escondido: Hiking in San Diego - Lake Hodges and the Piedras Pintadas Trail - 03/17/11 09:21 AM
Piedras Pintadas (painted rocks) There are several trails within the San Dieguito River Park that are well traveled by hikers, bikers and runners.  For a short hike that provides spectacular views in addition to many markers along the trail that identify plants and their uses, visit the Piedras Pintadas trail at Lake Hodges in Rancho Bernardo.  The interpretive trail markers indicate what the plant was used for by the local Kumeyaay Indians and the Kumeyaay name for the specific plant.  Although not visible in any of the photos below, there are pictographs on the larger boulders drawn by the Kumeyaay several hundred years ago. Anyone … (8 comments)

escondido: Lake Hodges, Escondido - 03/13/11 08:19 AM
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escondido: Sikes Adobe and Lake Hodges with the Young Adventurers - 03/13/11 07:50 AM
This Saturday we chaperoned a trip for the Young Adventurers to the 1870 Sikes Adobe Farmhouse and hike at Lake Hodges.  The Original home was recently restored after being completely destroyed in the 2007 San Diego Wild Fires.  Of course the adobe walls resisted the fire storm and still stood, waiting to be repaired. One item of interest to our young adventurers was an old Gately Automatic Organ seen, and heard, in the video below.  For More information on the Sikes Adobe Farmhouse and surrounding area, visit the San Dieguito River Park website.  Better yet, call me and lets go … (2 comments)

escondido: Escondido Creek in the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve - 01/11/11 09:26 AM
40+ fellow outdoor enthusiasts hike 15 miles in celebration of Don Parnell's 80th birthday.  Don Parnell is a Naturalist and often leads long distant hikes all over San Diego county.  Several notable people made the trip, including Bill Burke (Oldest American to summit Everest)  Happy Birthday Don!! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For your Real Estate needs in North San Diego or Southwest Riverside County........ Make the Call to Hankins and Hall Lela 760-591-0020 DRE#01407710 … (2 comments)

escondido: Stanley Peak at Daley Ranch in Escondido - 01/03/11 07:23 AM
Stanley Peak at Daley Ranch in Escondido Below is a panoramic view from Stanley Peak.  Stanley Peak is a short 3 mile hike from the trail head near Dixon Lake.  For more information about the 3000+ acre native ecosystem, check out the City of Escondido's web site. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * For your Real Estate needs in North San Diego or Southwest Riverside County........ Make the Call to Hankins and Hall Lela … (1 comments)

escondido: "Diamonds are Forever" Saturday, October 3rd - 08/03/09 11:47 AM

The Escondido Children's Museum and Brecht BMW present "Diamonds are Forever"
This exciting event to be held on October 3rd will benefit the Escondido Children's Museum.  The $125 ticket includes a gourmet dinner, unique opportunity drawings and auctions, casino games and of course, "James Bond" trivia.  Formal "Bond" attire is requested but not required.  This spectacular event will be held at Brecht BMW and the Bond theme is "A Night in Monte Carlo"
The science based Escondido Children's Museum hosts over 10,000 eager learners every year and truly makes a difference in our community.
Please share this information with all … (0 comments)

escondido: Hiking in Escondido - 07/06/09 11:37 AM
During the holiday weekend, in between writing offers and showing property, we took a little time to go on a short hike in Escondido at Daley Ranch.  Although there are over 20 miles of multi-purpose trails, we hiked only about 5.5 miles on a very easy trail.   For more information on Daley Ranch, the trails and the history, visit the City of Escondido website.

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escondido: Is there a problem here? - 11/12/08 10:00 AM

What is wrong in this picture?
What action would you recommend, if any, to correct the problem?
Home inspectors are required to be extremely observant.  Not only do they have to view the roof and ceilings, they have to view the floors and any possible visible defects. Even when there are floor coverings, there may be signs of a "cover up". 
(11 comments)

escondido: Stick a cork in it! - 11/11/08 07:12 AM
As most agents and inspectors will attest, there are many creative homeowners out there.
Maybe the homeowner, or installer thought that there was a dishwasher when he/she snapped the plug out of the garbage disposal prior to installing.  It was a good thing that this property had a nice selection of wines.  They located just the right size cork to re-plug the hole.

Or maybe, the homeowner "borrowed" the disposal from his/her property that was foreclosed on but had no way of taking the dishwasher before the sheriff escorted them out.
  I sure hope the inspector looks below the sink prior … (4 comments)

escondido: Make the Call to Hankins and Hall - 10/30/08 05:14 AM
When you are thinking of buying or selling a home, Make the Call to Hankins and Hall

Buyers - What I will do for you:
Whether you are planning to purchase real estate now or a year from now, I will work with you and make sure that you understand the entire process. I will sit with you and review a Buyer's Resource Binder that includes 1) A comprehensive, step-by-step review of the home buying process. 2) Sample inspection reports and what to look for in a competent inspector. 3) Guidelines and review questions to use when selecting a loan professional. … (0 comments)

escondido: Halloween Safety Tips for Pet Owners - 10/29/08 09:40 AM
This is a very frightening time of year for pet owners due to the increase in pet injuries.
To help ensure your pets safety this Halloween, be aware of a few simple tips:
Keep all candy well-sealed and out of the reach of pets. Make sure that used wrappers are discarded and not available to Lassie to pull out of the trash. The ingestion of chocolate can be toxic. I believe this can affect cats as well as dogs. This one applies for the next few months.  Make sure that festive decorations are kept out of the reach of pets. I … (5 comments)

escondido: Escondido Children's Museum - 10/27/08 08:54 AM

The ECM Mission The mission of the Escondido Children's Museum is to inspire children to learn about our world through exploration, imagination, and experimentation.
The Escondido Children's Museumis a wonderful place of inspiration for young children.  The 4500 square foot Children's Museum is located the Grape Day Park at 380 N. Escondido Blvd and is open 5 days a week. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10 am to 3 pm Wednesday,Friday: 12 noon to 4 pm (closed Sunday and Monday)                                                  
The Museum has many different interactive exhibits that help to teach our youngsters.  There is an indoor Wildlife treehouse with exhibits of native plants … (1 comments)

escondido: Area code change, or not! 760 442 - 10/16/08 11:10 AM
On August 15th a petition was filed with the CPUC by Assemblyman Martin Garrick and several Chambers in the area, including Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Oceanside, San Marcos and Vista.
Today the CPUCreversed the mandated split of the 760 area code.  The new 442 area code will now be an overlay within the same boundaries as specified for the new 442 area code. The mandated change of the area code for North San Diego County would have been a heavy burden on the businesses within the change area.  By using a 442 overlay instead of a complete split of the area code for all of … (2 comments)

escondido: San Marcos Alive - Sunday, Oct 5th - 09/29/08 03:14 PM

The City of San Marcos presents San Marcos Alive this Sunday from 10am until 4pm. 
There will be over 20 FREE hands on art projects for children. 
Artists Crafters Clowns Music Dance Entertainers High School Student Art Show Childrens Art Contest And, of course, MORE Sunday, October 5th at the San Marcos Civic Center - 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, CA 92069
Join the City of San Marcos for this FREE event. The San Marcos Civic Center is located near the intersection of San Marcos Blvd and Mission Road, which sits directly adjacent to the Sprinter stop.  If you are … (6 comments)

escondido: Who is "Mello-Roos" - 09/25/08 09:23 AM
Prop 13, which passed by California voters in 1978, limited the ability for local public agencies to increase property taxes in order to fund needed improvements and services.
California Senator Henry Mello and Assemblyman Mike Roos co-authored the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 in order to help fund public improvements of streets, sewer system, police protection, fire protection, ambulance services, schools, parks, libraries, museums and other cultural facilities.  
Municipal bonds are generally sold by the CFD in order to provide the large amount of capital initially needed to build the improvements or fund the services. There are many different types and there is contact … (2 comments)

escondido: Sweet 16 at Restaurant Row - 09/18/08 07:16 AM

"Restaurant Week" at Old California Restaurant

Celebrating 30 Years of Great Dining


Don't miss a wonderful chance to enjoy nine evenings of dining at North San Diego County's premier dining destination.  September 20th thru 28th.  Prices range from $10 to $30 per person and include up to three choices for appetizers, entrees and desserts. Only Nine Tasty Nights
I have eaten at many of these restaurants and never been disappointed in the quality of the food or service. If you get stuck at a favorite eatery every time you stop at Old California Restaurant Row, this … (5 comments)

escondido: New area code 442 in North San Diego County - 08/29/08 12:38 PM
******UPDATE****  THIS WILL NOW BE AN OVERLAY AND NOT A AN AREA CODE SPLIT ******
760 is the largest area code in the state of California so it is no surprise that it will soon be split.  The new 442 area code will affect most of the cities in North San Diego County.  The cities affected include:
Borrego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Escondido, Fallbrook, Julian, Oceanside, Pauma Valley, Pendleton, Ramona, San Marcos, Valley Center, Vista, and Warner Springs.
 
According to the CPUC, the start of mandatory dialing will not take affect until May 16th, 2009 but permissive dialing will begin on November … (0 comments)

escondido: Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos - 08/27/08 07:51 AM
Old California Restaurant Row began as a Fruit stand in the early seventies by Los Angeles transplants Jim and Vera Eubank.  The first full service restaurant. Gentleman's Choice, was built in 1978 by Jim Eubank.  Soon after the success of the restaurant and because of the central location of San Marcos, which is between the City of Escondido and the Coast, many more restaurants followed.  Today there is no shortage of variety at Old California Restaurant Row in San Marcos with almost every type of cuisine represented. 
Dining aficionados throughout San Diego and North County will have an unprecedented opportunity to … (6 comments)

escondido: A "Wild" day at the Park - 08/25/08 11:35 AM
While we have great hiking trails, tasty restaurants, and enjoyable festivals, we are very close to the World renowned San Diego Wild Animal Park.  The Wild Animal Park is the sister park to the famous San Diego Zoo but the layout is completely different.  The animal enclosures at the Wild animal Park are many acres in size, which allows the animals to be seen in a habitat that is much closer to their natural surroundings.
I highly recommend a season pass, which allows unlimited access to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park.
As you can see by the photos … (3 comments)

escondido: Alzheimer's disease common symptoms - 08/22/08 02:11 PM
I thought this would be a good time to repost this from a few years ago.  Very helpful information!
I belong to the Kiwanis Club of San Marcos and at our weekly meeting this morning Melissa Chaty from the Alzheimer's Association presented some very helpful information.
Among other items, Melissa provided us with a list of "10 Warning signs of Alzheimer's disease"
     1) Memory Loss (more than occasionally forgetting a name or an apointment)
     2) Difficulty performing familiar tasks
     3) Problems with language
     4) Disorientation to time and place
     5) Poor or decreased judgment
     6) Problems … (0 comments)