Where There’s Smoke There’s Fire–Belmont’s Smoking Ban

Shermans The smoking ordinance in Belmont was a classic example of what Belmont’s city council is all about. Sure second hand smoke is bad but the issue brought before them was second hand smoke in attached adjacent living spaces–the genesis of the original complaint. However our council (coached by their cronies in other departments with similar agendas—can anyone say Planning Department?) decided to pursue a ban on all outdoor cigarette smoking in Belmont—notice I didn’t say all smoking?

Be clear, this was a personal agenda. Mayor Coralin’s trama had to do with being exposed to second hand smoke from her father and Council Member Dave Warden wanted Belmont to be a "smoke free city". Mr. Warden apparently anointed himself with deciding how one should personally care for themselves stating, "…This ordinance may save lives as it may force smokers to quit or limit smoking".

What they neglected to address was wood burning fireplaces and outdoor BBQ’s–no doubt much worse contributors of air borne carcinogens. Mr. Warden’s argument for not banning other more caustic causes of airborne particulate matter such as that expelled by SUV’s was answered with—"[but] we need cars". So what’s his answer to this one—banning outdoor BBQ’s will stop people from eating unhealthy carcinogen laden foods AND stop the air borne particulate matter they cause. Why wasn’t that a part of the ordinance?

Did anyone notice the volumes of billowing smoke at the Save The Music benefit in Belmont wafting by the children

Dsc_4474save_the_music_3

as they sang on stage? The city doesn’t need to bring in experts to intuitively know that the smoke produced that day alone no doubt exposed more people to more carcinogens than any outdoor citizen puffing away on a cigarette. This council is clearly about tolerance (or lack thereof) and what they personally believe should be acceptable.

Dsc_4475save_the_music_2

Why did they ignore addressing these two issues if their real concern was for the health, welfare and safety of their constituents? Because they only wanted to trample on a minority who they knew would not garner any support; they knew that adding a ban on outdoor BBQ’s and wood burning fireplaces would raise too much opposition—they simply stuck with an ordinance which would get them maximum media attention with minimal resistance.

What’s Eating Your Home’s Equity?

What’s Eating Your Home’s Equity?

This time of year after a heavy rain-followed by a sunny day-we see these long-winged creatures flittering about. If you aren’t familiar with a damp-wood termite, you might think it’s just another fly-by-night pest. But in fact these little buggers are responsible for BILLIONS of dollars in damage to property each year.

Termite_450 These are a few of the unlucky damp wood termites who were caught by a little spider friend of mine at sundown. Damp-Wood termites typically venture out toward artificial light in the early evening hours. CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE A CLOSE-UP.

The process of termite "swarming" is in an effort to establish a new colony. Frequently, they will do so after a heavy rain followed by a sunny day. In the Bay Area peninsula where we live this is not relegated to any one time of the year as in other parts of the country. Our Indian summers make both the typical spring swarm as well as a fall swarm likely. What do you do if you also hate spiders too? Why call an exterminator of course.

The sign of a swam does not mean your home has termites. These critters will often fly from a neighbor’s yard, dead brush or tree. After they land, they will drop their wings and look for a place to nest. Once a male and female mate and a colony is established, they look nothing like their flying alter ego. They are a translucent-almost albino color-as compared to their flight suit of black, yellow or orange. Finding termites in or near a structure does not mean you have an immediate emergency since the rate at which damage occurs is relatively slow.

There are three common types of termites: Dry Wood, Damp-Wood and Subterranean. Subterranean termites follow much of the same swarming pattern as their larger cousins the Damp-Wood termite, though they are much smaller and more readily confused with ants. They too will drop their wings but fly much shorter distances in more of a glider style flight and are often simply carried with whichever way the wind is blowing.

If you’ve ever seen your car covered with little black wings you are more than likely seeing the result of a subterranean swarm-good thing they no longer makes cars of wood. Subterranean termites live in the ground, as opposed to damp-wood termites which typically live outdoors in dead trees, fences and wood retaining walls; while dry wood termites prefer to live in your walls, floor, ceilings and attic. In order to reach edible wood in your home, subterranean wood termites will build what is referred to as a "mud tube"

Subs

from the ground up until they reach their food supply-often, your home. Mud tubes are an easy indicator you may have subterranean termites eating away at your home’s equity. We’ve seen colonies of subterranean termites in the ground under trees where an ample supply of dead foliage keeps them well fed.

The most immediate home remedy and effective treatment for these cellulous devouring bugs is good old fashioned Windex. Windex_4 If you see a swarm landing near your home, this quick clean-up solution does the trick. Of course Windex is no long term solution to use. If you see any indication of termite activity, often noted by what appears to be "sand" (mixture of soil, feces, and saliva) on your floors, windowsills, walls of near vents, it’s a good idea to get a professional home exterminator to come out and treat your home with more effective chemicals.

Belmont Sales Activity-September 2007

In an effort to cut down on paper generated by our industry, as well as lower our overhead to continue to offer price matching of our services, and hopefully someday reach more customers, we have discontinued the mailing of our monthly sales updates for Belmont, and are posting the information on-line. This will enable us to provide more information than before and we hope this move towards virtual based services will positively impact our environment while allowing more people to contact us.

Please feel free to comment about the new forum we have implemented.

Click on the picture to see the full-size report on Belmont Sales.

Belmont_sales_september_2007_4

Carlmont Wins Another Distinguished School Award

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The schools in Belmont continue to receive accolades as Carlmont High School wins another distinguished school award as reported by the district.

The district went on to say, "Carlmont, Menlo-Atherton, and Sequoia are three out of the 95 high schools designated Distinguished Schools in the State of California.  Schools were eligible to apply for the award based on curriculum, instructional program, and support for students and school climate.  The schools will maintain their title of Distinguished School until 2011."

That’s great news for Belmont, though it is increasingly difficult to get an intra-district transfer from another school to attend Carlmont; that spells challenges for the parents in parts of San Carlos who wish to send their children to Carlmont and are finding it impossible to do so now that the school is at capacity.

If you want to finds out if a home in San Carlos currently goes to Carlmont High School (boundaries can always change), log-on to their site and enter the San Carlos address you wish to search.

Drew & Christine Morgan Morganhomes.com

Visit our Real Estate Blog at ActiveRain.com

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and includes no legal, accounting or real estate advice nor is this response in tended to be specific to your situation-consult a specialist for your specific situation.

Full Service vs. Limited Service Models

Full Service vs. Limited Service or Virtual Agents—Is There Room for Everyone?

The short answer is of course yes. Different sellers have different needs and abilities and some may choose a full service model and others limited or no service at all-the choices have been there all along. Yet the arrival of virtual Internet brokers has spawned a new ideology of it’s either "us or them".

House_keys_2 The very survival of limited service or virtual Internet brokers relies on two things: The first is they are able to convince everyone that paying a 6% compensation is the only alternative to their "discount" model, and the second is that they must convince their prospects that the minimum service they provide is all that is needed to sell a home; and everything else which a full service agent does is a waste of time and their money.

These assertions that they need you to believe are false. Frankly; it’s a bit surprising that the Department of Justice has not sought sanctions against this type of misinformation when the average real estate commission across the country is closer to 5.1%. One of the most misleading impressions that limited or virtual companies imply is that full service agents and discount agents are mutually exclusive-they aren’t.

The second scenario is one which needs more discussion. The premise that a limited service or on-line virtual broker can sell your home is not as questionable as the issue of for how much? Any homeowner wishing to "sell" their home could market it considerably below market value and so long as they were able to communicate to the public that their home was for sale, they would most certainly be able to sell it. How much money they may leave on the bargaining table and the repercussions during and after the close of escrow may linger long after the check has cashed.

Hiring a real estate agent is akin to a homeowner deciding how to do a remodel. As a homeowner you have the right to be your own general contractor; what you have to ask yourself is a) do you want to take that on (do you have the time and ability) and b) are you qualified-as in knowledgeable. You also have the right to hire the cheapest general contractor you can find. But why complain about more expensive ones when cheaper ones are available. Hire who you want–there are options.

See Part Two–Examining the Real Estate Models

Drew & Christine Morgan Morganhomes.com

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and includes no legal, accounting or real estate advice nor is this response in tended to be specific to your situation-consult a specialist for your specific situation.

New Rules!

New Rules!

The following was inspired by Bill Maher’s hilarious "New Rules" on his show Real Time on HBO.

When everyone takes things too seriously, we can all use a little humor…

New Real Estate Rules:New_rules

  • Buyers–when working with discount or on-line brokers who don’t show property, stop complaining when the actual listing agent doesn’t accommodate your every whim-you’re getting a discount remember? Grow up-call your agent.
  • Sellers-stop thinking your home is better than everyone else’s-they can’t all be the best.
  • Agents-stop calling for access to listings that say "Vacant, GO DIRECT"-you’re wasting our time.
  • Title companies-start calling us when the deed records, not hours later. We’d much rather work with a professional organization than get free cookies at a sign off.
  • Lenders-you’re supposed to be forging lasting relationships, not devastating ones. Stop being short sided and do the right thing for your clients or Congress will do it for you.
  • America-stop repeating things so they’ll eventually become accepted fact–anyone remember "Weapons of Mass Destruction"?
  • That brings us back to on-line brokers-stop calling everyone but yourself "Traditional Agents"-most agents today are anything but traditional. From now on you’ll be called "Virtual Agents" and every one else a "Professional Agent".

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and includes no legal, accounting or real estate advice nor is this response in tended to be specific to your situation-consult a specialist for your specific situation.

My Little town

Belmont Bragging Rights–Just for fun of course…

There’s just got to be a reason why people choose to pay more to live in one city over another..help me figure it out! (Tongue in cheek folks…)

We live in a little town called Belmont. We bought a home there because back then no one else was. That meant it was a lot less expensive than other towns. San Carlos is a nearby town that a lot of people like to live in; though the cost of owning a home is a lot more there. And the affordability seems disproportionate to their differences. People always said they wanted to live there for the schools; though recent school data suggests that either schools do not have as much impact on where people live as years ago or buyers aren’t reading about it. Is that because literacy in America is down? The schools in San Carlos have always been known for their superior academic excellence; recently however, Belmont has school test scores which have surpassed her neighboring town.

Perhaps it’s lower crime rate that buyers are using to justify paying more for a similar home? No one likes to have their house broken into or their car stolen-not in the suburbs-that’s why we moved there in the first place. But Belmont’s violent crime rate is lower than most of the country and lower than any city she borders-San Carlos included.

Is it perhaps that Belmont just isn’t good at promoting itself? What else could affect the allure of San Carlos over Belmont? According to the latest census results the folks in San Carlos on average make more money than the residents of Belmont–$9,000 a year more to be exact. That’s good too since the median home costs $122,000 more according to August 2007 reports.

Maybe it’s all those sidewalks. I’ve always loved sidewalks; they remind me of being a kid. It’s good to feel like a kid again, though I wouldn’t want to pay $122,000 more to do so. I think I’d rather save all that money and take more vacations to feel like a kid.

I like to eat too. San Carlos has a lot of good restaurants and a lot more to choose from than Belmont. Could it be that other people enjoy eating as much as I do and are willing to pay dearly for it? Though-last time I ate in a San Carlos restaurant I don’t remember them asking for my residency card when they offered me a table.

What could it be that draws people to San Carlos over Belmont? They do have a lot of nice flags-you know-the ones with flowers and a lot of colors that they fly everyday-as if to show the world that their town is more colorful than others.

It could be the streets. The streets in San Carlos are much more laid out like a grid pattern-straight and predictable. Belmont’s streets are just the opposite-unpredictable and like a small mountain town ought to be. Maybe that’s why there’s less crime? Everyone knows criminals aren’t that smart or they wouldn’t be doing what they do for a living. Maybe they just get lost going to Belmont.

It makes my wonder where they’d all live if there weren’t city boundaries? But which name would we use-Belmont or San Carlos? I guess San Carlos since it’s got a Spanish name like most people think bay area towns ought to have.

Whatever the reason I like our little town-as unpredictable as it is.

You can read more about our little town here in our blog BeautifulMountainBlog.org

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and includes no legal, accounting or real estate advice nor is this response in tended to be specific to your situation-consult a specialist for your specific situation.

Chamber Events Update 10/18/2007

Sundays @8:30AM – 1:00PM ~ Farmers Market – Booth space available.

NOW YEAR ROUND!!!

If you would like to promote your company – come and share the Chambers booth.  This is a free service to members of Belmont Chamber.  Call the office at 650-595-8696 or Email us at execdirector@belmontchamber.org with dates and times that you would like to reserve part of the booth.  This is a GREAT way to reach the community.

Monday, October 1st – Monday, November 5th ~ Dolly’s Hal-O-Ween pet photo contest

Location:  Dolly’s Treasures

Enter up to 2, 5×7 or smaller, photos of your pet (costumes optional).  You may bring your photo(s) to Dolly’s Treasures in the Carlmont Village Shopping Center, Belmont. or e-mail to dollydawg@sbcglobal.net  The photos will be posted at our store and customers will be able to vote for their favorites– Nov 6th through Nov 17th.  The photos receiving the most votes will be eligible to win one of 3 pet gift baskets from dolly’s Treasures. Value up to $50.00.

September 10th – November 3rd @ 2:00 PM & 3:00PM ~ National Weight Loss Contest

Location:  Healthy Inspirations – 390 El Camino Real #H

Healthy Inspirations is having a National Weight Loss Contest called, "Get Inspired to lose it". The contest starts September 10th & ends November 3rd, just in time for the holidays. It is an 8 week fun program open to all women, including Teens. Everyone participating will receive a T-shirt & pedometer. There will be big cash awards!!  So hurry into Healthy Inspirations to register for the contest. Located at 390 El Camino Real, #H, Belmont. Call 650-595-5239 for additional information.

Monday, October 15th @ 12PM~ Rotary Meeting

Location:  The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"

The Belmont Rotary meets every Monday at The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"!

Tuesday, October 16th @ 8:00AM ~ Lions Meeting

Location:  IHOP on El Camino Real in Belmont

The newly constituted Belmont Lions Club meets on the First and Third Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at the Belmont IHOP.  New members are most welcome. 

Tuesday, October 16th @ 7:00PM ~ Planning Commission Meeting

Location:  City Council Chambers – One Twin Pines Lane

The City of Belmont Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Belmont Council Chambers One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA.  Planning Commission meetings broadcast live on Channel 27 – Also available on the Internet at: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/belmont_webcast/index.html

Thursday, October 18th @ 4:30-6:30 PM ~ Fall Harvest Mixer

Location: Half Moon Bay Lodge

Please email your RSVP to stephanie@smccvb.com or print out this form and fax to

650-348-7687 by 10/15.

Saturday, October 20th @ 8 to 11 pm ~ Jazz Under the Stars at CSM
Location: CSM Building 36, Fourth Floor Observatory
Free and open to public
Contact: 650.378.7241 or collegeofsanmateo.edu/astronomy
This is a monthly star party near the first quarter moon and is held weather permitting. Through telescopes, see lunar mountains & craters, Jupiter, galaxies and more–all while listening to the sound of KCSM Jazz 91.1 FM. Free parking in lots 7 & 8 (collegeofsanmateo.edu/map). This event is co-sponsored by CSM and the San Mateo County Astronomical Society.

Saturday, October 20th @ 2PM  ~ Book Signing  

Location: Dolly’s Treasures

Dogs of all kinds, along with with their families, are invited to a unique, book signing event at Dolly’s Treasures, in the Carlmont Village Shopping Center.

Authors Shelley Frost and Katerina Lorenzatos Makris will be on hand to sign copies of their new book, YOUR ADOPTED DOG: Everything You Need to Know About Rescuing & Caring for a Best Friend in Need. Included in the book is the story of Dolly’s Rescue. adoption and her rise to becoming the proprietress of her own pet boutique. The authors are inviting

anyone who has adopted or rescued a dog to give a two-mitue videotaped "testimonial" the story of their own pet.

Monday, October 22nd @ 12PM~ Rotary Meeting

Location:  The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"

The Belmont Rotary meets every Monday at The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"! 

Monday, October 22, 2007 ~ Last Day to register to vote in November 6th election.   See Link for registering – http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

Tuesday October, 23rd @ 7:30PM ~ City Council Meeting

Location:  City Council Chambers – One Twin Pines Lane

City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, One Twin Pines Lane in Belmont. Council meetings are broadcast live on Cable Channel 27 in Belmont.  If you would like to contact the City Council collectively, please use the following link:  CityCouncil@belmont.gov – Please be advised: Our Mail Server does not accept files over 2 megabytes. Planning Commission meetings broadcast live on Channel 27 – Also available on the Internet at: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/belmont_webcast/index.html

Thursday, October, 25th @ 6:30PM ~ Water District Board Meeting

Location:  3 Dairy Lane

The Mid-Peninsula Water District Board of Directors holds their regular monthly meetings on the 4th Thursday of every month.  Meetings are held at the District office located at 3 Dairy Lane, Belmont.  Meetings start at 6:30pm and the public is invited at attend.  Change of meeting dates due to the holidays:  November’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 and December’s meeting will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2007.

Thursday, October 25th @ 5PM – 7:30PM ~ Mixer

Location:  Belmont Advanced Chiropractic – 1601 El Camino Real, Suit 301

Come and see a fellow members operation and promote yourself and your business with other people who are part of the Chamber.  Come and celebrate out 5th anniversary in Belmont!

Friday, October 26th @ 8PM, Sunday, October 28 @ 7 PM ~ Follies In Concert

Location: Ralston Hall Mansion Ballroom

Book by James Goldman, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Produced originally on Broadway by Harold Prince.  By special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh.

A benefit on behalf of summer Music Theater Conservatory scholarships.

Musical Direction By William Liberatore

Directed By Marc Jacobs

Choreography By Dottie Lester White

Admission $42

Saturday, October 27th @ 10AM-5PM ~ Master Classes & Sondheim Seminar

Location: TBA

"Performing Songs Of The American Musical"

Master Class: Meg Mackay, 10 AM-noon

Master Class Marc Jacobs, 1-3 PM

"Sondheim And The American Musical"

Master Class: 3-5 PM  $30 each/participants, $15 each/auditors. Seminar $15

650-508-3429 or fcamus@ndnu.edu to register

Saturday, October 27th and 28th @ 12PM – 4PM ~ Bargain Book Sale

Location:  Book Nook, #7, Twin Pines Lane, Belmont

Sponsored by the Friends of the Belmont Library.  Information; 650-593-5650

Monday, October 29th @ 12PM~ Rotary Meeting

Location:  The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"

The Belmont Rotary meets every Monday at The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"! 

Oct 1 to Nov 5th.   

Tuesday, October 30th @ 8:00AM ~ Lions Meeting

Location:  IHOP on El Camino Real in Belmont

The newly constituted Belmont Lions Club meets on the First and Third Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at the Belmont IHOP.  New members are most welcome. 

Wednesday, October 31st, 2007 ~ CSM Fall Health Fair
Location: CSM Building 5
Free and open to public
Contact: 650.574.6396
This event will features more than 30 health services-related booths (for example, blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing, massage, podiatry, yoga & fitness, acupressure and pandemic flu preparedness). A

blood drive will also be held. Flu shots will be administered. Other highlights include free food and prizes.

Saturday, November 3rd @ 7:30 PM ~ Concerto Competition

Location: Taube Conference Center

Student performers compete for solo performances with the Redwood Symphony’s 2008 season.  Awards in Vocal and Instrumental categories.

Admission $5 general

Monday, November 5th @ 12PM~ Rotary Meeting

Location:  The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"

The Belmont Rotary meets every Monday at The Van’s Restaurant "on the hill"!

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 ~ General Municipal Election

Location:  City of Belmont

The City of Belmont will hold a General Municipal Election on November 6th.  More details to follow.

Tuesday, November 6th @ 8:00AM ~ Lions Meeting

Location:  IHOP on El Camino Real in Belmont

The newly constituted Belmont Lions Club meets on the First and Third Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at the Belmont IHOP.  New members are most welcome. 

Wednesday, November 6th @ 7:00PM ~ Park & Recreation Commission Meeting

Location:  City Council Chambers – One Twin Pines Lane

Meetings are held in City Hall Council Chambers – One Twin Pines Lane in Belmont; on the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM

Tuesday, November 6th @ 7:00PM ~ Planning Commission Meeting

Location:  City Council Chambers – One Twin Pines Lane

The City of Belmont Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Belmont Council Chambers One Twin Pines Lane, Belmont, CA.  Planning Commission meetings broadcast live on Channel 27 – Also available on the Internet at: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/belmont_webcast/index.html

Saturday, November 10th, and Sunday, Nov. 11th @ Library Hours ~ Second Annual Fobl Book Store Sale

Location:  Belmont Library, Taube Room

Many books at 50%, some at 20%, with Special books at 20% off for Friends’ members.

Sunday, November 11th @ 3PM ~ The Three Sopranos

Location: Ralston Hall Mansion Ballroom

An ireverent approach to operas greatest hits and musical theater classics: presented by Marcelle Dronkers, "Cackle-atura Soprano," Aurora Bardes, "Drama Queen," Debra Lambert, "Messy-Soprano."

Admission $20/$10 Seniors and Students

Thursday, October, 25th @ 6:30PM ~ Water District Board Meeting

Location:  3 Dairy Lane

The Mid-Peninsula Water District Board of Directors holds their regular monthly meetings on the 4th Thursday of every month.  Meetings are held at the District office located at 3 Dairy Lane, Belmont.  Meetings start at 6:30pm and the public is invited at attend.  Change of meeting dates due to the holidays:  November’s meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 and December’s meeting will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2007.

Tuesday, November 13th @ 7:30PM ~ City Council Meeting

Location:  City Council Chambers – One Twin Pines Lane

City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, One Twin Pines Lane in Belmont. Council meetings are broadcast live on Cable Channel 27 in Belmont.  If you would like to contact the City Council collectively, please use the following link:  CityCouncil@belmont.gov – Please be advised: Our Mail Server does not accept files over 2 megabytes. Planning Commission meetings broadcast live on Channel 27 – Also available on the Internet at: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/belmont_webcast/index.html

Friday, November 16th @ 8 am ~ CSM Jazz fest (All Day)
Location: CSM Theatre
Contact: 650.574.6163
More details are forthcoming.

Saturday, Nov. 17th & 18th @ 10-4 PM ~ Book Nook Holiday Sale

Location: Book Nook

Open during the Holiday Craft Faire

in Twin Pines Park.

Saturday, November 17, 8 to 11 pm ~ Jazz Under the Stars at CSM
Location:CSM Building 36, Fourth Floor Observatory
Free and open to public
Contact: 650.378.7241 or collegeofsanmateo.edu/astronomy
This is a monthly star party near the first quarter moon and is held weather permitting. Through telescopes, see lunar mountains & craters, Jupiter, galaxies and more–all while listening to the sound of KCSM Jazz 91.1 FM. Free parking in lots 7 & 8 (collegeofsanmateo.edu/map). This event is co-sponsored by CSM and the San Mateo County Astronomical Society.

Saturday & Sunday, November 17 & 18, 2007 @ 10AM until 4PM ~ Holiday Craft Faire

Location:  Twin Pines Senior & Community Center

Come and get ready for the Holidays; buy items to give and decorate your home.  For more information call 650-595-7444

Sunday, November 18, 2007 @ 1PM – 4 PM ~ Home for the Holidays

Location: Ralston Hall Mansion, Notre Dame de Namur University, 1500 Ralston Ave.

Join us for a festive afternoon including a light luncheon and deserts, spirits of the season, boutique marketplace, informal modeling of special occasion fashions, designer holiday decorations and lively entertainment.  Adults $30 before November 9th and $40 after November 9th.  Ages 11-17  $20.  Please call 650-508-3501 for tickets.  Information 650-508-3645.

Monday, November 26th, 2007 in the evening ~ Light of Belmont Christmas tree

Location:  Carlmont Shopping Center

The Christmas tree at the Carlmont Village Shopping Center will have its annual lighting of Belmont’s Christmas tree.  More details to follow – mark your calendar.

Friday, November 30th, 2007 @ 6PM-11:30PM ~ The 10th Holiday Gala "All that Glitters"

Location:  Oracle Conference Center

Annual Fundraising Gala – This event is to raise money for the Arts & Education Foundation to let the community have a grant source for arts and education.  An evening of entertainment, raffle items, dance and CHEER!!!

Wednesday, December 5th, 2007 @ 6:30 PM ~ Tree Lighting Ceremony

Location:  Civic Center, 1 Twin Pines Lane

We’re finalizing the adult choir and there will be refreshments!

Friday, December 7th, 2007 and Saturday and December 8th, 2007 @ 7:30 PM ~ Christmas Double Bill

Location: Cunningham Memorial Chapel

Amahil and the Night Visitors

Menotti’s famous Christmas opera, conducted by Henry Mollicone, directed by Greg Fritsch, performed by the NDNU/Pocket Opera Studio.

NDNU Concert Choir

The new choir makes its debut, performing music of the season, under the direction of Michael Najar.

Admission $20/$10 Seniors and Students

Saturday, December 8th, 2007 @10AM until Noon ~ Breakfast with Santa

Location:  Twin Pines Senior & Community Center

Come and have Breakfast with Santa Claus.  For more information call 650-595-7444

Saturday, December 8th @ 1PM – 4PM ~ Santa Paws

Location: Dolly’s Treasures, in the Carlmont Village Shopping Center

Bring your pet for a photo opportunity with Santa.  This event is to benefit

animal rescue organizations in the Bay Area.  Donations of $20 or more will receive 2 4×6"

prints of your pet (and or you) with Santa, plus a CD of all the original pictures taken of your pet during the photo shoot.

Tuesday, December 11th @ 7:30PM ~ Broadway Studio Showcase

Location: NDNU Theater

Directed by Marc Jackobs

Music Direction by William Liberatore

Choreography by Dottie Lester White

Songs, scenes and dances performed by the Fall 2007 Musical Theater Workshop

Admission $5

Tuesday, November 13th 

@ 6:30PM ~ Water District Board Meeting

Location:  3 Dairy Lane

The Mid-Peninsula Water District Board of Directors holds their regular monthly meetings on the 4th Thursday of every month.  Meetings are held at the District office located at 3 Dairy Lane, Belmont.  Meetings start at 6:30pm and the public is invited at attend.  Change of meeting dates due to the holidays: December’s meeting will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2007.

Park and Recreation now has online registration; http://activenet4.active.com/belmontparksandrecreation/.  If you have an Activity, Camp, Class or Swimming that you would like to sign up for, just click on the http above.  You can sign-up 24/7. 

Bay Area Real Estate Market Update-September 24, 2007

Drew & Christine Morgan Morganhomes.com

Visit our Real Estate Blog on Active Rain real estate network.

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and includes no legal, accounting or real estate advice nor is this response in tended to be specific to your situation-consult a specialist for your specific situation.

Many of the real estate stories you may be hearing are dealing with national or statewide issues and do not reflect our local market. That doesn’t mean that the overall housing picture doesn’t affect our market—it does. The perception of a declining market is all it takes to create one. As optimistic as homeowners are about the value of their homes, we believe that somewhere in the back of their minds there’s a nagging uncertainty of future valuation and a realization that at some point the run up in real estate values will come to an end. And of course it will. The question remains is this it? Are we there now?

In the Bay Area, conditions are not the same as many parts of the country where cities are reporting a rapid decline in home values. These are some of the factors which may enable the Bay Area to weather the current real estate storm better than other parts of the county:

  • The Bay Area is currently adding high paying jobs to the workforce,”… Jobs in the San Jose area increased 1.6 percent during the year.”—increasing the demand for housing with high paying jobs that can support the Bay Area home prices. Though the overall employment picture is not as rosy as construction and other jobs related to the housing industry are waning.
  • The Bay Area rental market is tapped out at near 100% occupancy rates adding to the pressure to buy a home.
  • New construction is limited due to land constraints and fewer new homes starts as developer try and keep inventories low to buoy prices. This is keeping the supply of homes (inventory) at reasonable levels.
  • The last major downturn in real estate for the Bay Area was in 1990-1994 “…The country’s last recession begin in July 1990 and lasted until March 1991. But NBER did not officially declare the downturn over until December 1992.” The actual decline in real estate values lasted about three years and then remained flat for another several years depending on what city you lived in). The difference between the last major decline in home values and the precipice we are on now is that we are not in a recession as we were in 1990.  Absent the need for homeowners to sell due to a job loss or relocation, sellers may choose to wait out the market. This would continue to keep inventory levels from skyrocketing as they did in 1990. Less motivated sellers equates to fewer “fire sales”, helping keep values from plummeting.

This isn’t to say we aren’t in for a bumpy ride. The issues facing the sub-prime lending have led to increasing mortgage defaults around the country and have even the most enthusiastic real estate investors on edge. The Bay Area real estate market weathered the recession of 2001 fairly well and may do so again but any protracted or significant recession will have a huge impact on the Bay Area housing market due to the current low affordability index.

The optimism and expectations for Bay Area real estate are very high—too high to be sustainable. A pull-back will happen. When it will happen and how deep it will go is yet to be seen.

What should you do?

First time buyers who can afford a home, feel their jobs are secure and are not planning a move in the next several years should seriously consider buying a home while there’s more to choose from and less completion. Chances are you’ll get a better deal than what the median prices reflect. In the early 1990’s the buyers who purchased a home despite flat (or declining) appreciation levels were in the best position when the market rebounded as pent-up demand for housing meant multiple offers and a rapid increase in home values (*the recession had been over for nearly two years before the Bay Area housing market had a significant rebound).

Trade-up sellers: This group really has nothing to lose by trading up in this market. Falling values means a more expensive trade-up home is less in real dollars. More inventory means more to choose from and seller’s are even considering a contingency on the sale of your residence—something we have not seen in years.

Disclaimer: This information is for entertainment purposes only and includes no legal, accounting or real estate advice nor is this response in tended to be specific to your situation-consult a specialist for your specific situation.

Belmont’s Candidates Speak out…

Belmont’s Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a meet the candidates night Thursday, October 4th at the library from 7:00-9:00. This is a great opportunity to meet the new candidates before the November 6th election. There are some excellent candidates challenging the sitting council and you owe it to yourself to hear what they have to say.This should be an exciting race!

Candidateforum COME – HEAR – ASK

The candidates will be at the Belmont Library October 4th 7PM-9PM.

The Belmont Chamber is hosting this opportunity for you.

Come meet the candidates

Hear what the candidates are about and what they want for Belmont

Ask the candidates what their view is

This is a wonderful opportunity for you to get your answers.

Belmont Library ~ 1110 Alameda de Las Pulgas ~ October 4th ~ 7PM