December News: Happy Holidays!
Gratitude. Last month my focus was on gratitude, and truly every month being grateful is at the core of everything I do. This month I am especially grateful to share that the listing I’ve worked on for so long is on the market and looking beautiful!
Five years ago today I first visited 912 Indian Rock Avenue, directly across the street from Mortar Rock Park in Berkeley. The seller’s father had recently passed away, and he was debating whether to sell or live in this large home, which then needed work. It had been in the same family since 1943 when the noted architect Hans Ostwald bought this as the family home, so it was a significant decision to be sure.
As I welcomed well over 100 guests to the home last Sunday afternoon I was very grateful for having a partner this year to help welcome our guests. And I’m extra grateful to have such a lovely, even-tempered and trusting client who had been willing to invest in this property. Being able to share with visitors all of the substantial improvements was a very positive conversation. I have invested much of my time, as well as emotions in other listings… honestly in ALL of my listings! But this one is off-scale for not only the elapsed time, but also the sheer number of hours, and the magnitude of the details that have been dealt with, especially over these most recent months. I am quite proud of how the kitchen and bathrooms turned out, so different from their previous condition. I look into the gorgeous living room and out through the many lovely windows, all with either green vistas or views of the Bay, and I smile!
On the website you can take a video tour that I narrate. There are also interactive floor plans and many more photographs and detailed information about the extensive upgrades at 912IndianRock.com. I’ll be open on Sunday, December 7th from 2 – 4 pm and would love to say hello to you. And I’ll have mulled cider warm and waiting for you!
May this season be one filled with light and love, friends and family, music and merriment!
Arlene
Let there be Light!
This is the season when we humans, regardless of religion or beliefs, all seek the light. And decorating with lights, either in our homes or outdoors is one of the things that makes this time of year so festive. I’ve gathered information on some of my favorite ways to enjoy some extra light in this darkest time of the year. I hope you find time to enjoy some of these options in Berkeley, Alameda, SF and the South Bay.
Tomorrow only: December 6, 5:30 pm Lighted Boat Parade
Along the Oakland–Alameda estuary, yachts adorned with festive décor glide between two cities, reflecting the urban glow of waterfront lights. This parade feels lively, colorful, and full of community pride.
- Best Viewing: Jack London Square (Oakland) and the Wind River / Encinal Yacht Club area (Alameda).
- Practical Details: Boats cruise along the estuary separating Oakland and Alameda. Jack London Square hosts tree lighting festivities the same evening, making it a festive hub.WINTER ON SOLANO AVENUE
Sunday only: Winter on Solano Avenue — December 7, noon–5pm
Running all along this special commercial strip, Albany/Berkeley you’ll find live music & entertainment, as well as activities & specials at Solano Avenue businesses. The program also hosts some outside vendors, including government and non-profit agencies, and perhaps some carefully selected works from regional artisans, jewelers, and makers. solanoavenueassn.org
For those available through the season, I’m starting very close to home: 928 Arlington Avenue, home of the owners of Meyer Sound annually light up our block with a dazzling display of their entire front garden and home. Every year I feel so grateful to them for adding so much color, light and fun to our neighborhood!
Fourth Street in Berkeley is a great destination to soak up holiday spirit with their brilliant light display starting around 5 pm each evening through January. SAT 12/13 from 1-4pm, Winter Holiday Fest & Craft Party, FREE event with free wreath-making for all, visits with costumed characters, Santa Claus, and holiday art activity booths.
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at the Ferry Building. Dec. 5 – 14, 5-8 pm. FREE! Catch large-scale arts projection at the Ferry Building for the return of Let’s Glow SF. Begin with “Countdown to Glow” at Harry Bridges Plaza at 6pm, then wander over to the Ferry Building for a winter wonderland “After Glow” event featuring silent disco, seasonal sips, and cookie and ornament decorating; Friday, 5pm to 8pm. // Details at downtownsf.org
Now through New Year’s Eve. Along the 3200 block of Thompson Avenue, take a slow stroll to appreciate every detail of this special block of decorated homes.
OAKLAND: Glowfari. Location: Oakland Zoo. (Now – January 25)
This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of ALL new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation.
Golden Gate Park Lightscape2025
Now through January 4th, timed tickets give you access to this one-of-a-kind, immersive light and music experience. It transforms the Botanical Garden into a mesmerizing world of wonder, food and beverages, with more than one million twinkling lights. Stroll through a mile-long trail of dazzling lights, dramatic colors, otherworldly lighted sculptures, and water features – right in the heart of San Francisco.
Now through January 11 at this gorgeous south bay estate, my husband and I spent a memorable evening last year wandering through the gardens with beautiful light displays. It’s a bit pricey, but it is quite magical.
More Home Maintenance Tips: Interior Projects
Last month I focused on exterior maintenance projects for your home, especially those that need to be done in advance of significant rains. So far we’ve had a fairly dry December, but it’s a great time to be sure your home is ready for the coldest of the year.
Test the sump pump: Ensure your sump pump is working properly to prevent basement flooding. Regular maintenance extends its life and ensures efficient operation. Some have batteries, so be sure you change that this month.
Inspect HVAC system and change air filters: A well-maintained HVAC system runs more efficiently, consuming less energy. Replace filters annually with high-efficiency options to improve indoor air quality.
Flush water heater: Removing sediment from your water heater improves its efficiency and longevity, saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint. Ask you handy person or contractor about changing out the sacrificial anode rod: it can dramatically extend the life of your water heater!
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace batteries and use the test button to confirm these essential devices are working properly.
Check fire extinguishers: The yellow tag attached to your fire extinguishers will tell you the last date of inspection. Make sure they are professionally checked annually and re-charged if needed.
Vacuum the vent hose and check for lint buildup in clothes dryer: Cleaning the dryer vent reduces fire risk and improves energy efficiency. While you’re in the laundry area, clean the washing machine filter too.
Schedule a chimney inspection: If you plan to use your fireplace, make sure it’s safe and efficient. A clean chimney burns more efficiently, reducing your home’s overall environmental impact.
Check for pests and look for possible entry points: Seal any gaps to keep pests out and maintain a comfortable, energy-efficient home. Use natural pest deterrents whenever possible.
Vacuum refrigerator coils: This task helps your refrigerator run more efficiently, conserving energy and extending its lifespan.
Set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise: This will move the warm air downward and keep the living areas more comfortable.
By staying ahead of maintenance now, you’ll keep your home safe, comfortable, and efficient throughout the cooler months.
The Good News Department!
Each month I will share something positive that uplifted my spirits, and I hope will raise yours as well.
This month I share the good news that ~900 acres of land bordering Yosemite National Park have been transferred back to tribal ownership after 175 years.
The transfer from Pacific Forest Trust to the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation provides the tribe with ownership of the naturally and culturally significant Henness Ridge, site of a traditional Native American trail from the Central Valley to Yosemite, and a key migration corridor for deer and other mammals.
To read the full story, and see more photos, click here.
A special outing option: The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Each year my husband and I spend an entire day transported to Victorian-era London. We dress in period costumes, and enjoy spending time watching live performances of pantomime, singing and quite good short theatre. We have favorite vendors we like to visit, and we always end the day at Mad Sal’s Tavern, watching the Can Can Bijoux dancers, shanty singers and sometimes special acts such as a remarkable fellow who swallows swords! Yes, it’s a bit pricey at $50 per adult, but much less expensive than a plane ticket to London! The Fair continues on weekends through December 21st. Food options are plentiful and it really does add to your experience if you wear at least something approximating Victorian attire, such as vests, a scarves, shawls, gloves and a hat —and a top hat can be transforming! Tickets available here: https://dickensfair.com/
Great Local Performances to make this season special!
California Revels will share multiple perfomances of this year’s celebration of the season, “The Feast of Fools.” Performances begin December 12 and continue on weekends through the 21st at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, an intimate theatre with all good seats! My husband and I are proud sponsors of Revels, and their engaging productions including music and song. Travel into a medieval Feast of Fools, where kings become fools, and fools become kings. It will take all of us together to sort through the chaos and to bring back the Light.
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular! On Saturday, December 20th, at either 2 pm or 8 pm, this group will bring a celebration to Zellerbach Hall! I’m mentioning this event now because their events often sell out. We already have our tickets for that evening, and can’t wait to hear this impressive chorus! Follow this link to the longer description, and link to buy tickets.
Arlene Baxter
arlene.baxter@theagencyre.com
1.510.717.1799
Lic. #1209552
