Haroldine is a Realtor in Calabasas and takes great steps to keep on top of anything happening in Calabasas.  As of this July, shoppers in Calabasas will no longer be offered plastic bags when doing their shopping. Those who don't bring their own reusable sacks will have to go without or buy paper bags which will cost 10 cents each.

This ordinance was voted, unanimously, by City officials in February to ban the use of disposable plastic bags at grocery stores and other retail shops.

Large stores in Calabasas and unincorporated county areas have until July 1st to comply with the local law. The deadline for smaller stores is Jan. 1, 2012

This new law emulates Los Angeles County's plastic bag ordinance, which supervisor's had approved last November.

However, this ordinance doesn't forbid the small plastic bags which are used for fruit, vegetables and raw meats.

This ordinance is an effort for the City of Calabasas to reduce litter to encourage a greener lifestyle.

Written by: Haroldine Gearhart - Realtor - DRE#01360927 

Haroldine Gearhart is a realtor in Calabasas , California and is watching these troubling times in our country's current turmoil. Haroldine knows this concern is throughout the country.

Why is it so difficult for our Government to figured out how to stimulate our economy?

It isn't difficult to do:

1. Cut the corporate taxes.

2. Cut the payroll taxes.

3. Incorporate a 4.0% mortgage rate for ALL mortgages, without any penalities or fees - not just for the homeowners that are in default, but for new buyers as well AND homeowners who have been paying their mortgages on time and are still struggling in this economy. Homeowners not in default shouldn't be punished for staying current on mortgages. 

The playing field should be fair to all. Wouldn't this allow more money into the hands of the consumer? Which would, in turn, regain consumer confidence and allow everyone to spend money again!

This is not hard to figure out.....we would all be contributing to jump starting the economy and all share in the recovery.

The country spoke loud and clear in this past election....let us all take part together and get our country back on track!

I think we've all had enough of reckless spending!

Written by: Haroldine Gearhart

 

Located near Malibu, California - Calabasas is a wonderful community where the famous Calabasas Commons Shopping Center serves as a wonderful gathering ground where you can shop in several of the boutiques, dine at many of the different restaurants or just sit and relax while sipping a cool coffee drink.

 

Since HAROLDINE GEARHART lives in CALABASAS and works at Rodeo Realty CALABASAS, she has stayed on top of any information regarding the latest ordinance which took effect on May 1, 2008 that prohibited any Mobil Car Washing in the City. This ban created quite a bit of controversy with very unhappy CALABASAS residents.

It appears that the CITY OF CALABASAS  "is interested in pursuing a middle ground whereby mobile car wash businesses could operate in the City once the business registers and takes out permits..." Hopefully, this will result in relaxing the prohibition on our mobile car wash vendors.

HAROLDINE personally heard several conversations from CALABASAS residents (and she believes they either called or sent letters to the City) regarding what difference is it whether someone washes their own car in their driveway or their mobil car wash vendor does it? It's the same process and the same water.

So, the saga continues...and the proposed legislation will more than likely return to the Council for consideration at the June 18, 2008 meeting. I understand that this will be made availabe for review on the City's web site approximatley one week before the public hearing.

If any of you are interested in having your voice heard, or wanting more information, you can visit the City's web site at: www.cityofcalabasas.com

By: HAROLDINE GEARHART - Calabasas

 

 

 

Since Haroldine Gearhart lives in Calabasas and works at Rodeo Realty - Calabasas, she is always on top of any community news. Most of you, I'm sure, remember when Calabasas was the first city in Southern California that gained recognition for enforcing a non-smoking ordinance which banned smoking cigarettes in all public places. Well, now a new ban is on the horizon, and Calabasas is now enforcing a ban on mobile car washing operations in the city.

Calabasas is now alerting the community that the water run-off generated by the mobile car washing systems is a violation of State Law and of Calabasas Municipal Code Section 8.28. Their claim is that "This run-off is a source of pollution and contamination of the watershed system. Fixed-site car washes in the city invest significant resources to comply with all aspects of the law and mobile car wash services circumvent these requirements."

Therefore, commencing on April 30, 2008, Code Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the city and they will be specifically targeting illegal mobile car washing operations.  

Subject to fines will be the individual homeowners, any Homeowners Associations, as well as, the car wash businesses themselves. Citations will range from $100 for a first offense to $500 per offense.

Haroldine has listened to many people in Calabasas who are expressing their opposition regarding this new ordinance and the obvious inconvenience that they will have to experience after April 30th. For years their use of mobile car washing vs. fixed-site car washes has been an ultimate convenience - since many of their cars were washed early in the morning before they left for work.  Additionally, what about the harding-working and dependable mobile car wash operators and the incredible decline in their income?

Residents of Calabasas don't have much longer to get used to this new ordinance and I'm sure the controversy regarding the ban will be continuing for some time.

 

 

By Haroldine Gearhart

 

Since Haroldine Gearhart schedules annual blood drives with the American Red Cross, she receives the latest updates from the Red Cross. The devastating fires from Santa Barbara to San Diego received immediate emergency attention from the American Red Cross for those directly affected by the fires.

The American Red Cross Response as of midnight October 23, 2007:

Shelters/Evacuation Centers Opened: 24

Shelter Overnight Stays: 9,481

Meals Served: 9.028

Snacks Served: 14,973

Total Number of Red Cross Workers: 3,352

Total Number of Red Cross Volunteers: 3,264

Workers Given Training: 2,976

Blood is needed for hospital patients throughout Southern California, including those who have suffered burns in the fires. Any healthy person age 17 years or older, weighing at least 110 pounds, and in good health may be able to donate.

Haroldine is asking for those eligible donors to make an appointment to donate blood by calling 1.800.GIVE.LIFE. If you recently made a blood donation, or if you have already scheduled to donate at Haroldine's Calabasas Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, November 18, 2007, please accept our thanks on behalf of the patients whose lives you may have touched.

If you should have any questions and/or comments, feel free to call Haroldine at 818.469.1804.

 

Haroldine Gearhart

 

What's happening in Calabasas, CA in November?

Haroldine Gearhart of Rodeo Realty's Calabasas branch is holding her Annual Red Cross Blood Drive at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center located at 23400 Park Sorrento in Calabasas, CA. This event is scheduled for Sunday, November 18, 2007 beginning at 10:30 am until 4:30 pm. Haroldine partners up with the American Red Cross every year for her annual blood drives. "The American Red Cross blood banks run extremely low during the upcoming holiday period because everyone is busy planning their holiday parties and vacations," says Haroldine Gearhart. 

By advertising this event, she gains community involvement and is able to give the American Red Cross the much needed donations for their blood bank. "Please take the time and consider becoming a donor at the annual blood drive on November 18th. Since, it is that time of year when you give thanks, what better gift to give than the "Gift of Life?" says Gearhart.

The number one reason people don't donate is they were never asked! Did you know:

1.   When you donate, you can find out your blood type.

2.   One pint of blood can save up to three or more lives.

3.   An adult body contains 10 to 12 pints of blood.

4.   The universal blood type is 0 positive.

5.   The most common blood type is 0 positive. Locally, the Southern California Region needs to collect 700 units of 0 positive every day.

6.   By the time we are 75 years old, 80 percent of us will have used blood ourselves.

7.   There is virtually no pain associated with giving blood. The only sensation is a momentary "pinching" feeling as the needle is inserted.

8.   On average, 30 to 50 units of blood products are used during a liver transplant. These patients will use more  blood products for three to four weeks.

9.   After your donation, your body goes to work restoring fluids and red blood cells. Fluid volume is replenished within 48 hours, and red blood cells are replaced within six weeks. You are eligible to give every 56 days or eight weeks.

10.  Just three percent of the population in Southern California donates.

11.  Forty percent of the blood needed to meet the needs of Southern California patients comes from other parts of the country.

12.  The Southern California Region needs to collect over 1,500 units of blood each day to meet patient needs and our region provides blood to more than 150 area hospitals.

Please consider donating your blood at this event - it is a very rewarding experience! To obtain additional information, go www.haroldine.com or call Haroldine Gearhart at 818.469.1804.

 

Haroldine Gearhart

I have found several buyers in the Calabasas area experiencing total confusion in this market brought on by the continous negative news regarding our industry. 

It's important for us, as Realtors, to stay positive and focused:

1. Yes, we do have a large inventory of homes which should be looked at as a greater selection for buyers to choose from vs. the shortage of homes that we experienced in the past. Remember that shortage resulted in multiple offers and disappointed buyers when their offers weren't accepted. Remember standing in line at a listing agents office to present your buyers' offer? 

2. Interest rates are still low - even though there are stricter guidelines on obtaining these loans.

However, isn't this the way it used to be?? The "American Dream" of purchasing a home was: Having the proper down payment and purchasing a home that would fit into your monthly budget? I have discussed this with several buyers here in Calabasas and they realize that the past few years have been a totally different and unique trend. Even though this can be difficult a time with the current home prices, the dream of owning your own home is still possible. Yes, we are facing the down trend of our real estate industry...but, in my opinion, I don't feel it's the doom and gloom that is all over the news.

When all the dust clears.....property is still going to be the best investment.....don't you all agree?