I am pleased to present Walnut Creek's resale housing statistics for October, 2009.
Data provided courtesy of Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Walnut Creek Resale Sales Statistics for September, 2009
I am pleased to present the resale housing statistics for September, 2009.
Data provided courtesy of Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
Monday, October 12, 2009
Downtown Parking Proposal
This proposal comes from our Almond-Shuey neighbors, Marcy & Kent Jones...
TO: City Council, Walnut Creek
Subject: Proposal to help solve parking and traffic problems Downtown.
My wife and I are residents of the Almond/Shuey neighborhood and supporters of Measure I, supporting Broadway Plaza and the increased income it brings to the city, but we also know the parking problems and traffic in downtown are real and a major concern for people against the measure.
Below are two suggestions that we believe if implemented quickly will show Walnut Creek residents that we have great parking downtown. We understand that increased parking is included in Measure I, but how helpful it would be if people could clearly see and use the parking available now.
1. The Free Ride
On the free ride bus, put this sign on each side. A simple metal frame could be used and a sign like this inserted.
Park and Ride
FREE SHUTTLE
between
Bart, Downtown Shopping
and Public Parking
------ . -------
CITY GARAGES
on Locust, Broadway, California Blvd.
50 cents hr. $3 Maximum.
THIS DOWNTOWN RIDE IS FREE!
2. Parking Garage signs.
Easily identifiable signs that match the signs on the bus should be placed in front of the City Garages that clearly state these are parking garages and promotes their affordable price. City parking should be promoted just as valet and parking lots are. PARK HERE! 50 cents hr. $3 maximum. Free shuttle around downtown.
It is also unclear which way the shuttle goes. Eventually it should run in a circle route, so that you know if you catch it going in one direction, it will continue in that direction. Winding through downtown is confusing to locals as well as people trying to get back to a garage. A circle plan would alleviate that. And if it included the edge of neighborhoods many more people would ride the bus.
If signs on the bus and on parking garages were changed immediately, it could show the City working to solve parking and traffic problems in Walnut Creek and make everyone more comfortable supporting Broadway Plaza, which is giving us an incredible downtown.
Sincerely,
Marcy and Kent Jones
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Pot Club Bordering Almond-Shuey?
In case you haven't heard, the city is considering a license for allowing a medical marijuana (aka Pot Club) dispensary to be located adjacent to our neighborhood, on Oakland Boulevard. City leaders are looking for community input and it appears to be a lively discussion.
Check out the reader comments from two local Walnut Creek blogs...
Crazy in Suburbia
TheDubC
Whatever your position, this will undoubtedly have an impact on our neighborhood.
Stay tuned...
Check out the reader comments from two local Walnut Creek blogs...
Crazy in Suburbia
TheDubC
Whatever your position, this will undoubtedly have an impact on our neighborhood.
Stay tuned...
Friday, May 22, 2009
Beware of Deceptive Petitions – Know the Facts. Neiman Marcus is Good for Walnut Creek!
After numerous public hearings, dozens of community meetings, and nearly a year of analysis and adjustments, our elected City Council has unanimously approved the much-improved plans for Neiman Marcus at Broadway Plaza. We appreciate the efforts of the City Council to resolve the building size and parking issues. The building is the right height (2 stories rather than 3) and smaller (half the size of Nordstrom) AND Broadway Plaza will create the required new parking (175 new free spaces).
You may never shop at Neiman Marcus, BUT a healthy, stable downtown means a stable source of revenues for city services. The new Neiman Marcus will create jobs, strengthen the health of our downtown and the viability of our small locally owned merchants, and generate new tax revenues that will help pay for police, pay our roads, and support other vital city services like our parks and open spaces, the arts, recreation programs, and senior services.
The Michigan-based owner of Sunvalley Mall has said that they will again try to place a referendum on the ballot to stop the project. This big-money interest is likely to do just what they did last fall – distribute deceptive literature and conduct ruthless signature gathering in front of stores and door-to-door in our neighborhoods. These outsiders have already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to damage our community – and they will spend more. Why? As one person said at the City Council meeting, “Walnut Creek’s loss will be their gain.”
Keep in mind, if the opposition gets enough signatures, it will cost our city $250,000 or more just for the ballot process -- money we cannot afford to waste.
In response to the threat, a group of 30 concerned residents who are civic, business and non-profit leaders has formed Yes for Walnut Creek to defend the community against these out-of-state interests.
Now is the time to take action and stand up against out-of-state money that is trying to control what we do in Walnut Creek. Visit http://www.yesforwalnutcreek.org/ to:
· Get the facts.
· Endorse the effort.
· Volunteer.
· Donate.
Fighting big, out-of-state money takes people and money. If you can make a contribution, please send a check, payable to Yes for Walnut Creek, to 1630 N. Main St. Box 157, Walnut Creek 94596.
You may never shop at Neiman Marcus, BUT a healthy, stable downtown means a stable source of revenues for city services. The new Neiman Marcus will create jobs, strengthen the health of our downtown and the viability of our small locally owned merchants, and generate new tax revenues that will help pay for police, pay our roads, and support other vital city services like our parks and open spaces, the arts, recreation programs, and senior services.
The Michigan-based owner of Sunvalley Mall has said that they will again try to place a referendum on the ballot to stop the project. This big-money interest is likely to do just what they did last fall – distribute deceptive literature and conduct ruthless signature gathering in front of stores and door-to-door in our neighborhoods. These outsiders have already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to damage our community – and they will spend more. Why? As one person said at the City Council meeting, “Walnut Creek’s loss will be their gain.”
Keep in mind, if the opposition gets enough signatures, it will cost our city $250,000 or more just for the ballot process -- money we cannot afford to waste.
In response to the threat, a group of 30 concerned residents who are civic, business and non-profit leaders has formed Yes for Walnut Creek to defend the community against these out-of-state interests.
Now is the time to take action and stand up against out-of-state money that is trying to control what we do in Walnut Creek. Visit http://www.yesforwalnutcreek.org/ to:
· Get the facts.
· Endorse the effort.
· Volunteer.
· Donate.
Fighting big, out-of-state money takes people and money. If you can make a contribution, please send a check, payable to Yes for Walnut Creek, to 1630 N. Main St. Box 157, Walnut Creek 94596.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Almond Shuey Neighborhood Garage Sale
An Almond Shuey neighborhood garage sale will take place on Saturday, May 9th.
Oakhurst Properties will sponsor the advertising and provide signage & balloons on the day of the event.
If you are interested in participating and/or helping out with the event, please contact Steve Reiser at 925-216-3026.
Oakhurst Properties will sponsor the advertising and provide signage & balloons on the day of the event.
If you are interested in participating and/or helping out with the event, please contact Steve Reiser at 925-216-3026.
Shuey Neighbors @ Work
Nid and Doug on Shuey Avenue have just returned from Thailand and are looking for part-time work; Nid is interested in dog walking and gardening; Doug can tutor elementary and junior high school students after school. Please send us an email to dougoffenhartz@aol.com or somburanakul@aol.com or call (925) 944-8804.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Walnut Creek Residential Sales Statistics
The market is heating up... Check out these Walnut Creek sales statistics for March, 2009.
Median Sold Price: 770,000 (3/09) vs. 685,000 (2/09)
New Properties Listed: 64 units (3/09) vs. 47 (2/09)
Properties Sold: 29 units (3/09) vs. 14 (2/09)
Avg Days on Market: 39 days (3/09) vs. 66 (2/09)
Source: Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
Median Sold Price: 770,000 (3/09) vs. 685,000 (2/09)
New Properties Listed: 64 units (3/09) vs. 47 (2/09)
Properties Sold: 29 units (3/09) vs. 14 (2/09)
Avg Days on Market: 39 days (3/09) vs. 66 (2/09)
Source: Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®
Newest Home in Almond Shuey FOR RENT
Unique opportunity to rent a new home within one of Walnut Creek's oldest and most highly-desired downtown neighborhoods.
Three spacious bedrooms plus a loft-style bonus or game room, three full baths. Master bedroom opens to private balcony.
Master bath features jetted tub and steam shower.Custom upgrades throughout. Wood floors, volume ceilings, fireplace, large great room, slate tiled bathrooms floors.
Large, open kitchen features gas range, granite counters and island, breakfast area. Wet Bar with wine fridge in living room.
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO PETS PLEASE.
For more information, click here.
To arrange a preview, please contact Steve Reiser at 925-216-3026
Three spacious bedrooms plus a loft-style bonus or game room, three full baths. Master bedroom opens to private balcony.
Master bath features jetted tub and steam shower.Custom upgrades throughout. Wood floors, volume ceilings, fireplace, large great room, slate tiled bathrooms floors.
Large, open kitchen features gas range, granite counters and island, breakfast area. Wet Bar with wine fridge in living room.
ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO PETS PLEASE.
For more information, click here.
To arrange a preview, please contact Steve Reiser at 925-216-3026
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Walnut Creek City Council Race
By now, just about everyone is tired of the political rhetoric that floods the media and the online community. Win, lose or draw - the election is just about here so hang in there!
I'd like to post some thoughts on the Walnut Creek City Council race. As you know, there are 4 candidates running for 3 open positions. One of the candidates is incumbent Gary Skrel. Gary has been a positive force on the council and is certainly deserving of re-election.
Bob Simmons is a former WC Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Commissioner and most recently has served 2 years as a Planning Commissioner.
When the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood chimed in on the General Plan 2025 process, Bob was a thoughtful contributor who asked the right questions and offered his support in favor of our cause to protect the Almond-Shuey neighborhood. Bob offers experience and balanced leadership that will serve our city well. You can visit Bob's campaign website for more information.
Kish Rajan is another up-and-comer who shows great promise for Walnut Creek's future. Kish's professional background is in Mobile Technology Services. Having grown up and attending school in Walnut Creek, he is the only candidate and would be the only council member with school-aged children - three of them, in fact.
Kish also has experience serving our city on the Parking & Transportation Commission. I have had the pleasure of watching Kish speak at a few community forums. He is extremely well-versed on the issues that affect our city. Kish represents the next generation of leadership that our city will be well-served in electing. Please visit Kish's campaign website which includes his interview on Comcast newsmakers.
Remember to Vote on November 4 - SKREL - SIMMONS - RAJAN.
You can also read the Contra Costa Times endorsement of all three of these candidates by clicking here.
I'd like to post some thoughts on the Walnut Creek City Council race. As you know, there are 4 candidates running for 3 open positions. One of the candidates is incumbent Gary Skrel. Gary has been a positive force on the council and is certainly deserving of re-election.
Bob Simmons is a former WC Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Commissioner and most recently has served 2 years as a Planning Commissioner.
When the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood chimed in on the General Plan 2025 process, Bob was a thoughtful contributor who asked the right questions and offered his support in favor of our cause to protect the Almond-Shuey neighborhood. Bob offers experience and balanced leadership that will serve our city well. You can visit Bob's campaign website for more information.
Kish Rajan is another up-and-comer who shows great promise for Walnut Creek's future. Kish's professional background is in Mobile Technology Services. Having grown up and attending school in Walnut Creek, he is the only candidate and would be the only council member with school-aged children - three of them, in fact.
Kish also has experience serving our city on the Parking & Transportation Commission. I have had the pleasure of watching Kish speak at a few community forums. He is extremely well-versed on the issues that affect our city. Kish represents the next generation of leadership that our city will be well-served in electing. Please visit Kish's campaign website which includes his interview on Comcast newsmakers.
Remember to Vote on November 4 - SKREL - SIMMONS - RAJAN.
You can also read the Contra Costa Times endorsement of all three of these candidates by clicking here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Rental and Sales Activity in The Almond Shuey (May, 2008)
FOR RENT:
1559 Almond Ct is a 2 Bd, 1 Ba with a fireplace, no dishwasher, patio, 1-car garage, shared W/D, new paint/carpet $1,750/mo.
'Rustic Cottage on Shuey': 1 BD, 1 BA. The bedroom has a skylight and a mirrored closet across one wall. Efficiency kitchen w/microwave and an under counter refrigerator. Bath has a slate floor, a claw foot tub, and a door opening onto the garden. $735/mo
1907B Shuey Ave. 2 Bd, 1.5 Ba Duplex (1,023 sq ft) $1,700/mo
FOR SALE:
1518 Brooks St is a 3 BD, 1.5 BA 1,349 sq ft. Started at 749 on April 8. Reduced to 718 on May 6. Reduced again to 698 on May 25. (Total Days on Mkt: 49)
SOLD!
1987 Shuey Ave started at 699 last November. Reduced to 659. Sold for 625,000. (Total Days on MKT: 141)
1559 Almond Ct is a 2 Bd, 1 Ba with a fireplace, no dishwasher, patio, 1-car garage, shared W/D, new paint/carpet $1,750/mo.
'Rustic Cottage on Shuey': 1 BD, 1 BA. The bedroom has a skylight and a mirrored closet across one wall. Efficiency kitchen w/microwave and an under counter refrigerator. Bath has a slate floor, a claw foot tub, and a door opening onto the garden. $735/mo
1907B Shuey Ave. 2 Bd, 1.5 Ba Duplex (1,023 sq ft) $1,700/mo
FOR SALE:
1518 Brooks St is a 3 BD, 1.5 BA 1,349 sq ft. Started at 749 on April 8. Reduced to 718 on May 6. Reduced again to 698 on May 25. (Total Days on Mkt: 49)
SOLD!
1987 Shuey Ave started at 699 last November. Reduced to 659. Sold for 625,000. (Total Days on MKT: 141)
Monday, April 7, 2008
Free Money? Lower Your Property Tax Payments Now!
Who said that there is no such thing as free money? OK, well maybe it's 'hidden' money. One of the few silver linings (dare I say benefits) of this 'transitioning market' is the ability to reduce your property tax liability. As your property tax payment comes due and payable this Thursday, I have a some potentially good news that the county is not exactly promoting.
As a result of the recent decline in the housing market, the California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 51(a)(2), under Proposition 8, allows for homeowners to request a reduction in property tax if the fair market value of their home is lower than the assessed value as of lien date January 1, 2008.
Properties that will have a drop in value are those that were most likely bought in the last few years. Those homes bought more than four years ago are unlikely to have dropped in value.
There are several opportunistic companies that have popped up to help facilitate the process; some for a hefty fee. As your neighbor and REALTOR-advocate, I have a tip.... it's actually quite easy to do it yourself - and I can help.
The process is fairly simple. First, you must download and complete this form. It is recommended that you submit the form along with supporting documentation. This may include sales comparables, appraisals, listings, written value estimates or information about the condition of the property.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss the current state of the market or to provide you with the supporting documentation you need to submit your property tax reduction request.
I am here to help.
As a result of the recent decline in the housing market, the California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 51(a)(2), under Proposition 8, allows for homeowners to request a reduction in property tax if the fair market value of their home is lower than the assessed value as of lien date January 1, 2008.
Properties that will have a drop in value are those that were most likely bought in the last few years. Those homes bought more than four years ago are unlikely to have dropped in value.
There are several opportunistic companies that have popped up to help facilitate the process; some for a hefty fee. As your neighbor and REALTOR-advocate, I have a tip.... it's actually quite easy to do it yourself - and I can help.
The process is fairly simple. First, you must download and complete this form. It is recommended that you submit the form along with supporting documentation. This may include sales comparables, appraisals, listings, written value estimates or information about the condition of the property.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss the current state of the market or to provide you with the supporting documentation you need to submit your property tax reduction request.
I am here to help.
Happy Spring...
It's been awhile since I posted to the Almond-Shuey Blog, but there is plenty going on in the neighborhood and around Walnut Creek.
Regardless of real estate market conditions, spring is always the time when a 'seasonal bounce' of buyer activity is evident. There is no doubt that we will be seeing 2-3 For Sales signs in the Almond-Shuey over the next couple of months. There is a 'Coming Soon' sign on Brooks and some intense renovations on Shuey that may indicate a forthcoming sale. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have an interest in selling your home or would simply like to discuss current market conditions.
Spring is also the time to clean out the old garage. This past weekend, my family held a garage sale on Shuey that had an incredible turnout. A few signs and a free Craigslist ad combined with beautiful weather resulted in lots of traffic and lot of 'treasurers' (junk) being hauled away. If anyone in the neighborhood is interested in holding another sale - perhaps several of us could hold one in the same day - let me know. I would be happy to contribute signs. I have a few 'Garage Sale' A-frame (stand up) signs that you are welcome to use. Just let me know.
Enjoy the weather!
Regardless of real estate market conditions, spring is always the time when a 'seasonal bounce' of buyer activity is evident. There is no doubt that we will be seeing 2-3 For Sales signs in the Almond-Shuey over the next couple of months. There is a 'Coming Soon' sign on Brooks and some intense renovations on Shuey that may indicate a forthcoming sale. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have an interest in selling your home or would simply like to discuss current market conditions.
Spring is also the time to clean out the old garage. This past weekend, my family held a garage sale on Shuey that had an incredible turnout. A few signs and a free Craigslist ad combined with beautiful weather resulted in lots of traffic and lot of 'treasurers' (junk) being hauled away. If anyone in the neighborhood is interested in holding another sale - perhaps several of us could hold one in the same day - let me know. I would be happy to contribute signs. I have a few 'Garage Sale' A-frame (stand up) signs that you are welcome to use. Just let me know.
Enjoy the weather!
Monday, December 10, 2007
What's in and what's out...
In case you missed the article in the Contra Costa Times about the ever-changing retail & dining scene in the downtown area, here is a synopsis;
Recently opened restaurants, stores and shops
Bartlett Baron men's fashion 1501 N. Broadway
Betsey Johnson store Broadway Plaza
Cole Haan store Broadway Plaza
Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 1685 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
LaCoste store Broadway Plaza
Le Cheval restaurant 1375 N. Broadway
Maria, Maria La Cantina restaurant 1470 N. Broadway
Saxby's coffee shop 1630 N. Main St.
WineStyles store 1532 Locust St.
Yosh for Hair salon 1255 S. Main St.
Restaurants, stores and shops in the works
1515 restaurant 1515 N. Main St.
Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Co. Broadway Plaza
Bare Escentuals Broadway Plaza
Counter Burger The Mercer, 1655 N. California Blvd.
Eleve Vietnamese restaurant 1677 N. Main St.
Lululemon Athletica store 1530 Olympic Blvd.
Starbuck's coffee The Mercer, 1655 N. California Blvd.
Terra Mar restaurant 1610-1620 N. Main St.
Urban Outfitters store 1530 Olympic Blvd.
Tumi store Broadway Plaza
Stores closing/closed or vacant space
Andcronico's Plaza Escuela, 1181 Locust St.
Bombay Co. Olympia Place, 1601 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Dress Barn 1403 N. Main St.
Good Guys 2044 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Halloween store 1556 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Small shops 1517-1529 Olympic Blvd.
Thomasville Furniture 1450 N. California Blvd.
Recently opened restaurants, stores and shops
Bartlett Baron men's fashion 1501 N. Broadway
Betsey Johnson store Broadway Plaza
Cole Haan store Broadway Plaza
Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar 1685 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
LaCoste store Broadway Plaza
Le Cheval restaurant 1375 N. Broadway
Maria, Maria La Cantina restaurant 1470 N. Broadway
Saxby's coffee shop 1630 N. Main St.
WineStyles store 1532 Locust St.
Yosh for Hair salon 1255 S. Main St.
Restaurants, stores and shops in the works
1515 restaurant 1515 N. Main St.
Balsam Hill Christmas Tree Co. Broadway Plaza
Bare Escentuals Broadway Plaza
Counter Burger The Mercer, 1655 N. California Blvd.
Eleve Vietnamese restaurant 1677 N. Main St.
Lululemon Athletica store 1530 Olympic Blvd.
Starbuck's coffee The Mercer, 1655 N. California Blvd.
Terra Mar restaurant 1610-1620 N. Main St.
Urban Outfitters store 1530 Olympic Blvd.
Tumi store Broadway Plaza
Stores closing/closed or vacant space
Andcronico's Plaza Escuela, 1181 Locust St.
Bombay Co. Olympia Place, 1601 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Dress Barn 1403 N. Main St.
Good Guys 2044 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Halloween store 1556 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Small shops 1517-1529 Olympic Blvd.
Thomasville Furniture 1450 N. California Blvd.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Almond Lofts - Design Review Commission Info
The City of Walnut Creek has posted the agenda for their upcoming meeting on Wednesday, December 5. The fourth item under the 'Public Hearing' section is the proposed Almond Loft Project.
An 18-page detailed summary of the project can be reviewed by clicking here.
You can also review the arborist report and detailed drawings, including floorplans, by clicking here.
An 18-page detailed summary of the project can be reviewed by clicking here.
You can also review the arborist report and detailed drawings, including floorplans, by clicking here.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Almond Lofts - Neighborhood Development
Per city requirements, public notices have been posted in the area immediately surrounding the 1/2 acre lot on the corner of Almond Avenue and Oakland Boulevard. The project before the design review commission, next Wednesday, December 5, is called 'Almond Lofts', a 12-unit (3 building) attached unit loft-style project that would front Oakland Boulevard.
The owner/developer is Galen Grant, a local architect from Danville. He held a neighborhood meeting last year in which several of us attended and voiced opinions (both pro and con) on the project. I understand that our feedback has resulted in some design change. However, the city has not yet posted the agenda nor the plan details on their website. Once these are posted, I will make sure to include a link to this blog.
Here is the rub... the 1/2 acre parcel actually consists of two lots; 1 'sliver-size' lot on Oakland Blvd and a much larger piece that fronts Oakland, but also borders Almond.
The zoning on on the larger lot is M-1, meaning 'Multi-Family' 1 unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area. This typically allows larger, denser, higher development - similar to other Oakland Avenue buildings. The larger lot is zoned D-3 (same as Almond-Shuey neighborhood), meaning 'Duplex-Residential' with specific area lot requirements for number of units, area, width, setbacks, etc.
For this project to fly, the developer would need the city to allow him to sort of 'blend' the zoning of these to lots and allow him to build a denser project on the larger (Oakland-Almond) lot. There are legitimate arguments on both sides of this.
Stay tuned!
The owner/developer is Galen Grant, a local architect from Danville. He held a neighborhood meeting last year in which several of us attended and voiced opinions (both pro and con) on the project. I understand that our feedback has resulted in some design change. However, the city has not yet posted the agenda nor the plan details on their website. Once these are posted, I will make sure to include a link to this blog.
Here is the rub... the 1/2 acre parcel actually consists of two lots; 1 'sliver-size' lot on Oakland Blvd and a much larger piece that fronts Oakland, but also borders Almond.
The zoning on on the larger lot is M-1, meaning 'Multi-Family' 1 unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area. This typically allows larger, denser, higher development - similar to other Oakland Avenue buildings. The larger lot is zoned D-3 (same as Almond-Shuey neighborhood), meaning 'Duplex-Residential' with specific area lot requirements for number of units, area, width, setbacks, etc.
For this project to fly, the developer would need the city to allow him to sort of 'blend' the zoning of these to lots and allow him to build a denser project on the larger (Oakland-Almond) lot. There are legitimate arguments on both sides of this.
Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Christmas for Everyone
Once again, the holidays are upon us. It's that time of year when we unpack our boxes of decorations, dust off the holiday CDs, decorate the house with lights and dread venturing downtown to brave the crowds.
This is also the time when we are inundated with requests for donations to charities. I wanted to bring to your attention a very worthwhile organization that I have been a part of for the past 6 years.
For 23 years, Christmas for Everyone has provided Christmas Day services (Food, Clothing, Gifts & Household items) to the working poor, homeless and lonely seniors in Contra Costa County. Last year, we provided services to over 2,700 people!
Personally, this will be Wendy's and my 6th year involved with this worthwhile charity. Wendy is responsible for leading the volunteer recruitment effort and I am responsible for the kitchen output (did I mention 2,700 people?!?) on Christmas Day.
I was personally introduced to this organization through a colleague and after serving my first Christmas and seeing the need, along with the heartfelt warmth and appreciation of the less-fortunate in our own backyard, can tell you that this is where I will be on Christmas for as long as they continue to operate.
The services are provided at The Full Gospel Church 2120 Olivera Road (off Hwy 242) in Concord. Each year, we begin to set up the church in the 1st week of December (Dec 6 this year). We receive donations of gently used clothing, gifts, money & other household items. Volunteers who come and go according to their schedule help us sort and display the items that will be given away on Christmas morning.
If anyone in our neighborhood is interested in participating in this event, please send Wendy an email and we will schedule you. If you are interested in donating either money or items of gently used clothing, toys or household items, please visit the CFE website for dropoff hours and information.
Have a warm and safe Thanksgiving!
This is also the time when we are inundated with requests for donations to charities. I wanted to bring to your attention a very worthwhile organization that I have been a part of for the past 6 years.
For 23 years, Christmas for Everyone has provided Christmas Day services (Food, Clothing, Gifts & Household items) to the working poor, homeless and lonely seniors in Contra Costa County. Last year, we provided services to over 2,700 people!
Personally, this will be Wendy's and my 6th year involved with this worthwhile charity. Wendy is responsible for leading the volunteer recruitment effort and I am responsible for the kitchen output (did I mention 2,700 people?!?) on Christmas Day.
I was personally introduced to this organization through a colleague and after serving my first Christmas and seeing the need, along with the heartfelt warmth and appreciation of the less-fortunate in our own backyard, can tell you that this is where I will be on Christmas for as long as they continue to operate.
The services are provided at The Full Gospel Church 2120 Olivera Road (off Hwy 242) in Concord. Each year, we begin to set up the church in the 1st week of December (Dec 6 this year). We receive donations of gently used clothing, gifts, money & other household items. Volunteers who come and go according to their schedule help us sort and display the items that will be given away on Christmas morning.
If anyone in our neighborhood is interested in participating in this event, please send Wendy an email and we will schedule you. If you are interested in donating either money or items of gently used clothing, toys or household items, please visit the CFE website for dropoff hours and information.
Have a warm and safe Thanksgiving!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Some Shuey History
This past week, I joined 30,000 real estate professionals who attended the National Association of Realtors® conference in Las Vegas. As the largest trade organization in the United States gathered to celebrate its 100th anniversary, I thought it would be fitting to reflect on some of our own history right here in Almond-Shuey.
Homer Stow Shuey appeared in Walnut Creek at the right moment with the right idea. Born in Quincy, Illinois, on August 7, 1840, Shuey was one of eight children of John Shuey. Shuey came to Walnut Creek in the mid-1860's and opened a general Merchandise store with his brother Malcolm. In 1868, her married Genevra Doughherty of Lafayette.
One year after his marriage Homer bought fifty-seven acres from Hiram Penniman of what was to become the downtown business district of Walnut Creek. Shuey filed a subdivision map in 1876 and began selling off his lots. He followed a year later with a larger subdivision, establishing the street pattern of the present day Walnut Creek.
When Shuey filed these subdivision maps, street names were different than they are now. Cypress was called "China" and Locust was named "School". Main street was desginated "Pacheco" and California appeared as "Granger". Well in to the 1930's, Mt. Diablo Boulevard was called Lafayette Road.
On Shuey's maps, his lots are fifty feet wide and 140 feet deep. One of the early buyers, Ah Lo, the village laundryman, bought a 25-foot piece fronting on Main Street and he paid thirty-five dollars.
(Information and photos courtesy of the Walnut Creek Historical Society)
Homer Stow Shuey appeared in Walnut Creek at the right moment with the right idea. Born in Quincy, Illinois, on August 7, 1840, Shuey was one of eight children of John Shuey. Shuey came to Walnut Creek in the mid-1860's and opened a general Merchandise store with his brother Malcolm. In 1868, her married Genevra Doughherty of Lafayette.
One year after his marriage Homer bought fifty-seven acres from Hiram Penniman of what was to become the downtown business district of Walnut Creek. Shuey filed a subdivision map in 1876 and began selling off his lots. He followed a year later with a larger subdivision, establishing the street pattern of the present day Walnut Creek.
When Shuey filed these subdivision maps, street names were different than they are now. Cypress was called "China" and Locust was named "School". Main street was desginated "Pacheco" and California appeared as "Granger". Well in to the 1930's, Mt. Diablo Boulevard was called Lafayette Road.
On Shuey's maps, his lots are fifty feet wide and 140 feet deep. One of the early buyers, Ah Lo, the village laundryman, bought a 25-foot piece fronting on Main Street and he paid thirty-five dollars.
(Information and photos courtesy of the Walnut Creek Historical Society)
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Stop Signs needed at Almond Ave and Oakland Blvd (Submitted By Tom O'Brien)
My friend Tom O'Brien (Shuey Avenue resident and fellow neighborhood watchdog) posted the following entry on his website and asked if I would make it available to this blog;
In August of 2008, I sent these photos in an email to Jim Haggerty, Traffic Technician with the Public Services Department for the City of Walnut Creek. I asked the City to consider installing stop signs on Oakland Blvd at the intersection with Almond Avenue. I noted that during the week, the parked cars of BART commuters line Oakland Blvd, blocking sight lines in both directions. Fast moving through traffic and the extremely limited visibility makes it really dangerous for residents of the Almond/Shuey neighborhood to pull out onto Oakland Blvd - especially when attempting to make a left turn.
In response, Mr. Haggerty did agree to paint the southeast curb red - so now no one can park where the black truck appears in the left-hand photo. However, the City's basic attitude is that until accidents happen, they don't feel obligated to do any more. So we get to go on playing Russian Roulette as we try to pull out onto Oakland Blvd. Perhaps other residents would care to tell the City what they think. In the meantime, make sure that your auto insurance is paid up.
From: "Jim Haggerty" <Haggerty@walnut-creek.org>
Subject: All-way stops
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2007 12:22:05 -0700
Mr. O'Brien, after a careful review of the intersection of Oakland Boulevard and Almond Avenue, I wont be able to recommend the installation of all-way stops at this location. Intersections must meet state warrants or criteria, primarily volume and collisions, before all-way stops can be installed. Oakland Boulevard and Almond Avenue would not meet those criteria. However, I am writing a Traffic Order to have the curb on the southeast corner painted red to prevent vehicles parking there. This will improve sight distance. Thank you for taking the time to bring this to my attention. I can be reached at (925) 256-3529 X249.
Jim Haggerty
Traffic Technician
City of Walnut Creek
Monday, November 12, 2007
Property Value and Information
Information is power. Have you ever wondered how your home and neighborhood stack up? What is your home's current estimated value? What is the Median Value of homes in our area? Population density per square mile? Median Household Income? Unemployment Rate? Projected Job Growth? How about building permits issued? Quality of Life issues like Air & Water Quality? Average Commute Times?
You can find all this information and more (maps, photos & satellite images) on CyberHomes. This free service allows you to access information on over 100,000,000 properties across the US. Click on the CyberHomes link and enter your address. You will be amazed at the amount of information that is made available.
One caveat about these sites, particularly when they claim to give you an estimate of property value is that the information is solely derived from county records. The algorithm used to determine value only consider recent sales with no consideration of the details of your particular property (improvements, location, etc). There is no substitute for a value opinion from a real estate professional. It's still fun and interesting to look at.... Enjoy!
You can find all this information and more (maps, photos & satellite images) on CyberHomes. This free service allows you to access information on over 100,000,000 properties across the US. Click on the CyberHomes link and enter your address. You will be amazed at the amount of information that is made available.
One caveat about these sites, particularly when they claim to give you an estimate of property value is that the information is solely derived from county records. The algorithm used to determine value only consider recent sales with no consideration of the details of your particular property (improvements, location, etc). There is no substitute for a value opinion from a real estate professional. It's still fun and interesting to look at.... Enjoy!
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