Simone Spotlight - East Bay Farmer's Markets Guide for Families

Simone Spotlight - Farmer's Market

March 7th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
East Bay Farmer’s Markets Guide for Families

Farmers Markets are a great (admission-free) destination for the whole family to get some fresh air, while also gathering fruits and veggies for the week — and supporting local farmers!

Covid-19 Update: Most of these fresh food markets are back up and running but with some of our favorite family-friendly amenities like fruit sampling, live music, and splash pads on hold or only slowly returning.

Kids’ Favorite East Bay Farmers Markets

A few of our favorite local farmers’ markets go beyond the freshest of fresh food to offer entertainment for the littles. Here are our children’s favorite weekly food-centered festivals:

Grand Lake Farmers Market (Saturdays 9-2)

Splash Pad Park sits at the nexus of Grand and Lakeshore Avenues, and this overflowing market often offers a bouncy house and a chance for little ones to get wet if they want to step into the fountain and live music. Sources tell us on a really sunny weekend, there’s face painting and balloon guy, too. Find out more about the Grand Lake Farmers Market.

Website >>

https://www.agriculturalinstitute.org/grand-lake

Downtown Berkeley Farmers’ Market (Saturdays 10-3)

Location (Center Street @ M. L. King, Jr. Way) is king with this market. Besides the local produce, live music, fresh pretzels, and apple cider, it’s adjacent to the Berkeley Public Library and the YMCA with more room to run on the lawns at the Cal Campus.

Website >>

https://ecologycenter.org/fm/

Jack London Square Farmers’ Market (Sundays 9-2)

Kids love the proximity to boats and the train tracks, plus big kids will want to stop in at Plank for a round of skeeball. Stop by the kids’ corner for crafts and other fun activities for the whole family. There’s so much to do at Jack London Square for kids.

Website >>

https://www.pcfma.org/market/jack-london-square-farmers-market

Temescal Farmers’ Market (Sundays 9-1)

Rain or shine, the parking lot of the Claremont Ave DMV transforms on Sunday mornings to an urban village with a creek running through it. Kids love messing around in the creek, water or not, and parents love the coffee cart. Bring your wheels because a bike path takes you one block from the Market to Frog Park. There’s also a ton to do in Rockridge with your family.

Website >>

https://uvfm.org/temescal-sunday

Kensington Farmers’ Market (Sundays 9-2)

Colusa Circle shuts down Oak View Ave and fills up with vendors on Sunday mornings and live musicians. Camp chairs invite you to sit and watch a while. This market isn’t usually overly crowded, yet is still well attended. Grab some fresh flowers along with your treats to eat.

Website >>

https://www.kensingtonfarmersmarket.org/

Akoma Outdoor Market (1st Sundays 10-3)

Weather permitting, this farmers’ market highlights local Black and Brown farmers, vendors, organizations, and artists. In addition to the tasty treats, look for a roller skating rink (somehow, it is outdoors with a beautiful hardwood floor) that offers free family skating on market days. Typically hosted on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month and the first Sunday during the wintertime.

https://blackculturalzone.org/

Lots More East Bay Farmers Market locations

On a mild weather day, pushing a stroller around any Farmers Market can be a pleasant enough experience. Here are a few more to add to your rotation.

Community Produce Stand (Various Roving Locations!)

Mandela Partners’ mobile markets bring fresh, high-quality, and sustainably grown fruits and vegetables to communities that are under-served by more established farmers market programs. See the map to find one near you. SNAP saves half.

Alameda Farmers’ Market

Haight Ave & Webster Street, Alameda

Tuesdays & Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

Akoma Outdoor Market, East Oakland

Foothill & 73rd Ave in East Oakland

1st & Third Sundays of the month, 10 am – 3 pm

Berkeley, Downtown

Center Street @ M. L. King, Jr. Way

Saturdays 10 am – 3 pm

Berkeley, North

Shattuck & Vine

Thursdays 3 pm – 7 pm

Berkeley, South

Adeline Street & 63rd (near Sweet Adeline Bakery)

Tuesdays 2 pm – 6:30 pm

Castro Valley Farmers Market

Corner of Redwood Rd. & Norbridge Ave (Castro Valley BART)

Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

El Cerrito Plaza Farmers’ Market

El Cerrito Plaza

Tuesdays & Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

Grand Lake Farmer’s Market

Grand Ave. & Lake Park Ave.

Saturdays 9 am – 2 pm

Hayward Farmers Market

City Hall Plaza

Saturday 9 am –1 pm

Irvington Farmer’s Market, Fremont

Bay St & Trimboli Way, Fremont

Sundays 9 am – 2 pm

Jack London Square Farmer’s Market, Oakland

Jack London Square

Sundays 9 am – 2 pm

Kensington Farmers’ Market

Colusa Circle, Kensington

Sundays 9 am – 2 pm

Livermore Farmers Market

Second St between J and L Streets, Livermore

Sundays 9 am – 1 pm

Montclair Village, Oakland

La Salle Ave & Moraga Ave

Sundays 9 am – 1 pm

Newark Farmers Market @ New Park Mall

2086 Newpark Mall, Newark

Sundays 9 am – 1 pm

Old Oakland

9th St between Broadway & Clay

Fridays 8 am – 2 pm

Pinole Farmers Market

798 Fernandez Ave., Pinole

Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

Pleasanton Farmers’ Market

46 W Angela Street, Pleasanton

Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

Richmond Farmers Market

24th Street & Barrett Ave., Richmond

Fridays 8 am – 5 pm

San Leandro Farmers’ Market @ Bayfair

Bayfair Center, E 14th St. https://uvfm.org/temescal-sunday

Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

San Leandro Farmers’ Market, Downtown

1 Parrott Street @ E. 14th, San Leandro

Wednesdays 3 pm – 8:30 pm (Seasonal, May through October)

Temescal Farmer’s Market, Oakland

5300 Claremont Ave (DMV)

Sundays 9 am – 1 pm

Union City Farmers Market

30940 Watkins St., Union City

Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

March 4-10

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

This Friday at 5pm, Oakland First Fridays is back with its theme BeYOUtiful WomXn. It will feature Turf street dancers, SoulBeatz Oakland, Artismobilus collaborative art wall with the theme of honoring women, and Mario B fashion show with a female DJ, DJ K-Fresh. Kah Liberation and Netta B will be performing too! In addition, there will be the HEAT dance line performing at 6:10pm and DJ Lady Fingaz providing music in between sets for an all women entertainment stage in honor of Women’s Month.

Happy Women's Month East Bay!

Friday 3/4

9am Alameda County Fairgrounds Stamp & Scrapbook Expo
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
3pm Berkeley Public Library Yoga Story Time @Grove Street Park
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Game Nights at the Asian Branch Library!
5pm KONO Community Benefit District Oakland First Fridays
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center First Friday: Into the Redwoods
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Oakland Symphony The Fountains of Rome
8pm Comedy Oakland Online Show
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 3/5

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Alameda County Fairgrounds Stamp & Scrapbook Expo
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller John Weaver
12pm Oakland Museum of California Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling in the Garden
12pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Brian Scott
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Online Show

Sunday 3/6

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Akoma Market at Liberation Park
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Brian Scott
11am Oakland Museum of California First Sundays at OMCA
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Brian Scott
4pm Adult Skate at Liberation Park

Monday 3/7

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Make Art with MOCHA at The Chavez Library

Tuesday 3/8

10:30am Berkeley Public Library City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park
10:30am Berkeley Chamber ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
4pm Oakland Public Library Art for Kids with MOCHA

Wednesday 3/9

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10am Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime
6pm Oakland Zoo Cocktails & Conservation

Thursday 3/10

10am Oakland Museum of California White Elephant Sale
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park @Bateman Park
12pm Berkeley Chamber Berkeley Business Bootcamp: A Monthly Series for Small Business Owners
6pm Oakland Public Library We Bike Book Club
6:30pm Berkeley Public Library A Hella Mexican poetry reading in Berkeley

Simone Spotlight - Spring Home Maintenance

Maintenance is Key to Happy Living

February 28th

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
It’s that time of year again! Mark your calendar because upkeep to your home is essential to a happy home.

Below I’ve provided some tips of what you can do this Spring. Proper upkeep will not only give you peace of mind, but in the long run it is also preventative maintenance. These tips could end up saving you lots of money and potential headaches down the line.

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS

Spring is a time for rejuvenation, and, as the weather gets warmer here in East Bay, California, and the days grow longer, there's a positive energy in the air. Many people decide it's the perfect time for reorganizing and refreshing their homes, while others eagerly get to work in the yard and garden.

While it's easy to get caught up in spring cleaning and planting, this is also one of the most important times of the year for home maintenance.

The beginning of Daylight Saving Time is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, so if you haven't done that yet, here's your reminder. It's a good idea to do a basic checkup in some other key areas, too. After all, winter can be rough on your home.

These tips, from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and others, can help. Call it "spring training" for homeowners.

Yard and Exterior

Check for signs of rodents, roaches, termites, etc.

Clean gutters and downspouts.

Trim tree branches and shrubs that are hanging too close to your home or to utility wires, and remove dead trees.
Examine your deck and/or balconies for loose boards or railings, as well as any rot.

Ensure that mulch and soil isn't in contact with your home’s siding.

Roof, Siding, Windows

Check for damage to your shingles, including mildew and algae; have a professional inspect and repair your roof, if necessary.
Go into the attic to check for signs of roof leakage, such as visible moisture or discoloration.

Look for peeling paint. Remember, paint is about more than appearance. A good paint job also protects against the effects of weather.
Check for leaks around window and door sills. Properly sealed windows and doors can help prevent damage and lower your energy costs.

Interior and Appliances

Examine your basement and/or crawlspace for any signs of standing water or dripping. Take action immediately, if needed, to avoid mold.
Clean your dryer exhaust hose and vent. Lint build-up in this area is a common cause of fires, so do a thorough job by moving the dryer and disconnecting both ends of the hose.
Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens. Check all air filters and replace, if necessary. Vacuum refrigerator/freezer coils to help your unit run efficiently.

These tasks will help keep you and your family safe, and they also can save you from costly repairs or homeowners insurance claims. So remember, when spring rolls around, there’s a lot more to do than cleaning and changing your clocks.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

February 25-March 3

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
This Sunday, be ready to be part of the Black Joy Experience Parade! Black Cultural Zone is bringing Akoma Market, Akoma Youth Market, Outdoor Play Day with Family Skate and so much more to the heart of downtown Oakland to share the Liberation Park experience of East Oakland with everyone.
Grab your masks, your skates and have fun with the whole family!

Friday 2/25

10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Game Nights at the Asian Branch Library!
5pm Oakland Museum of California Extended Hours until 9 pm and Off the Grid food trucks
5pm Mills College Performing Arts Andrea Abi-Karam & Emme Lund: A Mills Alum Reading
6pm Oakland Public Library Tax Attorney in the Library
7pm Camron-Stanford House Parlor Piano with Daniel Adam Maltz
7pm Disney on Ice Returns to Oakland at Oakland Arena
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 2/26

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller Kirk Waller
12pm Oakland Museum of California Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling in the Garden
12pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens
12pm Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin Junior Jazz Performance
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller Kirk Waller
7pm Comedy Oakland Online Show
7pm Disney on Ice Returns to Oakland at Oakland Arena
7pm Camron-Stanford House Parlor Piano with Daniel Adam Maltz
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings

Sunday 2/27

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller Kirk Waller
11am Oakland Museum of California Last day to see 'Mothership: Voyage Into Afrofuturism'
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
12pm Black Joy Experience Parade at Liberation Park
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Camron-Stanford House Parlor Piano with Daniel Adam Maltz
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller Kirk Waller
7pm Disney on Ice Returns to Oakland at Oakland Arena

Monday 2/28

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
5pm Oakland Public Library Help with Applying for Home Energy Assistance

Tuesday 3/1

10:30am Berkeley Public Library City of Berkeley Pop-up Vaccination Clinic @THPSouth
10:30am Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
10:30am Berkeley Chamber Fresh Tools To Address Labor Shortages
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
5:30pm Mills College Performing Arts Janae Newsom & Landon Smith: A Mills Alum Reading
Kids Play Zone Mardi Gras Party

Wednesday 3/2

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime

Thursday 3/3

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park @Bateman Park
11am Jack London Oakland Blood Drive
6pm Oakland Public Library We Bike Book Club

Simone Spotlight - When To Update Your Home Insurance

When To Update Your Home Insurance

February 21

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

Updating your policy probably isn’t something at the forefront of your mind. However, knowing when to update your homeowners insurance policy is important because changes to your lifestyle could affect your policy, your coverage, and how much you’re paying.

Here are five reasons to update your home insurance:

Home Renovations

It’s essential to notify your insurance provider when you renovate your kitchen, install a new roof, or add a bathroom to your home. Home renovation improvements can have a major influence on the value of your home, requiring your insurance carrier to adjust your property coverage limits to match the replacement expenses. While this may increase your premiums, it is definitely worth it to have adequate coverage in the event of a claim.

Updated Security System

You’re in for a pleasant surprise if you’ve added or upgraded your security system since you last looked for the best home insurance prices. Many homeowners insurance providers give clients who have a monitored security or fire alarm system a discount.

You have Bought or Adopted a Dog

Liability coverage for dog bites are included in many homeowners insurance policies. The catch is that you must notify your insurance company about your new family member. If you haven’t informed your insurer about your pet before filing a claim, it could affect your policy’s coverage.

Change in Career

If you’ve retired, changed your career, or now work from home, let your insurance provider know. Providers are usually more lenient to those that spend a lot of time at home since it’s less likely they'll have their home invaded.

Big Purchases

If you’ve purchased or been given something worth a lot of money, it’s always a good idea to let your insurance company know. They can adjust your premium to protect you should something go wrong. The same works if you sell or give away something valuable. Call to drop your premium.

What To Do

Reviewing your homeowners insurance might not be at the top of your home improvement to-do list. However, following the five guidelines described below will save you time and money in the long run.

Your home itself must be your top priority. However, don’t base your coverage on the appraised worth of the home, which includes land costs. Instead, use the most recent per-square-foot replacement rates in your area, as provided by your local homebuilders association. The disparity can be substantial.

Is your area vulnerable to extreme weather? Calculate the cost of extended or guaranteed replacement plans, which protect you from inflated labor and raw material costs in the event of a disaster.

For more information contact your insurance provider and go over your insurance coverage. They can update your policy so it reflects your current situation and needs.

Happy President's Day East Bay!

Happy President's Day East Bay!

February 21

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Presidents’ Day, officially Washington’s Birthday, in the United States, holiday (third Monday in February) popularly recognized as honoring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The day is sometimes understood as a celebration of the birthdays and lives of all U.S. presidents.

For more information on this holiday, follow the link below.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Washington

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

February 18-24

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
This week the Museum of Cá is hosting two awesome events in celebration of Black History Month. On Friday, there will be an interactive virtual performance by Oakland acappella group SoVoSó. While on Sunday, a virtual guided workshop inspired by the concepts of Afrofuturism will take place.
Be ready to be part of this fun events, stay safe East Bay!

Friday 2/18

10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Oakland Museum of California Black History Virtual Performance
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Game Nights at the Asian Branch Library!
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
7:30pm Mills College Performing Arts An Evening with Eiko Otake, film screenings and discussion
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 2/19

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
12pm Oakland Museum of California Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling in the Garden
12pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens
12pm Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin Fashion show
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Chabot Space & Science Center Investigating Space: Space Tourism
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Brian Scott
7pm Comedy Oakland Online Show
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings

Sunday 2/20

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
10am Akoma Market at Liberation Park
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Brian Scott
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
12pm Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin Junior Jazz Performance
1pm Oakland Museum of California Afro-Rithms from the Future Workshop
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Brian Scott
4pm Adult Skate at Liberation Park

Monday 2/21

10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: A Surprise Birthday Party

Tuesday 2/22

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time@ Grove Street Park
10:30am Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
11am Kids Play Zone JAMaROO KIDs Music & Movement Class
2pm Berkeley Public Library BPL Book Club
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Wednesday 2/23

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime
2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Urban Sketching @Sather Gate
7pm Disney on Ice Returns to Oakland at Oakland Arena

Thursday 2/24

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Engineers in Training Online Workshop for Kids
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
7pm Disney on Ice Returns to Oakland at Oakland Arena

Black History Month

Celebrate Black Lives this Month

February 17th, 2022

It’s Black History Month, the official observance month of African American history in the U.S, and Canada. It is a month of remembering and honoring the history of the African diaspora.

It was created by the historian Carter G. Woodsen and originated as the second week of February. The week was selected because it coincided with President Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas’ birthdays.

Since then, the celebration and remembrance has evolved into what we know as Black History Month. Although this celebration originated in the United States, now Europe also celebrates Black History Month in different times of the year (U.K. celebrates in October).

To learn more about Black History use the following links:

https://www.history.com/topics/black-history

https://www.biography.com/tag/black-history

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/black-history-month

Summer Camp Guide for 2022

Sign Your Children Up Today for Summer Fun!

February 14th, 2022

It’s summer time!

Or…not quite yet. But if you’ve got young ones, it’s time to start making summer plans. Summer camp enrollment fills up fast, so if you haven’t already planned out activities for your kids this summer, let this be a reminder to you! Check out the 510 Families East Bay Summer Camp Guide for even more details about summer camp fun in your area. From dancing, to science, sports, to music, you’ve got a lot of great choices here in the East Bay for summer time fun!

510 Families East Bay Summer Camp Guide

Simone Spotlight - Happy Valentine's Day East Bay!

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY EAST BAY!

February 14TH, 2022

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
My clients are at the center of my business ! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you. Being your go to is very fulfilling and gratifying as I help people build the life and home of their dreams!

I appreciate you and I look forward to continue my service in helping you for many years to come!

That East Bay Life Monthly Update - February 2022

That East Bay Life  with Simone Koga Your Guide to life in Oakland, Berkeley, and Beyond Need advice on how to navigate the market? Call me at 415. 706.1586 or click below Schedule Consultation Simone Koga Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 | www.SimoneKoga.com M: 415.706.1586 @ThatEastBayLife simone@simonekoga.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-oaklandberkeleywinecountry

Simone Spotlight

SUPERBOWL LVI

February 13th, 2022

Game Time: 6:30 p.m. EST/3:30 p.m. PST

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Super Bowl LVI will be held Sunday, February 13th, 2022.  This is the final championship game of the National Football League (NFL) for the 2021 NFL season. It will be played between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Los Angeles Rams and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Cincinnati Bengals. 

The game will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, the home stadium of the Rams, marking the second-consecutive and second overall Super Bowl to feature a team playing in its home stadium.

This is the second time the Rams will play to win a Super Bowl championship and their first as a Los Angeles-based team in their fifth appearance. Their last win was in 1999, Super Bowl XXXIV while based in St. Louis and they last appeared in 2018's Super Bowl LIII. 

The Bengals are seeking their first Super Bowl championship title. This is there third time playing in the Super Bowl. Their last appearance was in 1988's Super Bowl XXIII. Both teams finished the regular season as their respective conference's 4-seed, making it the first Super Bowl without a top-3 seed since seeding was introduced in 1975.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

February 4-10

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Oakland First Fridays is back! The event will feature the Turf street dancers, Artismobilus collaborative art wall, and Mario B presents “Say It Loud” fashion show. Nzuri Soul will also be performing. In addition, there will be the HEAT dance line and poets performing for an all black entertainment stage in honor of Black History Month.

Friday 2/4

10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Game Nights at the Asian Branch Library!
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Oakland First Fridays
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center First Friday: Winter Skies
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 2/5

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10am Oakland Vintage Market at Jefferson Street
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Blake Maxam
12pm Oakland Museum of California Lunar New Year Celebration 2022
12pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Jack London Oakland Lunar New Year Celebration 2022
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Blake Maxam
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7pm Comedy Oakland Online Show

Sunday 2/6

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10am Black Love Market at Liberation Park
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Blake Maxam
11am Oakland Museum of California First Sundays at OMCA
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin Live Jazz and Wine Tasting
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Magician Blake Maxam
4pm Adult Skate at Liberation Park
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Members Telescope Viewing

Monday 2/7

10am Berkeley Public Library One-On-One Tech Help
4pm Berkeley Public Library Lunar New Year with Kristina Cho, author of Mooncakes and Milk Bread

Tuesday 2/8

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time@ Grove Street Park
10:30am Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
11am Kids Play Zone JAMaROO KIDs Music & Movement Class
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Wednesday 2/9

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime
4pm Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)

Thursday 2/10

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park
12pm Berkeley Business Bootcamp: A Monthly Series for Small Business Owners
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Indie RPG Pop-Up

East Bay Weekly Celebration

Happy Lunar New Year 2022!

February 1st, 2022

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉

Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations of the year among East and Southeast Asian cultures, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, among others. The New Year celebration is usually celebrated for multiple days—not just one day as in the Gregorian calendar’s New Year. In 2022, Lunar New Year begins on February 1. 

China’s Lunar New Year is known as the Spring Festival or Chūnjiéin Mandarin, while Koreans call it Seollal and Vietnamese refer to it as Tết.

Tied to the lunar calendar, the holiday began as a time for feasting and to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. The New Year typically begins with the first new moon that occurs between the end of January and spans the first 15 days of the first month of the lunar calendar—until the full moon arrives.

Zodiac Animals

Each year in the Lunar calendar is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals included in the cycle of 12 stations or “signs” along the apparent path of the sun through the cosmos. 

The 12 zodiac animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. In addition to the animals, five elements of earth, water, fire, wood and metal are also mapped onto the traditional lunar calendar. Each year is associated with an animal that corresponds to an element.

The year 2022 is slated to be the year of the water tiger. The water tiger comes up every 60 years. The water tiger is action-oriented and represents strength, clearing away evil and bravery. 

Lunar New Year Foods and Traditions

Each culture celebrates the Lunar New Year differently with various foods and traditions that symbolize prosperity, abundance and togetherness. In preparation for the Lunar New Year, houses are thoroughly cleaned to rid them of inauspicious spirits, which might have collected during the old year. Cleaning is also meant to open space for good will and good luck. 

Some households hold rituals to offer food and paper icons to ancestors. Others post red paper and banners inscribed with calligraphy messages of good health and fortune in front of, and inside, homes. Elders give out envelopes containing money to children. Foods made from glutinous rice are commonly eaten, as these foods represent togetherness. Other foods symbolize prosperity, abundance and good luck.

Lunar New Year Greetings

Cultures celebrating Lunar New Year have different ways of greeting each other during the holiday. In Mandarin, a common way to wish family and close friends a happy New Year is “Xīnnián hǎo,” meaning “New Year Goodness” or “Good New Year.” Another greeting is “Xīnnián kuàilè,” meaning "Happy New Year."

Traditional greetings during Tết in Vietnam are “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) and “Cung Chúc Tân Xuân” (gracious wishes of the new spring). For Seollal, South Koreans commonly say "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo” (May you receive lots of luck in the new year), while North Koreans say "Saehaereul chuckhahabnida”(Congratulations on the new year).

Simone's Spotlight

Best East Bay Hikes Part 1

January 31st, 2022

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Wildcat Gorge to Meadows Canyon Trail Loop, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley

Distance: 3.3 miles

Time Required: 1 hour 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Parking: Free, available at Lake Anza parking lot

Directions: Follow Lake Anza Trail and turn left onto Wildcat Gorge Trail until the Meadows Canyon Trail. Follow onto Curran Trail and descend back to Wildcat Gorge Trail

Tilden Regional Park is one of the original regional parks in the East Bay and a classic hiking spot in Berkeley. 

Beyond some amazing trails, the park has a carousel and farm, and Lake Anza offers seasonal swimming, making it a destination for families in particular. Tilden is just a short drive from downtown Berkeley but once you’re there, you’ll feel far removed from the bustling college town.

There’s plenty of shade on this beautiful East Bay hike, and a creek and lake along the way as well. If you can, go early. 

Beyond avoiding the crowds, hiking in the morning as the fog is lifting gives Tilden an unreal and enchanted feel. 

Huckleberry Nature Path, Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, Oakland

Distance: 1.7 miles

Time Required: 1 hour 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Parking: Free, available at Skyline Blvd. staging area. If the parking lot is full, park along the road

Directions: From the staging area, follow Huckleberry Path

A gem nestled in the Oakland Hills, the preserve is abundant with plants and flowers found nowhere else in the East Bay. 

This path is a self-guided tour within the reserve – think of it as a two-for-one nature walk and learning adventure (there are plaques throughout the trail explaining the different plants). 

This beautiful East Bay hiking trail is shaded with a canopy of evergreens with some views of the valley, and you’ll gradually encounter a mild incline. The path has an upper and lower trail – stay on the upper if you want to take it easy, take the lower if you’re up for a little more of a workout. 

Besides the namesake huckleberries, you’ll wander through many kinds of ferns, bay laurels, and manzanitas, just to name a few. Each season will showcase different plants and flowers, so don’t limit yourself to just a one-time excursion.

For more information, see the park website.

Stream Trail to French Trail, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland

Distance: 5.2 miles

Time Required: 3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: Free, Skyline Gate staging area

Directions: From the staging area, take the Stream Trail, make a right onto Fern Trail, and continue onto French Trail. Make a right onto West Ridge Trail.

The name says it all – come here if you want to see California’s coastal redwoods, right in Oakland! 

It’s a great and quieter alternative to going to Muir Woods north of SF, which gets crowded with tourists and locals alike. 

Redwood Regional Park is filled with many trails to choose from, and this one is moderate enough that you can admire the abundance of 150-foot redwoods and ferns as you go. 

This park is also a great place for spying animals such as deer, rabbits, and even the rare golden eagle. Once you’re deep in the heart of the forests, you’ll notice the air around you is cooler and milder thanks to a refreshing stream of air flowing in, making this spot great for the summer months.

Mt. Diablo Falls Trail, Mt. Diablo State Park, Clayton, East Bay

Distance: 6 miles

Time: 4 hours

Difficulty: Advanced

Parking: free, limited parking available on Regency Drive

Trailhead: Regency Gate at the end of Regency Drive

Directions:  Follow Donner Canyon Road, following it until Meridian Ridge Fire Road and make a right. Continue until Middle Trail, make a left and follow until you reach Falls Trail.

A little further east in Clayton, Mt. Diablo State Park offers over 40 trails to explore, some of which offer the most spectacular views of the East Bay. 

Hikers clamber to Mt. Diablo for these panoramas, but if you’re looking to chase waterfalls, the Falls Trail is your best bet!

You’ll meander through grasslands and oak savannahs with waterfalls (yes, plural) along the way. The waterfalls are of course best after rainfall, so going in the winter or spring means the waterfalls are flowing and the hills are at their most vibrant. 

The path can be quite muddy and slippery after rainfall, and once you hit Falls Trails, there are some steep sections, so take care. If you go during the summer or during dryer months, the landscape won’t be as lush but you’ll still spy some gorgeous wildflowers and amazing views of the valley. 

A word of caution, especially to any arachnophobes out there: Mt. Diablo State Park is known for its tarantulas, which come out in full force for mating season in late August through early October! If you spy a tarantula, they’re not out to get you and they’re actually harmless – their venom isn’t poisonous to people.

For more information, check the park website.

Springhill Loop, Briones Regional Park, Berkeley

Distance: 3.9 miles

Time Required: 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Parking: Free, available at Springhill Road

Directions: Follow Springhill Road to Springhill Trail and follow to Lafayette Ridge Trail. Turn right onto Briones Crest Trail and keep right and follow to Sunrise Trail. Turn left onto Buckeye Ranch Trail to finish.

Northeast of Berkeley, Briones Regional Park is 6,000 acres of open space with miles upon miles of rolling hills. The park has grazing land with cows and horses, and a research center for UC Berkeley. 

This loop is a series of trails with some uphill sections interspersed and is mostly unshaded, so make sure to pack a hat and sunglasses. Be prepared to climb and work up a sweat, but the steep inclines are well worth it for the views. 

Once you get to the ridge, you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, as well as unparalleled views of Mt. Diablo.

There’s a bench right where Sunrise Trails starts, a perfect spot to enjoy the views and munch on a snack before finishing the trail. In the springtime, the hills are an unbelievable green and the wildflowers are in full bloom. If you want to make the most of the sweeping views, go during sunrise or sunset!

For more information, check the park website.

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

January 28-February 3

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
It's time to welcome the Year of the Tiger! Check out the celebrations in Clinton Park and Jack London Square this Saturday.
Don’t forget to wear a mask and observe social distancing, while having fun with the whole family!

Friday 1/28

8:30am Oakland Metro Chamber of Commerce Inside Oakland
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Game Nights at the Asian Branch Library!
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 1/29

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10am Community Breakfast at Liberation Park
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller Snow Queen
12pm Oakland Museum of California Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling in the Garden
12pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce Lunar New Year Celebration at Clinton Park
1pm Jack London Oakland Lunar New Year Celebration 2022
1pm Temescal District Telegraph Ave Planter Refresh Day
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Storyteller Snow Queen
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7pm Comedy Oakland Online Show
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings

Sunday 1/30

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Circus artist Bri Crabtree
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin Live Jazz and Wine Tasting
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Circus artist Bri Crabtree
4pm Adult Skate at Liberation Park
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari

Monday 1/31

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

Tuesday 2/1

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time@ Grove Street Park
10:30am Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
11am Kids Play Zone JAMaROO KIDs Music & Movement Class
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Wednesday 2/2

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime
4pm Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
4pm Oakland Public Library CityTeam Free Grocery Giveaway
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari

Thursday 2/3

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari

East Bay Weekly Events

Deadline to Enroll for Berkeley Schools

February 4

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉 - Student Enrollment is Ending

The deadline for enrolling to Berkeley schools is quickly approaching. I have provided a link for you to enroll you kid(s) to meet the deadline of Feb. 4th, 2022.

Currently they are holding virtual tours, family night and other opportunities to meet other people from the community.

To apply follow this link:

https://www.berkeleyschools.net/admissions/enrollment/

The Berkeley Schools website is a great resource to know who needs to apply, how to apply and has current events the schools are holding for students and their families.

If you have any questions you can reach them directly at (510) 644-6150. They welcome parents to reach out with any questions hey may have.

Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD)
2020 Bonar Street Berkeley, CA 94702
Main line: 510-644-6150
Email: admissions@berkeley.net

East Bay Weekly Events

Deadline to Enroll for Oakland Schools

February 4

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉 - Student Enrollment is Ending

The deadline for enrolling to Oakland schools is quickly approaching. I have provided a link for you to enroll you kid(s) to meet the deadline of Feb. 4th, 2022.

Currently they are holding virtual tours, family night and other opportunities to meet other people from the community.

To apply follow this link:

https://ousdapply.schoolmint.net/signin

The OUSD website is a great resource to know who needs to apply, how to apply and has current events the schools are holding for students and their families.

If you have any questions you can reach them directly at (510) 879-4600. They welcome parents to reach out with any questions hey may have.

The Student Welcome Center is open to in-person visits, primarily by appointment and for a limited number of walk-ins.

You can make an appointment online here or by calling. You can also text or email them.

Lakeview Student Welcome Center

746 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610

Text / Call : 510-879-4600
Email: enroll@ousd.org

East Bay Weekly Events

Your Weekly Guide to Local Events

January 21-27

🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Your Sunday night plans just got a lot more fun! DJ GA is spinning at Adult Skate this Sunday at Umoja Skating Rink at Liberation Park. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Don’t miss the night of fun on the rink!

Friday 1/21

10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10am Berkeley Public Library Financial Workshop: Long Term Care; Medicare Basic; Wealth Preservation
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Game Nights at the Asian Branch Library!
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests

Saturday 1/22

7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Juggler and Comedian Owen Baker Flynn
11am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
12pm Oakland Museum of California Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling in the Garden
12pm Oakland Public Library Dungeons & Dragons Club for Teens
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Juggler and Comedian Owen Baker Flynn
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7pm Comedy Oakland Online Show
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings

Sunday 1/23

9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Children's Fairyland Performer: Juggler and Comedian Owen Baker Flynn
11am Oakland Museum of California Black Space & Time: Reflecting on Black World Building
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Rocky’s Brooklyn Basin Live Jazz and Wine Tasting
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Children's Fairyland Puppet Show: Mae Lin & The Magic Brush
2:30pm Children's Fairyland Performer: Juggler and Comedian Owen Baker Flynn
3pm Oakland Public Library Help for Renters
4pm Adult Skate at Liberation Park
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari

Monday 1/24

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

Tuesday 1/25

10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time@ Grove Street Park
10:30am Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
11am Kids Play Zone JAMaROO KIDs Music & Movement Class
2pm Berkeley Public Library BPL Book Club
5pm Berkeley Public Library Resumes: Ways to Present Your Best, Then Add More
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library

Wednesday 1/26

9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari

Thursday 1/27

3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Virtual Children's Craft with GoGo Craft!
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6pm Berkeley Public Library FAUCI Film Screening and Conversation
6:30pm Oakland Public Library You're in America - Now What? 7 Skillsets to Integrate with Ease and Joy

That East Bay Life with Simone Koga - January 2022

That East Bay Life with Simone Koga Your Guide to Life in Oakland,  Berkeley, and Beyond Simone Koga Realtor® | DRE #: 01897985 www.SimoneKoga.com M: 415.706.1586 @ThatEastBayLife Simone@SimoneKoga.com marketingcenter-sfbayarea-oaklandberkeleywinecountry