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california: Only in California on the Freeway? Perhaps Not - 01/05/12 10:41 PM
Only in California on the Freeway? Perhaps Not
I saw this vehicle the other day on the 805 freeway and felt it warranted a photo (yes someone else took the photo).
Look carefully – what do you think?
First, my impression is that this is pretty savvy marketing. Tons of people will see a car with advertising, especially on the road, so it could be a great way to get your message out.
Of course you have to be a careful and courteous driver or you might find it working against you. Cutting people off, speeding, … (18 comments)
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california: A Visit to Kilauea Lighthouse in Kaua’i, Hawaii - 01/03/12 10:31 AM
A Visit to Kilauea Lighthouse in Kaua’i, Hawaii
We spent an amazing 5 days in Kaua’i for my birthday in early November – I am still enjoying looking at the photos.
Coming from New England, I am a big lighthouse fan. After all they are all over the place there, particularly in Maine and on Cape Cod.
Lighthouses are not so common here on the Left Coast, but we enjoyed a visit to Point Reyes north of San Francisco a couple of year ago to see that lighthouse (photo to the right).
It is amazing … (12 comments)
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california: The California ShakeOut 2011– Biggest Earthquake Drill in History - 10/19/11 10:27 AM
The California ShakeOut 2011– Biggest Earthquake Drill in History
This Thursday Californians are set to participate in the largest earthquake drill in history. The California ShakeOut is set to occur on 10/20 and 10:20 am (easy to remember).
Over 8 million (almost 700,000 in San Diego County) have signed up on the website saying they would participate, which beats the 2010 record of 7.9 million. The California ShakeOut is designed to educate people about coping with a major earthquake and how to protect themselves in the event one occurs. [photo courtesy of Hey Paul on Flickr]
With … (7 comments)
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california: A Tour Through the Piedmont Area of Oakland, CA - 04/17/11 01:05 PM
A Photographic Tour Through the Piedmont Area of Oakland, CA Taking a stroll with a camera without any sort of agenda, especially in an unfamiliar but very cool area, is great fun, at least for me. You never know what you might find, and somehow having a camera makes discovery that much more intriguing.
Somehow you notice more that way where otherwise you simply might have walked on without a second thought.
This tour is a random collection of architecture, street scenes, signage, store fronts and interiors and a bunch of other stuff I simply found interesting. You gain a perspective … (9 comments)
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california: A Visit to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa | San Luis Obispo, CA - 08/07/10 10:42 PM
Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa in San Luis Obispo, CA
Much of California's history begins with the founding of the Spanish missions, a total of 21 from north to south along the El Camino Real ("King's Highway).
These missions had a significant impact on the area and the people already living there, with the growth of Christianity, but also brought many agricultural (livestock, fruits, vegetables) and cultural contributions that survive today, more than 200 years after being established in some cases.
A visit to one of the local California missions is a fascinating glimpse into the past history of … (18 comments)
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california: Nature's Beauty Enhanced by Humankind | A Visit to Artesa Winery in Napa CA - 08/01/10 10:06 PM
Nature's Beauty Enhanced by Humankind - A Visit to Artesa Winery in Napa CA
I have a special fondness for Artesa wine.
We discovered it at what is probably our favorite local restaurant back in our old stomping grounds of Cambridge and Somerville, MA.
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) offers a wonderful dining experience - a rare combination of creative, flavorful food using the best of fresh ingredients, an upscale ambiance, and a comfortable neighborhood feel arising from the owners, Peter and Colleen McCarthy, and their staff (who got to be friends over the many visits we had).
… (24 comments)
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california: A Day at the Wineries in Napa Valley - Day 3 of the Trip to Wine Country - Clos Pegase, Rutherford, Milat - 08/01/10 01:19 PM
Day 3 of our trip was spent exploring several wineries in the Napa region.
It had occurred to me as we were driving in the evening of our arrival that it would be impossible to decide where to go - I don't know how many there are along the main road but it has to be 50 or so.
Having never visited, we wanted to see the area as well as check out a few wineries. We had some recommendations but also had a few favorites and hoped to see perhaps 3 for the day.
Rutherford Hill is a favorite wine … (5 comments)
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california: The Stunning California Coastline - A Journey Along the Monterey County Coastline to Big Sur - 07/25/10 11:34 PM
I am getting ready for a mini-vacation (an anniversary trip) by car heading up the California coast through Big Sur, Monterey, on to Calistoga and Napa, and back through San Francisco/Oakland and LA to Carlsbad. We've taken parts of the trip before along the stunning California coastline south of Big Sur, and I have been "reliving" our journey along this route back in 2007 before we take off in a few days.
These are just a few of my favorite photos that capture some of the variety of the beautiful California coastline (just a few hours worth, mind you, from San … (27 comments)
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california: California Home Buyers – More Tax Credits Coming Your Way - 03/26/10 08:44 AM
California Home Buyers - More Tax Credits Coming Your Way
The California Association of REALTORS announced yesterday that a new tax credit bill, AB183, was signed yesterday by Governor Schwarzenegger. As a result, homebuyers in California may receive up to $10,000, or 5% of the purchase price of a new home in state tax credits. $200 million has been allocated.
This bill is different than the last California tax credit bill which afforded buyers of new homes (never unoccupied) up to $10,000 in tax credit and which was wildly successful - the state used up the $100 million allocated for that … (8 comments)
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california: Update on the California and Southern California Real Estate Market (as of January 2010) - 03/20/10 08:34 PM
Update on the Southern California Real Estate Market from the California Association of REALTORS, Courtesy of the Southern California CRS
The Southern California Chapter of CRS had the first Real Estate Leaders Meeting for 2010 yesterday in La Quinta. Our speaker was Sara Sutachan, Senior Research Analyst for the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.), who provided an economic update on the California real estate market along with some predictions for the future.
Here are a few slides from her presentation with some interesting information. The complete presentation is available to C.A.R. members (log in and password required) on the C.A.R. website … (12 comments)
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california: California - Land of Superfoods - 01/22/10 03:53 PM
California is a land of many things - fruit and nuts, as folks say jokingly, beaches, celebrities and celebrity wannabees, and agriculture.
We've all heard "you are what you eat," and with the increasing health awareness and the focus on diet this seems to be truer than many believe. And California, with the wealth of agricultural produce, is a great place to be for year-round fresh fruit, vegetables and more.
I read an interesting article recently in California Country magazine about Superfoods, foods which "have health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition," according to food expert and international superfood authority Clare … (11 comments)
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california: Drop Cover Hold On - The Great California ShakeOut 2009 is October 15th - 10/13/09 06:35 PM
Earthquake preparedness is a serious matter, and California is once again demonstrating a commitment to making sure residents are prepared in the event of an earthquake.
The Great California ShakeOut 2009 is set for this Thursday, October 15th, at 10:15 am, with over 6.5 million already registered to participate in the largest earthquake drill ever (last year's event, the first, had almost 5.5 million taking part in drills at home, at work, in schools and a wide range of communities establishments).
Register to participate in the earthquake drill statewide, and be counted in the total of participants.
To make it … (12 comments)
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california: Is the Government Bailout Affecting Your Real Estate Business? You Bet It Is - 04/26/09 10:48 AM
Our Southern California Chapter of CRS (Council of Residential Specialists) educational and networking meeting was held last Friday in the desert community of La Quinta. Our speaker was Gov Hutchinson, an attorney, who is a member of the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) Legal hotline; he is also Staff Vice President and Assistant General Counsel for C.A.R.
Hutchison shared his thoughts on how the government bailout is affecting our real estate business; he also provided some specific updates relative to California laws and changes in some of our real estate forms (I'll share these later). Here are some learnings from his talk:
… (9 comments)
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california: Early Morning Fog in Anza, CA - 04/25/09 01:10 AM
I left my house this morning at 6 Am for a meeting in La Quinta, in the desert near Palm Springs. I had my camera and could resist grabbing a fee pics on the trip out. This was near Anza, CA as the fog was lifting. The views of the farmland, amidst the fog, with the mountains in the distance, was worth the minute or so it took to pull over and snap the photo.
… (10 comments)
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california: California Home Buyers Fair in Los Angeles This Weekend - 04/14/09 05:07 PM
Home buyers (and potential home buyers) in Southern California will have a terrific opportunity this weekend to gather lots of information about the home buying process, loans, dealing with credit issues, the importance of having a home inspection, and many other topics.
The Los Angeles Convention Center is, again, the site of the 2009 FREE home buyers fair on Saturday April 18 (from 10 until 5) and on Sunday (from 11 until 4). IF it is anything like last year's event you can expect thousands of folks stopping in for more than 50 educational seminars and multiple vendors in the real … (3 comments)
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california: New Mortgage Protection Program for First Time Home Buyers in California - 04/01/09 09:16 AM
California is, once again, doing something to help the housing market.
We already have a potential $10,000 tax credit that is available to buyers of new home construction in 2000 (first time buyers or experienced). The home must never have been lived in. Credits of up to $10,0000 will be awarded on a first come first served basis until the $100,000,000 that has been set aside has been used up.
READ MORE: New Construction Tax Credit
Now, the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.) is offering a mortgage protection program for first time buyers through their Housing Affordability Fund (H.A.F.) where buyers … (7 comments)
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california: California Sales and Use Tax Rate Increases April 1, 2009 - 03/31/09 08:45 AM
Just what California needs with the unemployment rates rising as they are and many folks, and businesses, struggling financially - another tax increase.
I doubt that's going to stimulate our economy and get folks out there spending their hard earned dollars.
The State Board of Equalization in California and the Governor announced some time ago that the sales and use tax will be increasing...by 1%! This takes place tomorrow, April 1, to the regret of many business owners. California's sales tax of 7.75%, the highest in the country I believe, will now be 8.75%.
And in … (2 comments)
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california: Don't be Text Messaging in YOUR Car in California in 2009 - 12/21/08 07:03 PM
California enacted a new law last July that requires motorists to use hands-free devices in their cars. Tickets for violations are expensive, but there are still a ton of folks who either ignore the law or have decided they will take the risk. Whatever.
The new law did NOT address the issue of text messaging or email.
Think it doesn't go on while folks are driving? Guess again.
The California legislature has now addressed that issue with SB 28, which prohibits text messaging OR emailing while driving. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2009. Fines are $76 (after penalties) … (9 comments)
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california: Learnings from the California Association of REALTORS Tech Tuesday - 10/15/08 09:51 AM
I wasn't on AR most of yesterday due to attending the first day of the C.A.R. (California Association of REALTORS) in Long Beach, California.
I always come away from these events with new learning, and many thoughts about what to implement in my business. Some I get to some I don't. And I always run into folks I know or meet new ones.
Yesterday I spent some time with Irina Netchaev, Ted Mackel (who I met off-line for the first time last month at REBlogWorld08 in Las Vegas), Mana Tulberg, and Elaine Hanson (who I know on-line but met for the … (5 comments)
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california: Calico, California – A Former Mining Town, Now a Ghost Town (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 09/22/08 10:45 PM
This is a localism post. But if you are a California home buyer, forget it. You won't be able to buy anything in this community, unless you are a ghost. Not sure there are any there but it wouldn't surprise me.
Since we're on the subject of ghosts, if you do happen to be a buyer, or home owner, with an interest in haunted houses, check out the Haunted Real Estate blog of my friend Mary Pope-Handy in Los Gatos in the Silicon Valley (outside the fabulous city of San Francisco). She's becoming quite the expert. The Whaley House is an … (35 comments)
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Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Homes for Sale ~ 760-840-1360
Carlsbad,
CA
More about me…
Solutions Real Estate (CA DRE Lic. # 01490977)
Address: 6005 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 280, Carlsbad, CA, 92011
Office Phone: JUSTMYCELL
Cell Phone: (760) 840-1360
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DISCLAIMER: I must disclaim liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from use of, or reliance on, any information contained in this blog, or for the accuracy of comments or opinions expressed by visitors to my blog. The information contained in the articles is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions expressed in these articles are mine.
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