Piedmont High School ranked in top 100 in Nation for 3rd Year in Row.

The U.S. News & World Reports recent rankings of America's best high schools names Piedmont High among the top in the nation for the third year in a row, winning gold medal status. After analyzing 21,000 public schools in collaboration with School Evaluation Services, Piedmont High was ranked among the top 100 in the U.S. at number 73. Honors given to other East Bay schools included Campolindo High in Moraga, Miramonte High in Orinda, and Lionel Wilson College Preparatory Academy in Oakland, to name a few. Nice to see some good news regarding schools and the quality of education here in the Bay Area!

When buying a home in the East Bay, buyers may need to consider what school district they are buying into. Even buyers with no children may benefit from…

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The Oakland Zoo's Walk on the Wild-- A great East Bay event

Not to miss this month is the Oakland Zoo's Walk on the Wild,
an"epicurean escapade", which is truly one of the best summer events in
the East Bay.
An adults only affair, it's really like one big party where you stroll
the gorgeous grounds of the Oakland Zoo, whilst sampling food and drink from
over 90 Bay Area restaurants, caterers, breweries, wineries and
bakeries. Start with the stroll, don't forget to take the sky ride at
sunset, and finish off with dessert, live music and dancing under the
stars. This is the zoo's largest fundraiser of the year, 18th annual,
and guarantees to be a fabulous time. Cost is $125.00
for members, $150.00 for non- members, patron packages $250-5000, but
what a great way to support our beautiful zoo, and discover and support
…

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Oakland's Greek Festival next Weekend in Lincoln Heights--See you there!

With lots of great events happening here in the East Bay, sometimes it is hard to decide what to attend, and what to pass on until next year.
Well, one event not to miss, is the upcoming Oakland Greek Festival. Taking place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension on Lincoln Avenue in the Oakland hills, this fantastic celebration takes place May 14, 15, and 16.  So many great things to enjoy: live music, Greek dancing, imported goods, an incredible view of the Bay Area, and food, food, food. One definite item to indulge in, the Greek sausage. Still thinking about it from last year. And of course, the pastries. Eat some in the kafenion with a Greek coffee, and then grab some pre-wrapped on the steps of the church on your way out.  More…

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Oakland Museum Reopens after $58 Million Renovation--Lake Merritt

This weekend the Oakland Museum will reopen after a two year, 58 million dollar renovation. Oakland's beloved museum has been updated and expanded, with a new focus on integrated and interactive galleries. Come join in a fresh new experience of their amazing collection of California art. The museum will begin festivities at 11:00 am Sat. May 1, and run continuously for 31 hours, until 6:00 pm Sunday May 2. It all starts with a public welcome ceremony, a Native Ameican Ohlone blessing, and dance by Project Bandaloop. From there check out the newly reinstalled galleries, new museum store and restaurant. The late night program includes live DJs, dance, food, film and fire dancers. A great place to stop by and check out the scene. There truly is something for…

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Berkeley and Oakland Home and Garden Tours This Spring

Now that the weather is clearing up, and spring is in full bloom, there is no better time to check out some of the many wonderful Berkeley and Oakland home and garden tours Here are a couple to start you off.  On Sunday, May 2 the Berkeley Heritage Julia Morgan Spring House Tour and Reception takes place. Tour starts at 1:00 at St. Clements Episcopal Church in Berkeley. The tour will highlight some of Morgan's early residential work. Another event to check out is the Celebrity Roses 63rd Annual East Bay Rose Society Show. This takes place Sunday, May 16 1:00 at Oakland's Lakeside Garden Center-Lake Merritt. A great chance to stroll through an abundance of roses!.  Many of the tours taking place this month benefit charity so you can be inspired on…

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A brief explaination of the 2010 California Tax Credit for First Time Buyers and New Home Purchases

2010 California Tax Credit for First Time Buyers and New Home Purchases

California has a new tax credit for New Home and First-Time Buyers who buy a home that closes May 1, 2010 to Jan 1 2001. A more realistic end date is until they run out of the $100 million budget. This might not be very long as the 2009 credit ran out of funds quickly. The credit could stimulate some home purchases in the lower-end Oakland real estate market but I am not sure if it will have much effect on Piedmont homes for sale.
The state credit is slightly different from the $8000 Federal Tax Credit that will expire at the end of this month. The refundable federal credit went directly to the buyer when they filed federal income taxes. The non-refundable California credit will be a…

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$799,000 4bd/3bth home for sale in the Willow Glen area of San Jose -- Cambrian Schools

I just listed a great home in the Willow Glen area of San Jose with the fabulous Susan Matthews. The four bedroom, three bath home looks and feels inviting with a great floor plan and listing at a very competitive $799,000. French doors open to the fully landscaped backyard from either the formal dining room or the expansive family room. The family room has warm and richly refinished Brazilian hardwood floors and is a perfect place to entertain friends and family. With large  formal living room and office/bedroom downstairs, the floor plan offers a variety of options. Cambrian schools are within walking distance. Please visit our website at www.1913Quebec.com for more pictures, info and a virtual tour! Call me with any questions or for a viewing…

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My new Julia Morgan listing in Oakland near the Piedmont border--554 Oakland Ave

Touches of Julia Morgan are all over this 1912 home. Built for Charles Sutton, the property is centrally located between Grand Ave and Piedmont Ave. A brass chandelier with milky glass lampshades in the hallway rises above the stained glass encased back entrance. The matte green tiled fireplace with oak mantle in the elevated den is a special touch. On over a 1/4 acre lot, the grounds have 3 mature palms and many fruit trees with permitted plans for a 2 bedroom 2 bath maid's house adjacent to the main home. Zoned R-70, the options are great with this home, whether a single family home or four units or more, it currently has four meters. The upstairs attic has been finished with a kitchen and full bath to take full advantage of the Oakland downtown and…

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Christmas time in Oakland means Zoo Lights at the Oakland Zoo

When thinking about where to take the kids to see the holiday lights don't forget about Zoo Lights, the Oakland Zoo's very own celebration in lights!
This special holiday light festival takes place from December 4th through January 3rd. and is certain to delight the whole family.
Although there was one year this event did not take place ,during the transition to LED lights, it is now back on track.
Hundreds of lights, music, and Santa's village are sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Also check out the train ride on the Snowball Express with amazing views of oakland and the Bay Area (Best to try and go on a clear night)
For a great place in the East Bay to take the kiddies for a fun display of holiday cheer, visit the Oakland Zoo, our very own…

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Christmas lights at Oakland's Mormon Temple in Lincoln Heights

No matter what your belief or religion, if you have never seen the Christmas light display that Oakland's Mormon Temple puts on, be sure to drop by this season. Although easily seen from many areas of the East Bay, the temple is located at 4770 Lincoln Blvd in Lincoln Heights. Just west of Woodminster, Joaquin Miller Park and Highway 13. I must admit that when I was a kid, I thought that the temple was a castle and a king and queen use to live there. Drop by with your own kids, it is quite a sight.

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