Stay Up to Date on the East Bay Market
Simone Spotlight - Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice
🎉 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 pumpkin patches with your family.
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
🎉 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!
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
🎉 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!
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
🎉 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.
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.
The wine should be more acidic than the food.
The wine should be sweeter than the food.
The wine should have the same flavor intensity as the food.
Red wines pair best with boldly flavored meats (e.g. red meat).
White wines pair best with light-intensity meats (e.g. fish or chicken).
Bitter wines (e.g. red wines) are best balanced with fat.
It is better to match the wine with the sauce than with the meat.
More often than not, White, Sparkling, and Rosé wines create contrasting pairings.
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:
Red wines have more bitterness.
White, rosé, and sparkling wines have more acidity.
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
🎉 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
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
🎉 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.
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
🎉 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!
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
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Here are The East Bay’s latest trends and market updates. Check out the statistics and data for the past month and year. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have!
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Simone Spotlight - Pet Safety
🎉 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.
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.
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
🎉 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.
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
🎉 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.
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
🎉 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!
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
Simone Spotlight - Back to School Tips
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Here are some back to school tips as we gear up for a new school year with our kids!
School’s Back in Session!
August 1st
Backpack safety
Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
Organize your child's backpack to use all of its compartments. Pack heavier items closest to the center of the back. The backpack should never weigh more than 10% to 20% of your child's body weight. Go through the pack with your child weekly, and remove unneeded items to keep it light.
Remind your child to always use both shoulder straps. Slinging a backpack over one shoulder can strain muscles.
Adjust the pack so that the bottom sits at your child's waist.
Eating during the school day
Studies show that children who eat a nutritious breakfast function better. They do better in school and have better concentration and more energy. Some schools provide breakfast for children; if yours does not, make sure they eat a breakfast that contains some protein
Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home and/or have them posted on the school's website. With this advanced information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.
Many children qualify for free or reduced-price food at school, including breakfast. The forms for these services can be completed at the school office. Hunger will affect a child's performance in class.
Many school districts have plans which allow you to pay for meals through an online account. Your child will get a card to "swipe" at the register. This is a convenient way to handle school meal accounts.
Before & after school child care
During early and middle childhood, children need supervision. A responsible adult should be available to get them ready and off to school in the morning and supervise them after school until you return home from work.
If a family member will care for your child, communicate the need to follow consistent rules set by the parent regarding schedules, discipline, and homework.
If alternate adult supervision is not available, parents should make special efforts to supervise their children from a distance. Children should have a set time when they are expected to arrive at home and should check in with a neighbor or with a parent by telephone.
If you choose an after-school program for your child, inquire about the training of the staff. There should be a high staff-to-child ratio, trained persons to address health issues and emergencies, and the rooms and the playground should be safe.
Develop a sleep routine
Getting enough sleep is critical for a child to be successful in school. Children who do not get enough sleep have difficulty concentrating and learning as well as they can.
Set a consistent bedtime for your child and stick with it every night. Having a bedtime routine that is consistent will help your child settle down and fall asleep. Components of a calming pre-bedtime routine may involve a bath/shower, reading with them, and tucking them in, and saying good-night to them.
Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime.
Try to have the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.
Insufficient sleep is associated with lower academic achievement in middle school, high school, and college, as well as higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. The optimal amount of sleep for most younger children is 10-12 hours per night and for adolescents (13-18 years of age) is in the range of 8-10 hours per night.
Build good homework & study habits
Create an environment that is homework-friendly starting at a young age. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.
Schedule ample time for homework. Build this time into choices about participating in after-school activities.
Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time.
Supervise computer and internet use.
By high school, it's not uncommon for teachers to ask students to submit homework electronically and perform other tasks on a computer. If your child doesn't have access to a computer or the internet at home, work with teachers and school administration to develop appropriate accommodations.
Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue, and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
If your child is struggling with a particular subject, speak with their teacher for recommendations on how to help your child at home or at school. If you have concerns about the assignments your child is receiving, talk with their teacher.
Some children need extra help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.
Some children may need help remembering their assignments. Work with your child and their teacher to develop an appropriate way to keep track of their assignments – such as an assignment notebook.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Be part of the fourth mini-concert of the summer series "Music in the Park" featuring One Nation Band at Redwood Heights Park this Friday, July 29, 2022, starting at 7:00 PM.
Registration is required.
Have fun with the whole family, East Bay!
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
July 29 - August 4
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Be part of the fourth mini-concert of the summer series "Music in the Park" featuring One Nation Band at Redwood Heights Park this Friday, July 29, 2022, starting at 7:00 PM.
Registration is required.
Have fun with the whole family, East Bay!
Friday 7/29
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 at Liberation Park
6pm Rocky's Market Flamenco at The Basin with Melissa Cruz: Flamenco Music and Dance at Rocky's
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center Slumber With The Stars 21+
7pm Jack London Square Summer Music Series - Jazzaholics
7pm Redwood Heights Association Music in the Park
7pm Children's Fairyland Fairyland for Grown Ups
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show
8:30pm Movies in the Park: Wreck-It-Ralph at Strawberry Creek Park
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests
Saturday 7/30
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 Slumber With The Stars 21+
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 7/31
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: Soulful Samba with Boca do Rio!
6:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Sunset Science: Searching For Planets
Monday 8/1
10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
3pm Oakland Public Library Build. Make. Play.
Tuesday 8/2
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
4pm Berkeley Public Library National Night Out Story Time
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview
Wednesday 8/3
9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring The Live Oaks
4pm Wellness Wednesdays at Liberation Park
Thursday 8/4
6pm Summer Concerts in the Park at Orinda Community Center Park
7pm Oakland Symphony Summer Stage at Oakland City Hall
Simone Spotlight - Kite Flying in East Bay
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Unfortunately, the Berkeley Kite Festival is canceled this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to hang up your kite for the season (no pun intended).
Simone Spotlight - Kite Flying in East Bay
July 25th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Unfortunately, the Berkeley Kite Festival is canceled this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to hang up your kite for the season (no pun intended).
Here are some great places where you and the family can go kite flying in the East Bay.
Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley
This is the best-known place to fly a kite in the East Bay. The wind is plentiful, the space is expansive, and the views are incredible. The much-beloved Berkeley Kite Festival is held here every year with good reason: it is nearly always windy!
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Richmond
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is another great option where the wind is abundant, though not always as strong as Cesar Chavez Park. We always find plenty of open space to unfurl our favorite kite.
Crown Memorial Beach, Alameda
Great place to take the kids for a kite flying experience. This beach has dependable wind making it easily a top three destination for kite-flying families. The big grassy fields near Crab Cove are also pretty good places to try flying a kite, though the wind isn’t as strong as at Crown Beach. Flying a kite on a beach is awesome, but remember that if the kite crashes in the water it can be messy and there may be tears.
Lowell Park Playground
Lowell Park Playground is one of Oakland’s favorite playgrounds and is a popular destination for families with children. Lowell Park has picnic facilities, public restrooms, and an amphitheater. Lowell Park also features large open grassy areas where visitors can play sports or fly kites.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Art + Soul returns to downtown Oakland’s Frank Ogawa Plaza this Saturday, July 23, 2022, with a free 20th Anniversary celebration and live concert. Admission is FREE for all ages.
Have fun with the whole family, East Bay!
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
July 22-28
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Art + Soul returns to downtown Oakland’s Frank Ogawa Plaza this Saturday, July 23, 2022, with a free 20th Anniversary celebration and live concert. Admission is FREE for all ages.
Have fun with the whole family, East Bay!
Friday 7/22
8:30am Oakland Metro Chamber of Commerce Inside Oakland
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 at Liberation Park
6pm Rocky's Market Maria José Montijo: Esotericatropical Musicmedicine
7pm Jack London Square Summer Music Series - Brian Wachhorst Duo
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests
Saturday 7/23
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
8am Session Beer Fest at Snow Park
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9am Freedom Farmers Market at Kasper’s Plaza
12pm Art and Soul 2022 - 20th Anniversary Celebration
12pm Liberation Park Experience at Art + Soul 20th Anniversary Festival
12pm Rocky's Market Fashion show
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Oakland Museum of California Do the Work with W. Kamau Bell and Kate Schatz
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 7/24
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 RHYTHM CAFE All-Star DRUMMERS Concert!
Monday 7/25
10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
1pm Read Watch Do: Summer at Oakland Public Library at Liberation Park
3pm Oakland Public Library Build. Make. Play.
Tuesday 7/26
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
4pm Berkeley Public Library Artist & Zine Maker Panel w/ Q&A (virtual)
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview
Wednesday 7/27
9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
Thursday 7/28
11am Oakland Museum of California Hella Feminist' Member Previews
12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring Flambeau
6pm Summer Concerts in the Park at Orinda Community Center Park
8:30pm Jack London Oakland Waterfront Flicks
Simone Spotlight - 10 Ways to Fireproof Your Home
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Fire accidents can occur at any time. Keeping your family safe should, therefore, be priority number one. But the big question is, how can you protect your home from fire accidents? Below are some great residential security solutions to help fireproof your home.
Tips to Fireproofing
July 18th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Fire accidents can occur at any time. Keeping your family safe should, therefore, be priority number one. But the big question is, how can you protect your home from fire accidents? Below are some great residential security solutions to help fireproof your home.
1) Use Fire Retardant Chemicals
Spray eco-friendly fire retardants in areas that are most prone to fire in your home. These chemicals either slow down the spreading of fire through a chemical reaction or create a barrier between the fire and your home. Fire retardants are a great line of defense against hazardous tragedies.
Ensure you make the changes when redecorating and refurbishing your home. Steel framing metal and concrete are an ideal choice for exterior wall materials. Also, stone, brock, and concrete materials are best for decking instead of wood. You will also want to use fire-retardant paints.
2) Get Rid of Vegetation
Beautiful greenery in your home can create a sight to behold. However, it makes your home more susceptible to fires. Ensure there is no dry or dead vegetation around your home because they pose the highest risk. Prune dry shrubberies that are highly flammable.
You can even hire a professional residential security firm to help with the job. Apart from clearing dry vegetation, trim trees near each other. Pine needles and dried leaves are highly susceptible to fire. Avoid using them as mulch. A similar case applies to tree bark.
3) Keep Your Gutters Clean
Your gutters can accumulate vegetation and other debris when blown by the wind. During the dry season debris is highly likely to catch fire. Therefore, mark 10 meters around your home and clear all combustible materials. While needles, leaves, and other debris can accumulate quickly in decks and gutters, you can reduce the risk significantly by removing the debris regularly.
4) Focus on Protecting the window
When building or remodeling your home, consider using dual pane windows, especially if you live in areas prone to wildfires. Windows break when exposed to intense heat. Consequently, they expose your home to fire. Double pane windows also beef up your residential security.
5) Invest in a Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher can mean the difference between fire containment and a huge loss. There are different types of fire extinguishers, depending on the kind of fire they are meant to put off. When choosing a home extinguisher to ensure it has an ABC rating.
A fire extinguisher is a handy tool in protecting your home from fire. Ensure every room has a fire extinguisher, especially in the kitchen, where a fire is likely to originate from. Install a massive garage given the presence of flammable materials such as oil and gas. Also, remember the basement and attic.
6) Install Smoke Alarms
Installing smoke alarms is one of the excellent ways of boosting your residential security. The alarms send you an early warning in case a fire breaks out inside your home.
Conventional alarms will send beeps when they detect fire. When you invest in smart detectors, you receive an alert on your phone. Consider installing a detector in each room in your home for maximum fire protection.
7) Fire Doors can Save Your Life
Fire can spread quite fast. This is why you need to install fire doors in important areas. You can reduce fire drastically by closing the doors, especially at night, when fires are more common. These doors hold flames and smoke for up to one hour, giving you the much needed time to escape when the fire is overwhelming.
8) Plant Fire Resistant Trees
Another great way of making your home fireproof is by using fire-resistant plants. Avoid barks and highly flammable plants such as pine, cedar, and tall grass. Cherry, birch, and poplar trees tend to be more fire-resistant. Additionally, mow your grass to prevent the fire from spreading. If you have a cedar hedge, you will want to create a barrier between the hedge and your house.
9) Consider Fireproof Carpets
Use fire-resistant carpets when modeling your home. Synthetic and wool carpets accelerate the spread of fire. You can get fire-resistant carpets with decorative colors and designs. In addition, treat rugs in your home with flame-retardant chemicals.
10) Prevent Roof Combustibility
Roofs, especially the complex one with a lot of ridges, make your home more prone to fire. The valleys and ridges can catch fire. Consider replacing your roofing with fireproof material and upgrade in addition to using fire retardants. Alternatively, you can side with fireproof material, clean debris and replace broken shingles.
Keep Your Home Safe from Fire
Fire accidents can lead to the destruction of property and loss of life. However, you can prevent fire incidents by taking simple residential security measures such as fire-retardant material and getting rid of dry vegetation around your home.
Some fire cases occur due to small mistakes. Ensure you keep lights away from children and turn off electricity and gas mains. Better still; take a home insurance policy to cover losses from fire accidents.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Akoma Market is back this Sunday, July 17th, from 11am until 5pm. You can shop, skate, listen to live music, eat great food and meet great people.
See you at Liberation Park, have fun East Bay!
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
July 15-21
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Akoma Market is back this Sunday, July 17th, from 11am until 5pm. You can shop, skate, listen to live music, eat great food and meet great people.
See you at Liberation Park, and have fun East Bay!
Friday 7/15
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 at Liberation Park
6pm Rocky's Market Lars and In Charge: High Energy Fiddle Tunes from Turkey
6:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Preparing For The Moon: NASA Artemis Q&A
7pm Summer Movies in the Park at Orinda Community Center Park
7pm Jack London Square Summer Music Series - Mirage Band
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests
Saturday 7/16
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 Investigating Space: Apollo 11 Throwback
12pm Sip Shop Eat! Pop-Up Market
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Oakland Art Murmur Mid-Summer Soiree
2pm Oakland Art Murmur Artist-Led Tour with Craig Calderwood
2pm Oakland Asian Cultural Center Minhwa Family Workshop
6pm Blue Eternity at Piedmont Piano Company
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 7/17
9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
11am The Lawrence Hall of Science Summer Funday: Ice Cream Day
11am Pokémon GO Community Day in Oakland
11am Akoma Market at Liberation Park
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
5pm Rocky's Market Mio Flores & A Touch of CALIENTE featuring Gary Flores, Eric Rangel, Carlito Franco & Oscar Soltero
6pm Slammin’ Sunday Skate at Liberation Park
Monday 7/18
10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
3pm Oakland Public Library Build. Make. Play.
Tuesday 7/19
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
4:30pm Oakland Public Library Pop Up Teen Crafts @ Lakeview
5:30pm Berkeley Public Library Popping the Science Bubble
Wednesday 7/20
9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
12pm Oakland City Center Presents: Summer Sounds Featuring Flambeau
Thursday 7/21
12pm The Lawrence Hall of Science Science at Cal – Combating Climate Change with CRISPR
8:30pm Jack London Oakland Waterfront Flicks
That East Bay Life Monthly Newsletter
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Here is your monthly newsletter with the most current and up-to-date market information. If you have any questions regarding price trends, market data, or information regarding your home, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to answer your questions or schedule a consultation.
July 2022 Newsletter
July 13th
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Simone Spotlight - Keep your home safe with this vacation checklist
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Summer is here and families are getting ready for family vacations! An important part of any vacation is to make sure your home is vacation-ready as well. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare your home. Then, any problems on the home front are just one less thing to worry about.
Preparing Your Home for Vacation
July 11th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Summer is here and families are getting ready for family vacations! An important part of any vacation is to make sure your home is vacation-ready as well. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare your home. Then, any problems on the home front are just one less thing to worry about.
Make your house look lived-in
An empty house is like an open invitation to burglars. To keep your house looking occupied:
Stop the newspaper and mail – or ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up
Park your car inside the garage, if you have one
Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway occasionally so there’s activity at your house
Put at least one light in your house on a timer
Install a motion-activated sensor on an outdoor floodlight. (Burglars hate outdoor lighting – and that’s why we love it)
Make sure your lawn stays trimmed
Take the necessary plumbing and electrical precautions
Running appliances while you’re away is not only a needless expense, it could also lead to costly problems. To avoid the possibility of an appliance breakdown while you're away:
Unplug small appliances and electronic devices
Put the water heater in “vacation” mode
Turn off water valves to the dishwasher, washing machine, and all sinks
Set your thermostat to a temperature closer to outside temps (warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter), but which still protects your plants, pets and furniture.
General home preparation
Other things to consider doing before your vacation:
Notify your credit card company and home security company that you’ll be out of town
Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly
Leave your emergency contact information with a neighbor
Dispose of any food that could go bad before you return from vacation
Take out the kitchen trash – especially anything that might start to stink
Run your garbage disposal with a half-cup of vinegar and some water