By late summer, even the most carefully maintained yard can look a little tired. Lawns lose some of their enthusiasm, flowering plants seem to be unable to keep up with the growing obsession with pumpkin spice everything, and everyone’s busy with back-to-school activities/traffic. With the kids back in school and summer vacations a mere memory, August is a great time to give your yard some attention, correct small problems, and prepare plants for the transition into fall, and the rainy season beyond. Check Your Irrigation When plants begin to droop or develop brown edges, the natural response is often to water more. But the problem may not be the amount of water but how the water is being delivered. Turn

If you’re old enough to remember the TV show Bewitched, you probably remember the nosy neighbor Mrs. Kravitz. She was always spying on her neighbor from behind her curtain. While her character provided a lot of comic relief and was chided by her husband for doing so, the “Mrs. Kravitz” of the world can turn out to be a valuable community asset. You can’t build that kind of vigilance with brick, concrete, or even pretty landscaping. We’re not suggesting you should carry binoculars with you everywhere you go, but it is handy when neighbors notice when a package has been sitting on a porch for days, or when a neighbor usually walks their dog, or when the garage door has

Before you get excited about your next home improvement—a new kitchen, a better driveway, a snazzy new roof, or maybe the outdoor space you’ve been imagining for years—know that while you’re getting a new space, your neighbors, however, get the noise, the trucks, and the dust. They’re also undoubtedly asking the daily question of “How long is this going to last?” That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t improve your home. Strong neighborhoods are made up of people who take care of their properties, invest in their homes, and keep the community looking good. But a little thoughtfulness before the work begins can make a big difference in how your project is perceived by the people around you. Plus, with many people

On November 30, 2025 Simon Kim made the heartfelt decision to retire and close the 76 Service Station after serving the Community of Harbor Bay for 41 years. The decision was unrelated the the Harbor Bay Landing development project, but was instead prompted by a California mandate that underground fuel tanks have two protective shells to prevent soil or groundwater contamination. Harbor Bay’s 76 Station no longer meets the requirements of state law and Kim couldn’t afford to pay $2 million to replace them by January 1st, when the mandate went into effect. Read More Below: The Gulls Call – Jan/Feb/Mar 2026 SF Chronicle – Has a gas station near you closed? This California law may be why (published Jan

Summer is a season for road trips, amusement parks, beach visits, and taking it easy. But while you’re taking a break, identity thieves aren’t. And they know that when routines change, security habits often slip. Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information, such as your Social Security number, bank information, credit card number, or online login, without your permission. While no one can prevent it completely because data breaches and scams are now part of modern life’s charming tech tradeoffs, but you can make yourself a much harder target. And why would thieves go hard when there are so many easy opportunities for the taking? 9 Ways to Minimize the Potential for Identity Theft Start with your mail.

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