Live at the Beach

BEACH CITIES STAYING STRONG

2008-07-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

"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?

2008-07-21T22:34:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-07-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-15T13:25:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-07T11:54:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-07-04T06:18:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

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...

BOSS/ROSS UPDATE

2008-06-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, Boss and Ross came in third-place by defeating Shelda and Ana Paula 21-14 and 21-18 in 43 minutes in the ConocoPhillips Grand Slam in Stavanger, Norway.

With the win, Boss and Ross reduced their deficit for the second American Olympic berth by 80 points as the pair has 4,240 points for their eight best SWATCH FIVB World Tour finishes since May 2007. Nicole Branagh and Elaine Youngs, who placed fifth this week, have 4,300 points entering the final two Beijing qualifying events in Moscow and Marseille.

With the Beijing 2008 Olympics starting in less than eight weeks, the ConocoPhillips Grand Slam is the third to last qualifying event for the Summer Games as the process runs through July 20. The SWATCH FIVB World Tour continues this week in Russia for the first stop in Moscow since 1999. After a week off for the European Championships in Hamburg, Germany, France hosts the final Beijing qualifier July 15-20 in Marseille.

RATES ARE CREAPING UP

2008-06-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.45 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending June 26, 2008, up from last week when it averaged 6.42 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.67 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 6.04 percent with an average 0.6 point, up from last week when it averaged 6.02 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.34 percent.

Read the full story

HELP RENOVATE CABRILLO PLAYHOUSE

2008-06-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

The Cabrillo Playhouse and Robert-O have teamed up to raise funds for the Playhouse. Robert-O, a jazz saxophone musician, will hold a concert to benefit the playhouse. All concert proceeds go to the exterior renovation project for the Cabrillo Playhouse.

The concert is June 27 and June 28. Tickets are $25 each and include 2 sets with complimentary wine and refreshments in the outdoor patio during intermission.

To buy tickets or make a donation call 949-492-0465 or check their website

WATER WISE

2008-06-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

The City of San Clemente has decided not to implement water rationing this summer. This means with these crazy temperatures, we all need to do our best to conserve water. The City has put together a page on their website with ways to conserve water, detect leaks, get rebates, and many other money saving tips. Did you know a leaky toilet can waste 30-100+ gallons of water a day!

Check out their website.

MORE OLYMPIC NEWS

2008-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, the National Dressage Championships will be held in San Juan Capistrano. The nations top 12 riders will compete for a chance to go to the Olympics. The final event is this weekend June 27-29. The event is held at Oaks Blenheim Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, located on La Pata just off Ortega Hwy.

Visit their website for more information. Tickets are available at the event and range from $30 to $75 per day.

ONE STEP CLOSER

2008-06-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

AVP Pro Volleyball player, San Juan native and DCP real estate agent, Jennifer Boss is one step closer to going to the Olympics. Boss with her teammate April Ross are currently playing in the BVB (Beach Volleyball) Swatch FIVB (International Federation of Volleyball) tournament, competing for a shot at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

Boss and Ross recently came in 4th in Berlin, putting them in seventh place overall in the points standings, but still 360 points behind fellow Americans Elaine Youngs and Nicole Branagh in the race. While the Americans sweep the gold in France, Boss and Ross did not; coming in 5th. Not so great, but still in the hunt. The next stop on the tour is Norway, where Boss and Ross will play later this week and won the event last year.

Only the top two teams from the U.S. will advance. One team has already qualified.

SURFACE RESCHEDULED

2008-06-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, we announced our sponsorship of SURFACE, a traveling surfboard art exhibit by Brown Cannon. Unfortunately, this event has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict.

We will keep you posted on any new developments.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL SURF DAY

2008-06-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

Don’t forget to skip out on work this Friday for International Surfing Day, a day set aside for beach lovers to catch some waves and help clean up along the coast. When it started four years ago, few people knew about the event, with small gatherings here and there along the coast. But now, it’s a full-blown monster effort, with Surfrider chapters teaming up for one big beach party and a number of surf companies jumping on board to participate. Here in Orange County, the Surfrider Foundation chapters of Newport, Huntington and Long Beach are all getting together at tower 2 in Huntington Beach at the end of Brookhurst starting at 7 a.m. to throw a party for anyone who wants to come appreciate the coast.