid the greenery around the edges. 

 

This park is truly designed to serve Oakland residents, especially if they have a sports inclination.  There are basketball courts, tennis courts, a softball field, and training during the year is available for youth softball and flag football.  The little ones are not left out, and play structures designed for them are available, and used on a daily basis.  One of the most popular…

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No matter where you want to buy a home, be it Piedmont, Montclair, or Oakland, the same basic rules apply once you see a home that you want to purchase.  Although I will be assisting you through all these steps to assure that you present the very best offer, it is helpful to plan ahead, so that when that special event arrives, you will be ready. 

1. One of the buyer's most important considerations is knowledge about the house and the neighborhood. Once you decide on that special home, I will be glad to assist you with market analyses and comparable sales information, so you will have a full sense of the marketplace that you will be working in.  You will then have a sense of what other buyers have paid for similar homes in the area, and how those…

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While many Montclair homeowners travel to San Francisco by car and BART today, they had another option just under a century ago--The Sacramento Northern Railway (SNR).  Beginning in 1928, the SNR provided service for both passengers and freight, going from San Francisco through Emeryville and Oakland, and then through Montclair, and on into Contra Costa County. Montclair residents can conduct their own mystery tour throughout the area to locate the actual path of the train through the village.  Clues are still visible in some areas.  The first clue is what is called "Shore Line Pocket Part" at Thornhill and Moraga.  To get there, the line passed by Lake Temescal, came along what is now Highway 13, and crossed the impressive trestle built at that…

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Here is a chance for Piedmont residents to support Piedmont High School, and have a pleasant time doing so!  On Monday, October 11th, the Piedmont High School Boosters will be presenting its 2013 Highlander Classic Golf and Tennis Tournament.  It will be held at the Claremont Country Club in Oakland, beginning at 11:00 a.m.. This event offers  a great opportunity to play golf or tennis with your friends and neighbors, and, at the same time, provide important funding for PHS athletic programs as well as the PHS Study Hall Program.

You can choose to participate in the sports events by purchasing a ticket to play either golf or tennis. Your purchased ticket includes golf or tennis, lunch, and a cocktail party, plus awards, raffle, and a silent…

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Tomorrow, September 29th, is a big day for Piedmont families and their friends.  It is the date of the annual Harvest Festival, and is held right in the center of town, and an easy walk or bike ride for most of those attending. It is packed with events from morning to afternoon designed to appeal to all ages and interests. 

Starting bright and early are the growing and cooking contests, where residents are encouraged to compete by entering items that were home grown within the boundaries of Piedmont, and another contest to present recipes based around foods that can be grown, or were grown, within Piedmont. For those who are interested in these wonderful foods, there will also be a Farmers Market with all kinds of choices starting at 10:30 a.m.. 

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Tomorrow morning, September 28th, many Piedmont families and their friends will be participating in the 2013 PUSD Wellness Center Fall Fest 5k Run.  This "just right" sized run is ideal for children as well as seniors. Additionally, participants can run or walk the route.

 To encourage a wide range of entrants, the top 3 male and female finishers in each age category will be receiving medals, and additionally, there will be prizes for overall first 3 male and first 3 female finishers.  There are a broad range of categories, beginning with age 8 and under, and moving on up to runners 60+years old. 

Starting at 8:30 a.m. from Piedmont Community Center, the route of the race is designed to take runners along streets that feature some of the most…

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As with any purchase, whether a car, a boat or a home, the buyer's first impressions are vitally important.  If you are considering buying an automobile, and discover it has scuffed dirty tires, scratches and dents, your first tendancy is to walk away, and look for something more suitable.  Sometimes, even a low price will not attract you, because you wonder if this much has been neglected, what else has been ignored?

This is the same thinking that will go into the buyer's consideration of your Alameda home or Alameda condo.  It is worth the time to take these few steps to prepare your home to assure that you will receive the most attention, and best offer when you sell.

Here are some suggestions that will increase buyer interest dramatically:

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One of the most popular annual events among Alameda residents is the Alameda Legacy HomeTour. It is being held this Sunday, September 22nd, and is a self-guided tour of six beautiful, and especially selected Victorian-era homes. Additionally, the Meyers House Architectural Exhibit will be open, and included there will be a Fashion and Accessory Exhibit.  The good news is that visitors can start at any of the six homes to begin their tour. The tours will include trips through the homes guided by friendly docents, many of whom will be dressed in Victorian period fashion.  Hours are 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

In case visitors get hungry, or want to take a pleasant break, refreshments will be available in the Meyers House Garden, along with vendors who…

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When Piedmont homeowners drive by Piedmont City Hall during their daily family activities, they may not realize the source of this very unique, and handsome building with its lovely fountain, and appealing and gracious Spanish Mission style influence. Designed by famous architect Albert Farr, it's original design was a combined city hall and fire department with a bell tower (which cleverly doubled as a hose drying tower). Built in 1908, it was the beginning of the circle of creativity in the area.  One of the most famous downtown landmarks, the Exedra Arch, was designed by Farr in 1916, and has become an iconic symbol of the city. 

Just across from the Arch, at 400 Highland Avenue, is the Piedmont Community Church.  This was part of the original…

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