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Buying or Selling a Home During the Covid-19 Crisis BY PETE SABINE such as a buyer’s or seller’s inability to travel buyer incurs a loss of income or employ* This allows the seller to adjust timing to

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From time to time, “black swan events” overtake the ability of parties in a real estate transaction to allocate the risk of nonperformance. Such events are often addressed by a “force majeure” clause that allows a party to suspend or terminate performance when circumstances that the parties could not have anticipated or are beyond their control make performance of the contract impossible or impracticable.

The current global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has the potential for unprecedented impacts on real estate transactions, including travel restrictions, shelterin-place government required isolation, and closure of both government and private offices required to fund, close, and record real estate transactions.

In the event compliance with purchase agreement contingencies, contractual ob ligations, or the close of escrow is not possible or practical as a result of unforeseen circumstances related to the COVID-19, to sign documents, closings of or delays in related government and business services, including delays by or closing of lenders, title/escrow, county assessor/recorder, or otherwise, the parties to the real estate transaction should consider incorporating these provisions as a part of the purchase agreement: 1. In the event a delay occurs that affects the Close of Escrow date due to any reason related to COVID-19, Buyer and Seller shall agree to extend the Close of Escrow date up to ___ days to allow additional time for either party to perform. 2. In the event a delay occurs that affects a contingency removal and/or contractual obligation by either party due to any reason related to COVID-19, Buyer and Seller shall agree to extend the contingency removal date and/or contractual obligation date up to ___ days to allow additional time for ei ther party to perform. 3. The Loan Contingency shall remain in effect until the lender delivers loan funds to Escrow. * This protects the buyer in the event the

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ment during the transaction escrow. 4. Regarding Closing and Possession, Seller reserves the right to rent back the property from Buyer up to ___ days from Close of Escrow. Seller shall deliver to Buyer a written notice to exercise rent back option and specify the Occupancy date no later than ___ days prior to Close of Escrow. vacate the property, confirm moving arrangements, and prevent additional costs for interim housing before moving to their new home.

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BY MARJORIE NEWTON

Once upon a time, there was a place called Wonderland that was designed for the delight of children. Over the entrance was a sign that read: “Into This Royal Playground Pass Only Happy People, Big and Little.” The tiny empire was ruled over by King Norman.

Wonderland was located in the Park and Shop in Concord. Construction of this strip mall began in 1955, formally opened for business in 1957, and was completed in 1959. Among the original 18 tenants were Grant’s, Woolworth’s, J.C. Penney’s, and Kahn’s department stores. King Norman’s Wonderland and toy store was at the eastern end of the Park and Shop. Children could choose to ride on the merry-go-round, drive miniature cars, or go on the Ferris wheel or train. Many children celebrated their birthdays there during the 10 years it was in operation. The only original business that remains today is Chick’s Donuts.

King Norman, born Norman Rosenberg in Chicago in 1918, was a naval officer stationed in San Francisco during World War II. On a blind date he met Doris Brodofsky, who became his wife of more than 60 years. Their business, which began in Richmond in the early 1950s, grew to 21 stores throughout the Bay Area. King Norman and Doris, known as Page Joy, could be seen on Saturday mornings on KGO-TV. To see what Wonderland looked like in 1956, go to You Tube to watch a video, at www.youtube. com/watch?v=1FeJo-WxhAM.

Eventually, the Rosenbergs sold their business. In 1965, Park and Shop expanded, adding new stores in place of where Wonderland once stood. But that was not the end of the story. After a time in Oakland, the rides returned to Concord in 1970, no longer in Wonderland but now in Pixie Playland. Pixie Playland is located at 2740 East Olivera Road in Concord. The owner of the equipment retired in 1989 and sold the rides to the City of Concord. Additional rides were added in 1995. Children continue to celebrate birthdays in the park and enjoy the rides that once brought happiness to their parents and grandparents.

“A History Note” is presented by the Contra Costa County History Center, 724 Escobar St., Martinez, using materials from the society’s collections. Open hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays, from 9-4, and the first and third Saturdays, from 10-2. Check out www. cocohistory.org. A History Note A Place Called Wonderland From the Contra Costa County Historical Society