Wild life in Berkeley

Wild life in Berkeley. Hundreds of goats eat weeds during the summer, and wild turkeys who hang around UC Memorial Stadium.

No, I wasn't drinking Wild Turkey

One of the reasons I love living in Berkeley.

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Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Live update of East Bay Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Rockridge...homes by neighborhood!

Are you relocating to Berkeley? Time to migrate your email address

Are you relocating to Berkeley? Time to migrate your email address.

Most of our clients move to Berkeley from other areas... and I've noticed that lots of them use "local" email addresses from their local internet provider.... local phone carriers, rr.com etc.

Thinking of moving?

Set up an email address which isn't dependent upon your internet provider. Gmail is the most common one I see.

Then start using your new email address so you won't miss a beat when you come home to Berkeley.

A rare photo of Ira & Carol

We went to Yoshi's in Oakland's Jack London Square with friends Linda & Dick, and Linda took this photo of us. Linda and I met at UMass Amherst in 1971, where we were both in Graduate School. We've been friends ever since.

Why is it rare? Because I'm usually the photographer, and rarely in the photo!

Ira, Carol, Baby T ... in our book-filled dining room.

Travel books Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe & United States - with special focus on NYC, are on the right, Design/Architecture with special focus on Art Deco on the left. Mexican Crafts and a little devil on the top shelf.

Colors were too subtle, so Carol repainted them to be more vibrant.

We love travelling across this wonderful country, particularly the desert and to major cities. Over the years I've been to 49 States - North Dakota is only one I need to complete the collection.

Was amazed to realize that I've visited over two dozen countries, including some which no longer exist.

Silver Slipper of a Moon... with Venus

Beautiful night sky Venus and a silver slipper of a moon

Imagine if our children only had 2 legs?

Baby T (Baby Terrorist) in a regal pose

Dini (Poudini) indulging her dad's photo habit

Ira the shameless

Morris Minor Spotted in Berkeley - License MNMLIST

The license? MNMLIST

Seen in Berkeley moments ago

I wonder if the car is serviced in Piet's Garage

Taken in "Truth or Consequences" New Mexico

Just Listed: Beautifully updated home in Berkeley's Thousand Oaks neighborhood!

It's rare to find a home in Berkeley that has Bay views, a spectacular garden and is near Solano Avenue and Kensington Circle shops and transportation. You will find this rare combination on quiet 650 Vincente Avenue.

Visit 650Vincente.com for the entire photo portfolio and more information on this wonderful Thousand Oaks Neighborhood!

Open Sunday 19 Oct 2008 2:00 to 4:30 pm.

$775,000 2 Bedrooms 2 Baths
























Located in the desirable Thousand Oaks neighborhood, 650 Vincente is a sunny, two-story traditional home with spectacular Golden Gate, San Francisco, Bay Bridge, and Bay Views. The street has wonderful neighbors, and is in a USGS non-slide zone.

The large garden is beautifully landscaped. The redwood deck is perfect for watching the sunset over the Bay.

Updated kitchen with new stainless appliances/ gas stove. Refinished wood floors. New garden drip-watering system. New lighting. New wiring.

Main level: Living room with coved ceiling, dining room, updated kitchen, and a full bath with tub and shower.

Upper level: Two bedrooms, and a large, sun-filled study or family room with vaulted ceilings, operable skylight, and Golden Gate Bridge view. Bath with shower.

Extra space: Attached garage; large workshop/storage space on the lower level.
Work in San Francisco.... or downtown Berkeley? Take the AC Transit #79 bus directly to Berkeley or El Cerrito Plaza BART stations... or even the AC Transit G Line (perhaps with online wireless) directly to San Francisco.


Berkeley Compliance:
RECO (Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance) Compliant


Public Records:
Following data from the Public Records (and not confirmed by seller or agent)

Built 1924: House: 1,342 Sq Ft.; Lot: 3,800 Sq Ft; Source: Public Records

$775,000.

Ira & Carol Serkes & Nancy Lee Noman
Email

NNoman@pacunion.com or
serkes@berkeleyhomes.com for more information.

Visit 650Vincente.com for the entire photo portfolio and more information on this wonderful Thousand Oaks Neighborhood!

The Oaks Theater... Our great neighborhood movie theater

We decided to have an early start to the Labor Day weekend.. and went to see The Visitor at our neighborhood theater, The Oaks.

At night, it shines like a beacon at the top of Solano Avenue.... and we want to keep it shining for years to come!

So.. whenever you see a movie, check to see if it's playing at Berkeley's Thousand Oaks Theater!

Sex And The City has come, and gone (so to speak)... but the Oaks usually has another wonderful movie playing.

And the popcorn is fresh!

The Solano Stroll is on 14 Sep 2008, in about two weeks - they often have free cartoons in the afternoon. It's pleasant way to get out of the sun, and gives you a chance to see how beautifully the theater's been restored.



Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Live update of East Bay Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Rockridge...homes by neighborhood!

Where are the creeks in Berkeley and Oakland?

I'm at a Berkeley Association of Realtors meeting and the subject of creeks and culverts came up

I remember a very cool map.. and googled "berkeley creekside map"

And came up with the link to the Museum of California

The map is out of print, but the map is available for download!

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Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Live update of East Bay Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Rockridge...homes by neighborhood!

Adventures in Berkeley & Emeryville

The Tsui House asa "Fish House" at 2747 Mathews Street in Berkeley.. just west of San Pablo Park. Yes it really is there.. and people live in it! Eugene Tsui, the architect designed it for his parents.




Speeders? In Berkeley?

How a quiet street is able to stay quiet.


I LOVE the iPhone 2.0 Software... but you probably won't be seeing me on this line. I went to the Emeryville Apple Store on Bay Street to take a free class on iMovie and iDVD.

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Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Live update of East Bay Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Rockridge...homes by neighborhood!

Want to live in Berkeley's Wonderful Thousand Oaks Neighborhood... read on!

Curious about what's behind the shiny red door? Come visit 532 Vincente Avenue Sunday 18 May 2008 2:00-4:30 pm

Can't wait till Sunday? Click onto 532Vincente.com and preview our 39 photo portfolio, with information on this terrific mid-century home in the the Thousand Oaks Neighborhood we've called home for over 25 years.

No.. it's not our home, but we love talking about what makes the neighborhood so special!

532 Vincente at Visalia - $1,080,000 3 bedrooms 2 baths... and so much more!





Mid Century contemporary in North Berkeley’s wonderful Thousand Oaks Neighborhood.

On an amazing lot which goes all the way from Vincente to Visalia.. so it’s MUCH larger than it seems from curbside. Visalia is at lower elevation than Vincente... so there’s a lovely Mt. Tam, Albany/Kensington Hill North Bay View... and magical garden and deck on the Visalia side

THOUSAND OAKS & KENSINGTON CIRCLE
A delightful neighborhood where neighbors often stay for decades! We’ve lived nearby for over 25 years.

It’s an easy walk to Solano Avenue - restaurants, cafes, coffee, book stores, banks, florists, and more. It’s an even easier walk (or rather stroll) down Visalia to the Colusa Market (great BBQ Chicken), a lovely restaurant, Semi-Freddis bakery, and the Kensington Circus Pub, a very kid friendly neighborhood place with great beer, burgers, steaks and atmosphere!

Work in San Francisco.... or downtown Berkeley? Take the AC Transit #79 bus directly to Downtown Berkeley or El Cerrito Plaza BART stations... or even the AC Transit G Line (perhaps with online wireless) to downtown San Francisco.

BEDROOMS, BATHS AND UPGRADES
3 Bedrooms
2 Baths

Office/Guest Could Be 4th Bedroom

Recent Upgrades And Installations Just For You
Granite counter and dishwasher, bamboo floors, painting using Eco Paint,

OTHER FEATURES
Wood burning pellet stove in the high ceiling’d Family Room opens to deck and garden

2 Car Garage with Interior Access

Hardwood & Bamboo Kitchen & Family Room Floors, Recently installed dishwasher and newer appliances. Driveway storage shed included

BERKELEY COMPLIANCE
RECO (Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance) AND Sewer Lateral Compliant

PUBLIC RECORDS
Following data from the Public Records (and not confirmed by seller or agent)

Built 1950: House: 2,199 Sq Ft.; Lot: 6,150 Sq Ft; Source: Public Records

And here's the Google Map Link

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Want to live in Berkeley's Wonderful Thousand Oaks Neighborhood... read on!

Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Debbie was telling us what she loved about living in Berkeley's Northbrae/Westbrae Neighborhood

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Debbie was telling us what she loved about living in Berkeley's Northbrae/Westbrae Neighborhood.

We'd invited Debbie to our new North Berkeley office and it was a treat to see her! It's a pleasure when clients become friends. And Debbie, Dan, Joan, and Brenda, who we saw have all become friends.

Debbie was so excited about her new home, I asked her to tell us about it.. and here's what she wrote.

We love our neighborhood in the Westbrae/Northbrae area of Berkeley. We have wonderful neighbors, many of who came buy when we moved in to say hello and introduce themselves. We can walk to wonderful neighborhood restaurants and bakeries. Solano Avenue along with its shops and cafes is within walking distance. We also have great markets just a few blocks away where we shop: Berkeley Natural Grocery, Monterey Market, Monterey Fish Market, Magnani's, Hopkins Bakery and the Country Coffee and Cheese Market. This neighborhood is truly a jewel - convenient to so many things, the houses are unique and charming, the neighbors friendly - it has a real neighborhood feel!

Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Live update of East Bay Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, Rockridge...homes by neighborhood!

Gracious 1925 Mediterranean in Berkeley's Great Indian Rock Neighborhood

Visit 833SanLuis.com for our extensive photo portfolio.

Open Sunday 6 Apr 2008 2:00 - 4:30 pm - come say hello

Gracious 1925 Mediterranean extensively remodeled in 2006.

4 Bedrooms 2 Baths $1,400,000

Wonderful flow & vintage flair in Berkeley's great Indian Rock neighborhood.

Cherry Wood cabinets, Subzero & Dynasty Applicances.

Huge high ceiling'd master suite with private balcony... Golden Gate Bridge & Bay Views... and the walk-in closet you've always wanted.

Living room, dining room, small study all on main level.

Lower level - family room with separate entry + 4th bedroom, bath with sauna.

Rear deck and gentle upslope terraced lot

Two car detached garage

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Email serkes@berkeleyhomes.com or call 510-526-6668 for more information.

Berkeley... someone wrote something nice about the city!

David L. Kirp wrote an interesting Open Forum article, Semper fi, Berkeley, in today's San Francisco Chronicle.

In it, he talks about Berkeley programs such as the one which encourages solar electric (photovoltaic cell) by having the city provide the upfront costs and get paid over a 20 year property tax assessment.

Our 24 panel PV System... with battery backup
We're proud to have been part of the solution for years

Berkeley has an active community preparedness program. I've taken several classes and highly recommend them.

Being Berkeley, there will be lots of comments upon the article - both pro and con - but I recommend reading it for yourself!

Ira

Historic and utterly unique! "...one of the most intriguing houses in Berkeley"

Historic and utterly unique! “...one of the most intriguing houses in Berkeley...”

2652 Shasta Road: Four Units: $1,500,000

Situated in a lovely residential area on wooded and winding Shasta Road, minutes to North Berkeley shopping and restaurants; UC campus; public transportation.

The property was originally part of an 1880s rock crushing operation for the stone quarry above at what is now La Loma/Glendale Park.

About 1917, it was converted to a single family residence by noted architect Frederick Reimers, according to Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association records.

A 1949 article describes it as “...one of the most intriguing houses in Berkeley... [wooden] beams from the rock crushing equipment were utilized to build the house". Those massive beams can be seen in the Loft Unit (#3).

Several of the buildings Reimers designed are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: an Art Deco car dealership on Durant in Berkeley, and Olvida Penas in Pebble Beach. Reimers was also the original architect on Eugene O’Neill’s Tao House.

Now 2652 Shasta Road is a four unit building, stepped down the hillside with north bay and Mt. Tamalpais views. The Top and Loft level units have all the distinctive early century California hallmarks of the period: grand proportions; rustic wood panelled walls; redwood pillars and beams; vintage wall sconces; built-ins with glass paned cabinetry and leaded glass.

Interior staircases connect all units and this could once again become a single family home. The Top and Loft levels particularly have the potential of being combined into a spectacular tri-level living space. The lower two units are more modest with some updating of kitchens and baths.

Ground/basement:
laundry and storage

1st Level (#1):
One bedroom, one bath, north bay views

2nd Level (#2):
Two bedrooms, one bath, clawfoot tub & pedestal sink; redone kitchen, north bay views

Loft Unit (#3):
huge open space on two levels, one bathroom, shower only; leaded glass, built-in shelving; grand baronial fireplace, vintage wall sconces; there are seven steps up to the second level; wood floors; kitchen eating area has a Franklin stove; stenciled ceiling; two sets of dual paned French doors lead to balcony stretching across the front of the building with views of the north bay and Mt. Tamalpais

Top Unit (#4):
One bedroom, one bath; living/dining built-ins; newer fixtures and tiled kitchen and bath flooring; Franklin stove; wood floors; two sets of window seats with storage beneath; stenciled ceiling; distinctive diagonal crossbracing at each set of side windows; westward views;

Parking:
There is space at the front just off Shasta Road for three cars, possibly a fourth; also a single car garage

Utilities:
One meter serves all units

Berkeley in the 60s, Revisted

I took these photos last night at the demonstrations prior to the City Council vote on the Marine Recruiting Station. Click to view all.

Here's where to go for more information on the movie, Berkeley in the Sixties

cnn.com used the above photo on their web site!

This reminded me of a famous Diane Arbus photo.