One of the most challenging aspects of being a Realtor is all of the self-promotion required to connect with people who may need my help. It comes naturally to some, but not to me. If I’m being honest, I would much rather be talking with a homeowner about their goals than posting an ad about myself on Facebook. I would much rather be helping a first-time buyer understand how all the complicated moving pieces come together than thinking about new ways to attract business. And trust me, you will never see me dancing on TikTok.
That said, I know recognition matters because it reflects the trust people place in me. This year, I was honored to be named to the Top Producer list at Red Oak Realty. This was announced at our company meeting last month. Red Oak is filled with 100+ incredibly talented, hardworking Realtors whom I respect so deeply and look up to. Being a Top Producer is something I do not take lightly and frankly didn’t see coming. It is not something I ever assume will happen, and it is certainly not something I do this job chasing. But it is deeply appreciated. And humbling.
I have always believed real estate is first and foremost about relationships, trust, and community. Marketing matters, and I am very proud of the brand I have created and the marketing plans my team and I create for each house I am blessed to sell. But self-promotion always feels awkward to me. You will never see my face on a bus stop bench, for example. For me, the most meaningful part of this career has always been the people.
Even more personal was the fact that I was once again named the top agent, across all brokerages, in Sheffield Village. This marks nine consecutive years I have been so honored. When I received my real estate license in 2005, I never could have imagined that I would one day help more Sheffield Village residents buy or sell homes than any other agent over that time. That statistic means far more to me than any trophy or title ever could, because behind every transaction is a family, a story, and a major life moment that I was able to successfully assist with in a deeply personal way.
Sheffield Village is not just a marketing “farm” area to me. It is home in the truest sense. Maryann and I bought our first home here, the year we were married. I have served on the Board. I helped start the Neighborhood Watch. I created the community Facebook page. With the Oakland Heritage Alliance, I lead Walking Tours because I genuinely love the history, the architecture, and the people who made and continue to make this neighborhood what it is. Real estate, for me, has never been separate from community involvement. They are completely intertwined.
Over the past two-plus decades, I have had the privilege of guiding so many to buy and sell homes during some of the most important transitions in their lives. I have done so throughout the Bay Area. I have helped many connect with other Realtors nationwide through my curated referral connections. I have seen markets rise, fall, and change. I have watched interest rates swing dramatically. I have successfully negotiated through bidding wars on both sides and also through slower, more cautious markets. Through all of it, one thing has stayed constant. My commitment to putting my clients first and giving honest, straightforward advice, even when it is not the easiest thing to say.
My Mission Statement for sellers is simple. My goal is to get you the highest and best offers in the shortest amount of time.
My Mission Statement for buyers is just as clear. My goal is to help you secure the right home, at the best possible price and terms, with the strongest negotiating position possible.
If you have worked with me before, referred me to a friend, stopped to chat with me at an open house, or simply read one of these newsletters, thank you. Truly. Small businesses, and especially relationship-driven careers like mine, only exist because of community support and trust. I never forget that.
My goal has always been simple. Work hard, communicate clearly, protect my clients’ interests, and make what can be a stressful process feel manageable, and maybe even enjoyable. I do not claim to be perfect, but I do promise focus, effort, experience, and advocacy every single time.
As we move into another busy real estate year, I am excited to continue doing what I love most. Helping people make smart decisions about one of the biggest financial and emotional investments they will ever make. Home.
If you're thinking about buying or selling, now is the time to plan strategically for the market we're heading into. If you want to talk about what this market means for your plans, let's brainstorm. The right preparation and strategy can turn today's market into a successful sale.
That said, I know recognition matters because it reflects the trust people place in me. This year, I was honored to be named to the Top Producer list at Red Oak Realty. This was announced at our company meeting last month. Red Oak is filled with 100+ incredibly talented, hardworking Realtors whom I respect so deeply and look up to. Being a Top Producer is something I do not take lightly and frankly didn’t see coming. It is not something I ever assume will happen, and it is certainly not something I do this job chasing. But it is deeply appreciated. And humbling.
I have always believed real estate is first and foremost about relationships, trust, and community. Marketing matters, and I am very proud of the brand I have created and the marketing plans my team and I create for each house I am blessed to sell. But self-promotion always feels awkward to me. You will never see my face on a bus stop bench, for example. For me, the most meaningful part of this career has always been the people.
Even more personal was the fact that I was once again named the top agent, across all brokerages, in Sheffield Village. This marks nine consecutive years I have been so honored. When I received my real estate license in 2005, I never could have imagined that I would one day help more Sheffield Village residents buy or sell homes than any other agent over that time. That statistic means far more to me than any trophy or title ever could, because behind every transaction is a family, a story, and a major life moment that I was able to successfully assist with in a deeply personal way.
Sheffield Village is not just a marketing “farm” area to me. It is home in the truest sense. Maryann and I bought our first home here, the year we were married. I have served on the Board. I helped start the Neighborhood Watch. I created the community Facebook page. With the Oakland Heritage Alliance, I lead Walking Tours because I genuinely love the history, the architecture, and the people who made and continue to make this neighborhood what it is. Real estate, for me, has never been separate from community involvement. They are completely intertwined.
Over the past two-plus decades, I have had the privilege of guiding so many to buy and sell homes during some of the most important transitions in their lives. I have done so throughout the Bay Area. I have helped many connect with other Realtors nationwide through my curated referral connections. I have seen markets rise, fall, and change. I have watched interest rates swing dramatically. I have successfully negotiated through bidding wars on both sides and also through slower, more cautious markets. Through all of it, one thing has stayed constant. My commitment to putting my clients first and giving honest, straightforward advice, even when it is not the easiest thing to say.
My Mission Statement for sellers is simple. My goal is to get you the highest and best offers in the shortest amount of time.
My Mission Statement for buyers is just as clear. My goal is to help you secure the right home, at the best possible price and terms, with the strongest negotiating position possible.
If you have worked with me before, referred me to a friend, stopped to chat with me at an open house, or simply read one of these newsletters, thank you. Truly. Small businesses, and especially relationship-driven careers like mine, only exist because of community support and trust. I never forget that.
My goal has always been simple. Work hard, communicate clearly, protect my clients’ interests, and make what can be a stressful process feel manageable, and maybe even enjoyable. I do not claim to be perfect, but I do promise focus, effort, experience, and advocacy every single time.
As we move into another busy real estate year, I am excited to continue doing what I love most. Helping people make smart decisions about one of the biggest financial and emotional investments they will ever make. Home.
If you're thinking about buying or selling, now is the time to plan strategically for the market we're heading into. If you want to talk about what this market means for your plans, let's brainstorm. The right preparation and strategy can turn today's market into a successful sale.
COMMUNITY CORNER
SAN LEANDRO
“Am I an American or Am I Not?” at the main branch of the San Leandro Library. A traveling exhibit from the Fred T. Korematsu Institute. Inspired by Korematsu’s courageous resistance against the violation of his constitutional rights, the exhibit examines the mass incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII and invites visitors to reflect on historical injustice and its relevance today. The exhibition emphasizes stories of resilience and civic engagement, encouraging all of us to stand up for equal rights. 300 Estudillo Ave through this Saturday.
“Am I an American or Am I Not?” at the main branch of the San Leandro Library. A traveling exhibit from the Fred T. Korematsu Institute. Inspired by Korematsu’s courageous resistance against the violation of his constitutional rights, the exhibit examines the mass incarceration of over 125,000 Japanese Americans during WWII and invites visitors to reflect on historical injustice and its relevance today. The exhibition emphasizes stories of resilience and civic engagement, encouraging all of us to stand up for equal rights. 300 Estudillo Ave through this Saturday.
CASTRO VALLEY
Free screening of the film The Apology at the Castro Valley library 2-3:30PM this Saturday February 28. 3600 Norbridge Ave. A very powerful testimony about the dismantling of the Russel City neighborhood by the City of Hayward and Alameda County, home to mostly black and Latino families, to make way for the industrial parks that are there today.
Our Third Biannual San Leandro Red Oak Realty Blood Drive
If you missed our most recent Blood Drive or just can't wait to give more, we will have our next drive on Friday April 3. Please reach out to me for details.
Our Third Biannual San Leandro Red Oak Realty Blood Drive
If you missed our most recent Blood Drive or just can't wait to give more, we will have our next drive on Friday April 3. Please reach out to me for details.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"The only thing more powerful than hate is love" -Bad Bunny
REGISTER TO VOTE
Daily, we're experiencing the results of not enough people voting. If you are not registered, please do so. If you are, please spread the word to five others to encourage more people to do so. Every single vote matters. You can use the link below.
https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/register-to-vote
https://www.nass.org/can-i-vote/register-to-vote
HOMEOWNERSHIP TIP OF THE MONTH: Check Your Home’s Drainage Before the Next Big Storm
How about this Wet Weather? As we’re experiencing, February is peak rain season in the East Bay. And while most homeowners think about roof leaks, many forget about what happens after the rain hits the ground.
Now is the perfect time to:
✔ Inspect Your Gutters & Downspouts
Make sure they’re clear and securely attached. Even partial clogs can cause water to spill over and pool near your foundation.
✔ Check Where Water Is Draining
Downspouts should direct water at least 3–5 feet away from the home. If water is collecting near the foundation, that’s a long-term issue waiting to happen.
✔ Look for Pooling After a Storm
Take a quick walk around your property the next day after heavy rain. Standing water can signal:
● Poor grading
● Blocked drains
● Compacted soil
● Failing drainage systems
✔ Inspect Crawlspaces or Basements
Even if you’ve never had issues, excess winter moisture can quietly lead to mold, wood rot, or pest activity.
Now is the perfect time to:
✔ Inspect Your Gutters & Downspouts
Make sure they’re clear and securely attached. Even partial clogs can cause water to spill over and pool near your foundation.
✔ Check Where Water Is Draining
Downspouts should direct water at least 3–5 feet away from the home. If water is collecting near the foundation, that’s a long-term issue waiting to happen.
✔ Look for Pooling After a Storm
Take a quick walk around your property the next day after heavy rain. Standing water can signal:
● Poor grading
● Blocked drains
● Compacted soil
● Failing drainage systems
✔ Inspect Crawlspaces or Basements
Even if you’ve never had issues, excess winter moisture can quietly lead to mold, wood rot, or pest activity.
Why This Matters
Water is one of the most expensive long-term threats to a home. Small drainage problems today can turn into foundation repairs, dry rot remediation, or drainage system retrofits later.
And here’s the real estate angle:
When it’s time to sell, drainage and moisture issues almost always show up in inspections, and buyers get nervous fast.
A simple February checkup can prevent big headaches later.
And here’s the real estate angle:
When it’s time to sell, drainage and moisture issues almost always show up in inspections, and buyers get nervous fast.
A simple February checkup can prevent big headaches later.
INSURANCE
Many homeowners look at their policy and think, “I’m covered.”
But here’s the key question:
Are you insured for market value or for the cost to rebuild?
Those are very different numbers.
Market value includes land and neighborhood demand. Replacement cost covers what it would take to rebuild your home from the ground up…materials, labor, permits, debris removal, and code upgrades.
With construction costs fluctuating in California, many policies haven’t kept pace.
But here’s the key question:
Are you insured for market value or for the cost to rebuild?
Those are very different numbers.
Market value includes land and neighborhood demand. Replacement cost covers what it would take to rebuild your home from the ground up…materials, labor, permits, debris removal, and code upgrades.
With construction costs fluctuating in California, many policies haven’t kept pace.
What To Do
• Ask your insurance agent for an updated replacement cost estimate
• Confirm you have ordinance or law coverage (especially for older homes)
• Review your deductible for fire, wind, and water damage
• Confirm you have ordinance or law coverage (especially for older homes)
• Review your deductible for fire, wind, and water damage
Why It Matters
After major storms or wildfires, rebuild costs can spike. If your coverage is outdated, you may find yourself underinsured at the worst possible time.
A quick policy review now can protect one of your largest assets later.
RECIPE: Classic Creamy Tomato Soup
Classic Creamy Tomato Soup
This rich, smooth tomato soup tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in about 35–40 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh basil (optional)
Pinch of sugar (optional)
A quick policy review now can protect one of your largest assets later.
RECIPE: Classic Creamy Tomato Soup
Classic Creamy Tomato Soup
This rich, smooth tomato soup tastes like it simmered all day but comes together in about 35–40 minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes
1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh basil (optional)
Pinch of sugar (optional)
Instructions
Heat oil or butter in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add onion with a pinch of salt and cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until slightly darkened.
Pour in the tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Break up tomatoes with a spoon. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully in batches in a countertop blender.
Stir in cream. Season with salt and pepper, adding a small pinch of sugar if needed to balance acidity. Add basil if using and simmer 2–3 more minutes before serving.
Add tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until slightly darkened.
Pour in the tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Break up tomatoes with a spoon. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
Blend until smooth using an immersion blender, or carefully in batches in a countertop blender.
Stir in cream. Season with salt and pepper, adding a small pinch of sugar if needed to balance acidity. Add basil if using and simmer 2–3 more minutes before serving.
TRAVEL
Work has kept me close to home. Still planning a trip to Seattle with perhaps another to Hawai’i or México towards summer. And if things work our right, a hop across the pond in the fall.
Do you have any trips planned?
Do you have any trips planned?
RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH
If you’re looking for a standout Italian dining experience in San Leandro, Paradiso is one of the community’s true favorites and for good reason. Open since the mid-1990s, this long-standing local gem has built a reputation for quality, consistency, and genuine care in every dish it serves.
Paradiso’s menu blends classic Italian flavors with contemporary touches, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to perfectly prepared pastas and seafood. Lots of gluten-free options as well! I love their roasted Manila clams with linguini in a lemon-white wine sauce, a dish that perfectly showcases fresh ingredients and expert execution. Whether you’re starting with one of their antipasti or enjoying one of their seasonal specials, every plate feels thoughtfully composed and delicious.
One of the highlights here is the wood-fired pizza (and there’s a great GF version of that too!) Thin, flavorful crusts topped with classic Italian ingredients that hold their own against more expensive Bay Area counterparts. Paradiso also boasts an impressive wine list, including an award-winning selection that elevates the dining experience and pairs beautifully with nearly every entrée.
The atmosphere strikes the right balance between casual and refined, making Paradiso a great choice for date nights, family dinners, or celebrating special occasions right here in the heart of San Leandro. Many locals consider it the go-to Italian restaurant in the East Bay, and we often return again and again for both the food and the welcoming service.
If you haven’t been yet, Paradiso is a reminder of why San Leandro’s dining scene continues to grow: quality, flavor, and community all on one plate.
Where have you been eating out?
Paradiso’s menu blends classic Italian flavors with contemporary touches, offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to perfectly prepared pastas and seafood. Lots of gluten-free options as well! I love their roasted Manila clams with linguini in a lemon-white wine sauce, a dish that perfectly showcases fresh ingredients and expert execution. Whether you’re starting with one of their antipasti or enjoying one of their seasonal specials, every plate feels thoughtfully composed and delicious.
One of the highlights here is the wood-fired pizza (and there’s a great GF version of that too!) Thin, flavorful crusts topped with classic Italian ingredients that hold their own against more expensive Bay Area counterparts. Paradiso also boasts an impressive wine list, including an award-winning selection that elevates the dining experience and pairs beautifully with nearly every entrée.
The atmosphere strikes the right balance between casual and refined, making Paradiso a great choice for date nights, family dinners, or celebrating special occasions right here in the heart of San Leandro. Many locals consider it the go-to Italian restaurant in the East Bay, and we often return again and again for both the food and the welcoming service.
If you haven’t been yet, Paradiso is a reminder of why San Leandro’s dining scene continues to grow: quality, flavor, and community all on one plate.
Where have you been eating out?
PICKLEBALL TIP OF THE MONTH: Calling the Ball In or Out
Let’s talk about one of the simplest and most misunderstood parts of pickleball etiquette.
The team on the side of the court where the ball lands has 100% authority to call the ball in or call it out.
The team on the side of the court where the ball lands has 100% authority to call the ball in or call it out.
Bottom line.
If the ball lands on your side of the net, it is your call. Not your opponent’s. Not the spectators’. Yours.
If you didn’t clearly see the ball, ask your partner. If you’re still unsure, you may ask the other team for their opinion. They’re welcome to offer it but only after being asked. The call still belongs to the receiving side.
I’ve seen too many friendly games get tense and even completely derailed because this simple principle wasn’t followed. It’s just one point in one game, everyone.
Even if you “know” the ball was in, if it didn’t land on your side of the net, it’s not your call to make. Let it go. Don’t argue. Move on.
There’s another important rule that often gets overlooked:
If you and your teammate cannot unequivocally call the ball out, then the ball is in.
No hesitation. No debate. If you say, “I’m 95% sure it was out,” then it was in. Keep it simple.
If you aren’t certain, call it in, compliment the other team on the shot, and move on to the next point. When in doubt, give the other team the point and get back to playing. Have I made my point? LOL
That mindset keeps games friendly, fair, and competitive exactly what recreational pickleball should be.
Good players win points.
Great players protect the integrity of the game and keep it fun.
And in the long run, that matters far more than
Let me know if you want to play or learn!
If you didn’t clearly see the ball, ask your partner. If you’re still unsure, you may ask the other team for their opinion. They’re welcome to offer it but only after being asked. The call still belongs to the receiving side.
I’ve seen too many friendly games get tense and even completely derailed because this simple principle wasn’t followed. It’s just one point in one game, everyone.
Even if you “know” the ball was in, if it didn’t land on your side of the net, it’s not your call to make. Let it go. Don’t argue. Move on.
There’s another important rule that often gets overlooked:
If you and your teammate cannot unequivocally call the ball out, then the ball is in.
No hesitation. No debate. If you say, “I’m 95% sure it was out,” then it was in. Keep it simple.
If you aren’t certain, call it in, compliment the other team on the shot, and move on to the next point. When in doubt, give the other team the point and get back to playing. Have I made my point? LOL
That mindset keeps games friendly, fair, and competitive exactly what recreational pickleball should be.
Good players win points.
Great players protect the integrity of the game and keep it fun.
And in the long run, that matters far more than
Let me know if you want to play or learn!
MOVIES/THEATRE/TV
We’ve been enjoying the Olympics but to be honest we just love the Opening Ceremony and haven’t made the effort to watch a lot more. I do check the headlines and medal count daily. We did start a rewatch of The Crown on Netflix.
What are you watching?
What are you watching?
MUSIC
We went to a very interesting concert recently called Candlelight Concerts. Basically, a String Quartet plays rock or pop songs being lit only by candlelight. The show we saw was the music of Fleetwood Mac. They also do shows with Elton John’s music and the music of Coldplay. It was interesting but not sure I’d rush back.
What are you listening to?
What are you listening to?
Greg's Top Science Fiction Movies of the Post-Star Wars Era
(The films that proved sci-fi could be darker, smarter, and more ambitious than ever.)
Last month I shared my list of the Top 10 Science Fiction Movies Before Star Wars. The films that laid the groundwork for the genre.
Then 1977 happened.
Star Wars didn’t just change special effects. It changed scale. It proved science fiction could be mythic, emotional, and massively popular all at once.
What followed wasn’t imitation, it was expansion. Sci-fi became darker. More philosophical. More satirical. More political. And sometimes more terrifying.
Here’s my personal list of the Top 10 Science Fiction Movies of the Post-Star Wars Era films that pushed the genre forward in bold ways.
#1 Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott turned space into the scariest haunted house ever filmed. The Xenomorph design, Ripley’s strength and resilience, and the claustrophobic tension redefined sci-fi horror.
Quote:
“In space, no one can hear you scream.”
#2 Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Romero’s follow-up to Night of the Living Dead blended zombie horror with biting social commentary about consumer culture. The shopping mall setting became iconic.
Quote:
“When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.”
#3 The Road Warrior (1981)
George Miller created the definitive post-apocalyptic wasteland. Sparse dialogue, relentless action, and unforgettable world-building that influenced everything from video games to Fury Road decades later.
Quote:
“My life fades. The vision dims. All that remains are memories.”
#4 Blade Runner (1982)
Visually groundbreaking and philosophically deep, Ridley Scott’s neo-noir masterpiece asked what it really means to be human. Initially divisive, it’s now one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made.
Quote:
“All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.”
#5 They Live (1988)
John Carpenter’s cult classic skewers consumerism, corporate control, and hidden power structures — themes that feel even more relevant today.
Quote:
“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
#6 District 9 (2009)
A gritty, documentary-style alien story that doubles as sharp political allegory. Proof that science fiction can still surprise us decades after Star Wars.
Quote:
“We just want to go home.”
#7 The Terminator (1984)
Lean, relentless, and brilliantly paced. James Cameron blended sci-fi, horror, and action while launching one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.
Quote:
“I’ll be back.”
#8 Brazil (1985)
Terry Gilliam’s surreal dystopia of bureaucracy and control. Equal parts absurd and unsettling, it feels more prophetic every year.
Quote:
“We’re all in this together.”
#9 RoboCop (1987)
Ultra-violent satire wrapped in blockbuster action. Verhoeven’s take on corporate America, media culture, and privatization remains sharp and unsettling.
Quote:
“Dead or alive, you’re coming with me.”
#10 Total Recall (1990)
Memory, identity, Mars, and paranoia. A wild Philip K. Dick adaptation that keeps you questioning what’s real right up to the end.
Quote:
“Get your ass to Mars.”
Last month I shared my list of the Top 10 Science Fiction Movies Before Star Wars. The films that laid the groundwork for the genre.
Then 1977 happened.
Star Wars didn’t just change special effects. It changed scale. It proved science fiction could be mythic, emotional, and massively popular all at once.
What followed wasn’t imitation, it was expansion. Sci-fi became darker. More philosophical. More satirical. More political. And sometimes more terrifying.
Here’s my personal list of the Top 10 Science Fiction Movies of the Post-Star Wars Era films that pushed the genre forward in bold ways.
#1 Alien (1979)
Ridley Scott turned space into the scariest haunted house ever filmed. The Xenomorph design, Ripley’s strength and resilience, and the claustrophobic tension redefined sci-fi horror.
Quote:
“In space, no one can hear you scream.”
#2 Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Romero’s follow-up to Night of the Living Dead blended zombie horror with biting social commentary about consumer culture. The shopping mall setting became iconic.
Quote:
“When there’s no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.”
#3 The Road Warrior (1981)
George Miller created the definitive post-apocalyptic wasteland. Sparse dialogue, relentless action, and unforgettable world-building that influenced everything from video games to Fury Road decades later.
Quote:
“My life fades. The vision dims. All that remains are memories.”
#4 Blade Runner (1982)
Visually groundbreaking and philosophically deep, Ridley Scott’s neo-noir masterpiece asked what it really means to be human. Initially divisive, it’s now one of the most influential sci-fi films ever made.
Quote:
“All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.”
#5 They Live (1988)
John Carpenter’s cult classic skewers consumerism, corporate control, and hidden power structures — themes that feel even more relevant today.
Quote:
“I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
#6 District 9 (2009)
A gritty, documentary-style alien story that doubles as sharp political allegory. Proof that science fiction can still surprise us decades after Star Wars.
Quote:
“We just want to go home.”
#7 The Terminator (1984)
Lean, relentless, and brilliantly paced. James Cameron blended sci-fi, horror, and action while launching one of cinema’s most enduring franchises.
Quote:
“I’ll be back.”
#8 Brazil (1985)
Terry Gilliam’s surreal dystopia of bureaucracy and control. Equal parts absurd and unsettling, it feels more prophetic every year.
Quote:
“We’re all in this together.”
#9 RoboCop (1987)
Ultra-violent satire wrapped in blockbuster action. Verhoeven’s take on corporate America, media culture, and privatization remains sharp and unsettling.
Quote:
“Dead or alive, you’re coming with me.”
#10 Total Recall (1990)
Memory, identity, Mars, and paranoia. A wild Philip K. Dick adaptation that keeps you questioning what’s real right up to the end.
Quote:
“Get your ass to Mars.”
Honorable Mentions
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
Raised the bar for visual effects and emotional sci-fi storytelling.
The Matrix (1999)
Redefined action choreography and philosophical sci-fi for a new generation.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
The most accessible and heartfelt of the original Trek films — time travel, humor, environmental themes, and peak 80s San Francisco.
Liquid Sky (1982)
A cult New Wave sci-fi film set in the underground art scene of early ‘80’s Manhattan. Minimalist, strange, stylish, and completely original…proof that science fiction doesn’t need a massive budget to be bold.
Raised the bar for visual effects and emotional sci-fi storytelling.
The Matrix (1999)
Redefined action choreography and philosophical sci-fi for a new generation.
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)
The most accessible and heartfelt of the original Trek films — time travel, humor, environmental themes, and peak 80s San Francisco.
Liquid Sky (1982)
A cult New Wave sci-fi film set in the underground art scene of early ‘80’s Manhattan. Minimalist, strange, stylish, and completely original…proof that science fiction doesn’t need a massive budget to be bold.
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: TNT Pro-Wash
Need windows washed? Call Mike? Gutters cleaned? Call Mike. Patio pressure-washed? You know the answer! Mike, the owner of TNT Pro Wash, is my go-to for cleaning anything. And I mean anything. From Stive to Solar Panels, give Sheffield Village legend Mike Andrews a call at 510.772.9297.
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
Greg at Red Oak is one of the hardest-working and most communicative realtors I’ve ever used.
I have more than 50 five-star reviews from previous clients. You can use this link to read or write a review about my real estate services: Zillow
I have more than 50 five-star reviews from previous clients. You can use this link to read or write a review about my real estate services: Zillow
REFERRALS
Always happy to talk with you or your friends about Real Estate goals. I know many great agents who work throughout the country, so if you're thinking about a move, Call me. Let's brainstorm!
>> RANKED TOP 1.5% OF ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS NATIONWIDE BY REAL TRENDS 2023
>> RANKED TOP 1.5% OF ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS NATIONWIDE BY REAL TRENDS 2023
