The Redlands Symphony

May 30, 2008

Tomorrow, Saturday May 31st, will be the final concert of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra for the 2007-2008 Season. Appropriately for the month of May, it is entitled "Americana". It is a celebration of music by American composers, Bernstein, Copeland, Ives and Gershwin. The closing piece will be Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with Jon Robertson at the piano.

The Redlands Symphony is a real treasure of the Inland Empire. The musical opportunities in the San Bernardino area are truly abundant and contribute greatly to our quality of life..

For anyone who might like to attend tomorrow's concert, call the symphony office at 909-748-8018. You can also take your chances and come to the concert and purchase available tickets.

To Sell or to Rent; That is the Question

May 29, 2008

With the slow down in the real estate market sellers who are transferred or moving out of the area are questioning whether it would be a better option to rent their homes until the market improves.

According to Al Napier of the Napier Realty Group in Newington, Conn., that "unless sellers want to become professional investors, they should absolutely not rent out their properties or leave them vacant for any length of time. Instead, they should do whatever is necessary to sell their place within the constraints of the marketplace and get it over with."

One could argue that since Mr. Napier is a real estate agent, he would be prejudiced to encourage homeowners to sell. However, there are some practical considerations for the seller who is considering becoming a landlord.

These include, but are not limited to the capital gains exclusion, the damage or wear and tear that tenants may inflict on the property and the difficulty of managing a rental from a distance.

The final consideration seems to be "How long will you need to rent it, if you are waiting for the market to improve?"

To rent or sell, that is a serious decision.

O.K. Why is the "Bottom" So Important?

May 28, 2008

There was a big headline this morning in the San Bernardino Sun newspaper; "When will it hit bottom?" I may have a poor memory, but I cannot remember other years, other declining real estate markets when we were so concerned about the "bottom". Is it because in the 1990s folks purchased homes that were less than they had been, only to find that the value continued to decline? I believe the answer to this last question is "Probably".

There seems to be a consensus of opinion that we are not yet at the bottom. I am not an economist so I do not have their analytic tools. However, I have been in the real estate profession for over thirty years. As those who have been reading this blog are aware, I am tracking the market data to see if the data will indicate if a turn around has occurred. My suspicion is that the day or month that the market turns around will not be clear. The market, if it resembles past markets, will meander for awhile, not going up, but no longer going down. Unlike dropping a stone into a pool of water, there will be no bottom to hit.

Perhaps a more appropriate question is: " Are prices at a level where buyers will want to once again own a home?" Fear needs to be overcome by desire.

One Stop Shopping

May 26, 2008

With the ever increasing cost of gasoline, consumers are becoming more sensitive to the number of trips they take - to the grocery store, to the mall and yes, even to the real estate company they choose.

A survey by the National Association of Realtors and Harris Interactive found that consumers are very supportive of companies that offer "One Stop Shopping".

What does "One Stop Shopping" mean in the real estate world? It refers to the offering of services that are part of any real estate transaction; the real estate agent who shows the properties writes and negotiates the offers; the escrow company that manages the transaction; the title company that does the title search and insures the title; and the lender who processes the buyer's loan.

Century 21 Lois Lauer Realty was one of the first real estate brokerages in the

Inland Empire of California to offer a one stop shopping program. We began offering our clients this service in the early 1990s and have continued to have these services under one roof.
We are always looking for new ways to provide the service that the consumer wants. If you have any suggestions, please click the comment symbol and let me know.

A Holiday for Memories

May 26, 2008

Today is a day set aside to remember those who served in the armed services in order that our democracy could endure. Over the years, the data has been changed from the 31st of May to the last Monday in May. There are still some who will honor our veterans on both days. For me, the date is not as important as the fact that all the great advantages we have in the United States Have been and continue to be preserved because some have cared enough to put their lives on the line to protect them and us.

In the midst of family gatherings and Bar-B-Ques, pause a moment to give thanks. The national hour is 3 p.m wherever you are. Our daily lives may be hectic, but we have been given this day to stop for just a moment. I recommend that you not forget.

Holiday Sales

May 23, 2008

It seems almost traditional that retailers have "holiday Sales" whenever there is a holiday; Washington's birthday, Veteran's day, Thanksgiving, etc. Builders who have unsold inventory of homes are now doing special promotions for holiday weekends. This Memorial Day weekend could be a great time to tour the housing developments in your area and check out the inventory and the perks that the builders are offering.

It is possible to get builder financing that is below current market interest rates. Because of the abuses of the past few years, these loans will (or should) have safeguards for the borrower. If you are considering tempting builder financing, be sure to check out the details. For instance, what is the interest rate on the note? Is the loan adjustable and when and how often does it adjust? Is there a prepayment penalty? What are the fees?

Builders may also offer other buyer incentives. They never like to reduce their selling prices, but a buyer will probably be able to obtain many upgrades from the standard production home; landscaping, window coverings, etc. Another possibility is that the builder will pay your loan and escrow costs or several months of homeowners' dues.

If ever you want to be the first occupier of a home, now may be a great time to realize that dream.

The 89th National Orange Show

May 22, 2008
Since 1911, San Bernardino has been host to the National Orange Show. In 1910, a group of San Bernardino businessmen conceived the idea of a show as a "means of encouraging the culture of citrus fruits and promoting the distribution of the "exotic crop" throughout the world." The first citrus fair was held March 6-11, 1911. Rain fell continuously during the five day event, but that did not prevent it from being highly successful with more than 3000 people attending. It has been an adage throughout the years of the National Orange Show's existence that the weather will be rainy. Look outside - today as the event opens for "School Tour Day" we have rain !
If you want to check the schedule for all of the great events, go to http://www.nosevents.com/. Admission on Friday is half price ($4 for adults, $2.50 for children 6-12, 5 and under are free, seniors and military are $2.50. Saturday, Sunday and Monday adults will be $8, children 6-12 and seniors and military will be $5. Preferred parking is $10 and a carnival ride wrist band is $15 a day.
This is a true bargain and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our citrus heritage.

Bailout - A Good Idea or A Bad Idea?

May 21, 2008

There have been numerous news articles chronicling the House and Senate passage of "bailout" legislation for lenders, and homeowners. President Bush announces that he will veto any of these proposals. There are editorials being written both pro and con. On my part, I read as much as I can and listen to the TV and radio interviews. Thus far I am unable to discern exactly what is proposed and why any legislation will be good or bad in either the short term or the long term.

Having exposed my ignorance, I recognize that the foreclosures being processed do seem scary.

For the past year and a half I have been tracking, through Dataquick, the number of Notice of Default, the number of Notices of Trustee's Sale (This is what is published in the newspapers.) and the R.E.O.s (Those properties that have actually foreclosed and are now owned by the lender.) I have only been following this data for the City of Redlands, CA as that is my primary real estate market area.

Certainly the numbers have increased. One has only to glance at the local newspapers to view the columns and columns of Notices of Trustee's Sale. I do not know how many of the Notices of Default actually arrive at this place in the foreclosure process, but many never do. Also, some portion of those published for trustee's sale also never actually foreclose. Hopefully, those homeowners who really want to retain their ownership will be able to do so.

Some of the methods being pursued by real estate professionals, both lenders and sales agents are renegotiating, a freeze on rate adjustments, a refinancing with a different loan, and other individually worked out methods. Interest rates have not risen dramatically; only the rates on the adjustable that had a "teaser" start rate.

This is not the first downturn in which borrowers owe more than the present value of their home. The key to staying out of the foreclosure process is wanting to keep your property. While the Senate bill suggests that it will keep 500,000 folks in their homes, it remains to see the actual steps that are authorized to do so. For those under a threat of foreclosure, there are resources that are being put in place now. Stay tuned for more info.

Chasing the Critters

May 20, 2008

They are around all year, but it seems that as spring arrives, the rodents do too. I refer to the gophers and rabbits that love to attack my garden. Since I am not a big supporter of poisons, I am delighted to have discovered some products that seem to be effective in chasing the critters away.

For mare than five years I have used "Sonic Spikes". If not available in your local nurseries, they can be purchased on-line. They come in at least two varieties: a spike that you fill with "D" batteries just as you would a flashlight and a spike that has a solar panel on the top. The benefit of the latter, even though it costs almost twice as much, is that once stuck in the ground, you do not have batteries that need replacing. These spikes emit some sort of beep that the gophers find unpleasant and they move on.

It seems that the rabbit population in my area increases and decreases for reasons unknown to me. However, when they are super abundant they can be vociferous plant eaters. I have not tried this product, but am sure that I will. (Supposedly, it may also discourage ground squirrels.)

It is a granular spread that you scatter around your plants and is made of blood meal and other ingredients that make rabbits afeard for their lives. Formulated to remain present in damp weather, it can probably continue its repellent qualities even if dampened by your sprinklers

Another organic deterrent product is called "Worm Gold". It is made from worm casings and when used under hibiscus and citrus trees that are infected with whitefly, the flies will move on. It can be used throughout your garden and, according to the manufacturer, nearly every plant in your garden will become increasingly pest-free.

It is nice to know that eco-friendly products are being developed and that they do work.

Your Credit Worthiness

May 19, 2008

A pristine credit record is a tremendous asset in today's lending market place. Not only will a lender for a housing loan require a FICO score above a certain level, so too will lenders of student financing and other major loans. The FICO (Fair Isaac Company) score has become the standard for determining consumer credit worthiness. You can now order your own credit report and check it to be certain that it is correct. Errors can occur and you are the person who can recognize them.

Here are a few suggestions for establishing a good credit history.

Pay your bills on time. The record of your payment history accounts for 30% of your score.

Maintain a mix of credit; car loan, credit cards, etc. A blend of credit boosts the score.

Establish your own credit history by obtaining credit cards in your own name.

Don't max out your credit balances.

Confine loan shopping to a few weeks and don't shop too much. Each inquiry to your credit can affect your rating.

Don't keep opening new accounts.

Lastly, closing accounts does not usually improve your credit score. Keep them open even if you are not using them.

Of these suggestions, the most important two are not to overextend your credit and PAY ON TIME. Even if you can only make the minimum payment - make it on time.

Big Events in Redlands

May 16, 2008


This Saturday and Sunday will be a great time to visit Redlands, California. A number of cultural organizations will be sponsoring events. Some are free to all, others will require and admittance fee.


The Redlands Art Association will be holding the "Art in the Park" festival on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be wonderful arts and crafts on display and for sale. It will be at Smiley Park on Vine street and Fourth St.


The Citrus Belt Quilters will be displaying their quilts in the Smiley Park as well.


For a tour of historical homes on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can pay $10 or for 2 folks the charge will be $16. It is a wonderful chance to enjoy the loving restoration of these homes.


Also The Redlands Historical Museum will be hosting a showing of classic 19th century apparel. This exhibit will be at the Lincoln Shrine and there is a charge for admittance.


The weather, though hot, will be wonderful to stroll the central area of Redlands.

The Value of Renovations

May 15, 2008
In this morning's Wall Street Journal a headline asked the question "Will Upgrading Your Home Help You Sell It? As a real estate agent, I frequently am asked by potential sellers, and also by homeowners contemplating a remodel, if the upgrade they are considering will improve the value of their property. I was interested in the opinion of the writer of this article.
The writer, , M.P.McQueen, concluded that big-ticket renovations no longer bring the resale return that they did a few years back. Depending on the region of the country in which you live, different improvements are more appealing. However, investing in the curb appeal of your property can be done for a relatively small investment and will create the potential buyer's desire to live in such a well maintained home.
Here is the McQueen summary of projects that are still returning much of the original cost.
Curb appeal projects such as new windows, stucco, paint, and plants.
Projects that lower your insurance or utility bills such as electrical and plumbing upgrades and central station burglar and fire alarms.
Making all the repairs that might seem insignificant, but which again lower your maintenance costs. (That new furnace, new xerographic landscaping, waterless hot water heaters, etc.)
When investing in upgrades and renovation projects, the best criteria in my opinion is the enjoyment they will bring to me and my family, not just will I get my money back when I sell.

Time to Check up on Your Heating and Cooling Systems

May 14, 2008

It looks like Southern California is about to be hot. I mean the weather, but maybe the real estate sales. This is a good time for property owners to check out their heating and air conditioning systems. So many of us wait until we have a problem and that is usually when the heating contractors are super busy and their answer is "Sorry, but we can't come to look at your system for a week to ten days." Ouch! Ten days with out cooling in hundred degree weather!

Many contractors have annual check up schedules for their customers. If you are not on such a service program, you might consider it. Preventative maintenance is always a good thing.

You might also consider getting bids to upgrade your system to a more energy efficient one. In the past five or more years, manufacturers have redesigned their products and you could save on your monthly utility costs by purchasing and installing a new heating and air conditioning system. Do recognize that generally the more expensive the unit, the higher the efficiency rating. Do the math to see how long it might take to recover the costs.

A new heating and air system is a good upgrade and it maybe something that a buyer will consider when purchasing a property. In the meantime, you will have the comfort of knowing you are helping reduce your energy usage.

"Recycling That Helps the Planet and You"

May 13, 2008

I have just received a book of great ideas. It comes from Yankee Magazine and is entitled Panty Hose, Hot Peppers, Tea Bags, and more - for the Garden. The sub title is 1001 Ingenious Ways to Use Common Household Items...

As a person who has never had a green thumb, I am reading the suggestions with hope of being able to successfully grow to maturity and beauty those plants I buy.

The ideas are short and uncomplicated. From time to time as I read further, I will share some.

"Pasta-billities"

The next time you boil some pasta or potatoes, let the water cool and then use it to feed your favorite plants. It contains small amounts of starch, organic matter and other nutrients that plants like. (Also you are not throwing away that precious commodity, WATER.)

"Go Bananas"

After digging a planting hole, make it a rule of thumb to check your fridge or fruit bowl for overripe bananas, badly bruised apples, shriveled grapes, bagged lettuce that has gone slimy or other inedible fruits or vegetables. Toss them all into the hole and say good riddance - and good luck. (I don't know about most folks, but I do seems to accumulate all of this stuff.)

Enough for now, but more another time.

Median Prices Now (2008) and Then (2003)

May 12, 2008

I've been reading editorials that suggest that the prices of residential properties have fallen dramatically. I suppose "dramatically" is a relative term. If you are a seller, and you thought your home was worth a million dollars a few years ago and now eight hundred dollars is what the appraiser says it is worth today, the decline is dramatic (20%). If you are a buyer of the eight hundred dollar listing, your offer will still be another 10% less than the list price. As has always been the case, the fair market value of a piece of real estate is the price a willing and qualified buyer will pay to a willing seller. Negotiation is usually necessary.

Just out of curiosity, I researched the IMRMLS to see what the median selling price was in April 2003 versus the median selling price in April 2008. Sometime in 2002 to 2003, the Inland Empire real estate market changed and since 2007 it has backed off the peak. What I discovered is that 2008 median prices are 25% to 30% greater than the 2003 median prices. I suspect that in future months, the comparison of median prices will show the rising market of 2003 and the stabilizing market of 2008.

Theatre and Then Some

May 9, 2008

This weekend offers a multiplicity of theater events throughout the Inland Empire. I am probably missing many that were not brought to my attention. Just click on comment if you know of others and I can post the information.

The 2008 Season of the Redlands Shakespeare Festival began yesterday evening and will continue through May 25. Performances are at 8p.m. at the Redlands Bowl in Smiley Park. The performance this evening will be Macbeth and Saturday will be Antony and Cleopatra and Sunday will be Twelfth Night.

http://www.redlandsshakespearefestival.com/

If you prefer musical entertainment, the Rialto Community Players, 150 E. San Bernardino Avenue in Rialto presenting Little Women, The Musical.

http://www.rialtocommunityplayers.org/. 909-873-8514

The Lifehouse Theater, 1135 N. Church Street in Redlands is performing Jane Eyre from May 10 to June 8. http://www.lifehousetheater.com/

On Saturday, Barnes and Noble will host a Mother's Day celebration. Those in attendance will sing, read and create their own self portraits. The event will begin at 2 p.m. on Saturday at 27460 Lugonia Avenue in Redlands. 909-793-4322.

The Great All-American Youth Circus will perform Saturday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This is the 68th season. http://www.ycircus.org/ 909-798-9622, ext.360.

And don't forget that Sunday is Mother's Day and you might want to make reservations for your favorite eatery. Mothers always like to be treated to a meal they did not have to prepare! The Inland Empire has a wonderful selection of restaurant choices.

California's Property Tax Relief

May 8, 2008

Since I had a question yesterday concerning property tax laws, I thought I would post a quick summary; not of all the property tax laws, but of the law enacted in 1986 that allowed a transfer of a homeowner's Proposition 13 tax basis.

This "tax relief" is available for homeowners over 55 years of age if certain conditions apply. This "tax relief" became California law when the voters passed Proposition 60 in 1986.

The property must be a principal residence (where you are living).

You or your spouse must be over the age of 55 when the home is sold.

The replacement home that you purchase must be of equal value or less than the home you are selling.

The replacement home must be within the same county as the home you are selling. (Proposition 90 was passed by the voters in 1988 and allowed each county to decide whether they would accept property tax transfers from homeowners selling outside the county where the replacement home was purchased.)

This transfer of your Proposition 13 tax assessment may only be done once in a lifetime. If one spouse has used Proposition 60, both spouses are regarded as having used up their eligibility.

Without exception, the replacement dwelling must be purchased or newly constructed within two years (before or after) of the sale of the homeowner's property.

To receive the full Proposition 60 benefit, a claim must be filed within three years of the date a replacement dwelling is purchased or new construction of a replacement dwelling is completed.

For more information, you might consider entering "Proposition 60" into a search site.

Bottoming Out

May 7, 2008

Almost every day as I read the newspapers and listen to the TV, there will be an article in print or a question of some financial professional dealing with "the bottom". Have we reached "the bottom"? Is the stock market at "the bottom'? Has the credit crunch "bottomed out"? Has the housing price decline reached "the bottom"?

In my 33 years as a real estate professional, I cannot remember a time in which the media was so focused on "the bottom". Is it because buyers of real estate and of stocks and bonds want assurance that they will not lose money? Certainly none of us wish to lose money, but we do purchase all sorts of goods and services that we want or need that do not give us a return on our investment in them. I think of jewelry, furniture, appliances, clothing, etc. It has long been a mantra that when you buy a new car, the minute you drive it off the dealer's lot, it is worth less money than your purchase price. These items are seemingly not in the realm of the "bottom out" before a purchase is made.

The argument is made that these are essentials. I probably have a biased view, but I believe that for us human beings, housing a pretty essential. So the reason for the "bottom out" is related to categorizing housing as an investment.

In the course of my life, my family has bought and sold five houses. We presently live in one, of the other four, we lost money on two, we still own one and we made money on the fourth. Of all of them, they were purchased because they met our needs and our pocketbook at the time of purchase. They all gave us great perks in friends and in creating the surroundings that met our personal tastes.

I guess I wish that there could be more focus on the benefits of home ownership and less focus on need to have assurance that your purchase will be made at "the bottom".

Units Closing in April 2008

May 6, 2008

The following is a comparison of the number of residential properties reported as sold in the month of April. The data comes from the IMRMLS, a regional multiple listing service in Inland Southern California.

Banning/Beaumont - 2008/84;2007/53;2006/74;2005/93;2004/90;2003/73

Bloomington........... - 2008/8;2007/3;2006/21;2005/19;2004/19;2003/22

Colton...................... - 2008/13;2007/19;2006/40;2005/45;2004/36;2003/45

Fontana................... - 2008/125;2007/98;2006/224;2005/286;2004/210;

2003/245

Grand Terrace........ - 2008/5;2007/5;2006/7;2005/4;2004/8;2003/4

Highland................. - 2008/29;2007/38;2006/48;2005/70;2004/63;2003/74

Loma Linda............ - 2008/9;2007/12;2006/10;2005/15;2004/11;2003/15

Mentone................. - 2008/4;2007/4;2006/9;2005/72004/8;2003/5

Moreno Valley....... - 2008/149;2007/200;2006/265;2005/264;2004/267;

2003/200

Redlands................ - 2008/51;2007/61;2006/58;2005/74;2004/79;2003/81

Rialto..................... - 2008/44;2007/34;2006/94;2005/128;2004/95;2003/113

Riverside............... - 2008/193;2007/177;2006/343;2005/493;2004/399;

2003/338

San Bernardino.... - 2008/95;2007/84;2006/205;2005/227;2004/187;

2003/254

Yucaipa/Calimesa - 2008/40;2007/40;2006/53;2005/80;2004/64;2003/65

It is great to see that in six of the communities the number of units reported sold in April was greater than in 2007. I will be tracking the numbers to see if the numbers continue to improve.

Following the Inland Empire Real Estate Market

May 5, 2008

As part of my ongoing effort to identify current trends in our real estate marketplace, I research the data provided though the IMRMLS (the regional multiple listing service). The latest data seems to indicate that we are putting a greater percentage of the active listings into escrow. Later in the week, I'll post the closings for the month of April with a comparaison to the past several years.

Banning/Beaumont - 05/01/08 - active/885;pending/171 (19.3%)

04/01/08 - active/911;pending/167 (18.3%)

Bloomington............ - 05/01/08 - active/216;pending/21 (9.7%)

04/01/08 - active/200;pending/18 (9%)

Colton....................... - 05/01/08 - active/342;pending/36 (10.5%)

- 04/01/08 - active/355;pending/34 (9.6%)

Fontana.................... - 05/01/08 - active/1805;pending/336 (18.6%)

- 04/01/08 - active/1837;pending/257 (14%)

Grand Terrace......... - 05/01/08 - active/61;pending/14 (23%)

- 04/01/08 - active/59;pending/10 (16.9%)

Highland.................. - 05/01/08 - active/347;pending/80 (23.1%)

- 04/01/08 - active/369;pending/42 (11.4%)

Loma Linda.............. - 05/01/08 - active/78;pending/21 (26.9%)

- 04/01/08 - active/94;pending/16 (17%)

Mentone................... - 05/01/08 - active/51;pending/7 (13.7%)

- 04/01/08 - active/54;pending/8 (14.8%)

Moreno Valley.......... - 05/01/08 - active/2033;pending/601 (29.6%)

- 04/01/08 - active/2072;pending/467 (22.5%)

Redlands.................. - 05/01/08 - active/426;pending/67 (15.7%)

- 04/01/08 - active/432;pending/64 (14.8%)

Rialto........................ - 05/01/08 - active/807;pending/174 (21.6%)

- 04/01/08 - active/823;pending/131 (15.9%)

Riverside.................. - 05/01/08 - active/2736;pending/569 (20.8%)

- 04/01/08 - active/2785;pending/429 (15.4%)

San Bernardino....... - 05/01/08 - active/2098;pending/266 (12.7%)

- 04/01/08 - active/2102;pending/204 (9.7%)

Yucaipa/Calimesa.. - 05/01/08 - active/432;pending/67 (15.5%)

- 04/01/08 - active/355;pending/34 (9.6%)

As yu can note, the percentages of pendings to listing is

Something for Everyone

May 2, 2008

This first weekend in May is filled with events and activities. There is no need to say that there is nothing to do in the Inland Empire! I am only able to mention a few.

This evening, Friday, May 6, 2008:

Motorcycle Street Festival in Downtown San Bernardino - 6p.m. to 10 p.m -Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Redlands YMCA Great All-American Youth Circus opens Friday, May 2, 2008 and is on weekends through May 18, 2008. Fridays, May 2, 9 ,26 at 7 p.m.

Saturdays, May 3, 10, 17 at 5 p. m. and Sundays, May 4, 11, and 18 at 3 p.m.

Adults: $15.00 and Youth: $10.00

The Moving Wall, a replica of the Vietnam memorial wall has arrived in Fontana. It has been set up in Miller Park, 17004 Arrow Blvd. and may be view 24 hours a day. The closing ceremony will be held on Monday, May 5, 2008 at 3 p.m.

The 35th annual California State Chilli Cookoff will be held on Saturday, May 3 in Perris Hill Park in San Bernardino. There will be contests for Chili, Chili Verde, Salsa, Best Booth, Showmanship, Open Salsa and Menudo.

Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church at 1035 Inland Center Drive, San Bernardino will be holding a Greek Festival on Saturday, May 3 from noon to 10 p.m. and on Sunday, May 4 from noon until 9 p.m. Cost is $2.00 per person with children under 5 free.

Redlands Christian School located at the corner of Church Street and Lugonia Avenue in Redlands will hold the annual Holland Festival on Saturday, May 3. The festival opens at 10 a.m. and continues throughout the day. This will be the 55th year for this celebration of the Dutch community.

Lastly, the San Bernardino County Museum will have free admission on Sunday, May 4, 2008. The free day is sponsored by Grounds for Enjoyment of Highland California. The family program for the day will be on "Collecting". This will be an opportunity to learn how to turn your collected bits and pieces into a museum quality collection. DO NOT BRING YOUR COLLECTIONS !

I am certain that there are many more fun and educational opportunities. How fortunate we are !

Back to the "Green"

May 1, 2008

This Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Landscapes Southern California Style garden, 450 Alessandro Blvd. in Riverside, you Will be able to purchase water-efficient plants. The California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers is sponsoring the event. The plants will be supplied by wholesale growers in the area. Representatives from growers and master gardeners from UC Riverside will be available to answer questions. Even if you are not in the market to purchase plants, this is a great opportunity to learn about these water-efficient plants. I know that I am really excited about the opportunity and plan to attend.

If gardening is not your thing, but fixing up your home, refinishing furniture or various arts and crafts projects, I received a newsletter from the California Association of Realtors that contained an article on eco-friendly paint strippers.

If you have projects and you need to strip the old paint, you might want to check out these products. www.soyclean.biz/paint_stripper.asp for a soy based stripper and http://www.m-tc.com/ for a more industrial strength product.

It is great to see that more and more industries are focusing on the protection of our environment.