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.

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