Pacifica Gardens is an urban agricultural project spanning 30,000 square feet located on an abandoned soccer field at Linda Mar High School in Pacifica.  This project of Pacifica’s Environmental Family, is a non-profit organization with a goal to “increase environmental awareness in the community and in the schools” with a mission of: Educate, Cultivate and Inspire.  There always seems to be something new and exciting taking place at the gardens from workshops to new plants or volunteer opportunities.  Current projects that are taking place are culinary and medicinal herbs, biointensive food gardens, native plants, food donation programs, adult composting workshops and much more!

This outstanding community organization exists because of the help from volunteers and local supporters!  Each Saturday, volunteers are welcome to drop by the gardens to help out!  You can stay all day or just help out for an hour, with any volunteer work being greatly appreciated.  There are opportunities to serve the community on a regular basis by being a part of one of the watering teams or the building team, there are also crews who enjoy native plants, harvesting, planting or picking.  There are a number of ways to get involved!

The next Composting Workshop will be Sunday, September 12 from 2-4pm and is free to attend! Check out the Pacifica Gardens website for more information.  The Pacifica community is a town in which the environment and personal growth are of upmost importance and it spills out into everything the residents do!  If being a part of this great area is something you’re looking into; let us know!  We’d be happy to show you around Pacifica and answer any questions you may have regarding Pacifica Real Estate.  Let us help you find your dream home in Pacifica!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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Walking Tours are often conducted in the cities along the coast and allow people to walk through the city while hearing about the history and all that’s currently going on in the area!  Not only do you get to enjoy being outdoors, but you’ll get a better sense of each coastal city.  There are a few taking place this weekend that we encourage you to check out!

San Mateo Walking Tour
Saturday, August 14 at 2pm
Call 650-299-0104 for more information

Tour historic downtown San Mateo with expert Dr. Al Acena.  You’ll learn about the rich history and character behind this charming city while walking through the quaint streets of downtown.

El Granada Walking Tour
Sunday, August 15 at 2pm
Tour begins at the old Ocean Shore Railroad Station
10151 Cabrillo Highway
Call 650-726-4416

The tour will begin with a short introduction of the landscape architect Daniel Burnham.  His Burnham Plan Map will start the tour.  “Reaches the Beaches” was the advertising slogan of the old Ocean Shore Railroad and includes some of the arc shaped streets of El Granada.  This walk will pass a some of the older craftsman style homes, the former Granada Hotel, the tree-lined boulevards and beautiful views of the ocean- you won’t want to miss it!

If, however, you know all about these great cities and are looking for something else to do, we have a few other options up our sleeves!  We know it’s a little foggy and cooler along the coast, so taking a trip to a nearby farm or getting in on a few local classes that are offered may be just the thing you’re looking for!  Here are a few of our favorite options:

Harley Farms
205 North Street, Pescadero
harleyfarms.com

This local goat and dairy farm is great for kids and adults alike!  Tour the farm and meet the Harley goats that are responsible to the cheeses and products sold in the farms’ shop! Visitors take a two-hour, hands-on tour, following the milk from goat to dairy, from curd to cheese. Bring farm-ready footwear and an appetite for cheese!  Check out their website for more information- spots for the tours fill up quickly!

Half Moon Bay Recreational Department
Ted Adcock Community Center
535 Kelly Avenue, Half Moon Bay
hmbcity.com

The Half Moon Bay Recreation Department is just finishing up its summer session of classes at the end of this month, but there is still a chance to get in on some of the fun!  From sailing to photography and from painting to soccer, there are a wide variety of classes offered that are sure to fit your interests!  The fall class lineup should be coming out soon, but if you’re looking for something to do now, check out the online guide!  There are so many to choose from, we can’t list them all out here, but wanted to let you know that Half Moon Bay has so much to offer for residents and even visitors!

Open Ocean Surfing
openoceansurfing.com
For More Information about camps call David Alexander at Open Ocean: (650) 867-0315

Week long surfing camps are held throughout the summer on Half Moon Bay’s beaches and there are still a few weeks left in August to join in on riding the waves!  Each camp runs Monday-Friday from 10am to 2pm and is open to all ages! The camps will give you plenty of time to learn the basics, while emphasizing the importance of Ocean Safety and Surfing Etiquette in a safe,  fun and friendly environment!  Surf Boards and boogie boards are supplied, while wetsuits are available to rent at local surf shops. Each camp session concludes on Friday afternoons with a Barbecue Lunch for all campers!!

We hope you take advantage of these “green” ways to enjoy the sites and sounds, along with the history of the San Mateo Coastal cities on the walking tours!  Or that you’re able to enjoy the other opportunities to visit local farms or even take a few classes or surfing lessons in Half Moon Bay!  If you are hoping to find a home in any of these great areas; please let us know!  We love helping buyers find the home of their dreams that matches their style and needs.  If we can help you in any way- please let us know!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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About 100 yards from the top of the Saddle we found a path off to the left.  We decided to take it.  Another adventure that took us down a newly cut dirt path that went rapidly downhill.  Thank goodness we had our trekking poles and didn’t have to slide down the dozen step embankments on our butts.  Just when we wondered where we would come out and how far away this would be from the trailhead, we noticed familiar vegetation.  We found ourselves walking parallel to the trail and came out just before the one and only bench.  We had noticed a little path on our way up and this turned out to be it.  Hooray!  We were less than 10 minutes from our car.  A wonderful adventure and shortcut that we will take again.  However, with the very steep downhill switchbacks, we won’t be trying this in the opposite direction on our way up.

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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Below is a list of San Mateo’s Farmer’s Markets, and with their various schedules; you could buy fresh each day of the week!

25th Avenue Farmers’ Market in San Mateo
Tuesday- 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
May 11, 2010 to October 19, 2010

Belmont Farmers’ Market
Sunday- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Year-round

Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Farmers’ Market
Wednesday- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
April 21, 2010 to September 29, 2010

Kaiser South San Francisco Farmers’ Market
Tuesday- 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
May 4, 2010 to September 28, 2010

San Bruno Farmers’ Market
Sunday- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
May 2, 2010 to October 31, 2010

San Carlos Farmers’ Market
Thursday- 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
May 6, 2010 to September 9, 2010

San Mateo Farmers’ Market
Wednesday- & Saturday- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Year-round

South San Francisco Farmers’ Market
Saturday- 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
May 8, 2010 to October 30, 2010

Be sure to check out each market for any events they may have! Many offer classes on organic food or cooking as well as special guests for live music. This is just one more reason to make the San Mateo Coastal area your permanent home! If you are already enjoying the lifestyle that San Mateo has to offer, but are hoping to find your dream home- please let us know. We enjoy helping people find the home that best suites their needs and style. Contact us today- we look forward to hearing from you!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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Beginning today, you can head to the library to learn about Composting or view Disney’s Documentary Film:  Earth.  Tomorrow and Thursday, you will find information on “green” food, solar energy, smart cars and sustainable energy- to name a few!  This is a great way for anyone from adults to children to learn how to make not only San Mateo, but our whole earth a better place to live!

The San Mateo Coast is very in tune with how we are to care for our surroundings and finds that “green” living is a part of our culture.  With natural beauty from every angle, it’s no wonder why San Mateo is a desirable place to call home!  Throughout the year, our coastline communities provide a variety of ways to stay in touch with the environment while building “green” into our daily lifestyles. Why not visit the stunning coastline of San Mateo?  You may be temped to stay, and if you are, we can help you in your San Mateo home search!  We look forward to showing you around!

For more information on the San Mateo Public Library’s Earth Day events, click here.

We hope you enjoy our earth on this special day!

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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The San Mateo Coast climate is ideal for gardening and this works in our favor as we consider the use of medicinal herbs.  If you’re not familiar with the herbs and their uses, there is a class, Herbal Basics of Herbal Garden Medicine, taking place on Sunday, March 21 at Pacifica Gardens.

This class, taught by Dina Ayala, will cover infusions, decoctions and herbal teas.  Learn which herb can cure your ailments such as stress and insomnia! The medicine you need can be grown right in your own backyard and this class will help show you how.   You will also be able to taste some of the herbal remedies and learn how to make a few of them.  Learn more here.

It’s important that we take of the environment around us and our health, and this is a natural way to do both!  One of the things we enjoy about living in the San Mateo Coastal area is being presented with opportunities such as this year round.  If you are interested in learning more about this great area or have any questions, please let us know!  We’d be happy to help you in any way we can.

Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts

San Mateo Coastal Real Estate
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We took the Great Hwy (this is Hwy.1) and drove north to the parking lot just past the Cliff House Restaurant. Here is where the old Sutro Baths and it’s ruins are located.

These baths were one of the many highlights of San Francisco. The Land’s End Trail and several other trail offshoots make for a wonderful hike with excellent views. The trail ended at the famous Sea Cliff district of mansions where we took surface streets back to our car. Along the way we passed the famous 17th hole at Lincoln Park Golf Course with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Legion of Honor Museum at this end of Golden Gate Park.

Below is what Wikipedia has to say about the Sutro Baths:

Opened to the public as the world’s largest indoor swimming pool establishment. The Baths were built on the sleepy western side of San Francisco by wealthy entrepreneur and former mayor of San Francisco (1894-1896), Adolph Sutro. The vast glass, iron, wood, and reinforced concrete structure was mostly hidden, and filled a small beach inlet below the Cliff House which was also owned by Adolph Sutro at the time. Both the Cliff House and the former Baths site are now a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and operated by the United States National Park Service.

A visitor to the Baths not only had a choice of 7 different swimming pools—one fresh water and six salt water baths ranging in temperatures—but could visit a museum displaying Sutro’s large and varied personal collection of artifacts from his travels, a concert hall, seating for 8,000, and, at one time, an ice skating rink. During high tides, water would flow directly into the pools from the nearby ocean, recycling the 2 million US gallons (7,600 m³) of water in about an hour. During low tides, a powerful turbine water pump, built inside a cave at sea level, could be switched on from a control room and could fill the tanks at a rate of 6,000 US gallons a minute (380 L/s), recycling all the water in five hours.

The baths were once serviced by a rail line, the Ferries and Cliff House Railroad, which ran along the cliffs of Lands End overlooking the Golden Gate. The route ran from the baths to a terminal at California Street and Central Avenue (now Presidio Avenue). The line was filmed in 1902 by Thomas Edison, Inc., available from the Library of Congress online.[2]

The baths struggled for years, mostly due to the very high operating and maintenance costs, and eventually closed. A fire destroyed the building in 1966 shortly after, while in the process of being demolished. All that remains of the site are concrete walls, blocked off stairs and passageways, and a tunnel with a deep crevice in the middle. The Sutro Bath ruins are open to the public, but a warning sign advises strict caution, as visitors have been swept off by large waves and drowned at the site.

Currently, visitors coming to the Sutro Baths from the above parking lot are presented with a sign that describes the history of Sutro Baths starting from its construction and glamorous opening to the public in 1896. Another sign describes the later years of the site’s history up until its demolition and complete destruction by fire in 1966. As one walks up out of the ruins toward the historic Cliff House, home to two full service restaurants: “Sutro’s at the Cliff House” and “The Bistro”, as well as the “Terrace Room”, a private Dining/reception room, one can find other pictures, paintings, and relics from the golden age of Sutro Baths’ functional operation.

Seal Rock is just offshore from the bath ruins.

BTW, the view is great from the restaurant. A good place to stop for lunch/dinner or a drink. After taking this hike, you can see that one of the treasures of the Bay Area is Golden Gate Park. You could walk many paths for short or long hikes all close to our coastal communities with the bonus of being able to pick a great place to get a bite to eat in the City.

Hiking Sutro Baths and Golden Gate Bridge Views from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

San Bruno Mountain, situated in northern San Mateo County, California, is the northernmost part of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Most of the mountain lies within the 2,326 acre (9.41 km²) San Bruno Mountain State Park, which is a landmark of local and regional significance as well as a county park, standing as a unique open-space island in the midst of the San Francisco Peninsula’s urbanization. It is adjacent to the southern boundary of San Francisco, surrounded by the cities of South San Francisco, Daly City, Colma, and Brisbane.

San Bruno Mountain is topped by a four mile long ridge. Trails to the summit afford expansive views of the San Francisco Bay Area. Radio Peak (elevation 1,314 feet or 400.5 meters) is the highest point, hosting several radio broadcast towers and NBC’s KNTV Television, serving a huge area that would otherwise have poor service in the topographically complex Bay Area region.

The mountain provides habitat for several species of rare and endangered plants and butterflies. The endangered San Bruno elfin butterfly inhabits this mountain along with certain other limited locations.

Usually it is really windy and brisk on this mountain. You can see the burned brush from last year’s fires that start up quickly on this dry hill. Not a place to hike in the Summer. As this was a warm Spring day, we got the best of the wildflowers and spotted a few butterflies. The poison oak was in full force but had yet to spread over the trails. We hiked the Summit Loop and then went out to the Peak. At this point we were as far East as we could go and were looking “back” at the City to the North and the Airport to the South. At one point we could see both the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The views were magnificent. We ended up hiking close to 9 miles roundtrip. The paths and grades were moderate. Remember that we always hike with our Black Diamond Trekking Poles and without them, you might find the hike a bit more strenuous. A memorable hike that we will want to do again next Spring.

San Bruno Mountain Summit Loop Hike from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Sunrise Painting has painted many homes as well as noted commercial establishments on the coast. Check their website at www.sunrisepaintinginc.com for a Free estimate.

When you’re finished in the garden department, be sure to check out the LED lighting. Just by changing your bulbs, you can conserve energy and save money. Some of the bulbs bring a natural daylight into your rooms which simulates having a new skylight for just pennies.

Oceanshore Hardware, Half Moon Bay, CA from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Solar Universe from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Final Footprint from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

When Suzanne Emerson comes to your home, her services will include evaluating the efficiency of your appliances, lighting, heating and hot water systems, and areas that need to be sealed and/or insulated. Using a “Blower Door” which depressurizes your home, she identifies areas where you are loosing warm air and letting in cold and often toxic air. You then receive a detailed extensive report with measures you can take by doing projects yourself, or by hiring a handyman or contractor for major improvements.

BTW, Suzanne does go where usually only men will venture. She puts on her very glamorous coveralls, goggles, headlamp and face mask to crawl under the house and in the attic. She does bring her camera so you can see what she finds which often includes wildlife and other critters.

Go to www.emersonenvironmental.com for examples of problems and an education on energy, water and conservation. You can reach Emerson Environmental at 650-281-9805 to find out how to reduce the cost of your energy bills.

Emerson Environmental from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

So what is a Goddess doing in a dumpster? “To educate, inform and show the world a new way to approach recycling using recyclized products and reuse as a worthwhile unique design style for interiors.” What a great mission!

As an award winning Interior Designer, Carol Tanzi, The Goddess of Garbage, creates recycled items that are beautiful. You won’t find The Goddess turning junk into fancy junk. The creations made by the Goddess will be hard to identify as junk, garbage, recyclables or anything other than the beautiful accessories that can be showcased in any home.

Check the many items that you can get started with today by going to www.goddessofgarbage.com

The Goddess of Garbage from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

When you go by the showroom, you will find American Clay and Tobias Stucco made of natural materials.  All of the products in the showroom are chemical free for use in your home.   You won’t want to miss the beautiful counter top materials, recycled glass tiles, flooring materials, gifts, fireplace alternatives, and chemical free line of custom paints and supplies.

A unique business with a knowledgeable staff, Green Intention Design can be contacted at www.greenintentiondesign.com.

Green Intention Design from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Greening projects are often an afterthought. It is easier and most effective to “Green by Design”. No matter how green your design, without a Green Contractor to implement, you can find a traditional contractor falling back on their old, non-green ways. Think about deconstruction in your project. Deconstruction is not only costly to you but to the environment by putting products into landfills that take a long time, if ever, to decompose. Harrell Remodeling removes materials in a way that doesn’t destroy them in the process. They identify the things that can be reused in your project and route salvageable items that can not be reused to a company that will treat them in a use-able product. An example of this is the often leftover small pieces of wood that get thrown away. Instead, these pieces would be crunched for use in composts and ground cover. Even metals in electric and plumbing waste can be melted down and recycled.

Green doesn’t mean unattractive. You’ll see quite the contrary when you got to www.harrell-remodeling.com and find out how beautiful green can be.

Harrell Remodeling from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Teaching how to create “Healthy, Hi-Vitality Homes with a Heart” is the impetus for this wonderful educator and her company. Physical psychology/bio-philia is how people relate to their spaces on an unconscious and sub-conscious level. Designing, remodeling and decorating will benefit from having this awareness and will result in a space that is more appealing both visually and emotionally.

Linda Lenore has been an interior designer for 45 years and has incorporated the art of Feng Shui in her business for the past 25 years. In 2002 Linda acquired the unique honor as one of three non-Asian Feng Shui Masters. A Feng Shui Master has the highest percentage of results as they have had to master a dozen different schools of Feng Shui. Adding to these credentials including 15 years of Sustainable Green Design, Linda is the only US Feng Shui Master also certified in Green Building Design.

Busily teaching ASID continuing education classes and working with Fortune 500 companies, Linda’s personal goal is helping people create spaces where they can thrive and promote health, energy and prosperity.  Contact Linda at www.lindalenore.com.

Green Chi Design from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Brothers Geno and Anthony Caccia are both Accredited Green Plumbers by Green Plumbers USA. This organization started in Australia where drought conditions have required Australian Plumbers to deal with water and plumbing issues in an eco-conscious way. Geno and Anthony have taken over 40 hours of additional classroom courses as well as being graded on the impact and success of implementing these practices with their customers. They are versed in showing homeowners how to save money implementing high efficiency practices and products for water usage. One of their services is a Home Inspection doing a needs analysis of your plumbing systems and ways to make it more energy efficient and cost effective. One year later, they will return to evaluate and measure the dollar savings.

Call to talk to Caccia Plumbing about their green plumbing product lines which include Tank-less Hot Water Heaters, Recirculating Hot Water Systems, High Efficiency Toilets, fixtures with the “Water Sense” rating which is like the “Energy Star” rating for home appliances and County Rebate programs which usually cover the installation cost. You might also want to ask when Caccia Plumbing is hosting the next Homeowner PGE seminar at their company headquarters at 917 Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo. Call and talk to a Caccia family member at James Caccia Plumbing 650-342-5363.

James Caccia Plumbing Company from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

Living “Green” outdoors is more than just using recycled products.  It means looking at the entire space and the land to see how you and your contractor can best help the environment.  Earth Energy Landscaping & Premier Ponds, owned by Marc and Melanie Hellman, works with homeowners to use existing or native materials.   Marc Hellman has taken his passion for beautiful water features and incorporated it with his background in plants and landscaping to become a Certified Aquascape Contractor also serving on their advisory council.  Using permeable pavers in your homes landscape design and creating pond-less waterfalls which can be used with a rainwater harvesting system is one of their unique services.

Marc is the only Bay Area Certified Aquascape Contractor trained to install rainwater harvesting systems and was one of ten contractors in North America who were chosen to install this system at Epcot Center in 2008.  One example, is when installing pavers or a flagstone walkway that is next to a downspout, they will incorporate French drains to help guide rainwater back to the water table or into a storage tank. By using permeable pavers, rainwater is able to drain directly through the pavers, getting filtered on its way back into the water table. Even with moderate amounts of rain, these systems are productive.  A  2,000 sq. ft. roof that receives just 1” of rainwater will yield 1250 gallons of water.  When you figure the amount of rainfall in your area at ten times this amount, you can see how effective this use is for water features, gardens and drip irrigation.  Using rainwater and creating landscapes that are Eco friendly will nurture your environment as well as reduce water costs.  Pond-less waterfalls are perfect for those with children and those that want the ability to turn their water feature on and off.

Earth Energy Landscaping & Premier Ponds from Kathy & Michael Rain on Vimeo.

You can view some of the amazing projects of Earth Energy Landscaping & Premier Ponds at www.earthenergylandscaping.com as well as a complete list of services and their impressive staff.   Call 650-216-6931.

]]> http://www.coastsidelife.com/2009/04/earth-energy-landscaping-premier-ponds-incorporates-rain-water-harvesting-living-green-fair-half-moon-bay-ca/feed/ 3 http://www.coastsidelife.com/2009/04/living-green-fair-what-a-great-blend-of-companies/ http://www.coastsidelife.com/2009/04/living-green-fair-what-a-great-blend-of-companies/#comments Wed, 01 Apr 2009 22:02:01 +0000 Kathy Rain http://www.coastsidelife.com/?p=190 The Living Green Fair held on March 21, 2009 was a great blend of companies. When we think about our home environment, finding ways to upgrade and remodel that are cost effective, energy efficient and non-toxic can often be a challenge. In the next weeks, we will be presenting a series featuring companies that offer this as well as great tips for every homeowner. Be sure to check the daily article and watch the videos. You will learn a lot and find some amazing things you can do to improve your environment while saving money.

Our featured companies are:
Earth Energy Landscaping & Premier Ponds
Green Chi Designs
Solabrite Solar Tubes
Harrell Remodeling
James Caccia Plumbing
Green Intention Design
Solar Universe
Final Footprint
Sunrise Painting
The Goddess of Garbage
Emerson Environmental