2206 First St.”925-245-9662 If you’re a fan of Sushi, then you’ll be happy to find many choices in Livermore. In Downtown, there are actually 3 restaurants to pick from -  Kawa Sushi, Yamato Kabachi Express and Sushi Ya.  Today, let’s talk about Kawa Sushi. The menu includes lunch box specials, tempura, scrumptious sushi rolls and other Japanese fare. One of my personal favorites is the gyoza. Specialty offerings are the Volcano roll and mocha ice cream. You’ll find the staff to be very accommodating and the atmosphere pristine and the prices reasonable. Parking is available both on First St and in the parking lot behind the restaurant. Sushi Ya is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner Monday through Sunday, although the restaurant is closed the second Sunday of each month... 06/26/2012

Over the 30 days plus I've spoken to more frustrated Buyer's and estatic Sellers then in the almost 20 years previous. Has the real estate market gone mad? With Buyer's getting beat'in out on any home that is clean and ready to move into. Of course as with all transitional markets there are some Agents struggling to figure out whats's happening and then there're the minority of Agents that pay attention to the market staistics and can read the signs in the market like Jabul Sackett in a Louis L'Amour novel can read a game trail. The difference is, experience and training. I talked to a prospective Seller yesterday and he wanted to know "what I do to Sell homes"? A fair question for a Seller to ask a Broker he or she is considering hiring to list and sell there home. Since a pricing stra... 06/25/2012

1828 Wetmore RoadLivermore, CA 94550925-449-9463 One of the newest wineries, specializing in small lots of hand-crafted wines. Founded in 2006 by proprietor Lisa Maier, the tasting room opened in August 2011. You’ll find the staff friendly and the setting just wonderful for enjoying the Livermore hill views. The tasting room is generous in size, allowing for larger groups inside or on the patio. The décor is very complimentary to natures wine country palate. Las Positas Vineyard has already taken 5 medals at the 2012 Alameda County Fair and 1 at the California State Fair in 2011. Several area restaurants feature Las Positas Vineyard Wines – in Livermore, Danville, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek, and San Carlos.  Tasting room is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12-5. 06/23/2012

54 S. Livermore Ave.(925) 292-8136 Until November of last year, there hadn’t been a shoe store Downtown since I’d moved here. So it’s a real coup to have one right in the heart of town, where we have boutique clothing stores too. May not be as exciting for the younger set, but for those who truly need comfort, this is a great find.  They carry brands such as New Balance, Merrell, Brooks, Ecco and Ugg. Suits me just fine. I wore too many cute, but bad-for-me shoes in my twenties, and am paying for it now! 06/20/2012

Inventory levels have plummeted for condos and townhomes, and while there is a down arrow for demand it only represents 1 unit. I'm here to tell you - demand is not down; quite the opposite is true. But things like short sales with HOA liens, and low owner occupancy rates are influencing who can buy these homes. Lenders have a lot of guidelines related to the HOA's. Demand is there and so are many rules and regulations.  Investors love these properties - many of them provide great ROI. 06/19/2012

Supply continues to drop as we are in the throws of our spring/summer selling season. More than a third of the inventory supply we had last year, which was considered at less than normal levels. The biggest difference though, is that we didn't have the number of buyers last year that we do now. Consistently lower interest rates and rising rents have added to the situation. Supply is donw 37% and demand is up 10% for single family detached home sales in Livermore. 06/18/2012

2200 First St. Livermore, CA 94550925-447-4414 This fine establishment has been around since 1967 and has been downtown Livermore in the same location as long as I’ve lived here. They have a huge selection of pictures frames from simple to ornate, and in every possible finish imaginable. The matting choices are endless too.  Proctor’s carries a number of other gift and home décor items. Their merchandise is artistic in nature, and some of it hand-crafted. This is a great place to go when you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind item for your home or for a special gift.  Like many downtown business, Proctor’s accepts the Livermore Downtown Card, offering specials to 15% off custom framing, or 20% off of one gift item.  Check for current club card details at Livermore Downtown Inc. 06/17/2012

Short Sale Homes for Sale Livermore CA May 2012 Market Report The full report shows Livermore CA real estate trends in charts for the year to date history of Single Family and Attached Short Sale Homes For Sale in Livermore CA, Pending and Sold by month as well as the single family and attached Short Sale Median Home Price in Livermore CA and Average Days on Market data. Details on Short Sale Homes for Sale in Livermore CA sold in May 2012 are also included. Short Sale Homes For Sale Livermore CA Currently on the Market The newest listing of Short Sale homes for sale Livermore CA is displayed in this report. Showing property 1 of 20. See more Livermore Short Sales. (all data current as of 6/16/2012) $820,000 : 2424 ALLEGRO ST, LIVERMORE 5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths Home size: 3,362 sq f... 06/17/2012

Foreclosure Homes for Sale Livermore CA May 2012 Market Report The full report shows Livermore CA real estate trends in charts for the year to date history of Single Family and Attached Foreclosure Homes For Sale in Livermore CA, Pending and Sold by month as well as the single family and attached Foreclosure Median Home Price in Livermore CA and Average Days on Market data. Details on Foreclosure Homes for Sale in Livermore CA sold in May 2012 are also included. Foreclosure Homes For Sale Livermore CA Currently on the Market The newest listing of Foreclosure homes for sale Livermore CA is displayed in this report. Showing property 1 of 6. See more Livermore Foreclosures. (all data current as of 6/16/2012) $349,000 : 749 SEQUOIA DR, LIVERMORE 6 beds, 3 full baths Home size: 1,856 sq ft L... 06/17/2012

35 Fenton St.Livermore, CA 94550925-443-7200 With an aging population, senior living is a vital piece of the local community. Rosewood Gardens is a thriving senior care center and a respected business in Livermore. Apartment living provides personal space, but with centralized dining, activities and services important for socialization. This assisting living center is located in the heart of Livermore’s medical offices and very close to Valley Care Medical Center.  One of the most significant services offered is Memory Care, so important to the aging process. Programs offered include brain and body fitness. The grounds are just beautiful and the dining area is elegant with delicious foods prepared daily by the on-staff chef. I’ve had more than one business meeting at their facility and ... 06/16/2012

175 E. Vineyard Ave.Livermore, CA  94550925-249-9800  Sunday, June 18th Campo di Bocce is a great place to take Dad for his special day.  Treat him to brunch, where you have a full bar for those specialty brunch beverages. Afterwords, enjoy a game of Bocce in the outside or indoor courts. This brunch will make your mouth water – omelets, eggs, bacon, sausage, a meat carving station, house-made salads, house-made pastries, smoke salmon and prawn cocktails, dessert and alcoholic drinks are included. We’ve had some great family gatherings, work functions and impromptu lunches at this fine establishment. And did you know?  This establishment was also the site of the International Bocce Tournament one year.  06/15/2012

4549 Cross RoadLivermore, CA 94550925-606-8855 So, is this the coolest place or what? Each room has a name, and a theme.  And some incredible views of the Livermore hills and vines. Deep in the heart of wine country, you’ll really feel as if you’ve escaped, when in reality, you’re just a few miles from downtown. The property is a wonderful getaway where you can indulge in spa packages, relax by the pool . But more recently it gained national attention while featured on the TV show, Hotel Impossible. Built in 1997, the Purple Orchid Resort boasts 9000 sq. ft. surrounded by 23 acres of olive trees.  10 guest rooms range in size price from $155 to $375.   Most recently it gained national exposure when featured on an episode of Hotel Impossible. Take a look at the episode and see the fantas... 06/14/2012

2216 1st St.925-606-6496 Want to eat healthy, delicious food that won’t break your budget?  A popular place to do just that is at the Lemon Grass Restaurant, featuring Thai cuisine.  Right in the heart of downtown, the fresh aromas are bound to draw you in. You’ll have your choice of spicy (or not), or vegetarian dishes.  Dishes are prepared from fresh ingredients, and you can even order to go! They are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.  Treat yourself to something dinner – try Thai! 06/13/2012

2130 First St.Livermore, CA 94550Open M-Sun 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.925-449-4454 If you crave authentic Mexican Food and fast, you’ll want to stop by this cozy Mexican Restaurant in the heart of downtown. The service is fast, friendly and the food is delicious – they make some of the best breakfast burritos around. Dine indoors, or eat al fresco as this establishment has what Livermore dubs ‘flex zone parking’. During pleasant weather months, tables and chairs are available for outdoor dining in a fenced off area just outside the restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 06/12/2012

First Street, Downtown Livermore(South Side of The Shenone Building is one of much history in Livermore. First opened in 1914, it was the home of The Bell Theatre originally, and remained a theater until 1958. During that time it was also know as the Livermore Theatre, the California Theatre and the State Theatre.  The theatre was the center portion of the building which ran to the back towards second street, and what is now called the Theater Mall. Adjacent to the theatre in those early years, were  Croce’s Fashion Restaurant to the right and Ice Cream and Candies to the left. More recently, were a Quizno’s, and a Mexican restaurant, but now home to Demitri’s Taverna (Greek Restaurant).  Occupying the space to the right for many years is the Livermore Saloon. 06/11/2012

The Livermore Valley has come into its own as a respected wine region. More than 50 wineries call this valley home, but one of those with the most recognized name is Wente Vineyards. Several key facts make it a standout in the area. Established 128 years ago, it is the oldest, continuously family-owned and operated winery in the country. It attracts some of the biggest and brightest entertainers each year for its Summer Concert series. The golf course on the premises attracts visitors for its reputation as one of the most challenging courses in Northern California. It has been the 5th stop on the PGA National Tour for the past 3 years. Chef Matt Greco was recently named one of the Top 50 San Francisco Bay Area chefs. Award-winning wines are a Wente tradition. Just look at their list of ... 06/11/2012

Galloway Commons This is a small community of just 23 townhomes was built in 1988 and consists of 1 and 2 story homes. Located at the north end of Springtown Blvd, residents are just a short walk to Marlin A. Pound Neighborhood Park.  Homes have two-car attached garages. This community flows around the Springtown Golf Course, to the north side of the First St. exit off of Highway 580. As other developments were added on this side of town, the entire area has become known as Springtown. Floor plans Available: One Story - 847 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths One Story - 925 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths Two Story - 1464 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms,2 baths There is a Home Owners Association for this community. HOA dues are $210 per month and include common area maintenance, exterior maintenance, hazard... 06/10/2012

Bankhead Plaza, Livermore2400 First Street Last night I went to the neighboring town of Pleasanton to enjoy there Concerts in the Park. For years I have been enjoying this local event, that’s become a symbol of summer.  Meanwhile, my son did something similar in our own hometown. Not to be outdone, Livermore has a series of Friday night concerts too. The outdoor amphitheater at the Bankhead Performing Arts Theater is perfect for these musical venues.  Grab a spot on the tiered grass seats, sit back and enjoy.  Here’s a look at upcoming performers. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m. and go until 8:00. Afterwards, stop in at one of the many local restaurants to top of the evening. 06/09/2012

Four fun events for the Saturday June 9th 5th Annual TAPAS Grand Wine Tasting – Fenestra Winery – 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.83 Vallecitos Rd., Livermore Live music too - $35 with discount code: fenestrahttp://www.fenestrawinery.com/events.html Picnic and Pairing – Les Chenes Estate Vineyards – 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.5562 Victoria Lane, Livermore www.leschenesvine.com $5.00, plus try their specialty pairing of Double Chocolate Fudge Cake with 2009 Primitivo wine sauce 4th Annual Lobster Feed – McGrail Vineyards – 5:30-9:30 p.m.5600 Greenville Rd, Livermorewww.mcgrailvineyards.com $125  Lobster, sausage, prawns, corn-on-the-cob, bread and butter, garlic and artichokes!  06/07/2012

Robertson Park3200 Robertson Park Road, Rodeo Arena June 6th – Cattle Penning and MixerJune 7th – Family NightJune 8th -  Pro Rodeo Slack, doors open at 8:00 a.m.June 9th – Parade 10:00 a.m. Second Street, “J” to “O”.June 9th & 10th – Rodeo Howdy pardner’s. Once again it’s time to don your best western duds and c’mon out and kick up your heels at the 94th Annual Rodeo this Saturday, June 9th, 2012. Doors open at 11:00 a.m. Grand entry begins at 3:00, with these events occurring after. Tie-Down RopingWild Cow MilkingTeam RopingBull Riding – a crowd favoriteSaddle Bronc and Bareback RidingBarrel Racing Be sure to check out the Lil Pardners Rodeo on Sunday. Lots of fun, lots of details. Get your tickets now. 06/06/2012