Built with Heart. Ready for Yours

Welcome to this magical enclave hidden in the hills of the East Bay Area. My parents bought this spacious, beautifully laid out family home in 1964 from the builder, an engineer who worked for Chevron. At that time, much of the housing was developed by rugged individuals who shared a love of the area and of creating things. As a result, the homes are anything but cookie-cutter. Our builder lived in the home for a few years before selling to my family. My parents chose this home because it offered ample room for a family of four to flourish, and because of the excellent public schools in the area. The open layout of the home’s public rooms, as well as the three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, generous family room and backyard, provided space for the family to spread out and pursue our disparate interests. Our large backyard had room for a swing set and tetherball, providing ample opportunity for us kids to exhaust our energy. The massive basement was used for golf and cheerleading practice, as well as storage. The family room had a TV, ping pong table and a bar. Later, in our teenage years, our parents allowed us to host parties for high school friends. Innumerable joyous and memorable family gatherings were easily accommodated in this spacious graceful home.

Our house has an amazing view of verdant hills where sheep and cattle graze. Growing up on the edge of Wild Cat Canyon meant adventure was always a possibility. I fondly remember forays deep into the Canyon with neighborhood children, unbeknownst to our parents, which included walking on stones through deep ponds created by the rains. Deer, turkeys, bobcats, skunks, raccoons and the like still abound and can often be seen on the streets. Summers in my youth meant day camp in nearby Alvarado Park, redolent with the scent of eucalyptus. Visits to the Richmond library were a constant part of growing up. Three blocks from our house is wonderful Mira Vista Elementary School. Mira Vista set me on a path of academic achievement for which I am forever grateful. A fond memory is walking to Arlington Market with 25 cents, which enabled me to buy an Archie or Superman Comic Book and a candy bar. Later, comic book purchases were replaced by Mad Magazine. Bike riding, skating, and impromptu softball games were all part of a wonderful childhood in this neighborhood. Our house has a large 2 car garage and I remember listening for my father’s car to drive into the garage each evening. Once he was home, my sense of security was complete.

Older teenagers in the neighborhood babysat us when our parents went out. For several years our neighbor, Mrs. Mathis, who was Japanese and married a WWll veteran, was our after school caregiver. Thanks to her, after school snacks included fried rice and fish cakes which I continue to crave. In my adolescent and teenage years, I would walk our dog up and down the hills and dream. My best friend and I rode our ten speed bicycles to tennis courts in the area and played for hours, riding home after eating hamburgers. Pedaling to Berkeley, Telegraph and Shattuck Avenues in the early 70’s to soak up the vibes was also part of our adventures. Riding the AC Transit up and down the hills, and along San Pablo Ave., as far as Oakland and San Francisco, was a constant part of our lives, teaching us to plan and coordinate around bus schedules, so we could attend Giant’s games at Candlestick Park, among other destinations. On weekends, as teenagers, riding the bus to El Cerrito Plaza to patronize See’s Candy, Baskin Robbin’s, Roundtable Pizza, and other businesses was a regular treat. I attended a public high school in the West Contra Costa School District, where I was a cheerleader and received a wonderful education. Students living at our address today may be fortunate to attend El Cerrito High, which is an acclaimed school.

Looking back, I recognize how safe and free my childhood and teenage years were, and for that I am eternally grateful. While I recognize times have changed, I still believe this sheltered corner of the world can offer similarly beautiful and formative experiences for the children of prospective buyers AND I am certain our home offers room for a beautiful family to flourish and grow.

At 18, I left home to pursue higher education at the University of California and career opportunities, but no matter how far I roamed, East Richmond Heights remained my home. In 2010, I was grateful to inherit our family home. As an adult, I have enjoyed other aspects of living in the S.F. Bay Area including hiking, wineries, restaurants, museums, theater, concerts, etc. The opportunities are limitless and just a short drive away. For adults, with or without children, what could be better than living in the East Bay Area??? The renowned Tibetan Buddhist Monastery around the corner from our house is welcoming offering serenity and an opportunity to become more mindful while experiencing a different culture. The Richmond Art Center allows us to view amazing art, as well as take classes that help us develop our own artistic interests. Just a short drive or bike ride from our house, you can access the stunning Richmond Marina, which connects to the Bay Trail nature preserve and provides wonderful sailing, biking, hiking, running and walking opportunities, as well as bird watching. There is also a Sunday farmers’ market and a commuter ferry from the Richmond Marina to San Francisco. Some of my favorite Richmond Marina restaurants include Ahn’s with amazing outdoor seating overlooking the water, and Lara’s. The legendary Sailing Goat is located at Point San Pablo Harbor in Richmond. Riggers Loft Winery offers wine, food and live music with stunning Bay views. Hotel Mac in Point Richmond is a perennial favorite.

Just down the hill, located on San Pablo Ave., is delicious Mi Casa Restaurant. Heading east is the Hilltop area with suburban shopping opportunities galore. Pear Street Bistro in Pinole is a delicious small town dining destination, and The Dead Fish in Crockett serves up stunning views of the Carquinez Bridge, with delicious seafood. Heading west, the Richmond Annex includes the Pacific East Mall, the largest collection of Chinese stores in the East Bay, and Costco. Beyond that is everything that El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, Marin County and San Francisco have to offer. Driving to Marin County and San Francisco via the Richmond San Rafael Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge is a particular treat for those going to Muir Woods, Mt. Tamalpais, Golden Gate Park, the DeYoung Museum, or Fort Mason and beyond.

Today my neighbors grow vegetables and share their bounty. Another invites me to meditate with her. Walking the hills is an everyday activity. A neighbor once told me: “I love our area, nothing ever happens here”, a sentiment with which I wholeheartedly agree. While I love the beauty, peace and serenity our neighborhood offers, I am thankful that a big beautiful world is just around the corner. I hope this wonderful home will become your next abode, and that you will enjoy it as much as my family has for the past 61 years.

 Sincerely, Vicki