The Voice of East Bay Living

Every year Berkeley Rotary dedicates a redwood tree in the International Peace Grove at Inspiration Point to a person or organization for their efforts to achieve world peace. The  grove was established on the site of the former Nike missile location for the defense of the Bay Area. In 1955, the Grove was given to Berkeley Rotary and 100 redwood trees were planted. This year the award was given to George Mitchell who worked tirelessly to establish peace in Northern Ireland and the Middle East.  The celebration was an Irish theme complete with Irish stew and fiddlers. Be sure and take a hike to the grove.  Want to learn more about the Berkeley Rotary and how you can be involved? Email Sheila at ssabine@grubbco.com

Here are a few details from the 2015 San Francisco Decorator Showcase . This year, the showcase was held at the Julia Morgan designed mansion at 3630 Jackson St. in Pacific Heights. Some of the best designers in San Francisco decorate every room of this 10,000 room residence. All proceeds from this event benefit the Financial Aid Program of San Francisco University High School .

Just a short skip and a jump over the ocean is Hawaii. I recent recently visited the vibrant city of Honolulu located on the island of Owahu. 20% of the population is Caucasian and the majority of the population are native Hawaiians as well as Asians from all over the world. It is a melting pot of cultures.  There are over 100  beaches that surround Honolulu, more than almost any other city in the world.The combination of natural beauty and diverse cultures make it a really terrific city.  The soft Island winds and the gentle tropical climate will give you the relaxation you have been craving. T he word Mahalo is used frequently by  the Hawaiians which means thank you  and I respect you.

A Wonderful opportunity awaits you at Loot Antiques located at 5391 College Ave. across the street from  the Rockridge Library.   Ron Morgan , owner and floral designer par excellence, offers Monday morning flower design classes. Ron is considered one of the very best floral designers in the country and has dazzled lecture and garden club audiences for over twenty years.  To watch him assemble an  assortment  of lovely flowers in fabulous containers is a true feast of beauty for the eyes.  

Piedmont has many exquisite homes including the estate at 150 Requa Road in Piedmont listed for $7,400,000! This lovely home was designed by Noble Newsom and exhibits his wonderful style - large rooms, broad stairways, door-sized windows opening to arcaded verandas, wrought iron gates, and details such as floor buttons to call the butler. Beauty at every turn.

I recently attended an exciting event at the Oakland Cathedral . This wonderful building was completed in 2008 - a marvelous structure across from  Lake  Merritt , costing  over $175 million dollars to construct and is famous for its unique architecture. The Oakland Cathedral hosts a monthly event, Twilight by the Lake, offering free mixers, complimentary appetizers and live music on its spacious deck overlooking the Lake. This month's feautured musicians are the Mik Nawooj Ensemble with an eight  piece chamber orchestra-flute, cello, clarinet, violin, deep funk drums, an opera singer and three rap artists. Twilight by the Lake is every 3rd Thursday of the month  from 5-7:30  - a triple thumbs up event for the entire family.