What is a Veteran?

Today is a day of remembrance for many. For many school kids it is just another day off. A day to play and have fun. No worries, no getting up early, nothing that relates to the meaning of the day. On the surface many of us are used to the word veteran. There is veteran news man, veteran football player, or even veteran Realtor. We like veterans, as that says to most of us, experienced. We paid our dues, we want experience. Most of us know from first hand knowledge the value of youth, but also know the cost and value of experience. As we get older we realize youth has it's value, as rookies, we realize they make more mistakes that a veteran won't make. That can be from working on our car and mis-diagnosing something, to cutting the wrong way on a pass play on a football field. We realize that with experience a veteran, may cost more, but are more valuable. As a veteran Realtor, many value me because I generally don't make the mistakes the rookies make. I think the term service and dedication are other terms we associate with term. These are all good honorable qualities.

Here is the dictionary definition of what a veteran is:
-noun

 1.vet⋅er⋅an a person who has had long service or experience in an occupation, office, or the like: a veteran of the police force; a veteran of many sports competitions.

2.	a person who has served in a military force, esp. one who has fought in a war: a Vietnam veteran.

–adjective

3.	(of soldiers) having had service or experience in warfare: veteran troops.

4.	experienced through long service or practice; having served for a long period: a veteran member of Congress.

5.	of, pertaining to, or characteristic of veterans.

 
So today is really a dedication to the rookies mostly, some of whom we know that survived, and others who have fallen in service to our country. Those veterans have had at times, inglorious and harrowing experiences. Sometimes the country despised them, and at other times revered them. A Veteran's Day in Santa Cruz is one I am sure that has deep and divisive meanings to both sides. There is youth and idealism that  is kin to UCSC and then there are those that served in our armed forces in war times and others in times of peace. The brave soldiers, men and women do so that people may have the ability to voice their dissent on ideas. Just don't question the bravery and sacrifice that our veterans have provided so one can have a dissenting opinion of war or other things. They did not start the war, but were and are there to defend your and my right to free speech.

So do we celebrate or separate our patriotism for those who's life was on the line from those who served in times of peace? The World War II Veterans that likely saved the world from some maniacal dictators were, and are, held in high esteem, and have always been so. Theirs was a noble and selfless cause of service. Regular Joes and movie stars alike served in this effort. While Vietnam Veterans who were also drafted were generally despised for their service. I  think this was really our despise, of our government's policies on war, that we despised the poor young soldiers, rookies,who were made the butt of that. Unfortunately, they were doing a bidding of their president in an unpopular and pointless war. Much the same as our fine young men and women went to war for our president in Iraq and further in Afghanistan and other regions in the world. Hopefully those will have some meaning in the larger context of world history from the enslavement of religion and stateless sponsors of terror.

We solicit our youth to our volunteer military with incentives such as money for education, and other benefits. Many other country's require military service, we don't.Our youth that enlist do so willingly. Sometimes due to economic times,it seems like the best of the worst choices. We know that the young are the most likely to join as they have no experience in the general work force and are often good candidates for the military. So those that join and serve in either active duty or support get my respect. They have at times, given the ultimate sacrifice, and at others been savaged by the horrific weaponry or disease from war. Nowadays not as many are dying, but in even greater numbers they are suffering from traumatic brain injuries and loss of limbs in heretofore unseen numbers.

So for all those before and those now serving my hat is off to you and I greatly admire your courage to face things not faced by us civilians. Thank you.

Sea Breeze Tavern and Corralitos Brewery team up in Rio Del Mar for Octoberfest

Well the Sea Breeze Tavern Octoberfest at Rio Del Mar was not what I expected, because I did not know exactly what to expect. What I found was a delight had by all in such a great setting. The good folks at the Tavern had the foresight to choose the fledgling Corralitos Brewery for their Octoberfest beer provider. They could not have picked or had a better choice. I sampled all 10 of their beers. Yes I walked home as driving is never smart, but then, I walked down from my Rio Del Mar home to enjoy the event.

Cafe Rio and the Sea Breeze Tavern both put forth their own versions of this German event and it went off well. As I walked down the hill I began to hear music. I stopped tl ask a lady walking up the hillif she had been there, and she said at first she thought someone had their boom box up loud, but then realized it was live music. As I proceeded down the hill the first sight I saw was a band playing on the roof of the Cafe Rio. It was pretty cool. If I can figure how to download the photos from my camera, I'll display them later.

Being a local, I figured I'd go for the gusto, and since Cafe Rio was offering 3 beers for 20 and Sea Breeze was offering 10 beers for 15, the math made an easy choice. Besides that I love fresh beer and was keen to try the new Corralitos Brewery Beer. They are not public, I hear they will open on Freedom Blvd near 5 mile house, but no date I recall being given. They make the beer in a private location, "up in them thar hills", and do a mighty fine job.

There were 10 different types, but I forgot to take a flyer that explained the choices so am going from memory. I was impressed, and tell you to be on the lookout for when they do come on the local scene. Here is what I recall.

IPA

Double IPA

Oat Burbon Vanilla stout- one of my favorites- sort of a desert been. Incredible nose, very smooth and rich. Unlike any beer I have had

Kolsh- a sweet honey light beer- also very tasty

Hefeweisen

Well so much for the memory on the rest, but there were other light beers, another stout I think, a Hefeweisen I think was quite nice too. These were all nicely served by the brewery staff. I think the father of the brewmaster, Tim, I think, was pleased with his son's output, and anyone would be.The crowd really liked the selection.

We were treated to live music out site, comfortable chairs and a beautiful day at Rio Del Mar beach. As the cool evening air filled in, we sat around a bonfire as the day turned to dusk. Every one was friendly and having a good time. I could not think of a better way to top off a nice fall evening. Great beer, nice friendly people, a toasty bonfire near the beach, live music, and a short walk to go home when I was done.

This is certainly one event you don't want to miss next year. While the tavern and also Cafe Rio have live music at times, and are fine local places to enjoy, this was one fun event not soon to be forgotten. I am hopeful that some liked it enough to consider buying an Aptos beach rental or Rio Del Mar vacation home. That way they can walk safely home like me.:)

Santa Cruz has like many cities always had a healthy ideal, but getting everyone on the same page is difficult. Many know they should quit or not do things, but do so anyway.

So in SANTA CRUZ, Calif., starting Monday, a new smoking ban goes into effect that is fairly tough.

Smokers won't be allowed to light up within 25 feet of doors and windows of public buildings. - No smoking on the following streets: Pacific ( this is the Pacific Garden Mall), Beach street( by the boardwalk), and West Cliff as well as the wharf, parks, and outside dining. This will mean the Santa Cruz wharf will be free of butts which can, and do end up in the water, will be no more. Kids who loiter and smoke down by the boardwalk will have to go elsewhere or change their behavior.Yeah, I know good luck! Frankly I think the high taxes are the best disincentive and should be applied to alcohol too.

The law increases the required percentage of non-smoking hotel rooms in Santa Cruz from 75 percent to 90 percent, which is probably a good thing for hotel owners. If you're caught breaking the law, you'll face fines, which are pretty petty in cost. There will be a brief warning period, then it will cost you $25 if you're caught lighting up.

I think it is a good thing.There is clear evidence to second hand smoke leading to increased heart attacks. In the Santa Cruz Ca homes that  I sell, the ones that had a smoker in them, sell for less and take longer to sell. So the cost is not only to the health of the occupant of the home, but to their financial health as well.

Smoking should be banned ourtright or have harsher penalties, but then there are plenty of other things that should be done differently from alcohol and marijuana in this country to medical drugs. That is enough to leave for another day.

So if you are thinking of buying a Santa Cruz condominium, downtown, you won't likely be put off from the purchase by the smell of smoke wafting up from the streets.

The Santa Cruz real estate market has been showing signs of life all over with more showings and activity. We have been seeing  health in the Santa Cruz market, in most all areas, exept the high end. The south county area has been red hot for Santa Cruz county home buyers and investors. I have been getting more calls for Rio Del Mar homes, with many wanting to be close to the beach. Is that a surprise, with such fabulous weather that we been having!

TABLE OF SOLD PROPERTIES BY CITY IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
County / City /Area	# Sold	June 2009	June 2008	% Change Yr.to Yr.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY	189	$425,000	$537,500	-20.93%
APTOS	32	$615,000	$689,000	-10.74%
BEN LOMOND	2	$376,750	$335,750	12.21%
BOULDER CREEK	10	$322,500	$470,000	-31.38%
CAPITOLA	11	$431,000	$587,500	-26.64%
FELTON	5	$360,000	$445,000	-19.10%
FREEDOM	9	$214,000	$350,000	-38.86%
SANTA CRUZ	60	$565,000	$648,750	-12.91%
SCOTTS VALLEY	3	$370,000	$650,000	-43.08%
SOQUEL	4	$642,500	$705,000	-8.87%
WATSONVILLE	52	$250,000	$360,000	-30.56%

The year to year prices have come down as expected. Many buyers have been getting off the side lines and the inventory level have been going down as a result of the sales activity. We are finding it common to see multiple offers now, particularly with homes under $600,000 in many areas of Santa Cruz- Aptos. There are still good values, but many things are under contract now. Don't wait. Search for homes here at www. cacoastalhome.com or at www.propertyinsantacruz.com

Well it is interesting but not surprising, that with falling prices, that homes are more affordable throughout California. This is a trend happening all over the state. While many people hoped that Santa Cruz real estate prices would fall further, the reality is that the Santa Cruz homes I have been seeing, are more affordable to many. We are seeing more activity, and while lending guidelines are more vexing, the interest rates are still quite good at 5%.

 

Santa Cruz home buyers from out of the area have been disappointed that the prices have not fallen like the other inland areas. To which I reply, yes that is true, while they have come down, in face of our financial mess, that should tell you that Santa Cruz real estate is a good long term investment. This is not a TV show flip this house type of market nor should it ever be. A house is a home and a long term investment. With that tenet in mind, this is an excellent time to move forward and buy a new or vacation home. For a bit of history on how the California First Time Buyer Housing Affordability Index is computed, read about it in the following link.

 

To see the rates for different areas click this link According to CAR "At 76 percent, the High Desert region was the most affordable area in the state. The San Luis Obispo County region was the least affordable in the state at 44 percent, followed by the Los Angeles County region at 46 percent. The First-Time Buyer Housing Affordability Index also rose 6 percentage points in the fourth quarter of this year compared with the third quarter of 2008, due to a 14.1 percent decrease in the entry-level median home price." I would say Santa Cruz because of it's relatively high price is , according to the stat I saw listed at 43%, still a hight priced area and always will be, because of the obvious desirability of ocean homes.

 

So the good news is that young families have an opportunity to buy as long as they have 10% down as a minimum, and good credit. I have seem more good deals recently and believe this is a great opportunity for many to become homeowners. To see what Santa Cruz homes may be in your future, follow the link and see which homes appeal. Before you go out and start looking, but sure to get loan approved with a good local lender such as Woodwardoconnor.com mortgage. In this market, experience is critically important. As local Capitola mortgage brokers, they know the area and programs that apply to you. Give them a call at 831-479-3303.

Santa Cruz, California is a pretty little beach town. We are busy in our lives and many still drive around with their phones to their ears. Evidently they didn't get the law change last time and there is a new change coming January 1.2009. To read more of this Cell Phone Law of 2009 follow the liink. In the meantime, use your blue tooth hands free phone to talk and drive safely. Speaking of safety, call me from a land line, but better to see what is available in Santa Cruz homes for sale follow the link.

The Santa Cruz Yacht Club is hosting it's annual lighted boat parade in the Santa Cruz, Ca harbor. This event is fun for all and it a free event. As it is done at night, be sure to dress warmly,mittens and scarves. I find that unless you bike there, to bring quarters to feed the meters. I would also advise you to bring a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate and maybe even an umbrella in case it rains. This fun event has boats all lit up in the spirit and colors of Christmas. Santa even comes down sometimes to view these beautiful lighted boats as they parade along Santa Cruz yacht harbor. Be sure to bring your camera for some great shots.

 

This fun local event is held at the Santa Cruz yacht harbor Saturday December 6th at 5:30. Come and have fun at the FREE local event.

If you want to come to an earlier event, the Tall Ships tour, Hawaiian Chieftan will be on display December 2nd -4th. This beautiful tall ship is pretty to just look at during the day. Check it out. If you decide the yacht harbor is where you want to be and want to look at Santa Cruz yacht harbor homes, it is a great place to live with it's own different flavor. If you want to watch with a comfortable location, Johnnys Harborside restaurant has great food or the Crowsnest where you can watch from the coctail bar upstairs.

Solar power is one of those intriguing things.We have been using the sun for warmth for millions of years. Without it we don't exist, too much of it and we are toast. With the new administration, which ever one it is, an energy policy will finally be a focus. This past year has been a pivotal year for many things to come. Regardless of the outcome the saying that comes to mind " to the victor goes the spoils." Unfortunately President Cheney has left us a pile of do do all over the world and a heap of debt. Solar energy can help us gain traction against our tremendous cash outpouring to Arab countries and other oil producing countries. This will help us keep our cash in our country and pay down this humongous debt.

So what does that have to do with solar energy. In part, one could make the point of all the oil that wasn't being pumped due to our failed heavy handed political policies and wars that is the reason oil prices shot up so high. While there was supply restrictions and accelerating economic growth in the Asian and Indian economies that affected the price, I say it was a good thing. Think of it, the Japanese auto industry got it's foothold in the first oil crisis in the 70's. What we got in part, were much better quality cars, more energy efficient too. The American worker was so good the Japanese started doing most of their manufacturing over here. Tesla Motors is a Silicon Valley start up is seeing opportunity and has a beautiful all electric sports car. Opportunity and innovation are embraced and many electric and solar based businesses are starting and thriving in Silicon Valley.

The American auto companies were slow to learn the lesson of efficient quality cars. This "oil crisis" brought home once again the idea "oh, we should make more energy efficient cars" with a painful reminder of the past. So a lot of the problem lies at the person looking back at you in the mirror. Many drive big gas guzzling SUV's. I see many of them here in Santa Cruz, California. I seem them all over. So the point is we are our problem. We change most often when the economics of the situation make us think, do I want to be spending 4 bucks a gallon for gas when it was only 2 a few years ago. The answer was a resounding "hell no." The line for Toyota Prius winds around the corner, hello Detroit and big auto makers.

The upshot was a monumental shift at GM. They are focusing on making fuel efficient cars now, but are highly focusing on electric cars.Yes the company that had the EV (for electric vehicle) and then wouldn't sell them,despite owners loving them seems to have gotten the message. The are into electric cars with both feet. In late 2009 and 2010 we should start seeing some of them. The titanic shift should be boon to the company if they can survive the latest stock meltdown. The admission from GM that global warming is in fact happening and petro-fuels are no longer the best economic and ecological alternative is a great first step. For so long auto companies were in denial and always fighting the fuel economy standards. The industry's denial reminds me of the tobacco industry's famous industry titans all lying to congress that cigarettes don't cause cancer. Great team of liars, despite all facts. I applaud GM with it's push towards electric, as I believe the day will shortly be upon us, where we can plug in our cars at home and drive to work, powered by our home solar systems. Hopefully they woke up soon enough.

Santa Cruz real estate values are down, but the green enery features of solar panels and well insulated and energy regulated homes are in demand. Like all things there is a price trade off and as more energy efficient homes become the norm, prices will fall and older homes will be retrofitted with the most current solar technology. More on that later. Power your car up at home from the energy collected all day while you are at work will be a common practice within 5 years is my guess. Homes with larger solar systems will start being more in demand as their excess will be needed for transportation or to add to the electricity grid.

With congress considering a change to the way road fees (gas sales taxes)are collected, mileage driven will be a better usage charge than a gas tax. With lighter cars, hopefully our infrastructure will last longer. We all know our highway infrastructure is overdue for repairs. Gas won't go away, but should and can be significantly reduced. I know the American spirit and ingenuity can and will drive us to a better economy and life.

Santa Cruz Real Estate Home Values

Santa Cruz housing medians for August 2008 show interesting information versus a year ago. As we face new lending issues, it is more critical to have experienced agents and mortgage people guiding you through your purchases. Visit Woodward O'Connor mortgage for great service in this difficult lending environment.


The buyers seem extremely active in the Watsonville market, which is a good thing. Our ratio of affordability is pretty good there and many buyers who were frozen out of the previous market can now afford the prices, but find the lending environment is difficult. With the meltdown of Wall street having a temporary setback, I think investor confidence going to be restored. To see some of these great deals on short sales and foreclosures go to www. propertyinsantacruz.com

County/City/Area	# Sold	August 2008	August 2007	% Change Yr-to-Yr
Santa Cruz County	179	$490,000	$669,500	-26.81%
Aptos	24	$757,500	$832,000	-8.95%
Ben Lomond	7	$435,000	$595,000	-26.95%
Boulder Creek	6	$352,500	$408,500	-13.71%
Capitola	5	$680,000	$465,000	46.24%
Felton	5	$375,000	$509,750	-4.56%
Freedom	3	$375,000	0	0
Santa Cruz	56	$627,000	$655,000	-4.27%
Scotts Valley	16	$827,500	$792,500	4.42%
Soquel	4	$507,250	$759,000	-33.17%
Watsonville	50	$333.500	$640,000	-47.89%

 

Many of us have been in the situation where we get doctors medications and recover and have drugs left over. What do we do with them? Often there are ethical and legal issues on what to do with old drugs.While they may not be old in the sense they are past their use date, they may really be just "unused."

Sometimes it is our parents or grand parents we are taking care of and find medications they no longer need or use. What should you do with those? Sometimes friends or relatives can use common things like allergy medications, but you should check with your doctor if you consider that.

The dangers can run from simple mistakes that the senior takes the wrong medication to kids taking the pills because they are pretty. I remember an incident from my childhood of someone doing that. Get rid of unused medications, needles( sharps) and syringes. It is illegal to dispose your syringes and sharps in the garbage as of September 1, 2008.

Often when I am helping families who have a senior that is moving to a care facility such as Sunshine Villa or Aegis of Aptos, Dominican Oaks, these medications are found when cleaning out the house. Preparing to move, selling their home, and having a big change in life is stressful. Confusion often results, so simplification of things is often best. Get rid of the clutter that is so often present, in all aspects.

Sort out what you need, what are the current medications that are being used, and call the doctor when unsure what they are for. Dispose of the other medication properly. Do not flush them down the toilet as that is why we find all sorts of drugs in our drinking water. The water treatment plants kill pathogens, but don't and can't filter out all these drugs that are mistakenly being flushed down the toilet. The well intentioned action has far reaching consequences that affect all of us as well as marine life.

Local pharmacy's such as Lauden's in Capitola, Horsnyders in the Seabright Santa Cruz area,Watsonville Pharmacy, and the Westside pharmacy on the west side of Santa Cruz are all participating in a drug disposal program with Sharp Solutions . This drug take back program has some limitations, so check it out and take them to these pharmacy's on October 4th, 2008 from 9AM-4PM

About the Author

Gregg Camp is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist( SRES) is Santa Cruz. Real estate is something he has been done for 20 years and helping seniors is a specialty. He is active in the Santa Cruz real estate community and in the senior community. You can find more senior topics and resources at his site www.propertyinsantacruz.com or by calling him at 831-818-7524