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Memorial BBQ--need help

Tue, 13 May 2008 23:40:13 PDT

I'm hosting my first ever Memorial Day barbecue... does anyone have thoughts on a great sauce recipe to go with (you're going to kill me here with all these items): Tri-tip, hamburgers and pork loin. Help!

Now is the Time to Buy

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:50:16 PDT

�Now is the time to Buy!� I�m sure you have heard this from many a real estate agent. But what are they really saying? The ones who are in the �now�, who are actively working the market, a professional in their profession, will explain the time is now for several reasons. I like to think of it as a combination of events and cycles.

The big picture real estate cycles have historically shown us late spring - early summer has the most and best inventory of homes. This is due in most part to the school cycle and the subconscious feeling of spring, growth and expansion with good weather. Many agents see most of their business conducted during these three months, May, June and July. Traditionally, the interest rate cycle shows us that interest rates are higher in June and lowest in December. This is an obvious result of the home buyer cycle. Consequently the bargain buyers are out in force during the fourth quarter market.

Sellers are generally 6 months behind in their thinking or processing of market data. Look at what happened 6 months ago� Subprime crash, financing restrictions, media reports on foreclosures, etc. Now, those that over priced have felt the pain of the last 6 months and are reducing to reality. People talk, they spread the word, The Buzz. There are some good deals out there but more importantly there are some good homes realistically priced.

Now is the time to work with an experienced agent/broker. Nothing replaces real experience. A good Buyer�s Agent will know how to properly represent a buyer in this market and be able to negotiate on many levels. During these markets are when deferred maintenance items like; section 1 pest inspection report items, roofs, heaters, failed windows, carpet, pool resurfacing, etc. can be negotiated to a highly successful degree. A few years ago everything was �AS-IS�, take it or leave it. Sellers had developed a mind set of passing off deferred maintenance items to the buyers, they weren�t responsible for anything.

Don�t get me wrong, the A+ properties, well maintained, priced right and in good locations (location, location, location) are selling well and I am seeing some multiple bids. Not as frenzied as before but without the right agent representation and advice, one could still lose the home they want. It is time for Buyers to be �Proactive�. If you are serious about buying property, ask your agent or broker for a Buyer Broker Agreement. This will elicit the experienced agent/broker to work for you. This will show the agent that you are serious and committed to them. Almost every agent and broker I know will go the extra mile for the client who is committed to working only with them.

The buyer who thinks it is wise to have several agents looking for the �deal� has another thing coming. Agents talk with many people who say, �I�m looking for the deal. Call me if you see anything.� Reality Check� The Buyer who is committed to their agent or broker (with a Buyer Broker Agreement) will get the First call of any deal or hot property they see. Who would you rather be? The one who gets the call from and experienced agent who will then be able to negotiate from experience for you to a smooth close of escrow or some random call from a desperate agent who doesn�t have committed clients?

Now is the time to buy. We often see foreign investors at open houses looking for Holiday Homes here in America. We are in a global economy and even people from half way around the world are coming here to buy. They are sophisticated buyers who predominately pay �all cash�. What do they see in our backyard that we don�t?

Now is also the time for Sellers to be working with good experienced agents and brokers. Gone are the days of passing off deferred maintenance and of short term real estate speculation. It is so important in this market (Real Estate 101) to have a good experienced agent working for you, not only in marketing but seeing the sale through to close. The art of negotiating is in full swing. A good agent will be able to advise you on proper preparation of the property in real estate terms of today�s market, not yesterdays.

Sellers should ask any prospective listing agent what their SP/LP average is (Sales Price versus List Price). This will show the agent�s commitment to knowing their markets. Be aware of the agent who is �Buying the Listing� by telling a seller �what they want to hear� and over pricing the property. They might claim not to know what their SP/LP is (usually because it is low). An experienced agent will advise to get reports in advance, stage the home and set the price based off current competition and market conditions. After all, the goal here is to sell the property for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.

FAR the Agenda again, 10 Foss Again

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:20:39 PDT

On the Town Council Agenda tonight is the FAR Ordinance designed to limit the size of the McMansions springing up in our town to 45% of the lots size. Your support is important, at the last meeting 13 people spoke in favor, one asked it be put on the ballot and Jeff Kroot local designer of McMansions spoke against the measure, it's vote was put off so that a committee could once again try to find tune this ordinance- I believe I live in San Anselmo 94960 where 13 to one should put this ordinance to the vote not KROOTVILLE 94960 where it is delayed until every neighborhood has a Monster home that blocks views. As a bonus to tonights agenda we will get to see Mr.Kroot and his clients from 10 Foss road try to convince the Council to allow their McMansion, they are getting another bite at the development apple because they are sueing the City for rejecting their 3900 plus project. Allowing development to avoid a suit is wrong it will only encourage more. Help keep San Anselmo Quaint show up tonight and be heard on both issues.

Education crisis

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:12:19 PDT

That's a near perfect article on the education crisis the county is facing. Thank you Sun. But I want to know what the parents--yeah that's right parents--are doing about it? I'm a parent of a 4 year old about to enter the public school system and I don't know one parent whose got a clue about what they need to do to persuade Sacramento to reinstitute the gas tax for the sake of the state's kids. Schwarzenegger is a coward for putting his so-called "pledge" about the gas tax above our kids. So, him saving face comes before books. Nice one.

Wavy Gravy's Woodstock book for kids?

Mon, 12 May 2008 14:03:56 PDT

I just read this week's Q&A with Wavy Gravy. I applaud Gravy's work with the Winnarainbow camp and the Seva foundation, but his idea to write a children's book about Woodstock is appauling. Either he's going to have to rewrite history and fabricate a story about Woodstock, or he's going to have to tell his grandkids about three days of filth, fornication and drug-induced drop outs. I'm currently writing a children's book based on "There Will Be Blood"; maybe Wavy can get that published for me, as well.

County Should Can Bottled Water

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:47:21 PDT

Bottled water is being delivered to most county offices in the Marin Civic Center! And the delivery man tells me he delivers to more than 200 county and city offices in Marin, 50 in the Civic Center alone. I must question the sustainability and conservation nature and logic of this practice! I am quite concerned about what the message the county is sending by maintaining this policy.

You will agree that it is important that the county set the right example. Can't water filters be installed in City and County offices? In the U.S., the bottled-water industry is unregulated�and bottled water is still perceived as safer than tap water. MMWD is drinkable and, filtered, it is excellent! There are huge economic and environmental costs associated with bottled water.

For this reason, the city of San Francisco has banned bottled water as of earlier this year and has installed hundreds of water filters in municipal buildings�saving a half-million dollars each year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other municipalities such as Paris, New York, St. Louis and Salt Lake City are developing similar initiatives. Many fine restaurants such as Chez Panisse and Greens have also ended the use of bottled water.

How much is the county currently paying for bottled water and what is the ecological and carbon footprint of that? Can't we take the initiative to end this wasteful practice? Surely the installation of water filters in government offices would be better for the environment, the county budget and the sustainability ethic.

Talking Pictures: All the 'Young' punks

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:59:58 PDT

Writer David Templeton takes interesting people to interesting movies in his ongoing quest for the ultimate post-film conversation. This is not a review; rather, it's a freewheeling, tangential discussion of life, alternative ideas and popular culture.

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/story.php?story_id=1957 posted Friday, May 9, 2008, 12:00 AM

A Look at Our Transportation Future

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:08:46 PDT

As the price of petroleum reaches stratospheric levels, and the rush to ethanol threatens to push the cost of food even higher, whatever are we to do as the fuel tank empties? The answer is truly simple. We just won't be able to each have our own little chariot to tootle around in wherever or whenever we wish. And that goes even more so for big chariots, the SUVs and Tundras or more. Consider the last turn-of-a-century. The horseless carriage was hardly credible, and very few had access to the nearest alternative: a horse-and-buggy. You walked, or you found streetcars to ride, or you got yourself another new-fangled notion...a bicycle. Which all might prove to be the future, too, in this new century. And, when you think about it, that might not be so bad.

Public Meeting on May 14th on Non-Chemical Weed Control Tools for New Vegetation Management Plan

Fri, 09 May 2008 13:06:26 PDT

On Wednesday, May 14, the Marin Municipal Water District is holding the second of four public meetings in 2008 to solicit public input on the development of the District��s vegetation management plan. The plan lays out how MMWD manages the vegetation on the 21,000-plus acres of undeveloped land under the district��s control. The new plan will replace a plan adopted by MMWD in 1994 and implemented by the district over the last decade plus.

MMWD��s overarching goals are to ensure a high quality water supply for District customers, to reduce the risk of wildfire in Marin, to promote biodiversity and to control the spread of non-native plants. MMWD��s watershed staff estimates that non-native, invasive plants, or weeds, are spreading at a rate of 30-60 acres per year on Mt. Tamalpais. The increase in weed infestation increases the threat posed by wildfire and threatens the viability of native plants, many of which are rare and endangered, as well as sensitive plant communities.

The Mt. Tamalpais Watershed, in particular, is renowned for its rich diversity of flora.Both chemical and non-chemical means of weed control are being considered in the development of the new vegetation management plan.
The May 14 meeting will be held in the Student Center at SIr Francis Drake High School, 1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo 7-9:30 pm. The meeting will cover:
�X The role of weed control in promoting biodiversity and reducing wildfire risk on watershed lands;
�X The non-chemical weed control tools under consideration;
�X Public input on the non-chemical weed control tools under consideration;
�X The process and criteria for selecting weed control tools.
Other public meetings on the vegetation management plan are scheduled as follows:
�X June 12, Herbicides and Risk Management, Sir Francis Drake High School, 7-9:30 pm;November 12: Implementation Alternatives (time and location to be announced).
Environmental planning consultant Leonard Charles and Associates is developing the new plan for MMWD. A draft plan is scheduled to be presented to the MMWD Board of Directors this fall.
More information on the May 14 meeting is available at www.marinwater.org or by calling 415-945-1192.

Behind the Sun: The birth of a nascent

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:03:02 PDT

35 years ago

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/story.php?story_id=1785 posted Friday, March 14, 2008, 12:00 AM

Miller Ave Streetscape Task Force Meeting

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:20:36 PDT

Plans for a strategy to guide the evolution of Miller Avenue are back on track after a six-month break to study parking, traffic and local serving business issues. At a special meeting of the City Council on March 3, 2008, the Council approved a new two-phased planning approach for Miller Avenue. Phase I, starting in May 2008, focuses on streetscape and roadway improvements. Phase II, starting in winter 2009, focuses on housing, land-use, and design guidelines in association with the Housing Element update for Mill Valley�s general plan.

In keeping with our themes of strategic partnerships and tapping local talent, the planning work for Miller will be guided by staff and resident task forces in each phase.

Please join us for a task force meeting on Wednesday, May 21st to discuss streetscape and roadway improvements for Miller Avenue. The meeting will take place from 7:00-9:00 PM in the Mountain Veiw Room at the Community Center, located at 180 Camino Alto.

More non-profits!

Wed, 07 May 2008 23:39:02 PDT

Thanks so much for your Rising Suns issue on the unknown/changing nonprofits. It's not easy to give coverage to a lot of nonprofits because not much changes, news-wise, about respective agencies. This was an inspired way to highlight a bunch of them and give them the exposure they so desperately need and deserve. Kudos.

New farmers markets in Tam Valley and Sausalito

Tue, 06 May 2008 18:49:49 PDT

The Golden Gate Farmers Market Association has announced new farmers markets at :205 Tennessee Valey Dr. , Tuesday , June 10 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm, and in downtown Sausalito on Fridays from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.
Good news for local people who like to support our local farmers, we love to keep our food dollars at home. It is also good to support producers that do not ship food from far away on trains and trucks that burn diesel fuel.

Juicery Is The Spot for Tea

Tue, 06 May 2008 09:48:23 PDT

Lady Nancy Astor to Sir Winston Churchill: "Winston, if you were my husband, I'd poison your tea." Churchill: "Nancy, if I were your husband, I'd drink it."

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/story.php?story_id=1882 posted Friday, April 11, 2008, 12:00 AM

San Anselmo's Red Hill Park paid with school tax dollars

Mon, 05 May 2008 17:30:07 PDT

San Anselmo's Red Hill Park may be paid with school tax dollars.

This may cause the Tamalpais School District choose not to use Measure A "Let's Finish the Job" tax dollars to complete the multi-use sport court and the turf DogPark that has been planned for since 1999, recently under the direction of the Red Hill Community Park Joint Powers Authority- S.A. Councilman Peter Breen and Councilwoman Barbara Thornton.

Meeting May 6 and May 22 to discuss the future of the San Anselmo community recreational opportunities under the funding thumb of Trustee John Wright.

Are other collected funding from Hal Brown, Marin Community Foundation, etc (est. $600,000)available to build the multi-use court and fence and seed the DogPark?

llm

Rising Suns: A jury of their peers

Mon, 05 May 2008 11:53:22 PDT

"We're in the business of turning lemons into lemonade," says Don Carney, executive director of the Marin YMCA Youth Court. The "lemons" he's talking about are young Marinites who've found themselves on the wrong side of the law. The "lemonade" is a realization of their potential, and getting them back on the right track.

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/story.php?story_id=1936 posted Friday, May 2, 2008, 12:00 AM

Rising Suns: Songs in the key of life

Sun, 04 May 2008 20:19:37 PDT

There is something universal about music. Simple yet complex, primal yet transcendent, it speaks to the human condition like few other artistic mediums. So, even if the idea takes a little getting used to, it should come as no surprise that a choir that sings at the side of the ill, the dying, the newborn and the incarcerated would have broad, lasting appeal.

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/story.php?story_id=1941 posted Friday, May 2, 2008, 12:00 AM

What Marin wants

Sat, 03 May 2008 13:29:01 PDT

A list of Marin County's top priorities include intitiatives to support greenhouse gas-reduction and emergency preparedness, among other issues.

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/news/show_story.php?id=376 posted Friday, May 2, 2008, 12:37 PM

Realtors Should Continue to Fight Spray

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:38:40 PDT

I am definitely arranging plans for my family to move out of Marin and the Bay Area if spraying commences Aug. 1. I believe strongly that Marin Association of Realtors and all Realtors in the Bay Area should stand up and fight against this toxic spray in whatever ways possible. I pray that our efforts can be combined to stop this disaster from occurring.

Marin Shakespeare serves up mystery dinner benefit

Thu, 01 May 2008 11:42:23 PDT

Shakespearean �who done it?� for dinner

Marin Shakespeare Company presents
�Shakespearean Idol" Murder Mystery Dinner

A send up of �American Idol� combined with a murder mystery. Follow clues to identify the murderer at this fun, interactive murder mystery dinner event benefiting the Marin Shakespeare Company.

Cast includes Marin Shakespeare Company Artistic Director Robert Currier as Inspector Clueless and Marin Independent Journal columnist and reporter Leslie Harlib, Joel Sklar and Bill Dewey as the "Shakespearean Idol" contestants.

The event includes a �killer� auction, prizes awarded to best sleuths and wine donated by Barefoot Cellars. Vegetarian meals are available upon request.

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday May 17, 2008

LOCATION: The Club at McInnis Park Restaurant
350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael

TICKETS: $100.00 per person including dinner

PHONE: 415-499-4485

WEB SITE: www.marinshakespeare.org

Marin Shakespeare Company is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization

Live Reggae this Saturday 5/3 @ 19 Broadway, Fairfax: Soul Majestic and Luv Fyah

Thu, 01 May 2008 10:36:21 PDT

Come enjoy live positive irie reggae music this Saturday at 19 Broadway. Soul Majestic, 7 piece band from Santa Cruz, Luv Fyah (East Bay) and DJ Adam 12 will be there.
Check the myspaces:

<http://www.myspace.com/soulmajestic>
<http://www.myspace.com/luvfyah>
<http://www.19broadway.com/>

Realtors to disclose spraying

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:45:39 PDT

The Marin Association of Realtors decided to officially notify potential homeowners of the state's plans to aerial spray a pesticide for the brown apple moth this summer.

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/news/show_story.php?id=370 posted Thursday, April 24, 2008, 3:28 PM

Pre-Wild Oats? Help.

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:19:53 PDT

Am I crazy or was the store that was Wild Oats a similar store with a different name before WO moved in? What was the store called pre-Wild Oats? This is driving me crazy.

Media Used for Propaganda

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:49:42 PDT

It's been five years.

Read the full story here http://www.pacificsun.com/story.php?story_id=1875 posted Friday, April 11, 2008, 12:00 AM

Marin Men Could be Better Dressed

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:27:14 PDT

OK gents, the warm weather is upon us again and this is your opportunity to do it up right. When deciding what to wear in the morning, please leave those shorts, T-shirts, sneaks and baseball caps behind and pick out some nice grown-up khakis, an attractive pressed shirt to pair up with a comfy, soft pair of real shoes. It's time to face facts; the former duds are only meant for little or, at most, adolescent boys�and definitely not for grown men. Rather than being just comfortable, this summer why not grow up and make yourselves presentable, even dignified-looking. I predict that were dressing to once again become a conscious act on your part, courtesy, manners and gentility would have room to flourish.