debmil02

Dear Readers, I’ve migrated from wordpress.com to wordpress.org. Go to www.NeighborHoodBlogParty.com . Read Full Story

Not exactly new…more like repurposed.  This week I became the first Realtor in East Contra Costa County to earn my EcoBroker certification, renewing my committment to help the community conserve our resources.  I will be the first to admit I’m on the learning curve at this point (who isn’t?) about what I can do to help the planet.  The certification is really an acknowledgement I don’t have all of the answers…but I know the questions and am determined to get those answers! EcoBrokers... Read Full Story

Okay, DSW is not the only store coming to The Streets of Brentwood, located on the corner of the Hwy 4 Bypass and Sand Creek. But it might just be the best one… Here is the scoop from the City of Brentwood site: COMING SOON The Streets of Brentwood After months of anticipation, the Streets of Brentwood is under construction. Located on Sand Creek Rd. and the Highway 4 Bypass, the Streets of Brentwood will include more than 80 shops and restaurants, including a 14-screen... Read Full Story

Though licensed to sell real estate for the entire state of CA, my core territory is East Contra Costa County and I primarily service the fine cities of Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Byron, Pittsburg and Bay Point.  Neighborhood Blog Party started with Brentwood, because my home and office are there!  Due to popular demand I will be adding the other cities gradually, starting with Antioch…since Antioch has been asking!  Thanks visiting Antioch folks, come back soon and... Read Full Story

To wrap up the BBQ series, I have a recommendation for a cool and inexpensive Father’s Day Gift. This cast iron smoker box holds wood chips (pre-soak please!) and adds delicious flavor to your favorite grilled foods.  Best of all, it is under $10 at Linens-and-Things in the Home Depot shopping center on Lone Tree Way.  FYI folks, Linens-and-Things is going out of business and everything is on sale.  There are also coupons on their site, but I’m not sure if they accept them with the going out... Read Full Story

As a follow up to our grilling advice, I asked David Navarrette for his secret and delish recipes.  In for a penny, in for a pound…thank you David!! Tri-Tip Apply Pappy’s dry rub, found in most grocery stores, generously on the tri-tip at least an hour before grilling. Let the meat stand for 15- 20 minutes before you barbeque to bring the tri-tip closer to room temperature, allowing for some great grill marks also helping the rub caramelize immediately to seal in the moisture and... Read Full Story

Colby and I with Aaron Miles We are blessed in the Bay Area with abundant exposure to the best professional sports organizations on the planet.  Whatever the sport, a professional team is a short drive away.  My son Colby recently had the opportunity to spend time with several local celebrities.  Early this spring we hung out with the Aaron Miles family watching a SF/Cardinals game at Monster stadium in SF.  Fran (aka Aaron’s mom) Miles and I chatted about what it takes to raise a... Read Full Story

I just received an email from East County Live announcing that Humphrey’s has a new menu.  For those of you who don’t know, Humphrey’s was named for the wandering whale who hung out by the restaurant in the late 80s.  Humphrey even has his own wikipedia site, which as we all know, marks the rich and famous these days.  Humphrey’s restaurant in Antioch does not have their own wikipedia page, but maybe someday… My favorite at Humphrey’s is the oysters rockefeller, followed by seafood louis... Read Full Story

In the art of food development, I am the equivalent of a finger painter; and my results, though heartfelt and zealous, are loved only by those who love me.   Last weekend marked my second attempt at grilling…the first being a drawn out affair with charcoal claiming to be ignitable, but failing, sadly, to live up to those claims.  Thanks to the clever application of lighter fluid, this time I was able to manage a happy, roaring blaze…all foodstuffs produced a satisfying sizzle when plunked... Read Full Story

Check out the May home sales by clicking the Brentwood Neighborhoods links.  The hottest areas this month appear to be California Orchard, Deer Ridge and Garin Ranch.  Why do you suppose?  I have my ideas, but would be interested to hear what you have to say. Please keep in mind that I didn’t come up with this info, I’m just the messenger.  If you see somthing blatantly off, such as a street in the wrong neighborhood (*gasp*) just let me know and I’ll do a bit of research and tidy things up... Read Full Story