How to celebrate the 4th of July in a pandemic
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We’re used to parties, parades, cook-offs, and concerts, but Independence Day is going be a little different this year – and that’s before we even talk about fireworks.
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Chic vs. Geek: Water Conserving Fixtures (aka WCF)
/I own a single-family residential property. What are my requirements for installing water conserving plumbing fixtures, and when do they take effect?
CHIC (PEARL)
As of 2019, all owners of single family residential properties are required to replace plumbing fixtures with water conserving fixtures (or WCF), regardless of whether or not you’re making any other improvements or selling the property. Additionally, sellers are required to disclose any non-compliant fixtures. So even if you haven’t upgraded your fixtures, you’ll need to get it done if you want to do any other work on your home.
GEEK (KEVIN)
So, what qualifies as a “non-compliant” fixture? A few examples: toilets that use more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush, showerheads with a flow capacity of more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute, and any interior faucet that emits more than 2.2 gallons of water per minute. But don’t worry, this only applies if your property was built on or before January 1, 1994. Here are more tips for saving water at home!
Introducing: Los Gatos
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The Town of Los Gatos is nestled at the base of the Sierra Azules along the southwestern edge of the Santa Clara Valley. Locals and visitors can shop and dine at some of the finest spots the Bay Area has to offer, stroll down the friendly streets of a historic and charming Downtown, enjoy the natural beauty of parks and trails, and take advantage of fun family events that happen year round.
Los Gatos is one of Santa Clara County’s oldest communities, incorporated in 1887 and still retaining its small town charm. Unique architecture, pedestrian-friendly design, and safe neighborhoods make it one of the most desirable locations in the Bay Area real estate market. The town is also an inclusive community with a wide spectrum of ages, family sizes, and incomes.
Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.
Chic vs. Geek: Outdoor Oasis
/How can we create a private escape right at home?
CHIC (PEARL)
Add a zen garden! Like a lot of us, I have been feeling a little unbalanced these days. The inability to go out and experience nature has disconnected me from my inner peace. It’s made me think about how I can carve out a peaceful backyard place to bring balance back to my life.
The photo above is from a friend’s home in Venice Beach, CA. The memory of her beautiful and serene garden inspired me to create a space that connects me with nature.
GEEK (KEVIN)
Add a potted patio plant! During shelter in place, one thing that’s drastically changed in our lives is cooking at home and gardening. I’ve been planting strawberries, tomatoes, and herbs in the pots in our backyard and expect to harvest them soon to use in my cooking!
A garden of fruits, vegetables, and herbs will not only provide healthy, fresh options for your menu, it will also make your garden an interesting and relaxing place to release your stress.
Introducing: Alum Rock
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In the heart of East San José, stretching from Downtown to the foothills, Alum Rock is one of the oldest established neighborhoods in California and has served an important role in the state’s history and the cultural evolution of the city. The area features countless restaurants, bakeries, and cafes of all flavors, with delicious Mexican and Asian options around every corner.
Heading east toward Mount Hamilton, every turn of the road provides stunning views of the Santa Clara Valley, and at the summit lies one of the valley’s signature landmarks, Lick Observatory (keep reading). You won’t find a more welcoming, diverse, and eclectic community anywhere else in Silicon Valley!
Learn more in the Neighborhoods section of our website.
