Simone Spotlight - Fall Fun with the Family

Autumn Lights Festival 2022

October 10th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

It’s that time of the year again, the holiday season is just around the corner and there are so many fun activities that you can plan with your family and friends. A great event you won’t want to miss is the Autumn Lights Festival. The festival is a fundraiser for the Gardens at Lake Merritt. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of upkeep. Volunteers provide much needed maintenance assistance as the City of Oakland’s gardening staff has been dramatically reduced over time. The gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of Oakland and provide enriching public programs.

The Autumn Lights Festival is presented by the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt (FGLM). FGLM is an entirely volunteer organization, formed in 2004. The Mission of the FGLM is to partner with the City of Oakland to enhance the seven-acre collection of themed gardens in the heart of Oakland. 

By supporting the diverse plant collection, habitats, demonstration gardens and landscapes of the gardens, FGLM works to augment the Gardens as a learning resource and a serene location for the public to connect with and enjoy the beauties of nature.

To buy tickets go to the Gardens at Lake Merritt website linked below:

https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/autumn-lights-festival-2022/

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

October 7 - 13

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Join Oakland First Fridays on October 7th for the Korean Culture Fest! The event is free and open to people of all ages. Be part of the celebration of Korean art, culture and accomplishments!
Have fun with the whole family, East Bay!

Friday 10/7

11am Oakland Museum of California Angela Davis–Seize The Time Opens
12pm Alameda County Fairgrounds Alameda Fall Home Show
5pm Oakland First Fridays Korean Culture Fest
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Fo’Show Friday at Liberation Park
5:30pm 67th Armenian Food Festival
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center First Friday: Sci-Fi Night
7pm Orinda Community Center Park Summer Movies in the Park
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 10/8

12am Life is Living at De Fremery Park
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
9:30am Oakland Zoo ZooKids
10am United Nations 56th Annual Flag Raising at The Pavilion
10am Jack London Oakland Breast Cancer Awareness "Power of Pink" Scratch Off Card
10am Alameda County Fairgrounds Alameda Fall Home Show
11am Rockridge Oakland Fall Festival
12pm 67th Armenian Food Festival
12pm Jack London Oakland Breast Cancer Awareness "Power of Pink" Fur Babies Calendar Photoshoot
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
7pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 10/9

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Alameda County Fairgrounds Alameda Fall Home Show
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Neighborhood History - Returning to our Soil - Temescal Roots Project at 4444 Telegraph Ave.
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting

Monday 10/10

10am Oakland Public Library Family Paths
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help

Tuesday 10/11

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
11am Berkeley Public Library City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
3pm Berkeley Public Library Halloween Crafternoons @Claremont
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Knitting Group @Central
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Wednesday 10/12

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10am Berkeley Chamber Building a Diverse Talent Pipeline: Avoiding Unconscious Bias & Inequity in Hiring
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Hangout @Claremont

Thursday 10/13

12pm Berkeley Chamber Berkeley Business Bootcamp: Fundamentals of Business Finance
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Space Paint & Sip

Simone Spotlight - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 3rd

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a worldwide annual campaign to increase awareness and to promote regular screening and early detection of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects both men and women and is among the most common cancers. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Next year, new breast cancer diagnoses are expected to number more than 200,000 for women and more than 2,000 for men.

Early detection provides the best chance of successful treatment and cure. Over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors are alive today thanks to advances in screening, detection and treatment.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program

Early detection is key. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), helps low-income, uninsured, and under-served women gain access to lifesaving screening services for early detection of breast and cervical cancers. This program provides clinical breast examinations, mammograms, and Pap tests for participants as well as diagnostic testing for women whose screening outcome is abnormal. Women aged 40 and above should talk to their doctors about when and how often to get a mammogram. To find free and low-cost screenings near you, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use their interactive map.

What steps can you take to improve your chances of staying breast cancer free?

There are many steps you and your loved ones can take to improve your chances of staying healthy:

• Conduct monthly self-exams. In addition to medical screenings, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and many medical professionals recommend a monthly self-exam. To learn how to do a breast self-exam, check out this self-exam guide offered by NationalBreastCancer.org.

• Quit smoking. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), smoking is a significant risk factor for breast and many other types of cancer. Non-smokers are at lower risk than smokers regardless of your age or how long you have been a smoker.

• Exercise more. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also lower your risk factors.

Need additional information?

Curious about signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment? You can learn more at the other websites listed below: 

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/

Cancer.gov

benefits.gov

Simone Spotlight - CPR Training for your Family

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

September 26

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

Make First Aid and CPR Training a Family Affair

Falls, burns, and accidental poisoning are some of the most common household emergencies. If one of these accidents occurs in your home, is your family prepared to respond?

Parents aren’t the only ones who should learn and practice lifesaving skills. Most school-aged children can and should learn basic first aid and CPR. When an accident occurs, they’ll be better prepared to help a sibling, parent, or grandparent.

Every Parent Should Learn Basic First Aid

The most common injuries for children include:

• burns

• choking

• drowning

• falls

• poisoning

• and suffocation

In an Emergency First Response class, you’ll learn how to identify and respond to the emergencies above with confidence. These courses include hands-on practice and follow the same procedures medical professionals use to identify injuries or ailments. These courses also include:

• Acronyms to help parents and children remember what steps to take

• Emergency scenario practice

• Reference material for your home or personal vehicle

A CPR and First Aid Course Benefits Parents and Children

The results of a recent study revealed, 86 percent of children over the age of eight can correctly administer CPR after receiving hands-on training. Even if a child lacks the physical strength to perform CPR, they can learn how to activate emergency services and gather important information to help medical responders.

Knowing how to respond in an emergency is essential for parents as well. A survey asked parents with children between the ages of three and seven how they would respond to different first-aid scenarios. Fewer than five percent could answer the questions correctly.

The same survey found three out of four young children are likely to be involved in an accident. That’s why it’s important for your family to not only have a first aid kit, but also know how to use it. Your Emergency First Response Instructor will also teach your family how to manage injuries when a first aid kit isn’t available. For example, a t-shirt can be used to manage bleeding, and a magazine can be used to splint a fracture.

Family time is important, but it can be a challenge to find an activity that’s engaging for everyone. Learning how to help each other in an emergency can be a great way for families to bond and gain valuable skills.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

September 30 - October 6

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Come join Chabot Space & Science Center’s Tinkerfest this Saturday! The event is open for all ages from 2 years old and up! Tinkerfest has a mission to bring together makers, artists, and tinkerers to showcase their work and invites attendees to join in on the DIY fun. 
Stay safe and have fun with the whole family!

Friday 9/30

5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Fo’Show Friday : Akoma Night Market at Liberation Park
6pm Oakland Public Library Tax Attorney in the Library
6pm Community Dinner at Liberation Park
6pm Children's Fairyland Drawn Together 21+
7pm S’mores and Sing-a-Long at Codornices Park
7pm Movies in the Park | The Goonies at Redwood Heights Park
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 10/1

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
10am Chabot Space & Science Center TinkerFest
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
7pm Outdoor Nature Documentary Family Night: Oceans at Shorebird Nature Center
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 10/2

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Oakland Museum of California First Sundays
12:30pm Rockridge Oakland Kitchen Tour
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Oakland Public Library "Listen, World!" An East Bay Afternoon
3pm Oakland Public Library Help for Renters
4pm Skate & Shop at Liberation Park

Monday 10/3

12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help

Tuesday 10/4

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
11am Berkeley Public Library City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
3pm Berkeley Public Library Halloween Crafternoons @Claremont
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Wednesday 10/5

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Family Yoga Story Time @Grove Street Park

Thursday 10/6

11am Oakland Museum of California Member Preview for Angela Davis–Seize The Time
8pm Fall Waterfront Flicks at Marina Lawn

Simone Spotlight - Babysitter Checklist

Tips on Making a Babysitter Checklist

September 19th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

How to Prepare a Babysitter Checklist

Having a babysitter checklist is the perfect way to make sure your sitter has all the information she'll need at her fingertips. Whether your kids are with a trusted grownup or a neighborhood teen, having the peace of mind that your kids are safe and having fun while you're out is essential and invaluable.

The next time you need to leave your kids with a sitter, make a list, review it with her, and post it in a central location that she can access whenever she needs it.

What to Put on Your Babysitter Checklist

You'll want to customize your list to your needs, but use these ideas to get you started.

Communications

Include items that help your babysitter get in touch with you and any other contacts as needed.

• Your cell phone number. Ask the babysitter to put this in her phone so that she can access it quickly.

• Where you can be reached, and a landline phone number of the place where you will be in case the cell phone service is disrupted.

• Emergency phone numbers like police, fire, poison control, pediatrician, local hospital, your pharmacy.

• Phone numbers of trusted neighbors, friends, and relatives who can be contacted if she cannot reach you in an emergency. Let them know beforehand that you will have a sitter watching your kids and that they are on the emergency contact list.

• Pre-arranged meeting place (such as a neighbor's house) in case all communication goes down, and they cannot remain in the house.

If you have a home landline, you should also have a simple corded phone that plugs into the wall since most cordless phones won't work in the event of a power outage. But be sure to check with your telephone provider to confirm that your landline will still work and that you'll be able to access 911 even in the event of a power outage.

Emergency and Medical

Include all the pertinent emergency and medical information.

• Any food allergies or restrictions your children have, and what the sitter should do in case of a reaction to foods, including how much antihistamine to give or how to give your child an Epi-Pen shot

• Any medical information about your child, allergies, health insurance information, pediatrician's name, and telephone number

• Be aware of what foods are choking hazards. Kids under age four should never be given large pieces of food, especially things like grapes, hard candy, popcorn, and hot dogs

• Medical release form for your child's care in the event of an emergency

• Where the emergency kit for power outages is

• Where the fire extinguisher is. Be sure to give your sitter strict instructions to leave the house with the children and call 911 outside if the fire is anything more significant than something small that can be put out immediately with the fire extinguisher

• Where the first-aid kit is. Go over basic first aid, such as what to do if your child chokes. Knowing CPR and first aid is one of the basics you will look for in a qualified babysitter when you interview sitters

• Your address and directions to your house for operators in case of an emergency

House Rules

Outline all of your family house rules:

• What to do if your child breaks a rule or misbehaves. It's a good idea to work out a plan for what your sitter should do if your child does not listen or doesn't behave.

• What time you expect the kids to be in bed and a list of their bedtime routines, such as a bath and a favorite book.

• What television shows, movies, or other tech content your children can and cannot see. Your 7-year-old may be psyched about watching that PG-13 movie, but make sure your sitter knows beforehand what is and is not approved by you.

• Where she should and should not take the children. If you want her to take the kids to the park, discuss how she'll get there, for example. Be clear about what you expect and want (that kids get exercise, put on lots of sunscreen, or get home before dark) so that there's no confusion about what's expected.

Additional Checklist Items for Babies

If you have an infant, be sure your sitter knows the following:

• Never give baby honey (it poses a risk of botulism poisoning for babies under one year old).

• Never give a baby or toddler a food other than what you left specifically for her (expressed breastmilk, for example); heat the food very carefully, if necessary; and check the temperature before giving it to the baby.

• Never leave a baby unattended, especially on top of a changing table or in the bathroom.

• Put baby to sleep on her back in a bare crib (no blankets, pillows, or toys) to reduce SIDS risk.1

Other Tips to Keep in Mind

If your babysitter is new, ask her to come at least 30 minutes to an hour before you have to leave so that she can spend some time with the kids and get to know them. (Or better yet, have her come and play for an hour while you are home on a day before she is scheduled to babysit.)

Don't expect your sitter to be your housekeeper. She is there to play with the kids, feed them, and take care of them; she should not be expected to do housework (unless that's something that you agreed to pay her extra for and that she wants to do after the kids are safely in bed and sleeping).

Make sure you have set aside dinner and snacks (and lunch, if she's there early in the day) for your sitter. Be sure your sitter has a safe way to get home, especially if she is a teenager.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

September 16-22

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Spend your next Thursday night at the Marina Lawn located near Heinold's: First and Last Chance Saloon, for the Fall Movie Nights. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and some take out from any of your favorite Jack London Square restaurants!
See you there, East Bay!

Friday 9/16

2pm Oakland Public Library hey, hey, hey, Main TeenZone Presents... Gameday Fridays!
2:30pm Urban Sketching at U.C. Campus
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Fo’Show Friday at Liberation Park
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Hike & Sip
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 9/17

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Coastal Cleanup Day at Shorebird Nature Center
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
10am California Soul-Food Cookout and Festival at Alameda County Fairgrounds
10am Chabot Space & Science Center Investigating Space: Asteroid Impact
12pm Respect the CROWN Natural Hair Fest 2022 at Oakstop (Broadway)
12pm The Playground at the Bridge Yard at The Bridgeyard Oakland
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 9/18

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am California Soul-Food Cookout and Festival at Alameda County Fairgrounds
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Beignets and Tea at The Ramen Shop
11am Temescal Roots Project – Returning To Our Soil at Kasper’s Plaza
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park

Monday 9/19

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help on Zoom
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help

Tuesday 9/20

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
11am Berkeley Public Library City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
3pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
4pm Art in the Park at San Pablo Park
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Pop Up Crafts @ Lakeview
5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Popping the Science Bubble

Wednesday 9/21

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
6:30pm Berkeley Fire Department's Office of Emergency Services Home Hardening for Wildfire: Decks and Fences
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday 9/22

5pm Taste of the World Market Thursday Night Food Trucks
5:30pm Berkeley Business Forum: Educational Seminar on Tax Diversification
8pm Fall Waterfront Flicks at Marina Lawn

September Newsletter - Compliments of Your Realtor

Simone Koga Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 | www.SimoneKoga.com M: 415.706.1586 @ThatEastBayLife Simone@SimoneKoga.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-oaklandberkeleywinecountry

Simone Spotlight - Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

The East Bay Pumpkin Patches

September 12th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
It’s that time of year again and if you are someone who loves this fall flavor and all things pumpkin, you don’t want to miss visiting one of these local patches with your family.

Pumpkin Patching in Piedmont

All September and October, 8am-8pm

Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, which has been on Piedmont Avenue since 1996. Walk through the Halloween store at 4414 Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland and learn how you can pick your perfect pumpkin. You can also shop for delivery!

Uptown Oakland Pumpkin Patch

September 25-October 31, 10am-9pm Daily

Come visit the pumpkin patch location on 1911 Telegraph Ave! This pumpkin patch is all fun and games with the popular 4-story ship slide, giant zorb balls, a pumpkin shooter, and more!

Reservations are needed on weekends and you can even purchase your pumpkin and pick it up!

Westbrae Nursery Mini Patch

Located at 1272 Gilman Street in Berkeley, a sweet autumnal corner of the Westbrae Nursery is dedicated to pumpkins and hay throughout October. It is a darling photo opp and a place to shop local for pumpkins. No frills; pick up your gardening supplies and other plants while you’re here. Pumpkins are $5 to $25 with the proceeds going to the Cornell Elementary PTA.

Location: 1272 Gilman Street in Berkeley

Open Usually around October 1 – Halloween from 9 am – 5:30 pm

Prices: $5-$25 depending on size. No entry fee.

Pick of the Patch operates several locations in the Bay Area including those in the East Bay that open in late September: Concord, San Lorenzo, Richmond, Fremont, and Antioch. They feature inflatable fun for kids from 2 to 12 along with the holiday orbs and are open until 9 pm or 10 pm depending on the date. Amusement activities cost extra. Click on the through to see hours, prices, and amenities at each.

A corner near you. Some urban patches take over a few blocks in the near (510). And there’s always the grocery store!

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

September 9-15

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
East Bay’s largest street festival, The Solano Avenue Stroll, is back this Sunday! 
The family event promotes the unique traits of Solano Avenue, helping independently-owned businesses, artists, and community organizations to thrive by exposure and fundraising.
See you there, East Bay!

Friday 9/9

11am Oakland Museum of California Free Weekend at the deYoung and the Legion of Honor for OMCA Members!
4pm JCC East Bay Movie, Nosh, Discuss
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Fo’Show Friday at Liberation Park
5:30pm Piedmont Piano Company Jazz Piano Masters Series: Gerald Clayton
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Hike & Sip
7:30pm Movies in the Park: Luca at Cedar Rose Park
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 9/10

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
10am Solano Avenue Stroll 46!
10am TinyFest California at Alameda County Fairgrounds
11am Oakland Museum of California Free Weekend at the deYoung and the Legion of Honor for OMCA Members!
11am Rockridge District Rock-N-Hunt
11am History Fair at Camron-Stanford House
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
6pm Children's Fairyland Tisket-a-Tasket FairyProud Pride Night (21+)
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 9/11

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Solano Avenue Stroll 46!
10am TinyFest California at Alameda County Fairgrounds
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Oakland Museum of California Free Weekend at the deYoung and the Legion of Honor for OMCA Members!
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm “Oktoberfest on the Lake” at Lake Chalet Highlights
4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park

Monday 9/12

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help on Zoom
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help

Tuesday 9/13

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
11am Berkeley Public Library City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
3pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Pop Up Crafts @ Lakeview

Wednesday 9/14

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
5pm East Oakland Small Business Alliance Presents : Speed Networking at Liberation Park
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday 9/15

5pm Taste of the World Market Thursday Night Food Trucks
8pm Fall Waterfront Flicks at Marina Lawn

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

September 2 - 8

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
This Friday, Oakland First Fridays we will be celebrating Oakland Pride Month! Come through for local food vendors, retailers, performers, and party with the community. You don’t have to be a member of the LGBTQ community to come out and celebrate - everyone is welcome!

Friday 9/2

11am Hiero Day Weekend
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Oakland First Fridays
5pm Fo’Show Friday at Liberation Park
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Close Encounters with Wildlife-Featuring Mary Roach and her new book Fuzz
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 9/3

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Hike & Sip
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 9/4

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Oakland Museum of California First Sundays at OMCA
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park

Monday 9/5

11am Hiero Day 2022

Tuesday 9/6

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Pop Up Crafts @ Lakeview
5pm Oakland Public Library Suicide Prevention Month: Mental Wellness Panel Discussion and Resource Fair

Wednesday 9/7

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
4pm Wellness Wednesdays at Liberation Park
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday 9/8

5pm Taste of the World Market Thursday Night Food Trucks
6pm Orinda Parks and Recreation Foundation Summer Concerts in the Park

Simone Spotlight. - Wine and Food Pairings

Tips on How to Pair your Food & Wine

August 29th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Today’s blog goes over the simple ways you can identify the best wine to go with your dish no matter the flavor profile.

9 Tips For Pairing Wine & Food

If you’re just getting started, you’ll find these tried-and-true methodologies to produce consistently great pairings.

1. The wine should be more acidic than the food.

2. The wine should be sweeter than the food.

3. The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.

4. Red wines pair best with boldly flavored meats (e.g. red meat).

5. White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken).

6. Bitter wines (e.g. red wines) are best balanced with fat.

7. It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat.

8. More often than not, White, Sparkling, and Rosé wines create contrasting pairings.

9. More often than not, Red wines will create congruent pairings.

Congruent Pairings vs Contrasting Pairings

A contrasting pairing creates balance by contrasting tastes and flavors. 

A congruent pairing creates balance by amplifying shared flavor compounds.

Identify The Basics Tastes

In this day and age, we’ve learned that there are over 20 different tastes found in food – from the basic, including sweet, sour, and fat, to the extreme, including spicy, umami, and electric. Fortunately, you only need to focus on 6 tastes when pairing food and wine: Salt, Acid, Sweet, Bitter, Fat, and Spice (Piquant).

Basic Taste Components in Wine

For the most part, the wine lacks the 3 tastes of fatness, spiciness, and saltiness but does contain acidity, sweetness, and bitterness in varying degrees. 

You can group wines into 3 different categories:

1. Red wines have more bitterness.

2. White, rosé, and sparkling wines have more acidity.

3. Sweet wines have more sweetness.

Basic Taste Components in Food

Simplify a dish down to its basic dominant tastes. For example, baked macaroni has 2 primary components: fat and salt. Southern barbecue is a bit more complex and includes fat, salt, sweet, and spice (plus a little acid!). Even dishes without meat can be simplified. For example, a green salad offers acidity and bitterness; creamed corn offers fatness and sweetness.

Consider the Intensity

FOOD: Is the food super light or super rich? A salad may seem lighter, but perhaps the dressing is balsamic vinaigrette with high acidity. If the intensity of the dish isn’t obvious at first, just focus on the power of each taste component (acidity, fat, sweetness, etc).

WINE: Is the wine light or bold? Here are a few examples:

• Sauvignon Blanc is light-bodied, but it has higher acidity

• Chardonnay has more body, but it’s usually not too acidic

• Pinot Noir is lighter-bodied (for red wine) and it doesn’t have too much tannin (bitterness).

• Cabernet Sauvignon is more full-bodied and has high tannin (more bitterness)

Find Contrasting or Congruent Pairings

Now that you’ve identified all the basic taste components in your dish, you can start playing around with pairing options. 

Here is an example of an American classic;  baked macaroni and cheese::

COMPLEMENTARY PAIRING: A white wine with high acidity will complement the fat in the macaroni. So, for example, a traditional mac and cheese recipe with a creamy béchamel sauce matched with zesty white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc would create a Complementary Pairing.

CONGRUENT PAIRING: A creamy white wine will add to the dish's creaminess. So, for example, a traditional mac and cheese recipe with a creamy béchamel sauce matched with a creamy white wine such as Viognier or Chardonnay would create a Congruent Pairing.

Getting Creative

Once you create balance with the major taste components in both the wine and the dish, you can get creative by pairing the more subtle flavors. Here are some examples using variants of mac and cheese:

BOLD RED WINE: The ideology behind this pairing is that the high bitterness (tannin) will be balanced out by the salt and fat in the macaroni. This balancing will leave you with the remaining subtle flavors to pair with the cheese and wine. So, for example, if your baked macaroni has smoked gouda in it, you might choose a Shiraz with smokiness (on the finish). The smoky flavors combine to create a Congruent Pairing while the tannin in the wine creates a Complementary Pairing with the fat in the dish.

SWEET WHITE WINE: The ideology behind this pairing is to bring out the sweet and salty flavors with a pairing. For example, mac and cheese with ham would match well with a zesty white wine with some sweetness like Riesling. The acidity would create a Complementary Pairing to the fat and the sweetness would act as a Congruent Pairing with the ham.

The East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

August 26th - September 1st

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.

This Week’s Featured Event is:

Luca Presented by RHA Oakland@ sunset (~7:45 PM) on Friday, August 26th

Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta, and endless scooter rides. Luca (Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface. “Luca” is directed by Academy Award® nominee Enrico Casarosa (“La Luna”) and produced by Andrea Warren (“Lava,” “Cars 3”). 

Rating: PG | Runtime: 1h 35min| Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Comedy

Friday, August 26th

2pm Oakland Public Library hey, hey, hey, Main TeenZone Presents... Gameday Fridays!

5pm  Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid

5pm Fo’Show Friday – August Movie Night at Liberation Park

6pm Rocky's Market Grand Finale of Melissa Cruz Flamenco 

6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Sunset Science: Space Rocks

6:30pm Wildfire Evacuation Workshop: Building Your Fire Weather Plan

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings

7:45PM RHA Oakland Presents Luca

8pm Comedy Oakland Live

8pm Movies in the Park: Raya and the Last Dragon at Grove Park

12am Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday, August 27th

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea

9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market

9am Oakland Zoo Brunch for the Wild Bunch

9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza

2pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting

2pm Rocky's Market Fashion show

4pm Binny's Cocktail Bar & Restaurant Binny’s One Year Anniversary Celebration 

7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings

7:30pm Rocky's Market The Comedy Edge: Stand-up on the Waterfront

8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

8pm Piedmont Piano Company Kristin Korb

Sunday, August 28th

9am Jack London Square Farmers Market

11am Outdoor Play Day at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center 

2pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting

4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park

5pm Rocky's Market SUNSET SUNDAYS: Africa to Oakland to Brazil | Music of the Diaspora!

Monday,  August 29th

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help

Tuesday, August 30th

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park

11am The East Oakland Collective Feed the Hood 22: In Conjunction With #ShockGForever 2

11am City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth

4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview

Wednesday,  August 31st

12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring The 415S

4:30pm Oakland Public Library I Live Here: Teens Write with Youth Speaks

6pm Oakland Zoo Cocktails & Conservation

7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday, September 1st 

11am The East Oakland Collective Feed the Hood 22: In Conjunction With #ShockGForever 2

12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections

4pm Pomella Restaurant Summerfest

4pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens

5pm Taste of the World Market Thursday Night Food Trucks

6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
 

Simone Spotlight - Fall Maintenance

Simone Spotlight - Fall Maintenance

August 22nd

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Before the summer is over and cooler temperatures begin, it is good to prepare your home by performing some routine home maintenance.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your California Home

Roof & Gutters

• Check for and repair broken or missing shingles. November marks the beginning of Southern California’s rainy season. Make sure your roof is ready by inspecting and replacing broken or missing shingles.

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Throughout fall, clean your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris. This will keep water from collecting on your roof and prevent wood rot and other damage to your home.

• Make sure water drains away from your home. The area around your home should be graded away from your house. Downspouts should transport runoff at least 3 to 4 feet from the foundation. Improper drainage causes costly foundation problems.

Windows & Doors

• Seal around windows and doors. Make sure you are keeping your heated air inside this winter by caulking around windows and checking the weather stripping around exterior doors.

• Clean windows. Cleaning your windows is easier when the weather isn’t too cold or too hot. Cleaner windows let more natural heat from the sun enter your rooms.

• Open curtains and shades. Opening your curtains and shades during the day allows more sunlight into your home and more natural heat. This can help reduce your winter heating bill. But remember to close them again at night to keep the heat inside.

Heating System

• Change your furnace filter. This should be a regular occurrence for your heating and cooling systems. Check and replace your filter about every month. A dirty filter will cause undue stress on your heating system.

• Schedule an annual furnace tune-up. Your heating system has been taking the summer off. Before it’s thrust into action again this winter, get an annual tune-up from a trusted professional. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your furnace and prevent costly repairs.

• Consider a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you the ability to set your heater to turn on only when you need it.

Landscaping

• Make sure your trees are healthy. Trim your trees before the winter storms to help prevent trees from falling or shedding limbs from high winds. A tree that hasn’t been trimmed in a while can cause serious property damage during storms.

• Give your plants mulch. Keep your flowers, bushes, and shrubs healthy and warm this winter by applying a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants.

• Plant your winter lawn. If you are going to be planting your winter lawn this year, now is the time to do so. The lawn must be established before the weather becomes too cold.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

August 19 - 25

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Oakland Zoo is teaming up with Oakland Animal Services, East Bay SPCA, and NBC Bay Area for the first-ever Pet Adoption Day at the Zoo. The event aims to help find loving homes for animals in need.
Come and be part in “clearing the shelters” this Sunday at 10am!

Friday 8/19

5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Back to School Pool Party at West Campus Pool
6pm Rocky's Market Renegade Orchestra: The beauty of a symphony, the soul of a rock band
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Slumber with the Stars
7pm Orinda Parks and Recreation Department Summer Movies in the Park
7pm Jack London Square Summer Music Series - Paul Dorr with Anna Kristina
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 8/20

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Chabot Space & Science Center Investigating Space: Space Telescope Snapshots
7pm The Lama Shack Speakeasy August Series at The LAMA Shack!
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
7:30pm Rocky's Market The Comedy Edge: Stand-up on the Waterfront
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 8/21

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Oakland Zoo Clear the Shelters Pet Adoption Day at the Zoo
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Akoma Market at Liberation Park
12pm Oakland Museum of California Play with Clay at OMCA
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
3pm Oaktown Jazz Workshops presents Ashanti “Cas’ti” Johnson Jayla Hernández
4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park

Monday 8/22

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
1pm Oakland Public Library Stay and Play

Tuesday 8/23

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview
6:30pm Berkeley Wildfire Evacuation Workshop: Building Your Fire Weather Plan
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Movie Night at Binny's

Wednesday 8/24

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring Terrier
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday 8/25

5pm Taste of the World Market Thursday Night Food Trucks
5:30pm Pomella Restaurant Summerfest
6pm Orinda Parks and Recreation Foundation Summer Concerts in the Park

August Newsletter - Compliments of Your Realtor

Simone Koga Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 |  www.SimoneKoga.com M: 415.706.1586 @ThatEastBayLife simone@simonekoga.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-oaklandberkeleywinecountry

Simone Spotlight - Pet Safety

Pet Safety in an Emergency

August 15th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Emergencies come in many forms: fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms, and even terrorism.  Be prepared: make an evacuation plan and prepare a disaster kit for your pet.

Disasters can happen without warning, so it is best to be prepared:

• Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.

• Microchip your pet(s) – this is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated. Always be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.

• Keep a leash and/or carrier near the exit.

• Make sure you have the proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seat belts).

• Prepare a Pet Disaster Kit so evacuation will go smoothly for your entire family. Ask your veterinarian for help in putting together your pet’s veterinary records.

Make a Plan

• Plan where you and your pet will stay in case you need to evacuate your home. Pets may not be allowed in local shelters unless they are service animals. Many disaster evacuation centers (such as Red Cross evacuation centers) do not accept pets and other animals.

  • Identify shelters or out-of-town friends or relatives where your pets and other animals can stay.

  • Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter in case you are unable to return home right away.

• Create a buddy system in case you’re not home during an emergency. Ask a trusted neighbor who can check on your animals and can evacuate your animals if necessary.

• Find a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter and add the veterinarian’s contact information to your emergency kit.

Prepare an emergency kit for your pet ahead of time. Kits should include:

• A pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on each carrier).

• Food and water for at least 2 weeks for each pet

• For cats: litter box and litter

• For dogs: plastic bags for poop

• Medications for at least 2 weeks

• Medical records, including records of vaccination for rabies and other diseases, prescription medications, and medical history.

• Sturdy leashes or harnesses

• Microchip number

• Contact information (cell phone, work phone, home phone) of the owner and close relatives or friends

Practice evacuating your pet

• Train your pets to get in and stay in their carriers by making it a comfortable place.

• Practice transporting your pet by taking them for rides in a car similar to the one you would be evacuating in. If you do not have a car, make arrangements with neighbors, family, and friends. You can also contact your local government to learn about transportation options during a disaster.

• Know where your pet might hide when stressed or scared. Practice catching your pet, if needed.

• For cats, you can practice removing your cat from its hiding spot and using your cat’s carrier, a pillowcase, or a sturdy box — anything to get your cat quickly out of harm’s way.

• Have your entire family practice evacuating with your pets so everyone knows what to take, where to find the pets, and where to meet.

Relief Organizations

RedRover shelters and cares for animals displaced by natural disasters and other crises in the United States and Canada. If you need sheltering assistance, please call RedRover at (800) 440-3277 or visit RedRover.org

Sheltering during an evacuation

• Remember, during a disaster, what is good for you is good for your pet. If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured – or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors.

• Contact your local emergency management office and ask if they offer accommodations for owners and their pets. If accommodations are needed for your pet(s):

  • Contact local veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, local animal shelters, family or friends outside the evacuation area, or a pet-friendly hotel, particularly along evacuation routes.

  • Visit the Humane Society to find a shelter in your area.

• Remember to take your pet’s emergency kit with you.

Sheltering in place

When sheltering at home with your pet, make sure the room chosen is pet-friendly:

• Select a safe room, preferably an interior room with no (or few) windows.

• Remove any toxic chemicals or plants.

• Close off small areas where frightened cats could get stuck in (such as vents or beneath heavy furniture).

Exposure to bad weather conditions, stagnant water, wildlife or unfamiliar animals, and overcrowding in shelters can put your pet at risk of getting sick. Some of these illnesses can be spread between pets and people (also known as zoonotic diseases). Some common disaster-related diseases that pets can pass to people are the following: rabies, leptospirosis, and diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

How to Keep Yourself and Your Pets Healthy During a Disaster

• Wash your hands after handling your pet, its food, or its waste (poop and pee).

• Do not let your pet lick your face or hands.

• Keep your pet up to date on all vaccinations and heartworm, flea, and tick preventives.

• Practice safe handling of your pet because your pet may behave differently during a stressful situation.

• Keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash.

• Do not allow your pet to interact with other animals, especially wildlife and stray animals.

• Report any bite wounds to medical personnel immediately.

• Properly clean and disinfect cages and litter boxes. Wash your pet’s bedding regularly.

• Avoid stagnant water, especially after flooding occurs after natural disasters.

• Don’t allow pets to play in or drink contaminated water.

After an Emergency

Note: After an emergency, familiar scents and landmarks may have changed. Pets can become confused and lost, so it’s important to keep pets on a leash or in a carrier when they’re being transported or when you go outside. 

Returning home

• Check your home for sharp objects, spilled chemicals, and exposed wiring to protect your family and your pets from injury.

• The behavior of animals may change dramatically after a flood, flash flood, thunderstorm, or hurricane. Normally quiet and friendly animals may become irritable.

• Monitor animals closely and only release them in a safe and secure environment.

• Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of stress, discomfort, or illness in your pets.

Finding a lost pet

• Make sure that your family is in a safe location before you begin your search.

• If you are in a shelter that houses pets, inform one of the pet caretakers. Give the pet caretaker a missing pet flyer.

• Many shelters and organizations will house pets lost during disasters. Contact your local humane society, animal welfare organization, or county or state animal response team to find the shelters or organizations near you.

• In addition to shelters and rescue organizations, you can contact local animal control about your lost pet and post missing pet flyers in the area once conditions are safe.

• If your pet has a microchip, call the microchip company to let them know your pet is missing and make sure all the information about your pet is updated and current.

Pet first aid

• Emergency treatment and first aid for pets should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care. But, it may save your pet’s life before you can get your pet to a veterinarian.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association

•  offers specific advice for basic first aid in the case of poisoning, seizures, fractures, external and internal bleeding, burns, choking, heatstroke, and what to do if your pet has no heartbeat or is not breathing.

Tips for handling injured pets

• Even the gentlest pet can bite or scratch if injured.

• Pain and fear can make animals unpredictable or even dangerous.

• Don’t attempt to hug an injured pet, and always keep your face away from its mouth, which might scare the animal more or cause them pain.

• Perform any contact with your pet slowly and gently.

• Stop if your animal becomes more agitated or stressed.

• Try to get your pet to a veterinarian as quickly as possible without risking injury or illness to yourself or your family.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

August 12-18

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
This Saturday, August 13th, the Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival is returning to Oakland's beautiful Laurel District for the first time since 2019!
Rich with rhythms from around the globe and around the corner, the event is dedicated to celebrating our roots, our community and the traditions that bring us together - reflecting all that is wonderfully and beautifully, Oakland. 

Friday 8/12

5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Fo'Show Friday at Liberation Park
6pm Rocky's Market Istanbul Connection: Balkan+Latin Grooves
7pm Jack London Square Summer Music Series - Jazzcent
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
7:45pm Dive-in Movie: Finding Nemo at the West Campus Pool
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
8:15pm Movies in the Park: Up at Glendale La Loma Park
11:45pm Chabot Space & Science Center Perseid Meteor Shower Watch Party
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 8/13

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Oakland Zoo Brunch for the Wild Bunch
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
9am The East Oakland Collective Feed the Hood 22: In Conjunction With #ShockGForever 2
11am Laurel District 21st Annual Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival
11am Rockridge District Association Rockridge Rock & Stroll
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
6pm Cougars on the Loose Comedy Night at The LAMA SHACK!
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
7:30pm Rocky's Market The Comedy Edge: Stand-up on the Waterfront
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show
8pm Piedmont Piano Company Tamir Hendelman, From North to South: A Tribute to Duke Ellington and Tom Jobim

Sunday 8/14

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park
5pm Rocky's Market SUNSET SUNDAYS: Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

Monday 8/15

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
1pm Oakland Public Library Stay and Play

Tuesday 8/16

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
11am City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Movie Night at Binny's

Wednesday 8/17

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring Rumbache
4pm Wellness Wednesdays at Liberation Park
6pm Oakland Zoo Cocktails & Conservation
6pm Talk it Out - I'm Still Burnt TF Out at Oakstop 14
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday 8/18

12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
5pm Taste of the World Market Thursday Night Food Trucks
5:30pm Pomella Restaurant Summerfest
6pm Oakland Public Library Youth-led Teen Writing by the Lake
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Simone Spotlight - Planting Your Fall Garden

Simone Spotlight - Fall Garden

August 8th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

There’s no denying it now. Fall is on its way, meaning it’s time to bid farewell to our summer gardens and start planting cool weather crops.

Here are a few tips from the manager of Our Garden, the Contra Costa Master Gardeners, and Bay Area News Groups’ demonstration garden, Janet Miller who offers her expert advice on what to plant now, later, and even into next year.

Make Room for your Cool Season Crops - 

• Miller advises that before planting anything, to prepare your beds. She recommends cutting down your summer plants at the base, leaving the root bulb and roots in the ground. Chop the other material into small pieces and scatter them over the bed to compost in place. Loosen the soil down to 12 or 18 inches with a broad fork or garden fork, then top with a layer of fresh soil or compost.

• There are two planting seasons in the fall and winter: now through October and sometimes into November, and again in February through the end of April. December and January are too cold and wet to worry about planting.

• Luckily in The East Bay, frost is not something that you have to worry about when planting your fall garden.

When to Plant Your Cool Season Plants for Your Fall Garden:

October-November: Plant fava beans, cowpeas, field peas, and phacelia. It’s important that you don’t leave beds empty. A lot of microbial life is in the soil and it needs the plants to survive and make your beds more fertile for the next garden season.

November-December: Good time to plant fava beans.

Late February-March: Plant onions and another round of broccoli, cauliflower, kale, chard, carrots, beets, lettuce, and arugula.

Here is a link to the farmer’s almanac if you want to create a planting calendar for your specific zip code:

https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/zipcode/94611

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

August 5-11

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Oakland First Fridays is hosting the FIRST ever "Oakland's Got Talent" Talent Show on August 5!
Everyone ages 8 and up were welcome to participate.
Drop by at Telegraph Avenue from 5pm-9pm and have fun with the whole family!

Friday 8/5

2pm Oakland Public Library hey, hey, hey, Main TeenZone Presents... Gameday Fridays!
5pm A Place for Peace, Wisdom, and Compassion - new mural by Debbie Koppman at True Buddha Vijaya Temple
5pm Oakland First Fridays Oakland's Got Talent
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid
5pm Fo'Show Friday at Liberation Park
6pm Rocky's Market La Gente: World Music, mixing Cumbia, Reggae, Salsa, and Hip-Hop
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center First Friday: Far Out
7pm Jack London Square Summer Music Series - Jazzaholics
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
7:45pm Dive-in Movie: Finding Nemo at the West Campus Pool
8pm Comedy Oakland Comedy Machine Competition
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 8/6

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
12pm Read Watch Do Summer – OPL at Liberation Park
1pm Jack London Brewing District Block Party
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Fourth Street Out & About with Evie Ladin Band
3pm Mills College Art Museum Fainting Couch: A Contact Improv Dance Performance
7pm East Oakland Youth Development Center The Black Futures Ball
7pm Shenanigans Sexy Summer Nights at The LAMA SHACK!
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
7:30pm Rocky's Market The Comedy Edge: Stand-up on the Waterfront
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show

Sunday 8/7

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am Akoma Market at Liberation Park
11am Oakland Museum of California First Sundays at OMCA
12pm Oakland Museum of California Play with Clay at OMCA
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
4pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park
5pm Rocky's Market Las ChaChas -Tropical Rock Music
8:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Members Telescope Viewing

Monday 8/8

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
5:30pm Oakland Public Library AfroComiCon Book Giveaway with Marlon McKenney

Tuesday 8/9

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
11am City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Movie Night at Binny's

Wednesday 8/10

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring Mission Hot Club
7:30pm Binny's Cocktail Binny's Trivia Night

Thursday 8/11

12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
1pm Oakland Public Library Family Paths
4pm Berkeley Public Library Art in the Park!
6pm Oakland Public Library Youth-led Teen Writing by the Lake
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library