ALAMEDA NAMED ONE OF THE 100 BEST COMMUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Once again the City of Alameda has been names one of the 100 best communities for young people in the country by the America's Promise Alliance.  The America’s Promise Alliance has become the nation’s largest partnership dedicated to improving the lives of young people under the auspices of founding Chairman General Colin Powell and current Chair Alma Powell.  The program is dedicated to curbing high school dropouts. According to the America's Promise Alliance the community of Alameda has implemented a program called Let’s Move Alameda, a six-week summer physical fitness course. Let's Move Alameda is a collaborative effort of local community leaders, Alameda Recreation and Parks Department and local schools.  The recent ope... 10/14/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - MASTICK & FITCH ARCHITECTURAL TOUR The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS, a program started in 2003 which meets three Saturdays a month during the summer and fall.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.   Alameda Walks group will meet at the Mastick Senior Center at 1155 Santa Clara Avenue  on October 15 at 9am.  Dennis Evanosky and Eric Kos will be the leaders.  Since Dennis and Eric know everything about Alameda history this is a walk that should not be missed. THE ALAMEDA WALKS GROUP READY FOR THEIR TOUR   Alameda is a wonderful island community.  If you would like... 10/11/2011

Victorian duplex is investor or owner-occupy income opportunity Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood $449,000 Multi Family Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom2 UnitsInterior: 2371 sqftLot: 3,669 sqft Location 1414 ShermanAlameda, CA 94501USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Pacita C DImacali ALAIN PINEL REALTORS(510) 205 2992Pacita@PacitaRealtor.comhttp://www.apr.com/pdimacali/ Listed by: ALAIN PINEL REALTORS Nearby properties for sale 10/09/2011

ALAMEDA WALKS - PARK STREET HISTORICAL BUSINESS DISTRICT   The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS, a program started in 2003 which meets three Saturdays a month during the summer and fall.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.   Alameda Walks - Park Street Historical Business District walk group will meet at the at the corner of Central and Oak Street on October 8 at 9am.  Robert Perriconi will be the leader.   Park Street has been Alameda's downtown since the railroads came to town in late 1864. Development continued on Park Street with a growth spurt in the 1880's cementing Park St... 10/07/2011

ALAMEDA CLASSIC CAR SHOW   ALAMEDA CLASSIC CAR SHOW  The 18th Annual Alameda Classic Car Show will WOW the crowd with cool vintage cars on October 8th on Park Street in Alameda.  There will be over 400 show cars including classics, hot rods, antique cars, muscle cars, roadsters and vintage classic trucks.  A FINE T-BIRD AT LAST YEARS CAR SHOW    VINTAGE YELLOW CAR   Food booths galore as well as music, will be available at the Marketplace's parking lot on Park Street and Buena Vista Avenue.  And if that is not enough, there are plenty of restaurants on Park Street open to serve you.  Alameda Bicycle is hosting a classic bike show at 1522 Park Street and Bike Alameda will be providing free valet bike parking. DJ's will be playing oldies but goodies from the '50s and '60s on Webb Avenue.... 10/06/2011

WHAT'S WITH THIS WEATHER?  As this native born Californian would say it been a most unusual year.  We have a Mediterranean climate which Wikipedia describes as follows: "Mediterranean climate is characterized by warm to hot, dry summers and mild to cool, wet winters." Here in Alameda we average about 15" - 18" of rain a year which usually occurs in the winter. Our winters are mild, that means no snow.  Spring and summer are both mild, we usually have only a few very hot days.   Last year, the Pineapple Express descended on California in Dec. 2010, producing flooding and 13 feet of snow in the Sierra. "The Pineapple Express could develop for a period this winter and take aim at northern and central California. That could lead to monster snowfall in the Sierra and heavy valley rain with ... 10/06/2011

BEST BUSINESS PRACTICE TO-BE I’ve been doing these activities but haven't consistently combined these activities. But now, I resolve to make this one of my best business practices – one that I will truly enjoy. SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION TO YOUR CLIENTS We’ve talked about client gifts. Yes, we don’t have to. But yes, many of us do. Most of the time, my gift to my clients is a home warranty. Recently, I discovered that some clients may prefer packing boxes to a home warranty. But surely, there are other ways to thank your clients and give them a present they’ll always remember? TAKE THEM TO DINNER Simple enough, right? A lot of us do this. Many of my clients are moving from one city to another, and may want to check out their new neighborhoods.  What would be more fun than to dine in a fine ... 10/03/2011

  ALAMEDA LEGACY HOME TOUR SEPTEMBER 25, 2011   ALAMEDA LEGACY HOME TOUR  The legacy Home tour on September 25 was a hit.  Even light rain couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of attendees.   The tour featured seven homes highlighting a mix of historical periods and architectural styles.  Six of those homes are shown.      THE WEBSTER HOUSE   The "Webster House" built in 1854, the oldest home in Alameda was one of the homes featured.  It was recently sold and the new owners are in the midst of remodeling the home.  It is the only Gothic Revival home in Alameda.  It was built shortly after the gold rush it was said to have been shipped around the Horn from the East Coast.    EASTLAKE COTTAGE   This Eastlake Cottage was built by Alfred W. Pattiani, an Oakland architect who lived in Alameda. The... 10/02/2011

ALAMEDA ANTIQUES BY THE BAY   ALAMEDA ANTIQUES BY THE BAY   This morning I attended the monthly Alameda Antiques by the Bay fair.  The weather was marvelous, the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves and there were so many interesting booths to see.  It was great fun.    CELLULOID JEWELRY   There were several booths with Halloween stuff and costumes and the usual vendors with jewelry, tools, furniture, decorative items, and of course many food booths.  I especially like the creme brulee and cannoli cart.  In the interest of investigative journalism, I was forced to try the creme brulee.  Yummy!!   CREME BRULEE AND CANNOLI CART   As I looked at the vendors and their wares, I realized that this was the perfect place to pick up some interesting things to use in staging a home. So stagers... 10/02/2011

ALAMEDA SHORELINE - COOL BIRDS   ALAMEDA SHORELINE - COOL BIRDS  Today as I walked along the Alameda Shoreline with the Alameda Walks group I spotted two cool looking birds.  At least I think they are cool and maybe you will too after you see them.   The Black Oystercatcher's most distinguishing characteristic is its orange-red bill.  You can spot the oystercatcher it a mile away because of its bill.  The bill serves a purposed.  It is flattened and can wedge between rocks to pry mollusk shells open.  They also use the bill to siphon worms and crabs out of the sand.  Black Oystercatchers reside on the Pacific Coast rocky shores from Alaska to Baja California.   BLACK OYSTERCATCHER ON THE ALAMEDA ROCKY SHORELINE   The other cool bird I saw today was the Black Turnstone.  They are in the... 10/01/2011

Buyer’s TOP CRITERIA : Where’s the nearest Costco? Is there a dog park? I love buyers who know what they want and who have clear priorities. And yes, my buyers actually asked these questions. It doesn’t matter what one thinks the buyer would need or would appreciate. What matters is what the buyer tells you that is important to them. So listen, and accommodate the requests accordingly. Fortunately, Alameda fits the bill. COSTCO. The nearest Costco is on Davis St --- and locals go there the back way, totally avoiding getting go on I-880, down Otis which is also Highway 61, which turns into Doolittle.  Turn left on Davis, and voila! Costco!  It is merely 6 miles away, and 12 minutes to get there. Of course, as long as one is in Alameda, one must observe the strict 25 mph speed limit.   DO... 09/29/2011

      35TH ANNUAL ELKS HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION IN ALAMEDA   35TH ANNUAL ELKS HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION IN ALAMEDA  Starting on October 24, 2011 and ending December 16, 2011.  This is a national event sponsored locally by the Alameda Elks Lodge 1015 and conducted by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department.  Over 3 million kids throughout the country participate in the event.   The competition will be held the at following parks:   Franklin Leydecker Lincoln Littlejohn Longfellw Tillman Krusi McKinley Woodstock   The contest consists of shooting 25 free throws.  Kids can compete as many times as they want.   Class A  - 12 to 13 years Class B  - 10 to 11 years Class C  - 8 to 9 years   The top 3 finalists in each class are eligible to represent their park at the city wide finals held on Jan... 09/29/2011

  ALAMEDA WALKS - LONGFELLOW TO BALLENA ISLE   ALAMEDA WALKS - LONGFELLOW TO BALLENA ISLE  The Alameda Recreation and Parks Department sponsors ALAMEDA WALKS, a program started in 2003 which meets three Saturdays a month during the summer and fall.  According to Patrick Russi, Recreation Supervisor, the goal of Alameda Walks was to get people out of their homes on Saturday mornings for a little exercise and a chance to learn a little about the city of Alameda.   Alameda Walks - Longfellow to Ballena Isle walk group will meet at the Longfellow Educational Center at 500 Pacific Avenue  on October 1 at 9am.  Patrick Russi will be the leader.   BALLENA BAY ISLE   So, put on your walking shoes and join the group for an enjoyable one hour walk and some pleasant conversation.   ********** Alam... 09/28/2011

      ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT - THE WEST END   ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT THE WEST END  The West End of Alameda is mostly residential with the bustling Webster Street business district providing commercial services and a variety of restaurants.  The former Navy base which occurpied a large portion of the West End is now called Alameda Point.  It's where the Alameda Antiques by the Bay is held monthly.   You can get any antique from jewelry to furniture to antique toys to anything you ever wanted at Antiques by the Bay.  It is a nice way to spend a Sunday morning, enjoying the crisp early morning air with lots of vendors selling delicious foods. The West End has been considered the weak sister to the East End.  That is not the case any more. Bayport residential community, the new Ruby Bridges s... 09/28/2011

ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT - HARBOR BAY ISLE 4 BEDROOM HOMES     ALAMEDA MARKET REPORT - HARBOR BAY ISLE 4 BEDROOM HOMES  Harbor Bay Isle is a wonderful area with tree lined streets, lagoons, great schools, bay views and charming homes.   Harbor Bay Isle is tucked away from major streets and traffic.  It is a residential community comprised of homes built in the 1980 and 1990.   LAGOON HOME IN HARBOR BAY ISLE   LARGE HOME IN HARBOR BAY ISLE   Four Bedroom homes are in demand now. The lovely homes in Harbor Bay Isle attract many buyers who are looking for larger homes for their families and who value good schools and a casual life style.    MEDIAN FOR SALE VERSUS MEDIAN SOLD AUGUST 2010 TO AUGUST 2011   The median sold graph shows that prices have come down  about 8% since August 2010.  The ... 09/27/2011

ALAMEDA CA is seeing multiple offers. Yes, SERIOUSLY! I am fortunate enough to work with several first time buyers who move from San Francisco to Alameda --- some are first time buyers, others are thinking of starting a family, and all believe that Alameda offers more affordable homes than what they can find in the City. But they may be surprised to find themselves in competitive situations. Months’ inventory Tracking one-year’s trend of residential properties (all types) shows that the months’ supply of inventory at 3 months, down by 19.3% from where it was a year ago. The blue line represents days on market. In other cities/states, these signs would surely be seen as a seller’s market. InvestorWords.com defines seller's market as "a market which has more buyers than sellers. High pric... 09/26/2011

Alameda CA has a social club From its website, AlamedaSocialClub.com, it says that its purpose is to connect people of Alameda through special events. While talking with the social club’s founders, Sanford and Megan Marshall, we found out that they moved from San Francisco to Alameda, and wanted to better know the island. They found other new residents with the same thought in mind, and they decided to establish a social club. The group was featured on Alameda Magazine’s Around the Town section. Most recent event Tonight’s event was held at Pappo restaurant . Alameda’s only Zagat rated restaurant. Pappo was celebrating its 5th birthday and offered a night of wine tasting, one of which is Pappo’s own blend called Chateauneuf du Pappo. Clever! Believe it or not, Alameda has a lot of thing... 09/26/2011

  CONDO MARKET REPORT IN ALAMEDA'S SOUTHSHORE   CONDO MARKET REPORT IN ALAMEDA'S SOUTH SHORE  The condo market in the South Shore area of Alameda is very slow.  There are more condos in the South Shore area of Alameda than have sold.  Two units sold in August 2011 as opposed to 28 units still on the market.  This is a difficult situation for sellers.  They must be patient or lower their price significantly to attract buyers.  However, buyers can take their pick of units some of which have wonderful views of the Bay.    This is a perfect time and place for buyers looking for a condo.  Prices range from $165,000 and up for a 1 bedroom 1 bath unit and $237,000 and up for a 2 bedroom unit.    SHORELINE DRIVE AND SOUTH SHORE CONDOS  **********  SUPPLY AND DEMAND FROM AUGUST 2010 TO AUGUST 20... 09/26/2011

Bicyclists, you are invisible, NOT invincible. And you are NOT exempt from observing traffic lights/signs. Yesterday, I cringed when I saw a father on his bicycle, pulling his kid on a bicycle trailer, go through stop sign without stopping, not once, but twice! He didn’t even look right to see if there’s oncoming traffic, and if he did, he didn’t care because he rode through anyway. Yes, I know that in Alameda CA, our speed limit is 25 mph and the risks are probably less here. But goodness, let’s not get careless and reckless, especially on a bike! Somebody should get this guy to join BikeAlameda.org. They will surely set him straight! MY GOD! My brother is an avid cyclist and this passion has spread over to his wife and two sons. But he always advocates and teaches cycling safety. Why ... 09/25/2011

MEYER'S HOUSE AND GARDEN MUSEUM   MEYER'S HOUSE AND GARDEN MUSEUM  The historic Meyers House at 2021 Alameda Avenue was named a City Monument.  It is an example of a Colonial Revival style home built for Henry H. Meyers in 1897.  Meyers was a prominent architects in the Bay Area.  He  designed many building in the Bay Area including Veteran's buildings, churches, schools and the Posey Tube Portal.  His children, all girls, were all educated and accomplished, one daughter was a pediatrician and one an architect who worked with her father.   The Meyer's House is open the last Saturday of each month from 1 to 4pm.    The house was deeded to the City of Alameda by the last remaining Meyer's daughter, operated by the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department and staffed by the Alameda Museum ... 09/25/2011