Sherry's Viewpoints

Why Real Estate is a Green Issue

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:35:54 -0500

The fact that the Green movement started back in the sixties and seventies is no surprise to me. When I was growing up, my grandma used to save the water from washing rice and produce to water her gardens. She was practicing a combination of the "green" principles in green living - reduce and reuse. No wonder, her roses blossomed.

Today, we hear and read about everything green. Companies in various sectors, ranging from technology, financial services, energy, retail, to manufacturing, are embracing environmentally safe practices. Bristol Myers-Squibb, General Mills, IBM, HP, Mattel, Exxon-Mobil, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Gap, Nike, Heinz, PG&E, Kohl`s, GE, Citigroup, Microsoft, Coca Cola, Apple, Staples, JP Morgan Chase are just a few of the 100 top corporate citizens named by Forbes Magazine that implement green practices in their work sites, product development and packaging, and energy-saving data centers.¹ Bank of America plans to build a 52-story eco-skyscraper near New York's Times Square, while Empire State Building is undergoing a $20 million renovation to be green over a 5-year period with the objective of cutting energy by 40% and saving about $4.4 million on energy costs a year.²

Within the United States alone, homes account for 21 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions.³ Rising energy costs have prompted groups and individuals to look for cost savings. Consumers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious. Cahners Residential Group, a building trades publisher, surveyed and found that consumers are ready to pay for a house that has alternative building materials and energy-efficient systems. Results of the survey showed that almost 80% of respondents listed the environment as a top concern, and almost 90% replied they would be willing to pay more for a house with environmentally friendly features.⁴ Consumers are also looking for healthier lifestyles in greener homes. According to National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.), 75% consumers surveyed indicate green features preferred when purchasing homes.³

In the commercial sector, a recent study (CoStar Group Study) revealed the economic benefits of building green. LEED buildings command rent premiums of $11.24 per square foot over their non-LEED counterparts, and have 3.8 percent higher occupancy.⁵ What is LEED? "The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System^TM encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria".⁶ Compared to non-Energy Star buildings, Energy Star buildings represent a $2.38 per square foot increase in rental rates, and have 3.6 percent higher occupancy. Another trend that may garner more interest from institutional investors is that Energy Star buildings are selling for an average of $61 per square foot more than their peers, while LEED buildings achieve a significantly $171 higher price per square foot.⁵

Additionally, California's Public Utilities Commission has mandated that new housing developments are to be "zero net energy" by 2020. "A zero energy home (ZEH) combines the latest technology, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The result is a home that produces its own energy-as much as or more than it needs".³ Last but not least, federal and state programs offer incentives for homes and buildings to be more energy efficient. As more and more emphasis moves towards eco-friendly designs and cost-savings, REALTORS^® will join hands with consumers, homebuilders, homeowners, local governments, schools, and others to focus on the energy-efficiency of homes and buildings.

Agents interested in obtaining the GREEN designation offered by N.A.R should visit National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.). To read about green trends, and how they may benefit you as a real estate professional, check out the following sites -

1. C.A.R. green site - understanding what's green, tips & information for homeowners & more.

2. U.S. Green Building Council - to learn, certify & understand green building, & more about LEED.

3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA - - provides information on its Energy Star program, with resources on new-home builders, lenders, energy-use rater, and utility programs that promote energy efficiency.

4. Energy Star - The site also provides users with an extensive list of federal tax credits for using energy-efficient products.

5. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency - DSIRE provides information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

6. Energy & Environmental Building Association or EEBA - is a principal association for builders and others, including real estate professionals, concerned with development of environmentally friendly buildings.

7. Residential Energy Services Network - sets standards for building energy performance certification industry. Site also contains basic information on energy-efficient mortgages and links to many of the key green housing sites.

8. Energy Efficient Mortgages, offered as part of the Energy Star program, spells out EPA home energy-efficiency standards and FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage requirements on mortgages that credit a home's energy efficiency in the mortgage.

9. Earth 911 - find local recyclers, create an office recycling program, and do a waste assessment, among other programs.

10. National Geographic - guide for daily living.

Notes:

1. Forbes Magazine

2. Boston Globe

3. California Association of Realtors' Green site

4 National Association of Realtors

5. N.A.R. - Green Buildings Perform Better

6. U.S. Green Building Council

Review of Home Sales/Prices in San Luis Obispo, CA

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:15:32 -0600

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

SAN LUIS OBISPO
	SALES	AVG.DOM	HIGH	LOW	MEDIAN
2007	275	83	$4,561,492.00	$369,000.00	$655,000.00
2008	209	93	$3,200,000.00	$280,000.00	$625,000.00
2008/2007	-66	10			($30,000.00)
% DIFFERENCE	-24%	12%			-5%

Like every other markets, the city of San Luis Obispo was not spared by the decline in home sales and prices on stick-built single family residences. Notwithstanding that the city of San Luis Obispo is a college town that tend to face higher turnover in ownership, home sales fell by a huge 24% in 2008. Compared to 2007 where there were 275 home sales, only 209 sold in 2008.

It's interesting to note too that there are fewer million-dollar purchases in San Luis Obispo during 2008. Of the 209 sales in 2008, only 24 or about 23% are sales on properties over $1 million. 14% of the 209 sales are between the $250,000 to $499,999. The bulk of the sales is in the $500,000-$999,999 price range.

In 2008, sellers needed additional 10 days to market their properties. The average marketing time lengthened from 83 days in 2007 to 93 days in 2008.

The median home price of stick-built single family homes in San Luis Obispo saw a 5% decrease in 2008.

Notes:

1. AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

2. Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3. Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4. Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

Review of Home Sales & Prices in Cambria, CA

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:50:05 -0600

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

CAMBRIA
	SALES	AVG.DOM	HIGH	LOW	MEDIAN
2007	97	157	$4,250,000.00	$375,000.00	$700,000.00
2008	80	157	$2,350,000.00	$315,000.00	$632,500.00
2008/2007	-17	0	($1,900,000.00)	($60,000.00)	($67,500.00)
% DIFF.	-18%	0%			-10%

Among the coastal towns/cities in San Luis Obispo county, Cambria suffered the highest decline of 10% in the median home price in 2008 when compared to the same 12 months a year ago. The median home price for 2008 was $632,500. This is a drop of $67,500 from $700,000 in 2007.

Sales of stick-built single family residences in Cambria suffered a big decline of 18% @ 80 sales versus 97 sales in 2007. A review of the data from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System shows that the bulk comprising about 73% of the home sales are in the mid-level price range, from $500,000-$999,999. The next level of sales, ie. 15%, are in the lower price ranges which are under $500,000, with the remainder sales (13%) falling in the over-the-$1-million price range.

Unlike the other areas, the consolation is that the average marketing time is unchanged, @ 157 days.

Home sales and home prices are expected to decline in Cambria, at least till end of this year.

Notes:

1. AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

2. Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3. Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4. Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

Review of Home Sales & Prices in Los Osos, CA

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:25:14 -0600

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

LOS OSOS
	SALES	AVG.DOM	HIGH	LOW	MEDIAN
2007	124	125	$2,100,000.00	$225,000.00	$471,000.00
2008	103	129	$1,750,000.00	$110,500.00	$435,000.00
2008/2007	-21	4	($350,000.00)	($114,500.00)	($36,000.00)
% DIFF.	-17%	3%			-8%

For January-December 2008, Los Osos saw a drop of 17% in sales of stick-built single-family homes when compared to the same period in 2007. The number of stick-built single-family homes sold fell from 124 in 2007 to 103 in 2008.

At the same time, sellers took more time - an additional four days based on an average marketing time of 129 days to sell their properties in 2008 compared to a year ago.

The median home price decreased by 8% from $471,000 in 2007 to $435,000 in 2008. The decrease is not surprising as we saw fewer sales of higher priced properties.

Out of the 103 stick-built single-family homes sold in 2008, almost 64% or 66 out of 103 homes are under $500,000. Only five of these sales were priced over $1 million.

The data obtained from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System reflects more sales in the lower price ranges due to short sales and foreclosures in this small coastal town.

Notes:

1. AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

2. Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3. Only stick-built single-family residences are included.

4.. Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

Review of 2008/2007 Home Sales/Prices in Morro Bay, CA

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:03:29 -0600

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

MORRO BAY
		`
	SALES	AVG.DOM	HIGH	LOW	MEDIAN
2007	96	133	$1,600,000.00	$300,000.00	$572,500.00
2008	107	146	$1,800,000.00	$210,000.00	$520,000.00
2008/2007	11	13	$200,000.00	($90,000.00)	($52,500.00)
% DIFF.	11%	10%			-9%

Sales of stick-built single-family residences rose by 11% in 2008. This reflects the addition of 11 sales over the 96 sales in 2007. The double-digit increase in the 2008 home sales could be attributed to a higher number of short sales and foreclosures and sales of more lower-priced homes in Morro Bay.

Out of the 107 sales in 2008, more than half or 61% of the sales are priced below $550,000. A small 10% of these sales are above the $1-million range. The remaining 29% sales fall between the $550,000-$999,999 range.

For the same period reviewed, the median home sale prices declined by 9% from $572,500 in 2007 to $520,000 in 2008.

Additionally, sellers needed an average marketing time taken of 146 days to sell their homes in Morro Bay. This is 13 more days when compared to the same 12 months a year ago.

The above data is culled from the Central Coast Multiple Listing System. Price reductions still prevail. The median home sale price is expected to continue to decline, possibly within a single-digit drop, at least till end of this year.

Notes:

1. AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

2. Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3. Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4. Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

Review of 2008/2007 Home Sales & Prices in Cayucos, CA

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 04:01:52 -0600

JANUARY-DECEMBER 2008 VERSUS JANUARY-DECEMBER 2007

CAYUCOS

	SALES	AVG.DOM	HIGH	LOW	MEDIAN
2007	35	158	$3,400,000.00	$500,000.00	$840,000.00
2008	43	137	$3,800,000.00	$415,000.00	$799,750.00
2008/2007	8	-21	$400,000.00	($85,000.00)	($40,250.00)
% DIFF.	23%	-13%			-5%

Data from the Central Coast MLS shows that sales of stick-built single-family homes in Cayucos improved by 23% or 8 more sales, in 2008, when compared with 2007.

It also appears that the average time taken to market properties improved by 13% from 158 days to 137 days.

Conversely, the median sale price dropped by 5% from $840,000 in 2007 to $799,750 in 2008.

The above data shows that home sale prices in Cayucos are still holding relatively strong when compared to other cities/towns in San Luis Obispo county.

Due to limited sales data, home sales of condos and mobile homes are not considered in this review.

Notes:

1. AVG. DOM = Average Days on Market

2. Data compiled from Central Coast MLS, deemed correct but not guaranteed.

3. Only stick-built single-family residences included.

4. Condos, PUDs, and mobile homes are not included in this study.

New Year, New Office, New Challenges & Best Wishes To All

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:14:11 -0600

2009 is here. I have been away for several weeks, and wanted to express my sincere thanks to all who wrote to find out how I am doing, particularly Karen Kruschka. I really think it's wonderful to find friends on AR. Even though we have not met, it's really nice to hear a kind word. At the same time, it's wonderful to see so many new developments at AR - New Blogs, and a very nice feature - the "auto draft save" feature.

December 2008 has been a slight upheaval for me, in terms of office changes, health and personal affairs. My former office, RE/MAX Seven Cities Realty has been disbanded. My former broker has been affected by the economy and financial difficulties and decided to close his two offices in Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, CA. I learnt that another RE/MAX franchise in Pismo Beach also closed this month.

Thankfully, I had several options to join different brokerages; just not RE/MAX. I have to admit I did become a fan of RE/MAX. I am not disrespecting the other franchises, or independent brokerages. I believe each has their own strengths and weaknesses. In our area, some are stronger and others operated on a quieter marketing plan.

I am pleased to annouce that I have affiliated myself with Keller Williams Realty-Central Coast's newest office in Morro Bay; at the same exact office location that's occupied by my former agency, RE/MAX Seven Cities as of January 7, 2009. It will be an exciting new year. I hope to grow and continue my friendships with all who wish to stay in touch with me on AR, especially RE/MAX agents.

On Friday, January 16th, my new office is having an Open House reception to celebrate the new office opening from 1630-1900 hours P.S.T. If you are visiting or in the area, I would like to extend a personal invitation to you, to join us at 815 Morro Bay Boulevard, Morro Bay, CA (Tel: (805) 772-9016) for some food, wine and beer.

Even as we hear more depressing news in the media, we have much to look forward to - family, friends, ever-loyal pets, associates and great clients. Lots of smiles to you all!

Happy Halloween in Cayucos

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 03:08:46 -0500

Halloween in Cayucos is a tradition and meant to be lots of fun for the children.

For more than 10 years, the students of Cayucos School dressed up and went around just being themselves, and participated in a parade and visited establishments in town.

Of course, what's Halloween without candy. As they strolled on to show off their costumes, the students are treated to candy while townsfolk cheered them on.

Check out the ingenuity of the homemade costumes and the norm found from the stores.

The young and old alike had a good time.

As big sisters to the little ones, the 8th graders in the photo below, guided the younger students as they crossed the street, and took great care of them.

The big brothers, (photo below) who are also 8th graders, couldn't help but have a blast!

I was told that one year, the Halloween Walk was cancelled, and the school was bombarded with tons of calls asking why. The Halloween Walk was reinstated. Since then, all in Cayucos are back to being happy and enjoying Halloween, the Cayucean way.

Sore muscles for a clean highway

Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:05:37 -0500

Every first Tuesday of the month, I picked up my box of gloves, jackets, hard hats, supply of trash bags, clippers plus a good supply of bottled water and head out to Box 383 (See photo below), along Highway One, about 3 miles north of San Geronimo along the Pacific Coast, just north of Cayucos, CA, to meet fellow Realtors for our monthly highway clean-up.

The exercise is a dedicated effort on the part of the members from the Scenic Coast of Association of Realtors. Member Realtors from different real estate agencies or brokerages and affiliates from title companies show up to help on different weeks. The coordinated cooperative leads to a cleaner highway and a more pleasing experience for the motorists and travelers who stop to enjoy the views by the coast.

At the end of the clean-up, we arranged the bags neatly by Box 383, and I contact Cal Trans to pick up the bags. You will surprised at the range of items that have been left along the highway. We found big itmes like sofa, tires, bar-b-que pit and even snakes! Of course, we left the snakes (obviously, the live ones) alone.

Doesn't the coast look more beautiful without any trash?

‘Squirt, soap, scrub & spray’ lands Cayucos Rotary with over $1,000 towards school,scoreboard

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 03:15:38 -0500

The Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside's car wash fundraiser raised over $1,000 during the four-hour shift from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2008. Half of the proceeds came from pre-sold tickets, while the remaining half was collected from cash-paying customers on the day of the car wash.

The fundraiser was held at the Cayucos School, which supplied water for the event. The car wash detergent was donated by AutoZone of Morro Bay, CA. Armed with buckets, hoses, spray guns and towels, the Rotarians and Cayucos school students squirted, soaped, sponged, scrubbed and sprayed to get cars and trucks clean.

The Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside wishes to thank everyone who supported, especially the 15 Cayucos Middle school students who came to help. Proceeds from the car wash would go towards the purchase of an electronic scoreboard for the new school gym in Cayucos.

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside, please visit www.CayucosRotary.org or call club president, Sherry Sim, 805-234-4315. The Rotary Club of Cayucos-Seaside meets every Thursday, 7 am at the Sea Shanty Restaurant, 296 S. Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA.

Looking to refer to agent in Oceanside, CA

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:23:04 -0500

Hi fellow RE/MAX bloggers,

I am looking for a RE/MAX agent in Oceanside, CA to help a buyer client who's looking to buy at least two bedroom- and two bath-home between the price range of $400,000-900,000. They are looking for a second/vacation home to retire to. The property should be preferably single-level and with some ocean views if possible. A 25% referral fee is requested.

Please let me know if you are interested. The couple plan to be in Oceanside, Thursday, Oct 30-Friday, Nov 01, to look at properties.

Best, Sherry Sim

RE/MAX Seven Cities Realty

805-234-4315

sherry@sherrysim.com

Update on Cayucos Del Mar Project

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:35:02 -0500

Back in April 2007, I shared that a large development was proposed at the junction of Old Creek Road and Ocean Boulevard in the south community of Cayucos, CA. The project is again stalled as the county Board of Supervisors had requested for more changes in the design, especially on the third floor, to allow more recesses or openings.

Many local residents opposed the project. A group known as the Concerned Citizens of Cayucos (CCC) was formed to address this issue and represent the residents' concerns. Concerns raised included lack of conformity with the residential neighborhood - the project was considered "out of scale"; traffic impacts; lack of parking; safety and potential soil contamination.

The Planning Commission had approved a two-storey building, with a height restriction of 22 feet versus 30 feet that was in the original design. The Planning Commission's approval was supported by County Supervisor Bruce Gibson. Franco DiCicco, the project developer is appealing the Planning Commission's decision. The next hearing is scheduled on October 28, 2008.

Originally, the project was three stories high that would include 18 motel rooms, four condominiums, a restaurant and a convenience store. The restaurant and convenience store had been eliminated. Some 5,000 square feet of commercial space, most of it on the third floor, was removed.

An update will be posted after the October 28, 2008 hearing.

To read about my earlier post, please refer to :-

http://activerain.com/blogsview/73117/DEVELOP-OR-DOWNSIZE-THE

For more information on the Cayucos Del Mar Project, check out :-

Concerned Citizens of Cayucos' site: http://www.cayucosproject.com/

Developer Franco DiCicco's site: http://cayucosdelmarproject.com/

Disclaimer: The photo is a simulation of the proposed project and may not be to scale.

Cayucos Rotary Car Wash Fundraiser

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:06:21 -0500

You're all invited.

For $5, you can get your car washed on Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

at the Cayucos School, 301 Cayucos Drive, Cayucos, CA

All proceeds from the car wash will go to the purchase of an electronic scoreboard for the new school gym

at Cayucos School.

Come and show your support to the students who will be present to wash your car, and thank you.

A copy of the flyer is featured below.

Spice & Fun at the Cayucos Seniors' October '08 Potluck Luncheon

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 02:02:04 -0500

On my second visit to the Cayucos Seniors' potluck luncheon this month, I found myself inducted as an honorary member of the group. The most senior of all told me they love to have me join them, but wondered about my age. It turned out that I would not qualify, but they decided to honor me instead, and made feel me even more welcome.

The Cayucos Seniors' potluck is held every second Wednesday of the month, at the Cayucos Veterans' Hall at the Pier. On such Wednesdays, the seniors bring a dish of any speciality to add to what their senior counterparts had cooked at the Cayucos Veterans Hall. They might also bring their own chinaware and cutlery, if desired. Wine was offered at very nominal prices. Other beverages were free. There's usually a good spread of salads, meats and desserts. The senior volunteers also know how to cook up a dish. For the October 7th luncheon, the theme was German, so we had sausages and sauerkraut. Many members worked hard to serve their fellow seniors. Several cooked and cleaned in the kitchen while others cleared dishes, and ran the program.

After lunch, we were treated to a series of folk songs, waltzes, and ballads from the quartet who sang, wooed, boogied and played for the audience. Many swayed to the music. A few couples stood up to dance. I was thrilled to see the seniors hum and smile to the tunes. Let it be said that they did know how to have a good time.

I met new friends, like the Simpsons below, who just celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. They were a very sweet couple.

The luncheon ended with a 50/50 drawing and series of drawing for door prizes. My friend, Bob Pollock won over $100 in the 50/50 drawing.

I left the seniors' potluck feeling humbled, and deep in thought.

Morro Bay Harbor Festival

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:50:57 -0500

The rain didn't stop Morro Bayans and their visitors from enjoying the festival this past weekend. There was some slight chaos when electricity was disrupted when the festival opened on Saturday, October 4, 2008. When electricity and the sun returned, the festival fell into full swing of entertainment, food, fun and lots of activity.

There's something for everyone. As is the tradition, a gigantic sand scuplture greets visitors at the South (main) entrance. Adults and kids were treated to live performances by local high school bands, and other civic groups. Families brought their children to check out the bay, visit the Coast Guard and simply bounce around in the play areas.

At the Seafood Pavilion and Wine Tasting, the bands strummed and courted patrons to linger and sample some of the finest tasties and great wine selections from 28 participating wineries. The abalcore kebabs were my favorite. Many participated in the clam chowder tasting contest on Saturday, October 4, 2008, while others tasted and vied over which oysters were best on Sunday, October 5, 2008.

The wide range of products offered this year was also tempting. Accessories, customized handmade mail boxes, handcarved wooden lounge chairs, special knits, leather bags, health products, hair products, clothing were a shortlist of the many offerings at this year's festival.

Many returned the next day, Sunday, October 5, a bright and beautiful day for the coast. They continued to enjoy the festival to its end.

If you plan to visit, the Morro Bay Harbor Festival is held annually during the first weekend of October.

A good service provider is hired!

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:29:37 -0500

I had locked the front door to the office one evening, when Clif Coimbra of Riptide Alchemy showed up. He was leaving a flyer for our office. I opened the door and spoke to him. It turned out that he specialized in hot tubs and spas and pools, and in servicing older models.

It so happened I had an older hot tub that needed to be checked and serviced. The hot tub came with the house. It had been six years since anyone had looked at it. Clif was really nice and patient with my questions. He came over to my place firstly to check it, and could not locate a older fuse. On his own accord, he visited the nearest hardware store to locate the fuse but they did not have it. Then he called to ask me. I had no idea of what he was talking about. I asked my husband who had kept the fuse away for a day like this. Clif had said that he would be willing to check out another store if we could not find it. It took me a week to find the fuse. By that weekend, Clif had to leave town to attend to business and could not return for another week. He took the trouble to call me to let me know. When he did return a week later, he came by immediately, installed the fuse that we found, and checked and reported to me that my hot tub was in working condition. He did all of that without charging me a penny.

Naturally, I was impressed with Clif's level of attention and follow-up. For his efforts, I decided to engage his services to maintain my new-found hot tub. Please know Clif also offered to teach me how to maintain my hot tub. He would be happy to furnish any supplies or tell me where to get them. I appreciated Clif's attentiveness to detail.

Clif returned again. He cleaned, established the PH balance and brought the temperature to speed for me to use that very evening. I had since used the hot tub almost every other day to relax my neck and tense muscles and painful right shoulder. I wondered why I had not bothered to get someone to look at the hot tub sooner.

Things do happen for a reason. For me, I may be waiting for the right service provider. Clif is also a reminder to me that we, as agents, need to accord the same level of attention and follow-up to our clients in our line of work. We would be hired too, if we have Clif's dedication.

If you are looking for a hot tub or pool service provider, I would recommend that you call Clif, 1-866-398-2242, or visit his website, www.riptidealchemy.com

A day at the Cayucos Farmers' Market

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:04:50 -0500

It's been some time since I visited the Cayucos Farmers' Market. Each Friday morning (till noon) from May to September, the huge parking lot by the Cayuos Vets' Hall would be taken over by vendors from all over the county. They would be there to tout their fresh produce - lovely greens, roots, custom dressings, fruits and more fruits and not-to-miss goodies to residents and visitors in Cayucos.

The setting was lovely - you could hear the ocean, and look south beyond the pier towards the Morro Rock in Morro Bay. The weather was beautiful too, this morning. There's however something wrong with the picture this morning. There were only eight vendors, and not enough patrons. Golly, there were probably more seagulls around. Is this the sign of the times?

Notwithstanding the selection, I found some tasty treats. The avocado-cilantro hummus dip was yummy. I eyed the box of baklava. The young man told me I could have the big box for $10. I bought it. I'm afraid I gobbled them all by the evening, that is, except for a few that I shared with my neighbor and left two for the rest of my family. (Yeah, I have a weakness for some sweets!)

Next I visited one of the fruit vendors. The lovely couple, Dana and Brian were from San Miguel. They were showcasing the cabernet champagne grapes from their vineyard, and two great selection of Japanese and Korean pears. The samples were sweet. I bought two bags of the Japanese and Korean pears. I couldn't resist the sweet Granny Smith apples either.

It's always fun to check what's availabe locally, and be out on a sunny day by the beach. I am looking forward to their return next summer.

Schools in San Luis Obispo County Received Strong Scores on the State’s Academic Performance Index (API)

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 02:25:21 -0500

The 2008 results are in. Overall; majority of the schools showed improvement in their API test scores when compared to a year ago. Most schools exceeded the 800 mark; which is considered high. Two schools, Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter School and Teach Elementary API scores surpassed the 900 mark.

The Index and 'yearly progress reports' are based on information from the state's standardized testing and results of high school exit exams.

Out of the 82 schools, only 11 are in the ‘program improvement status'. These schools are required to offer more services such as tutoring, and teacher training. Subgroups are students classified by their ethnicity and disability, and whether English is their second language or whether students are socio-economically disadvantaged.

For more information, check the chart below for your child's or favorite school's score:-

District/School

2008

API

2007

API

Made API

target

schoolwide

Met API

subgroups

Met

AYP

Program

Improvement

ATASCADERO UNIFIED

Monterey Rd Elementary

San Benito Elementary

San Gabriel Elementary

Sta Margarita Elementary

Sta Rosa Academic Academy

Atascadero Junior High

Fine Arts Academy

Atascadero High

SMALL SCHOOLS

Carrisa Plains Elementary

Creston Elementary

West Mall Alternative

Del Rio Continuation High

791

837

830

834

831

801

777

843

764

550

829

763

569

789

834

832

843

815

794

776

859

766

754

768

740

533

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Not Title I

Not PI

Not Title I

Not PI

Not Title I

Not Pi

CAYUCOS ELEMENTARY

Cayucos Elem. (K-8)

869

873

867

867

Yes

Not PI

COAST UNIFIED

Cambria Grammar

Santa Lucia Middle

Coast Union High

775

771

801

778

781

768

785

804

Yes

Not PI

Not Title I

LUCIA MAR UNIFIED

Branch Elementary

Dana Elementary

Fairgrove Elementary

Grover Beach Elementary

Grover Heights Elementary

Harloe Elementary

Dorothea Lange Elem.

Nipomo Elementary

Ocean View Elementary

Oceano Elementary

Shell Beach Elementary

Judkins Middle

Mesa Middle

Paulding Middle

Arroyo Grande High

Nipomo High

SMALL SCHOOL

Lopez Continuation High

788

870

793

782

732

830

819

760

713

888

756

893

800

760

827

774

771

618

782

870

776

774

760

815

839

774

725

866

706

880

783

767

827

762

781

578

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Not Title I

Year 2 in PI

Not PI

Year 2 in PI

Not PI

Not Pi

Year 2 in PI

Not Title I

Not PI

Not Title I

Not PI

PASO ROBLES

Bauer/Speck Elementary

Georgia Brown Elementary

Pat Butler Elementary

Kermit King Elementary

Virginia Peterson Elementary

Winifred Pifer Elementary

Flamson Middle

Daniel Lewis Middle

Paso Robles High

SMALL SCHOOLS

Liberty High (Continuation)

Independent Study Center

752

755

774

837

833

813

761

720

807

741

469

601

743

743

718

826

851

783

755

712

777

744

642

599

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Not PI

Year 3 in PI

Not Title I

Year I in PI

Not Pi

Year 3 in PI

Year I in PI

Not PI

Not Title I

PLEASANT VALLEY JOINT UNION ELEMENTARY

Pleasant Valley Elementary

(K-8)

811

811

815

815

Yes

Not Title I

SAN LUIS COASTAL UNIFIED

Baywood Elementary

Bellevue-Santa Fe Charter

Bishop's Peak Elementary

Del Mar Elementary

Hawthorne Elementary

Los Ranchos Elementary

Monarch Grove Elementary

Pacheo Elementary

Sinsheimer Elementary

Smith Elementary

Laguna Middle

Los Osos Middle

Morro Bay High

San Luis Obispo High

SMALL SCHOOLS

Teach Elementary

Pacific Beach Continuation High

824

819

914

863

835

792

893

806

805

854

787

825

802

831

818

994

708

820

818

884

857

834

800

914

827

790

885

783

824

801

825

797

980

552

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Yes

N/A

Not Pi

Not Title I

Not Pi

Not Title I

Not PI

Year 5 in PI

Not Title I

Not PI

Not Title I

SLO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION

534

486

SAN MIGUEL JOINT UNION ELEMENTARY

Lillian Larsen Elem. (K-8)

SMALL SCHOOL

Cappy Culver

725

723

749

705

696

759

Yes

Year 2 in PI

Not Title I

SHANDON JOINT UNIFIED

Shandon Elementary

Shandon High/Middle

708

735

698

711

732

716

Yes

Not PI

TEMPLETON UNIFIED

Templeton Elementary

Vineyard Elementary (3-5)

Templeton Middle

Templeton High

SMALL SCHOOLS

Templeton Home

Templeton Independent Study High

827

876

861

868

799

804

554

807

889

849

847

766

780

661

Yes

Not PI

Not Title I

STATEWIDE MEDIAN API

742

728

Are you being "bugged"?

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 01:06:22 -0500

I attended a very educational presentation on drywood termites and fumigation today. The presentation was given by a local pest inspector, Mark Maxwell from Key Termite Pest Control at our office meeting.

Unlike subterranean termites that live in the soil, drywood termites thrive in the wood. The drywood termites fester, starting small in size, like the tip of your "pinky" finger, for one whole year, before they begin any action. Between the second to fifth year, these drywood termites have festered enough to form colonies.

I am told that their different colonies are unlike us, the ActiveRainers. They certainly do not mix or network with each other. The colonies keep multiplying year after year, till we see what I have posted in "Wondered what termites do to wood?".

There are a number of treatment options. According to Mark, fumigation is popular today due to its cost and effectiveness. Another more expensive option is using heat. Older and less effective treatment methods include freezing ( which was dropped immediately when a worker reportedly died in the attic ), electricity, and directional microwaving. Another less toxic alternative is orange oil. (Interesting!) The effectiveness of orange oil is being challenged.

If your property needs fumigation, you may have a chance to look at the fumiscope that is used to measure the gas(es) that's pumped into the house/building. Leaks, up to 15-20% are common, so pest inspectors would take readings from different corners of the property to obtain a more accurate reading.

If you think you are bugged, you may need the help of a good pest inspector. For a good read, check out UC Davis Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program.

or, join Mark, whose voice showed excitement when he found this -

Btw, Mark said among the invertebrate pests or bugs, spiders are the ones who could survive through fumigation.

A day with the elephant seals

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:50:37 -0500

If you have not seen an elephant seal up close, check out these majestic creatures at the

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

located on California highway 1 at the southern end of Big Sur on the California coast, twelve miles north of Cambria and four miles north of the entrance to the Hearst Castle.

Close-Up View

Mom & Pup

He roars!

Great communicators!

According to the Friends of the Elephant Seal, elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, are true seals, or earless seals, members of the pinniped suborder. The huge blubbery males have pendulous noses that give these beasts their name. Females possess faces that seem to be etched with a permanent smile, and endearing plump babies are endowed with big brown eyes.

Wondered what termites do to wood?

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:23:31 -0500

At our recent MLS meeting, our local termite company, Key Termite & Pest Control brought the following samples to show the different types of damage caused by termites and fungus.

I couldn't resist taking these photos to share with all.

Fungus Damage

For information on termites and fungus damage, check out :-

1. The Pest Structural Control Board

2. Definition of termites.

Harmony, Pop: 18

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:21:48 -0500

Each time when I travel north out of my hometown of Cayucos on Highway One, towards Cambria, I would pass by this sign,

Population: 18 per 2000 Census. That must be the smallest town in our County ~ the San Luis Obispo County, CA. Harmony bears the zip code, "93435" and is situated off Highway One, a few miles south of Highway 46.

I told myself that I should visit the town. I heard about the fabulous blown glass and beautiful pottery. Since I have tasted the wine from Harmony Cellars, why not? In April this year, I read that the post office had been closed; the same post office that was open back in early 1800's. I felt sad for the post office and the townsfolk.

Sometime in August, Cal-Trans started working on the highway. Vehicular traffic would have to stop, as Highway One was just one lane in each direction. Last week, I had enough of the ‘move' and ‘stop', and decided to make that turn to explore little Harmony.

The afternoon was quiet. No one was around. Everything seems to stand still. The plaza is neglected. The street looks deserted.

Below, the Harmony Pottery Shop is one of the very few merchants that still operates today.

When you consider the number of buildings around, it's easy to spot the historic post office. It was housed in the Harmony Valley Creamery Association building.

The town was not always this quiet. History revealed that the town of Harmony was formed sometime back in 1869, by a group of Swiss settlers who established several dairies and a creamery. Rivalries among these settlers resulted in a shooting. That led the farmers to call a truce to live in harmony, which became the name of the town.

In addition to the creamery, Harmony Dairy, and post office, Harmony used to boast a general store, a livery, stable and a blacksmith, feed store, bunkhouses for employees, and a schoolhouse. There was even a gas station!

It was reported that William Randolf Hearst used to stop for fresh dairy products in Harmony. Harmony Dairy closed in 1950, due to rising grazing cost and when dairy business consolidated and moved to San Luis Obispo. The town was neglected till 1972, and restoration began, as younger generations wanted to explore rural living. The town prospered for a while when restaurants, arts and crafts boutiques were opened. Many of these businesses had since left. Today, the future of Harmony is uncertain.

If you are heading this way, be sure to stop by Harmony. You won't miss the sign.

Stop to watch Carl Radke blow glass and follow his creations. Visit Harmony Cellars over the hill and check out the different wines while you are there. Also, if you are looking for that special gift, visit Backroads Gallery.

Wood Carving, Antiques, Car Show & Celebrations in Cayucos, CA

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:46:59 -0500

Central Coast Woodcarvers 30th Annual Show

Saturday, September 20, 2008 10 AM to 5 PM

Sunday, September 21, 2008 10 AM to 4 PM

Cayucos Vet's Hall--- Adults $2, under 12, free

Demonstrations, contest and raffles and

tools and carvings for sale by over 30 carvers

Antique Street Sale

October 19 2008 7 AM to 4 PM

Downtown, Ocean Ave.

A chance to look for that special find!

Annual Cayucos Car Show

November 1 2008, 9 AM to 4 PM

Downtown, Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA.

According to the Cayucos Chamber

of Commerce, this event is sold out every year.

Registered participants get to enjoy the

awesome cars, good music, beer Garden, BBQ at

the Vet's Hall.

Annual Cayucos Wine & Food Festival

November 7, 2008

4PM to 8 PM

Cayucos Vet's Hall

A taste of the Central Coast!

Town Christmas Tree Lighting

December 7 2008

5 PM

Corner of Ocean & "D" St.

A jolly way to welcome the Christmas Season.

Christmas carols, visit from Santa, hot cider & cookies

Upcoming Fall Events in Morro Bay

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:51:58 -0500

Saturday, September 20, 2008

714 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA

11 AM to 6 PM

Music provided by Pryor Baird & the Deacons

and The Guy Budd Band

Participate in the ~

Best Guacamole Contest

Best local Avocado-based Recipe Contest

Best Dressed Avo Kid Contest

Saturday & Sunday, October 4-5, 2008

Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA

2 great days to soak in

- three stages of local entertainment,

- wine & seafood by local wineries & restaurants

- Rocktofest Beer Garden

- Maritime displays

- arts & crafts and more.

For more information, check out

Morro Bay Harbor Festival website.

The Nina will be visiting Morro Bay from

November 5 to 16, 2008.

Hours open to public viewing :

9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Marina Square, Morro Bay, CA.

Admissions for self guided tours:

$5.00 for adults

$4.00 for Senior Citizens over 60

$3.00 for students 5-16.

Children 4 and under are Free

For more information, visit The Nina.com

It's time to support your local association!

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:00:31 -0500

This year, the Scenic Coast Association of Realtors is organizing its annual gala / fundraiser, "Casino Noche" on September 12, 2008. Proceeds will go to help three charities : The Cambria Connection, Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo and Save Music in our Schools. More details are in the following invite.

Sponsorships are also welcome - check out the range of sponsorship packages that are available :-

The event promises to be fun and entertaining. What better way to spend your time and support your community.

See you there!