Spring is one of the most magical times to be outside in Harbor Bay. The weather softens, gardens wake up, neighbors reappear, and every walk seems to come with a view. But in Alameda, spring is also a sensitive season for wildlife, shoreline habitat, and the Bay itself. Living here means enjoying a beautiful setting and respecting the rhythms that come with it. Around Harbor Bay, that starts with remembering that we’re not the only ones using the outdoors this time of year. That’s part of what makes living here so special. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the outside while helping protect the very landscape and wildlife that make Harbor Bay feel like a sanctuary. Nests, Not

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month A surprising amount of what makes Harbor Bay Isle feel like Harbor Bay Isle — the well-run committees, the small details that keep this 917-acre community humming — doesn’t happen because of staff alone. It happens because residents like you roll up their sleeves and pitch in. April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the people who make that possible. Volunteers Are Everywhere (Even When You Don’t Notice) Our volunteers are the ones behind the scenes, serving on committees and boards, guiding decisions that shape the neighborhood, and generally keeping things moving in the right direction. Their work doesn’t always come with fanfare — no parade, no

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