As busy parents of a baby (Lola) and a Toddler (Kylie) as well as running our own business with live our lives by list.
Here is a fun list that we found that do our best to practice in our own lives. We hope that you find it as useful as we do.
Love. Perhaps the most important. Fall in love, if you aren't already. If you have, fall in love with your partner all over again. Abandon caution and let your heart be broken. Or love family members, friends, anyone -- it doesn't have to be romantic love. Love all of humanity, one person at a time.
Get outside. Don't let yourself be shut indoors. Go out when it's raining. Walk on the beach. Hike through the woods. Swim in a freezing lake. Bask in the sun. Play sports, or walk barefoot through grass. Pay close attention to nature.
Savor food. Don't just eat your food, but really enjoy it. Feel the texture, the bursts of flavors. Savor every bite. If you limit your intake of sweets, it will make the small treats you give yourself (berries or dark chocolate are my favorites) even more enjoyable. And when you do have them, really, really savor them. Slowly.
Create a morning ritual. Wake early and greet the day. Watch the sun rise. Out loud, tell yourself that you will not waste this day, which is a gift. You will be compassionate to your fellow human beings, and live every moment to its fullest. Stretch or meditate or exercise as part of your ritual. Enjoy some coffee.
Take chances. We often live our lives too cautiously, worried about what might go wrong. Be bold, risk it all. Quit your job and go to business for yourself (plan it out first!), or go up to that girl you've liked for a long time and ask her out. What do you have to lose?
Follow excitement. Try to find the things in life that excite you, and then go after them. Make life one exciting adventure after another (with perhaps some quiet times in between).
Find your passion. Similar to the above tip, this one asks you to find your calling. Make your living by doing the thing you love to do. First, think about what you really love to do. There may be many things. Find out how you can make a living doing it. It may be difficult, but you only live once.
Get out of your cubicle. Do you sit all day in front of computer, shuffling papers and taking phone calls and chatting on the Internet? Don't waste your days like this. Break free from the cubicle environment, and do your work on a laptop, in a coffee shop, or on a boat, or in a log cabin. This may require a change of jobs, or becoming a freelancer. It's worth it.
Turn off the TV. How many hours will we waste away in front of the boob tube? How many hours do we have to live? Do the math, then unplug the TV. Only plug it back in when you have a DVD of a movie you love. Otherwise, keep it off and find other stuff to do. Don't know what to do? Read further.
Pull away from Internet. You're reading something on the Internet right now. And, with the exception of this article, it is just more wasting away of your precious time. You cannot get these minutes back. Unplug the Internet, then get out of your office or house. Right now! And go and do something.
Travel. Sure, you want to travel some day. When you have vacation time, or when you're older. Well, what are you waiting for? Find a way to take a trip, if not this month, then sometime soon. You may need to sell your car or stop your cable bill and stop eating out to do it, but make it happen. You are too young to not see the world. If need be, find a way to make a living by freelancing, then work while you travel. Only work an hour or two a day. Don't check email but once a week. Then use the rest of the time to see the world.
Rediscover what's important. Take an hour and make a list of everything that's important to you. Add to it everything that you want to do in life. Now cut that list down to 4-5 things. Just the most important things in your life. This is your core list. This is what matters. Focus your life on these things. Make time for them.
Eliminate everything else. What's going on in your life that's not on that short list? All that stuff is wasting your time, pulling your attention from what's important. As much as possible, simplify your life by eliminating the stuff that's not on your short list, or minimizing it.
Exercise. Get off the couch and go for a walk. Eventually try running. Or do some push ups and crunches. Or swim or bike or row. Or go for a hike. Whatever you do, get active, and you'll love it. And life will be more alive.
Be positive. Learn to recognize the negative thoughts you have. These are the self-doubts, the criticisms of others, the complaints, the reasons you can't do something. Then stop yourself when you have these thoughts, and replace them with positive thoughts. Solutions. You can do this!
Open your heart. Is your heart a closed bundle of scar tissue? Learn to open it, have it ready to receive love, to give love unconditionally. If you have a problem with this, talk to someone about it. And practice makes perfect.
Kiss in the rain. Seize the moment and be romantic. Raining outside? Grab your lover and give her a passionate kiss. Driving home? Stop the car and pick some wildflowers. Send her a love note. Dress sexy for him.
Face your fears. What are you most afraid of? What is holding you back? Whatever it is, recognize it, and face it. Do what you are most afraid of. Afraid of heights? Go to the tallest building, and look down over the edge. Only by facing our fears can we be free of them.
When you suffer, suffer. Life isn't all about fun and games. Suffering is an inevitable part of life. We lose our jobs. We lose our lovers. We lose our pets. We get physically injured or sick. A loved one becomes sick. A parent dies. Learn to feel the pain intensely, and really grieve. This is a part of life -- really feel the pain. And when you're done, move on, and find joy.
Slow down. Life moves along at such a rapid pace these days. It's not healthy, and it's not conducive to living. Practice doing everything slowly -- everything, from eating to walking to driving to working to reading. Enjoy what you do. Learn to move at a snail's pace.
Touch humanity. Get out of your house and manicured neighborhoods, and find those who live in worse conditions. Meet them, talk to them, understand them. Live among them. Be one of them. Give up your materialistic lifestyle.
Volunteer. Help at homeless soup kitchens. Learn compassion, and learn to help ease the suffering of others. Help the sick, those with disabilities, those who are dying.
Play with children. Children, more than anyone else, know how to live. They experience everything in the moment, fully. When they get hurt, they really cry. When they play, they really have fun. Learn from them, instead of thinking you know so much more than them. Play with them, and learn to be joyful like them.
Talk to old people. There is no one wiser, more experienced, more learned, than those who have lived through life. They can tell you amazing stories. Give you advice on making a marriage last or staying out of debt. Tell you about their regrets, so you can learn from them and avoid the same mistakes. They are the wisdom of our society -- take advantage of their existence while they're still around.
Learn new skills. Constantly improve yourself instead of standing still -- not because you're so imperfect now, but because it is gratifying and satisfying. You should accept yourself as you are, and learn to love who you are, but still try to improve -- if only because the process of improvement is life itself.
Find spirituality. For some, this means finding God or Jesus or Allah or Buddha. For others, this means becoming in tune with the spirits of our ancestors, or with nature. For still others, this just means an inner energy. Whatever spirituality means for you, rediscover it, and its power.
Take mini-retirements. Don't leave the joy of retirement until you are too old to enjoy it. Do it now, while you're young. It makes working that much more worth it. Find ways to take a year off every few years. Save up, sell your home, your possessions, and travel. Live simply, but live, without having to work. Enjoy life, then go back to work and save up enough money to do it again in a couple of years.
Do nothing. Despite the tip above that we should find excitement, there is value in doing nothing as well. Not doing nothing as in reading, or taking a nap, or watching TV, or meditating. Doing nothing as in sitting there, doing nothing. Just learning to be still, in silence, to hear our inner voice, to be in tune with life. Do this daily if possible.
Stop playing video games. They might be fun, but they can take up way too much time. If you spend a lot of time playing online games, or computer solitaire, or Wii or Gameboy or whatever, consider going a week without it. Then find something else to do, outside.
Watch sunsets, daily. One of the most beautiful times of day. Make it a daily ritual to find a good spot to watch the sunset, perhaps having a light dinner while you do so.
Stop reading magazines. They're basically crap. And they waste your time and money. Cancel your subscriptions and walk past them at the news stands. If you have to read something, read a trashy novel or even better, read Dumb Little Man once a day and be done.
Break out from ruts. Do you do things the same way every day? Change it up. Try something new. Take a different route to work. Start your day out differently. Approach work from a new angle. Look at things from new perspectives.
Stop watching the news. It's depressing and useless. If you're a news junky, this may be difficult. I haven't watch TV news or read a newspaper regularly in about two years. It hasn't hurt me a bit. Anything important, my mom tells me about.
Laugh till you cry. Laughing is one of the best ways to live. Tell jokes and laugh your head off. Watch an awesome comedy. Learn to laugh at anything. Roll on the ground laughing. You'll love it.
Lose control. Not only control over yourself, but control over others. It's a bad habit to try to control others -- it will only lead to stress and unhappiness for yourself and those you try to control. Let others live, and live for yourself. And lose control of yourself now and then too.
Cry. Men, especially, tend to hold in our tears, but crying is an amazing release. Cry at sad movies. Cry at a funeral. Cry when you are hurt, or when somebody you love is hurt. It releases these emotions and allows us to cleanse ourselves.
Make an awesome dessert. I like to make warm, soft chocolate cake. But even berries dipped in chocolate, or crepes with ice cream and fruit, or fresh apple pie, or homemade chocolate chip cookies or brownies, are great. This isn't an every day thing, but an occasional treat thing. But it's wonderful.
Try something new, every week. Ask yourself: "What new thing shall I try this week?" Then be sure to do it. You don't have to learn a new language in one week, but seek new experiences. Give it a try. You might decide you want to keep it in your life.
Be in the moment. Instead of thinking about things you need to do, or things that have happened to you, or worrying or planning or regretting, think about what you are doing, right now. What is around you? What smells and sounds and sights and feelings are you experiencing? Learn to do this as much as possible through meditation, but also through bringing your focus back to the present as much as you can in everything you do.

1936- Year the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Opened
280,000- The daily average number of vehicles that use the Bay Bridge
1972-The Year BART-Headquartered in Oakland but connecting Oakland to Rockridge,Downtown Berkeley,San Leandro, El Cerrito,etc-Began Operating and carried its first passengers.
80-The Maximum Speed reached in miles per hour, reached by Bart trains.

Calif. median home price - May 07: $591,180 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region May 07:Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,325,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region May 07:High Desert $313,550 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter 07:25 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 6/21:30-yr. fixed: 6.69%; Fees/points: 0.5%15-yr. fixed: 6.37%; Fees/points: 0.5%1-yr. adjustable: 5.66%; Fees/points: 0.7%(Source: Freddie Mac)

When shopping for your home, you’ll discover that most homes on the market are resales. Yet, one out of four homebuyers purchases a new home. Should you be thinking about buying a new house, here are some points to consider before you visit your first model home:
1) Get in touch with your agent and do your homework. Determine the size of your downpayment, then work out a monthly debt load so you can determine a comfortable price range.
2) Get the facts about your builder. Before making a final decision, it is wise to check out the reputation and financial strength of the builder. Get “spec sheets” on home features and details on lot availability and delivery of your home.
3) Be sure to take advantage of builder incentives that offer free upgrades or credit off the sale price of the home. When looking at options or upgrades, keep in mind that the less expensive the base price of the house is, the more you can add without fear of overpricing it for the neighbourhood. Remember however, that you can add a deck, finished basement or landscaping later and sometimes for less money.
4) Often buyers don’t realize that there may be room for negotiating price, upgrades or options. Builders may also offer discounts or special financing to help close a sale. Make sure you or your agent ask those questions.
5) Make sure the contract you sign with the builder works in your favor! Ensure you are protected by having safeguards written into the agreement, such as - details of any upgrades, 30-day advance notice of any change to the closing date, allowing you access to the construction site to check on progress, etc.
5) Consider hiring a reputable home inspector—just because the house is new, doesn’t mean it is perfect. Create a builder “punchlist” from your inspector’s findings; this way you can be sure that any problems are addressed before closing.
Finally, some builders have newly-constructed homes available for immediate delivery. An immediate delivery home is an advantageous way to purchase a home if you need to move in quickly, or need a physical space to walk through before you sign a contract.

Some Clients of ours recently came to us looking for a homes that have swimming pools. You don't tend to see a lot of homes in Oakland, Berkeley,Piedmont, Albany, Emeryville,Alameda (Greater East Bay areas) with pools but we thought with summer here it was a good idea to add a blog about pool safety with kids.
A backyard swimming pool can be a child’s ultimate playground during the summer months, but it can also be very dangerous if not monitored properly. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help minimize the risk of a child "accidentally" falling into the family pool.
Make sure to set down definite pool rules covering its use. Also consider talking with babysitters about pool safety, supervision and drowning prevention.
Do not allow children to play in the pool area. Remove all toys and any other objects that could attract your child. Children who would not normally go near a pool because of fear may not even think about the water if they are in pursuit of a favorite toy.
Keep lifesaving equipment, such as a pole, life preserver and rope, in the pool area. Hang them from the fence so people won’t trip on them.
Have a phone handy to the pool area. Do not answer the phone while your children are in the pool; use it only to call 911 should a problem occur.
Ensure that any doors from the house to the pool area are kept locked. Lock doggie doors as well—small children can easily fit in the small opening of a doggie door.
Have adult supervisors learn CPR, and refresh their skills every year.
Keep in mind that having a pool can make you popular with neighborhood friends of your children. Signage about the pool, with "pool rules" is a good idea and make it clear that If rules are not followed, they will not be allowed to use the pool.

Labels: Berkeley, East Bay Oakland, Piedmont Alameda

Recently a Client of ours that lives near Lake Merritt in Oakland asked us questions about the advantages and disadvantages to purchasing a mobile home for her father.
Her Father currently lives in Contra Costa County and wanted to relocate to Alameda County in the general areas of Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda or San Leandro....
Here is a good article that we found and passed onto her to help her and her father make a more educated decision.

Before You Buy a Manufactured Home
by Janet Wickell
Manufactured homes, formerly called mobile homes, are built on a non-removable steel chassis and transported to the building site on their own wheels. Some manufactured homes look like the houses you see in a traditional neighborhood--they don't all resemble a traditional single or doublewide "trailer." There are important considerations you should make before you decide to buy a manufactured home.
Can You Put it on the Land?
Some communities and developments do not allow manufactured housing. Research local zoning ordinances, deed restrictions, restrictive covenants, and other similar documents before you buy land for a manufactured home.
We're Looking for Growing Equity
One reason most of us want to own a home instead of rent one is for its investment potential. And since we often don't live in the same house for enough years to pay down the balance very far, we depend on the rising cost of real estate to increase our equity, the portion of the home's value that we get back to buy another home when we sell.
Sponsored Links
Custom Manufactured HomesGuaranteed Lowest Price on new homes, Don't believe us look here!www.qwhomes.com
\n\u003cp\>\u003ca title\u003d\"Leased Land & No Perm Foundation OK New or Used, Refi, Cash Out, Const\" href\u003d\"http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?sa\u003dl&ai\u003dBGuJtARqARsrqLpHqiASO0tW6Do_kliPv9rzdAsCNtwGQ2M0BEAIYAiCopfcBKAg4AFDT87bx_f____8BYMn2-IbIo6AZmAG606wQoAGF19j7A6oBE3ByaW1lZGlhX2hvbWVidXlpbmeyARRob21lYnV5aW5nLmFib3V0LmNvbcgBAdoBRGh0dHA6Ly9ob21lYnV5aW5nLmFib3V0LmNvbS9vZC9tYW51ZmFjdHVyZWRob21lcy9iYi9tYW51ZmFjdHVyZWQuaHRtgAIBqAMBuAMB6AMd6APSA_UDAgAAAA&num\u003d2&adurl\u003dhttp://www.acc-funding.com&client\u003dca-primedia-premium_js\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cspan\>Manufactured/Mobile Loans\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\>Leased Land & No Perm Foundation OK New or Used, Refi, Cash Out, Const\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>www.acc-funding.com\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/p\>\n\n\u003cp\>\u003ca title\u003d\"Find homes in your area. Dealer & Community listings.\" href\u003d\"http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/iclk?sa\u003dl&ai\u003dB-lS0ARqARsrqLpHqiASO0tW6DrPfrRaHktCaAsCNtwHA3h8QAxgDIKil9wEoCDgAULTS1Y3-_____wFgyfb4hsijoBmYAbrTrBCgAcX28f4DqgETcHJpbWVkaWFfaG9tZWJ1eWluZ7IBFGhvbWVidXlpbmcuYWJvdXQuY29tyAEB2gFEaHR0cDovL2hvbWVidXlpbmcuYWJvdXQuY29tL29kL21hbnVmYWN0dXJlZGhvbWVzL2JiL21hbnVmYWN0dXJlZC5odG2AAgGoAwG4AwHoAx3oA9ID9QMCAAAA&num\u003d3&adurl\u003dhttp://www.manufacturedhomesource.com/%3Fsource%3Dgoogle&client\u003dca-primedia-premium_js\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\n\u003cspan\>Manufactured Homes\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#000000\"\>Find homes in your area. Dealer & Community listings.\u003c/font\>\u003c/span\>\u003cspan\>www.manufacturedhomesource.com\u003c/span\>\u003c/a\>\u003c/p\>\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>You Might not Get it with a Manufactured Home\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>In general, manufactured homes decrease in value. That's not true for every type of manufactured home or in every instance, but it is true overall. Even your land could decrease in value if it is surrounded by other manufactured homes that are decreasing in value. Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about the resale value of manufactured homes in the area before you buy. A real estate agent can help you find that information.\n",1]
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Manufactured/Mobile LoansLeased Land & No Perm Foundation OK New or Used, Refi, Cash Out, Constwww.acc-funding.com
Manufactured HomesFind homes in your area. Dealer & Community listings.www.manufacturedhomesource.com
You Might not Get it with a Manufactured Home
In general, manufactured homes decrease in value. That's not true for every type of manufactured home or in every instance, but it is true overall. Even your land could decrease in value if it is surrounded by other manufactured homes that are decreasing in value. Do your homework! Learn as much as you can about the resale value of manufactured homes in the area before you buy. A real estate agent can help you find that information.
\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>Land-Home Packages\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>We see many people who opt into land-home packages, installment financing options that are are set up by the retailers who sell manufactured homes. The packages include the house, the land, and all work needed to get the home ready for occupancy.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>But Hold on Before You Sign\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>Land-home packages are fairly easy to get approved for, even if you have credit blemishes, but the interest rates can be high. Many people are making higher payments for a manufactured home than they would have made for a traditional or modular home--and those structures are nearly always a better investment. Explore your choices before you assume that you cannot buy a traditional home. You might be surprised at the financing options that are available.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>Is it on a Permanent Foundation?\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>Some lenders will not finance a manufactured home if it is not on a permanent foundation. The dealer will get if financed for you either way, but if you are putting the home on land you own, make sure it's on a permanent foundation. Why should you care? Because if it isn't, and you decide to sell, it will turn off some buyers and limit the number of lenders they can choose from. That means the home will be on the market longer.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\n\u003ch3\>Other Considerations\u003c/h3\>\n\u003cdiv\>There are other questions you should ask before you buy a manufactured home. Is it built to handle the climate at its destination? What type of warranty does the manufacturer provide? Does the dealer help resolve warranty problems? How long has the manufacturer been building homes? What can they tell you about the home's structural components? Ask as many questions as possible to help you feel comfortable with the purchase and the manufacturer before you say yes to the sale.\n\u003c/div\>\u003c/div\>\n\u003cp\>\u003ca href\u003d\"http://homebuying.about.com/gi/pages/mcopyrt.htm\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>\u003cfont color\u003d\"#0073bf\"\>Important disclaimer information about this About site.",1]
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Land-Home Packages
We see many people who opt into land-home packages, installment financing options that are are set up by the retailers who sell manufactured homes. The packages include the house, the land, and all work needed to get the home ready for occupancy.
But Hold on Before You Sign
Land-home packages are fairly easy to get approved for, even if you have credit blemishes, but the interest rates can be high. Many people are making higher payments for a manufactured home than they would have made for a traditional or modular home--and those structures are nearly always a better investment. Explore your choices before you assume that you cannot buy a traditional home. You might be surprised at the financing options that are available.
Is it on a Permanent Foundation?
Some lenders will not finance a manufactured home if it is not on a permanent foundation. The dealer will get if financed for you either way, but if you are putting the home on land you own, make sure it's on a permanent foundation. Why should you care? Because if it isn't, and you decide to sell, it will turn off some buyers and limit the number of lenders they can choose from. That means the home will be on the market longer.
Other Considerations
There are other questions you should ask before you buy a manufactured home. Is it built to handle the climate at its destination? What type of warranty does the manufacturer provide? Does the dealer help resolve warranty problems? How long has the manufacturer been building homes? What can they tell you about the home's structural components? Ask as many questions as possible to help you feel comfortable with the purchase and the manufacturer before you say yes to the sale.

The mild breezes of spring remind us that its time to start cultivating our garden plans. By starting now, you can devote more time to the development of refined and detailed garden blueprints and avoid the mad rush in the summer.
Start by spending time gazing out at your garden. How does it look?
Picture the garden through the eyes of a bird. Is there any shelter available to protect them from cold winter winds or predators? How about food and water? Do any of the existing shrubs or trees still hold seed or berries? The answers to these questions will help you put together a garden plan.
Examine what the garden currently holds and consider how it meets the needs of wildlife. All wildlife species require food, water, shelter, and space. Be sure to consider these factors when deciding what you will be adding to your garden. A good plan, devised while you have some time for serious consideration, will allow you to create a garden that is beautiful, less work, and attractive to colourful creatures which add a dynamic enchantment to your finished haven.

Moving is hard on everyone involved—even your beloved pets! While pets may not understand *what* is going on, they can sense the stress that the people around them are experiencing. So what can you do to reduce the amount of stress that your pets are going to be under during this unsettling time?
Packing:
Keep your pet’s daily routine as close to normal as possible. Allow them extended access to their toys, dishes and bed by packing their belongings last. It might also be advisable to leave a couple of empty packing boxes on the floor for them to explore—reducing the fear of these strange new objects. There are Great Dog Parks throughout Oakland,Piedmont, Berkeley, San Leandro,Albany and Kensington.... Exercise is also good for the pet owner so get out there...
Moving Day:
If at all possible, it is best to remove your pets from the house before you start moving your possessions. All of the commotion, and doors being left open for people to walk in and out freely, are an invitation for a scared, confused pet to be lost.
If your pets must remain in the house while you are moving your possessions out, make sure they are safely tucked away in a room with a door. Surround them with their toys and dishes and bedding to ease their anxiety. Bring these same items with you in the car when driving to your new home—that way they are easily accessible when you arrive.
New home sweet home:
Before letting your pet loose in their new backyard, do a quick safety check. Make sure the fence is in good repair with no holes or spaces for him to wiggle through or beneath. It might also be wise to check any existing gardens for plants that could be poisonous if consumed.
Providing consistency for your pet is important, so set up your pet’s things in those spots where you intend on keeping them.
Special tips for small pets:
Although smaller pets are much easier to move, make sure their journey is a safe one by securing them into an appropriately sized pet carrier before loading them into the car. Placing a light cloth over their cage will help to keep them quiet and calm during the car ride.
And of course, no matter what the size of your pet, never leave them unattended in a vehicle.

Labels: moving with pets

It Doesn't matter if you are Buying a home in Piedmont, Oakland, Albany you need to know these mortgage tips.
11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying for a Mortgage
"...avoid disappointment and SAVE thousands by taking a few minutes to acquaint yourself with these potential mistakes.."
Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences in the way you structure your mortgage, can cost or save you literally thousands of dollars and years of expense.
Get the Right Information - Whether you are about to buy your first home, or are planning to make a move to your next home, it is critical that you be informed about the factors involved.
Everyday people have their mortgage loan turned down because of one or more of these mistakes. By taking these few minutes to acquaint yourself with the "11 Deadly Mistakes When Applying For A Mortgage" you can save thousands on your mortgage.

567 OAKLAND AVE #205OAKLAND, CA 94611
Fabulous unit on best side of bulding! Quiet locale, partial bay view from deck, large common living area with open kitchen (upgraded appliances). Pet friendly and close to Piedmon Ave, bus lines, hwy access, Bay Bridge, etc. Seller offering credit for new carpet when you move in! Open Sunday 6/17 1 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 720 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40276052
$299,000 More Details

0 CLEMENS RDOAKLAND, CA 94608
Great Oakmore lot with plans for 3 bed/3bath house w/2 car garage and additional basement area. Preliminary permits w/City done, Survey done, Soils & Engineering Reports done! Great opportunity to build in established neighborhood! 0.12 Acres 5,113 ft2 Listing # 40274830
$350,000

424 ORANGE ST #101OAKLAND, CA 94610
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Sweet Adams Point condo with spacious private patio! Updated appliances and mixture of laminate wood floors and carpet. Secured parking, pet friendly and more! Close to public trasportation, hwy access, bay bridge, Lake Merritt & Farmers Market. Open Sunday 2-4:30 1 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 608 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40274156
$269,000

6176 OCEAN VIEW DROAKLAND, CA 94618 PENDING
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This sophisticated three-plus bedroom, two and one-half bath 1996 Mediterranean offers a rarely found mix of fabulous open space, cathedral ceilings and sense of loft living. Walls of glass allow a wealth of natural light which radiates though the common spaces of the home. The living room is on its own exclusive level with French doors to the back deck and offering an artisan crafted adobe fireplace to frame the room. A wonderful plus room is located at the top of the house turret that acts perfectly as a home office, study or play room. The North East exposure off the back of the house gives you a peak of Berkeley and provides wonderful mid-morning light.3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bath(s) 2,198 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40261838 $1,180,000
View a Photo Tour!

Featured Properties
920 NORVELL STEL CERRITO, CA 94530
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Spectacular & gracefully remodeled to the highest standards. Smoothly rounded corners, coffered ceiling, arches, and custom built-ins. Unique river stone fireplace, beautifully remodeled eat-in kitchen, sunny private rear yard and an attached garage. Open this Sunday June 10th 2-4:30pm (A Must See) 2 Bedrooms1 Bathrooms 1,204 Est. Sq. Ft. Listing # 40271036
$675,000

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Cooling Your Home Naturally
Keeping cool indoors when it is hot outdoors is a problem. The sun beating down on our homes causes indoor temperatures to rise to uncomfortable levels. Air conditioning provides some relief. But the initial costs of installing an air conditioner and the electricity costs to run it can be high. In addition, conventional air conditioners use refrigerants made of chlorine compounds, suspected contributors to the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming. But there are alternatives to air conditioning. This information provides some common sense suggestions and low-cost retrofit options to help you "keep your cool"- and save electricity.
Staying Cool
An alternative way to maintain a cool house or reduce air conditioning use is natural (or passive) cooling. Passive cooling uses non-mechanical methods to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
The most effective method to cool your home is to keep the heat from building up in the first place. The primary source of heat buildup (i.e., gain) is sunlight absorbed by your house through the roof, walls, and windows. Secondary sources are heat-generating appliances in the home and air leakage. Specific methods to prevent heat gain include reflecting heat (i.e., sunlight) away from your house, blocking the heat, removing built up heat, and reducing or eliminating heat generating sources in your home.
Reflecting Heat Away
The most effective method to cool your home is to keep the heat from building up in the first place. Dull, dark colored home exteriors absorb 70% to 90% of the radiant energy from the sun that strikes the home's surfaces. Some of this absorbed energy is then transferred into your home by way of conduction, resulting in heat gain. In contrast, light-colored surfaces effectively reflect most of the heat away from your home.
Installing a radiant barrier
Radiant barriers are easy to install. It does not matter which way the shiny surface faces - up or down. But you must install it on the underside of your roof - not horizontally over the ceiling, and the barrier must face an airspace.
For your own comfort while in the attic, install the radiant barrier on a cool, cloudy day. Use plywood walk boards or wooden planks over the ceiling joists for support. Caution: Do not step between the ceiling joists, or you may fall through the ceiling.
Staple the foil to the bottom or side of the rafters, draping it from rafter to rafter. Do not worry about a tight fit or small tears in the fabric; radiant transfer is not affected by air movement. The staples should be no more than 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) apart to prevent air circulation from loosening or detaching the radiant barrier. Use a caulking gun to apply a thin bead of construction adhesive to the rafters along the seams of the foil barrier. This will make the installation permanent.
Roofs
About a third of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through the roof. This is hard to control with traditional roofing materials. For example, unlike most light colored surfaces, even white asphalt and fiberglass shingles absorb 70% of the solar radiation. One good solution is to apply a reflective coating to your existing roof. Two standard roofing coatings are available at your local hardware store or lumberyard. They have both waterproof and reflective properties and are marketed primarily for mobile homes and recreational vehicles. One coating is white latex that you can apply over many common roofing materials, such as asphalt and fiberglass shingles, tar paper, and metal.
A second coating is asphalt based and contains glass fibers and aluminum particles. You can apply it to most metal and asphalt roofs. Because it has a tacky surface, it attracts dust, which reduces its reflective somewhat.
Another way to reflect heat is to install a radiant barrier on the underside of your roof. A radiant barrier is simply a sheet of aluminum foil with a paper backing. When installed correctly, a radiant barrier can reduce heat gains through your ceiling by about 25%. (see box for information on installing a radiant barrier.)
Radiant-barrier materials cost between $0.13 per square foot ($1.44 per square meter) for a single-layer product with a kraft-paper backing and $0.30 per square foot ($3.33 per square meter) for a vented multiflora product with a fiber-reinforced backing. The latter product doubles as insulation.
Walls
Wall color is not as important as roof color, but does affect heat gain somewhat. White exterior walls absorb less heat than dark walls, and light, bright walls increase the longevity of siding, particularly on the east, west, and south sides of the house.
Windows
Roughly 40% of the unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through windows. Reflective window coatings are one way to reflect heat away from your home. These coatings are plastic sheets treated with dyes or thin layers of metal. Besides keeping your house cooler, these reflective coatings cut glare and reduce fading of furniture, draperies, and carpeting.
Two main types of coatings include sun-control films and combination films. Sun-control films are best for warmer climates because they can reflect as much as 80% of the incoming sunlight. Many of these films are tinted, however, and tend to reduce light transmission as much as they reduce heat, thereby darkening the room.
Combination films allow some light into a room but they also let some heat in and prevent interior heat from escaping. These films are best for climates that have both hot and cold seasons. Investigate the different film options carefully to select the film that best meets your needs. Note: do not place reflective coatings on south facing windows if you want to take advantage of heat gain during the winter. The coatings are applied to the interior surface of the window. Although you can apply the films yourself, it is a good idea to have a professional install the coatings, particularly if you have several large windows. This will ensure a more durable installation and a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Blocking the Heat
Two excellent methods to block heat are insulation and shading. Insulation helps keep your home comfortable and saves money on mechanical cooling systems such as air conditioners and electric fans. Shading devices block the sun's rays and absorb or reflect the solar heat.
Insulation
Weatherization measures - such as insulating, weather stripping, and caulking - help seal and protect your house against the summer heat in addition to keeping out the winter cold. The attic is a good place to start insulating because it is a major source of heat gain. Adequately insulating the attic protects the upper floors of a house. Recommended attic insulation levels depend on where you live and the type of heating system you use. For most climates, you want a minimum of R-30. In climates with extremely cold winters, you may want as much as R-49.
Wall insulation is not as important for cooling as attic insulation because outdoor temperatures are not as hot as attic temperatures. Also, floor insulation has little or no effect on cooling.
Although unintentional infiltration of outside air is not a major contributor to inside temperature, it is still a good idea to keep it out. Outside air can infiltrate your home around poorly sealed doors, windows, electrical outlets, and through openings in foundations and exterior walls. Thorough caulking and weather stripping will control most of these air leaks.
Shading
Shading your home can reduce indoor temperatures by as much as 20°f (11°c). Effective shading can be provided by trees and other vegetation and exterior or interior shades.
Landscaping
Landscaping is a natural and beautiful way to shade your home and block the sun. A well placed tree, bush, or vine can deliver effective shade and add to the aesthetic value of your property. When designing your landscaping, use plants native to your area that survive with minimal care. Trees that lose their leaves in the fall (i.e., deciduous) help cut cooling energy costs the most. When selectively placed around a house, they provide excellent protection from the summer sun and permit winter sunlight to reach and warm your house. The height, growth rate, branch spread, and shape are all factors to consider in choosing a tree. Vines are a quick way to provide shading and cooling. Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a house. Ask your local nursery which vine is best suited to your climate and needs.
Besides providing shade, trees and vines create a cool microclimate that dramatically reduces the temperature (by as much as (9°f [5°c]) in the surrounding area. During photosynthesis, large amounts of water vapor escape through the leaves, cooling the passing air. and the generally dark and coarse leaves absorb solar radiation. You might also consider low ground cover such as grass, small plants, and bushes. A grass-covered lawn is usually 10°f (6°c) cooler than bare ground in the summer. If you are in an arid or semiarid climate, consider native ground covers that require little water.
Planning Your Planting
Placement of vegetation is important when landscaping your home. The following are suggestions to help you gain the most from vegetation.
Plant trees on the northeast-southeast and the northwest-southwest sides of your house. Unless you live in a climate where it is hot year round, do not plant trees directly to the south. Even the bare branches of mature deciduous trees can significantly reduce the amount of sun reaching your house in the winter.
Plant trees and shrubs so they can direct breezes. Do not place a dense line of evergreen trees where they will block the flow of cool air around or through them.
Set trellises away from your house to allow air to circulate and keep the vines from attaching to your house's facade and damaging its exterior. Placing vegetation too close to your house can trap heat and make the air around your house even warmer.
Do not plant trees or large bushes where their roots can damage septic tanks, sewer lines, underground wires, or your house's foundation.
Make sure the plants you choose can withstand local weather extremes.
Shading Devices
Both exterior and interior shades control heat gain. Exterior shades are generally more effective than interior shades because they block sunlight before it enters windows. When deciding which devices to use and where to use them, consider whether you are willing to open and close them daily or just put them up for the hottest season. You also want to know how they will affect ventilation.
Exterior shading devices include awnings, lovers, shutters, rolling shutters and shades, and solar screens. Awnings are very effective because the block direct sunlight. They are usually made of fabric or metal and are attached above the window and extend down and out. A properly installed awning can reduce heat gain up to 65% on southern windows and 77% on eastern windows. A light colored awning does double duty by also reflecting sunlight.
Maintaining a gap between the top of the awning and the side of the house helps vent accumulated heat from under a solid- surface awning. If you live in a climate with cold winters, you will want to remove awnings for winter storage, or by retractable ones, to take advantage of winter heat gain.
The amount of drop (how far down the awing comes) depends on which side of your house the window is on. An east or west window needs a drop of 65% to 75% of the window height. A south-facing window only needs a drop of 45% to 60% for the same amount of shade. A pleasing angle to the eye for mounting and awning is 45°. Make sure the awning does not project into the path of foot traffic unless it is at least 6 feet 8 inches (2 meters) from the ground.
One disadvantage of awnings is that they can block views, particularly on the east and west sides. However, slatted awnings do allow limited viewing through the top parts of windows.
Louvers are attractive because their adjustable slats control the level of sunlight slats control the level of sunlight entering your home and, depending on the design, can be adjusted from inside or outside your house. The slats can be vertical or horizontal. Louvers remain fixed and are attached to the exteriors of window frames.
Shutters are movable wooden or metal covering that, when closed, keep sunlight out. Shutters are either solid or slatted with fixed or adjustable slats. Besides reducing heat gain, they can provide privacy and security. Some shutters help insulate windows when it is cold outside.
Rolling shutters have a series of horizontal slats that run down along a track. Rolling shades use a fabric. These are the most expensive shading options, but the work well and can provide security. Many exterior rolling shutters or shades can be conveniently controlled from the inside. One disadvantage is that when fully extended, the block all light.
Solar screens resemble standard window screens except they keep direct sunlight from entering the window, cut glare, and block light without blocking the view or elimination air flow. They also provide privacy by restricting the view of the interior from outside your house. Solar screens come in a variety of colors and screening materials to compliment any home. Although do-it-yourself kits are available, these screens will not last as long as professionally built screens.
Although interior shading is not as effective as exterior shading, it is worthwhile if none of the previously mentioned techniques are possible. There are several ways to block the sun's heat from inside your house.
Draperies and curtains made of tightly woven, light-colored, opaque fabrics reflect more of the sun's rays than they let through. The tighter the curtain is against the wall around the window, the better it will prevent heat gain. Two layers of draperies improve the effectiveness of the draperies' insulation when it is either hot or cold outside.
Venetian blinds, although not as effective as draperies, can be adjusted to let in some light and air while reflecting the sun's heat. Some newer blinds are coated with reflective finishes. To be effective, the reflective surfaces must face the outdoors. Some interior cellular (honeycombed) shades also come with reflective mylar coatings. But they block natural light and restrict air flow.
Opaque roller shades are effective when fully drawn but also block light and restrict air flow.
Removing Built-Up Heat
Nothing feels better on a hot day than a cool breeze. Encouraging cool air to enter your house forces warm air out, keeping your house comfortably cool. However, this strategy only works when the inside temperature is higher than the outside temperature.
Natural ventilation maintains indoor temperatures close to outdoor temperatures close to outdoor temperatures and helps remove heat from your home. But only ventilated during the coolest parts of the day or night, and seal off your house from the hot sun and air during the hottest parts of the day. The climate you live in determines the best ventilation strategy. In areas with cool nights and very hot days, let the night air in to cool your house. By the time the interior heats up, and the outside air should be cooler and can be allowed indoors.
In climates with day time breezes, open windows on the side from where the breeze is coming and on the opposite side of the house. Keep interior doors open to encourage whole house ventilation. If your location lacks consistent breezes, create them by opening the windows at the lowest and highest points in your house. This natural "thermo siphoning," or "chimney," effect can be taken a step further by adding a clerestory or a vented skylight.
In hot, humid climates where temperature swings between day and night are mall, ventilate when humidity is not excessive. Ventilating your attic greatly reduces the amount of accumulated heat, which eventually works its way into the main part of your house. Ventilated attics are about 30°f (16°c) cooler than unventilated attics. Properly sized and placed louvers and roof vents help prevent moisture buildup and overheating in your attic.
Reducing Heat-Generating Sources
Often-overlooked sources of interior heat gain are lights and household appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, and dryers. Because most of the energy that incandescent lamps use is given off as heat, use them only when necessary. Take advantage of daylight to illuminate your house, and consider switching to compact fluorescent lamps. These use about 75% less energy than incandescent lamps, and emit 90% less heat for the same amount of light.
New, energy efficient appliances generate less heat and use less energy.
Many household appliances generate a lot of heat. When possible, use them in the morning or late evening when you can better tolerate the extra heat. Consider cooking on an outside barbecue grill or use a microwave oven, which does not generate as much heat and uses less energy than a gas or electric range.
Washers, dryers, dishwashers, and water heaters also generate large amounts of heat and humidity. To gain the most benefit, seal off your laundry room and water heater from the rest of the house.
New, energy efficient appliances generate less heat and use less energy. When it is time to purchase new appliances, make sure the are energy efficient. All refrigerators, dishwashers, and dryers display an energy guide label indicating the annual estimated cost for operating the appliance or a standardized energy efficiency ratio. Compare appliances and buy the most efficient models for your needs.
Saving Energy
Using any or all of these strategies will help keep you cool. Even if you use air conditioning, many of these strategies, may not be enough. Sometimes you need to supplement natural cooling with mechanical devices. Fans and evaporative coolers can supplement your cooling strategies and cost less to install and run than air conditioners.
Ceiling fans make you feel cooler. Their effect is equivalent to lowering the air temperature by about 4°f (2°c). Evaporative coolers use about one-fourth the energy of conventional air conditioners.
Many utility companies offer rebates and other cost incentives when you purchase or install energy saving products, such as insulation and energy efficient lighting and appliances. Contact your local utility company to see what it offers in the way of incentives.
Cooling Strategies Checklist
cooling strategies to consider :
lighten roof and exterior wall color
replace/coat roof with bright white or shiny material
install a radiant barrier
add reflective coatings to windows
insulate attic and walls
caulk and weather strip to seal air leaks
add shade trees, bushes, or vines
add exterior awnings and shades
add interior drapes and shades
ventilate attic
increase natural ventilation
isolate heat-generating appliances
replace heat-generating appliances
replace light bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent's

Protecting Your Home from Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Safety & You
Everyone wants to live in a safe and worry free environment with their families, spouse, and children. However, most people are closer to a disaster waiting to happen than they think. Safety may not be an issue that comes to mind as you go about your daily routine. You may feel safe. Yet, lurking in your home are dangers that can take lives and destroy property.
Fire Facts
Thousands of people die from fire every year. Most residential fire deaths occur because of inhalation of toxic gas, rather than contact with the flames. The tragedy is that many of these deaths could be prevented by taking a few precautions.
General Fire Prevention Tips
Do not plug too many appliances into an electrical outlet.
Make sure that combustibles are not too close to heaters, stoves and fireplaces.
Never smoke in bed, or leave a burning cigarette in an ashtray.
Do not use damaged or frayed electrical cords or extension cords.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
Teach your children about the dangers of playing with fire.
Never use extension cords with heating or air conditioning equipment.
Purchase smoke alarms and fire extinguishers for each floor of your home.
Have an Emergency Escape Plan! Practice it frequently!
Develop an emergency exit plan and an alternate exit plan. The most obvious way out may be blocked by fire. A window will usually be the second way out of a bedroom. Make sure that screens or storm windows can be easily removed. If you live in a two story home, you should have an escape ladder for each occupied bedroom. Escape ladders are available for purchase, and they can easily be stored under a bed or in a closet.
Establish a meeting place outside your home to be sure everyone has escaped. Every family member should participate in practicing escape drills at least two times per year.
In the event of fire, do not stop to get dressed or gather valuables. Seconds count - do not search for the family pet.
Teach your family that in a fire they must stay low to the floor to avoid smoke and intense heat. Passageways may be completely filled with dense smoke, so everyone should practice exiting on their hands and knees while blindfolded.
Train family members to feel a closed door before exiting. If the door is warm, open it slowly, and close it quickly if heat or smoke rushes in.
Establish a rule that once you're out, you never re-enter under any circumstances. As soon as two people have reached the meeting place, one should call 911 from a neighbor's house.
Smoke Alarms
Through education and media campaigns, most people now realize the importance of smoke alarms, and most homes in North America have them.
Recommendations:
Purchase a smoke alarm for every floor of your home, and read the instructions on how to use it and where to position it.
Smoke alarms should be placed near bedrooms, either on the ceiling or six to twelve inches below the ceiling on the wall.
Local codes may require additional alarms. Check with your fire department or building code official.
Locate smoke alarms away from air vents.
Test your alarms regularly to ensure that they still work.
If you have a battery powered alarm, change the battery every six months when you change your clocks.
For maximum protection, install BOTH ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms in the home for the optimum detection of fast flaming fires and slow smoldering fires.
Fire Extinguishers
To guard against small fires or to keep a small fire from developing into a big one, every home should be equipped with a fire extinguisher. Because almost all fires are small at first, they might be contained if a fire extinguisher is handy and used properly. You should take care, however, to select the right kind of fire extinguisher, because there are different ones for different kinds of fires. Install fire extinguishers on every level of the home and include the kitchen, basement and garage.
Selecting a Fire Extinguisher
Extinguishers are classified according to the class of fire for which they are suitable. The four classes of fires are A, B, C, D:
Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are common in typical commercial and home settings.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline, paints, lacquers and other oil-based products. Class B fires often spread rapidly. Unless they are properly suppressed, they can re-flash after the flames have been extinguished.
Class C fires involve energized equipment such as wiring, controls, motors, machinery or appliances. They can be caused by a spark, a power surge, or a short circuit and typically occur in locations that may be difficult to see or reach.
Class D fires involve combustible metals.
A typical home or office fire extinguisher should have an ABC rating.
Carbon Monoxide
One of the greatest threats to your safety is the quality of air within your home. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a subtle yet dangerous threat because the gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless.
Each year, hundreds of people die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Thousands of other people suffer the effects of the gas without realizing it. Because CO symptoms mimic the flu and other common illnesses, CO poisoning can be easily missed during a routine medical examination.
CO is produced when any fuel does not burn completely because of insufficient oxygen. Mild exposure to CO gives most people a slight headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue ("flu-like" symptoms) followed by a throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion, and fast heart rate. If the entire family becomes ill after a few hours in the home, and feels better when they leave the home, carbon monoxide poisoning should be suspected.
Possible sources of CO include:
Furnace or boiler
Gas or fuel-oil water heater
Gas or wood fireplace
Gas kitchen range
Plugged, rusted, disconnected, or defective chimneys or vents
Back drafting of combustion gases into the home
Automobiles in attached garages
Certain clues can indicate a carbon monoxide problem. Check to see if you have any of the following:
Rusting or streaking on chimney or vent
Loose or missing furnace panel
Soot on venting or appliances
Loose or disconnected venting
Debris or soot falling from chimney
Moisture on interior side of windows
CO can be produced and spill into your home without any of the preceding clues present. Heating appliances that appear to be operating correctly can still be sources of CO. Burning charcoal or wood produces CO that can spill into the home. Gasoline engines, when first started, produce large amounts of CO. Autos in attached garages are often sources of CO.
How To Protect Yourself
To avoid CO exposure in the home, it is important to:
Make sure heating appliances are installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure chimneys and vents draw all gases out of the home.
Have the heating system, chimney and vents inspected and serviced annually by a qualified heating contractor.
Never use charcoal grills indoors.
Never heat your home with a gas kitchen range.
Always use a kitchen range hood, vented to the outdoors, when cooking on a gas range.
Never warm-up or run vehicles or other gasoline engines in garages or indoors.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that every residence with fuel burning appliances be equipped with at least one CO alarm. For added protection, place one on every level of the home. Read and follow manufacturers' instructions.
If your alarm indicates high levels of carbon monoxide in your home:
Immediately move outdoors to fresh air and do a head count
Call your emergency services
Do not re-enter the home until emergency service responders have arrived, aired out the house, and determined it is safe to re-enter
Correct the problem before starting the heating appliances
If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds again, repeat the above steps. Do not ignore alarms.
Fires are traumatizing and frightening, as is a carbon monoxide incident. It is essential to fully recognize the hazards of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning and to take preventative action. A regular home inspection, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and an emergency exit plan will help you and your family live more safely.

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11 Deadly

Public Works Committee Considers Proposed Ban on Plastic Bags Ordinance on June 26
Ever wondered about the life cycle of the plastic bag that you get at grocery stores? Globally, the production of over a trillion single-use disposable plastic bags used each year requires over 12 million barrels of oil. Of that trillion, Californians use up 19 billion of those bags each year, and throw away 600 per second.The bags can cause severe problems for cities like Oakland as well as natural habitats. Many marine animals have perished through entanglement and ingestion caused by the plastic bags. Littered plastic bags are carried by storm water and wind into City storm drains that can lead to ecosystems like Lake Merritt, Oakland’s creeks, the estuary and into the Bay.On June 26, the Public Works Committee will hear the item regarding the ordinance banning the use of petroleum-based, non-biodegradable plastic bags. Because I believe we need to move toward oil independence and be good caretakers of our environment, I will be supporting this ordinance. The item will be heard between 12:30 pm and 2 pm. If you wish to speak on this item, please check back after June 16 here and fill out a time card here, or just before the beginning of the meeting itself. Note, the item # must be referenced on your speaker’s card.
The ordinance has three components. First, to address the negative environmental impacts of single-use plastic bags, this Ordinance would ban the use of petroleum-based non-biodegradable carry-out plastic bags at affected retail establishments. Click here for the staff report. Produce bags which are provided for in the fruit, vegetables or deli section are not affected. Second, to promote consumer awareness of environmentally friendly practices, the Ordinance encourages affected retail establishments to educate their customers regarding the use of reusable bags. Finally, the Ordinance allows the use of paper bags as an alternative to plastic bags and encourages a 5-cent surcharge on paper bags. The ordinance further stipulates that the paper for single-use paper bags must come from environmentally preferable sources, must be 100% recyclable, and must contain a minimum of 40% recycled content.

June 9: Free - Learn to Row Day at the Jack London Aquatic Center
Take advantage of this free opportunity to work virtually every muscle in your body. From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero. Every half-hour participants will leave from the dock on the training barge (capacity of 12) and receive an introduction to sweep-oar rowing. Meanwhile, on land, participants will be instructed in how to use professional rowing machines. World class championship rowers DeDe Birch and Peggy Johnston are slated to coach. Participants do not need to know how to swim. Everyone will be fitted for personal flotation devices and will be required to sign a waiver on site. Call (510) 208-6067 for more information.

June 16: Park Blvd & E. 18th St Area Clean-up
Meet at 9 am at FM Smith Recreation Center, 1969 Park Blvd – 9 am. Join District 2 staff, Assistant City Administrator, OPD and other City staff for two concentrated hours of picking up litter and cleaning along neighborhood streets.

June 8-10: Free Workshop for Arts Active Parents
Oakland Youth Arts Festival June 8-10Arts Learning in Oakland Schools... Made Visible!Performances and Outdoor Visual Art Gallery all weekend
Friday, June 8, 6-8 p.m.Opening Reception & Speakers
Saturday, June 99:30-11:30 a.m. -- Arts Active Parent Workshop (Lecture Hall)11 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Free admission to all Museum Galleries, Drumming, Live Mural Making, Local videos!
Sunday, June 10, 12-4 p.m. -- Family Day in the Art Studio: Young Students Teach Parents, more
BE PART OF THE FESTIVAL STAFF!VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for setting up every day Friday through Sunday, and breaking down on Monday.VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to be trained as greeters, festival guides, and docents.If you are interested in volunteering at the Oakland Youth Arts Festival, please contact Carolyn S. Carr at carolyn@ousdarts.org or 510.384.5742 and let her know what days and times you are available.

June 9: Oakland Family Fun Day — Free admission for Oakland residents to the Oakland Zoo, Oakland Museum, Chabot Space & Science Center, and Fairyland
Explore the African safari or the Milky Way Galaxy, jump aboard a pirate ship or enjoy the scenic beauty of Yosemite without leaving Oakland. What sounds like a tall tale will be a fun adventure during the first-ever Oakland Family Fun Day, when Oakland residents are offered free admission to four of the City’s premier family-oriented cultural treasures. Imagine kicking off summer by hanging out with chimpanzees at the Oakland Zoo, star gazing at Chabot Space & Science Center, reliving storybook tales at Children’s Fairyland, and tracking the changing images of Yosemite National Park at the Oakland Museum of California. Hosted by Mayor Ron Dellums and the City of Oakland. Click here for details