Ok, we know it's finally raining in the Bay Area - so where can you go when you want to be outside, and you don't have much time?
Here are three top picks:
1. Mt Diablo State Park
a. enter off Diablo Road, south entrance. Just after the "gate" is a sign on the left with a walking trail called "Dan Cook Trail." Park anywhere nearby, walk up a single-track trail which is usually ok in wet conditions. You will see a stream with a bridge and you can continue to the right all the way to picnic areas near the public road. There are beautiful Oak and Buckeye trees along the way! Distance: as far as you want, but probably under 2 miles gives you the idea!
2. Shell Ridge recreation area
a. enter off the "Sutherland Road" entrance in Walnut Creek. Walk to the right and down a hill to a nice single track trail which winds its way up hills and through Oak trees. At this time of year in the evenings, you will see great horned owls beginning their family cycle. Distance: once you connect up with the Mt Diablo/Briones trail you have walked up and down for about 2 miles. One can either continue to the right on Mt Diablo/Briones, or turn around and go down (left) the same trail, or return roughly to where you began by using the wider Mt Diablo/Briones trail.
3. Pt Reyes National Seashore
a. After driving from Contra Costa County toward "Drake's Estero" (google maps picks it up) - you can find a number of walking trails that will either take you down to the divine Drake's beach, or you can choose the dry boardwalk walkways either at Limantour Beach or Abbott's lagoon. Various migratory birds abound, so be sure to take your parka and your binoculars!
Do you have other ideas? Let me know what your favorite hikes are - and get outside!
Hank
DANVILLE – Kitty Cole and Associates are offering an exclusive training program for Empire Realty Associates. This 10 week course will focus on communication, coaching, and consulting strategies that are necessary components to being a successful real estate agent. The training seminar will begin on October 13, with a maximum of 20 agents in each class.
“We are very excited to have been able to partner with Kitty Cole,” said Hank Perry, President, Empire Realty. “Kitty brings a dynamic training and coaching program to our team that is unlike any other in this area. We are thrilled to have her working with our associates!”
One of Cole’s agents that she coached has said, “Over and over again, Kitty demonstrates the notion that setting goals and defining a plan is the most important cornerstone for success. Kitty’s training begins with your individual business (and personal) objectives. She breaks down the key success factors contributing to our business and systematically coaches her students to optimize each of them. The systems we learn implement with Kitty’s training have will drive my business for years to come.”
Kitty Cole is the Founder and President of Kitty Cole and Associates since 1993. They are a communications consultancy that helps a wide range of individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Kitty conducts training seminars to learn how to better manage your attitudes and behaviors. Some topics discussed in this real estate training seminar are; working on a business portfolio, listing presentations, business development, marketing, conflict resolution, negotiation, plus many more useful topics that will help set goals and ways to achieve them.
For more information please contact Hank Perry at (925) 217-5084 or HPerry@EmpireRA.com.
We are here to help manage your investment, whether you are selling or buying, in a manner that suits your lifestyle, needs & aspirations. For your peace of mind, let us manage your real estate plan.
Empire Realty Associates is a local real estate company with deep roots in our community. Our offices in Danville and Walnut Creek are home to nearly 100 agents, many of whom have worked and lived in the Diablo and Tri-Valleys for over 20 years. Our team of talented and experienced agents are masters of our market and intimately involved in our communities.
Empire Realty is built on a unique shareholder business model. Over one-third of our agents are shareholders, distinguished as partners in the company. All agent associates are invited to participate in leadership roles and to impact the way we do business.
Leadership opportunities at Empire Realty include:
Because Empire Realty Associates was created by and is wholly owned by agents whose licenses are held at Empire Realty, it is a place of career empowerment. We are viewed by our industry as an innovative real estate model where people work together to benefit our clients and our communities.
Our offices specialize in the sales of fine homes throughout the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a luxury home in a fine neighborhood, or looking to get started in a place where you can enjoy the benefit of fine schools and a quality lifestyle, our real estate firm is equipped to handle your needs.
If you are a top sales associate and have reached the limits of your potential at your current firm, please call me for a confidential interview to learn how you might benefit from the type of support and staff which Empire Realty Associates offers its' sales team.
"To me, becoming a partner at Empire Realty meant joining an entrepreneurial, technology-driven organization in which I could grow my business. Owning a piece of this leadership is critical to me. I believe in the roadmap Empire has for the future and look forward to our success ahead."
- Amy Psomas, PARTNER
www.AmyPsomas.com
"As a shareholder and being on the board of directors since the beginning of our company allows me to be a business person to a greater level than simply being a realtor. I know what I do and what others in our company do directly affects the health and prosperity of our company and it give me a great feeling of pride... We are locally owned; we have outstanding staff support; we have a board of directors who listens to our shareholders; we have a fabulous marketing dept who is creative beyond words and who brings the definition of service to a whole new level and we have an environment that is constantly striving to help everyone to the best they possibly can do to be successful in whatever market we are experiencing."
- Dana Weiler, PARTNER
www.DanaWeiler.com
"I came to Empire because I felt there were several points of difference from all the other companies that Empire stand out in the crowd.
Empire is high tech and high touch, both qualities are needed to be successful in today's environment."
- Bob O'Grady, VICE PRESIDENT/BRANCH MANAGER
www.BobOGrady.com
"The professionals of Empire Realty Associates promote an environment of mutual respect and willingness to help one another accomplish each others goals. As a partner I take pride in what we have accomplished from the beginning, we have created our own niche in the local market and developed a leadership that ensures that we are on the cutting edge of technology, while improving skills to become successful."
- Sundy Brocco, PARTNER
www.activerain.com/SBrocco
"I decided to join Empire because I wanted to be involved in a company that is actively pursuing excellence. The management team at Empire has been hugely successful in creating a corporate culture of excellence. I find every agent, every support staff and the management team all seek to perform at a very high level of service in every aspect of the business and each individual transaction. Equally important is the culture of sharing and cooperation - more times than I can count Empire agents have been there to support my listings, problem solve together, and help take my business to the next level."
- Eric Sutherland, BROKER ASSOCIATE
www.ClockTowerTeam.com
"As a founding partner of Empire Realty since 2002, I shared deeply in our common philosophy, culture and goals. We strive to create a dynamic, sophisticated, technologically savvy company, where agents were encouraged, supported, and trained to grow their business and to work in a mutually beneficial and synergistic environment. I believe we have accomplished this and that we have created a high-profile, respected, ethical company...deeply entrenched in family values, with a grass roots mentality. What could be better?"
- Linda Cookson, PARTNER
www.LindaCookson.com
Alamo | Small Town Ambiance & Tranquility
The quiet, unincorporated, enclave of Alamo features a variety of custom homes, sprawling ranchers, contemporary homes and equestrian properties situated on large parcels. Alamo’s quaint downtown area has a variety of privately owned shops and restaurants that exemplify the entrepreneurial culture of this desirable address. Alamo is just minutes away from downtown Walnut Creek with its wonderful shops, restaurants, cultural activities and the BART station for commuting to San Francisco.Central to the community is Round Hill Country Club with its championship golf course, outstanding tennis and swim facilities, and elegant entertainment venues - all surrounded by wonderful homes. The Ironhorse Trail parallels Danville Boulevard the length of Alamo and is a popular jogging and hiking trail running throughout the Diablo & Tri-Valley areas.
Danville | Rustic Living & Rural Atmosphere
Danville is a town that exudes charm and sophistication. The quaint downtown district, once the entertainment center for surrounding farms and ranches, features a country motif and century old buildings. Oak trees are abundant and a majestic 300-year-old oak situated in the middle of Diablo Road greets visitors to the city.
Residential development has grown rapidly in recent years particularly on Danville’s east side, combining handsome ranch style homes, two story traditional homes, as well as contemporary home, custom estate, town home neighborhoods, and an exclusive gated gold course community. Here one finds homes with backyard pools and sometimes even a horse corral. Nearby the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness provides 3,780 acres of natural beauty.
Diablo | Summer Cottages to Modern Estates
Established in the early 1900s as a summer vacation spot for San Francisco residents wanting to escape the fog, Diablo is situated between Danville and Blackhawk at the base of Mt. Diablo. Diablo grew into a year-round community with its own post office and country club. Much of Diablo life centers around the Country Club, which offers members seven tennis courts, a fabulous Jack Nevelle designed 18-hole golf course, state of the art pool and 45,000 square foot clubhouse. Reflecting the area’s rural character and charm, the post office is a fabulous place to meet and chat with neighbors, as there is no mail delivery to the nearly 1000 residents. The largest and most popular event is the local Ice Cream Social, which has been celebrated annually for three decades. Diablo’s past can be seen in the eclectic mix of homes found in the area. From summer cottages to modern estates, residents are adamant about preserving the area and its lifestyle. Lots are often large and buyers covet the older summer cottages that can be updated to modern tastes and size.
Lamorinda | Idyllic Environment Define Lafayette, Moraga & Orinda
Lamorinda boasts gorgeous landscapes and its strong community. The residents pride themselves on their top-rated schools, and commitment to a quality community. The idyllic weather and prime location near BART and access to San Francisco make it a perfect place to live and call home.
Lafayette offers an idyllic environment with a blend of diverse topography, small town atmosphere, established neighborhoods and access to a variety of recreational activities. What began as a farming community has grown into one of the most sought after communities in the East Bay. The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival is a fun-filled annual summer event located in the heart of downtown.
Scenic trails winding through rolling hills invite residents and visitors alike to Moraga. Home to St. Mary’s College which offers many undergraduate and graduate programs, the town boasts a highly developed cultural community. The panoramic Moraga Trail begins in the hills of Lafayette ending at the Moraga Commons Park. Golf, tennis and swimming can be found at the Moraga Country Club.
Located just east of Oakland through the Caldecott Tunnel, Orinda is a peaceful, quiet and family friendly community that claims the natural beauty of tree clad hillsides, nationally recognized schools, a strong cultural base and lovely neighborhoods. Orinda offers easy access to parks and recreational facilities. Tilden Park, one of the largest regional parks in the area, borders Orinda. Here one can find vast trails, a merry go round, ball fields, lake, a golf course, and botanical gardens. The nationally acclaimed Shakespearean festival and theater and the Orinda Film Festival attract visitors annually.
San Ramon | Bedroom Community
Serving as both a bedroom community and major employment center, San Ramon has seen impressive growth in both sectors beginning in the 1980s with the development of the Bishop Ranch Business Park. Here Alex Mehran foresaw the need for many San Francisco companies to shift operations from an expensive urban location to a more cost effective space in the easily accessible east bay. Over 580 acres of orchard land was transformed into a first-class office park environment housing over 20,000 workers in over 250 companies. Today there are several shopping centers, a hospital, community and senior centers, golf course, country club, and many parks to homeowners. Top Windermere schools offer a high level of education to students. Homeowners can choose from a variety of housing options from condominium developments to single family homes. Located in Central Park, the annual San Ramon Wind Festival, which features artisans from all over the Bay Area, is a highlight for many residents and their families.
Walnut Creek | The Cultural Heart of Contra Costa County
Situated at the foot of towering Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek combines an urban flair with picturesque scenery, fabulous weather, and blocks and blocks of a vibrant downtown filled with upscale shops and restaurants. The arts play a predominant role in the community including the Walnut Creek Art and Wine Festival, which is a fabulous opportunity for the community to sample an array of local artists’ works and sample sumptuous dishes from local restaurateurs. Outdoor recreation is another community emphasis. Bicyclists, hikers and equestrians enjoy Mt. Diablo State Park, pet owner’s appreciate Shell Ridge open space off-leash dog policy and of course the popular Iron Horse Trail. The 101-acre Heather Farm Parks complex provides art classes, tennis, swimming including a nationally rated synchronized swim team and Masters Swim Team. Local golfers enjoy the scenic Boundary Oak Golf Course. Walnut Creek schools are consistently rated among the state’s top schools and many schools have been honored with the Distinguished School award.
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