On a political note...I decided to post this informative video. I am on the board of the Community Environmental Council, which is voting No on Measure B for many very sustainable and practical reasons. I encourage you to watch this and vote.
This video that was put together by a young student who is a Santa Barbara local.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I PASSED My Broker's Exam!!!!
It is now official...
I was very nervous to check the website...
I promised myself I would wait until next week to look...
I didn't want to ruin my weekend...but today I peeked at the California Department of Real Estate website...
With one eye I scanned the test results page and I passed!!
I hooted and hollered, danced around the house with my dog who was very happy for me...
Then I called my husband and my mom and my dad and my step-dad and my business partner and two other friends...and no one answered...but my dog was very excited!
I am proud of myself. This was a big accomplishment and I am relieved that it is over.
I am now a Broker Associate. It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
I have also obtained these designations: GRI (Graduate Institute of Realtors), EcoBroker and Green. The more education the better in my book.
Now it is time to get back to work!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Adult Education: Fresh Greens...dance to the new green beat.
Who: Each year, The Sustainability Project and John Kelley, a local architect and one of the leaders of the Green Movement in Santa Barbara teaches a series of free classes to the community.
What: An adult education course called "Fresh Greens....dance to the new green beat."
Where: The Faulkner Gallery and the Santa Barbara Public Library
When: Tuesdays in October from 5:30-7:30pm
Why: To learn how can we thrive in a world of economic uncertainty, peak oil, and climate change. To hear personal stories about simple, affordable, everyday sustainable lifestyles and share your experiences with green living. Visit green homes and gardens. Discuss how our ongoing crisis is an opportunity to create the next major green movement.
Schedule:
October 6, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
FOOD & CLOTHING – Tasty Green Choices
• Learn simple ways to grow, exchange and buy
healthy food.
• How to find cool, affordable clothes while
reducing, reusing and recycling.
October 13, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
BUSINESSES & JOBS – Green Collar Economy for SB
• Learn how local green businesses were created and be
inspired to create your own.
• Hear about local green training and job opportunities.
October 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
HOME & GARDEN - Affordable Green Comfort
• Smart home improvements you can do to your
home or apartment.
• Affordable options for landscaping your yard or
balcony.
October 27, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
COMMUNITY – Be Part of the Big Green Transition
• Hear how local citizens are making their
neighborhood and city more sustainable.
• Learn about a global citizens movement to create
resilient local communities.
I would highly encourage everyone to stop by and learn a thing or two..maybe even three!
What: An adult education course called "Fresh Greens....dance to the new green beat."
Where: The Faulkner Gallery and the Santa Barbara Public Library
When: Tuesdays in October from 5:30-7:30pm
Why: To learn how can we thrive in a world of economic uncertainty, peak oil, and climate change. To hear personal stories about simple, affordable, everyday sustainable lifestyles and share your experiences with green living. Visit green homes and gardens. Discuss how our ongoing crisis is an opportunity to create the next major green movement.
Schedule:
October 6, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
FOOD & CLOTHING – Tasty Green Choices
• Learn simple ways to grow, exchange and buy
healthy food.
• How to find cool, affordable clothes while
reducing, reusing and recycling.
October 13, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
BUSINESSES & JOBS – Green Collar Economy for SB
• Learn how local green businesses were created and be
inspired to create your own.
• Hear about local green training and job opportunities.
October 20, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
HOME & GARDEN - Affordable Green Comfort
• Smart home improvements you can do to your
home or apartment.
• Affordable options for landscaping your yard or
balcony.
October 27, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
COMMUNITY – Be Part of the Big Green Transition
• Hear how local citizens are making their
neighborhood and city more sustainable.
• Learn about a global citizens movement to create
resilient local communities.
I would highly encourage everyone to stop by and learn a thing or two..maybe even three!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Weekly Real Estate Snapshot 9/7 - 9/13 2009
September 7 - 13, 2009:
New Listings: 42
Price Improvements: 45
Pending: 33 breaks down to:
under $1 million: 26
$1-2 million: 3
$2-4 million: 2
$4-8 million: 2
$8 million+: 0
Closed: 28
Off Market: 29
Back On Market: 14
New Listings: 42
Price Improvements: 45
Pending: 33 breaks down to:
under $1 million: 26
$1-2 million: 3
$2-4 million: 2
$4-8 million: 2
$8 million+: 0
Closed: 28
Off Market: 29
Back On Market: 14
Saturday, September 12, 2009
For Sale:
Laurel Springs Ranch and Retreat
2720 Painted Cave Road
Offered at $12,000,000
2720 Painted Cave Road
Offered at $12,000,000
Showings By Appointment Only
Lot Size: 160 Acres
Lodge: 11br/10ba
Main House: 4br/4ba
Guest House: 3br/1ba
Workers Quarters: 3 houses
Barn: 6 Horse Stalls
Lodge: 11br/10ba
Main House: 4br/4ba
Guest House: 3br/1ba
Workers Quarters: 3 houses
Barn: 6 Horse Stalls
- 50+ acres flat (pond, buildings, retreat site)
- 57+ acres across the road – Ocean view site on the hill
- 37+/- acres across road adjacent – Gazebo and ocean view knoll site
- Lot D & E – near painted cave may not be buildable, one has shack
- Holds groups of 30+ people
- Water from wells from Springs on the property
- Solar heated pool and hot tub
- Organic Gardens
- Gym/Rec Room
- Guest House and Teacher Cottages
- Quality Worker Housing
- Ranch Manager, 30 years on the land
- Several Hiking Trails
- Main House w/ spectacular views!
- Chickens, Geese, Goats and space for Horses
Laurel Springs Ranch
With stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, Los Padres National Forest, Santa Barbara and Goleta, Laurel Springs Retreat is blessed with a refreshing perspective of the world. But even on a cloudy day, one can enjoy the spacious lawns, tasteful landscaping, organic garden, spring-fed pond, cliff-side jacuzzi and pervasive quietude that compose the main campus. Beyond that are miles of hiking, local wildlife, historical sites and unexpected discoveries, both on our property and into the Los Padres National Forest.
Perched at 2,800 feet elevation, just a 20 minute jaunt from Santa Barbara, but miles away from distraction, annoyance and routine. The land is dynamic and compassionate, with every new day providing a fresh array of sights, sounds and smells. The staff is like family, providing care for guests and the property alike.
Laurel Springs Retreat Center
Operating since 2000 with the intention to create a space for varied modes of healing and retreat, Laurel Springs has undergone many physical renovations and improvements to serve this end. The generous application of loving care and the powerful significance of the land, however, remain constant. All who visit this unique retreat site are enriched and rejuvenated.
Types of retreats that have been held here:
~ yoga, movement & bodywork.
~ meditation.
~ grounding ancient spiritual wisdom into modern life.
~ art, as an inspirational bridge.
~ social and generational cross-cultural exchange.
~ youth leadership training.
~ addressing and respecting our planet.
~ exploring the the processes of death, and grieving.
~ vision questing & dreamwork.
~ yoga, movement & bodywork.
~ meditation.
~ grounding ancient spiritual wisdom into modern life.
~ art, as an inspirational bridge.
~ social and generational cross-cultural exchange.
~ youth leadership training.
~ addressing and respecting our planet.
~ exploring the the processes of death, and grieving.
~ vision questing & dreamwork.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Europe’s lightbulb phase-out begins
Across the pond in energy efficiency news and politics...will America be next?
Europe’s lightbulb phase-out begins
Europe’s lightbulb phase-out begins
www.FairHome.CO.Uk
by David Masters
August 26, 2009 
Energy saving lightbulbs are set to become the norm across Europe as a continent-wide phase-out of traditional bulbs begins next month.
From 1 September, 100w and frosted lightbulbs will be phased out from shops across Europe. Shops will be able to sell-off current stock, but it will be illegal for them to place new orders for the banned lightbulbs.
The move will save an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2020, because energy efficient lightbulbs use up to 80% less energy.
“We can no longer rely on light bulbs which waste 95% of their energy as heat,” said Dan Norris, British environment minister.
We are glad the EU has put this measure in place to stop the waste of energy and money from old fashioned high energy bulbs.
“The UK has had a successful voluntary initiative in place for a few years, and now the rest of the EU will follow suit on a mandatory basis.”
The government estimates that a typical household will save £37 per year on their energy bill by using energy efficient lightbulbs.
What They Are Hoarding in Europe
Before the European Union's ban on incandescent lightbulbs went into effect on September 1, consumers across Europe raided stores to stockpile the familiar bulbs. Under the new rules, retailers can continue to sell what they have in stock but won't be able to buy or import more. The policy forces shoppers to switch to environmentally friendly compact lamps, which use 80% less electricity. But fans of the traditional light argue that the new bulbs don't glow as warmly - and that they cost twice as much.
As written for Time Magazine
by David Masters
August 26, 2009
From 1 September, 100w and frosted lightbulbs will be phased out from shops across Europe. Shops will be able to sell-off current stock, but it will be illegal for them to place new orders for the banned lightbulbs.
The move will save an estimated 1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year by 2020, because energy efficient lightbulbs use up to 80% less energy.
“We can no longer rely on light bulbs which waste 95% of their energy as heat,” said Dan Norris, British environment minister.
We are glad the EU has put this measure in place to stop the waste of energy and money from old fashioned high energy bulbs.
“The UK has had a successful voluntary initiative in place for a few years, and now the rest of the EU will follow suit on a mandatory basis.”
The government estimates that a typical household will save £37 per year on their energy bill by using energy efficient lightbulbs.
What They Are Hoarding in Europe
Before the European Union's ban on incandescent lightbulbs went into effect on September 1, consumers across Europe raided stores to stockpile the familiar bulbs. Under the new rules, retailers can continue to sell what they have in stock but won't be able to buy or import more. The policy forces shoppers to switch to environmentally friendly compact lamps, which use 80% less electricity. But fans of the traditional light argue that the new bulbs don't glow as warmly - and that they cost twice as much.
As written for Time Magazine
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Weekly Real Estate Snapshot: 8/31 - 9/6 2009
August 31- September 6, 2009:
New Listings: 55
Price Improvements: 35
Pending: 34
Breaks Down:
Under $1 Million: 20
$1-2M: 11
$2-4M:3
$4-8M:0
$8M+: 0
Closed:32
Off Market: 51
Back On Market: 15
*August tends to be one of the calmer real estate months in Santa Barbara...is it because we all start out with Fiesta on our minds and then have to focus on getting back to school etc...
New Listings: 55
Price Improvements: 35
Pending: 34
Breaks Down:
Under $1 Million: 20
$1-2M: 11
$2-4M:3
$4-8M:0
$8M+: 0
Closed:32
Off Market: 51
Back On Market: 15
*August tends to be one of the calmer real estate months in Santa Barbara...is it because we all start out with Fiesta on our minds and then have to focus on getting back to school etc...
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
About To Take Broker's Exam...
I have been studying like a mad woman and am about to take the California Department of Real Estate Brokers Examination.
I must admit, I am not looking forward to this. Taking tests is not my "thing". I would much prefer to write a paper, or even a short book about the topics of the exam, than take a fill in the bubble test myself. Some people are just not test takers. Hence my History and Italian majors in College...
So that is what I have been doing...studying...I can't wait until it is over...please wish me luck!!
(I found out today...9.17.09 that I passed!!! phew!!!)
I must admit, I am not looking forward to this. Taking tests is not my "thing". I would much prefer to write a paper, or even a short book about the topics of the exam, than take a fill in the bubble test myself. Some people are just not test takers. Hence my History and Italian majors in College...
So that is what I have been doing...studying...I can't wait until it is over...please wish me luck!!
(I found out today...9.17.09 that I passed!!! phew!!!)
Friday, September 4, 2009
For Sale: 279 Rosario Park Road Near Santa Barbara & the Santa Ynez Valley
For Sale:
279 Rosario Park Road
Mountain Retreat on 1/3 of an Acre
$679,000
Open House Sunday 2-4pm
279 Rosario Park Road
Mountain Retreat on 1/3 of an Acre
$679,000
Open House Sunday 2-4pm
Light and bright mountain home located approximately 15 minutes from Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. Mountain View School elementary district with a bus that picks up right down the street. Very close to hiking trails and the famous Cold Spring Tavern. A spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath + den in the main house on 1/3 of an acre. Several private decks and patios with views of Little Pine Mountain. There is also a bonus 1 bedroom, 1 bath detached guest house, garage, art studio, tree house and private well.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Jeff Shelton: Santa Barbara Architect
Growing up my dad used to take me to Oakleigh, formerly Camp Lore to swim in the pool and hang out with David Shelton and his kids Nina and Joe. Then on other weekends, they would all come up to Refugio Mountain and hang out with us as our dads gave one another advice on how to build their houses etc. Good times! Jeff is David's brother and both are creative forces in the Santa Barbara architecture and bocce ball scenes.
Jeff Shelton now has three books to help homeowners choose Small House Designs, Fire Safe Designs & Shelter Ideas. Jeff talks about new considerations including: build using non-combustible materials, permaculture practices, rainwater collection, shared resources, solar electricity and hot water and a neighborhood marketplace. Please contact Jeff for copies.
http://www.jeffsheltonarchitect.com/
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