Coffee Dreams

Spurred by a somewhat long-standing promise that Bellara would replace the not-working espresso machine with one that is a self-serve model, the Buzz has been poking about for possible options. We asked Claude AI for the “best idiot-proof espresso machine for large group of people” and got these results:

Top Picks

Jura W8 — Best for medium-large offices, fully automatic The Jura W8 is essentially all about simple functionality and a user-friendly experience, allowing for top-quality coffee even if you have no idea what you're doing. It's compact for a commercial machine, very intuitive, and handles espresso, flat whites, cappuccinos, etc. with one touch. Priced around $3,000–$4,000. Coffeeness

WMF 1500 S+ — Best for high-volume self-service The WMF 1500 S+ features an attractive 10" color touch display with realistic product depictions and familiar touch/swipe menus, available in both served and self-service modes. It supports up to three hoppers with a choice of two coffee bean types or chocolate powder. Ideal for a break room where staff serve themselves. Priced around $8,000–$12,000. Visionsespresso

Franke Super Automatics — Best Swiss-engineered, high-capacity Franke has been at the forefront of super-automatic bean-to-cup machines worldwide for close to 50 years, offering one-step espresso/cappuccino machines with integrated refrigeration for milk, plus optional flavor injection systems and cup warmers. Great for offices that want truly hands-off operation. Pricing typically $8,000–$15,000+. Absolute Espresso

Rancilio Classe 7 — Best for offices that want barista-style quality The Rancilio Classe 7 is a workhorse built for speed and efficiency, perfect for medium to large environments pumping out espresso drinks all morning, with fast heat-up time and a big steam boiler. Requires slightly more skill but produces exceptional results. Around $5,000–$8,000. Coffee Voila

Claude’s Recommendation

For a busy office where nobody wants to be the designated barista, the Jura W8 [$3,000-4,000] or WMF 1500 S+ [$8,000-12,000] are the sweet spot — fully automatic, self-cleaning, and genuinely idiot-proof. If you have 50+ people, lean toward the WMF for its higher daily capacity and self-service touchscreen. And seriously consider leasing over buying — it usually includes maintenance and bean delivery, which removes all the headaches.

COFFEE DREAMS CONT.:  The Buzz emailed Executive Direct Jeff Sumabat to ask him why we still don’t have a working machine. His reply was, “The Royal Coffee Company has given us a copy of the contract, and it is with legal for review. Once I receive it back, I will let everyone know. They are swamped with some changes they are currently making with the legal department structure.”

 In the meantime, we can safely dream of espressos and frothy cappuccinos.

Art News

Parking Issues

Jura F8, around $3-4,000

Sun Gallery is hosting a month-long exhibit “celebrating the many voices actively shaping California today. California has always been defined by movement—of people, ideas, cultures, and creativity. From those who arrived generations ago to those who have recently made California home, this exhibition honors the artists whose work reflects the evolving identity of this place we share.”

The Gallery is located at 1015 E St, Hayward, CA 94541. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00-4:00. The Artists’ Reception is Saturday, June 27 at noon. This show runs from Friday, June 19 to Friday July 31.

Note: Buzz-creator Rick Wise will have 5 pieces on display and for sale in this show. A couple of them are printed below.

Winter Sun, 18”x24” printed to canvas

WMF 1500 S+. around $8-15,000

Poppies, 20”x40” printed to metal

How Do I / What Do I Do?

by Guy DeGarmo

Q. WHERE DO I GET RID OF MY TRASH?

A. ‎ There are trash rooms located on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors two doors toward the rear of the building from elevator # 1 which is the elevator that serves the lobby and dining room. The trash room does not have a room number but is identified with a sign that says trash. 

Q. IS THERE A SPECIAL ELEVATOR FOR USE IN MOVING IN OR OUT AND FOR LARGE DELIVERIES?

A. ‎ Yes, this elevator is located at the rear of the building on the A street side and stops at all floors.

    If you need to use this elevator for moving,  please contact the concierge at the front desk in the main lobby or call 510-244-0949 

Q. HOW DO I OBTAIN A RESERVED PARKING SPACE IN THE GARAGE?

A. ‎ Reserved Parking Spaces cost $100 a month. In order to obtain a space please apply with the concierge at the front desk in the main lobby  or call 510-244-0949

  At the  present time no spaces are available and your name will be placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available 

Please forward any questions that you would like to have answered  to guy@moose-manor.net, or Text or call Guy @ 208-819-4807. All questions will be reviewed with Bellara Management before being placed in the Bellara Buzz.

Suggested Excursion

From Ron Johnson:

Take an excursion on the historic Niles Canyon railroad, riding through Niles Canyon behind either diesel or steam power. https://www.ncry.org/

SCHEDULE: Regularly scheduled passenger train ride operations are the second and third weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month from March through October. Two departures on each day: 10:30 AM and 1:00PM. Steam and diesel power will vary by the day and the month. Please visit the Rides page to get all the current details on the fares and motive power, planning your ride and purchasing your tickets online.

“A railroad museum where the exhibits come to life!”

PARKING IN RESERVED SPOTS (or, Don’t call the tow truck yourself):

Residents received a letter from Management regarding parking. It directed residents to immediately phone the towing company if someone parks in their reserved spot (if they have one.) But when The Buzz asked Management about the issue, we received a clarification: Residents are not supposed to call the towing company themselves but instead report the incident to the front desk. As Facilities Director Art Blancos explains:

 Please note that if someone parks in any resident reserved parking space, residents are not permitted to arrange for a vehicle to be towed directly. In these situations, we kindly ask that you contact the Concierge team and email me directly so we can properly address the matter. 

As the next step, we will place a warning notice on any vehicle parked in a resident’s reserved space. Per our parking procedures, the warning notice must remain in place for 48 hours before Management can proceed with towing the vehicle if the issue is not corrected. 

If you encounter someone parking in your parking spot, please feel free to temporarily park in an available non-reserved parking space.

 He went on to emphasize, “residents should always report parking concerns to Management first, as residents are not authorized to tow vehicles themselves.”

Recommendations

Dentist:

Guy DeGarmo recommends Highland Dental, 1372 A street, Hayward, CA 94541, 510-314-0755, Highlanddentalofhayward.com. Guy writes, “Located two blocks up A street across from Quick Quack car wash. Called and made appointment for 2 days later. Very modern equipment, off street parking, very professional staff”

Cardiologist:

Stephen Morris, MD: Guy DeGarmo writes, “I had my first visit with Stephen Morris and was really impressed.. He had reviewed my history before we met, He asked questions and actually listened to the answers, was not in a hurry. Very professional and one of the best visits I have ever had with a Doctor. Office is very close to Eden Hospital.”

Stephen Morris, MD, Stanford medicine Partners Medicine, 20126 Stanton Ave. Suite 100, Castro Valley, CA 94546, 510 537 3556

Veterinarian:

Rick Wise recommends: Eden Pet Hospital. “Kind, thoughtful, thorough. My one complaint is that they have no one to watch over pets left overnight in the hospital. And, they are closed on the Weekend. Which means for those situations, VEG 24/7 on San Ramon, about a 20-minute drive from here.

Eden Pet Hospital: 1920 Knox St., Castro Valley, CA 94546, (510) 538-6350

VEG 2/47: 2431 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon 94583, (925) 718-7771