Thanks for the info. I heard back from Four Winds Growers. They do not have a retail store but pointed me in the right direction to look for Calamondin tree. I was just at Home Depot(a place I despise) and bought a variegated calamondin and also a kalamansi tree. They were both $21.95 each. Both in 5 gallon containers. They are about 2+ feet high.

Living in California can be very expensive, especially when you are on or near the coast, which Berkeley is. I can't tell you about the Berkeley lifestyle in detail, as we are on the Monterey Peninsula, about 90-100 miles south (by CA standards that's an easy drive). As far as I know, earthquake insurance is not a standard inclusion in one's homeowners insurance. It must be bought separately, at least down here, and it is very expensive. Most people we know don't have it. Instead, we retrofit our homes, things like bracing the foundation if necessary, and bracing and belting the water heater, and avoiding buying brick homes. I use museum putty to hold decorative items that are more than a few feet off the floor, and never hang anything heavy over beds. Coping with quakes is a way of life that you learn to take for granted and actually rarely worry about. I don't know how electricity and water compare to the East Coast. A real estate agent could tell you. But most of California is in a perpetual water crisis/drought and we are constantly exhorted to save, save, save water. Probably a bit different in the Bay Area and the Sierras, though. But you will still hear plenty about saving water. Remember that most of this state, except for the redwood and mountain regions, is a natural desert. California is notorious for its taxes. The sales tax is 7.25% and the state income tax is from about 8%-9.30% for most working couples. I pay our federal income tax without complaint, but constantly grit my teeth over the state income tax because, frankly, outside of our immediate area I don't see much bang for my buck. In fact, the state is under a constant threat of bankruptcy. Many Californians are fleeing to Washington and Nevada (no state income tax) and Oregon (no sales tax). Popular tourist destinations are well-cared for, though, places like Monterey, parts of the Bay Area, the southern CA beach/resort communities, the area up to Lake Tahoe. This is a very beautiful and remarkable state and DH and I don't regret for a minute our moving here. But life, especially for newcomers and especially on a modest budget, is not always easy. If I were making a move this drastic, I would come out and rent for awhile. We rented for almost two years before we bought; it allowed us to get to know the community really well, and to learn how to budget keeping a mortgage in mind. Good luck!

Ugh! Entire 2paragraph review lost. Thanks to ipad and GW. Sigh. Long story short, look up Gao's Group in south san fran. judy speaks excellent english. Bring your pictures and wishlist, or plans from another quote. You show it to them, they'll build it! I dont think they can handle intricate designer kitchens, but honestly, if you're building one of those, then you're not too concerned with cost. My quote from a brentwood cabinet maker, cant remember name, was over $40,000, because for dovetail, they only do some high end wood box. Gao was just over $20,000. Included dovetail, undermount softclose, full extension, and 1/3 glass uppers, to simulate stacked cabs. He gave me his cell phone, so for questions, i call, and he actually answers! They're doing another project in the south bay, los altos, so he's been around quickly when i call. I'm pretty lame at negotiating, but got them to take 5% off. I figure, i'd rather have them be more willing to come over and answer my contractor's questions, than worry about that last 5%. I saw the work they did at the other house, and was satisfied. Im very happy so far with my cabs! If you do work with him, he'll prob send you over to my house. :) Best of luck with your cabinetmaker search!

Home Depot in the Canal has a lot of lighting. I got my under cab puck lights there for $6 each. Lamps Plus is a good store on West Francisco. Their prices are pretty good. Lights of Rafael is on Redwood Hwy in Terra Linda, and they have a lot of stuff. Here is a link that might be useful: Lights of Rafael