NO THREAT TO TRESTLES?

Rocks, pebbles, boulders, sediment, all part of the conflict surrounding the toll road project.

Richard Seymour, a research engineer at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and an oceanographic consultant, was hired by the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency to examine a series of studies of the road's potential effects on surfing.

Seymour, who was paid $6,000 for the review conducted in May, said he largely agreed with the toll road agency consultants who studied the matter – and found the Surfrider studies to be filled with scientific mistakes.

Studies have been conducted by the toll road agency and by the environmental group Surfrider Foundation. Both having hired consultants whose results favor the one signing the check.

We need to alleviate traffic and save our open spaces! Can't we just scratch this and come up with a new idea?

SAN CLEMENTE FIESTA

It's Fiesta time again! And oh, what a time it is.

The 54th Annual Fiesta Street Festival is Sunday, August 10th on Avenida Del Mar from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Events include the Salsa Challenge, Diaper Derby, Pie Eating, Classic Car Show, Food and Game Booths, Live Music and so much more.

WHAT DO I GET FOR MY REMODEL?

This is a question that gets asked time and time again. How much does it cost and how much will I get back? Here are some relative ROI values from a past survey by Remodeling magazine:
• Kitchens – often become dated sooner than any other room due to wear and tear – 92.9%.
• Bathrooms – they have changed the most over the years – 90.1%; adding a bathroom yields 86.4%.
• Family rooms – adding one will return approximately 80.6%.
• Bedrooms – adding an additional bedroom results in an 82.75% return; a master suite approximately 80.1%.
• Decks – average ROI here is 86.7%.
• Windows – add “volume” to a home and yield a surprising 84.5%.

A great source for you from Remodleing Online is: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/content/CvsV/CostvsValue-project.asp?articleID=381305&sectionID=173.

BEACH CITIES STAYING STRONG

While the median sale price has dropped almost 20% in Orange County this year, the beach communities are not as effected. Today's OC Register Real Estate News shows the median price for 92672 down only 1.9%, according to DataQuick. Other Orange County beach cities actually record an increase in median price for the 1st 6 months of 2008.

IS OUR MARKET STABILIZING?

According to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, the Pacific Division -- which includes Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California -- saw a price increase in May of 0.3%, its first price jump since March 2007.

"It is very hard to draw conclusions from a one-month number, especially in these uncertain times; but the numbers in the Pacific, East and West North Central Divisions may be good signs," Ofheo Director James B. Lockhart said in a statement.

Ofheo's monthly index is based on the purchase prices of houses backing mortgages that have been purchased or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

SAN CLEMENTE GREEN

"The Wave of the Future". This is a grass roots non-profit organization comprised of citizens for a sustainable future. San Clemente Green aims to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community by promoting sustainable practices. Together they hope to inform, encourage, and empower our community to balance ecological, economic, and social needs to ensure a clean, healthy, safe and vibrant environment now and for generations to come.

To learn what you can do to have energy independence and how to get solar for power and hot water, visit their website or send an email to gary@sanclementegreen.org

WHAT HAPPENED?

Two books published of late are: Chain of Blame By Paul Muolo and Mathew Padilla (Wiley, 338 pages, $27.95) and Financial Shock By Mark Zandi (FT Press, 243 pages, $24.99). Both books discuss what happened to the housing market and our country's financial status. There's a great article in the the Wall Street Journal that gives insight to the situation.

PAY TO RECYCLE?

Everywhere you look, people are converting to the energy efficient, compact florescent bulbs (CFL). Did you know you are not suppose to throw those away? CFL’s contain a small amount of mercury that can be hazardous to us and the environment. In some areas it’s against the law not to recycle these bulbs properly.

But we cannot put them in our recycle bins. So now what? Waste Management (the trash company) has launched an online service to encourage recycling of household waste including compact fluorescent lamps, batteries and other electronics. Go to thinkgreenfromhome.com, there you can pay $14.95 for a special safe bulb recycling box. (1/3 of that fee includes return shipping.) The box holds 15 bulbs so when it’s full, you just stick it in the mail. The box heads for recycling to Waste Management’s subsidiary, LampTracker, which already does this dirty deed for businesses.

If you are not into storing a box of bad bulbs for years, there are several retail stores that you can drop them off at.

ANOTHER MORTGAGE HURDLE

While the jumbo loan minimum has made it easier to get a loan, the mortgage insurance industry is making it difficult once again. First time home buyers can finally afford to purchase but now, if they don't have 20% down or perfect credit, they may not qualify because they cannot get mortgage insurance.

Read the full story at Wall Street Journal

TRUTH IN LENDING PROVISIONS

The final rule amending the Home Mortgage Provisions of Regulation Z, Truth in Lending, establishes a new category of "higher-priced mortgages" that includes virtually all closed-end subprime loans secured by a consumer's principal dwelling. The new rule, in part, prohibits lenders from loaning money without regards to borrowers ability to repay the loan.
The rule's definition of "higher-priced mortgage loans" will capture virtually all loans in the subprime market, but generally exclude loans in the prime market.

OVERLY EXCITED

Yesterday 5 little girls came into our office really excited, all talking at the same time in really really high pitched, squeeky little voices.

I finally heard, "Can you put this flyer in your window?"

The San Clemente [junior] Performing Arts Academy will be performing Willy Wonka Junior this Saturday, July 19th at the San Clemente Community Center. Admission is $5, 5 and under are free. Tickets available at the door. There are 2 performances - 1pm & 7pm.

I bet it's going to be a great show!

For more information, call 361-8358.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 2008 SUMMER CONCERTS

The perfect night on the town for visitors of all ages. The concert features live music, a local business expo, youth area with free activities, food booths and a beer/wine booth.

San Juan Capistrano's Historic Town Center Park El Camino Real

Concerts are from 6 pm to 8 pm

7/16 - Jumpin Joz, Jazz/Swing
8/20 - Doo Wah Riders, Country Western
9/17 - Ronnie & The Classics, Rock

Information: (949) 493-5911

DANA POINT 2008 SUMMER CONCERTS

Musical entertainment at Heritage Park

Concerts are from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm

7/13 - The Ravers, 60’s British Invasion
7/20 - Hotel California, Eagles tribute
7/27 - Pete Jacobs & His Wartime Radio Review, big band
8/3 - South Bound, Music Of The Allman Brothers
8/10 - Hot August Night, Neil Diamond tribute
8/17 - Derek Bordeaux Band, R&B, Motown, Soul
8/24- Jumpin' Jack Flash, Stones Tribute

Information: (949) 248-3530

SAN CLEMENTE 2008 SUMMER CONCERTS

Join the community to celebrate and support live music with the sunset as your backdrop and free seating in the sand; on the beach, north of the San Clemente Pier.

Concerts start at 6:00 pm

7/24 - Stars on the Water, Tropical Rock and Roll
8/17 - Help! The California Beatles Band
8/21 - Natural Incense, Reggae

Information: (949) 361-9264

TOLL ROAD UPDATE

The appeal process is complete and a public hearing has been granted by the Commerce Department to consider the matter. The coastal commission will meet today in closed session to discuss the case.

...AND SO IT GOES

With a 21-17 and 21-14 semi-final win in 37 minutes over Talita and Renata, Branagh and Youngs added another 160 points to their Olympic qualifying total for their best eight finishes on the SWATCH FIVB World Tour since May 2007. The win eliminated compatriots Jen Boss and April Ross from Beijing consideration as Branagh and Youngs have 4,540 qualifying points while Boss and Ross could not overtake their rivals with a gold-medal finish in Marseille (July 15-20).

COME ONE, COME ALL...

to the "Greatest Show on Surf". The City of San Clemente is proud to bring you the 32nd Annual Ocean Festival at the San Clemente Pier.

Join the fun - Waterman and Waterwoman competitions, Woody Car Exhibit, Art show, and much more. As always, ending with the Rubber Duck Race.

Saturday and Sunday, July 19th and 20th.

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!

Looking for where to go for fireworks? The San Clemente Pier Fireworks show starts at dusk and the Dana Point Harbor show starts at 9pm.

Have a safe and fun 4th!

Orange County Fair

The 2008 Orange County Fair is July 11 - to August 3. To save gas, you can take the OC flyer from the park & ride in San Juan for only $1.25 per person each way. There are some great concerts scheduled this year. Check out the full line up.

Have fun!

CELL PHONE LAW

We all know about the new cell phone law that went into effect yesterday. Apparently, a writer for the OC Register went on a ride-along yesterday with a CHP officer.

Some of the things that were noted:

- If you have not purchased a hands free device and you receive a phone call, it is not o.k. to pull over onto the shoulder of the freeway.
- Holding the phone between your cheek and shoulder does not constitute "hands free".
-If you get pulled over while talking on the phone, you really should hang up.

And finally, while you cannot hold the phone and talk, it's still o.k. to text while driving. Go figure...