Updated January 2019

Bay Area storm systems bring heavy rains that saturate the soil, creating more surface runoff and loosening plants’ root systems. Under these conditions, strong winds can topple trees, causing headaches for homeowners. If a tree has fallen on your property, follow these steps to remedy the situation:

Power lines

If the tree interfered with power lines or fell in a way that put it perilously close to power lines, call 911 or PG&E. Damaged power lines are a serious hazard that should be handled by those with the proper skills and equipment.

Gas lines

Shut off your gas until a professional can confirm that gas lines didn’t sustain damage. Read more

Congratulations to the Houston Astros for winning the 2017 World Series—their first championship in franchise history! It was an exciting series and Game 7 was no exception, especially since two of our Diamond Certified Resource television commercials ran during the broadcast: one in the bottom of the fourth inning and one in the bottom of the sixth inning. Read more

One woman’s thoughts on what to pack in an emergency

by Joy Lanzaro, Director, Mediation and Compliance

Few of us have ever witnessed fire damage to residential and commercial structures like we’ve seen in the North Bay over the past few days. Many of us are experiencing a combination of emotions as a result, and anxiety is running high. One way to be prepared and manage anxiety is to put together a “Go Bag” just in case you need to quickly evacuate. My Go Bag is tiny because I’m single—one dog, no kids. Nearly all of my financial and insurance business is transacted online, so that eliminates some documentation. Read more

Here are some tips for donating to charity, now or at any time (adapted from Consumer Reports):

• If you plan on claiming your donation on your tax return, make sure the charity you’re interested in is tax-exempt.
• Watch out for sound-alikes. It’s not uncommon for low-rated charities to select names similar to high-rated charities.
• When possible, give directly to the charity itself rather than a professional fundraiser or other go-between.

Read more

According to the Nielsen Company, parents and students will spend just under $1.6 billion on back-to-school supplies this year. Spending even a portion of that on “green” products would have a meaningful impact on the environment.

When buying paper, check the labels and choose the product with the highest post-consumer waste (PCW) content. (That’s the waste paper from our homes and offices.) Treecycle.com and Green Paper Company are two of the online retailers that make it easier to buy tree-friendly back-to-school supplies.

You’re going to need pens and pencils to go with that paper. Forest Choice #2 cedar pencils are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council “to have originated from environmentally well-managed forests.” Biodegradable cornstarch pens and other green writing tools are available from Green Earth Office Supply. Read more

The Bay Area’s moderate climate and abundant green space make pest control a year-round problem. At any given time, residents may find their homes overrun with insects such as termites and fleas or confronting trespassing animals like mice and rats. While many are eager to eliminate potentially harmful pests, there are also concerns about the effects of pesticides on people and pets. In this article, we’ll demystify the pest control industry by defining key terms used by professionals, providing tips for a pest-free home and answering frequently asked questions about eliminating pests.

Key Terms for Pest Control

Broad spectrum: Something that affects a wide range or large number of organisms. In pest control, Read more

Starting a remodeling project? Keep these nine tips at hand! Read more