HOME ENERGY REBATES & INCENTIVES
Marin County Offers $600 for Home Energy Assessments!
A $600 rebate is available to Marin homeowners for getting a home energy efficiency assessment with a participating contractor through the Energy Upgrade California program.
Visit www.co.marin.ca.us/energyupgrade to learn more or call 415-473-4197.
4th of July Fireworks!
Below is CBS San Francisco’s full list of Independence Day activities, including parades, concerts, barbecues, and official fireworks displays. These are organized alphabetically, by name of community for easy use — followed by date, time and location information.
Alameda:
Monday, July 4. Alameda’s 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m. is the 2nd longest Independence Day parade in the nation. It’s followed by a festival, but no fireworks.
Info: http://www.myalamedaparade.com/.
Antioch:
Monday, July 4. Parade at 10 a.m. in downtown. No Fireworks.
Info: http://www.eastcountylive.com/event_detail.php?event_id=3519
American Canyon:
Monday, July 4. Parade at 10:30 a.m. followed by festival all day in Community Park with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/american-canyon-4th-july-parade-festival-fireworks/
Aptos:
Monday, July 4. Parade at 10 a.m., followed by post-parade party until 4 p.m. in Aptos City Park. No fireworks.
Info: http://www.aptoschamber.com/
Benicia:
Monday, July 4. Benicia’s City Park is filled with arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and children’s activities from Noon until 7 p.m. Fireworks start about 9 p.m. at the foot of First Street.
Info: http://www.beniciamainstreet.org/events1.html
Berkeley:
Monday, July 4. Celebration at Berkeley Marina from noon to 10 p.m. with live entertainment, food, arts & crafts, kids playground and pony rides. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. off the end of the Berkeley Pier.
Info: http://events.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/6286-4th-of-July-Fireworks-All-Day-Festival
Bodega Bay:
Saturday, July 2. Fireworks at about 9:30 p.m. over the Bay. Small, free display at Westside Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/july-2nd-fireworks-bay-bodega-bay/
Calistoga:
Monday, July 4. Parade at 11 a.m. through downtown Calistoga. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at the Napa County Fairgrounds.
Info: http://www.napacountyfair.org/County-Fair/Entertainment/index.html
Concord:
Monday, July 4th. Early morning 5k run/walk followed by 10 a.m. parade and fireworks at dusk at Dave Brubeck Park.
Info: http://events.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/6358-4th-of-July-in-Concord
Corte Madera — Larkspur:
Monday, July 4. Parade starts at Redwood High School at 10:30 a.m. and ends at Corte Madera’s Town Park for a community fair with fun and games. No fireworks.
Info: http://www.cortemadera.org/
Cloverdale:
Monday, July 4. Fireworks at 9 p.m. at Cloverdale High School football field.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/fourth-july-2011-fireworks-cloverdale/
Cupertino:
Monday, July 4. Fireworks at dusk at Creekside Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/cupertino-fourth-july-2010-fireworks-show/
Danville:
Monday, July 4. Annual parade that attracts tens of thousands starts at 9am in downtown Danville. No fireworks.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/kiwanis-july-4th-parade-danville/
Foster City:
Monday, July 4. Parade followed by festivities all day at Leo J. Ryan Park including live music, food and more. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://www.fostercity.org/Services/recreation/TH-4th-of-July-Celebration-Main-Page.cfm
Fremont:
Monday, July 4. Fremont 4th of July Parade starting at 10 a.m. No fireworks.
Info: http://fremont4th.org/.
Gilroy:
Monday, July 4. A 20-minute fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. at Gilroy High School.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-fireworks-salute-gilroy/
Guerneville:
Sunday, July 3. Block party in downtown Guerneville including arts & crafts fair and a BBQ, followed by firewoks at dark over the Russian River.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/russian-river-fourth-july-celebration-guerneville/
Half Moon Bay:
Monday, July 4. Parade on Main Street at Noon. Fireworks at sundown at Pillar Point Harbor.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-2010-small-town-parade-moon-bay/
Healdsburg:
Monday, July 4. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. at Healdsburg High School Athletic Field.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/20th-annual-american-legion-fireworks-show-healdsburg/
Hollister:
Monday, July 4th. Kiddie parade at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Community fireworks display at dusk.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/fourth-july-kiddie-parade-fireworks-hollister/
Livermore:
Monday, July 4. Due to budget cuts, the 2011 Old-Fashioned Fourth of July festival at Robertson Park is cancelled. No Fireworks.
Info: http://www.larpd.dst.ca.us/programs/Fourth_of_July_info.html.
Martinez:
Monday, July 4. Parade in downtown at 10 a.m. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/hometown-4th-july-celebration-hot-dog-contest-fireworks-martinez/
Milpitas:
Monday, July 4. Milpitas celebrates Independence Day with an evening of music beginning at 8 p.m. & fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on the Sports Center’s Football field.
Info: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/_pdfs/rec_activity_guide.pdf
Monte Rio:
Sunday, July 3. Water Parade and Carnaval at 8 p.m. at Monte Rio Public Beach, followed by fireworks at dark over the Russian River.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/water-carnival-boat-parade-fireworks-russian-river-2010/
Moraga:
Monday, July 4. Daylong events at Moraga Commons Park include a dog parade, classic car show, bike parade, old fashioned kids games, magic show, evening concert and fireworks at 9: 30 p.m.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/dog-parade-classic-car-show-july-4th-fireworks-moraga/
Morgan Hill:
Monday, July 4, Award-winning parade in downtown at 11 am. Fireworks at dark at Morgan Hill Community Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-2010-official-santa-clara-county-silicon-valley-parade-celebration-fireworks-morgan-hill/
Mountain View:
Monday, July 4, San Francisco Symphony Fireworks Show at Shoreline Ampitheatre at 8 pm. Full concert followed by fireworks display.
Info: http://www.sfsymphony.org/season/Event.aspx?eventid=48766
Napa:
Monday, July 4. Fourth of July Parade at 1 p.m. through downtown Napa followed by an evening festival and fireworks at dusk at Napa’s Veterans Memorial Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/red-white-blue-picnic-fireworks-san-ramon/
Novato:
Monday, July 4. The annual Fourth of July Parade begins at 10 a.m. The 100 entrants in this patriotic procession feature marching bands, classic cars, Irish pipers, horses, dance troups, basset hounds, and the largest assemblage of restored military vehicles in the Bay Area. No fireworks.
Info: www.novatoparade.com/.
Oakland:
Monday, July 4. No fireworks display over Jack London Square again for 2011, but the city is still hosting a fun daytime event for families with a petting zoo, art activities for the kids, carnival games and bike, canoe and kayak rentals.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/family-fun-4th-july-oakland/
Oakley:
Saturday, July 2. Fireworks at dusk at Freedom Basin Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/cityhood-fireworks-celebration-oakley/
Oakville:
Saturday, July 2. Robert Mondavi Winery is hosting a performance with singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw, followed by a post-concert fireworks display at about 9 p.m.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/mondavi-winery-fireworks-show-oakville/
Orinda:
Monday, July 4. Parade through downtown Orinda at 10 a.m., followed by festival at Orinda Community Park. No fireworks.
Info: http://www.orindachamber.org/Calendar.htm
Petaluma:
Monday, July 4. Sonoma-Marin fairgrounds features entertainment and food starting at 4 p.m., with fireworks at dusk.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/petaluma-fireworks/
Pleasant Hill:
Monday, July 4. Fourth of July Celebration in Downtown and Pleasant Hill Park with 5k run, parade, fun and games — all starting at 9:30 a.m. Fireworks at dusk.
Info: http://events.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/6359-Fourth-of-July-in-Pleasant-Hill
Pleasanton:
Friday, July 1. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/alameda-county-fair-fireworks-show-july-2-2010/
Richmond:
Sunday, July 3. The Oakland East Bay Symphony performs in concert at 5 p.m. at the Craneway Pavillion followed by fireworks at dusk.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/oakland-east-bay-symphony-fireworks-celebration-richmond/
Redwood City:
Monday, July 4, Parade downtown at 10am, followed by an all-day festival. No fireworks.
Info: www.parade.org.
San Francisco:
Monday, July 4. Waterfront Festival at Pier 39. Live music from noon until the fireworks at 9:30 pm.
Info: http://events.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/6356-Fourth-of-July-Celebration
San Jose:
Monday, July 4 and Tuesday, July 5. Fireworks extravaganza following the conclusion of the San Jose Giants minor league baseball game each night at the San Jose Municipal Stadium.
Info: http://www.sjgiants.com.
San Pablo:
Monday, July 4. A full afternoon and evening of live music and performances at El Portal Soccer Field followed by the traditional fireworks show at dusk.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-fireworks-show-san-pablo/
San Rafael:
Monday, July 4. Marin County Fair at Fairgrounds. Fireworks start at 9:30pm.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/marin-county-fair-carnival-rides-fireworks-san-rafael/
San Ramon:
Monday, July 4. Star-Spangled Spectacular at San Ramon Central Park, from 1 to 10 p.m. featuring food and beverages, kids activities and fireworks about 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://events.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/6360-Star-Spangled-Spectacular
Santa Clara:
Saturday, July 2 & Sunday, July 3. Fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. both nights at the Great America Amusement Park.
Info: http://www.cagreatamerica.com/events/events.cfm
Santa Rosa:
Monday, July 4. Sonoma County’s Red, White, and Boom at Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds open at 4pm, live music at 5pm. The fireworks begin at 9:30 pm.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/red-white-boom-santa-rosa-fireworks-celebration-2010/
Sausalito:
Monday, July 4. Parade starts at 10 a.m. and meanders through downtown Sausalito into Dunphy Park where an afternoon of live music, food and fun for the whole family awaits. Followed by evening entertainment and a fireworks display at at Gabrielson Park at 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://www.ci.sausalito.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=841
Scotts Valley:
Monday, July 4. Parade at 3pm along Scotts Valley Drive and continues with a festival in Skypark with food and games. Day ends with a fireworks show at dusk.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/july-4th-festival-food-fireworks-scotts-valley/
Sebastopol:
Sunday, July 3. Fireworks at dark at Analy High School.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/3rd-july-fireworks-extravaganza-festival-sebastopol/
Sonoma:
Monday, July 4. Festival on Sonoma Plaza all day, with fireworks display at dusk.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-fireworks-general-vallejos-birthday-celebration-sonoma/
St. Helena:
Monday, July 4. The Louis M. Martini winery is putting on a sold-out soiree and fireworks show, but anyone in St. Helena should be able to simply look to the skies and view the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/st-helena-fireworks-show-cheapskates-2010/
Suisun City:
Monday, July 4. Celebration with live music, games, arts & crafts from 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. at Harbor Plaza. Fireworks at 9:20 p.m. on the waterfront.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/4th-july-2010-spectacular-fireworks-suisun-city/
Tiburon:
Monday, July 4. Fireworks cruise in the evening aboard the Angel Island Ferry. Bring your own picnic dinner, or buy hot drinks and snacks on board.
Info: http://www.angelislandferry.com/
Vacaville:
Monday, July 4. Concert along downtown’s Main Street at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://www.visitvacaville.com/Events
Vallejo:
Sunday, July 3 & Monday, July 4. Watch fireworks at dusk over Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Info: http://events.sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/localevents/event/100/6361-Fourth-of-July-Fireworks-Celebration
Windsor:
Sunday, July 3. Fireworks at dusk at Keiser Park.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/pre4th-july-2010-fireworks-celebration-windsor/
Yountville:
Monday, July 4. Festival at Veterans Home at 12:30 p.m. with live music and kids activities. Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Info: http://sf.funcheap.com/wheelchair-drill-team-performance-fireworks-yountville/
What is your social networking strategy?
What is my Social Networking strategy?
When I was asked to share my social media strategy I thought to myself what strategy? Most times I feel like I’m winging it, chasing after technology to simplify the social networking process since their are so many pieces to it especially if you’re in real estate. I’m a full time real estate professional which means I log at least 50-65 hours a week AND I’m a single mom AND I have 2 big dogs that need to be walked daily!
To say the least I need to utilize social media in its most efficient way. If I’m going to grow my business and keep in contact with my friends and family I need a way post a blog article once and have it automatically go to other sites so I completely have my social media outlets covered. The apps that have helped me simply my “social” life are below. If you really get social media you’ll understand that this is the wave of the future especially if you put it within the context of Cloud Computing and how it fits in nicely with everything virtual.
Why Social Networking? To tell you the truth I have a love/hate relationship with social networking. I love that I can keep in touch with people but I hate that I have to keep in touch with people.
Social networking is the “now” and the future. If you are not laying down the foundation now you are missing out on potential business/connections down the road. Think of social networking as being lost in the woods and you are laying crumbs along the forest path so that you can be found. Read more
Short sales are happening everywhere! Is this your opportunity or solution?
My phone is ringing more. Want to know why? Because I am getting calls from investors looking for cashflow opportunities and I’m getting calls from home owners who have decided they can no longer hold onto their property.
More hardship and strategic short sales are coming onto the market. Is this your opportunity or solution?
Homeowners who are in extreme financial hardship are opting to put their homes on the market as short sales and start new. Most homeowners that I speak with DON’T want to sell their homes but they have no other viable option. They’ve exhausted all measures in trying to find a solution. They’ve tried to modify their loan, they’ve tried the HAMP and HEMP programs, they’ve asked to refinances, they’ve considered renting their home…
Homeowners who can afford their payments but decide to sell their property anyhow are considered a strategic short sale. Because the market is upside down the “strategic” seller is still requesting to sell at a shortage with most strategi sellers not willing to pay the full amount owed on the property. When that happens the lender asks the homeowner to bring money to the table to close the deal.
2011 forecast shows trends in residential real estate are expected to “turn positive for the first time since the recession began and housing starts will begin to gain momentum breaking 700,000 in 2011.”
Is sounds positive doesn’t it? However, I don’t think people are looking at the bigger picture. Yes, more homes will be sold in 2011 however the vast majority will be being short sales or part of the lenders “ghost” REO portfolio. In Marin County the luxury market is seeing more short sales.
As of today there are 890 active homes currently on the MLS, of that 76 are short sales and 59 are bankowned. Roughly 15% of the market is “on sale”. Foreclosure Radar shows 387 homes that are in default that means more homeowners are going to short sale their homes.
What does that mean for the investor or the buyer Read more
Food Bank and Ritter Center Coat Drive
Did you know?
- More than 16% of Marin’s children live in poverty and more than 35% of households live below the basic self-sufficiency income for a family of three (one parent and two children).
- Food pantries have seen increases as high as 70% in the number of people in need of food compared to the same month last year.
That’s why now through December 31st, all Alain Pinel Realtors of Marin offices will be accepting donations of non-perishable food, as well as new or gently-used coats and other clothing items. Donations can be made during business hours at any of our APR Marin County offices in Mill Valley, Corte Madera, Ross or Novato. Or you may also drop off your donation at any of our Sunday open houses and one of our Realtors will deliver your items to a donation center for you.
For more information about this program, please call or email me. If you would like to donate directly simply click the button below.
Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure….Oct 1-3, 2010
The 3-day walk for the cure is coming to the Bay Area this weekend! You will start to see pink every where…and for those of you that are not familiar with what is going on cancer survivors and friends of cancer survivors will be walking this weekend to raise money for cancer research! The net proceeds from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ are invested in breast cancer research and community programs.
In 1982, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure launched the global breast cancer movement. Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures.
If you would like to follow along the route simply take a look at the map below. You’ll see cheering stations everywhere. Cheer your friends, your loved ones, the ones that have passed and the women next door. With everyone’s help we can raise that millions of dollars that are needed to end cancer.
The following PDF files provide a useful overview of basic facts about breast cancer, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.
Breast Cancer Facts
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast Cancer Detection
Biking in Marin County, CA…get your map and get out there!
One of the greatest aspects of Marin County is its outdoor playground. Walking, hiking or biking Marin has it all. Small roads, hidden paths and widely known trails are within minutes of your home.
Marin County is all about the outdoors but live in Marin County for any legnth of time you’ll find yourself looking around for a pair of wheels. Whether you are a mountain biker or a mosey-er like me you’ll find excuses just to go outside and ride! Some of my best weekends are riding with my son from Sausalito to Larkspur. We both have are avid bikers but I’m more of a lazy, let’s meander kind of biker. My son likes to say that I have a pimped out mountain bike. It’s a Trek mountain bike that has my old stationary bike’s seat on it as well as a basket with flowers laced aroundit…just in case we stop for an impromptu picnic and need to carry the goods.
If you’re new to Marin or have ridden a thousand and one trails you must check out the Marin County Bicycle Coalition. The Bicycle Coalition improves the county’s road and path for walkers and bikers since 1998. The results of the Coalition’s hard work are: permanent bike racks, bike lane striping, green-and-white bike route signs, road resurfacing and ‘sharrow’ road stencils.
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition has THE bike map if you are interested in getting around. You can get your copy at various retail shops in Marin County or simply join their organization and get one as part of your membership.
Don’t forget to check out the Biker’s Ball in November. When and where? See details below:
Saturday, November 13th
7 pm til midnight.
Ristorante Servino
9 Main Street, Tiburon
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