More people are planning to hit the road for the holidays this year. While the number of travelers isn’t expected to be as high as in 2019, the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations and the easing of some restrictions have helped people feel more comfortable about vacationing. However, traveling today is more complicated than a few years ago, and leaving home during the holiday season always carries unique risks. The six tips below can help keep you, your home and your vehicle safe as we leave 2021 behind. Read more

Following the austerities of 2020, many Americans are embracing the 2021 holiday season with renewed enthusiasm. However, as we return to our beloved traditions and festivities, it’s important to remember safety and take precautions where necessary. Read these six tips for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe this holiday season. Read more

The start of another school year is right around the corner. But this time, things feel different as many students are returning to the classroom for the first time since the COVID-19 outbreak began. Reestablishing a morning routine and good home study habits may be even more challenging this autumn. That’s why we’ve collected these tips to help organize your home for the upcoming school year.  Read more

The COVID-19 pandemic has uprooted work, life and study patterns for many families in the Bay Area, prompting people to reevaluate their living spaces. Some have decided to search for larger homes in the suburbs or rural areas, while others have decided to leave the region altogether. With real estate remaining an essential business throughout the pandemic, the industry adapted quickly to its new circumstances. In this article, we’ll examine what the real estate market looks like in 2021. Read more

Since California began its COVID-19 lockdown in March, many holidays and traditions have looked different this year. Graduation ceremonies were held online, Independence Day passed without local fireworks and baseball games were held in near-empty stadiums. Now, Halloween is just around the corner, and festivities promise to be more subdued than usual. While COVID-19 cases remain steady in California, they’re climbing rapidly in other parts of the country. State health officials still recommend wearing a mask when you’re outside your home, staying at least six feet away from others and washing your hands frequently. Read more

From wildfire smoke to COVID-19, Californians have faced numerous airborne contamination threats in 2020. And while staying indoors can mitigate these threats, they sometimes still manage to breach our domestic borders. Perhaps you’ve had guests in your home (expected or otherwise), or maybe your home isn’t well-insulated from the outside air. In either case, it’s possible that the air quality in your home has (or will) become compromised.

One measure you can take to mitigate this risk is utilizing an air purification device, whether a portable unit or an add-on to your home’s HVAC system. However, when it comes to choosing an air purifier, it can be difficult to know which is the right fit. Read more

With William R. Hummer, DDS

While most dental practices were closed or operating on a limited basis during the height of the COVID-19 shelter-in-place mandates, as of mid-summer, most are open for regular business again. However, it will likely be some time before things return to business as usual. We spoke to San Leandro-based dentist Dr. William Hummer to learn how the pandemic has impacted dental practices’ daily operations and what patients should expect regarding scheduling and care. Read more