A practical, hyperlocal playbook for Harbor Bay residents In Alameda, home value isn’t just about square footage and comps. It’s about how well a home weathers foggy mornings, salty air, and winter rain. It’s also about the neighborhood. When a community stays cohesive and cared for, every homeowner benefits.

Lunar New Year (also called Spring Festival) is one of the most widely celebrated holidays on the planet. It’s observed across many cultures including Chinese, Vietnamese (Tết), Korean (Seollal), and more, each with its own traditions, foods, and celebrations. Lunar New Year begins (with the second new moon after the Winter Solstice), which this year is February 17, launching the Year of the Fire (or Red) Horse. What Is the Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year is about renewal. Cleaning house (literally and figuratively), gathering with family and friends, honoring elders, and stepping into the new year with intention are the most common ways to celebrate. You’ll also see an abundance of red because it’s associated with good fortune and joy. Celebrations

Winter rain is great for thirsty soil, happy trees, and that gorgeous greenery. But it’s also the time when mushrooms pop up overnight. In Alameda (and the wider Bay Area), a few of those mushrooms are not just “don’t touch” dangerous, but genuinely life-threatening for people and pets. California health officials have reported a major spike in severe poisonings tied to wild mushrooms this season, including deaths and liver transplants. If you’re new to the area, a dog-walker, a backyard cat household, or you have curious kids who love the wonders of the outdoors, this is an important heads-up. Why You’re Seeing More Mushrooms Right Now Many toxic mushrooms thrive in moist, shady environments, especially where tree roots hold moisture. In the East