Property Records Search

The Times researched Alameda County public records recently to explore the history of three buildings in Berkeley and Oakland. Three teams of staff members report:

Anatomy of a Public Records Search:
Religious History Tolls Through the Years
Of an Oakland City Landmark

OAKLAND -- Our investigation into one of Oakland's most historic buildings began in the sterile offices of a modern downtown building and ended in the loft of a dusty pipe organ.

Anatomy of a Public Records Search:
Revealing the Quirky History
of Berkeley's Tupper and Reed Building

BERKELEY -- Our adventure began when Christin happened upon a storefront shop at 2277 Shattuck Avenue during an early morning stroll in downtown Berkeley. Lured by the store's old-fashioned scarlet awning and ornate tiling encircling the immaculate picture windows, she went inside and spoke with Wayne Anderson, the shop's owner and resident crank.

Anatomy of a Public Records Search:
Of Farmers, Hippies, and Satin Pajamas
in the History of a Berkeley Mansion

BERKELEY -- Our peculiar expedition started on the streets of Berkeley near Civic Center Park. After nearly an hour of scouting possible houses for our property records search, we discovered a curious-looking candidate: A wooden shingled house on Dwight Way with two dragons hung above the door on the porch entrance.