Doug Buenz
Real Estate Broker
Alain Pinel Realtors
(925) 463-2000
Email me!
I am a local Real Estate Broker with Alain Pinel Realtors serving the Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley area. I am an avid watcher of the local real estate market, as well as cultural and political events. But that is what I do, not who I am... » read more
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What is more valuable… living space or a garage? The answer, of course, depends on where you live. In Manhattan, one homeowner set off shock waves when he converted the street level of his home into a garage. The city also moved lightening fast to institute new rules and zoning to prevent …
Here’s a chance to live like Marilyn Monroe. The Brentwood (Southern California) home where she died is up for sale. Party like it’s 1962. Imagine the stories this place could tell if it could talk. And imagine the fun you’ll have telling your own stories at the parties you could have …
The Alameda County Fair was a huge hit again this year, with attendance dropping only slightly from last year’s record setting numbers in spite of the tough economy, heat, and other distractions. More than 418,000 people attended the fair this year, up 19% over 2008.
Picture from alamedacountyfair.com
Live concerts were a big draw, …
It might come as a surprise to some that Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the United States and has been observed in California since 1863. In the spirit of fiesta, we thought it might be fun to do a roundup of local Cinco de Mayo celebrations! If you don’t already have plans, these Tri-Valley locales will help you get in the festive mood.
The next time your taste buds crave delectable Chinese specialties such as Peking Prawns, Kung Po Three Combo, or Tea Smoked Duck, look no farther than Uncle Yu’s Szechuan. This award winning restaurant has three locations in the East Bay — San Ramon, Livermore, and Lafayette — and brings the elegance of Szechuan cuisine to the Tri Valley .
It is pretty common knowledge that babies and young children benefit from exposure to music. Many young parents even begin the introduction to music when their babies are in utero. Once out in the world, there will be lullabies and happy rhymes to be passed down. But another wonderful way to continue this musical connection is through classes at Music Together.In the San Ramon Valley, classes are offered in Danville, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Livermore, as well as in Walnut Creek.
East Coast transplants to the Tri-Valley can find the Best Pizza West of New York at Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria.
Everybody in Dublin was Irish, at least for the weekend, as the city held its annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival. The festival was held this past Saturday and Sunday and was a celebration of all things green, and this popular event has become a tradition.
Photo courtesy of DublinStPats.com
The weather was great for …
Canine citizens of the San Ramon Valley have it really good. Not only do they live in a beautiful part of Northern California, the towns of the Tri-Valley also have everything to cater to their every need.
Well, not really. But it looks pretty tempting, especially after looking at Cafayate, Argentina, a new 1300 acre luxury home enclave that will ultimately have 360 homes built. It’s a bit remote though. After flying to Buenos Aires, you are still another two hour flight and three and a half hour drive away.
Estancia …
When the going gets tough, the tough turn to cartoons! A few new ones courtesy of Town Hall.
Of course we are! We live in the Tri-Valley! And a new Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey confirms that we are perhaps the happiest place on earth – with apologies to Disneyland (cue up “Shiny Happy People” from REM).
Silicon Valley was rated as the happiest big metro region, with San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont coming in fifth. …
Mt. Diablo is a wonderful place to explore all year round, but this time of year is a particularly beautiful time to see the mountain in all its springtime splendor.
Great post from Roberta Gonzales called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” about keeping things in perspective. Roberta is a fellow Pleasanton resident and Channel 5 Weather reporter. If you don’t follow Roberta, you should. She has great insights into weather and life in the East Bay. Add her blog to your RSS …
Have you ever had a hard time finding the tools and other items needed for a home repair job? If you have teen age kids, I know the answer to that is yes. They start with “I promise I’ll put it back” when they are younger and graduate to just not telling you …
