January 31st, 2015 at 10:00 am
Alfredo Garcia, recently promoted to manager of our Chula Vista Eastlake Village office, likes the diversity of his new position. Born in Mexico City, he is fluent in Spanish and English, as are many of his 66 agents.
“The Chula Vista office serves a true blend of ethnicities, which is an advantage being so close to the Mexican border,” Garcia said. “Our agents speak the languages of several South American countries, such as Argentina. Some speak Vietnamese and Filipino. One woman speaks five languages. It’s a wonderful mix.
“I like to help build confidence in all of my agents so they can build trust and satisfaction with their clients. We give them the best tools and resources to succeed. New agents are very impressed because of all the tools they receive as part of their training. I like seeing their big smile when they open their first escrow. Their success is my success.”
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January 30th, 2015 at 9:00 am
With its rugged terrain and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Ventura County is home to some of the most magnificently scenic vistas found not only in Southern California, but also anywhere in the world. It’s getting close to the time of the year where the hearts of young and old alike seek out special places where they can share special moments with those special people close to them. There are quite a few places throughout Ventura County where those moments can be most memorable. Here are a few of them:
January 30th, 2015 at 8:30 am
There may be no more romantic town on the Southern California coast than Santa Barbara. From the palm tree-lined beaches to the Spanish Colonial-style architecture to the colorful parks and gardens, romance seems to be in the air everywhere you go.
But beyond the beauty visible to visitors and residents alike are dozens of lesser-known spots ideal for stealing a kiss or just setting the mood for … whatever.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many sweethearts will be heading to Santa Barbara for a day or two of coastal closeness. If you’re among them, consider checking out these somewhat off-the-beaten-path places that are sure to stir, if nothing else, fond memories of the town some call the American Riviera.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse Clock Tower:
One of the most beautiful public buildings in America, this city treasure completed in 1929 is the embodiment of Spanish-Moorish architecture. Take the elevator to the third floor and walk up a few steps to the clock tower for a stunning 360-degree view of bright-tile adobes, the Santa Ynez Mountains, palm-fringed shoreline and the Channel Islands. It’s very private and secluded, and a great vantage point for spectacular photos. Free.
Information: www.santabarbaracourthouse.org/sbch/Welcome.html
Douglas Family Preserve:
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January 30th, 2015 at 8:00 am
Los Angeles may be known for its sprawling metroplex and glittering stars and celebrities, but something that often gets overlooked are the splendid and tragically underappreciated scenic vistas around the county. Not only do they highlight the unique beauty of Southern California, but they also provide a great place to share a special moment with a special someone.
Some of the most romantic vistas in Los Angeles include:
January 29th, 2015 at 4:00 pm
Energy conservation is on the forefront of many of our minds. Who wouldn’t want to save a few dollars on their utility bill when possible? When it comes to increasing your energy efficiency, the kitchen is a great place to start. Think of all those appliances and just how much energy they must be using. You can start by making a few small changes, or if you happen to be remodeling, it might be time for larger ones. Here is a list of changes you can start making today to increase your energy efficiency and save money.
When it comes to lighting, perhaps one of the most impactful things you can do is make sure you turn off kitchen lights when you’re not in the room. Too often we leave lights on when we don’t need to. Replace your standard light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. You can find these right alongside standard bulbs, typically labeled with an Energy Star.
Extra credit: Replace your light fixtures with energy-efficient features. (more…)
