Alamo

 

 

Contra Costa County has implemented a program called “Green Building” in order achieve a “greener” approach to city projects and conserving resources. Since the drought, it is more crucial than ever to make sure we are being intelligent with our resources and living sustainably and efficiently.

 

According the the Contra Costa County website:

 

Green building is a “Whole-Systems” approach for designing and constructing buildings that conserve energy, water, and material resources and are healthier, safer, and more comfortable.

 

In practical terms, green building includes:

 

• Using sun and wind to the building’s advantage for natural heating, cooling, and daylighting;
• Landscaping with native plans and using water efficiently;
• Building quality, durable structures;
• Insulating well and ventilating appropriately;
• Incorporating salvaged, recycled,and sustainably harvested materials;
• Maintaining healthy indoor air quality with appropriate building techniques, and materials;
• Using energy-efficient and water-saving appliances/fixtures; and
• Reducing and recycling construction waste.
  
  

Living in this highly desirable upscale suburban area has lots of perks – from easy access to top tier golf courses, pristine parksand lush forests to all kinds of attractions just close by. If you’re looking to have some family-friendly fun, here are some things you can do in and around Alamo.

 

This well-manicured park is perfect for a nice day out with the kids. It has play areas for children and facilities like bathrooms and water fountains. Bring some blankets and folding chairs and lounge about on the park’s grassy areas. This is the perfect venue for picnics or barbecues. The park also has basketball and volleyball courts and a gazebo that can be used for outdoor concerts. In fact, this park was the mainstay of the Alamo Concert Series. It’s located at the intersection of Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue.

 

This park features a fantastic playground area for kids of all ages. The park also has a sand pit and a water play fountain area where children can make sand castles and splash around. This beautiful park also serves as a great venue for special events, most especially weddings. You can also bring your dogs here, just make sure to clean up after them! The park is located near the intersection of La Gonda Way and Alamo Springs Drive.

 

With over 5,350 acres of wilderness, the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness features breathtaking views and grasslands, as well as extensive hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails with over 900 feet of elevation change.

 

This park is the perfect destination if you’re looking to take a break from the noise and stress that city life brings. When in the Las Rampas Regional Wilderness, expect to see wildlife like raccoons, squirrels, deer and the occasional bobcat and golden eagle.

 

This park featured amazing natural geological formations, wide open spaces and arguably one of the best hiking trails in Alamo. The park is filled with interesting sandstone formations and also features outdoor picnic facilities. This park is located in Walnut Creek, with some areas extending into Alamo, and is classified under the East Bay Regional Parks System.

It’s no secret that Alamo is one of the most desirable places to live in the state. There is an abundance of high-end communities here that feature gorgeous luxury homes; many are master-planned developments that aim to deliver desirable amenities, and most especially, an active lifestyle.

 

Here’s a round-up of the most desirable luxury communities that can be found here:

 

Quick Facts
Location: Stone Valley Road, opposite Round Hill Country Club
Developers: Branagh Development
Home Sizes: 4,000 to 6,000 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one-half to three-fourths of an acre
Price Range: $1.5 million to $3.5 million

 

Quick Facts
Location: Situated on Alamo’s rolling hills, featuring panoramic views of the valleys of Contra Costa County
Developers: Davidon Homes
Home Sizes: 4,995 to 6,000 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one-half to three-fourths of an acre
Price Range: $1.5 million to $3.5 million

 

Quick Facts
Location: Found at the end of Stone Valley Road, with stunning views of the Las Trampas Ridge and access to the Iron Horse Trail near downtown Walnut Creek
Home Sizes: 4,000 to 6,000 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one-half to three-fourths of an acre
Price Range: $2 million to $6 million

 

Quick Facts
Location: Stone Valley Road in San Ramon Valley
Home Sizes: 2,000 to 5,000 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one-third to one acre.
Price Range: $1 million to $3 million and above
Interesting Fact: Round Hill Country Club’s golf course has become a regular pit stop for the women of the Ladies Professional Golf Association for several years.

 

Quick Facts
Location: Found at the foothills of Mt. Diablo, it features beautiful views of the Las Trampas Ridge Developers: Remington Homes Home Sizes: 2,800 to 3,100 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one fourth to two thirds of an acre Price Range: $1 million to $2 million and above

 

Quick Facts
Location: Found on Stone Valley Oaks Drive just 5 miles away from Alamo Springs Drive
Home Sizes: 3,800 to 5,500 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one-half to one acre
Price Range: $1 million to $2.5 million and above

 

Quick Facts
Location: Livorna Road near Miranda Ave.
Developers: First developed by Harold Smith Homes, but was then taken over by Greystone Homes
Home Sizes: 2,800 to 4,200 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one -half to one acre
Price Range: $1.5 million to $2.2 million and above

 

Quick Facts
Location: Found at the end of Stone Valley Road
Developers: Harold Smith Builders
Home Sizes: 2,000 to 4,000 sq. ft. or more on lots that range from one-third to one-half of an acre
Price Range: $1 million to $2 million and above

Everyone from simple food lovers to absolute food connoisseurs will not find Alamo lacking in dining options! Here are some of the restaurants that you should definitely try while you’re exploring Alamo.

 

Opened by Chef Rodney Worth, The Peasant’s Courtyard features a modern take on traditional “peasant fare.” The menu features European and American classics, from appetizers to main courses, with their own dash of Chef Rodney’s flair. Be sure to try out the chef’s favorite: the Mt. Diablo Omelet, with mushrooms, Linguiça, Jack cheese, and fresh spinach. The Peasant’s Courtyard has a fantastic breakfast menu that makes it a top morning destination. Have fun with their “build-your-own” omelets and Green Eggs &Ham.

 

Get a taste of Mexico in Alamo at Don Jose’s Restaurant. An East Bay institution, Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant first opened in nearby Castro Valley in 1979 and has been serving delicious and authentic Mexican fare (with a Don Jose signature touch) ever since. Feast on tacos and their popular grilled chicken nachos. Don Jose’s offers a fun and casual dining experience for friends and family, and offers catering services for events.

 

The Brass Bear Delicatessen has been serving the best sandwiches and salads in Alamo since the 1980s. A family-owned and operated business, the Brass Bear Deli’s menu features all-time sandwich classics as well as house specials. Try out The Grayson, with its premium roast beef, salami, avocado, and Havarti on Dutch crunch, complete with lettuce and mayo. If you’re a vegan, the Brass Bear has a veggie sandwich made just for herbivores like you. The Brass Bear also sells meat and cheese by the pound, as well as a wide selection of imported beers, wines, coffee beans, and spices.

 

Burrito lovers unite at High Tech Burrito not only because of their love for this food, but because High Tech Burrito allows its customers to make their own burrito for the ultimate burrito experience. Play with different combinations from their selection of the freshest and finest ingredients in Alamo. In High Tech Burrito, you get to eat the best burrito of your life and have fun at the same time.

 

This is only a sampling of what Alamo has to offer! There are definitely more restaurants to tickle your taste buds, serving everything from pizza to barbecue to sushi.

 

Within Alamo’s boundaries are three schools that fall under the supervision of the San Ramon Valley Unified School District (SRVUSD). These are: Alamo Elementary School, Stone Valley Middle School, and Rancho Romero Elementary School.

 

Located at 100 Wilson Road, Alamo Elementary School consistently ranks as one of the best performing schools not just in Contra Costa County, but in the whole state of California. Founded in 1876, this elementary school is one of the original members of SRVUSD. From its beginnings as a rural school, Alamo Elementary has transformed into a top-tier suburban school attended by around 400 students. Some of its campus features are 17 classrooms, a science laboratory, and a computer laboratory. Aside from its academic programs, the school is known for its support of its students’ more artistic endeavors and offers extensive art, instrumental, and vocal instruction.

 

Located at 180 Hemme Avenue, Rancho Romero Elementary School was one of the schools selected by the California Department of Education as a California Distinguished School. It has won several awards and recognitions from various award-giving bodies for its core academic programs and nurturing environment. Rancho Romero not only offers special programs for its students, but keeps its students busy with various activities and events scheduled all throughout the year. Rancho Romero places utmost significance on its parent-teacher partnership, as the school believes that parents and teachers should work together to help the students achieve their goals and meet (or even surpass) the school’s academic standards.

 

Located at 3001 Miranda Avenue, Stone Valley Middle School is recognized nationally for its academic excellence. This educational institution has been named a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School, a testament to its excellent instruction and programs. SVMS encourages its student body to achieve holistic development through various programs. After school sports are popular and the school’s numerous enrichment programs cater to its students’ different interests. Artistically inclined students are welcome to join PTA Reflections, while math whizzes are encouraged to join Math Olympiads. There’s also a program for students who are interested in jazz music. For the school year 2014-2015, Stone Valley offers elective classes in Forensic Science, Robotics, and Media Graphics.

 

There are also several pre-schools in Alamo.