Michael's Blog

Paper or Plastic? Encinitas Takes on the Debate

2008-10-09T19:31:34Z

I thought that these Envirosax were a great idea. I never liked the idea of showing up at the Safeway's check out line with bags exactly like the ones they are selling right before entering the check out.

This way you can have a bag that is unique enough where the cashier won't try to ring it up again. I like the kitchen retro set.

By-the-way this is my first "reblogging" but I thought that it was highly worthy of sharing it with you.

Mike

Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate:

How often do you hear that question?

It's a seemingly simple question, with 2 choices...and profound implications. Depending on what you need them for at home, one choice may be preferred over another.

The choice USED to be bag (paper) or no bag.

And it is becoming that choice again in some places.

San Francisco already has a ban city-wide that restricts plastic bag availability. So do Oakland and Malibu. And I understand that Santa Monica (near LA) is also considering it as well.

And now the options around plastic and paper are being bantered about in ENCINITAS, California (next door to Carlsbad).

Read Paper vs. Plastic - The Shopping Bag Debate for more information on the pros and cons.

The Coast News covered this issue with regard to the pending proposal in Encinitas.

Some support the notion of an outright ban of plastic with fee for paper (so folks might bring their own bags), but more are in favor of a phase in, whereby stores would begin by charging a fee for plastic, with the money used for education, and ultimately eliminating the single-use point-of-sale plastic bags.

Personally I think using your own bags is the best option, and recycling the paper ones being another viable choice. I often don't get a bag at all unless I have a lot to carry, which is rare.

We use Envirosax, which are strong, hold a ton of stuff, easy to carry, and fold up for easy storage. We keep them in the car so they are always ready for use.

My wife says she gets comments on them EVERY TIME. They are great for the environment and very functional. One of the best Christmas gifts we received (from our older LA daughter!).

I suspect there will be many more communities pushing for a shift in plastic bags; perhaps there are already some in YOUR area. One of our issues is that many end up in the ocean and lagoons creating major problems for marine life.

So consider re-using bags, using only paper, not using a bag unless you REALLY need to (I applaud those stores that ASK if you need a bag) or try out the Envirosax. What a great gift idea. And they are adding a corporate label so folks could personalize. MUCH better than a calendar or refrigerator magnet, don;t you think?

NOTE: Credit for this post goes to friend and AR member Kathy McGraw, who took a moment out of her busy life to email me about the proposal she read about in the San Diego Union Tribune. I had heard a little about it but her email was the inspiration to talk about it. What a good friend! And a terrific blogger herself!

************************

If I can provide more information about Encinitas, Carlsbad and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360
or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Frontier Village ~ Part 7 at trails end

2008-10-09T16:42:17Z

My last posting on Frontier Village, San Jose's beloved little old west theme park, we concluded our tour of the park.

You may be asking yourself what ever became of this little park and why haven't I heard about it before. Well, Frontier Village closed in 1980 and was torn down shortly afterward.

Why did Frontier Village close? Many factors went into the closure of Frontier Village.

First off, increased competition from a new large theme park in Santa Clara "Marriott's Great America". Great America being at least four times the size of Frontier Village, could offer something that Frontier Village could not, size.

Great America was much closer and much more modern. Great America made it's debut in 1976 and was backed by a huge hotel conglomerate with deep pockets.

The Marriott corporation was going to build three identical Great America parks in different regions of the country. Santa Clara got the West Coast Great America, Gurnee Illinois got the Midwest Great America. The Washington D.C. area was to get the third Great America park.

Frontier Village by this time had been sold to Rio Grande Industries, a railroad company. Rio Grande Industries also owned local roller coaster manufacturer Arrow Development Corporation. It looked like Frontier Village could soon be the debut location for all sorts of ride & roller coaster innovations.

Frontier Village had room to expand into the Badlands as well as some additional land adjacent to the park proper.

Behind Frontier Village was the Hayes mansion, which could be seen from the stagecoach ride. It always looked like an old haunted house. It was just a historic property in a state of disrepair. Frontier Village was actually built on the gardens of the Hayes estate, known as Edenvale. The large Eucalyptus trees that graced frontier village were part of that much older estate gardens.

http://www.dolce-hayes-mansion-hotel.com/

San Jose was also experiencing explosive growth due to the emergence of Silicon Valley. Whereas frontier village was all alone in the orchards in the southern part of town. By 1980 frontier village was in the middle of a neighborhood of single family homes.

Frontier Village wanted to expand however, between Great America, the historic Hayes property and the approaching neighborhoods, the city declined frontier village's application to expand.

It was the end of the trail for Frontier Village! The park was auctioned off piece by piece until there was nothing left.

In my next posting we will examine the legacy of Frontier Village.

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

Part 8

The Flip Files: a washington manor rancher for your review

2008-10-09T15:21:48Z

city or town where property is located: san leandro, ca
neighborhood where property is located: washington manor
price the property is currently listed at: $ 269,900
homes in the same neighborhood are selling for: $ 260,000 - $ 457,000 $ 350,000 median price
difference in value between this property and the comps: $ 80,100
Probate / short sale / R.E.O. / 1031 exchange / traditional: this home is a R.E.O.

On visual inpection of this property I have noticed that the following repairs would make a difference. Here is a list of suggested projects along with the estimated costs involved. Please consider the cost price estimates to be for supplies only. These postings are for contractor investors or serious do-it-yourself homeowners.

Agents please do not forget to supply estimated costs

project: 8 replacement windows budget $200 each $1,600
project: new bathroom surfaces and fixtures $3,500
project: exterior paint and trim paint $1,000
project: new sheetrock, tape for interior $4,000
project: new lighting fixtures budget $150 each $1,500
project: interior paint $700
project: front landscaping $3,000
Project: rear landscaping $3,000
Project: master bath and enlarging master bedroom addition $50,000
Project: kitchen remodel $8,000 approx Total $76,300

For the property address and further information, please contact me at: Michael Greenslade 510 334-7800

I would like to help you take advantage of this opportunity / investment

Open House Guide for October 11th and 12th

2008-10-09T15:00:37Z

Once again I transcribed the open house guide from the San Leandro Times and rearranged it for your convenience.

If you miss seeing any of these, I would be more than happy to represent you as the buyer. Call me and I can arrange for a viewing.

San Leandro

976 Helen Avenue , San Leandro

Offered at $599,000.00 through Prudential California Realty.

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sat 12-4 Sun 12-4 (cancelled)

474 Juana Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $349,950.00 through Coldwell Banker Bartels

2 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 11-3

1445 Avon Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $449,000.00 through Gallagher & Lindsey Inc.

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 2-4:30

420 Elsie Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $439,000.00 through Prudential California Realty

3 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

1385 Sandelin Court, San Leandro

Offered at $509,000.00 through Rinetti & Co. Realtors

3 bedrooms / 1.5 baths

Sun 1-4

16723 Hannah Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $374,900 through Prudential California Realty

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

14416 Outrigger Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $449,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sat 1-4

San Lorenzo

1372 Jacqueline Place, San Lorenzo

Offered at $269,000 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1.5 baths

Sun 1-4

Hayward

27087 Columbia Court, Hayward

Offered at $599,000.00 through Prudential California Realty

4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

Castro Valley

2368 Farley Street, Castro Valley

Offered at $349,950.00 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1:30-4

18340 Joseph Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $549,000 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

18365 Joseph Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $539,000 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

18303 Vineyard Road, Castro Valley

Offered at $524,900 through Prudential California Realty

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

4557 Lawrence Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $569,000 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

32075 Palomares Road, Castro Valley

Offered at $794,850 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

19013 Helton Street, Castro Valley

Offered at $738,000 through Coldwell Banker

4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

17565 Oakshire Place, Castro Valley

Offered at $1,099,000 through Prudential California Realty

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sun 1-4

Oakland

Nothing this week :(

Piedmont

Nothing this week :(

Fremont

Nothing this week :(

Alameda

Nothing this week :(

San Ramon

Nothing this week :(

The Flip Files: A 1940s ranch style home for your review

2008-10-08T11:58:16Z

city or town where property is located: San Leandro, Ca.
neighborhood where property is located: Assumption Parish
price the property is currently listed at: $ 279,900
homes in the same neighborhood are selling for: $ 310,000 - 440,000 / $343,525 median
difference in value between this property and the comps: $ 63,625 to median
Probate / short sale / R.E.O. / 1031 exchange / traditional: this home is a R.E.O.

On visual inpection of this property I have noticed that the following repairs would make a difference. Here is a list of suggested repairs and upgrades along with the estimated costs involved. Please consider the cost price estimates to be for supplies only. These postings are for contractor investors or serious do-it-yourself homeowners.

Agents please do not forget to supply estimated costs

repair: Brick front porch needs to be rebuilt. $4,000.00
repair: Missing 2 interior bedroom doors. $400.00
repair: Light fixtures missing in kitchen, living and dining rooms $600.00
repair: Paint exterior trim on house $300.00
repair: Kitchen project 50% complete upper cabinets are missing. The bottom cabinets appear to be Home Depot In-Stock (American Classics Sandalwood Maple) $500.00
repair: Single car garage was converted to a bonus room. remove 1 wall and restore garage goor functionality $300.00 Approx TOTAL $6,100.00

upgrade:
upgrade:
upgrade:
upgrade:
upgrade:

For the property address and further information, please contact me at: Michael Greenslade 510 334-7800

I would like to help you take advantage of this opportunity / investment

Housing prices in the East Bay (Early October 2008)

2008-10-07T17:22:08Z

Here is a breakdown of homes available in our local towns. The data reflects today October 7th, 2008. The data is broken down to the number of homes broken down into pricing catagories and the number of homes in each catagory.

This number reflects condos, townhouses and detached single family homes. This does not include the listing for duplexes and multiple family residences.

San Leandro MLS AREA: 3100

under 199k = 17
200k - 299k = 90
300k - 399k = 117
400k - 499k = 55
500k - 599k = 31
600k - 699k = 17
700k - 799k = 5
800k - 899k = 3
900k - 999k = 0
over 1M = 3

Oakland MLS AREA: 2600

under 199k = 630
200k - 299k = 347
300k - 399k = 246
400k - 499k = 150
500k - 599k = 84
600k - 699k = 55
700k - 799k = 53
800k - 899k = 42
900k - 999k = 18
over 1M = 67

Hayward MLS AREA: 3400

under 199k = 88
200k - 299k = 285
300k - 399k = 216
400k - 499k = 79
500k - 599k = 38
600k - 699k = 29
700k - 799k = 26
800k - 899k = 8
900k - 999k = 5
over 1M = 18

Alameda MLS AREA: 2900

under 199k = 3
200k - 299k = 6
300k - 399k = 15
400k - 499k = 18
500k - 599k = 22
600k - 699k = 18
700k - 799k = 20
800k - 899k = 13
900k - 999k = 11
over 1M = 0

Berkeley MLS AREA: 2300

under 199k = 1
200k - 299k = 1
300k - 399k = 10
400k - 499k = 16
500k - 599k = 22
600k - 699k = 11
700k - 799k = 14
800k - 899k = 10
900k - 999k = 10
over 1M = 25

Castro Valley MLS AREA: 3300

under 199k = 2
200k - 299k = 7
300k - 399k = 29
400k - 499k = 26
500k - 599k = 36
600k - 699k = 22
700k - 799k = 25
800k - 899k = 10
900k - 999k = 10
over 1M = 25

The Flip Files: A 1920s craftsman for your review

2008-10-07T16:33:33Z

city or town where property is located: San Leandro, Ca.
neighborhood where property is located: "The Broadmoor" district
price the property is currently listed at: $ 239,900.00
homes in the same neighborhood are selling for: $ 275,000.00-$505,000.00 $339,950.00 median
difference in value between this property and the comps: $ 100,000.00 median
Probate / short sale / R.E.O. / 1031 exchange / traditional: This home is a R.E.O.

Agents please do not forget to supply estimated costs

repair: 16 replacement windows $200.00 per window budget $3,200.00
repair: paint exterior $500.00
repair: paint interior $900.00
repair: landscape front yard 20x10 $1,500.00
repair: open kitchen-dining-living floorplan $5,000.00

upgrade: 10x10 home depot kitchen (american woodmark) $2,000.00
upgrade: new bathroom surfaces & fixtures $3,000.00
upgrade: lighting fixtures $100 per room budget $800.00
upgrade: kitchen and bath granite slabs $1,000.00
upgrade: 800 sqft laminate hardwood floors $2,000.00 Approx TOTAL: $19,900.00

For the property address and further information, please contact me at: Michael Greenslade 510 334-7800

I would like to help you take advantage of this opportunity / investment

The Flip Files: cut and paste / fill in the information

2008-10-07T15:07:04Z

city or town where property is located:
neighborhood where property is located:
price the property is currently listed at: $
homes in the same neighborhood are selling for: $
difference in value between this property and the comps: $
Probate / short sale / R.E.O. / 1031 exchange / traditional:

Agents please do not forget to supply estimated costs

project:
project:
project:
project:
project:
project:
project:
project:
project:
project:

For the property address and further information, please contact me at:

I would like to help you take advantage of this opportunity / investment

Mortgage Calculator

2008-10-07T10:08:51Z

I wanted to share with you the mortgage calculator tool that can be found on my Prudential Website (The Webtop). It's available to you and all who access it 24/7.

www.prurealty.com/michael.greenslade/mortgageInfo.aspx

Here is a break down of what a 6% fixed 30 year mortgage will cost you. For the samples below, I just did the price buckets at each 100,000.00 increment up to the jumbo conforming limit.

$ 100,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 599.50 / mo

$ 200,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 1199.10 / mo

$ 300,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 1798.65 / mo

$ 400,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 2398.20 / mo

$ 500,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 2997.75 / mo

$ 600,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 3597.30 / mo

$ 700,000.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 4196.85 / mo

$ 729,750.00 at 6% over 30 years = $ 4375.22 / mo

Keep in mind the additional expenses such as taxes, insurance and homeowner's association dues. For a exact look at your financial picture contact Shane Wihlidal at our in office Metrocities Mortgage. Shane can help you get pre-approved. swihlidal@metrocitiesmtg.com or at (925)-395-3488

San Leandro hits the Big Time!!! In-N-Out Burgers opens

2008-10-06T13:42:42Z

Not too far from Bayfair Center at the corner of Hesperian Boulevard and Lewelling Boulevard is San Leandro's newest eatery, In-N-Out Burgers.

The Southern California institution has finally come to San Leandro. Burgers, fries, shakes and Soft drinks are the only things on the menu. A simple menu keeps the restaurant running at top efficiency and cutting operating costs keeping prices fair for the consumer.

San Leandro's In-N-Out is not the familiar white, red and yellow color scheme. This In-N-Out has a different look to it. The entire property where this restaurantpad is located is part of the redevelopment of the old Target store. Wal-Mart will be taking over that location. The In-N-Out appears to be giving us a preview of what the Wal-Mart will end up looking like.

No In-N-Out would be complete without the palm trees crossed into an "X" someplace out in the landscaping. According to wikipedia, it was one of the owners homage to his favorite movie, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World. In that movie the buried treasure was stashed underneath the giant "W" which was two sets of crossed palms.

Bon Appetite

Frontier Village Memories ~ Part 6 Planes, Trains and Automobiles

2008-10-05T08:26:27Z

Okay now that we have explored the Badlands on Stagecoach and Train excursions, now is the time to explore some other transportation methods that could be found in Frontier Village.

Old 99 was a small train ride where the little kids could become the engineers of their own steam engine train. There were no cars following the engines, just the little cartoon looking steam engines. They would go around at a very slow speed around a small circuit of track. If I remember there was a small bell that you could pull the rope and make it go clang, clang, clang as you went around engineering your train around.

Near Old 99 was the Antique Autos ride. These small cars would travel around on a small circuit concrete roadway. These were electric powered by bus bar and were fun to drive. They had steering wheels that did absolutely nothing. The course it took was very twisty and as the park aged it was lushly landscaped.

The Spirit of Kitty Hawk was one of the later rides added to the park. It was little airplane themed vehicles. They had a large rudder type of wing in front of the vehicle and you could grab the handle in the wing and let the wind direct your ride journey. Each of these airplane themed vehicles was attached to spokes radiating from a central spinning hub by way of chains in front of and behind each vehicle up to the spokes above. This was one of my favorite rides because it generated quite a cool breeze on a summer day.

The Round-up was a carnival ride where you stand up in half round pods. A chain across the pod would be the only thing to hold you in. These pods were placed around the perimeter of a large flat disk. As the ride began to spin you would be stuck against the wall of your pod. The disk would then start to go up on an angle and soon you would be doing some gravity defying rotations. The outside of this ride had large longhorn cattle horns on it and it was totally Frontier Village.

The Antique Autos weren't the automobile ride in the park there was also Duster's Turnpike. This ride also one of the last rides to be added to the park was located right near the entrance log stockade fort and on the fort side of the creek. Duster's Turnpike was a higher tech larger gasoline powered car ride. The vehicles were kept onto the track by way of a metal bar that ran down the center but the steering wheels actually turned the wheels. This is much like the car rides you see in other parks that survive today. Duster's Turnpike also had a much larger layout than the Antique Autos ride. Dusters Turnpike had overpasses and underpasses and just wasn't a flat layout. I really liked this ride.

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

Part 8

Frontier Village Memories ~ Part 5 Of Stagecoaches, burros and Train Robbers

2008-10-04T20:06:15Z

In my last blog on the defunct amusement park, we had just taken the Apache Whirlwind and Canoes for a ride.

In this episode of my blog we will explore the wilderness of Frontier Village. There were many ways of getting out there. The best was by the train. You could catch the train at where else, the train station at the front of the park. The train would travel out of the town area and head toward the real train tracks along Monterey Highway. Once beyond the main part of the park and clearing the lake it would make the turn back into what was called on the maps as "The Badlands". It was landscaped enough where you couldn't see much of the park beyond the lake. It felt like you had actually gone into the wilderness of the frontier.

There was a creaky old tunnel that the train would go through. In reality it was the garage for the train at nights and off season. But the story us tourists were told that there was some TNT lost in that tunnel from when they were digging. We had to go very slow so we didn't blow off the TNT by accident.

After the tunnel, would be the dangerous area where train robbers were known to have been active recently. Sure enough, I was always unlucky because my train was always robbed somehow. How's that for odds, I guess that makes my modern adult life somewhat safer since we got "robbed" so many times when we were kids.

Another way to get back in to the badlands was to take the stage coach. I cannot tell you how much fun the bumpy dusty stage coach ride was for a little kid. We sometimes got to sit on the seating on the roof of the stage. Funny how things happened, stage coach bandits would be out in the badlands to rob the stage too.

The Frontier Village Sheriff and his deputies were very busy people. No wonder there were so many gun fights on Main Street.

One last way to get back to the badlands was to go on the slow burro pack train. It was fun for a small kid who only traveled by 1965 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon.

I can't believe how much fun this series of blogs has been. The words just keep jumping off my keyboard as memories come back. I promise this tour into local history (hence my username here at activerain Historytours) will have a real estate tie in later.

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

Prudential California Realty Open Houses Oakland Offices October 5th, 2008

2008-10-04T19:24:10Z

Here are the Prudential California Reatly Open Houses for October 5th, 2008. Representing the combined offices of Piedmont (ave), Montclair and Grand Lake

See also: http://activerain.com/blogsview/720232/Open-House-Guide-for for additional open houses this weekend!

Frontier Village Memories ~ Part 4 The Backside of the Park

2008-10-04T09:46:30Z

In my last blog on the defunct amusement park, we had just reached the Sidewinder and the Stampede rides.

Beyond that was the one ride that was the farthest back on the walking paths. It was the Apache Whirlwind Rollercoaster. The Apache Whirlwind was added in the last years of Frontier Village's existence. It wasn't very tall by rollercoaster standards; in fact it rather hugged the landscape. For what it lacked in height it made up in speed and twisty turns.

It was powered by way of an electric bus bar and was going from the instant it left the station. It would make about three cycles of the circuit and get faster and faster as it traveled around.

There was a small outdoor amphitheater near the Apache Whirlwind. The seats were situated around a small cove on the shoreline of the lake. The actual stage was across a small body of water. Frontier Village would have some stunt shows there for the park guests to see.

Coming back toward the village proper was a swinging rope bridge across the water. This bridge would take you on a wobbly journey over to Indian Island.

On the lake there was a canoe ride where the tourists would board these long canoes that would seat about 20 guests. A park ride employee would be at each end of the canoe to help the tourists navigate the waters of the lake. I am sure the lake wasn't deep at all and would never pose any hazard to anyone if a canoe ever overturned.

Once back in town near the gold panning area, you'd come across the town's other road. I think that it was called California Street. There was this neat photo opportunity set up there were you could go behind a small street scenes and open up windows of the buildings. Some of these windows were openings of the heads of cartoon images of some townsfolk. These little windows would allow you to insert your face on the sheriff, on a wanted poster or the saloon girl's body.

Well, I am going to leave some more for my next posting. I wish you all could have enjoyed Frontier Village like I did when I was a youngster.

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

Frontier Village ~ Part 3 Where Main Street met the Lake.

2008-10-03T10:59:44Z

We have spent the last two blog postings exploring the Town Square and Main Street areas of Frontier Village.

Now at the end of main street opened up a vista of the lake off to your left side. On your right you still had some exciting things ahead.

I remember in this area there was an area where you could go panning for GOLD. It was always fun to do because your hand would get wet and on a hot summer day that was always fun to play in the water.

To the right was where the fishing pond was located. It where you could drop in a fishing line and catch a rainbow trout for you dinner. I never liked doing that because I as a small kid would only like to catch tuna fish sandwiches or school lunch room fish sticks.

The waterfall that trickled down into the fishing pond was built on the side of the rock covered building that was the Lost Dutchman's Mine. Now that was a real fun ride, you'd board these ore carts and enter the dark mine interior. Once inside and your eyes adjusted to the darkness you'd begin to see miners working to get the gold out of the mountain. Had they known just how easy it was just across the way over by the lake. All the kids were striking gold over at the gold panning area. Well at the end of the ride there was always that crazy prospector with the case of TNT firing off his pistols. Watch out for that spark.....KABLEWIEEEE BOOM BAM! The ore carts would exit over by the trout pond and it was back to Frontier Village.

Next to that was the El Sito Myterio. This building had the slanted floors and walls. Water appeared to run up hill, brooms would stand by themselves, Bowling balls would roll up hill, and your little brother grew taller than you just by walking across the room. It was always fun to stand at a good lean without falling over.

Then came one of my favorite rides. It was the Sidewinder, a classic carnival Tilt-A-Whirl ride. There was just something about the one at Frontier Village that it ran faster and more intense that at other places.

In doing this article I found an old park map. It reminded me that I was wrong about the Stampede's location. It was down a path past the Sidewinder. I kinda recall it being originally at the location of the Tarantula, and then moved to it's newer location near sidewinder. Maybe someone can refresh my memory.

Stay tuned for further adventures from my memory

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

Open House Guide for October 4th and 5th

2008-10-02T17:36:42Z

Once again I transcribed the open house guide from the San Leandro Times and rearranged it for your convenience.

If you miss seeing any of these, I would be more than happy to represent you as the buyer. Call me and I can arrange for a viewing.

<<<< Remember this Sunday is San Leandro's Sausages and Suds Fest. It's an Ideal day to go out and look at some San Leandro properties and then party downtown and meet the neighbors! >>>>>

San Leandro

976 Helen Avenue , San Leandro

Offered at $599,000.00 through Prudential California Realty.

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sat 12-4 Sun 12-4

3444 Chaplet Street, San Leandro

Offered at $525,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 2-4

1135 Arthur Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $319,000.00 through Cynthia Landini

2 bedrooms / 1.5 baths

Sat 12:30 - 3:30

2246 Blackpool Place, San Leandro

Offered at $379,000.00 through Rinetti & Co. Realtors

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 2-4

891 Arbor Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $449,000.00 through Deadrich Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 1 baths

Sun 2-4

890 Fulton Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $524,976.00 through Re/Max in Motion

4 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

2368 Farley Street, Castro Valley

Offered at $349,950.00 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1:30-4

1441 Regent Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $639,000.00 through Rinetti & Co. Realtors

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 2-4

16723 Hannah Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $374,900 through Prudential California Realty

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

14416 Outrigger Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $449,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sat 1-4

San Lorenzo

Nothing this week :(

Hayward

Nothing this week :(

Castro Valley

21119 Aspen Avenue, Castro Valley

Offered at $489,950 through Help-U-Sell Best Yet Realty

3 bedrooms / 1.5 baths

Sun 1-4

18303 Vineyard Road, Castro Valley

Offered at $524,900 through Prudential California Realty

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

2825 Chloe Court, Castro Valley

Offered at $525,000 through Don Morris Realty

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1:30-4

4291 Omega Avenue, Castro Valley

Offered at $565,000 through Hometown GMAC Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

19013 Helton Street, Castro Valley

Offered at $738,000 through Coldwell Banker

4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

17565 Oakshire Place, Castro Valley

Offered at $1,099,000 through Prudential California Realty

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sun 1-4

18698 Mount Lassen Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $875,000 through Coldwell Banker

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sun 1-4

Oakland

2257 High Street, Oakland

Offered at $279,888.00 through Help-U-Sell Best Yet Realty

3 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

Piedmont

29 Olive Avenue, Oakland

Offered at $899,000.00 through Re/Max in Motion

2 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sun 2-4:30

Fremont

Nothing this week :(

Alameda

Nothing this week :(

San Ramon

1119 Chancery Way, San Ramon

Offered at $899,950.00 through Help-U-Sell Best Yet Realty

5 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sat 12-5 Sun 12-5

See Also: http://activerain.com/blogsview/723623/Prudential-California-Realty-Open for additional open houses this weekend!

Frontier Village ~ Part 2 Spin, Spin and Spin some more!

2008-10-02T16:43:56Z

In my last blog on this subject we had just entered San Jose's Frontier Village and were still in front of the train station.

Just over the train tracks and to your right was a path that went behind some of the buildings that were on the Main Street. This path lead to two of the most fun rides at Frontier Village, The Stampede and Tarantula!

The Stampede was a flat spinning ride where the riders would board a long bench like seat that was mounted with two other benches like spokes on a wheel. That wheel would be connected to other wheels connected to a central hub and the entire contraption would spin.

The Tarantula came later and was also a spinning flat ride. This time the riders rode in bucket like contraptions that closed up around your feet and locked you in. The Tarantula would go round and round very similar to the Stampede, but the Tarantula would also get some elevation as part of the ride would spin around.

Marriott's Great America had a ride like the Tarantula called the Lobster located in their Yankee Harbor theme area.

Journeying back to Main Street again you would find the main souvenir shop. There was also cigar store Indians to take pictures with. I remember the Spin-Art booth that would take poster board and place them on old record players. You would take squeeze bottle of paint and drip them on to the spinning piece of paper. It wasn't very Old West but it was the 1960s.

I remember buildings like the Saloon, Jail House and just stores in general. Main Street was the actual heart of the working amusement park. Town Square in front of the train station was the picture spot.

There I go again. I've filled up another entire blog.

The Real estate tie-in will come in the conclusion of this series....thank you for being so patient!

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

Frontier Village ~ Part 1

2008-10-01T09:44:49Z

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1960s I have very fond memories of San Jose's Frontier Village.

I remember the long journey from San Leandro where we lived all the way down to South San Jose. We would take what was then Highway 17 (The Nimitz) down to San Jose and then onto Interstate 101. After the long drive through San Jose (it seemed so huge back then) to the Ford Road exit near the IBM plant. After exiting Ford Road there was a right turn on the the road called Monterey Road taking us back North into San Jose for about a mile. This section of Monterey Road had the Southern Pacific train track along the left side.

As you neared Branham Lane you began to see the tall eucalyptus trees of Frontier Village. At Branham Lane you take the left turn and over the train tracks and you were there. One last left turn would get our old trusty '65 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon into the Frontier Village gravel parking lot.

It was a great site for a young boy to see! There it was a perfect frontier wilderness stockade fort right out of your Davy Crockett play imagination. On the stockade log walls was the brightly painted "Frontier Village" signs. There was no mistaking where you were.

Once inside the first thing my brothers and I did was to explore the upper levels of the stockade forts upper gatehouses. We of course were protecting the townsfolk from the wild next bunch of tourists entering the park.

A quick walk across the creek was the park's first ride was the Ferris wheel. It seemed so very tall at the time. It seemed that you could see the whole park from that vantage point. I remember that you could start to smell the cotton candy and popcorn from the Ferris wheel.

Leaving the ferris wheel the walkway opened up to the town square. On Town square and straight ahead was the Frontier Village logo building the train station. Over to the left was a walkway to some of the older rides and the schoolhouse exhibit. I looked like the children attending that school had just left for recess and would return at any moment. There was also a merry-go-round in that area too.

To the right of the train station was the wider Main Street of Frontier Village. This was the place where the sheriff would get into daily shoot-outs with the bank robbers. Bang bang pop pop!

Okay I'm going to stop here today to give me something to blog about at a later date.

Here are some links that you may enjoy:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FrontierVillage/

http://www.frontiervillage.net/

and some Youtube videos:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=frontier+village+san+jose&search_type=&aq=9&oq=frontier+v

Part 1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/717285/Frontier-Village-Part-1

Part 2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718430/Frontier-Village-Part-2

Part 3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/718484/Frontier-Village-Part-3

Part 4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721314/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/721431/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/723682/Frontier-Village-Memories-Part

Part 7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/732184/Frontier-Village-Part-7

San Leandro History Film at History Museum

2008-10-01T09:17:17Z

A reprint from THE Broadmoor Neighborhood Association's email server.

Hello Neighbors,

You are invited to the BNA Popcorn and Movie Social this Saturday. Come have
fun, watch a locally made film about the first 100 years of San Leandro,
enjoy fresh popcorn, bring the family, and enjoy a self-guided tour of the
History Museum, Art Gallery, and Peralta House gardens.

BNA Popcorn and Movie Social
Saturday, October 4
1 to 3 p.m.
San Leandro History Museum and Art Gallery
320 W. Estudillo Ave. (Next to the Peralta House)

Tesla Motors to build headquarters and assembly plant in San Jose, Ca.

2008-09-27T11:02:10Z

I used to work across 237 from the location where the new Tesla Motors headquarters and assembly plant will be located. The new plant will be located at 237 and Zanker Road in San Jose. I used to work at Redback Networks located on 350 Holger Road. My office window used to look out over the lot where this plant will be located.

I very much like the idea of the Tesla Roadster. I surely wouldn't mind having one of these fast sporty and great looking electric vehicles. I am not a huge fan of the popular Toyota Prius. I am glad to see something on the horizon that promises to be the muscle car of the "green" movement.

There will be about a thousand new employees hired at the new automobile assembly plant. These new employees may be needing to find new homes.

Here's the link for anyone wanting to find one of those positions available with Tesla

The East Bay is a great location for people working at this assembly plant to live. You can find some great homes with character and at a great price.

I would love to help you find the right home for you. Give me a call, I'd love to work hard for you!

Go out and enjoy the day!!!

Open House Guide for September 27th & 28th

2008-09-25T15:44:36Z

Once again I transcribed the open house guide from the San Leandro Times and rearranged it for your convenience.

If you miss seeing any of these, I would be more than happy to represent you as the buyer. Call me and I can arrange for a viewing.

San Leandro

976 Helen Avenue , San Leandro

Offered at $599,000.00 through Prudential California Realty.

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sat 12-4 Sun 12-4

3444 Chaplet Street, San Leandro

Offered at $525,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

1385 Sandelin Court, San Leandro

Offered at $549,000.00 through Rinetti & Co. Realtors

3 bedrooms / 1.5 baths

Sun 1-4

1478 Homans Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $545,000.00 through Re/Max in Motion

4 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

546 Dolores Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $575,000.00 through Deadrich Real Estate

2+ bedrooms / 1+ baths

Sun 2-4

16285 Calypso Court, San Leandro

Offered at $484,500.00 through James Forrest Realtor

4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sat 2-4

2366 Farley Street, San Leandro

Offered at $349,950.00 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

420 Elsie Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $439,000.00 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

16723 Hannah Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $374,900 through Prudential California Realty

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

474 Juana Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $349,950.00 through Coldwell Banker Bartels

2 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 11-3

14416 Outrigger Drive, San Leandro

Offered at $449,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

725 Bridge Road, San Leandro

Offered at $679,000.00 through Robert Jones & Associates.

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

1563 Kelly Avenue , San Leandro (New Price)

Offered at $349,000.00 through Prudential California Realty.

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

1452 Wayne Avenue, San Leandro

Offered at $339,000.00 through Westland Real Estate.

2 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

San Lorenzo

Nothing this week :(

Hayward

27087 Columbia Court, Hayward

Offered at $599,000.00 through Prudential California Realty.

4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

Castro Valley

18365 Joseph Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $539,000 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

18340 Joseph Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $549,000 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

21303 Tyee Street, Castro Valley

Offered at $449,000 through Coldwell Banker

4 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sun 1-4

4557 Lawrence Drive, Castro Valley

Offered at $569,000 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths

Sun 1-4

32075 Palomares Road, Castro Valley

Offered at $819,620 through Prudential California Realty

2 bedrooms / 1 bath

Sun 1-4

17565 Oakshire Place, Castro Valley

Offered at $1,099,000 through Prudential California Realty

4 bedrooms / 3 baths

Sun 1-4

Oakland

3617 Calafia Avenue, Oakland

Offered at $559,500.00 through Re/Max in Motion

3 bedrooms / 2 bath townhouse

Sun 2-4:30

Fremont

4866 Phelan Avenue, Fremont

Offered at $599,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate.

3 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sat 2-5

Alameda

1200 Rosewood, Alameda

Offered at $599,000.00 through United Brokers Real Estate.

4 bedrooms / 2 baths

Sat 1-4

San Ramon

Nothing this week :(

Add on/within/up and still save your home's integrity

2008-09-23T19:02:00Z

Add on and save your home's integrity. Lately some homes have been added onto in San Leandro's "The Broadmoor" neighborhood.

These homes were built in the 1920s. These homes in general were built as single level homes. The existing foundations were only capable of supporting a single level.

These homes I am blogging about today have added a second level without having to disturb the existing foundation too severely.

This photo shows two houses side-by-side. These homes were practically identical (rare for "The Broadmoor") and next door to each other.

The home on the right is in it's original single level configuration. The home on the left has been added to. If you notice closely that the second level steps back about 18 inches from the original side elevation and has it's own new stronger foundation supporting the second story about 18 inches inside of the original foundation. The original foundation now only carries a small portion of the original ground floor outside side walls.

Here is another example of a home across the street. It also has a new second level that was built within and above the original first floor.

The homes original appearance would have been similar to this home down the street. The home above actually did have a small existing second floor within the gables of the roof line toward the front of the home. But it was very similar to this single level home shown below.

It's my personal opinion that this method of adding on/within/up is really cool and helps to save the integrity of the home's original architecture.

Let's work together and find a smaller home with character. Work with your budget and transform the floor plan to fit your family and current lifestyle.

Let's do this correctly in the current market

2008-09-23T17:31:12Z

Multiple offers are back folks. Here in the Oakland/San Leandro area if you find a home that you like at a great price, you will most likely be competing against other offers. We are starting to see the very early beginings of a Seller's market.

Run, do not walk! Write an offer TODAY not tomorrow.

Your home will have multiple offers just about everytime. Properties are getting gobbled up. This month at the Grand Lake Prudential Office was one the best months in over 8 years.

Don't think about writing a low ball offer either. The offers that get selected are the ones above asking price.

When a seller gets 22 offers they get to choose the best offer for them.

GET PRE-APPROVED ****** If you find the home you like, it will be too late if you have to stop and then get pre-approved. All of the other offers coming in will zoom past you in line for that house. It will be too late.

Let me stress this again, Get your pre-approval in order before you start looking for a house.

Once you find that perfect house, act quickly to get your offer in! Make your best offer, do not try to low ball the offer expecting a counter offer, it's very likely that you may not even see one. The better offers will get the responses.

Contact me today and I can get you in touch with Shane, our lender rep. Shane can get you pre-approved for the loan.

Some long awaited justice for my sister-in-law's mother

2008-09-23T17:09:23Z

Just like out of the television series COLD CASE, a new law to test current inmates DNA against past "cold case" crimes, has found and convicted the killer of my sister-in-law's mother.

Here is a link to the San Jose Mercury News article about the case.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_10510632

I am glad that Emily's mom can finally rest in peace,

Mark your calendars: San Leandro's Sausage & Suds

2008-09-19T11:08:46Z

SAUSAGE & SUDS

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5TH

10:00 AM TO 6:00 PM

Parrott Street between East 14th Street and Washington Avenue

San Leandro's long history in Food Processing has brought fourth the annual Sausage & Suds Festival. San Leandro for a long time has been home to many of the Portuguese Linguicia companies. Casper's Hot Dogs are made at SPAR sausages on Williams Street. Saag's sausages also call San Leandro home.

San Leandro is also home to many micro-breweries too.

It's only natural that San Leandro has a Sausage & Suds Festival. Live music will add to the ambiance as you partake in the beer and sausages!

I hope to see you there.