Mountain House, the highest underwater town

Highest underwater town? Huh?

Mountain House, California. Mountain House is located about 60 miles east of San Francisco. It is a master planned community designed to promote community, family and lifestyle. But there is something of real interest here: despite being 59 feet above sea level, most of the community is underwater.

It is here where the average homeowner is $122,000 underwater; some homeowners are underwater as much as a half million dollars. It is here where 90% of homeowners owe more than their house is worth, making this the highest percentage in the country. It is here where new homes are still being built and sold.

What? New homes are still being built AND sold? Houses here start at $200,000 and go up to $600,000.

Albany/Berkeley: Restaurant on Solano Ave., with outdoor seating!

Great things are happening on Solano Avenue. Despite these trying economic times, there are some businesses that are managing to hang on, and others that have decided to brave the rapids.

Rendez-Vous Cafe Bistro touts itself as "delicious affordable french cuisine." Affordable indeed. It hasn't been opened long, but I have driven by several times at night and the place is packed.

Here is the COOL part...there is outside seating! WHAT??? you say? Yes, you heard me. This is a rarity on Solano Ave.- only a couple of places have outdoor seating.

Check them out http://www.rendezvouscafebistro.com/

Fabulous homes on tour today, Albany, Kensington and El Cerrito

Not much on tour today, but I did come across some very sweet treats.

1022 Evelyn, Albany

Originally listed for $599,500, this house has a SUPER new price, $535,000. 2beds, 1bath, beautiful hardwood floors. Albany schools, walk to Solano. I don't think it will last at this price.

7302 Gladys, El Cerrito

This super cute, 3bed home is fully updated with bay views and a master suite with bath. I think the agent mentioned that it will be open this weekend, with offers on the following Tuesday. This house is a really great value, and in a great neighborhood. $519,000

415 Santa Fe, Kensington

This charming 2bed house is located near Kensignton Circle, where El Cerrito, Albany, Kensington and Berkeley meet. Walk to Kensington Pub, Semifreddis, Trader Joes and BART. $599,000. No pictures are available at this time.

Move over Joe the Plumber- Starbucks has a better Joe

Starbucks Offers Free Coffee to Voters on Election Day

Move over Joe-the-Plumber. This election just got a better Joe.

What if we all cared enough to vote? Not just 54% of us, but 100% of us? What if we cared as much on Nov. 5th as we care on Nov. 4th? What if we cared all of the time the way we do some of the time?

Would our world be a better place?

Starbucks thinks so.

So come into Starbucks on Nov. 4th, tell them you voted, and they will proudly give you a tall cup of brewed coffee. Free. No questions asked.You and Starbucks. It's bigger than coffee.
Please do your part and VOTE...if not for the coffee, then do it because you care.

Berkeley Burglars Kicking in Doors in the Hills

COMMUNITY CRIME ALERT - BURGLARS KICK DOORS IN THE HILLS

Berkeley, California (Friday, October 24, 2008) - City of Berkeley Police Department (BPD) Property Crimes detectives are alerting the community about a series of daytime burglaries that have been plaguing the North Berkeley Hills in the past two months.

I have clients and friends in the hills. They know people who's homes have been burglarized. They are scared themselves.

Gone are the days of leaving our doors unlocked during the day. Gone are the days of leaving windows open while you head out to run a few errands. Gone are the days of feeling completely and utterly safe in your home.

The burglar or burglars have been focusing on homes during daytime hours and making off with laptops, electronic equipment, jewelry and bikes. The suspect or suspects have been primarily kicking doors in order to get into the houses, however not exclusively.

According to the Berkeley Police Department, most burglaries are "crimes of opportunity." But kicking in a door does not signify a crime of opportunity. Here are some things that you can do to try and prevent a burglary from occuring in your home:

1) Keep your doors locked and windows shut at all times
2) Track down who has keys to your house and closely monitor who you give them to

3) Install an alarm system

4) Start a neighborhood watch (we just did this in my neighborhood)

5) Keep all entrances well lit

6) Ask to see ID of all utility workers

7) Do not open your door to solicitors, unless they have a permit from the city

8) Insure any items of value

9) Inform neighbors if you will be out of town

10)Report any suspicious activity to your local police department

BPD is asking for the community’s help with stopping this series. Community members in Berkeley are urged to call BPD at 981-5900 if they note suspicious people or activity in their neighborhood. (Non-emergency dispatch line)

For Crimes in Progress please call 911 or (510) 981-5911 from your cell phone.

BPD is a partner of Bay Area Crime Stoppers. (BACS) BACS offers up to $2,000 cash in reward money to those who offer information that detectives determine is helpful to any felony investigation. Anyone with information can call 1-800-222-TIPS. All Bay Area Crime Stoppers calls are completely confidential.

How safe do you feel neighborhood?