Frank Oz Puppeteered Here

Fairyland is a dreamer's dream come true.
http://www.fairyland.org/
"Create, imagine, play and learn" is their motto, and they have been encouraging us all; children and adults, to do this since 1950. Children’s Fairyland, near Lake Merritt in Oakland, is the ideal place for a kids birthday party, but did you know they also run summer camps, children's theater and offer volunteer opportunities? When you visit, DO NOT miss the puppet show!

Berkeley Path Wanderers Unite!

The Berkeley Path Wanderers Association is here for you.
http://www.berkeleypaths.org/
Who doesn't like wandering through the hills fantasizing about living in one of those beautiful historic homes that line the Berkeley Hills paths? Well, now you've found a legitimate organization to support your ramblings.

Use their website to find self-guided tours, first Wednesday groups, and updates on other events relating to the Berkeley Hills paths. Get to know our local architectural history by roaming the paths that criss-cross through classic North Berkeley neighborhoods and parks. Tell me, where is your favorite path?

Berkeley History & Architecture Lecture Series

Begining this month and continuing through the fall is a four-lecture series on "the early history and development of Berkeley, and the styles that contribute to its rich architectural heritage" according to the Berkeley Association of Realtors, who is sponsoring the event.

Thursday March 29th:
Berkeley, Her Land and Her Gift of Early Neighborhoods
An illustrated discussion of the natural landscape before development, and pre-1906 neighborhood culture.
May 31st:
Beyond the Bungalow
July 26th
Arts & Crafts Houses in the East Bay: Why They're More Art than Craft
September 27th
Bungalows: The Ultimate Arts & Crafts Home

The lectures will be held at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St, in Berkeley, and cost $15 for BAR or Hillside Club members, $20 for the general public. Proceeds benefit the association's Youth Arts & Education Fund, which provides grants to local school programs.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

This is the debut of my East Bay Real Estate blog and I invite you to return often for new info and possibly juicy gossip. There will be feedback each week from my experience on the real estate broker's tours, updates about the local real estate market and fun events around town. Watch for more!
Last week's favorite home I found on the Berkeley Broker's tour: 580 Wildcat Canyon Rd. If I lived here I'd need to find a way to work more from home because I'd never want to leave the amazing views I found at every enormous window. Open mezzanine level with a warm wood stove, nice open floor plan for parties (oh, and the hot tub...). Who says the East Bay real estate market has cooled? It received three offers. If you need more info contact me by leaving a comment.

What to Do, Where

For dog lovers in Richmond:
Point Isabel
www.pido.org
The largest off leash dog park in the U.S.! Waterfront view of SF, picnic tables, snack bar, professional or do-it-yourself bath for your muddy dog, birdwatching, frisbee action... YOUR DOG WILL THANK YOU.

For homeowners everywhere:
The Building Education Center
www.bldgeductr.org
The best resource for do-it-yourselfers: they offer classes and seminars (some free!) on every aspect of property maintenance and remodels; they even offer classes on how to talk to contractors and what you need to know before you begin the project.

For art lovers in El Cerrito: The El Cerrito Art Association
http://www.el-cerrito.org/recreation/art_association.html
Art in El Cerrito? Absolutely.

For walkers in Oakland: Free Oakland Walking Tours
http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/cmo/walkingTours/default.html
Downtown walks or classic old Oakland neighborhoods, waterfront scenes, etc.

For foodies in Berkeley: Epicurious Gardens
http://epicuriousgarden.com
The newest place to satisfy a craving in North Berkeley's gourmet ghetto.