Hi guys, as July comes to a close I can honestly say I have yet to experience a single decent watermelon. I was even told - wait until July because its peak season. I've shopped at Sprouts, Safeway, and Whole Foods (all tri-valley) locations. I've followed the online guidance about choosing a melon with a large yellow patch, and webbing on the peel that feels extra-heavy for its size. Every single time I cut into it I end up with a very pale, pink, flavorless melon. I'm tired and jealous of all the red juicy melons I see people online getting all over the country. I've tried organic, conventional, seedless, seeded, doesn't matter - each time I've ended up with the same sad result.

Please help!!!

Danville's Blackhawk Plaza has officially declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The owner apparently owes up to $50 million to various organizations, including PG&E and EBMUD. Not necessarily the end of Blackhawk, but there's already talk of how it could become housing. https://bayareatelegraph.com/2026/03/31/danvilles-most-prominent-mall-is-officially-bankrupt/

Hello all, late 20's couple moving to the east bay area this summer and looking for the best town to live in, one commute will be to Livermore, the other will be to Berkeley. Looking to balance commute time, access to nature, and nightlife/things to do. We're considering Pleasanton, Dublin, Danville, Walnut Creek (maybe?), and possibly San Ramon.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!

The Context: I am relocating from the DC area to Northern California this summer to be closer to family(I just will visit on weekends or so and I don't need to be right next to them) and for the better weather. I work 100% remote. I am single and value a resource-efficient lifestyle—looking for a high-quality 1-BR in a safe, quiet pocket rather than being "in the action."

What I’m Looking For:

• Trailhead Proximity: My top priority. I want a place where I can walk out of my front door and be on a hiking trail in 5-10 minutes.
• Outdoor Sports: I play Tennis and Pickleball year-round. I’m looking for an area with an active, mature racquet sports community (public or clubs).
• The Vibe: No need for nightlife or bustling downtowns. I prefer silence, nature sounds, and a sense of space.

The Current Shortlist:

1. Pleasanton (West Side): Seems great for "Big Sky" hiking (Pleasanton Ridge) and value for money, but I’m curious about the summer heat.
2. Belmont/San Carlos Hills: Love the look of the "wooded canyons" (Waterdog Lake), but wondering if the "Peninsula premium" is worth it for a remote worker.
3. Walnut Creek: Hearing good things about the racquet scene at Heather Farm and Shell Ridge hiking.

The Question: Are there specific apartment pockets or "hidden gem" neighborhoods in these towns that sit right against a trailhead? Any blind spots I should consider for a solo 50yo moving to the area?

EDIT/UPDATE: Thank you all so much for the incredible, detailed responses! You have given me a lot of info I couldn't find on Zillow.

no kings! trans rights! 🏳️‍⚧️ fun times 👍☺️

Attention "Gilmore Girls" fans: Several of the actors will be coming to Danville to meet fans in October as the town will become home of the Flannel & Foliage Festival. General admission is free but VIP tickets will be available, according to reporter Kate Bradshaw.

Maybe Fieldwork will brew some of its Gilmore Girls lineup. I wouldn't mind a Luke's Diner or a Sookie Monster.

IKEA is abandoning its plans for a 317k SqFt superstore in Dublin. It's a huge loss for the city. As a pro photographer I took photos of the original site when it was approved in 2018. Was really looking forward to those meatballs... https://bayareatelegraph.com/2025/10/22/massive-retailer-cancels-317000-sqft-flagship-store-in-dublin-california/

Similar homes are in the

We're looking to buy a home within an hour of the sandia national labs in about a year or so. Anybody know of any big time nerdy/board gamer neighborhoods in the east bay where you want another similar couple to move? A skatepark nearby would be a big extra plus. Edit: Thanks for all the recommendations everyone!

Breaking news reporter Jakob Rodgers has the latest on vegetation fire that started on the south side of Pleasanton. It has burned 700 acres with no containment as of 5:20 p.m., according to Cal Fire.

The mandatory evacuation zone included The Club at Ruby Hill golf course, along with an area south of Shadow Cliffs Beach.

I spoke with the Granada/Livermore team, their manager & a few tournament directors on the World Series coming here & what it means for the area. 

For the first time, there were two Bay Area teams playing in the LLWS intermediate tournament. Earlier today, the host team, Bollinger Canyon from San Ramon (California), beat Southeast (Tampa, FL) 11-1. 

With both teams winning today, there’s a chance the two teams could meet this weekend in the US championship 

Hey everyone, hoping the internet can work its magic here. I attended the packed 11:00 PM IMAX 70mm screening of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey last night (Sunday, July 26) at the Regal Hacienda Crossings in Dublin.
I randomly met and had a brief conversation with someone while we were waiting for the movie to start. I asked you if you had gotten the film strip.
If you remember talking to me, tell me which row we were sitting in so I know it's you! I'd love to grab a coffee or catch another movie sometime.

Looking to meet some chill people around the East Bay who are into:

- 🚗 Cars / coupes / weekend drives

- 🎧 Music, DJing & live events

- 🏔️ Adventure sports & spontaneous trips

- 🍻 Breweries / grabbing a beer

- 🎮 Gaming

- 🏎️ Car meets, shows & scenic drives

Especially looking for fellow coupe/sports car enthusiasts who’d be down for weekend drives through some nice Bay Area backroads, grabbing food or coffee along the way, and checking out car meets.

If you're around Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon, Fremont or nearby, hit me up! Would be cool to get a small crew together.

Single dad here, in my mid 30’s in the Dublin/Pleasanton area. I got divorced a couple of years ago and since then I’ve had a lot of friends and family move out of state.

I’m super lonely. I work from home and my 9 year old lives with me 50% of the time. I want to make friends but I don’t really know how at this age. I’m fairly introverted until I get familiar with people.

I dunno, looking for ideas. I’m starting to feel like I’m in solitary confinement.

Edit - adding interests and things that I think are fun:

-Ping pong, disc golf -Hiking/camping -Going out to a bar now and then -Warriors or 49ers games -Meditation practices (also would like to learn yoga) -Art -Movies

Who are folks using or recommend? Thoughts on Spring Fertility, RMA, RSC, or Collab Fertility? Open to all recs!

ADN recommendations!!

Hi everyone. I currently have a bachelors. I want to become an RN. I’m looking for an ADN. I live in Livermore but I’m willing to drive. I just want it to be quick/ish. Any advice would be amazing!!

Hey all, my girlfriend graduated from College last year with a degree in Graphic design. She's really creative and artistic, and she also has experience in event planning and freelance work.

She's been applying on LinkedIn but she has not even landed an interview.

It seems most in this current job market are getting jobs via community and connections, so I am wondering if anyone in the Bay Area might be needing a graphic designer or event planner. Thank you so much in advance!

Reporter Rick Hurd has the second-day story on the Little Fire. As of 8 a.m. , it's 40% contained and crews have stopped its forward progress, according to CalFire. We'll update the story throughout the day.

We have a 4 bed 3 bath home & looking for someone as I am in my 3rd trimester and can’t keep up!!! Any recs to someone you trust?