Considering how low that mortgage interest rates have become for homeowners lately, there have been many have become respondent to these extreme rates.

Once the mortgage interest rates fell down to 5%, there was an influx in homeowners who refinanced. Maybe you remember shortly after when the interest rates dropped to 4.5% and there was even more of a demand to refinance. When the rates dropped all the way down to 4%, the increase in refinanced mortgages was even more substantial.

Current Interest Rates Lows

We have now come to a point where the rates have plunged once again. The median percentage is roughly 3.87% for a 30 year fixed-rate mortgage. Even if you have refinanced your home within the last year, making the decision to refinance now may not be such a bad idea.

According to an analysis conducted by FreddieMac.com, nearly 50% of homeowners who refinanced their home mortgage in the last quarter of 2011 have decreased the principal amount on their mortgage. Studies show that this increase in homeowners who’ve lowered the principal balance of their mortgage is the highest amount within the last 26 years. These homeowners lowered their interest rate percentage on average of 1.4% which is a drastic decrease when it comes to the total amount of a home loan.

Even if you have already refinanced the mortgage on your home loans, the reasons to do may still turn out to be advantages.

Pros & Cons of Refinancing Again

One of the advantages to refinancing your home is that in addition to lowering the interest rates on your mortgage, you’re also decreasing the principal balance on your home loan. Having the extra resources from refinancing your mortgage can help you to eliminate some of your existing debt elsewhere, add to your savings, or invest money back into the home. Utilizing the money you receive from refinancing your home mortgage can help you to improve your overall credit rating as well as making the process of getting a loan in the future that more easier.

Now that you know a bit about the benefits of refinancing here are some of the cons. When you decide to refinance your home loan, you are essentially putting yourself back into a 30 year loan. (Or your agreed term) If you are close to paying off your loan in its entirety, this may not seem like an attractive concept. Another downfall when it comes to refinancing is the paperwork and negotiation hassle of any other loan process. You will also be expected to cover all of the closing costs and other fees involved in refinancing. This will essentially reduce the amount of money you’ll be saving overall.

The Lower your Credit Score, the Higher your Interest Rates

It’s obvious that lending and banking firms won’t provide everyone interested in financing with these extremely low interest rates. Your credit score will directly affect your interest rates. If you plan on taking advantage of the 3.87% interest rate on your mortgage, you must have an exceptional credit score. If you want to position to save the most money on your mortgage and receive the lowest interest rates possible, evaluate and rectify all of your credit issues.

In order to better understand your financial situation, research refinance interest calculators to view your projected savings. Before making any rash decisions on whether you should refinance your home mortgage or not you should first research the current average rates, the pros and cons to refinancing, as well as rectify any credit issues.

It’s time to play ball! Petco Park opens this week with back to back Padres games and I couldn’t be more excited! Padre games are a traditional family event in our household and a fantastic way to spend quality time together. Whether you live in La Jolla or anywhere in San Diego County, it’s hard to beat a good game of baseball starring our hometown team. Beginning Wednesday, May 16th, the Padres will be playing against the other Southern California teams, the Dodgers and the Angels for five consecutive days. The games are sure to draw large, if not sell-out crowds, and be worth watching, so be sure to get your seats soon. We are so lucky that the venue, Petco Park is so close to our San Diego home!

Opening night of this series will be hosted on the 16th and then the games will continue with a ’70s night debut on the 18th, and Padres Rally Towel night on the 19th. The matinee game on Sunday, May 20th will begin at 1:05 p.m., and celebrates Kids’ Photo Day and is even themed Salute to the Military Child, making for a fun and inspiring family event. To find out more or get your tickets, please click here.

Loan giant Freddie Mac is reporting that loan workouts and loan modifications have declined by nearly 50% compared to the same time period in 2011. Loan workouts have dropped to around 14,000 in the first quarter of 2012, compared to nearly 35,000 in the first quarter of 2011. Many experts are saying that this may be an indication that the number of distressed properties on the market may be due for a big decline. The decline is attributed to a drop of seriously delinquent loans by more than 10% compared to last year. Fewer foreclosures for sale would possibly help home values increase and entice more home sellers to put their homes up for sale. Foreclosure related sales account for around 25% of the total market in residential sales in 2011.

Freddie Mac also reported a big increase of the number of loans staying current after 2 years from completing a modification to over 60%. A lot of the change is due to the implementation of the Standard Modification on January 1st, which was made mandatory to lenders by the federal government. The over projections indicate that more banks will be using creative work-out options for delinquent homeowners such as loan modifications, forbearance and even mortgage principle write downs. A new federal agreement with banks in February mandated that banks set aside $17 Billion for non-foreclosure option aimed at keeping people in their homes.

More and more home builders are building green according to a recent research report from SBI Energy. The total value of worldwide certified green construction reached $70 billion in 2010. The green construction industry, which focuses on recycled materials in the building process, is estimated to reach $150 billion by 2016. The market is expected to $294 billion in 2021 and employ millions of workers worldwide.

Green construction is no longer just for certain types of buildings. The improvement in recycled building materials in the last few years means that more builders are using materials that might have ended up in landfills in the past. Residential homes are now being built with recycled industrial and building materials instead of traditional lumber. Non-residential buildings represented the largest part of the industry in 2011, but residential homes represent the fastest growing segment of the industry. The role of green construction is expected to grow in energy efficient policy in the next few years. Experts estimate that the investment in the green construction industry could result in 2 million to 3.5 million new jobs in the United States.

The R.O.C. Race 5K is coming May 19th and 20th to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and if you are anywhere close or live in Del Mar, you will be shocked and amazed at this outrageous race.  R.O.C. is an acronym for Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge and this event truly lives up to its name! Combining a challenging, military-styled course of obstacles with elaborate, game-show inspired roadblocks and diversions produces an epic 5K 2 day race that has achieved worldwide recognition. From the Fury of Foam, Belly Flop Drop and Wrecking Ball to Tarzan Swing, you’ll be laughing and possibly crying if you register to participate in this one-of-a-kind event near your Del Mar home.

Registration for one of Saturday’s races has already sold out, but all times are still available for Sunday’s race. Races will occur at every hour from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday and 9 to 11 a.m. on Sunday. Seventy-five runners will “launch” into the course at two minute intervals, to keep the pace moving quickly. Registration is $70 or $75 per person and $265 or $285 for teams of four and all waivers must be signed prior to competing. Following the race, you can join the after party R.O.C Fest with live music and DJ’s, costume contests, great food and a unique vendor village. Click here to find out more.

Many areas of the U.S. are seeing continued inventories of foreclosures and REOs that are keeping local home prices down. In many markets, such as Phoenix, Las Vegas and Tampa, investors are out in droves looking a single family homes. Once shunned by the real estate investors, the record low home prices in some area represent an opportunity for many investors looking to improve returns. Many investors are purchasing homes, rehabbing them, and renting the or using lease-purchase options to get consumers into these homes. The investor hopes that the tenant will become a future owner of the home by offering a creative option that is not available to a consumer who is not able to get a mortgage.

Would-be buyers are being stymied by lending climate that is looking for stellar credit scores and down payments above 10%. These investors recognize that there is a creative way to put people into homes that is not being satisfied by banks. Banks are happy because investors want to pay cash, and are interested in buying multiple properties or large portfolios of properties. Experts estimate that 25% percent of all home purchases were made by investors in 2011. Many of these properties are being turned into rentals to satisfy the increased demand for rental homes.

Before entering into an agreement with an investor for a home, or signing a lease-purchase, it is a good idea to consult an attorney or real estate agent. Anyone purchasing a home or signing an agreement to lease-purchase a home should have the agreement reviewed by an expert. Most times investor’s lease-purchase agreements are written to the benefit of the investor-landlord, and may involve steep penalties and additional costs if the agreement is not followed exactly. A local realtor may be able to answer basic questions and advise the consumer whether they are paying too much for the property.

The Coronado Ferry Landing Concert Series gives you and your family and friends who live in Coronado special opportunities all summer long!  A community tradition for music lovers and Coronado residents, these concerts provide a way to enjoy the open air and live bands close to your Coronado home.  Each concert is held at the Coronado Landing, located at 1201 First Street at “B” Avenue, on Sundays between 2 and 5 p.m.  This Coronado music series has many performances to offer this year and will begin this weekend. So, plan on joining in the fun!

Starting off the series in May is the Dixie Jazz Katz on the 13th. The Teagan Taylor Trio will play on the 20th. The Stiletto’s will perform on the 26th kicking off the Memorial Day Weekend Summer Concert Series and on the 27th, you can listen to Blue Frog Band. From 1 to 3 p.m. on May 28th, crowds will come out in force to see Coronado Big Band put on a one of a kind show, as well. The schedule doesn’t stop there, however, as concerts will continue all summer long until September! Click here to see a full schedule of the Coronado Ferry Landing Series concerts.

A rare opportunity to experience the 14th Annual Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla can be yours on Saturday, May 19th. This highly esteemed tour will occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., rain or shine and is a chance to see many of the secluded homes in La Jolla. A self-guided tour, the Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla gives you the chance to peek into historic gardens at your own pace, relaxing and enjoying each and every minute of beauty. If you have a passion for gardens and need some great ideas for your La Jolla home, this tour is a very worthwhile event. The cost is $50 for members and $40 for non-members.

You can also take part in the Platinum Tour this year, which includes a brunch and shuttle. To make your reservations for either tour, please click here and you can pick up your tickets the day of the event. All proceeds raised from ticket sales are donated to support the La Jolla Historical Society programs and historical collections. Find out more about this fantastic preservation organization by calling 858.459.5335 or stop by the gallery at 780 Prospect Street in downtown La Jolla. The Gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m.

The Association for Women in Science (AWIS) is hosting their 13th annual San Diego Scholarship Gala this week! Held on Thursday, May 3rd, from 6 to 9:30 p.m., this delightful evening of recognition includes dinner and networking at the La Jolla Woman’s Club, a historical landmark which has made itself at home in La Jolla! This event will honor 2012 AWIS San Diego scholarship recipients and Mary Devereaux, Ph.D., a philosopher and bioethicist in the Research Ethics Program at the University of California San Diego, will be the keynote speaker. If you love science and live in La Jolla, you won’t want to miss out on the views regarding issues in biomedical and research ethics that will be shared by Devereaux.

The Scholarship Program is designed to reward aspiring women scientists majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at local San Diego colleges and universities. Scholarships winners of the past have been awarded to scholars in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Experimental Psychology and women must be a U.S. citizens or legal residents actively pursuing a degree program at a San Diego school during the current academic year and maintain a 3.0 GPA to apply. Each award is in the amount of $1,000. For your tickets, please click here.

One of the greatest shows ever has arrived to perform live in Del Mar through May 27th. If you think you’d enjoy a fascinating journey through the evolution of the human species from an amphibian state to its quest into flight, Cirque du Soleil’s TOTEM will wow you with its story of life and wonder. As always, Cirque du Soleil’s new show is stunning in choreography, visual effects and acrobatic stunts to entertain and astonish its audience near your Del Mar home. With roots in science and legend, TOTEM traces the progress of humanity, exploring the ties that bind humankind to other species as well as the circle of life surrounding human aspiration, imagination and infinite potential.

Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays at varying hours at The Grand Chapiteau at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Prices range from $49 to $148.50. You have the opportunity to make a difference with your ticket to TOTEM as part of a Cirque du Soleil sponsored special awareness program. Cirque du Soleil will donate 1% of all its income on ticket sales to ONE DROP, a foundation that aims at fighting poverty by giving access to clean water through innovative programs. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

The annual La Jolla Half Marathon and 5K is coming up!  Celebrating the 31st year of this community event which attracts more than 6,500 runners with homes in La Jolla and far beyond, the half marathon begins at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (participant shuttle access available from 5 to 6 a.m.) at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 29th and will finish at La Jolla Cove where shuttles will be available until 12 p.m.  The Half Marathon is reportedly sold out, but 5K is still open for registration, so plan on joining in the fun if you live in La Jolla.  Pets, baby joggers, strollers, bicycles, rollerskates, rollerblades, skateboards or other wheeled vehicles are not allowed on the course and “over the ear” earphones are not permitted as well.

Medals will be awarded to the top five finishers for each age group and  trophies will be awarded to the first Open division male and female finisher overall. Any Half Marathon finishers finishing in under three hours will receive a La Jolla Half  Marathon Finisher’s Medal, as well.  An after race party will take place following the race where a wide variety of food and drink and even a Beer Garden will be available for racers over 21. The awards celebration will begin at 10 a.m. and only racers in attendance can win the opportunity drawing, based on bib number and picture identification will be required for prize collection and admission to the beer garden.  100% of the race proceeds will be given to support youth, senior and community programs of the La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation.  For more information, please click here.

Tomorrow, Sunday, April 22nd, is the day to visit Hilton Del Mar, located at 15575 Jimmy Durante Boulevard. The best chefs in San Diego will be gathered near your Del Mar home at the 16th Annual Meet the Chefs of Del Mar! A special VIP Reception (tickets are $225) from 12:15 – 1 p.m. complete with wine tasting by Silver Oak Cellars, Venissimo gourmet cheese tasting, and entertainment by pianist Jordan Perez, the events is slated to start off with a bang and is a fantastic treat for residents who live in Del Mar.

The main Chefs of Del Mar Event (tickets are $175) begins at 1 p.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m., poolside at the hotel. You will be able to sample signature dishes Del Mar’s finest restaurants along with premium wines. Coastal Eddy will provide music for you to enjoy and a live auction of specialty items including magnums of premium and rare wines will raise funds to benefit the children of Casa de Amparo.

Casa de Amparo is an major advocate of child abuse prevention. Working in the greater San Diego community, Casa de Amparo believes that children and their families need unique and innovative services for healing, stopping child mistreatment, and ending generational cycles of abuse. The goal is to produce a community where child abuse and neglect are not tolerated, and where awareness and prevention are the focus. To find out more about Casa de Amparo or the event, please click here.

Coronado’s 87th Annual Flower Show is themed “A Floral Olympiad” this year and will run April 21st and 22nd. An amazing and engaging collection of tents bring color, elegance and the largest flower show in the country to Spreckels Park between 6th and 7th Street on Orange Avenue. Residents are even invited to bring a plant or floral entry from their own homes in Coronado to enter into the contest on April 20th or 21st. Providing awards, entertainment and lots “how to” advice, the flower show is an engaging event for all ages. The “Beer Garden” and Food Pavilion will provide a gathering place for you and your friends who live in Coronado to relax on Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, and CFA members and children under 12 years old are free. Whether you enjoy landscaping, floral designing or just seeing some beautiful flowers, the Coronado Flower Show is a great place to spend your time. Lectures and live demonstrations, accompanied by shopping opportunities and ongoing live bandstand entertainment provide lots of opportunity for fun as well. The plant sale will run Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the CFA Members’ Gala will start at 6 p.m.  Click here to view the show schedule.

Western Week is coming up at the Del Mar National Horse Show!  From April 19th through the 22nd, you can be a part of the fun and  excitement of a traditional “cowboy” styled show.  If you live in Del Mar and prefer English style riding, you’ll be pleased to know that the elegance and glamour of Dressage Week is scheduled for April 26th through the 29th, too.  Hunter/Jumper Week winds up the National Horse Show experience May 1st through 6th. Offering free admission daily before 4 p.m.,  you’ll enjoy this up close and personal look at these magnificent animals, so close  to your Del Mar home.

Weekend tickets have a wide range of cost options, beginning at $10, and will offer a variety of shows.  From the Saturday evening showing of Night of the Horse – “Why We Love Horses” on April 21st (a great evening to bring the kids), to the Hermès Evening of Musical Freestyles on April 28th, or Surfside Grand Prix on May 4th and the Hermès Grand Prix of Del Mar on May 5th, you are sure to find something to suit your tastes.  These shows offer a delightful means of experiencing world-class horsemanship, action, grandeur and surprise! Tickets to all shows are available at Ticketmaster or by calling 858-792-4252.

The 36th Annual Del Mar Home Improvement Show is the largest of its kind in San Diego and is coming soon! With more than 450 products and demonstrations of home and remodeling ideas, from kitchen accessories to garage doors or fencing to windows, you are sure to find more than you need for your Del Mar home at this FREE event. You can make comparisons, purchases, or just learn about new items to consider. Held near your Del Mar home, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds April 20th through the 22nd, the show vendors will be offering plenty of discounts, too!

If you have been toying with idea of adding solar panels or a tankless water heater to your home, or are curious about concepts such as low water landscaping and outdoor lighting, you can get your questions answered easily at the Del Mar Home Improvement Show. All ages are welcome and there will be plenty of interesting fun for the whole family. The showroom doors open daily at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. on Friday, 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday and show specials will be offered all three days! Parking is $9 per day. To find out more, click here or call 1.800.999.5400.

Only in Coronado do you actually have the ability to vote a dog into the office of Mayor.  That’s right, the Pacific Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Coronado is holding a canine mayoral election.  The dog voted into office will serve a two year term and the voting period begins tomorrow, Sunday, April 1st.  Dogs must live in Coronado to be eligible for the honor.  Campaigning near your Coronado home will last through April 27th and the winner will be announced on April 30th at 5 p.m. at the Coronado Animal Care Facility located at 1395 First Street. Currently sixteen candidates are in the running for Canine Mayor and you can meet them by clicking here.  The candidates are as follows:

Each vote costs $1 and multiple votes will all be counted. Funds raised will benefit the PAWS of Coronado Litter Free Program, a no cost spay/neuter program for cats. Ballot boxes can be found at Animal Care Facility at 1395 First Street, Crown Veterinary Hospital at 817 Orange Avenue, Island Barbers at 857 Orange Avenue, and Pacific Sotheby’s Realtors at 1200 Orange Avenue, although you can also vote online.

The San Diego Pet Expo will be happening near your Del Mar home on Saturday, April 14th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 15th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An entertaining event filled with fantastic product demonstrations and guest speakers, such as Martin Tyner, the founder and CEO of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation, makes it an event for all pet lovers. You can even experience “Splash Dogs” at the pet expo, held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard. Tickets are $6 for adults (16 and up), $3 for juniors (6-16) and free for children under 6. All proceeds will benefit San Diego area animal shelters and care groups. Discounted admission is available with donations, as well.
Featuring pet entertainers such as “Air Bud” who has already starred in fifteen motion pictures and “The Birdman Free Flight Bird Show,” an unusual mix of avian stars who regularly perform, you will be delighted by the stunts displayed at the shows presented. You can also view and learn about animals like the Red Kangaroo, Kinkajou, Llama, Emperor Scorpian, and African Crested Porcupine at the Kool Critters display and have the opportunity to see a Golden Eagle from a few feet away.
Click here to see more details.

This weekend is a great time for car shows if you live  in Del Mar or the San Diego area!  The 12th Annual Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals is the place to be if you enjoy pre-1972 vehicles and hot-rods. On Friday and Saturday March 30th and 31st from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday April 1st from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can join in the good times at Del Mar Fairgrounds and enjoy indoor & outdoor cars shows with more than 2,000 vintage hot rods, classics and muscle cars and trucks.  With plenty of vendors, a swap meet and even cars for sale, there will be plenty to do!   You’ll be amazed at the color and history created by these car collections and will be excited to see them gathered in one place, near your Del Mar home.

Legends Ed Pink (of Pink Racing Engines) and Ed Iskenderian (also known as “Camfather”) will be on hand to share stories and autographs as the honorary “Hot Rod Heroes” of this event.  Join them at the “Meet & Greet” event on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. inside the Mission Tower.  General admission is $18 and children over seven years old are $6.  Children under seven years are free.  Parking at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is $9.  Click here to find out more or purchase tickets.

The 8th Annual La Jolla Concours d’Elegance is quickly approaching near your La Jolla home with events beginning on Friday, March 30th leading up to the actual car show on Sunday, April 1st. If you live in La Jolla, you may be fooled if you try to guess the age of the beautiful vehicles showcased at this event presented by the La Jolla Historical Society. The actual concours (formerly known as the La Jolla Motor Car Classic) will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at La Jolla Cove in Ellen Browning Scripps Park, located at 1133 Coast Boulevard, and this year is featuring fine Italian automobiles. Along with the Italian cars, many other juried categories will be presented.
Awards are given to the top three cars in each class. Funds raised will benefit the La Jolla Historical Society and Monarch School. Tickets to the event are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the event. Children under fourteen are free. You can also purchase VIP tickets for $100 which includes entrance, complimentary food and beverages in the VIP area, and a commemorative program. To get more details, please call 619.233.5008 or click here.

photo credit: ASR Photos

Looking for a fun way to spend some time with your kids or neighbors who live in Del Mar? Visit Pelly’s Mini Golf at the Del Mar Fairgrounds! You can share fascinating facts about the ocean as you play through both of the 18-hole mini golf courses, named Pelly’s Ocean Adventure and Pelly’s Surfin’ Safari without traveling far from your Del Mar home. These courses were designed with the Surfrider Foundation and Birch Aquarium at Scripps and feature life-like marine animals and the holes are named after local surf breaks. You’ll find signs spread throughout the courses that will teach you about various forms of marine life, the history of surfing and even conservation and recycling facts.

The courses contain twenty unique, life-like sculptures of octopi, sea lions, sharks and California gray whales, sculpted by San Diego artist Gerry Kirk. Mini-golf courses are open Sundays through Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and stay open one hour later on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children under twelve (additional games are $4 and $3 respectively). Click here to find out about hosting a group night out or birthday party or to get more information.

photo credit: Aitor Agirregabiria

The La Jolla High School Visual and Performing Arts Department is springing into action in presenting the classic musical, “Grease,” near your La Jolla home, March 15th through the 17th. Well-known characters Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko will be played by students who live in La Jolla, Truly Bailey and Giovanni Moujaes, while Kevin Cruz and Maddy Harvey can be seen as Kenickie and Rizzo. This show is produced and directed by La Jolla High School’s drama department adviser Anne Boutelle. The shows begin at 7 p.m. on the La Jolla High School Parker Auditorium stage, located at 750 Nautilus St. Tickets are available for purchase and range from $7 to $15. Call (858) 454-3081 for more details.
The La Jolla High School Visual and Performing Arts Department offers several performances each year ranging from comedies to drama and all students can audition. You can also “Celebrate the Arts,” in an amazing collection of performances showcasing the many talents of La Jolla High School students on Saturday, April 21st from 1 to 4 p.m. in the La Jolla High Quad. Admission is free, although food and beverages wil be sold at the event, and you can get more information by clicking here.

photo credit: atrphoto

San Diego comes alive in Spring with color and right now is the perfect time to venture into one of San Diego’s most beautiful treasures – the Flower Fields.  Located at Carlsbad Ranch, residents who live in San Diego (and beyond) enjoy this yearly tradition of local beauty.  As the weeks pass, more and more flowers will appear until the fields are in  full bloom.

Covering 50 acres, this six week spectacle will create memories to last all year.  The garden welcome visitors of all ages and are open from 9a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday through May 13th and really are a must-see if you live in San Diego.

Today’s fields were planted by the dedicated Luther Gage, a San Diego grower who started planting flower seeds more than 85 years ago. From ranunculus to gladiolus , Mr. Gage planted every color imaginable! The Flower Fields are full of interesting adventures, including the Miniature Rose Garden, with the Rose Walk of Fame, the Carlsbad Mining Company, a Sweet Pea Maze, Historic Poinsettia Display, American Flag of Flowers, and Santa’s Playground.

This year is the first in fifteen where the color patterns have been changed, so prepare to be surprised if you return year after year. An Arts & Crafts Fair will be held on April 15th. Tickets are $11 for Adults, $10 for seniors, $6 for Children (3-10), and free for children under two. Visit www.theflowerfields.com for more information and to find out about all of the planned events.

photo credit: Allesvoor

If you love a good game of golf, now is the time to live in Coronado! The Jim Laslavic Golf Tournament tees off at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course on March 23rd. Last year’s tournament raised $78, 000 and even higher goals have been set for 2012. This year’s per-player rate is $200, which is still a great price to pay for all the fun you will have at this all day event near your Coronado home. Check in time begins at 10:30 with a luncheon and silent auction to follow. Registration includes Greens Fees, a Barbecue Luncheon and Buffet Dinner, Beverages, a “Goody” Bag and prizes for all flight winners. Funds raised will assist the Rotary Club of Coronado in providing assistance to both community and international programs.

Register for the tournament and you can even win a chance for $100,000 at the 5 p.m. Hole-in-One Playoff. There will also be a putting contest for those who check in early at 12:15 p.m., so bring your friends for a chance to win $10,000. Professional efficiency will be evaluated among putters and there will be an opportunity to try “to sink that once-in-a-life-time-all-the-way-across-from-the-other-side-of-the-green” put. The actual “shot-gun start” begins at 12:30 and dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. Click here to get more information and to register for the event.

Potential brides, grooms, wedding planners, and family members who live in Del Mar have an opportunity to gather and gain tips and treats at the Del Mar Wedding Event on Sunday, March 4th!  From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Hilton Del Mar, located at 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd, near your Del Mar home, caterers, bakers, designers, photographers, jewelers, gowns, photo booths, and decorators converge to create an idea central for brides-to-be.  Be prepared to be overwhelmed with the glamour and splendor of this annual Del Mar bridal show.

More than seventy local vendors will attend, allowing you a variety of choice and selection.  Tickets are $10 but you can register for one free admission here.  Lots of prizes will be awarded throughout the day, as well, so plan to make a day of it and enjoy yourself while planning for a magical wedding day in San Diego.  Call 877.522.7158 for more information.

Wow, you’ll have a whale of a tale to tell after cruising with Scripps naturalists during whale watching season near your La Jolla home! That’s right, it’s amazing fun to be on the watch for a tail or fin or any sign of the impressive ocean dwelling mammals, live in San Diego waters. You and your friends and family can enjoy any of the twice-daily cruises to locate gray whales on their round-trip migration from Alaskan feeding grounds down the coast to Baja California. Everyone will love observing all of the wildlife just outside your ship, including seals, sea lions, dolphins, migrating birds and other creatures. Naturalists aboard will showcase gray whale biofacts, fascinating you with these singular animals’ lifestyles. They will also answer all of your marine animal questions so come ready to be inquisitive and curious!
You’ll want to dress in layers, and don’t forget your camera because you don’t want to be without it when you catch a glimpse of the big one on your sea adventure. This outing is so affordable too, so bring friends and family because members can participate for only $30 daily, while the public will spend only $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends and better still, youth 4-12 are taken out for only $17.50 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Enjoy trips from 9:45am to 1:15pm and 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Whale watching season ends April 15th so please RSVP to Flagship Cruises & Events at 619.234.4111 or online here soon!

For those canine lovers who live in Del Mar, you don’t want to miss a great opportunity for you and your dog. Whether your dog is ugly or not-so-ugly, we have a contest for you to enter that pooch in. On March 11, rain or shine, the Del Mar Kiwanis are hosting their 17th annual “Ugly Dog Contest”, guaranteed to be a hoot and a romping good time for all. Dogs may be entered to compete in any of these 14 categories: Ugliest Dog, Best St. Patty’s Day Costume, Adult’s Cutest Dog, Child’s Cutest Dog, Dog Who Looks Most Like its Owner, Best Trick, Cutest Puppy, Most Unusual Markings, Best Costume (adult), Best Costume (child), Best Mutt, Most Beautiful Female and Most Handsome Male, and People’s Choice.

This will be a party for all with face painting and balloons and a live clown for entertainment as well as live music from the Ugly Dog Band. Proceeds from this contest will benefit the Rancho Coastal Humane Society Safehouse Program, the Helen Woodward Therapeutic Riding Program and Friends of Del Mar Parks. The contest will take place on Paddock Green at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near your home in Del Mar on March 11 at from check in time at 10am to 3pm when the show ends. The cost of the show is $8 per adult and $2 for children, ages 12 and younger, $6 per category to enter your dog in the contest. Parking costs $9. For more information and to register, click here.

Calling all bird lovers! If you love birds and you live in San Diego, you’ll go crazy over the San Diego Bird Festival, coming up from March 1^st through the 4^th brought to you be the San Diego Audubon Society. This festival will feature special field birding trips with internationally acclaimed birders, photographers and sea-birding trip leaders present throughout the Festival, leading trips and presenting workshops near your San Diego home. The festival headquarters are at the Marina Village Conference Center near Mission Beach, Ocean Beach and Point Loma, overlooking a beautiful marina.

A special day for families and children will take place on Sunday, March 4^th with kid-friendly activities including a Beginning Bird Art Workshop, the Raptor Rap Workshop and a Bird Calling Workshop. All family events on Sunday are free with no pre-registration needed, although you are requested to check in at the festival headquarters registration desk upon arrival for handouts and important information and announcements about Family Free Day events.

A new festival field trip happening this year is Birding Bolboa Park, on of San Diego’s cultural and natural landmarks. Guests may spend the morning birding in and around the numerous gardens and hiking trails that are tucked among the Spanish Renaissance buildings which are home to a variety of bird and butterfly species. In the afternoon, patrons will visit the San Diego Natural History Museum’s extensive avian collection and witness a fascinating demonstration. Festival Registration fee is $20 per person and free for children age 12 and under. For more information and to register, click here.

photo credit: Chris Nixon

February is a great month if you live in San Diego, because until the February 29^th, you can enjoy 40 excellent art, history and science museums near your San Diego home at half-off the entry fees. That’s right – it’s Museum Month in San Diego, a great excuse for locals and visitors to explore a variety of fascinating museums within San Diego that educate and entertain your whole family. Some of the museums participating are Coronado Museum of History & Art, La Jolla Historical Society, Maritime Museum of San Diego, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Museum of Making Music, Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Botanic Gardens, and the New Children’s Museum.
Imagine the fun you’ll have while creating lasting memories together in some of these truly life-enriching museums. Enjoying this fabulous discount is easy: just pick up your Museum Month Passes at any of Macy’s fourteen locations in the San Diego Area and elsewhere. These passes are free to all while supplies last. With each pass, up to four visitors may be admitted to any of the 40 participating museums for half-price throughout the rest of February. For more information, click here.
photo credit: Robert Schlie Imagery

Want to do something special, unique and adventurous for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day near your San Diego home? How about a Valentine’s Day Paddle made just for the two of you on a double kayak throughout the La Jolla Ecological Reserve? You’ll share an amusing and fascinating experience as you paddle your kayak through three different wildlife habitats and also visit La Jolla’s 7 sea caves!  You’ll get a close-up of sandstone formations and witness sea lions, Garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovel nose guitar fish and the occasional dolphin. There’s no chance of disappointment if excitement is your goal for a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day adventure, live in La Jolla.

This amazing treat won’t break the bank either, as it’s specially priced for Valentine’s Day at only $30 per person in double kayaks and is valid through Wednesday February 15^th. Your kayak rentals include the kayak, paddle, life vest, mandatory water map, complimentary lockers & changing rooms as well and transport service of the kayak to the boat launch. Wetsuits are also available for rent on cool days. Now that you’ve fallen in love with this dreamy deal, go ahead and book your date (24 hour advance reservation required) with San Diego Bike and Kayak tours and when you’re out there paddling, be sure to fall in love, and not into the water.  For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

photo credit: Feist, Michael – catchthefuture

Imagine if the sun only set on San Diego beaches once a year, people would come from all over the country to catch a glimpse and feel the romance of that moment. Luckily sunsets are abundant in San Diego and watching the sun sink slowly into the Pacific is a magic moment to be shared with the one you love. You and your Valentine will love this stunning yet simple celebration near your La Jolla home, because the dreamiest of events happening live in San Diego are daily sunsets at the beach. Sweep your sweetheart away with a special Valentine’s sunset event. This February, sunsets occur around 5:30pm in San Diego, so reservations can be made for an early Valentine’s Day dinner at a fine restaurant near your La Jolla home with a view, such as Marine Room in La Jolla, Poseidon, or Jakes Del Mar.

If you’d rather have your own picnic lunch in the open salt air, you might consider having it on the beach on Saturday February 11th at low tide which occurs between 4:00pm and 5:30pm, or Sunday, February 12th at low tide (between 4:30and 5:30pm). Windansea Beach in La Jolla is perfect for romantic beach photos, especially at low tide, and Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove are also great destinations for a romantic afternoon and evening with gorgeous sunset views. If a long walk on the beach is what you’re looking for, consider one of the following beaches that are perfect for a lovers’ stroll. Blacks Beach, La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Point Loma’s beaches all offer magnificent views and secluded and semi-secluded spots for your Valentine’s Day stride.
photo credit: marissa_strniste

All parts of the world have music and dance that reflect their own unique culture. This month, you and your family can experience the mystique and magic of the world not far from your Coronado home. Nations of San Diego International Dance Festival will take place on Friday, February 10th through Sunday, February 12th, marking the 18th year of this favored tradition. Nations brings traditional dancers from over 15 cultures together in a sophisticated theatre for a weekend of magical performances performed together in one weekend of international dance and musical flavors. It’s a spectacle to enjoy if you live in Coronado.

This unique event features over 150 dancers and musicians from every continent sharing dance and music traditions to transport audiences to exotic lands for a refined taste of these authentic art forms. The 2012 festival will include dancers and musicians representing Brazil, China, India, Mexico, the Middle East, the Philippines, Spain, and many others. Performances will begin at 8:00pm on Friday, February 10th, Saturday, February 11th at 2:00pm and 8:00pm and Sunday, February 12th at 2:00pm at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 650 D Avenue, Coronado. There is also a special performance for students from throughout the county on Friday, February 10th at 10:30am. For more information, click here.

If you live in Del Mar and love jazz music, you will be excited to hear about the San Diego Jazz Party, happening February 24th through the 26th at the Hilton San Diego/Del Mar. This party is an amazing weekend-long jazz festival held annually for the sake of enjoying classic and mainstream jazz in a public celebration that features outstanding musicians from cross-country distances. You’ll be swaying to the beat of smooth and fabulous jazz music performed by skilled players in a relaxed and intimate setting. The San Diego Jazz Party was begun to “provide the public an opportunity to hear live performances of the uniquely American music called jazz,” and you are lucky to have it so close to your Del Mar home!

SDJP additionally seeks to enhance the public’s understanding, knowledge and enjoyment of the contributions that mainstream jazz has made to American culture. Also part of its mission, the SDJP seeks to keep jazz music alive, and also to encourage and assist young, budding jazz musicians at the high school and college levels. Attendees at the Party will enjoy delicious food and festive drinks, relaxation, and, of course, outstanding jazz performed by world-class mainstream jazz musicians who are popular and renowned recording artists. For more information and to order reservations for this event, click here.

photo credit: Keith Bloomfield

Those who live in Point Loma and love art, especially watercolor art, will find pleasure in the San Diego Watercolor Society’s current show, entitled Starting Fresh near your Point Loma home. Starting Fresh is a wonderful new watercolor exhibit that has been open this month and will be shown through January 28th, from 10am to 4pm Wednesday through Saturday. Watercolor is a lucid, vibrant art media that tends to produce pieces with a clean and fresh feel. Starting Fresh is an uplifting way to start of the New Year and we hope you can enjoy the breath of fresh air that the SDWS’ gallery lends. This impressive and inspiring show features more than 100 beautiful new and original works of watermedia art shown the SDWS’ light-filled, spacious gallery. Starting Fresh is juried by The San Diego County Fair “Fine Art Divas” Kathy Thompson & Shea Rose Brandt.

Each month the SDWS hosts a new exhibition and each year the SDWS hosts an acclaimed international exhibition, attracting artist entries from around the world and hundreds of visitors to view the exceptional pieces on display. More than 700 artists from around the world belong to the SDWS and many show their work at the SDWS Gallery. This exhibit and all others presented by the SDWS Gallery are free and open to the public. Artwork is available for sale along with greeting cards and other items. The Gallery is located at 2825 Dewey Road, #105, at the NTC Promenade in Point Loma’s Liberty Station, SD, 92106. For more information, and to view the Winning Art from Starting Fresh, click here.

If you live in Coronado, you’ll be interested to know that the beloved town of Coronado as it persists in the minds and hearts of its people and is currently showcased in an art show featuring the perspective of local artists. Visions of Coronado is the current juried art show lasting through February 20th at the Coronado Museum of History and Art. This inspiring show consists of 24 recent works by local artists depicting some aspect of what’s it’s like to live in Coronado. These selections were chosen from 60 original pieces submitted by artists from all over San Diego County. The show’s theme is expressed using a wide variety of media, materials and styles depicting some beautiful images.

For some of us the name “Coronado” invokes images of the historic hotel in a seaside setting and for others it is an old-fashioned American small town. Still others might picture an island community closely bound to the US Navy. Each of these perspectives of the Crown Isle is special in its own right and has been inspiring artists since the town’s beginnings in the late 1800s. The Coronado Museum of History & Art is located at 1100 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118. Their hours are Monday through Sunday, 10am-5pm. For more information, click here.

If you live in San Diego and love to eat out or to eat at all, you’ll have a blast enjoying over San Diego Restaurant Week, happening now near your San Diego home. Foodies, gourmands and those who love food will all experience cuisine that delights the palate as well as defines the San Diego dining experience and you won’t want to miss out on this cultural culinary experience.

Later birds have lucked out because the bi-annual event has extended for a 2nd week to serve up a killer set of discounted delectable “prix fixe” menus from over 180 of San Diego’s best restaurants in 12 individual regions throughout San Diego. Diners may enjoy a fabulous lunch, including two courses ranging from $10-20 and or three-course dinners from $20-40, depending on the establishment.

Whether you’re looking for steak or seafood, Mexican or Indian, from sushi to Greek and fusion, San Diego Restaurant Week will hit the spot! Taking advantage of mouth-watering, delicious deals is easy, with no need to worry about double-dipping or rules and regulations!! No tickets or passes are needed, food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they like during San Diego Restaurant Week. For a complete list of participating restaurants including pricing and other exciting information, click here.

Looking for some amazing cultural fun at home in San Diego this month? The 10th annual San Diego Black Film Festival is happening from Jan 26th through January 29th at the Reading Cinemas in the Gaslamp District, Downtown San Diego. If you live in San Diego and enjoy the cinema, you’re sure to love this fantastic entertainment event.
This one of a kind festival is hosted by the San Diego Black Film Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of African American and African Diaspora cinema as well as the education of media arts. Still one of the largest black film festivals in the country and now the second largest on the west coast, each year the SDBFF screens over 100 films including Comedy, Drama, Documentaries, Animation, GLBT, Horror, Religious, Foreign/African Diaspora, Shorts, Feature Films and music videos. Because this festival is held so early in the year, a large percentage of the films that succeed throughout the year at other national and international film festivals are premiered at the SDBFF.
For more information on this fabulous event, including the films being screened and the schedule of events, as well as to purchase tickets, please click here.

If you live in Del Mar and love the charm of vintage and antique furniture, jewelry, pottery and art, get ready for the Del Mar Antique Show, coming up January 20th through the 22nd. It’s the 51st year of this exquisite show happening near your Del Mar home at the O’Brien Pavilion at the spacious and accommodating Del Mar Fairgrounds, located along the Pacific Ocean. For 3 extraordinary days, Calendar Antique Shows will put on the glitz and glam with a high caliber show that the extensive Southern California Market will adore. The country’s finest exhibitors will showcase Western Americana, antiques, heirlooms, artifacts, art and more to delight guests with a richness of quality and presentation that impresses all.

Guests will benefit from the services of appraisal people who will be present throughout the 3 day show at the same low rate of $5 per item. Also, the show will provide fantastic repair and restoration technicians who will help to turn your damaged antiques into good as new treasures. These service people are prepared to repair all kinds of glass and crystal, pottery and porcelain, furniture, jewelry, art and more. Amazingly, general admission is still only $8 and children are free. There is a special Internet Discount Coupon available worth 50% off per person at the door and your single admission ticket is good for the entire 3-day run of the show when you get a return pass upon leaving. For more information, click here.

January is a great month for jewelry lovers who live in Del Mar. Beginning January 6^th, the Del Mar Gem Faire will take place for 3 days near your Del Mar home at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This extraordinary Gem Faire features some of the finest world-renown jewelry designers, manufacturers, importers, beading instructors, gemstone cutters and miners, as well as certified graduate gemologists in a one of a kind Gem Marketplace where guests may admire and shop for gemstones, jewelry, beads, fossils, minerals, meteorites, metaphysical items, lapidary equipment and more at the lowest prices in the current market.

Professional dealers will be available at the faire to help you design, assemble, and use the pieces that you select and buy. Master Jewelry classes can teach you how to make your own unique pieces of jewelry, using the finest gemstones or beads. Come on over and bring your friends for this special event in the Bing Crosby Hall of the Del Mar Fairgrounds between Noon and 7pm on Friday, January 6^th, 10am and 6pm on Saturday, January 7^th and 10am and 5pm on Sunday, January 8^th. Cost of this event is $7 for adults and children 12 and younger are free. Parking costs $9. For more information, click here.

photo credit: simone-walsh

If you live in La Jolla and are looking for a way to add a bit of excitement to your new year, you may want to consider the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge in La Jolla Shores. Probablythe most “refreshing” way to start off the new year, several hundred courageous swimmers and onlookers will leave their warm La Jolla homes and journey to Kellogg Park to witness this incredible and outrageous event, sponsored by the La Jolla Cove Swim Club.

Swimmers can swim up to 2 miles from shore, although beginners are encouraged to limit their swim at first. A kayak support crew and lifeguard will be available to help any swimmers in need. Last year’s event recorded air temperatures of forty-five degrees and water temperatures of fifty seven degrees, so be sure to bring warm clothes to wear after the swim and you may consider wearing a wet suit while in the water.
An after plunge party will include food and beverages to warm your belly with a hot chili potluck feast, Starbuck’s coffee, cocoa and apple cider. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own hot dish to share at this community event, as well. To find out more or view pictures from previous years, please click here.

This year’s Hotel del Coronado’s annual Champagne and Silver Bells New Year’s Eve Gala is sure to the most amazing event near your Coronado home. Beginning with a Crown Room reception and exquisite dinner dinner with an oceanview in the ballroom, the night is sure to be a smashing way to welcome 2012. The Mar Dels will provide music for your dancing pleasure and the traditional champagne toast will occur as the clock strikes midnight. The festivities start at $275 per person for this special evening out from your Coronado home, including tax and gratuity.

If you have young children, they can also participate in their own party! The Del has activities planned for children ages 4-12 at Kidtopia and teens can have fun at the Vibz Teen Lounge. These festivities combine dinner, crafting, beach fun and bonfires and much, much more.
A special brunch will also be held for all ages at the Crown Room on New Year’s Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn about all of these events, please click here or call 619-522-8490.

photo credit: SamwiseGamgee69

For even more holiday lights live in San Diego, you can visit La Mesa, not far from your own San Diego home. La Mesa is home Bob’s Christmas Wonderland, located at 7171 Cornell Avenue. This singular residential holiday attraction displays trains, animated lawn characters, and a miniature drive-in theater playing “Disney’s magical Christmas”. Bob decorates his own home for all to enjoy and also collects nonperishable food donations from all of the onlookers who come by to admire the holiday scene. Bob also serves his visitors hot chocolate, apple cider and fresh popcorn, only asking in return one canned food item per individual to donate to the Salvation Army. It’s a holiday delight with an honorable cause in La Mesa.

Just East of La Mesa, El Cajon gets into the holiday spirit in a big way. You could head over to La Mesa’s Jingle Bell Hill (also known as Pepper Drive Lights) after visiting Bob’s Christmas Wonderland. El Cajon – Just east of La Mesa, El Cajon gets into the holiday spirit in a big way. The Christmas display is located in a quaint neighborhood that does lights and decorations up right for some serious celebrating. Jingle Bell Hill is located on Solomon Avenue and Pegeen Place. You and your family can arrive using the sR-67, exiting on Bradley.

Even if you call San Diego home, you probably didn’t know how festive San Diego gets when it comes residential holiday lights and decorations. When family is in town and everyone wants to enjoy the holiday season in a relaxing way, a drive around town can be so rewarding. We’re continuing our guide for you to see all the best holiday lights live in San Diego, in the most efficient manner. We want to highlight the best of the best so you don’t miss a twinkle during this holiday season. Let’s start our guide in South County now, heading north.

Chula Vista is home to two residential holiday light attractions. Candy Cane Lane, one of the shortest streets in the county carrying so much Christmas punch attracts crowds throughout the holidays and despite traffic, it’s worth the look. Located just 7 miles south of downtown San Diego, it’s easy to take the I-5 south and exit on H Street, heading east. You’ll notice the cars that slow to turn right on 4^th Avenue, and the officers managing traffic. Candy Cane Lane lives up to its name, thanks to the gusto of the homeowners who manage to decorate and light up the street more each year.

While you’re in Chula Vista, you will want to visit Christmas Circle, located on Whitney Street and Mankato Street, located between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues off H Street. The two streets form a loop that makes for fanciful easy viewing around the circle, as you admire with ooohing and ahhhing at the delightful displays.

If you live in San Diego, there are some fantastic light displays you will want to see before the season winds up. For your convenience, we will highlight the best residential holiday lights to see in various communities near your San Diego home.

Point Loma is one of the oldest most eclectic communities of San Diego, located between the Pacific Ocean and beautiful downtown. People from all backgrounds have settled here, bringing their own flare to their holiday displays. One continuing theme for their holiday decorations is maritime and seafaring, so prepare to be impressed by the nautical displays on many beautiful homes, full of Christmas spirit. If you keep driving through the area, you’ll see some impressive sights. Garrison off of Catalina Boulevard is particularly impressive and you’ll want to park and walk around these amazing displays.

La Jolla sets itself apart from the city grandly and invites families for a great outing in visiting the beach, and then the Village for shopping or a bite to eat, and then a drive-by for the lovely lights.

Coronado is 7.4 square miles only with two ways in and two ways out: the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and the City of Imperial Beach to the south by State Highway 75. You’ll love holiday light hunting here because everyone goes all out with getting into the Christmas spirit and so many homes are decorated to the nines.

Enjoy viewing the beautiful holiday lights in San Diego!

photo credit: naotakem

This weekend, awaken the true spirit of Christmas with your family and friends at the San Diego spectacular debut event, A Christmas Tabernacle, near your Point Loma home. A Christmas Tabernacle celebrates the holiday season with 3 days of fun and festivities for all who live in Point Loma, finishing up tomorrow, December 18th. There are a variety of activities and entertainment to delight every age on the 350,000 square foot NTC Liberty Station facility. Some of the attractions include 100 plus specialty-goods vendors, a food court, Christmas concerts and performances, a living nativity scene, interactive workshops, Santa’s Village, a themed Christmas tree area, and a fun zone complete with a real snow play area, a puppet theater, carnival games and inflatables.
The Christmas Tabernacle main stage will feature live entertainment for the whole family, including daytime acts showcasing local church choirs singing Christmas Carol favorites, Christmas-themed plays and skits, story readings, magicians and more. One featured entertainment will be the San Diego Ballet performing the Nutcracker. Each night the main stage will host a headliner act to close out the evening. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations and there will be philanthropic opportunities throughout the tree lighting, themed-tree decorating and homemade gift-making for needy San Diego families. All in all, A Christmas Tabernacle will satisfy your Christmas cravings with the true spirit of Christmas, lots of joy and fun to celebrate the gift of Christmas! December 18th wraps up the 3-day festival, from 11am to 8pm. For more information, including directions and ticket sales, click here.

A special treat for the holidays has begun for you and yours near your Del Mar home. All December, enjoy live jazz music every Friday and Saturday Night in a beautiful outdoor environment under the winter sky. The festive Del Mar Highlands Town Center presents Live Jazz in the Plaza for your holiday enjoyment. If you live in Del Mar, you can mix and mingle your holiday shopping with fine entertainment and nature’s fresh air. Grab a bite to eat from one of the amazing eateries at the Del Mar highlands, and sit back and relax joyfully as various talented jazz artists perform every Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9 p.m. for your listening pleasure.

The December Live Jazz schedule is as follows:

December 9th – Keith Jacobson, Saxophone

December 10th – Will Summer, Guitar

December 16th – Will Summer, Guitar

December 17th – Keith Jacobson, Saxophone

December 23rd – Keith Jacobson, Saxophone

December 24th – No Music

December 30th – Evan Marks, Guitar

The Del Mar Highlands Town Center is located at 12925 El Camino Real #J2-2. For more information, click here.

If you live in Coronado, you’ll want to look into one Christmas tradition that’s different every year. Lamb’s Players is a unique theatre company that performs annual Christmas shows with a new story location and era each year, showcasing the actors’ skills and the depth of musical talent in and around the company. This year’s production, The Spirit of Christmas Present, tells a story which takes place today, “somewhere uptown” and will actually be playing near your Coronado home, at Lamb’s Players Theatre, through December 30th, 2011. Lamb’s Players are celebrating 34th year of their Festival of Christmas with this year’s show, a favorite tradition enjoyed by San Diego and Southern California families each December.

The Spirit of Christmas Present is a production propelled by its varied, strikingly memorable holiday music as it tells a warm, touching story that embraces the themes at the heart of the season. The Spirit of Christmas Present is sure to be enjoyed by young and old. Come see the show at Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1042 Orange Avenue, Coronado, Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Matinees on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $28-60. Call 619-437-0600 for more information and to purchase tickets or click here.

One special non-profit performing group near your San Diego home is the Rancho Santa Fe Big Band, a fantastic 17-piece swing orchestra that dazzles audiences with American big band swing music, benefitting various San Diego County charities. The Rancho Santa Fe Big Band will celebrate the holidays big next weekend with their Holiday Concert on Sunday evening, December 11th, in Rancho Santa Fe. This fantastic concert will be in the style of a pops concert and feature the best holiday swing music as well as a selection of songs to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7th, 1941.
All who attend will thoroughly enjoy the magical music created by these talented and excellent musicians. The concert repertoire will fill the hall with the spirit of the holiday season as well as nostalgia for our nation’s history. Make yourselves at home with your own spread of food and wine and enjoy the marvelous swinging sensation. The concert begins at 6pm to 8:30pm at the Village Church Fellowship Hall on Paseo Delicias, near your San Diego home, in Rancho Santa Fe. Please call Marie Addario for table reservations at (858)756-4542. Individual tickets may also be purchased at the Rancho Santa Fe Association Office or at the door, though this concert is sure to be a sell-out. Cost is $45 per ticket.

photo credit: tajloro

The 54^th Annual La Jolla Christmas Parade & Holiday Festivals begins at 2pm, Sunday, December 4^th on Girard Avenue, near your La Jolla home. This year’s Parade and Festival theme is “Classic Christmas” and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This traditional community event is a favorite if you live in La Jolla and families especially enjoy the impressive and festive Christmas Parade as well as all of the Festival attractions. During the parade day’s events schedule, there is something to spread holiday cheer for everyone.

Equestrians begin to arrive at 10:00 am, mingling with their parties, enjoying sunshine, food and holiday spirit while anticipating the parade. Then, Antique Aircraft Fly Over will amaze you right before the parade does, beginning at 2:00 pm. The Holiday Festival begins at 3:30, including photos with Santa at 3:30pm. This holiday must-attend will be held again at the La Jolla Recreation Center, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree at 4:30 pm.

The Christmas Parade and Festival attracts more than 20,000 attendees, participants and sponsors each year, and most are regulars for this special Village tradition, making it a singular event in that it is organized and directed and funded through community volunteers, sponsorships and donations. For more information on this fun, free event, click here.

Those who live in Del Mar should be proud of this Christmas event for its unique twist on an American tradition. If you’ve never visited The Holiday of Lights at Del Mar, be sure to put it on your list this year. The largest animated drive-through light show and exhibit on the west coast is just up the road from your Del Mar home. This amazing show features 400 bright and shimmering, lighted, animated, and family-oriented seasonal-themed displays located around the racetrack at Del Mar.

The holiday themes include Candy Cane Lane, Toyland, San Diego County Fair, Treasures by the Lake, Del Mar Racetrack, the Twelve Days of Christmas and Elves at Play. Enjoy it from your vehicle or from by hay-ride and savor every moment… The whole family will love every moment of your fanciful drive throughout this lively winter wonderland. The route is 1.5 miles long through the Fairgrounds and takes about 15-20 minutes to complete view all of the displays once. Live and festive holiday music adds depth to the holiday atmosphere and everyone will leave with the Holiday spirit. If it’s not already a family holiday tradition, once you experience the magic of this exciting event, you may start something this year. This event runs from 11/24/11 – 1/01/12, beginning at 5:30 each evening. Ticket prices are $14 per vehicle, up to 5 people; $19 per vehicle, 6 or more people; and $49 per bus. Hayrides are available on select dates and cost $10 per person. For details and to buy tickets, click here.

If you live in San Diego and would like to hand over the chef’s hat this Thanksgiving, consider a relaxing and elegant dinner prepared for you and your family in an exquisite setting. For a memorable Thanksgiving celebration near your San Diego home, experience the grandeur of the Hotel Del Coronado. Hotel Del’s majestic oceanfront Ballroom and magnificent Crown Room feature elegant buffet dinners decked with all the trimmings. You’ll also enjoy live musical entertainment from 12pm to 6pm. Afterward, you may want to perfect your day outside with one of San Diego’s most lauded holiday attractions.

Nothing says California holidays like ice skating outdoors overlooking the Pacific Ocean and against the romantic backdrop of over 100,000 white lights. Offered daily beginning Wednesday, November 23rd and lasting through New Years Day. Three-hour sessions cost $25 for adults and $20 for kids (ages 10 years and under); two-hour matinee sessions cost $20 for adults and $15 for kids (ages 10 years and under). Skate rental is included. A portion of the skating proceeds will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego. For more information on Hotel Del’s holiday celebrations, click here.

There is so much to do in San Diego for Thanksgiving and if you live in San Diego and enjoy walking or running, you may want to participate in one of the holiday running events going on Thursday morning, November 24th. Running and/or walking for a cause is a great way to spend your time off from school and work and whole families can participate in these invigorating races, regardless of experience. We’d like to highlight two of the Thanksgiving races scheduled for this Thanksgiving Day near your San Diego home.

Father Joe’s Thanksgiving Day 5k Run/Walk begins at 8 a.m. at Balboa Park and also finishes in Balboa Park. Everyone is welcome as wheelchairs, pets and baby strollers can all join the race and everyone is encouraged to get pledges. Corporate groups and teams are welcome. This annual event benefits St. Vincent de Paul Village, the largest homeless charity in San Diego. Enjoy a cool and energized Thanksgiving morning outdoors with friends and take home a fresh baked pie for your Thanksgiving dinner while benefiting the city’s homeless. Pies must be ordered by November 19th. For more information and to register, click here.

The Oceanside Turkey Trot is a family event not to be missed if you live nearby. Everyone is encouraged to wear a Thanksgiving costume, making for one of the funniest and most enjoyable Thanksgiving mornings. Be creative with pilgrim, turkey, carrot, Indian or other attire. Beginning at 7 a.m. Thanksgiving morning at the Oceanside Civic Center, adults and runners will enjoy the 5k. Later at 8:30 a.m., an open 5k run/walk begins and then beginning at 10 a.m. children from 12 to 4 will have an opportunity to participate in their age-range run/walks (from ¼ mile to 1 mile, depending on age). All of the run/walks finish on The Strand adjacent the Oceanside Pier. This race benefits Oceanside Schools and charities. For more information and to register, click here.

If you live in San Diego and enjoy the art of film, you won’t want to miss the last few days of the 5th Annual San Diego Italian Film Festival. Running through Sunday, November 12th, this film festival can transport you right to the heart of Italy, while staying home in San Diego. Always enjoyable, some of the films will make you cry, others will cause you to laugh out loud, a lot. Many Italian films impassion and thrill their viewers. So don’t miss out! Come out to see one of the remaining 3 films and participate in accompanying festivities. A $5 donation is all that is suggested and along with the viewings, you’ll be treated to informative introductions to expand your understanding of why these Italian films are still influential in today’s movies-making industry. Other Italian activities may attract you also. The film schedule is as follows.

November 11 – L’uomo che verra’
The Man Who Will Come
In the fall of 1944, on the slopes of Monte Sole south of Bologna, fascism showed its face in one of the worst massacres on Italian soil.

November 12 – SDIFF 2011 Gala, Diciotto anni dopo
Eighteen years later
In this award-winning movie, two estranged brothers, traveling in a classically restored Morgan convertible, are obliged to deliver their father’s ashes to his hometown in Calabria.

For more information on the festival, including remaining events, click here, and, divertitevi!

The Head to Toe Women’s Expo will delight every girl with her wildest pampering girlish dreams this weekend near your Del Mar home. Mothers, daughters, sisters and girlfriends will relish a weekend of inspiration, education, shopping and entertainment. Think luxurious exhibits featuring apparel, jewelry, handbags, makeup, skin-care products, spa services, health and fitness products, gourmet foods and designer items and services for your home! And if that’s not enough, the expo will also treat all the ladies to a fashion show, complimentary wine tasting, manicures, an all girls 5k Run/Walk and daily chances to win prizes including spa certificates. If you live in Del Mar, you won’t want to miss this special event for you or the women in your life.
New Expo hours are Friday, November 11 from Noon to 7:00pm, Saturday, November 12 from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday, November 13 from 10am to 4pm. Click here for more information including the schedule of events, $2 off coupons and other gift prize opportunities. Parking is $9 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It’s a girl’s world of fun this weekend only!

If you live in Del Mar and love surfing, you might be interested in attending Walking On Water’s Annual Fundraiser Luau, this Friday evening, November 4th.  Walking on Water was founded by pro-surfer Bryan Jennings in 1995 to share his faith with young people and is a non-profit organization dedicated that message with surfers worldwide. To celebrate those last 16 years, the Annual Luau, held near your Del Mar home, is an exciting free Hawaiian party that will take place at Horizon North County Church, located at 6365 El Apajo Rd., in Rancho Santa Fe.

You and your family don’t want to miss this opportunity to enjoy amazing food, live music and participate in a raffle for prizes, all to support such a wonderful cause.  Bryan Jennings will even be speaking and special guest appearances have yet to be announced. While tickets are absolutely free, they are also limited. Reserve your tickets now by clicking here. Tickets are limited to up to 8 per person, adults only.

Coronado will host the 12th Annual Silver Strand Half Marathon & 5K is on Sunday, November 13th, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Imperial Beach Pier Plaza  Join local residents who live in Coronado and surrounding San Diego areas as they raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.  If you don’t want to or can’t race, come and cheer on those that do as they race past your Coronado home.

The half marathon and 5K race events are open to runners, walkers, and even skaters (with helmets, of course!  Water stations, a total of six, will be available every 1.5 miles along the course and some of the stations will have extras, too.  Lots of activities geared at children, as well as for live music, food, drinks, and more are planned for the end of the race at the Party at the Pier, so bring the whole family to this amazing community event!  Please click here to find out more about the race.

There’s never a better time to visit the Helen Woodward Animal Center than this week. Curious creatures await you and your family at the Autumn Harvest Tour Family Day on Saturday, October 29th, near your Del Mar home. Everyone will be amazed at the Halloween-ish delights that will crawl out from shadows as you take a guided tour through the “Creepy Critter Cave”. You will learn about some strange and creeping living things that are often misunderstood. Only for the brave at Halloween, these frightful creatures include tarantulas, snakes, giant toads and black cats.

Please wear your costumes and be prepared for some spooky fun with natural life. The Harvest Tour Family Day will have a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, craft activities and other fun surprises. If you live in Del Mar, join the fun at this unique Halloween event, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Tickets are $8 per child and adults are free. For more information, click here.

It’s a marvelous night for an art walk this Thursday in the beautiful Village of La Jolla, loved for its breath-taking views, fantastic dining and exceptional galleries. The Eighth Annual La Jolla Gallery, Wine Walk & Taste will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20th, near your La Jolla home. If you live in La Jolla and enjoy delicious cuisine, fine wines and extraordinary art, you won’t want to miss this delightful event, held only one night of the year, near your La Jolla home.

Attendees will enjoy a lovely night out in pristine La Jolla, beginning as over fifteen of La Jolla’s most well-know galleries will showcase internationally-celebrated art and artifacts, and guests may enjoy a self-guided tour of each sensational exhibit while sampling “winsome” wines at each gallery. Later, feel free to relax in one of more than twenty of the Village’s finest restaurants while delighting your taste buds and your appetite with mini tastings of delicious cuisine.

Tickets to the La Jolla Gallery, Wine Walk & Taste are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Attendees must be 21 years or older and have a valid ID to enter the galleries. Proceeds will benefit La Jolla Village Merchant Association. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

Only the brave or those seeking a truly spooky thrill near your San Diego home, will venture to the The Haunted Hotel. Located downtown in the Gaslamp District, the frights and sights will terrify you as good as any Halloween haunting around.This nationally recognized fright site, The Haunted Hotel is the longest running haunted house in San Diego and was named as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America by Haunt World Magazine and featured in “America Haunts IV” on the Travel Channel in 2009.

The Haunted Hotel is full of realistic spine tingling, heart pounding effects that will keep you screaming for your life as you try to find your way out and looking over your shoulder once you escape. If you live in San Diego, the horror filled nights run through Halloween so be sure to get in before then to see this scare fest. Tickets are priced between $15-27 For more information, click here.

If you surfing, you’ll be excited to know that the 4th Annual California Surf Festival begins tomorrow, October 13th, near your San Diego Home. You won’t want to miss a bit of the four day fun. The festival celebrates awareness and support for surf history preservation through the California Surf Museum. It is an international event destination bringing people from all over the world, including those who live in San Diego, to Oceanside, California, to experience surf culture through films, music, art, photography and interaction with those who embody the culture as well as highlight the surf community of California.
The California Surf Film Festival, produced as a benefit by the California Surf Museum (CSM) in Oceanside, will include exciting and groundbreaking new surf films with many of the filmmakers in attendance. From October 13th-16th, each day will produce entertainment to satisfy beach-goers and wave-riders alike as the surfing’s healthy lifestyle and rich, trendsetting culture is highlighted. From awesome surf music to surf film, including premiers and a star-studded cast of surf legends and pros, there won’t be a dull moment. You don’t want to miss this spectacular festival, set against the backdrop of the CSM’s latest exhibits. All attendees and guests are guaranteed to be dazzled by this fun and educational annual event. For more information and tickets click here.

At Halloween, what’s normally beyond the limits of our comfortable, everyday lives suddenly becomes welcome and invited. If you live in La Jolla, you are used to the myriad opportunities for fun and learning near your San Diego home, and this week is no exception. Get past boundaries and in the mood for tricks and treats with a full moon walk on The Ellen Browning Scripps. Only available during those picturesque (or spooky) full moons, you can explore a part of San Diego that which is normally closed to the public. This Monday and Tuesday, October 10^th and 11^th are the last days to enjoy this event for the year.
During the walk, a guide will teach you about the pier’s history and the nocturnal habits of marine life. You’ll also observe ocean conditions, collect plankton and make some magic when you learn to make marine organisms grow in the dark. If that wasn’t enough, you’ll even get up close and personal with other worldly creatures from the dark deep sea while dissecting a squid! Also included is a tour of the Scripps Oceanography campus. Ages 9+ only, and children ages 9-13 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $25 per person. Please click here for more details.

photo credit: trixiegirl31

Delight and indulge your senses on Wednesday, October 12th, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with Coronado’s finest fare near the ocean air.  If you live in Coronado, the island will be hosting you and your family and friends for its second annual culinary diversion, A Taste of Coronado!

Nearly two dozen restaurants from the northern to the southern ends of Orange Avenue will be serving diverse and delicious foods and wine. The samples will include “locally-owned bistros, melt-in-your-mouth handmade gelatos, full-bodied wines, All-American barbeque, spicy Thai, traditional Irish Pub grub, regional Mexican fare, and fresh seafood” so everyone will find something to savor. Each mouth-watering item will delight your taste buds with diverse flavors, all within the cozy neighborhood of your Coronado home.

Gourmands and foodies alike will enjoy this excursion around the world, one taste at a time. Take your time to stroll leisurely down Orange Avenue in the open air, or enjoy a comfy ride aboard the complimentary Old Time Trolley as it transports you to your next delectable destination.  This event is sponsored by the Coronado Junior Women’s Club to benefit the San Diego Family Justice Center and the Coronado SAFE’s Anti-Bullying Program. Tickets may be purchased online for $35 in advance or for $45 the day of the event. To get your ticket and more information, click here.

The Del Mar “Scream Zone” opened beginning today for some terrifying Halloween fun.  Visitors and homeowners who live in Del Mar who come to the ghoulishly frightening House of Horror, Haunted Hayride and The Chamber will find their worst nightmares explored.   Terror awaits you, only a few minutes from your Del Mar home.

Known as the largest haunted attraction in San Diego, the Scream Zone has become an expert at the art of terror and fright since its inception in 1998.  Rolling floors, visual and sensory deception, and spinning tunnels await the brave in heart at this truly spooky event.

The Triple Haunt combination ticket costs $27.99, with the Double Haunt costing $18.99, and the Single Haunt only $14.99.  These activities are not advised for children under ten years of age.  Tickets are available at the gate and online.  Parking is free in the designated Scream Zone parking lot, through the Solana Gate.  Check this site for specific dates and times.

The NAS North Island Open House Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, September 25th, near your Coronado home.  Join other patriotic fans who live in Coronado in getting an insider’s peek at the everyday life of our military personnel.

You can even tour Navy ships USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and USS Benfold (DDG-65), along with witnessing many military displays, equipment, and vehicles.  Parking is free on the base, although identification and current insurance are required for entry.

You can also experience the Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival, “The Race at the Base,”  in its fourteenth yearthat day.  Everything from production cars to historic cars can be viewed at the event and racing will take place all day on a 1.6 mile course.  For more information, please click here or call (619) 858-1545.

If you live in San Diego, you know already about the 2011 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show.  The stupendous, enthralling event runs September 30th through October 2nd and is great fun for the entire family.  Bring a blanket and chairs to watch the action unfold for free or purchase preferred seating online.  You may even be able to watch from the backyard of your San Diego home.

The annual air show will feature the US Navy Blue Angels and Canadian Forces Snowbirds along with some of the best civilian and military pilots around.  Residents and visitors of all ages, from toddlers to more mature attendees love the excitement of thrill of watching these planes maneuver through the clouds.  Click here to learn more about the event, order tickets, or see the daily schedules.  Parking at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show is free.

September 18th marks the beginning of San Diego Restaurant Week!  This delightful dining experience runs through September 23^rd, not far from your San Diego home. Whether you live in Del Mar or have a home in La Jolla, there is sure to be a long list of available options for you to explore.

You can choose from many of San Diego’s top restaurants at fixed prices of $20, $30, and $40 for three course meals.   You can even go for lunch starting this year, with prices starting at $10, $15, or $20.  Meal prices are per person and do not include tax, gratuity or beverages.  Make sure to reserve your place ahead by clicking here.  San Diego’s Restaurant Week is a twice yearly event that is well attended and anxiously awaited by San Diegans.

Since 1916, swimmers, surfers, and beach goers who live in La Jolla have enjoyed the La Jolla Rough Water Swim.  This tradition community event is celebrating its 81st year on Sunday, September 11th.  Over two thousand swimmers are expected to be in attendance.  You can be a part of the fun by cheering them on!  The swim begins and ends at La Jolla Cove, near your La Jolla home.

Juniors (children) begin the race at 8 a.m. and Amateurs swim between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.  Masters Events for men and women begin at 9:30 a.m., as does the Gatorman event.  Awards will be given at the conclusion of the event to the first five finishers in each events and all finishers will receive a medal.  To learn more about this longtime La Jolla event, please click here.

Mark your calendars now for the 6th Annual Del Mar Surf Dog Surf-a-thon! On September 11th at Del Mar Dog Beach, a short walk from your Del Mar home, you can join 4,000 dog-loving onlookers in this annual spectacle. The surf-a-thon raises funds to support Rancho Santa Fe’s Helen Woodward Animal Center and raised nearly $50,000 last year. Last year’s winners may even debut in the world’s first, “Surf Dog Triple Crown,” this September 11th. Humans visiting or who live in Del Mar can also join in the surfing fun as individuals or teams, with or without their pups, at the DOO THE DAH surf contest. Surfers attempt to earn money for the Helen Woodward Animal Center through pledges based on the number of waves caught in a thirty minute time frame. Costumes and themes are encouraged for dogs, their boards, and their owners. Over 40 vendors and multiple activities will be available throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., making this a great family activity. Click here for more details.

Friday Night Liberty is happening at the Naval Training Center (NTC) Promenade in Point Loma this weekend. This free for all ages community event, which includes free parking, offers Open Artist Studios, Galleries and Performances at Liberty Station, beginning at 5 p.m. The NTC Promenade Arts & Cultural District is located at 2640 Historic Decatur Road, near your Point Loma home. If you live in Point Loma, this is your chance to explore creativity close up. A special Open Rehearsal for Desperate, Love? will preview at 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m., and many art exhibits and demonstrations will be displayed.You can even “Meet Artist Pat Launer” at a reception that night. Food and entertainment will be offered alongside all this fun, as RMC students and teachers present “Best of the Summer” performances of audience favorites every half hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information on this month’s Friday Night Liberty, please click here.

It’s time again to enjoy the Heart of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk.   For only $20 you can feast and walk to your heart’s content just minutes from your Pacific Beach home.  This delicious evening will take place on Tuesday, September 20th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than twenty local restaurants will offer a host of choices and your only limit will be your appetite!  A sampling of the participating restaurants include Lotsa Pasta, Yogurt on the Rocks, La Costa Pizza, Great News!, Tap Room, The Fish Shop, Café Athena, and Woodstock’s Pizza.  If you live in Pacific Beach, you won’t want to miss out on the fun, chance to gather with friends, and great food!  Will call tickets will be available at Lotsa Pasta that afternoon from 3 to 7 p.m. and you can order your tickets or find out more by clicking here.  You can also call 858.273.3303.

Just because school starts soon doesn’t mean the fun has to stop.   Kids who live in Rancho Santa Fe have a big party coming up and will celebrate in style!  On Friday, September 9th, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., students can gather near their Carmel Valley homes for the annual, well anticipated Back to School Bash.  The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center parking lot, located at 5970 La Sendita, will be filled with activity, surprises, lots of good, clean fun, and carnival games.  This is the perfect opportunity to share summertime stories and back to school news as well as enjoy friends, good food, and games.  Mark your calendars now to attend this kid-oriented community event.  You can also register for Session 1 classes that day.  For more information you can call or visit the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center at 858.758.2461 or click here.

La Jolla Concerts by the Sea celebrates another season of summer concerts near your La Jolla home. Bring your family for an exciting evening of music at  Ellen Browning Scripps Park near La Jolla Cove.   Make it an evening of relaxation and together time over a picnic of hot dogs, soda, ice cream and popcorn concessions, the sale of which support La Jolla Concerts by the Sea.  Attendees who live in La Jolla can also win prizes of gift certificates to local retail establishments and restaurants.  Upcoming concerts are on Sundays and include performances by Lao Tizer, a contemporary jazz musician on August 21st, classic rock and roll by Rockola on August 28th and the series with end with some soulful blues by the Bill Magee Blues Band on September 4th.  For more information, click here.

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition invites riders who live in San Diego of all  levels as individuals, families, and corporate teams left their San Diego homes to enjoy a scenic bayside ride on Sunday, August 28th.  Staging will begin at 6:30 a.m. and riders can  experience the rare opportunity of riding over the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.  This 25-mile route passes through San Diego, Coronado, Imperial Beach, Chula Vista and National City and will finish at Embarcadero Mariana Park South.  At the finish line, participants and their families can  celebrate with food, entertainment and the Karl Strauss beer garden. Nearly 3,000 bike riders attended this event last year.  To find out more about the ride or the festival following the event, or to register, please click here.

On Saturday August 27th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.,  you can make a beautiful floral arrangement for your La Jolla home.  This class, held weekly on Saturdays, teaches you about the unique Ikebana design, a floral technique based around principles of combining space and nature.  It embraces the concept that less is more and considers space to be a central element of floral decoration and design.  The cost of the class is $19 and you will learn amazing techniques to impress your family, friends, and neighbors who live in La Jolla.  The class will be held in the La Jolla Seminar Room at the La Jolla Riford Branch Library, located at 1755 Draper Avenue, in La Jolla.  Please register at the Circulation Desk or call 858.552.1657 to find more.   To learn more about Ikebana design, please click here.

The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center is hosting an Open House on Wednesday, August 31st from 3 to 4 p.m. to showcase new course and class offerings near your Rancho Santa Fe home that will be starting this fall.  You can make your own snowcones, enjoy working with tools at the Woodworking Bus, or try out some new games at the Gamezon Wheelz Bus.  There will be a magic show, hands on hoops, and even a drawing demonstration by muralist Linda Luisi.   If you live in Rancho Santa Fe, this is also a great time to explore the many options offered through the Mommy and Me program.  To learn more about the programs and the classes offered throughout the four sessions,you can view the new catalog by clicking here.   The first session starts on September 12th and you can also call 858.756.2461 for more information.

Urban Dare is coming near your Pacific Beach home.  On Saturday, August 6th, this one-of-a kind one day race will converge at the Typhoon Saloon at 12 p.m. to compete.  The Urban Dare combines trivia, photo hunting challenges,  mental and physical trials, and fun into a contest where teams of two solve a set of twelve clues. Smart friends and smart phones can be used to help solve clues given at the assigned checkpoints.  Only walking, running or public transportation can be used to get to checkpoints, which are located near you Pacific Beach home.  The race generally covers five to seven miles and is finished in between two and four hours.  Winners can receive $300 and be entered into the Super Dare competition.  Race proceeds will be donated to the fight against breast cancer.  To find out more or register (families can register, too), click here.

Wrap this summer up with a good musical time by heading over to Point Loma Park.  The park is located at 1049 Catalina Boulevard, between Pt. Loma Avenue and Talbot/Hill Streets, near your Point Loma home.  On Friday, August 5th, you can enjoy hearing the Mighty Untouchables perform beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The concert will run until 8:30 p.m.  The following Friday, August 12th, ROCKOLA will conclude the series for this year and provide excellent entertainment for all in attendance.  Arrive early to find a place to sit and dance.  Bring your family and friends that live in Point Loma and plenty of blankets, chairs and snacks and prepare to have a great time.  For more information on the concerts and other fun events in Point Loma, click here.

 Del Mar Racetrack has opened for the season which brings lots of opportunities for residents who live in Del Mar and surrounding San Diego cities.  The racetrack also sponsors a free summer concert series that begins after the racing tonight, Friday, July 22nd with G Love & Special Sauce.  This gives you a chance to enjoy the day and the night near your Del Mar home!  Next week’s concerts feature Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Ziggy Marley salutes the Legends of Reggae.  The concerts are free to race attendees and non-race watchers can pay $20 to attend.  On Sunday, July 24th, the racetrack celebrates Family Fun Day, offering Webkinz plush horse stuffed animals to each child in attendance.  Weekend post time is at 2 p.m. and the gates open two hours prior.  Admission for children is free with an adult, and general admission is $10.  Discount books are available, as well.   The Del Mar Racetrack is located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, just minutes from your Del Mar home.  Find out more by calling 858.793.5533 or click here.

Catch a summer concert near your Coronado home!  The Coronado Ferry Landing, located at 1201 First Street, is the place to hear a variety of tunes on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.  On July 23^rd from 1 to 3 p.m., you can enjoy Stretch Solo Acoustic and on Sunday, the 24^th, you can listen to Peter Hall Solo Acoustic.  The following weekend, July 30^th and 31^st, the Paragons will play from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and the Crown Island Jazz Band will play from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.  These concerts are part of the beauty and fun of living in Coronado!

 You can also enjoy great concerts in Spreckels Park every Sunday at 6 p.m. on Orange Avenue, between 6^th & 7^th Streets until September 11th.   July 24^th will feature Charlie Chavez y su Afrotruko and July 31^st will showcase Rockola.  This open-air concert series will be a great time for visiting with family and friends.  Try to arrive 30 minutes prior to concert start time for a great listening and dancing spot and please note that dogs are not allowed at Coronado Concerts.  For more information on summer concerts, click here.

Summer means barbeques and picnics and fresh fruits and vegetables in Southern California.  If you live in Point Loma, you can take advantage of the weekly produce market that delivers a variety of locally grown items.  From perfectly rounded watermelons to freshly picked cucumbers and flowers, you are sure to find something you will love.  Point Loma’s Certified Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Canon Street (between Rosecrans Boulevard. & Shafter Street).  Bakery items and specialty treats, along with a bustling Artisan Fair offer some items you might not be able to find anywhere else, but will enjoy being able to bring to your Point Loma home.   Each week about 1,000 people join in on the hometown fun of this Farmer’s Market.  For more information on this or other local Farmer’s Markets, please click here or call Brian Beevers at 619.795.3363.

If you love fashion and live in La Jolla, this month brings a special treat!  The La Jolla Fashion Film Festival happens July 29th & 30^th, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., bringing together professionals from the fashion film art movement in for two days of exciting, glamorous, and informative behind the scenes fun.  As the First International Fashion Film Festival Founded in North America, The La Jolla Fashion Film Festival will hold exclusive screenings, fashion webcasts, seminars and panel discussions, film debuts, industry mixers, after parties, and more.  A never before seen Andy Warhol installation will even take place.  All of these events will be near your La Jolla home, primary at the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla as well a variety of locations that explore the coastline, parks, bays and even Prospect Avenue.  General admission is $50 and you can get more information, by clicking here.

 San Diego is a great place to watch fireworks from the beach on the Fourth of July whether you live in San Diego or are just visiting. Whether you prefer a day of activity followed by an explosive show at the San Diego County Fair or a smaller community event at La Jolla Cove, you are sure to be able to find a great show near your San Diego home. The following are a list of annual celebrations that combine the best in sparkle and sand and are sure to delight you and your family.

• The Big Boom Barge Fireworks Show starts at 9 p.m. and barges will compete for the best fireworks show between Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Seaport Village and the Embarcadero. To find out more, call 619.686.6200.
• The Coronado Fourth of July Celebration is starts with a 15K run, 5K run/walk and rough-water swim and ends with a 9 p.m. firework show. A parade is also scheduled for 10 a.m. in downtown Coronado and a concert in Spreckels Park will begin at 4 p.m. Click here for more details.
• La Jolla Cove Fireworks Show begins at 9 p.m. at the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, located at 1180 Coast Boulevard. Call 858.456.1700 for more details.
• Ocean Beach Fireworks off the Pier at the end of Newport Avenue is in its 31st year and fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Call 619.226.8613 for more information.

The San Diego County Fair is a great place to spend your Independence Day, near your Del Mar home! A traditional fireworks display will be able to be seen from any outside fairgrounds location at about 9:00 p.m. This special day will start with a patriotic Opening Ceremony at the O’Brien Gate prior to the gates opening at 10:00 a.m. REO Speedwagon will even perform in a free-with-Fair-admission concert on the Heineken Grandstand Stage after the fireworks display. If you live in Del Mar, you can use the COASTER train to get to the Fair, and after the fireworks, return by bus to every COASTER station, north and south of the Fairgrounds. You can also park at a free off-site lot and take the free shuttle to the Fairgrounds, too. Special Fourth of July contests will include the Favorite Apron Contest, Big Bang Salute to Pinewood Derby Racing; and Most Patriotic Costume Contest. A Hometown Heroes Parade will honor our local military heroes and all of the exhibits, shopping halls and rides will stay open until midnight, except Creative Youth and Kiddieland, which will close slightly earlier. For more information, please click here.

The Coronado Tennis Center is complete and will be open just in time for you to get your game in this summer, if you live in Coronado! The City of Coronado will be holding a ribbon cutting dedication on Wednesday, June 22nd at 4:00p.m. All Coronado home owners and residents are invited to join in the celebration at 1501 Glorieta Blvd, along with city officials to enjoy refreshments and tennis activities.

The reconstructed facility is twice as large and even includes an open lounge area for viewing matches or cooling down after a game. Improved lighting and resurfaced courts are other benefits to the “new” center. A centrally located scheduling office, expansive pro shop, remodeled restrooms, and a barbeque area with a patio are just some of the improvements made in the renovation. Click here to check it out or call 619.522.7342 to schedule a time to play.

A special treat is available to Dads who live in San Diego! Did you know that Fathers receive free admission on Father’s Day Weekend at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center? Bring your Dad along to enjoy complimentary gallery admission on Sunday, June 19th, with the purchase of one adult, junior, or senior gallery admission ticket for someone else that same day. There is so much to see at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and you’ll need to make time to visit the new “Geometry Playground” exhibition where and enjoy a one-of-a-kind game of hopscotch. You can even view the IMAX shows Born to be Wild, Tornado Alley, or Hubble that day (additional fee applies). The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is near your San Diego home and located at 1875 El Prado in San Diego.

For more information, click here or call 619.238.1233.

 The Low Tide Ride and Stride sponsored by the Coronado Rotary Club will be held on Sunday, June 19th. The 8.2 mile course along the beach will begin at the YMCA Camp Surf, located at Seacoast Drive and Carnation Avenue in Imperial Beach at 8 a.m. for bicyclists and 8:05 a.m. for runners and walkers. The finish line will be at Sunset Park, located at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Ocean Drive in Coronado, near your Coronado home. This is a great opportunity for residents who live in Coronado to get some exercise and support San Diego military wounded warrior programs. All racers will receive a Low Tide Ride and Stride shirt and every child will earn a participant’s ribbon. Three prizes will be awarded in each adult category. If you would like to register on the day of the event, come early as registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. The day of event adult registration costs $35 and youth registration in $15. For more information, please click here.

The Cop Hop is right around the corner and close to your San Diego home!  Come celebrate the heroes and history of the San Diego Police Department on Saturday, June 25th, at 5:30 p.m.  This formal evening of remembering the 40′s with the San Diego Police Foundation and San Diego Historical Association will be an event not to be forgotten.   The  Atoll Home and private residence of Ramin Pourteymour, a gorgeous home in La Jolla , will be opening its doors as the location of this event!

This fundraiser combines hors d’oeuvres with vintage vehicles, silent and live auctions, and tunes from the amazing swing band, Big Time Operator.   You’ll have a great time dancing and visiting friends at this meaningful event.  Tickets are available for $75 each or $600 for ten tickets (including valet parking). Proceeds will fund the San Diego Police Foundationas they seek to improve safety in San Diego. Please get your tickets here or by calling 858.453.5060 by June 21st.

 Summer is here and with comes the San Diego County Fair!  A favorite of locals, the San Diego County Fair is especially close if you live in Del Mar. The fair is open from June 10th through July 4th, but closed on June 13th, 20th and 27th.  An amazing collection of unique exhibits, specialty food, games and contests, live performances, animals and attractions, the San Diego County fair is hard to beat, especially since it is close to your San Diego home. 

Themed, Race to the Fair, this year will have car aficionados enjoying their hobby to the fullest with a full line up of vehicles.  Specialty and exotic cars, luxury cars, local cars, celebrity cars, muscle cars, low riders can all be seen at the San Diego County Fair!   The usual and not so usual food vendors and exhibitors, thrill rides and attractions, Paul Ecke Jr. Flower and Garden Show and other exhibits will also be fatured at the fair, along with some fantastic concerts and entertainers.  Check out the full line up of events by visiting their website here!

La Jolla home owners will be able to attend the 2011 La Jolla Festival of the Arts on June 18th and 19th. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the festival and will showcase nearly 200 artists from the United States, Mexico, and Israel. A special exhibit featuring the collection of all 25 years of Festival posters will be on display. You can even bid on the original compositions for this year’s posters by artists Linda Pirri and Karen McLean-McGaw if you would like to see them displayed in your La Jolla home.

Music will be provided by USN Destroyers, Rockola, the Mar Dels, Sprague & Benedetti, and other top performers. Admission is $10 and you can purchase tickets or find out more information by clicking here.

photo credit: Common Pixels

 The 6^th Annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort surf dog competition is this Saturday, June 4^th.  Held at Dunes Park in Imperial Beach, this event actually allows you to watch dogs surf!  If you live in Coronado, this is a must attend fundraiser.  This year’s event will benefit DonorChoose.org, an organization that allows individual donors to grant requests for teachers in public schools, some of which are located near your Coronado home.  The goal is to earn $10,000 in donations.

Registered dog competitors are asked to arrive between 10 and 10:30 a.m. and participate in practice sessions with the Coronado Surfing Academy.  The official contest begins at 11 a.m. with heat one (small dogs, 40 pounds and under) and heat two is next featuring large dogs, over 40 pounds.  Following those heats, tandem surfing will take place.  The awards ceremony begins between 1 and 2 p.m.   $10 parking is available at the YMCA Camp Surf parking lot, located at 560 Silver Strand Boulevard, and a complimentary beach shuttle will be available.  All parking proceeds will be donated, as well.  To register, click here.

This Tuesday, May 24th will be exciting if you live in Pacific Beach!  The Coast of Pacific Beach Restaurant Walk will offer a host of good food from 5 to 9 p.m. and is a great time to gather with neighbors and friends.  Be sure to bring a sweatshirt and leave your Pacific Beach home hungry, and come prepared to indulge in some delicious and filling cuisine.  Some of the best dining options available along the coast will be represented at this event. 

Presale tickets are $20 per person and available at Mad Dogs Cafe, Tony Romas, and Filippi’s Pizza Grotto or online.  More than twenty restaurants are participating and you can see the full list and purchase online tickets by clicking here.   Aside from enjoying and evening out, tasty treats, and a sunset stroll along Pacific Beach’s coastline, proceeds from this event will be used to keep Pacific Beach well maintained and clean.

Memorial Day is a special time for those who live in Point Loma. The Naval Base Point Loma hosts an annual Memorial Day Ceremony, to honor those who have died in our nation’s service. This year the event will begin at 10 a.m. on May 25th at the USS Roncador Submarine Memorial, located aboard the Submarine Base Complex of Naval Base Point Loma. Many Point Loma home owners have had their lives touched by servicemen and women and this tribute is a touching memoriam.

The Submarine Veterans of WWII and United States Submarine Veterans Inc., are dedicated to preserving the memory of the valiant Submariners of the United States Navy who lost their lives in the service of their country. The tribute will be held through the “Tolling of the Boats”, where the master of ceremonies names the submarines, number of crewmembers, and the dates lost at sea. This year’s guest speaker is Captain Paul A. Marconi, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Point Loma. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Submarine Veterans of WWII and USSVI will conduct a wreath laying ceremony in San Diego Bay. Please call the Naval Base Point Loma Public Affairs for more information at 619.553.7175.

 Coronado Concerts are starting up again in time for summer!  A long-standing musical tradition for people who live in Coronado, these concerts are a favorite activity for many local families.  Each concert is held in Spreckels Park, on Orange Avenue, between 6^th & 7^th St. on Sundays beginning May 30th and continuing through September 12th.  Coronado Concert are a great excuse to leave your Coronado home and enjoy some great music and dancing in the open-air. 

Get a good blanket location by arriving 30 minutes before show start time, and don’t forget to pack a picnic dinner.  Also, pets are not allowed at the concerts.  Kicking off the series is the Coronado Community Concert Band, followed by the COSA Jazz Ensemble, Kearney Mesa Concert Band, Navy Band Southwest, and Sue Palmer Band in June.  Concerts begin at 6 p.m and the full schedule can be seen here.

 It’s time to mark your calendars for the Cop Hop!  In just a few weeks, you can dress up for an evening of celebration focused on the history and heroes of the San Diego Police Department. On Saturday, June 25th, beginning at 5:30 p.m., San Diego home owners and residents are invited to join the San Diego Police Foundation and San Diego Historical Association for an evening of ‘40s flair! Gather your friends and neighbors who live in San Diego for an exciting night out at the gorgeous Atoll Home and private residence of Ramin Pourteymour!

This exciting fundraiser will combine delicious hors d’oeuvres with vintage automobiles, silent and live auctions, and even the amazing tunes of swing band, Big Time Operator. Tickets are $75 each or $600 for ten tickets (valet parking is included). Ticket proceeds will benefit the San Diego Police Foundation whose vision is to see that the men and women of the SDPD will always be fully equipped to respond when needed, thereby making San Diego safer. You can reserve your tickets here or call 858.453.5060 for more details by June 21st.

 The 13^th Annual Secret Garden Tour of Old La Jolla takes place on Saturday, May 14^th.  This special event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine and is a favorite annual activity for many who live in La Jolla.  This self-guided tour allows you to explore the gardens as you would like, lingering in certain locations, as desired.  If you love to look at gardens or want to get some ideas for your own La Jolla home, you will enjoy this tour.  Reservations are $50 for non-members and $40 for members.  To make your reservations, please click here.   The funds generated from ticket sales support the La Jolla Historical Society programs and historical collections.  Secret Garden Tour sponsors are still being sought, as well.  Find out more by calling 858.459.5335.

 Tomorrow, Saturday, May 7^th is the annual Pug Rescue Day at the Del Mar Fairgrounds’ Infield Pavilion.  This is sure to be the largest assembly of pug dogs in California as pugs and their owners travel to Del Mar.  If you live in Del Mar and have not yet been to Pug Rescue Day, you are in for a treat if you join in celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Pug Rescue San Diego County (PRSDC).  You’ll want to bring the whole family to share in the festivities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., near your Del Mar home.  

The theme of this year’s event is “The Emerald City ~ There’s No Place Like Home” and will feature a “hot air balloon” wagon ride, Professor Marvel’s Paw Reading booth, a Pug of a Different Color tail painting booth, a “walk the yellow brick road” game for kids and adults, and many other wonderful costume contests and games.  The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children ten and under.  Everyone is encouraged to dress in a theme related costume.  To read the schedule planned for tomorrow, click here.

 Del Mar home owners will be delighted by local theatrical talent next week.  Canyon Crest Academy’s award-winning Theater Program will perform a Festival of One Acts directed by conservatory students. Running Thursday, May 5th through Saturday, May 7^th, the Black Box Theater, will be showcasing each student’s work and providing the students the opportunity to apply the skills they have learned in the theater program.  The show will be held at the Canyon Crest Academy, located at 5951 Village Center Loop Road, near your Del Mar home.  Eight one act plays will be featured.  Cost to attend the performance is either $6, $8, or $10 and you can purchase them by clicking here.  Showtimes are at 4 and 7 p.m. each evening.  As a side note, kudos go out to Canyon Crest Academy for their recent $5,500 grant reward from the Grammy Foundation.  Great job!

Friday Night Liberty takes place this Friday, May 6th at NTC Promenade at Liberty Station, located at 2640 Historic Decatur Road near your Point Loma home. This month’s theme is Art Meets Fashion – Opportunities to Inspire and is a fun outdoor activity if you live in Point Loma. Special exhibits and receptions will be on display from 5 to 8 p.m. and include the Gilded Cage at Barracks 19, Evolution Transformed at VISIONS ART Museum, the Mannequin Project at ARTS – A Reason to Survive, along with Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater and Jeans 4 Justice.
An outdoor performance will be held at Legacy Plaza at 6 p.m. and a Fashion Show & Open Catwalk will commence in the Rose Garden at 6:20 p.m. Click here to see all the other fascinating items for display and sale at this free event or call 619-573-9260.

 The Coronado Historical Association has been celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation this year with a special exhibit entitled Wings of Gold.  To add to that honor, the 2011 Coronado Historic Home Tour will feature six, very special Coronado homes that once housed naval aviators.  The tour will be held on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 8th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The Coronado homes were all built between 1910 and 1940 and include styles such as California Craftsman, Spanish Eclectic, Santa Fe Territorial, a 1940 Modern, and even a Mediterranean. 

Typically the tour is a self-guided walking tour, but this year is different.  Visitors will be shuttled to each home on the Old Town Trolley!  Currently, if you join the Coronado Historical Association, they will even include tour tickets with your family membership for a total of $100.  Click here to go to the Coronado History site and gain more information.   You can also purchase tickets by calling 619.435.7242. between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

 The La Jolla Historical Society Architectural Club will be hosting several evenings throughout the year with respected architectural specialists. If you live in La Jolla  and would like to learn more about the history and significance of local architecture, you will enjoy the knowledge that will be shared. The next upcoming lecture will be held on April 28th, at 7:00 pm in the historic Wisteria Cottage, located at 780 Prospect St., near your La Jolla home. The cost of the lecture given by Matthew Welsh is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.

Come with your questions and ready to learn as you discover interesting qualities found in the historical buildings of La Jolla. Upon returning home, you may be surprised to be able to identify similarities between the homes and buildings discussed and your very own home.  Click here to find out more about the La Jolla Historical Society.

Next week the Del Mar National Horse Show will celebrate Western Week, from April 21st through the 24th.  If you live in Del Mar, this is a great time to visit the horses.  Admission is free weekdays until 4 p.m.  The Western Show will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and tickets are $10.  Saturday evening another show, entitled Night of the Horse presents Equine Extremist Tommie Turvey & Friends, will start at 7 p.m. and costs $18.  This show promises action, excitement, and world-class horsemanship and is only a few minutes from your Del Mar home.  The show is sponsored by Mary’s Tack & Feed.

The following weekend, on Saturday, April 30th at 7 p.m., an Evening of Musical Freestyles will present a beautiful display of equestrian ballet.  On Saturday, May 7th, at 6:45 p.m., the riding arena will amaze viewers with thrills and spills as horses compete in tests of agility, speed, and course negotiation.  That show is entitled the $100,000 Villas at Rancho Valencia Grand Prix of Del Mar and will keep the audience on the edge of their seats.  Tickets to all shows are available at Ticketmaster or by calling 858-792-4252.

 Liberty Station will be hosting their annual Spring Fling on Saturday, April 23rd in Ingram Plaza and NTC Park.  Children and parents who live in Point Loma will enjoy this festive and free event!  Fun activities are planned throughout the day with a Scavenger Hunt and Cornhole Tournament starting promptly at noon.  This is a great opportunity to celebrate Spring near your Point Loma home!  Egg hunts start at 1 p.m. and begin with youngest children starting first.  The last children’s egg hunt (for 10-12 year olds) will begin at 2 p.m.  An Empty Basket Club Egg Hunt will commence at 2:15 p.m.

The fun will continue from 3 to 5 p.m. with a free concert by Rockola, America’s Classic Rock Experience.  This event will also have photo opportunities, games, balloon artists, face painting, and super inflatables and is sponsored by Liberty Station and the San Diego Park & Recreation Department.  For more information, click here.

 “Toast Your Imagination” at the Celebration of Tabletops at Rancho Santa Fe is Community Center’s Spring Luncheon this April 29th! At this exciting event, women from throughout Rancho Santa Fe bring their talents to the table, literally. Each table at the luncheon is individually themed and decorated by women who live in Rancho Santa Fe. Would-be decorators are encouraged to call 858.756.2461 to sign up. The actual luncheon festivities will begin at 11:30 a.m., although table designers are encouraged to set up early that morning. After lunch is served, a raffle drawing will take place along with the table awards and guests can return to their Rancho Santa Fe homes by 2 p.m.
Bring your most creative, original, and interesting ideas and join in with friends to be a part of this annual event. It Mark your calendars to attend this worthwhile event. The luncheon will take place at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, located at 5951 Linea Del Cielo.

 Take me out to the ball game… Take me out to the crowd…  It’s time to see the Padres in action again!  If you live in San Diego, you owe it to yourself to venture to a Padres game in PetCo Park. Although  Opening Day was last week, the Padres are forging ahead this season with some great home grown San Diego talent, as evidenced recently by pitcher Aaron Harang!

The Padres will play against the Los Angeles Dodgers this weekend and several promotions are planned for those games.  Friday night fans will be treated to a firework show, along with Fiesta Mexicana and Rally Towels.  Padres mesh baseball caps will be handed out on Saturday to the first 25,000 visitors and kids can receive Padres posters on Sunday, when the Padres celebrate Military Opening Day!   For more information or to get your tickets, click here.

 If you live in Del Mar or Rancho Santa Fe and have a child who loves team sports, Pop Warner football & cheer season has begun registration.  Physical registration occurs on Wednesday, April 6^th from 4 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 20^th from 4 to 6:30 p.m.   Prior to attending that meeting, you must register online.  Children between the ages of six and fifteen who live in Rancho Santa Fe or Del Mar can sign up. 

Registration will take place in the Ashley Falls Multi Purpose Room, located at 13030 Ashley Falls Drive.  For more information on registration requirements, click here.   All participants must have a sports physical before participating.  Walk in sports physicals will be given at PHP Expresscare for $25.  Call 858.672.2065 for details.  Pop Warner’s goal is to “use football, cheerleading, dance and a respect for education to develop strong, smart, responsible, healthy young men and women.”   The program gives participants “experiences that build their appreciation for and understanding of leadership, teamwork, and discipline.”

 April showers may bring May flowers, but in Coronado you can get a sneak peek at some beautiful blooms a little bit sooner! On April 16th and 17th, The Coronado Flower Show will be held in Spreckels Park on Orange Avenue, between 6th & 7th Streets. This is a great opportunity to discover flowers and plants for your Coronado home. Attendees travel from tent to tent around a central gazebo and stage. The theme for the 2011 Flower Show is “Dig, Design and Dine.”  If you live in Coronado, you won’t want to miss out on the largest tent based flower show in the United States.

This year’s show will also feature a Beer Garden, serving beer and wine. The Beer Garden Hours are on Saturday, from 1 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. and guests can listen to live entertainment while enjoying beverages at the flower show. For more information, click here.

 The 7th Annual La Jolla Motor Car Classic is coming near your La Jolla home on Sunday, April 3rd. If you live in La Jolla, you will have a great time joining with the La Jolla Historical Society in admiring some beautiful automobiles. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in La Jolla Cove, at 1133 Coast Boulevard, and this year is featuring German automobiles. Along with the European cars, thirty other juried categories will be presented. Awards are given to the top three cars in each class. Your participation benefits the historical society and Monarch School.
Tickets to this auto showcase are $35 in advance and $40 on the day of the event. Children thirteen and under are free. You can also purchase VIP tickets for $100 which includes entrance, complimentary food and beverages in the VIP area, and a commemorative program. For more information, please call 619.233.5008 or click here.

If you enjoy singing and playing music, the San Diego County Fair and Albertsons/Sav-on is hosting the 3rd annual Musicpalooza contest.  Whether you live in Del Mar or have musical talent elsewhere in San Diego, the fair is still on the search for participating bands.   The deadline to enter is Friday, April 8^th and applicants must be over 21 years old.  Musicpalooza is a search event for the best musical talent in the United States and will be staged as a battle of the bands.  The grand prize is $5,000.  A $5,000 prize will also be offered to the Best Singer-Songwriter.  The Fair is located near your Del Mar home, at 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard.

Pre-Fair auditions will be held in May, at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. The first fair-time round will take place Friday, June 10th, from 3 to 8 p.m. on the Coors Light Rock On Stage.  The fair-time semifinals will take place on the same stage, Friday, June 17th, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. The finals will be held Friday, June 24, from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Paddock Stage. For more information, click here.

Get ready for some star studded fun on April 2^nd!  The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center will be hosting their 40th Anniversary Gala for Rancho Santa Fe home owners and friends.   This event is one of the many ways that those who live in Rancho Santa Fe unite and have a great time while giving back to their community.  The Anniversary Gala fundraiser raises money for the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center through its dinner and auction.  All other planned community events, activities, and programs in Rancho Santa Fe rely on the success of this fundraiser.

The Gala will be held at the Rancho Santa Fe Inn and promises to be a night of Hollywood classics.  Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. and continue until 11 p.m.  Tickets start at $450 a couple and table sponsors are welcome, too.   Glamour and perhaps stardom await you at this exciting event.  Call 858.756.2461 for more details or click here to view your virtual invitation.

If you live in San Diego, you will want to visit the San Diego Science Festival, a huge celebration of science on the West Coast. This annual free celebration is an interactive learning experience for kids. All ages are welcome. Whether you have a home in La Jolla or live in Point Loma, attending a portion of this event will be worthwhile and it is a great activity for the entire family! This year’s theme is “Excite Your Mind.”
The weeklong exploration of science, engineering and technology will run March 19th through March 26th. This Saturday, March 19th, will kick off the event with a special Science Family Day at Balboa Park from 10a.m. to 4p.m., and an in-depth Science & Engineering Sampler. Expo Day will close the Science Festival at Petco Park with over 135 hands-on exhibits and experiments. Over 30,000 participants are expected to attend. For more information, visit their website here.

Mission Bay Park is expecting a large crowd this weekend.  Their annual St. Patrick’s Day 10K Run is expecting over 3,000 participants this year.  Late Registration & Packet Pick up is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 9th at Sport Chalet in Mission Valley from 3 pm to 6 pm or on race day beginning at 6 a.m.  Please bring your bib number to secure your t-shirt.

This official USAT&F Certified Course race is a favorite of San Diegans.  Whether you live in Mission Beach or Del Mar, or have a home in La Jolla, you are bound to see someone you know at this event.  The actual race starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 12^th.

Event day registration costs $37 and includes a high quality t-shirt and Domino’s pizza and beer for those over 21 years of age with valid ID.  Race proceeds benefit Rady’s Childrens Hospital of San Diego.  For more information, click here.

 Take some time and explore La Jolla’s tide pools this month, if you live in La Jolla.  Tide pool season is almost over and over the next two weeks, really low tides will permit you to see much more.  Tide predictions indicate that the afternoons of March 15^th through March 19^th  will be especially promising.  So, plan now to visit Ocean Beach at the end of Newport Avenue or the Children’s Pool in La Jolla, near Shell Beach.  This fun activity is close to your La Jolla home and so worthwhile.

If you would rather enjoy a guided tour, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps can lead you through La Jolla tide pools. The Scripps trained naturalists will teach you to tread lightly and enhance your tide pool experience. Guided tours are $12 per person (over 2) or $10, if you are a member of Birch Aquarium. Their next tour is on March 19^th at 2:30 p.m. and will meet at Dike Rock.  Please call 858.534.7336 to reserve your space.

 This Saturday, March 5th is the day for anyone who lives in San Diego to visit Little Italy.  The Little Italy Association will be hosting its 8th Carnevale!   The evening events begin at 5:00pm on India Street between Hawthorn and Cedar Streets. However, fun is to be had all day!  Last year, Carnevale drew over 12,000 attendees (most masked) from their San Diego homes with people dressed in traditional Venetian Carnevale regalia.

You can get a Passaporto di Carnevale, to complete, as well.  Once completed, you have the chance to win from an assortment of prizes, including  a ‘Day in Little Italy.’  Arrive on Saturday morning between 9am-1:30pm to get your Passaporto di Carnevale stamped!  The evening’s events include fantastic music by Teagan Taylor Trio at Piazza Jacaranda (Corner of India & Cedar Streets), Roman Holiday and Venitian Waltzing at Fabiani Family Stage (Date Street between India and Columbia Streets), and Guy Rallo, Lou Fanucchi and Mo(tesano Music at Piazza Basilone  (Corner of India & W. Fir Streets).  Kids can also enjoy crafts at Washington Elemtary School from 5-9 p.m., too.  Find out more by clicking here.

The Rancho Santa Fe Rotary will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday, March 26th. Beginning at 7 a.m., the Rancho Santa Fe School Field will be covered with treasures and amazing finds. If you live in Rancho Santa Fe, now is the time to declutter and cull through your items. The Rancho Santa Fe Community Center, R. Roger School and the Rotary will all benefit from the funds raised at the sale.
Do you have excess housewares, toys and games, books, linens, jewelry, clothing, bicycles and sports equipment, furniture, pictures, and the like taking up valuable space in your Rancho Santa Fe home? If so, you can donate useful and usable items by bringing them to the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center on Wednesdays (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) or Thursdays (8 a.m.-12 p.m.), until March 17th. Items should be placed in boxes for ease of transport and storage. You can even request pre-arranged pick-up for large items on March 19th from 9a.m.-1p.m. by calling 858.756.2461. Please ask for a tax receipt for any donations you contribute. Click here for more information.

 Del Mar home owners can celebrate Carnevale with Il Fornaio in the Del Mar Plaza this year! This special three day event will begin on March 6th at noon with Venetian Mask Decorating Contest where children can create beautiful masks with provided materials and win prizes. Del Mar residents and friends of all ages are welcome at this fun-filled event. Pizza and soft drinks will also be provided.
The flurry of activity continues each day with a Carnevale Happy Hour from 3-6:30 p.m., and food and drink specials will be made available. On Tuesday, March 8th the Ultimo Giorno di Carnivale will be filled with live performers celebrating in costume on the exciting day. The evening will conclude with a delightful dinner by reservation at Il Fornaio and feature the Festa Regionale, featuring food and wine from Trentino.
The Del Mar Plaza is located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, and more information can be had by calling 858.755.8876. Underground parking is available on 15th Street on the south end or 50 yards north near the intersection of Camino del Mar and 15th.

Are you looking for an entertaining way to spend rainy weekend afternoon?  San Diego residents can take a trip to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located at 1875 El Prado in Balboa Park. The IMAX theatre has an extraordinary showing of Hubble 3D that will transport you from San Diego into space in less than one hour. Be sure to leave plenty of sandbags to prevent flooding in your Coronado or Point Loma home if you plan on being away for an extended period of time. For more information on flooding, click here.
This amazing documentary will open your eyes and prompt a desire to learn more about the wonderful world of space as you quite literally wander through an alternate dimension. Breathtaking close-ups and vivid actual footage from the Hubble itself will capitavate you and your family. Produced by Warner Bros. and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, you will be grateful for the opportunity of this amazing experience.

 Point Loma residents may find a bit more traffic this weekend near their Point Loma homes. Point Loma is THE place to be if you could make it as America’s Next Top Model this weekend. Looks, style, and attitude could be the ticket to breaking through to the highest levels of fashion and fame at Point Loma’s Naval Training Center Promenade. A chance to be a show contestant and win a complete career-launching package will be offered to the winner of America’s Next Top Model. Between ten and fourteen models are generally chosen from the auditioning models to be seen on the reality television show, commonly referred to as ANTM.

An Open Casting Call for Cycle 17 is available to Point Loma/San Diego residents who meet all of the eligibility requirements found here. The Casting Call will be held on Friday, February 18th from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at McMillin Companies Event Center, located at the NTC Promenade.

Hundreds of historic and current military aircraft depart the North Island Naval Air Station and fly over the San Diego Bay this weekend.  A parade in the sky will occur to celebrate 100 years of progression and achievement of aviation.  Naval, Marine and Coast Guard aircraft will fly overhead, featuring aircraft from the 1930s to the modern day Blue Angels.  The show will last from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 12th and will be viewed from many places throughout San Diego by San Diego residents.  Coronado homes will claim one of the best viewing spots for this spectacular event.
Over 120,000 people are expected to turn their eyes to the skies during this memorable event.  You can also view the aerial show with live narration by naval aviation experts, audio feeds, a bar and refreshments at the Maritime Museum of San Diego where you can witness the show from the decks of the historic steam ferry Berkeley, or their western mooring platform. The air parade is sponsored and hosted by US Navy/Maritime Museum and more information can be found here or by calling 619.234.9153.

This weekend runners from all over Southern California will converge to race through the lovely Rancho Santa Fe homes.  Sunday, February 13th, marks the forty-third year of the San Dieguito Half Marathon and 5K Run Walk.  The race begins at 8 a.m. in San Dieguito County Park, and travels throughout scenic views and streets lined with gorgeous Rancho Santa Fe homes before finishing at the park. 

A USAT&F Certified race, the San Dieguito Half Marathon/5K Walk will be highly attended by San Diego residents. The race benefits all San Diego home owners and residents as the proceeds raise funds for the San Diego County Parks Society. The event is sponsored by the San Diego Hash House Harriers.  You can pick up registration packets starting at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the race and all participants will long sleeve t-shirts. All finishers will receive awards, too. You can register for the half marathon or 5K Run/Walk by clicking here.  Call 619.298.7400 for more information.

Interested in adding a little romance to your life before Valentine’s Day? You can, with the Del Mar Master Chorus. On Tuesday, February 8th, you can experience their latest show, “Broadway Love Songs” close to your Del Mar home. This free performance will play at the Richardson Performance Hall at Del Mar College East, at Ayers and Baldwin. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with songs by Lerner and Lowe, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Leonard Bernstein.

Bring your loved one to enjoy favorites tunes from “My Fair Lady,” “Brigadoon,” “West Side Story,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Director Dennis S. Richardson, accompanied by Yvonne Jaggard will present the Del Mar Master Chorus as you’ve never heard them before!  This is a perfect way to avoid the Valentine’s Day rush and still plan a great evening of romance and laughter. Call the Del Mar College Music Office  for more information at 361.698.1214.

The La Jolla Art Association is celebrating the new year with “Natural Vibrations – An All Member January Exhibition” which will remain until February 13th. The gallery changes its display every two weeks. Founded in 1918 in the La Jolla home of Miss Ellen Scripps, this art organization has been a defining part of La Jolla. Famous artists and architects Maurice Braun, Charles Fries, Alfred Mitchell, A. R. Valentien, Alice Klauber, and William Templeton Johnson were all founding members of this distinguished organization.
The Gallery, located at 8100 Paseo del Ocaso, Suite B, is a welcome studio to artists with a La Jolla home. Close by, it is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers art classes, demonstrations, exhibitions and a wide range of workshops to La Jolla residents through the La Jolla Art Association. 
On Thursday, February 17th Joan Yin will be holding a new Chinese Brush Painting “Landscape” Workshop from 10:30-12:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per person and you can find out more information by calling 858.459.1196. You can also view current pieces of La Jolla Art Association members by visiting their online gallery here.

Coronado homeowners need not travel far to enjoy a little pre-Valentines calorie burn this year. On Sunday, February 13th at Tidelands Park, located at 2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado residents can join the Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K. Beginning at 7:15 a.m., this flat fast course race is perfect for a fun run with your Valentine since you can enter as a couple and compete against other couples. You can also sign up as an individual and walkers and baby strollers are welcome at this fun event. Water stops will be placed at mile two and mile four.
Register to race by clicking here. Race packets, with race number and event shirt, can be picked up February 10th through 12th. All Proceeds from the Coronado Valentine’s Day 10K go to the Islander Sports Foundation and the Stephen J. Wampler Foundation. The Islander Sports Foundation’s mission is to help students become champions through sports and the Stephen J. Wampler Foundation strives to give children with physical disabilities outdoor wilderness experiences.

Another top pick this Valentines is in La Valencia Hotel.  The incredibly romantic Sky Room and Executive Chef Lance Repp will be serving an extensive five-course Valentine’s Day dinner.  Specialties such as Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Maine Lobster, Braised Veal Cheeks and Greg Norman Petit Filet will tempt your tastebuds.  The special Valentines meal runs $125 per person and $175 per person with wine pairings.  To make reservations please call 858.551.3744. 

The Mediterranean Room and the Whaling Bar & Grill, also at La Valencia, will also be offering a special three-course Valentine’s Day dinner served through the weekend of  February 11 – 14.   This dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Lance Repp, too,  and will include specialties such as Pan Roasted Scallops, Butter Poached Lobster, Rosemary Roasted Rack of Lamb, and Tomato Fennel with Burrata.  This three-course Valentine’s Day dinner is $125 per person with wine.  For more details on either of these options,  please visit La Valencia Hotel  in La Jolla.

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it and now is the time to be making reservations if you plan to dine out as part of your celebration.  In the upcoming weeks, we will be highlighting some special places to help you find the perfect way to spend your Valentines evening.

Whether staying in your Del Mar home or going out for your romantic evening, Del Mar residents will be excited to learn that Flavor, located at 1555 Camino Del Mar, will offer a special three-course menu all Valentine’s Week (from the 11^th through the 18th).  In this new favorite on the Del Mar scene, long-time Del Mar Chef Jason Maitland shares his passion for quality and fresh ingredients, as evidenced by his inspiring cuisine.

You can choose from Citrus Poached Maine Lobster Salad, Roasted Sweet Pepper Bisque, Pacific Oysters Hot & Cold, or Tamarind Glazed Crispy Pork Belly as your first course. Next you must decide between four delectable entrees – Artichoke & Roasted Fennel Ravioli, Duo of Prime New York Strip and Short Rib, Macadamia Nut Crusted Petrale Sole, or Chinese Five Spiced Long Island Duck Breast. For dessert the choices don’t get any easier.  You can select from the Tahitian Vanilla Bean Parfait, Macadamia Nut Tart, or the Chocolate & Framboise Lambic Terrine. 

This three-course Valentine’s Day dinner is $55 per person.  For more details and to make reservations, please call 858.755.3663 or click here.

It’s time to get out the clubs. Rancho Santa Fe Community Center’s 18th Annual Golf Classic is just around the corner. Be “fore”warned that this event brings out the competitive spirit in Rancho Santa Fe residents! 

Plan now to join the fun and golf with or against your friends, win at the auction, or just visit with other Rancho Santa Fe homeowners.  Prizes include an autographed Tony Hawk skateboard, a getaway ski trip to the Montage at Deer Valley (valued at $2,000), and a getaway golf vacation to La Quinta PGA West (valued at $2,700).   Great game, great prizes, great friends = Great fun! 

The actual tournament, held on the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club green, begins at noon on Monday, January 31st. Participation fees are $495 per person. Sponsorships are available from $500 to $5000.  You can register to play, become a sponsor or just find out more by visiting the Rancho Santa Community Center website here. Erin Leahey at the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center can also be reached at 858.756.2461.

Are you in the mood to engage in a local cultural experience? 

Plan now to visit Liberty Station on Friday, February 4^th.  Point Loma residents can gather to enjoy free open artist studios, galleries, and performance events on the first Friday of each month.  Beginning at 5p.m., you can wander throughout the growing cultural arts campus at the Naval Training Center (NTC) Promenade Arts & Cultural District and explore all that it has to offer.  Parking is free, too!  This is just another great reason in live in Point Loma.

You can find the event Friday Night Liberty at the NTC Promenade Arts & Cultural District at 2640 Historic Decatur Road, in Point Loma.  This event is educational fun for the whole family.  To find out about other events or more information, visit the NTC Promenade website here.   The center also offers classes for children and adults for a variety of talents including, but not limited to painting, sculpting, theatre, dance, Pilates, and even ZUMBA.

January 16th kicks off San Diego Restaurant Week!  This fantastic dining experience is in its 7th year and runs through January 21st . You’ll have opportunity to choose from over 160 of San Diego’s top restaurants offering fixed price $20, $30, and $40 three course meals in this celebration of delicious cuisine. Coronado residents will be happy to hear that 1500 Ocean at the Hotel del Coronado, Peohe’s, Coronado Boathouse, and Mistral are all participating this year. Del Mar and La Jolla home owners will find a multitude of options, as well.
Beverages, tax, and tip are not included in the fixed price menu. Reservations are being taken at most locations, so make plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. The list of restaurants taking part in San Diego Restaurant Week can be found here. You can also get address information and preview the menus for each restaurant by following that link.

Del Mar homeowners have something to look forward to this month. 

The Del Mar Antique Show and Sale will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Friday, January 21^st through Sunday, January 23^rd.   The Del Mar Fairgrounds are located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, in Del Mar.  The Show will be in the O’Brien and Bing Crosby Halls on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Appraisers will be on hand to examine your treasures, charging $5 per item, and restoration and repair service providers will be available as well.  Whether your item is scuffed, worn out, rusty, or chipped, you’ll be able to find someone who can help you fix it. 

General admission for all three days is $8 and children under 17 are free with a paid adult, and you can even print out a coupon for 50% off each admission on their website.  Call 800-943-7501 for more details or visit their website here.

Coronado residents can journey to the beach this Sunday, January 9th, and begin adding yoga into their fitness routine for 2011. Danell Dwaileebe will lead participants through a series of poses in her Yoga on the Beach class. Yoga has been known to encourage practitioners to be open to possibilities, expand awareness and focus, and surrender timelines.  This is also a great opportunity to meet some neighbors if you have recently purchased a home in Coronado.
Everyone is welcome and experience is not required to enjoy this casual Yoga on the Beach class. Try to arrive by 9:15 a.m., as class begins at 9:30 a.m. and will last approximately one hour. Please bring a beach towel or bed sheet and a friend to join you. Meet at the bench near the Hotel Del houses, at the end of Ocean Boulevard. A $5 donation is suggested.

This yoga class is scheduled to continue every Sunday until January 30th. Click here to visit Danell’s event page.

Maxine & Marti Gellens, mother & daughter team, have been long recognized for their outstanding sales   performance as Realtors.   Particularly momentous is their recent top ranking through the third quarter of 2010 among their Prudential California colleagues.

 For Prudential California Realty, La Jolla, Maxine & Marti have earned the position of #1 in sales through the third quarter of the year, and #2 in San Diego County for Prudential California Realty. 

 “To have such a successful year during a period of time dominated by a dismal economy and most difficult escrows is an achievement that we share with our buyers & sellers,” expressed Maxine. “To speak in the vernacular, they kept their cool and went with the flow,” she added.

 Marti concluded by stating, “We hope that 2011 will be stronger and better for all!”

La Jolla residents and visitors have many great restaurants and options when considering New Years plans. In fact, there are too many to list!

If you have already made plans to have friends and family to your La Jolla home to celebrate, you may want to consider visiting Ellen Scripps Browning Park. It’s a great way to spend the evening, casually. Many locals and neighbors turn out for this picnic-style New Year’s event.

Food is permitted (no glass) so plan your evening treats, and bring plenty to share as you gather with like-minded La Jolla residents. You’ll want to also bring along a Thermos or two and plenty of blankets, as the night will be chilly, as you wait to watch the fireworks show over the bay.

If you are not familiar with La Jolla, but would like to visit this fun event, take Highway 52 West to La Jolla Parkway (which will become Torrey Pines Road). Turn right on Prospect then right on to Coast Blvd. You’ll find the park at the bottom of the hill and will need to park on the street. Have a wonderful New Years Eve!

Del Mar Fairgrounds is the place to be this New Year if you are a music fan. Promising “the most Elegant, Elaborate and Exciting New Year’s Celebration in Southern California,” Del Mar’s EPIC New Years will have three huge indoor stages for over 10,000 people. Plush lounges, heaters, bars and food, roving photographers, and a photo booth will help to ensure an unforgettable night.
The three stage lineup includes Ferry Corsten, Moby, AfroJack, Porter Robinson, Hyper Crush, Full Blown Stone, DJ Homicide, and DJ Crooked, and many more popular artists. Click here for the full line up.
The adults only New Years fun begins at 8pm and runs until 2am and tickets are available here. VIP tables are also available if you prefer a unique backstage experience, including an Audio/Visual show, private bars, couches, and dance floor. Each VIP package includes VIP tickets, bottles, private entrance, VIP Lounge and gratuity. Make sure to reserve your area by calling 619.342.1651.

Trying to find a unique gift for a La Jolla resident?  Try the La Jolla Holiday Wine & Food Tour.  This three hour walking tour of beautiful La Jolla is guaranteed to please!  Special holiday pricing is available throu December 31^st at only $55 per person.  Tours are conducted daily, by appointment, between 3 and 6 p.m.

Meet at the Empress Hotel in the Village of La Jolla and enjoy free parking while you embark on your guided tour which includes award-winning wine tastings, VIP gourmet food pairings of seafood, pasta, sushi, and chocolate on the 4-5 selected la Jolla tour stops.  You’ll enjoy presentations by local sommeliers, chefs and artisans and an expert guide to local history, culture, and food, while taking a leisurely walk through La Jolla by-the-sea.  Special discounts to local merchants and restaurants will also be included.  Call La Jolla Wine Tours for reservations at 858.551.5115 or email shira@lajollawinetours.com .

The San Diego Children’s Choir and Westwind Brass will be delighting Coronado residents with a Holiday Sing-a-long!  The Concert, Youth and Alumni Choirs will join together to sing at Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado, tomorrow night, December 22^nd beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

High quality multi-cultural seasonal selections from every era will help you get into the holiday spirit in no time!  Traditional carols will be sung, along with Hanukah music and selections from Klezmer’s Nutcracker Suite and Handel’s Messiah.

The San Diego Children’s Choir  is open to San Diego boys and girls, ages six to eighteen, and seeks to provide the highest quality choral music education and performance experience to its members.  One of the goals of the San Diego Children’s Choir is to foster an awareness of cultural diversity and inspire a lifelong love of music in participants.  Christ Episcopal Church is located at 1114 9^th Street in Coronado, on the corner of Coronado and 9^th Street.

San Diego home owners make holiday decorating an art with carefully hung lights and themes.  If you want to add a little spirit to your holiday, plan a night to admire the festive decorations of your neighbors (and perhaps your own!).  Keys to a successful evening include a thermos filled with the hot beverage of your choice, cookies or other snacks, your camera, gloves, a scarf, and a warm jacket.  Follow this guide or create your own as you explore your local neighborhood.

Coronado homes are a must see decked out in holiday splendor.   These historic homes allow for classic decorating and lots of lights.  Each house is impeccably lit and very impressive.

Point Loma homes on Garrison Street, off of Rosecrans display fantastic scenes through Jan. 3rd, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Many of these Point Loma’s holiday displays feature nautical scenes and lots of Christmas cheer. Dress warmly and plan to walk through the homes as you admire their beauty.  This community display is not a drive-by sight.

Lastly, La Jolla homes and decorations are always a treat.  Pick a neighborhood and drive through the uniquely styled light displays.  Be sure to visit the beach houses while you’re there, too.  Have fun and stay warm!

It’s time to get into the Holiday spirit!  The Peninsula Singers will perform in a free holiday concert at the Point Loma Hervey Branch Library tonight, December 15^th, beginning at 7 p.m.  Point Loma residents can come and hear some of your favorite holiday tunes! 

The concert is available to all ages and is sure to be a great time.  If you would prefer to have the Peninsula Singers entertain you at your own Point Loma home, send them an email here.   The Peninsula Singers is a non-profit community based choir dedicated to enriching, educating, and entertaining throughout San Diego. 

In March, this accomplished group joined with eight other choirs to perform in Carnegie Hall.  Singers of all ability levels are welcome to join their vocal sessions on Monday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hervey Family/Point Loma Library, located at 3701 Voltaire Street, between Point Loma and Ocean Beach.  For more concert information, please call Head Librarian Christine Gonzalez at 619.531.1539.

The holidays are in full swing for Pacific Beach residents!  Pacific Beach will be holding its Annual Pacific Beach Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 11^th from 2-5 p.m.  This community parade, themed “Holiday Classic,” features floats, marching bands, color guard performances, local dignitaries, children’s marching groups, clowns, Santa Claus, and much more.  Residents and local businesses are encouraged to find a way to be involved.

The Parade Route runs along Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, beginning at Haines Street and ending at Cass Street.  Cass Street will feature art and craft vendors at a special “Santa’s Village” which will give residents and visitors a chance to catch up on holiday shopping.

Last year’s Pacific Beach Holiday Parade was cancelled due to a lack of funds and residents sorely missed the opportunity to celebrate community style.  This year’s event has attracted sponsorship from local companies and individuals and is sure to be a great time.  For more information, click here.

The Port of San Diego will host the 39th Annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights on December 12th and 19^th from 5:30-9 p.m.  A free, California style extravaganza, the night begins with Fireworks at 5:30pm which will be followed by the Light Parade. The parade route (lasting approximately one hour and a half hours) begins at Shelter Island and will continue to Harbor Island and The Embarcadero.  The last two stops are Seaport Village and Ferry Landing on Coronado.

This year’s theme is The Sounds of Christmas and is dedicated to Anthony Cole DeWeese, an 8-year-old-boy who lost his life in a fatal boating accident during last year’s Parade. More than 80,000 San Diego residents are expected to visit The San Diego Bay Parade of Lights and help the Rady Children’s Hospital help other children in need of critical care this holiday season. Donations will be accepted at the parade and will be designated to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. For more information, click here.

Coronado home owners and friends will welcome a special visitor this week.  Santa Claus is coming to town on Friday, December 3^rd between 3 and 5 p.m. by ferry!  He will visit with children playing at Snow Mountain, located at 7^th and Orange, before joining the Holiday Parade that evening at 6 p.m.  At 7 p.m.  the seventy five foot Rotary Park Christmas Tree will be lit and a Community Concert in the Park will follow. 

The merchants on Orange Avenue will host an Open House to welcome the jolly old elf and onlookers from 5:30-9 p.m.  Fireworks will also be seen over Glorietta Bay later in the evening.

For those seeking more active fun, the Hotel del Coronado has begun Skating by Sea, an ice rink that is frozen now through January 2^nd.  A truly exhilarating experience, ice skating in California is great family and date night fun.  Hope to see you there!

Point Loma’s Holiday Home Tour takes place this Sunday, December 5^th.  Five Point Loma home tours and access to the Holiday Market Place, offering eclectic holiday gifts, will be available on the tour.  Homes range from historic Tudors to coastal cottages.  A silent auction and raffle will also be part of the fun, so come prepared to shop. 

Cost of the tour is $25 before December 5^th and $30 on the day of the event.  Prior to December 5^th, tickets can be purchased at Cottage Antiques in Ocean Beach.  Tickets can be picked up and purchased at 3725 Oleander Drive on December 5^th.  More information can be found at 619.518.8663.

All proceeds benefit the Best Friends Animal Society.   This organization houses the largest home for abused and homeless animals in the United States.  Many shelters benefit from the funds raised through the Best Friends Animal Society.  You can also help in a Four Legged Food Drive by bringing  an unopened, unexpired can of dog or cat food to the event.

Thanksgiving can be a bit overwhelming if you are in the process of buying or selling your La Jolla home.  Luckily you can be grateful for the Torreyana Grille, located inside the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.  They will be serving up a Thanksgiving buffet feast tomorrow, November 25, from 12-6 p.m.  You’ll enjoy choices such as prime rib, free range turkey, glazed ham, fresh salmon and seafood, along with a lavish dessert display.  Reservations are required and can be made here. 

If you wanted a little more excitement, you can journey to the Town and Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego for the 31^st Annual Dixieland Thanksgiving Jazz Festival. Known to fans as the “crown jewel of jazz festivals,” Dixieland attracts an international audience.  Whether your style runs to swing dance, traditional jazz or something even more lively, this is an event to attend.

The music may be great, but as with everything, good food makes it better.  A Champagne Thanksgiving dinner will also be available at the Town and Country Resort with traditional as well as exotic trimmings. Call (619) 297-5277 to get more information.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving kicks off another year for Del Mar’s Holiday of Lights, the interactive light display where you can enjoy more than four hundred twinkling displays through January 2^nd. Displays are available Sunday through Thursday beginning at 5:30 and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.  You can choose to drive or ride on the Holiday Hayride for a truly unique experience. 

The Holiday of Lights is located at Del Mar Fairgrounds. off the Interstate 5 at Via de la Valle and cars need to enter at the Main Lot on Jimmy Durante Boulevard.  The cost is $14.00 per car, for up to 5 people and larger vehicles cost $19.00.  Bus admission is $49.00. 

 Cost of the Holiday Hayride is $10.00 per person and children three and younger ride free.  The hayride fee includes the Holiday of Lights tour, hot chocolate or hot cider, and a holiday cookie.  You can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster or at the Holiday of Lights entrance.   Motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are not allowed for safety reasons.  Visit here for more information.

Holidays in Del Mar are a sight to behold! Holiday magic is in full swing from the Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds (November 25 through January 2) to the Peter Sprague Jazz Concert at L’Auberge Del Mar Amphitheater from 1-4 p.m. on December 24th. A few upcoming Del Mar holiday events are listed below.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3
Live music with Debora Galan & Silk on the Del Mar Plaza Deck, 5pm – 7pm
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4
Experience a holiday performance by the Hammond Studio of Dance, complete with refreshments, donated by SHIMBASHI Izakaya, on the Del Mar Plaza Deck, from 1pm – 2pm
DECEMBER 5
HOLIDAY WONDERLAND – An arts & crafts event with a gift bazaar, Kids Fun Zone, tastings, Santa, Snow, Entertainment & more assembled throughout downtown Del Mar, from 12-4 p.m. Followed by a Community Tree Lighting and Music by Michael Tiernan with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies at L’Auberge Amphitheater, from 4pm – 5pm., this event is sure to please.

This Friday, November 19th, will be a special day for Del Mar residents. Downtown Del Mar has been designated an official cheering station for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. The Del Mar Association, Del Mar City, Del Mar Village Businesses, Del Mar lifeguards and firefighters, along with Torrey Pines High School ASB and Cheerleaders invite you to join them in celebrating life. Come cheer more than 4,000 walkers on the first of their three day trek to raise money for the fight against breast cancer!
Walkers are anticipated to begin arriving between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. If you would like to more than cheer, you can get involved by donating water bottles at El Fuego Cantina & Grill, located at 1342 Camino Del Mar, by Friday morning. At 7 a.m. volunteers at El Fuego will also be able to “paint the town pink” with ribbons posted throughout Del Mar in a show of support.

Mission Bay will host the MiracleBabies Second Annual 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, November 14^th, beginning at 10 a.m.  Join local residents from Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Point Loma, and La Jolla as they raise money for families with newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit needing support.

Lots of activities geared at children, as well as for live music, food, drinks, and more are planned for this fun day!  Pre-registration closes on Saturday, November 13 at 5 p.m. and costs $30 for adults and kids are free.  Day of the event registration will take place at Mariner’s Point in Mission Bay Park and is $35.

MiracleBabies is a non-profit organization maintained by volunteers, many who are parents of prematurely born children.  Funds raised are used to assist with medical equipment, car beds for babies under 5 lbs., prescriptions, baby supplies and educational toys, special formula and groceries, and other necessary expenses.  A list can be seen at the MiracleBabies website, by clicking here.

The Best of the West (BOW) Quad Rugby Tournament is scheduled for this weekend, November 12-14th at Balboa Park’s Municipal Gym, located at 2111 West Pan American Road. Sponsored in part by Old Mission Beach Athletic Club, this three-day free event, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature the best in wheelchair rugby teams from around the world.  Each eight person team vies for the title of Champion at this pre-season invitational!
Spend an afternoon of fun and suspense encouraging athletes in wheelchairs as they dominate on the court and take control of the ball.  Admission is free to the community and families, friends, and sports enthusiasts are welcome, as several hundred participants are expected to attend this event.  BOW is the longest running annual quad rugby tournament in the world, and is celebrating its 21st year.  BOW results from last year’s tournament can be found here. More information can be found by emailing Event Director Leslie Robinson or by calling 619.756.2450.

Point Loma’s Liberty Station will be hosting the kick-off for San Diego’s Beer Week this Saturday, November 6th from 2-6 p.m. Admission cost is $35 and permits ten tasting opportunities at San Diego’s top breweries, as well as food and live music. A special VIP session costing $50 comes with pre-admission and a chance to meet the brewers and enjoy exclusive tasting privileges.  Festival music will be provided by The Firkins, Funk Ensemble Mozaik, Behind the Wagon, The Old In-Out, and The Downs Family.
After a week of festivities, San Diego’s Beer Week will close at the Lodge at Torrey Pines on Sunday, November 14, from 11:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m.   Admission will include unique pairings of beer and food.  A complete list of beers to be sampled at the event can be seen here, as well as a video capturing last year’s event live can be found here.

The San Diego Derby Dolls will be at the Del Mar Fairgrounds this Saturday, November 6, beginning at 6pm.  A combination of more than sixty league members will join to compete as “SD Turquoise” and “SD Black” for their 2^nd Annual Toy Drive to help the children at Rady Children’s Hospital.  Fans are asked to donate unwrapped new toys or to make a cash donation.  Toys will be delivered over the holidays to individual children and some may placed in the hospital game room for general use by all hospital children. 

The hospital requests new toys and cannot accept stuffed animals, due to potential germ issues.   Some of the infant and toddler requests include pop-up toys, musical toys, books, See-in-Says, light-up toys, infant videos and cds, and tactile toys.  Preschooler requests are for Fisher Price playsets, Hot Wheels, character toys, trucks, shape sorters, Nerf toys, and similar toys.  Books, games, crafts, electronics (all games must be rated “E” or “T”), and journals are welcome, as well.  For a complete list, click here.    See you in Del Mar!

Tune in this week to San Diego’s ”Real Talk” Radio on 1170am, KCBQ from 6-7pm. 
This Wednesday, November 3^rd, the host of Real Talk, Craig Sewing will be interviewing our Listing and Sales Specialist Mark Magstadt and on Thursday, November 4^th, Craig will be interviewing Maxine and me on the opportunities and solutions in the current market. Tune in from 6-7pm on Wednesday and Thursday, you can listen live on their website at http://www.kcbq.com/.

Real Talk is a Radio Show, hosted by Craig Sewing, designed to help Consumers in San Diego understand the HOW and the WHY in our incredible Real Estate Market.  San Diego is a unique place to live and an incredible place to invest.  If you don’t own a piece of San Diego yet, make sure you tune in and gain all the knowledge you need to make an educated decision about when to enter the market.  If you already own a home, listening to the Show will help you understand when it’s a good time to sell or refinance.  

Real Talk airs everyday at 6pm on Intelligent Talk, 1170AM KCBQ.

Looking for some Balboa Park family fun this Halloween?  On Saturday, October 30, Balboa Park will host its second Halloween Family Day.  More than twelve museums are free for children under seventeen with a paying adult.  That day, adults can even purchase a one-day five museum pass for only $35 at the Balboa Park Visitors Center.  Filled with spooky activities and storytelling, creepy crafts, surprising tours, and free treats from 11am to 3pm, Balboa Park is sure to make for a successfully thrilling adventure. 

This year’s Balboa Park fun includes a canine costume party, a child’s costume parade, the building of a miniature Day of the Dead altar, trying on military uniforms at the Veteran’s Museum booth, and creating a spooky steam engine.  A complete list of activities can be found here.  Each museum features a creepy, spooky connection to the museum it is found inside, from hissing cockroaches and aliens to masks and face painting.  To find out more, call Balboa Park at 619-239-0512.

Visit the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park for some Halloween fun!  A mile long haunted forest filled with eerie sounds, odd smells, and scary shadows awaits you along a trail of whispers and grasping hands! A single rope will be your guide through the grove of pines and gnarled oaks in this haunted horrid forest of glowing eyes!

Open through October 31 from 7-11 pm, be prepared for a frightening experience hosted by the Haunted Hotel on the west side of Balboa Park (near Juniper).  The Carnival of Carnage will also be available and filled with “Carny Folk” to keep you screaming and squirming your way through.

Admission is $14.99 and group rates are available.  Arrive early as the line can get quite long.  Visit Balboa Park’s Haunted Trail 

here for more information.   This attraction is not recommended for pregnant women, the faint of heart, or children under ten years of age.

 La Jolla’s San Diego Triathlon Challenge (SDTC) is sold out for this weekend, but that’s no reason to miss out on all the fun!  Come and cheer on your favorite athlete in this 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run event.  Professional triathletes, world-class challenged athletes, celebrities, and many others will compete this weekend.  Not just a triathlon, SDTC is an inspiring activity for the whole family. 

Friday, the 22^nd, will kick off the SDTC with a Challenged Athlete BBQ and Million Dollar Challenge Welcome at Kellogg Park and a Celebration of Abilities Dinner and Awards Ceremony.  On Saturday, packets can be picked up at the Jewish Community Center in La Jolla and a Challenged Athlete Workshop will be held.  Sunday is filled with events, from the triathlon to the expo and fun zone.

The SDTC is an annual La Jolla event designed to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).  Over 80% of the proceeds collected by CAF is spent on adaptive equipment, training and programs in an effort to provide sports options for people with physical challenges.  In the last 17 years, SDTC has raised over $24 million.  Wow!

 Coronado Bay is ready to be explored this weekend, Saturday, October 23rd. Take a fully guided tour, including kayak lessons from 9a.m. to noon. Meet at Glorietta Park for a beginning paddling lesson and basic instructions and then explore the San Diego Bay.
Launching will follow the introductory lesson and your kayaking tour will include views of the Coronado Bay Bridge , downtown skyline, and Coronado Ferry Landing. All equipment (including life vest, kayak and paddle) is provided and has been inspected to ensure its safety. Your lesson and full-time instructor and guide are included in the cost of $42 per adult and $17 per child. Children should be between the ages of two and fourteen. You can receive a $21 discount by supplying your own kayak.
For more information on exploring Coronado in this unique way, please click here or call the Glorietta Bay Inn in Coronado at 619.435.3101.

Point Loma Nazarene University is sponsoring Fall Festival 2010 on Saturday, October 16, from 10am to 2:30pm at 3900 Lomaland Drive in Point Loma. Many exciting fall-themed events are scheduled at this fun-filled festival.
A complimentary ice cream social is scheduled with President Brower at 2 pm, and food samples will also be provided from the “Taste of Bartell Hotels.” A historical campus tour, carriages and pony rides, a bounce house, climbing wall, Ferris wheel, petting zoo, and pumpkin patch are just some of the activities to make this afternoon a great time for all. Exhibitor booths, live music and art performances, and even an opportunity to recycle your unwanted electronics will be offered.
Point Loma Nazarene University hopes to help Rolling Readers “change the lives of children, one story at a time” with this Fall Festival. Please bring a new or gently used book for a child ages 4-9 as a donation when you attend, so you can do your part in helping instill a lifelong love of reading in the children benefitted by this program. More details can be found here.

 The Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club will host its 18th Annual Golf & Tennis Family Classic, “All Fore the Community” on Sunday, October 24. Registration and pre-tournament games will begin at 1:30 pm. The Family Nine Hole and Tennis Round Robin are scheduled from 3-5 pm. The Family BBQ and Evening Auction commence at 5 pm. This fun event benefits the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center and will include pre-tournament games, games and food (on the course), a silent auction running throughout the event, and a celebratory Family BBQ with Kids Zone.
The field is limited to 72 players and tennis spots are limited to 40 players. Golf ticket prices include nine holes of golf, dinner and entertainment and cost $125 for adults and $75 for children. The tennis round robin ticket prices are $75 for adults and $50 for children. Call Erin Leahey, Executive Director of the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center, at 858-756-2461, ext. 304 to register or click here to get more details.

Pacific Beach residents are gearing up for a fun-filled afternoon on October 9th from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival will be held between Thomas Avenue and Diamond Street on Mission Boulevard. A day of volleyball competitions, fine arts and crafts, and the musical wonders of San Diego musician Jackson Price, are just some of the treats in store at BeachFest.
Action Alley is one of the exciting additions to BeachFest this year. Professional skate wear and skaters will be available to demonstrate their skills. Discover PB will also offer a beer garden located on Ocean Front Walk, as well as a Craft Beer tent. The Beer Garden will be open from 1-5 p.m. to guests at least twenty-one years of age. Food will also be available and abundant at the event.
Funds raised at BeachFest will help support future community events including the tree lighting on Crystal Pier and the Pacific Beach Holiday Parade. Click here for more information.

The Del Mar “Scaregrounds” have opened the Solana Gate for the arrival of the Scream Zone and some terrifying Halloween fun.  Beginning October 7th at 7 p.m., visitors to the ghoulishly frightening House of Horror, Haunted Hayride and The Chamber will find their worst nightmares explored.    Check this site  for specific dates and times.

Known as the largest haunted attraction in San Diego, the Scream Zone has perfected the art of surprise since its inception in 1998.  Rolling floors, visual and sensory deception, and spinning tunnels await the brave in heart at this truly spooky event.

 The Triple Haunt combination ticket is $27.99, while the Double Haunt is $18.99, and the Single Haunt is $14.99 and these activities are not recommended for children under ten years of age.  Tickets are available at the gate and online.  Parking is free in the Scream Zone parking lot. 

Zombie Alert:  October 23rd at 4 p.m. Scream Zone will attempt to “Thrill The World” with zombies.  If you live near Del Mar and would like to be a zombie and attend rehearsals, click here.

 La Jolla’s 2nd Art & Wine Festival is coming soon! Gather to support this community event on October 9-10 from 11am-6pm and help generate funds to support local schools. A popular event, downtown La Jolla will be filled with over 100 booths from local artisans, the Green Dragon Wine and Beer Garden, live entertainment, and shopping and craft opportunities for the whole family. Last year about 20,000 people attended this amazing event.
All proceeds from the event held on Upper Girard Avenue will benefit La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and Bird Rock Elementary Schools. The festival was designed to support programs such as art, physical education, technology, music and science and raised almost $40,000 for local schools last year.
Visit La Jolla Art & Festival here for more information. Admission is $15 for a two-day adult pass in $15, $10 for children 3-12, and $5 for senior citizens and military personnel. Children 2 and under are free.

 Coronado Middle School is hosting a special night for families on October 7.  Entitled, “ Always Kiss Me Goodnight,” this free event will keep you in stitches as you listen and discover the keys to helping your family mold you into becoming the perfect parent.  Author and former comedian J.S. Salt will perform from 7-8:30 pm in Granzer Hall at 550 F Ave, in Coronado.  Salt’s best-selling book, Always Kiss Me Goodnight, will be given to the first fifty families to attend.

This life changing event welcomes entire families –  adults, children, and youth.  A free on-site  childcare for  preschool-5^th grade children will be provided.  Refreshments will be available beginning at 6:30 pm.  Please RSVP to (619)522-6884 or check http://www.coronadosafe.org/ for more details.  Other parenting classes, such as Developing Capable People, or Raising Rascals will begin on October 4^th.  Stop by Coronado SAFE, located at Crown Shops, 1009 C Avenue to get more information.

  Del Mar Village welcomes children to the Taste and Art Stroll with events designed especially for them!  From  10am-5pm, interactive exhibits are sure to keep them entertained for hours.

Artists and activities include the Birch Aquarium tide pool animals and instructors, Del Mar Art Center Gallery card making, edible art and sticker decorating with the Del Mar Library, and Face Painting and glitter tattoos.  FasTracKids will be teaching paper hat decorating and Stardust will feature mask making, a magician and 3-D crafts.  A special look into exotic birds from the Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary and crafts from the Hero Inside Foundation and the Hillside Artisans Children Boutique are not to be missed, as well!

Pets are also welcome to this outdoor street fair sponsored by the Del Mar Village Association and the City of Del Mar.  The Art Stroll and accompanying live music are free to attendees.  For more information, contact DMVA.

 Taste of Del Mar takes place on Saturday, October 2.  The event begins at 1pm and will end at 4 pm and will feature delicious samples, including sips from local Del Mar restaurants, wineries and breweries.  You can even vote for the “Tastiest Taste” at the Ranch & Coast booth and be entered in a prize drawing.

The Taste of Del Mar will sell out, and pre-event tickets are $30.  Tickets purchased the day of the event will be $40.  Tickets are available at Union Bank on 1435 Camino Del Mar or at Willis Allen Real Estate at 1424 Camino Del Mar or by visiting here.   

Along with the Taste of Del Mar you can enjoy an art stroll between 10am and 5 pm featuring original works of art many talented artists.  Live music from Debora Galan and Silk, Steven Ybarra, Giant Peach Band, Haskell Collins Band, Steel Rhythm Connection, Susan McCrea and Soul Seduction, Kyra Grove, and Ricardo Rodriguez will also be played throughout the event.

Image via Wikipedia

La Jolla has some of the most Beautiful homes in America.  We thought you might like to do a little Window Shopping.  Here is a list of the 10 most expensive listing in September of 2010…

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Showing properties 1 - 10 of 354. See more city of La Jolla real estate.
(all data current as of 5/17/2012)

1. $28,500,000 : 308 Vista De La Playa, La Jolla
   
   4 beds, 7 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 9,142 sq ft

   Lot size: 31,798 sqft

   Year built: 1989

   Parking spots: 13

   Days on market: 136
2. $19,000,000 : 9046 La Jolla Shores Ln, La Jolla
   
   5 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 9,083 sq ft

   Year built: 1996

   Parking spots: 7

   Days on market: 80
3. $17,900,000 : 6292 Camino de la Costa, La Jolla
   
   7 beds, 8 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 10,000 sq ft

   Year built: 2000

   Days on market: 115
4. $17,750,000 : 8542 El Paseo Grande, La Jolla
   
   3 beds, 5 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 9,320 sq ft

   Lot size: 9,400 sqft

   Year built: 2002

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 115
5. $15,999,999 : 5490 Calumet Ave, La Jolla
   
   5 beds, 4 full, 3 part baths

   Home size: 8,400 sq ft

   Lot size: 13,216 sqft

   Year built: 2008

   Parking spots: 6

   Days on market: 3
6. $14,950,000 : 6019 Avenida Cresta, La Jolla
   
   6 beds, 8 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 10,000 sq ft

   Year built: 1927

   Parking spots: 3

   Days on market: 39
7. $13,900,000 : 302 Vista De La Playa, La Jolla
   
   5 beds, 5 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 7,065 sq ft

   Lot size: 13,250 sqft

   Year built: 1990

   Parking spots: 4

   Days on market: 35
8. $13,500,000 : 2337 Calle Chiquita, La Jolla
   
   6 beds, 6 full, 2 part baths

   Home size: 11,548 sq ft

   Lot size: 42,253 sqft

   Year built: 2010

   Parking spots: 10

   Days on market: 148
9. $13,500,000 : 1660 Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
   
   6 beds, 6 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 5,325 sq ft

   Lot size: 37,026 sqft

   Year built: 1905

   Parking spots: 13

   Days on market: 325
10. $9,990,000 : 6010 Camino de la Costa, La Jolla
    
    4 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

    Home size: 4,747 sq ft

    Lot size: 12,728 sqft

    Year built: 1954

    Parking spots: 4

    Days on market: 95

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 Coronado’s 13th annual Speed Festival, “The Race at the Base” will take place on September  25-26 from 8 am-5 pm.  The parking lot will open at 7:30 am.  A total of nine races will be held from categories such as Sports and Production Cars to Historic NASCAR and Historic Trans-AM.

All ages are welcome to witness the fast-paced auto races and exhibits for car enthusiasts can be found at the Naval Air Station North Island, known as the birthplace of Naval Aviation. Cars actually race down a live Navy runway!

This event is the only Naval Open House offered on the West Coast.  Be sure to stop by and catch a glimpse of what the naval community (nearly 20,00) is all about!

The Coronado Speed Festival is produced by San Diego Fleet Week Foundation and hosted by the Naval Base Coronado and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program (MWR) which benefits military personnel and their families.

Tickets are available here.

 The San Diego Zoo is hosting a Spooky Sleepover at the Zoo on three Saturdays in October.  Bring the family for a special night away as  Camp Director “Dr. Zoolittle” and his team of ghouls and slippery animals seek to entertain and surprise you.  Halloween crafts and a haunted bus tour will lead you through scary and strange animals on your way to the “haunted” Camp Timbuktu, where you and your child will find your tent.

Dinner is provided at the camp and a “trick or treat” celebration around the Reptile House will follow. A costume parade, Halloween s’mores, and rousing campfire are also slated activities. You could even go on a night prowl through the Zoo.

A delicious breakfast and journey to Elephant Odyssey will entertain as you watch pumpkins fed to the elephants on Sunday morning.  Each camper will also receive a souvenir gift, along with a host of memories.

Children ages four and older are invited to bring their parents to this exciting event by calling the San Diego Zoo  800-407-9534.   More information can also be found here.

Home buyers, sellers, investors and “market watchers” here is your weekly summary of the La Jolla, California Real Estate market.  

The median list price for homes for sale in La Jolla, California for  week of September 6, 2010 was $2,200,000. Currently there are 307 properties listed for sale in La Jolla, these properties have been on the market for an average of 173 days. With several months of inventory available at the current sales rate, buyers should find ample choice.

The market has settled in at a relative stasis in inventory and sales conditions. It’s a Buyer’s market that has seen prices trend lower. Expect that consistent up trends in demand will be required before price trends change significantly.

If you would like a more in-depth look, and to view additional statistic for this week, please click here.

Through Altos Research we have access to current market statistics, if you are interested please sign up for real-time market reports they are FREE here on our website click here to sign up.

Point Loma Aquatic Center once again is the gathering place for the San Diego Triathlon Classic on Saturday, September 18.  Known as San Diego’s only Olympic Distance Race, the San Diego Triathlon Classic is celebrating its 36^th year and expects many participants this year.

The race course has a 1.5K flat-water protected swim in the San Diego Bay is followed by a 40K hilly bike ride through Cabrillo National Park and the Point Loma Naval Base, and a quick, flat bay front run.  The course is multi-loop which allows spectators to enjoy multiple views of the participants.  It is a USAT sanctioned event and USAT rules must be followed.

The Point Loma two-day expo for families and participants begins on Friday, September 17 from 2-7pm in the southeastern lawn of NTC Park.  Participants must register, pick up race materials and sign waivers during that time.   Various vendors and entertainment options are available at the expo and throughout the course.  More information can be found here .

 Rancho Santa Fe’s Helen Woodward Animal Center is excited to announce the 5^th annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon this Sunday, September 12.  Thousands of people are expected to attend this amazing event.

 The Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is a fundraiser supporting orphaned animals and illustrate responsible pet ownership.  Owners and their dogs can enter 20 minute heats, categorized by weight. The ability of dogs to ride waves while having fun and remain on a surfboard will determine the award recipients.  Each weight based group will have a 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd prize and the 1st place winner will move on to the final competition.   

Many other activities, games, and vendors will be offered, as well, including an interactive tent with fun games and crafts and the well attended Beach Bum Bikini Babe Canine Costume Contest.  To get more information, visit Rancho Santa Fe’s Animal Center at www.animalcenter.org.

 Parked cars may soon be a thing of the past in Balboa Park.

 A $33 million plan to remove cars from the center of Balboa Park was announced this week.  Completion of the project  would result in a new structure, just in time for  the park’s 100th birthday in 2015.  The plan would require the elimination of 67 parking spaces, and result in the addition of 900 spaces in a parking garage.  Debate still is to be had regarding whether the structure will charge an hourly fee.

However, the plan will also result in a more beautiful Balboa Park and easier access to the beautiful historical architecture of Balboa Park.  To vote or voice your opinion, visit Sign On San Diego on the web.  Currently 44% of the vote believes the area should not be used for cars, and 35% of the vote believes the structure should be free.  20% of the people who voted suggested leaving the plaza just the way it is.

The fifth annual Coronado Art Walk will be held on September 18th and 19th.  Sponsored by the Coronado Historical Association, this two day event is free to the public.  The Coronado Art Walk is an opportunity to foster creativity and appreciation for art in the community.

The Coronado Art Walk will be at the Coronado Ferry Landing from 10:00am-5:00pm.  Artists will booths will extend along the entrance and on the grounds of the Ferry Landing.  Painting, hand crafted jewelry, photography, ceramics and other mediums will be featured. Artists have been jury-selected for their ability to express vast and varied art forms.  Interactive Art Activities will also provide activities for both children and adults.

The Coronado Ferry Landing’s Galleries and Artists, Coronado Art Association’s Artists in Spreckels Park, and Coronado High School’s Art Department and Coronado School of the Arts will also participate in the art walk. Mark your calendars now and enjoy September 18th and 19th in Coronado.

 Jump into the fun at La Jolla Cove on Sunday, September 26 by reserving your place in the ten-mile swim relay!  This year marks the Ten Mile Relay’s Tenth Anniversary. Event check-in, hosted by the La Jolla Cove Swim Club, will begin at 6 am and swimming starts at 7 am.  Awards will be given out at 1:30 p.m.

Registration closes on September 24^th, and you can swim by yourself or include up to five people on your swim team, by having each individual register under your “Team Name”.  The participation cost is $50 per swimmer until September 15 when it will be raised to $70.  Any swimmers under 18 need to have a waiver signed by an on-site parent or coach.

All funds raised from this event will benefit the American Diabetes Association, La Jolla Cove Swim Club, and San Diego Junior Lifeguard Foundation.  Free street parking is available on Sundays.  For more information, check the La Jolla Swim Club website here.

 The Coronado School of the Arts (CoSA) Family Taco Night is around the corner.  This special evening welcomes friends, family and fans to a street taco fiesta on Thursday, September 30 from 6-8 p.m.  Asada and carnitas tacos, quesadillas, beans, rice, chips salsa and guacamole are abundant at this delicious event, held at the Coronado Community Center.

CoSA students will provide spectacular live entertainment, ranging from singing and dancing to music and art displays.  Certain art selections will also be included in a silent auction which generates funds to support the Coronado School of Arts, as well.  Last year’s Family Taco Night was a huge “Sold Out” success, so make sure to get your tickets early and reserve the night on your calendar, so you don’t miss out!

 Adult tickets cost $20 and students and children are $12.  Order your tickets online here or call the Coronado School of the Arts at 619.522.4050 for more details.

Rancho Santa Fe once again welcomes September with a Back to School Bash. Held on September 17 from 3-5 p.m., the youth carnival brings smiles throughout Rancho Santa Fe.
Laughter and squeals can especially be heard from the witnesses at dunk tank. It’s a great time for Rancho Santa Fe families to rekindle friendships and socialize.
This year tickets are fifty cents each or you can buy a booklet of fifty for $20! The tickets are available for use on games and Mrs. Frostie’s ice cream truck.
Games include aqua blaster, astro jumpy, water balloon blaster, an Around the World sports game, and the dunk tank. A meal of traditional carnival fare, hot dogs, chips, and a drink will also be available and cost $5.
This event is hosted by Wells Fargo and the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center. All proceeds will benefit the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center. To find out more, call (858)756-2461.

Been too busy to get down to the Del Mar Racetrack this summer? Now’s your chance to have an enjoyable afternoon while benefitting a great cause. Support the Del Mar Village Association by attending A Day at the Races, this Sunday, August 22!
Ticket proceeds will help to preserve the history of Del Mar Village. Ticket price includes a delicious catered “Taste of Tuscany” lunch in the elusive Seabiscuit Skyroom, located on the Sixth Floor. There you’ll be able to view the race while experiencing beautiful ocean views, simultaneously, through panoramic windows! Special guests, a no host bar, door prizes and the exclusive “Parimuteul Clerk” also await you at this not to be missed event.
Tickets are $75 per person or $65 per person for groups of eight or more. You can purchase tickets online here or by phone at (858) 755-1179. For more information on the Del Mar Race event, please email info@delmarmainstreet.com. Hope to see you there!

Liberty Station in Point Loma will be hosting its Movie Mania Finale on Saturday, August 21. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by The Mar Dels in Ingram Plaza, Point Loma residents and friends are sure to have a great time!
Following the concert, movie-goers carrying snacks, blankets and chairs will be directed to the screening area to enjoy a movie under the stars. The movie begins just after sunset, between 7:30 and 8 p.m. Point Loma visitors of all ages are welcome at this event.
This year’s movie choice will be determined by vote, with residents choosing between three all-time classic flicks; ROCKY, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Back to the Future. You can vote by visiting Liberty Station’s website at http://www.libertystation.com/vote.html.
Liberty Station is located off of Farragut Road in Point Loma and maps are available here.

The Coronado FOCUS Family Festival will be held this Sunday, August 15. The festival, held at the Coronado Community Center on 1845 Strand Way, celebrates in a big way from 11am-4pm. Fun activities range from fantastic food sampling at the Taste of Coronado and a silent auction to face painting and clowns. There will even be a full-scale climbing wall!
FOCUS stands for Friends of Children United Society and is an entirely volunteer based organization dedicated to providing “for the comfort and betterment of battered, abused, homeless, disadvantaged and foster children in San Diego.” All proceeds from the festival will benefit children of San Diego.
Events like the FOCUS Family Festival are part of the charm of living in Coronado. It’s sure to be a day of fun entertainment for the whole family! Admission for this event is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 4-12. Children under age 4 are free.

 America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K is coming up!  This will celebrate 33 spectacular years for this event. 

The half marathon begins at the Cabrillo National Monument  (access available by shuttle only) at 7 a.m. on Sunday, August 15 and will end in Balboa Park.   A  three hour time limit will be enforced.   The course is a USA Track & Field Sanctioned and Certified Course. 

The 5K begins at 6:45 a.m. in Balboa Park and will finish within one hour.  No dogs, baby joggers, strollers, bicycles, rollerskates, rollerblades, skateboards or other wheeled vehicles are allowed on the course.

The limits of 8,000 marathoners and 1,500 5K participants has already been reached, and the event is considered sold out.   Volunteer positions, from packet distribution to aid station attendants, are still available.  For more information, visit AFC at  http://www.afchalf.com/.  Plan ahead for next year by registering early for the August 21,2011 event at Balboa Park.

La Jolla Music Society celebrates the start of the 24^th annual Summer Fest this week.  Over 70 amazing world-reknown musicians and ensembles will be showcased at this event.  Tickets are available by visiting the LAMS website here. 

Opening night begins with “String Spectacular” at the MCASD Sherwood Auditorium.  Ongoing concerts are held throughout the week, culminating with the Summer Fest Finale entitled “Twin Titans” on Friday, August 27 at 6:30 p.m.  Summer Fest brings other opportunities, as well.  Mornings with Master Teachers and Fellowship Artists on weekday mornings at La Jolla Riford Library, open rehearsals, and informational “encounters” are also offered free of charge to those wishing to expand their musical knowledge.

Summer Fest is a great way to share special time with friends and discounted group rates are available with the purchase of ten or more tickets.    A free season preview entitled SummerFest: Under the Stars showcasing favorites from Schumann, Halvorsen, “Salon Music”, Sarasate, Mendelssohn, Vivaldi and Kabalevsky can be heard at the Ellen Browning Scripps Park on Wednesday, August 4th.  The music begins at 7:30 p.m., and picnic style seating is first come first served.  Program notes are available at the La Jolla Music Society website for this and all upcoming concerts.

 The San Diego Surf Cup XXX Soccer Tournament finals are this weekend, July 31- August 2 at the San Diego Polo Club in Del Mar.  All games are played on eighteen well-manicured full-sized fields.  Presented by NIKE and other key sponsors, the tournament which began last weekend for the 10-15 year old age group, provides a youth soccer tournament for 350 leading national and even international teams.  The theme fits its competitive and prestigious teams entitled, “Best of the Best.”

Scores and schedules, including rankings are available by clicking here at Got Soccer.  

 Many colleges take part in this fantastic event, as well, by sending scouts or coaches to view the many talented athletes.  The San Diego Surf Cup is a great way to combine sports, fun, community spirit and the outdoors.  Roughly 28,000 fans turn out to support this event each weekend.  Bring along your friends and enjoy a relaxing day while encouraging your local soccer teams.

 This summer is a great time to visit the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.  Did you know that San Diego county residents and active-duty military personnel get free admission on Tuesdays?  Enjoy an afternoon with dinosaur giants in the ongoing exhibit Fossil Mysteries, and feathered dinosaurs in the current exhibit Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries.  Bring the family on Sunday afternoons this summer until August 29, from 11am-3pm and enjoy dinosaur crafts, experts and friends at Balboa Park!

For an additional cost, you can still see All That Glitters: The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals.  You’ll learn the historical significance behind the beautiful surface of each ruby, sapphire, diamond, and opal. Did you know that San Diego County is one of the most famous gem-producing regions in the world?  You can catch a glimpse of natural mineral crystals, one of a kind jewelry, and art creations, some being displayed for the first time. This exhibit houses objects from the Smithsonian, the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well.  Learn more by clicking here.

Opening Day at Del Mar has long been a favorite activity of San Diegans!  In 1937 Bing Crosby welcomed guests and in 1938 Seabiscuit achieved world-renown fame.  Today through September 8th, Del Mar welcomes young and old to share in the fun, excitement, and history that has helped define Del Mar.  Over 40,000 race fans are expected at Opening Day!  The “One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest” brings fashion to the track, as well.

Del Mar Racing is closed Monday (except Labor Day) and Tuesday, and you can check their website for more information.   Seniors receive free admission tomorrow and Family Fun Day is Sunday where children 17 and under are free and adults are $6.  Friday evenings at the track feature “twilight” racing followed by music concerts.  Various bands are featured this summer, based on the evening’s theme, from reggae or alternative rock to a Neil Diamond tribute and hip hop.  Concerts are included in regular race admission of $10.  Opening Day admission is $20. 

 The third annual Crystal Pier Kids Classic Youth Fishing Derby is coming up in Pacific Beach on July 31^st!  This family focused event centers around a catch and release contest between children 15 and under and begins at 8:30 a.m.  Prizes, raffles and lunch are included in the fun free day-long activities.  All participants must register as the pier will be closed to the public on the day of the event.  Rods will be provided by Lakeside Optimists.

Fun stories and lifelong memories are created at this hometown event and great times are had by children and adults alike!  See past photos of the event here and here.  This community friendly event began in 2008 and was organized by Ron Baker, Point Loma sportboat captain.  The Crystal Pier Kids Classic Youth Fishing Derby is sponsored by www.takekidsfishing.net, the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Commission, Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages, and the Pacific Beach Community Foundation and Town Council.

 The Cancer Angels of San Diego are coming to Rancho Santa Fe and would like you to join them!  They are hosting the Annual Celebration of Life at The Bridges, 6670 Avenida del Duque, on Saturday, July 31.  Adult walkers need a sponsorship of $125 to walk and child sponsorships begin at $75. 

The official walk time is from 3-5 p.m.  After the walk, cocktails, hors d’ oeuvres and dinner, complete with a silent auction and raffle, will begin at 5:15p.m.  Check http://www.cancerangelsofsandiego.org/events.php for more details or to register.

Cancer Angels, a Carlsbad non-profit organization, helps advanced stage cancer patients with real life needs, such as paying rent and electric bills.  Often cancer patients must reduce or eliminate work in order to get well or receive treatment, yet feel they can’t due to monthly obligations.  That’s when Cancer Angels steps in and offers payment directly to the billing company.  If you can’t walk, but still want to help, call (760) 942-6346 to find out what you can do.

 Come out and watch the Over-the-Line at Fiesta Island in Mission Beach this weekend.  Over-the-Line is a sand-based version of softball where the main goal is having lots of fun!   Games are only 4 innings, except in cases of a tie.  Typically gloves are not used for fielding and only wooden bats can be used.  Prepare yourself for some wild uniforms, as well. 

The Old Mission Beach Athletic Club is sponsoring the 57^th Annual World Championship OTL Tournament (which began last weekend) and expects to host over 50,000 people in total this year.  The games begin at 7:30 am and run until the evening.  Both men and women of all ages play on teams made up of three people.  This year’s event is limited to 1,200 teams on the 50 courts.  There is no cost for admission, but animals, small children, alcohol, and bike use is restricted.  For more information, details can be found here.

La Jolla residents love a good show!  That explains the long-running history of the Summer Pops Concert presented by La Jolla United Methodist Chancel Choir.  This Friday, July 9 at 7 p.m. will mark the 30^th annual Summer Pops Concert, themed “A Tribute to Music America.”   Complete with Broadway hits, dueling banjos, barbershop quartets, Minnie Pearl and Grand Ole Opry favorites, alongside USO and Andrews Sisters tunes  and American heritage songs, the Summer Pops is sure to be an event to remember!

Prior to the show, concert-goers are invited to picnic in the park, next to the church, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Bring your blanket, dinner and drinks, and prepare to have a great time!  Following the entertaining and patriotic concert, an ice cream social will be hosted.  The La Jolla Methodist Church is located at 6063 La Jolla Boulevard in La Jolla and more information can be found at http://lajollaunitedmethodist.org/.

The Coronado Library has fun planned for all ages this summer.  From movie nights to creating handmade soap, toddler hour and story time, and jazz concerts, the Coronado Library is sure to have something to pique your interest.  In July, two collections will be on display, The Wonderful World of Mary Wills and Bears on the Beach, along with the continual historic art featured year-round in the library. 

Upcoming Summer Festival events include viewing of the films “Hans Christian Anderson” and “Finding Nemo” and hearing the Harmony Express Doo Wop Concert.  Check the Library Events Calendar to find more activities at http://www.coronado.ca.us/egov/apps/events/calendar.egov?path=02&fDD=10-0. 

Children are welcome at the library with a Summer Reading Club and events scheduled twice a week.  Teens are invited to join the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) and provide input as to the teen-themed events which are held weekly on Wednesdays. The library boasts a junior high and high school book club, as well as many other programs geared toward children in grades 6-12.  The Coronado Library is located at 640 Orange Avenue in Coronado.

 Small town barbeque and patriotic fun mark the annual Rancho Santa Fe July 4^th Parade and Picnic!   Sunday, July 4^th, beginning at 12:30 p.m., red white and blue themed residents line Paseo Delicias readying themselves for the arrival of the decorated community-built Rancho Santa Fe float.  Horses, bicycles, golf carts, and children all parade through the streets of Rancho Santa Fe cheering and waving flags in time to a lively band.  

Visitors are welcome to join in the fun and watch and shout hooray to encourage the patriotic display.  The actual parade starts at 1 p.m., but seating can be difficult, so get there early.  Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring sunglasses or a hat as it can get quite hot.   Afterwards the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center and Golf Club sponsors an All-American picnic and the Coastal Communities Concert Band performs at 1:30 p.m.to continue the community fun.  More information can be found at http://www.rsfcc.org/mc/page.do?sitePageId=109920&orgId=rsfcc .

 Fantastic shows (currently Surf Report) and live entertainment are not the only reason to visit La Jolla Playhouse.  

La Jolla Playhouse offers a Young Performers’ Workshop series June 28 – July 23, 2010 for children entering grades 2-12 and a few spots are still available.  La Jolla children will have fun building theatre skills, gaining confidence and developing social skills through collaboration and performance.   Activities are structured by age group and involve acting, playmaking, improvisation, musical theatre and movement.  It’s an experience of a lifetime! 

The La Jolla Playhouse Summer Conservatory Program, in its 16^th year, will run July 5 – August 13, 2010. This intensive audition-based 6-week acting experience for high school students grades 10-12 is designed for the serious performer to develop skills for a career in theatre. 35 hours of classes include Classical Scene and Modern Scene Study, Stage Combat, Ensemble Devised Performance, Voice & Speech, Movement and Yoga.

Visit http://lajollaplayhouse.org/education-and-outreach/programs-for-youth for more information on the La Jolla Playhouse.

Gorgeous colors, fresh scents, peak produce and tempting international cuisine all can be found at Farmers’ Markets throughout San Diego.  Take a day to wander this summer and enjoy treasures straight from the farm in cities from Coronado through Del Mar.

Tuesdays

 The Coronado Ferry Landing Farmers’ Market, at Il Fornaio Restaurant, begins to bustle at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.  Locally grown fruits, vegetables, flowers, and eggs can be found year-round.

Saturdays

The Pacific Beach  Farmers’ Market offers locally grown fruit and vegetables and is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays at the Promenade Mall on Mission Boulevard, between Reed Street and Pacific Beach Drive.

The Del Mar Farmers’ Market is open from 1-4 p.m. every Saturday in the Del Mar City Parking Lot, 1050 Camino Del Mar, and a range of art, creative food and gifts from around the world, along with fresh organic vegetables and fruits, cheese, meats, poultry, and seafood can be found . 

The Del Mar Artisan Open Air Market is located next to the Farmers’ Market and operates between 12pm-4pm offering handcrafted jewelry and specialty items.

Sundays

The upper playground of La Jolla Elementary is transformed every Sunday, between 9am and 1pm, into a vibrant and wholesome Farmers’ Market. Live music attracts neighbors and artists to this Certified Farmer’s Market featuring fruit, vegetable and flower growers weekly at 7335 Girard Street.

Coastal San Diego offers a multitude of choices for celebrating the 4^th of July with breathtaking fireworks displays over Mission Bay.  You can view  the fireworks in a romantic evening walk along Mission Beach.  If you are interested in a low-key do-it-yourself style BBQ celebration, South Shores Park has tremendous views with fire pits, as does Tecolote Shores Park, although Tecolote has picnic tables and grills, as well.  Picnickers can  also find gorgeous views at Fiesta Island and Crown Point Park and Beach.  Unfortunately these are not “secret spots,” so get there early to make sure you have a great seat!

On July 3rd, Paradise Point Resort & Spa will have its 9th annual “All American BBQ and Fireworks Extravaganza,” San Diego’s largest 25 minute-long firework show over Mission Bay.  Beginning at 6 p.m., all-you-can-eat, Kansas City styled barbeque, live entertainment, carnival rides and booths will give you plenty to do until the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.  The cost of this fantastic event is $59 for adults and $25 for children, 12 and under and can be purchased at the event or by calling (800) 344-2626.

Seaworld will be hosting Shamu’s SkySplash Fireworks Finale on July 3 and 4, and on subsequent weekend evenings through Sept. 6.

Please click on property address for more details

Saturday, June 19th

6435 Avenida Wilfredo, La Jolla, CA   $1,295,000  2pm – 7pm

5380 Calumet, La Jolla, CA    $5,450,000   12pm – 3pm

Sunday, June 20th

 

5380 Calumet, La Jolla, CA    $5,450,000   12pm – 3pm

808 San Antonio, San Diego, CA (Point Loma) $1,545,000  2pm – 5pm

7916 Paseo del Ocaso, La Jolla, CA -  $1,890,000  1pm – 4pm

 2771 E Bainbridge Rd, San Diego, CA 92106  - $783,900 (Liberty Station Point Loma) 1pm – 4pm

 The Point Loma Summer Concert Series kicks off this weekend with Atomic Groove on July 16 performing from 6-8 p.m.  Help! The Beatles Tribute Band, Jumping Jack Flash, The Screamin’ Primas and the Mighty Untouchables will follow in that order on subsequent Saturday evenings until August 13.

The Point Loma Summer Concert Series is held at Point Loma Park, located at 1049 Catalina Blvd., between Pt. Loma Ave. and Talbot and Hill Streets.  Accessibility is best through Varona Street or the Manor Way walkway.   

A few reminders for the event are to dress warmly and bring your blankets and lawn chairs.  Arrive early to ensure a great spot.  Restrooms are available behind the stage.   Dogs must be leashed and children supervised by an adult.  No glass, barbeques, smoking or alcoholic beverages are allowed.  Pedestrians are welcome, but bikes, skateboards, wagons, balls and rough play are not.

Beverages and cookies can be purchased at the event, benefitting the Pennisula Lions Club, but box suppers must be pre-ordered.  Raffle tickets will also be sold for $1 or 6 for $5, and four prizes will be awarded each week.  For more information, check the Point Loma Concert Website.

 Few activities are more relaxing than an afternoon at the beach with a good book.  Pacific Beach residents and summer visitors are especially lucky.  The Friends of the Pacific Beach Library’s Beach Reads program brings literacy to the beach in a wagon!

The Beach Reads wagon carries free, donated paperback books to beachgoers throughout the summer. The books include information and maps to the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library. This program raises literacy and teaches that reading can be fun shares about the many exciting programs at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library.

If you would like to make a difference while deepening your tan, and can pull a wagon, please email the Pacific Beach Beach Reads Manager at BeachReads@PBLibraryFriends.org.

To donate your unwanted books to the Beach Reads program, contact the Donation Coordinator at Donations@PBLibraryFriends.org.  If you would like to purchase books for your upcoming beach days or personal library, be sure to visit the PB Friends Book Sale on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  All book sales are matched 100% by the City of San Diego’s Matching Fund Book Program, resulting in double the benefit for the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library.

Please click on property address for details

Saturday, June 12th

   6435 Avenida Wilfredo, La Jolla, CA   $1,295,000  12pm – 6pm

 

7916 Paseo del Ocaso, La Jolla, CA -  $1,890,000  1pm – 4pm

 Sunday, June 13th

 6435 Avenida Wilfredo, La Jolla, CA   $1,295,000   12pm – 3:30pm

  5380 Calumet, La Jolla, CA    $5,450,000   12pm – 3pm

 

808 San Antonio, San Diego, CA (Point Loma) $1,545,000  2pm – 5pm

 

  It’s summer time and that means Coronado Concerts are back!  This musical tradition is held in Spreckels Park, on Orange Avenue, between 6^th & 7^th St. every Sunday from now until September 12. Take your family and friends and enjoy some great music with the open-air concert series. Bring along a delicious picnic or plan a potluck, and lots of chairs and blankets. Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to start time to ensure a prime listening and dancing spot.  Also, dogs are not allowed at Coronado Concerts.

 Featuring the Kearney Mesa Concert Band, Navy Band Southwest, and Sue Palmer Band in June and the Coronado Community Concert Band, Navy Band Southwest, Stars on the Water, and Rockola in July, this year’s concert series is bound to be great fun!  A special Saturday performance on July 3 will feature the Stiletto’s, too.  Most concerts begin at 6 p.m., but a few start earlier, so be sure to check the schedule.

 The Coronado Ferry Landing, located at 1201 First Street, is also hosting a concert series on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  Check http://www.coronadovisitorcenter.com/CVC/AnnualEvents.html for dates and times of both schedules.

  The San Diego County Fair opens on June 11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.  This year’s theme “Taste of Fun” offers something for everyone!  From culinary contests and tasty treats to action sports and animals, the fair is alive with activity.  Offering special $3 Tuesdays (tickets available only at Albertsons) and Kids’ Day Tuesdays and Seniors’ Day Thursdays, this year’s fair is extremely accessible!

Car shows, a culinary art series, an Enviro Fair, the San Diego Beer Festival,  the 6^th Annual Gospel Festival, and Fourth of July activities are just a few of the scheduled events.

Opening Day will be kicked off with the second Purina Incredible Dog Challenge, an Olympic-like event where you can witness dogs diving into water, hurdle and racing and catching flying discs.  Performances by Sammy Hagar and the Wabos and The Scarlet Furies will also be playing that night.

Visit the “Taste of Fun” website at http://www.sdfair.com/fair/index.php?fuseaction=info.home to check on hours and to get more information.  Have fun!

 Starting this week, San Diego residents have new water rules.  That’s right; a new restricted watering schedule has been introduced. 

Lawns can be watered up to three days a week, depending on your address, before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. for up to ten minutes at a time.  That’s 3 minutes more than previous restrictions allowed.  These water restrictions will be in effect until October.  The reason behind the timed water restriction is to limit the amount of evaporation that occurs when watering is done mid-day. 

The following tips from www.livestrong.com suggest 5 more ways you can conserve water in your home.

Laundry – Only do full loads and save up to 1,000 gallons.

Dishes – Fill up the sink while washing or rinsing instead of letting water flow. Use rinse water for general cleaning or plant watering.

Sweep – Sweep your driveway and outside walks instead of hosing it down

Time Limits – Reduce your shower to five minutes and use less water when bathing.

Displacement – Place bricks or filled plastic bottles in your toilet.

Educate – Check http://wateruseitwisely.com/region/arizona/water-challenge/ to see if there are more, easy ways that you and your family can reduce your water use.

Since the water restrictions began a year ago, San Diegans have reduced water use by about 12% according to the city.  Way to go!

 Buying a home can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.   While home buying can cause disappointment and chaos, several key factors can make for a fantastic experience.  The following steps will give you some insight into buying a home smoothly and happily.

Work with a Great Agent.
We can guide you through the steps to finding a home.  Knowledge of local areas, communities and schools and buying trends, along with an extensive network, are key assets to finding your dream home.

Find Out How Much You Can Afford.
The National Association of REALTORS® suggests finding a home that is 2-3 times your gross annual income.  Knowing how much you can spend, prior to your home search, will save time and heartache.

If You Love the Home, Make an Offer.
A good home won’t be on the market long.  Act quickly if you have found the house you want to make your home!  The price of your new home won’t fluctuate much in a month, but several other buyers may be interested.  If they place an offer before yours is submitted, you may lose the home you love.

Be Realistic.
Make a list of wants and needs for your future home and rank them according to importance. What must you have and what can you do without?  While the “perfect” home may not be realistic, knowing your “must have” features can help in deciding between a “good” and “great” choice and lead to long-term happiness in your home.

Rely on Your Agent.
Not only can we help you find the best home, but we will make sure that everything goes smoothly – from initial negotiations through closing.  We want you to be happy and find a home you love!

 Enjoy international culture, music, dance and food?  Then you’ll want to stop by The 2010 Ethnic Food Fair.  It will be held on Sunday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Balboa Park.  This event, sponsored by the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages, Inc., has been a tradition since 1980.  This year thirty-two different nationalities will be represented and twenty-one of the Cottage Museums will be open to the public, as well.

 A host of dancers and musicians, beginning with the House of Israel at 10:45 a.m. and finishing with the House of Peru at 5 p.m., will share cultural dances, costumes, and music on the International Cottage Stage.  Native costumes can also seen (throughout the event) on House of Pacific Relations members.  More information and a schedule of performers and other activities can be found at http://www.sdhpr.org/events-food.html .

Maxine and I are very excited to be Co-Chairs and Sponsors of the San Diego Blood Bank “A Sea of Glamour and Style” event.  We would like to invite you join us and the San Diego Blood Bank for an evening of style through fashion, music and architecture on Saturday, June 5, 2010 in La Jolla Farms. 

All proceeds go to support the San Diego Blood Bank and their mission to save lives with quality blood services in partnership with the community.

Please click here for more information and to register for this event.

An Evening of Style, Song & Cuisine

Hosted by Ramin Pourteymour, Presented by TV Personality Leonard Simpson, Fashion Forward. Entertainment by Sacha Boutros.

$100 per person

No-Host Bar

Cocktail Attire (flat shoes suggested for walking on lawn)

9805 Black Gold Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

Valet and Street Parking

5:30pm complimentary shuttle from UCSD’s parking lot

Saturday, June 5th, 2010

6 p.m. Cocktails, home viewing, gourmet hors d’oeuvres

7 p.m. Exclusive Live Auction, Fashion Show

8 p.m. Enjoy the Sultry Sounds of Sacha Boutros

For more information please call 619-400-8176 or email: foundation@sandiegobloodbank.org

Make your reservations online today at www.sandiegobloodbank.org

Proceeds Benefit the SAN DIEGO BLOOD BANK

We hope to see you there!

About the San Diego Blood Bank The San Diego Blood Bank provides you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. One blood donation has the potential to save up to two lives. One financial donation could save thousands. The need for blood never stops. By making a difference in life, you are helping to ensure that life-sustaining blood is available for patients in your community. Please visit  http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org to see how you can help today.

 La Jolla’s Children’s Pool, known also as “Casa Beach” was originally designed 80 years ago as a safe area for children’s play.  The cove was created by the addition of a concrete wall and was a popular area for families, until the seals and sea lions discovered it in the 1970s.  Soon bacteria levels closed the beach to human use and the seals began to multiply quickly.

Children’s Pool officially became a seal sanctuary this week. 

The La Jolla City Council voted to close the area during seal birthing season, install a rope barrier year-round, declare the beach a “no dog” zone, and hire a privately-funded ranger for rule enforcement and the development of a docent program.  Currently the seal “pupping” season is thought to be December 15 through May 15, although that time-frame is being re-examined.

Children’s Pool remains a great place to view harbor seals and examine their behavior.  The cement walkway (a mini-bridge) allows visitors and locals to enjoy the show.  It’s an educational and relaxing trip for families, as well.

 It’s May and already we are starting to see some “controlled burn” fires.   We also experienced a 4.5 earthquake this week.  Combine those two events, and it seems as if some tips on home safety are in order.  Whether you are settling into a new home or enjoying one you’ve owned for many years, we all can benefit from these fire-safe suggestions.

• Make sure you and your family have discussed emergency situations and possible exits in the event of a fire.  Have multiple escape routes planned.
• Have a fire extinguisher, practice using it, and recharge when needed.
• Check all smoke detectors to make sure they are working and change batteries, if you have not done so this year.  Mark your calendar for a year from now so that you remember to replace them or send yourself a yearly recurring email as a reminder.  Check your carbon monoxide detectors, too!
• If you have young children who live with you or who may visit (such as grandchildren), place plastic covers in electric outlets and keep chemicals, cleaners and flammable substances out of reach.
• Check your wiring and make sure it is up to code and that repairs have been completed properly.  Make sure you are not overloading your outlets, as well.
• Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected for cracks and flue mechanics prior to use.
• If you have just moved in, make sure to unpack any flammables, matches, candles, and electrical appliances in a timely manner.

 The 13^th annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, a 26.2 mile run/walk party will be taking place on June 6^th, beginning at 6:15 a.m.  The course begins at 6^th Ave & Palm Street, Balboa Park.  Forty-five live bands mark every mile of the course and contribute to the high energy marathon!

 Thousands of cheerleaders, nineteen “themed” water stations and a post-race concert also make this race a great, active way to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This year’s race will finish at SeaWorld and a course map can be seen by clicking on http://san-diego.competitor.com/files/2010/02/SD_10_CourseMap_4.1.10.pdf.  This year a half marathon will be added, as well.

Each racer receives a personalized bib and “Tech Tees” are given to everyone who finishes the course. Attend the free Health & Fitness Expo at the San Diego Convention Center to get your race number, timing chip, t-shirt and other goodies.  Find out more by visiting http://san-diego.competitor.com/event-info/.

 Summer Solstice in Del Mar is just around the corner, making it a great time to be a San Diegan!  Scheduled for Thursday evening, June 17^th from 5-8 p.m. at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar, this beachfront summer celebration hosted by the Del Mar Village Association, is sure to sell out.  Enjoy a fun-filled evening and relax with a front row sunset view, as you visit with neighbors and friends. 

This fantastic event serves up gourmet food, wine, and ale from local establishments and allows you to bid on a unique silent auction, as well.  Silent auction prizes feature items ranging from Del Mar parking passes, gift baskets and certificates, to originally designed art and jewelry.  You can even meet the next food Network Star!  Proceeds from the Summer Solstice support Del Mar Village Association revitalization efforts.  Advance tickets are $50 and can be purchased at http://www.delmarmainstreet.com/Summer_Solstice_2010.php .

 It’s not easy being green.  But it may be worth it, if you can save money while doing so. 

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), home owners can still do both by utilizing federal energy efficiency tax credits.   The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has been extended, allowing federal tax credits for San Diego residents who increase energy efficiency in their homes.

Qualifying water heaters (including tank-less), windows, air conditioning units and some appliances, insulation and roofing all are repairs falling under the 25C tax credit.  The federal tax credit was due to expire in 2009, but has been extended until the end of 2010.  Thinking of adding solar panels, wind power, or geothermal heat pump systems?  You may want to look into the 25D tax credit.  Check http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dplu/greenbuildings.html or your tax advisor for specific details on your project.

 Our uncertain economy has many homeowners staying put and investing time and resources into upgrading kitchens and baths, and even considering room additions.  While some remodeling efforts may not result in huge differences upon resale, even small changes can result in easier, more comfortable living.  For newcomers to the housing market, the first-time home buyer tax credit and low mortgage rates allow for access to the remodel market, as well.  The ideas listed below might be worthwhile to consider if remodeling is in your plans.

Some of the top kitchen remodeling project trends include:

• Recycling centers, designated places to keep cans, papers, etc. tucked away, such as a nook or  lower cabinet
• Larger pantrys and storage spaces.
• Use of renewable eco-friendly flooring and countertop materials.
• Computer areas and recharging stations, for laptops, cell phones and other electronic equipment.

Popular upgrades to the bathroom areas are:

• Water-saving toilets.
• Radiant heated floors.
• Adaptable features that allow homeowners to remain in the home past retirement.
• LED, energy-saving lighting.
• Doorless showers.

 .

  Looking to mingle, build community spirit and have a great time? 

Then you won’t want to miss out on the Annual Rancho Santa Fe Gala coming up next week – on Saturday, May 8^th at 5 p.m.  Known as a highlight socially, this year’s party themed, “Let the Games Begin!” is no exception. 

Held at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, this show-stopping event will feature both a game show “Deal or No Deal” style live auction and an amazing silent auction, as well as themed cocktails, fun, games, and dancing.  Join in as a contestant or just mingle with friends and help make the 32^nd annual gala a huge success! 

Purchase your tickets by logging in at: https://web.memberclicks.com/mc/quickForm/viewForm.do?orgId=rsfcc&formId=76107

Looking for a fun date night and/or family activity? Get down to Mission Beach and visit Belmont Park. Everyone can find something to do at this huge outdoor attraction, complete with free admission and parking!
Although mainly known for its Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, originally built in 1925, Belmont Park is also a great place to wander. Many dining options from snacking to gourmet, organic fare are available and shopping options vary from surf wear and henna tattoos to eclectic art and seashells found at the many outdoor kiosks. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the miniature golf and arcade games. Rock climbers can even take the 25 foot challenge on Coconut Climb.
From the Beach Blaster, the park’s newest ride to the more traditional bumper cars and carousel, Balboa Park also has some great amusement park rides. Water enthusiasts will enjoy the wave machines, which produce perfect waves and allow even the most inexperienced surfer to feel like a professional.
Belmont Park is open weekdays from 11:00am – 8:00pm and weekends from 11:00am – 10:00pm, until May 28, when summer hours are extended. For more information, visit http://www.belmontpark.com.

Foreclosures and short sales have introduced “fixer-uppers,” homes in need of repair and care into the luxury market recently. With lower home values and higher lending regulations, this can result in problems with loan approval. Searching for resolution, I thought it was time to let you in on a little known loan program.

Did you know that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has a loan program (since 1978) to help with “as-is” repairs? It is not widely publicized. In fact, only 219 borrowers used this program, known as the FHA’s 203K, in 2009!
Many homeowners fall in love with a potential home, only to discover at inspection that dry rot work, roofing, new appliances, remodeling, or other needed repairs might be deal stoppers. The FHA’s 203k renovation financing loan program, allows for these needed repairs to be included in the FHA federally-insured loan amount instead of having the buyer come up with cash or a separate loan to do the repairs.

The only conditions are that work has to be done within six months after close of escrow, but the borrowers have an option of adding six months of mortgage payments to the end of the loan if they don’t want prefer to live elsewhere while the work is completed. FHA home loans also require some health and safety standards be met and that repairs identified during the inspection be completed before escrow closes. Also, the buyer needs to work with contractors and may not be able to move in right way. Yet, minor improvements and repairs can still be done after escrow closes.

Thinking about selling your home? If so, creating a good impression or “staging” is crucial. Below are some ideas to consider when staging your home.

1. Clean up – a spotless house creates positive feelings and makes the property seem well-maintained.

2. Make sure the outside of your home is welcoming – newly painted doors, freshly shined hardware, and blooming flowers help prospective buyers to feel that the home is well maintained.

3. Every room, closet and drawer should be decluttered and near empty, and family pictures and keepsakes should be removed.

4. Natural light helps to create a sense of happiness so pull back window treatments.

5. Pull furniture away from walls to make the rooms appear bigger.

6. Each room should be a defined space, not a multi-use room.

7. Examine magazines for inexpensive ideas, decorating for a general taste, not your own.

8. Keep the rooms clean and purchase bright, white linens to be put out specifically for staging.

9. Organize! If you are short on time, rent a storage unit for miscellaneous items. The money will be well spent when your home is sold quickly at a great price.

10. Have trusted friends and me evaluate your home staging once it’s complete.

Looking for answers to making your home more eco-friendly? Visit the annual EarthFair, held in Balboa Park, this weekend. Held on April 18th, from 10am-5pm, EarthFair will give you some great ideas.

A special eHome exhibit will showcase products and technology to make your home more environmentally sustainable. If you’re considering building a new structure, or an addition, alternative home-building technologies, such as straw bale and steel-frame construction, may interest you. You can also research energy and resource saving products and materials, like energy-efficient appliances and low-E windows. A wide variety of solar electric systems – available now, to help you get off the grid – will be shown, as well.

Along with the home tips, EarthFair, the largest free annual environmental fair, with over 70,000 visitors, 400 volunteers, and more than 350 exhibitors, celebrates with themed exhibits featuring food, children’s activities, music, a children‘s parade, art made from recycled materials, and the Cleaner Car Concourse. Children can learn to make paper, find out about recycling, make gift cards from recycled materials, and learn how to visit wild areas without disturbing the environment.

The exhibits represent traditional conservation organizations, wildlife preservation groups, natural and organically grown products, organic gardening, alternative energy vehicles, ecotourism opportunities, health care products and services, pet adoption services, clean air and clean water products, and rainforest preservation groups. It’s a learning experience for everyone!

La Jolla Condo For Sale

Hello all you home buyers, sellers, investors and “market watchers” here is your weekly summary of the La Jolla real estate market.  If you would like a more in-depth look, and to view additional statistic for this week, please click here: Maxine & Marti Gellens Market Update LA JOLLA_2010-04-09

The median list price in LA JOLLA, CA this week is $2,250,000. The 233 properties listed for sale in La Jolla have been on the market for an average of 210 days.

Demand measured by the Market Action Index is increasing and days on-market is trending downward. Even as more properties come available, these are positive trends for the market.

The market has settled in at a relative stasis in inventory and sales conditions.  It’s a Buyer’s market that has seen prices trend lower. Expect that consistent up trends in demand will be required before price trends change significantly.

Through Altos Research we have access to current market statistics, if you are interested please sign up for real-time market reports they are FREE here on our website click here to sign up.

Build Your Dream Green Home

SEMINAR DETAILS:

• How to start your Green Project
• Building permits, design, project budgeting and green incentives
• How to hire an architect or a contractor
• How to avoid common mistakes

 Speaker: Sema Yavuz, LEED AP, Licensed Architect, Landscape and Interior Designer

When:  6:30 pm to 7:30 pm April 13th, 2010

Location:  La Jolla Public Library, 7555 Draper Avenue La Jolla, CA 92037

Registration: Online at http://www.semarch.com/ 

E-mail: register@semarch.com  with your name and contact information

or Call: 858 205 4370

Cost: Free

 SEMA ARCHITECTS ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR LANDSCAPE GREEN DESIGN

Sema Yavuz, LEED AP, registered architect

Architect, interior and landscape designer Sema Yavuz will be answering your questions during this informative seminar

www.semarch.com 

Lately we’ve seen a rise of Short Sales in the luxury home market.  Many people don’t understand short sales, so hopefully this explanation will make the term clear for you.

A Short Sale is an alternative to default.  It allows the sale of a home for less than the mortgage amount, if the lender agrees to accept that amount instead of the original mortgage amount.  For example, if you owed $450,000 on your home and the current market meant no buyer would pay over $375,000. If you sold your home for that amount, you, as the seller, would need to repay the remaining $75,000.  That would be a huge loss, one most homeowners couldn’t stomach.  So, a short sale would be an alternative to consider. You, as seller, would work with the lender and agree to have all sale proceeds paid to the lender and the balance would either be forgiven or drastically reduced.

Obviously, while not ideal, a Short Sale may be a good option if foreclosure is looming.  Short Sales do have consequences. The lender takes a loss on a loan and the seller may have his credit adversely affected.  As the buyer, be prepared for a long wait for your home.  Although processing has picked up speed lately, some deals are not closed for six months, or slip into foreclosure before they are finalized.  It’s extremely important that you consult with a Realtor with Short Sale experience if you are considering this option.

The best time to read your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy is not during a crisis.  Take some time today to review your policy and make any needed revisions.  Call your agent with your questions and build a relationship of trust.  If you don’t feel comfortable with your agent, ask me for a referral.  Here are some items to consider that may save you money in the short-term and long-term.

Find Out – Can you lower your premium with the use of smoke detectors, alarms, dead-bolt locks, or new roofing material?  Do they offer long-term customer or senior citizen discounts?  What exactly is covered by your insurance?  Ask about the term “acts of God.”

Determine – What’s insured, your house or the land under it?  Make sure the land value is not included in your policy amount or ask questions if it is.  Do you have replacement coverage or an actual cash value policy?  Which would you rather have?

Consider – Do you have/need special coverage for valuable and unique items?  Can you raise your deductible a little to see a big reduction in your premium?  Do you need insurance for flood damage?

One of the most important questions facing real estate buyers, sellers and agents is how the market is doing?  This week the median list price in La Jolla, California, 92037 is $2,285,000. Prices in this zip code have been on a downward trend recently and this week, while essentially flat, doesn’t break us out of that cycle.

 The market has been consistently cool for several weeks. Demand levels are low relative to the available inventory. It’s a Buyer’s market and prices continue to fall. Look for a persistent shift in Market Action before prices plateau or begin to rise again.

Through Altos Research we have access to current market statistics, if you are interested please sign up for real-time market reports they are FREE here on our website click here to sign up 

This is a very good resource to monitor when buying or selling your home or thinking of buying or selling.

Designed to preserve quality of life and natural resources, Rancho Santa Fe is a highly sought after community filled with activity.  With seven different private golf courses, Rancho Santa Fe offers seclusion as well as variety.  The Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club shares the same driveway as the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, and both sports can be viewed from the “Lily Award” winning clubhouse.
The Rancho Riding Club provides excellent amenities, as well, and association members and their guests have access to miles of trails. At the heart of it all is the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center, located directly behind the Association Office, providing everything from after-school and vacation camps for youth and teens to recreational, social and educational classes for adults.
As one of the first planned communities in California, Rancho Santa Fe features curving rural roadways, winding eucalyptus-covered hills, green fields and citrus groves.

Following a village theme, the community was deemed a State Historic Landmark by the State of California in 1989 and designated a California Cultural Landmark in 2004.  Rancho Santa Fe’s role has long been seen as a model for planned and themed communities.  Currently the National Register of Historic Places lists nine buildings and homes in Rancho Santa Fe. In 1991, the Village buildings were surveyed, as well.

I, like many of you, enjoy a good run.  In fact, just recently, I completed my first half marathon!  While the San Diegan coastline has many gorgeous areas in which to exercise, Del Mar is a favorite of many.

Del Mar City Beach, between 15th Street and River Mouth, is breathtakingly beautiful, easily accessible, and boasts architectural housing wonders, while still offering great opportunity for swimmers and surfers alike.

River Mouth is the area where the San Dieguito River meets the ocean.  This area is also a favorite of dogs and their owners and is great for playing and building in the sand, as the waves are quite calm.

Running along the bluffs at Del Mar City Beach, on the southern side of 15th  Street, can lead you clear up to Torrey Pines, provided the tide is not too high.  There is also a path alongside the train tracks that is used by many walkers and joggers, as you can travel for miles without having to stop for cars or light signals.

If you enjoy seeing the horses, you may be interested to know that the Del Mar National Horse Show is going on April 22nd through May 9th.  The show has run since 1946 and more information can be found at http://www.sdfair.com/horseshow/.  Have fun!

Every Spring I look forward to taking my family to explore the gorgeous La Jolla Coastline.  Hidden surprises can be found even in the spring months.  Running along the coast or touring the tidepools makes for relaxing and productive fun.

Tide pool adventures can teach you to be an expert with guidance from the trained naturalists at Birch Aquarium.  In the spring, tides are lower, providing opportunity to explore previously hidden areas brimming with all sorts of marine life, from sea anemones to hermit crabs, starfish and others unique to La Jolla. Adventurers will be directed by aquarium experts through these fragile habitats and taught to identify the mysterious tide pool creatures. To attend these special events, held March 13 (Dike Rock) and March 28 (False Point); please call 858-534-7336.  The cost is $12 and you will be told where to meet when you RSVP.
If you would rather experience beach nightlife in La Jolla, join the Birch Aquarium for an escorted grunion run along La Jolla Coastal Reserve!  Grunion, native small, silvery fish, come out in droves during spring and summer nights after certain high tides.  Bring your flashlight and dress warmly.  This is a great family event if you have teenagers!  Escorted runs will occur late in the evening throughout April and May, although once you have a little know-how, you could figure out a good night to go on your own.  Check http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/ for specific dates and details.  Have fun!

Spring is here and San Diego is the place to find it! An abundance of breezy days filled with sunshine increase the urge to wander about outdoors and you could not ask for a more breathtaking sight! Right now is the perfect time to venture into one of San Diego’s most beautiful treasures – the Flower Fields.

My family has always marveled at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, watching and waiting, as they grow in color. I’m happy to report that now they are in full bloom. This spectacular sight covers 50 acres and can only be found for about six weeks of the year. It marks the arrival of spring in Southern California. The gardens are open from 9a.m. to 6 p.m. everyday through May 9th and are a must-see for any age. They even have events geared for young children and wagon rides!

Today’s fields are a result of the efforts of Luther Gage, a grower who began planting seeds over 85 years ago. Mr. Gage planted ranunculus and gladiolus in every color imaginable! Other unique experiences to explore at the Flower Fields are the Miniature Rose Garden, featuring a Rose Walk of Fame, the Carlsbad Mining Company, a Sweet Pea Maze, Historic Poinsettia Display, American Flag of Flowers, and Santa’s Playground.

With special events like Bluegrass Day, Kids Day, and Red Hatter’s Rendezvous, the Flower Fields can’t help but make for a great experience. An Arts & Crafts Fair will be held two weekends in April, as well. Tickets are $10 for Adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for Children (3-10), and free for children under three. Go to www.theflowerfields.com for more information. Hope to see you there!

Sure, it’s known as Coronado Island. But this renowned San Diego beachfront city actually sits on a peninsula. OK, so much for minor details. The real important thing about Coronado is that it’s a fantastic place to hang your hat. Work, play, relax, or just plain live it up in high style. These are the things that come easily when you’re on the ‘island’.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the place. The sights, the sounds, the call of irresistible comfort and luxury. It’s all here in great abundance. The big highlight, of course, is the endless stretch of powdery beach. We’re talking soft, silky sand that you can just melt into as you gaze blissfully at a dramatic sweep of glistening blue Pacific Ocean.

Among Coronado’s prime beachfront destinations, Coronado City Beach has carved out a special place. Depending on your mood and energy level, City Beach is a wonderful place for walking, jogging, swimming, boogie boarding, boating, volleyball playing, kite flying, surfing, and major loafing in the warmth of a golden sun. By the way, there’s no need to worry about feeling cramped. Coronado City Beach is one of the widest around. So you’ll always have leg room to spare.

To complete the picture, Coronado has thrown in a rich assortment of parks, museums, theaters, shopping areas, and special events.

If you’re thinking this is the place to set up permanent residence, here are a few handy facts that will lay the groundwork for an informed trip into the marketplace. Coronado has an average price per square foot of $785. On the sales side, $1, 218,000 was the average sales price of a Coronado home.

If you’re looking for a small town atmosphere, affluent lifestyle, and seacoast charm blended into a unique community experience, Del Mar definitely is where you want to be. Nestled between beautiful Solana Beach and La Jolla, this quaint town attracts residents with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. But they all have one thing in common – each and every one adores this place.

It’s easy to see why Del Mar holds such a powerful spell over all who venture into this secluded hideaway. Let’s start with the white sandy beaches. There are over two miles of them sweeping past a breathtaking stretch of crystal blue Pacific Ocean. What goes hand in hand with these captivating beach vistas is Del Mar’s extensive list of available activities. All are guaranteed to keep you kicking up fun in the sun as long as your energy holds out. And just so nobody’s left out in the cold, the town’s Dog Beach offers endless seaside enjoyment for the family pooch.

Graced by fine homes and picture-perfect landscaping, Del Mar inspires boundless pride in everyone lucky enough to live in this oceanfront enclave. If you’re considering becoming a member of this very satisfied group, there a few things you should know about the town’s real estate. First of all, the median price for homes in this oceanfront community is bout $1,495,000. Just ask any resident, and they’ll tell you the experience is well worth it. The place offers so much appeal that many people arrive here to buy their second home. No wonder Del Mar has always been seen as one of Southern California’s Real Estate ‘hot spots’.

If you’re a commuter who’d rather travel back and forth to work without wasting gas and time in traffic snarls, take heart. There’s an Amtrak station just a stone’s throw away in neighboring Solana Beach.

If you’ve got a serious yen to do something wonderful for yourself as well as for others, you might want to spring into a fantastic event taking place in Mission Bay. I’m talking about the 30^th annual St. Patrick’s Day 10K run and 2&4 Mile Run/Walk. The action unfolds on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 7:30 am sharp. The location of this highly-anticipated athletic showcase is picturesque Mission Bay Park, San Diego. By participating, you’ll not only do your cardiovascular system and physique a world of good, you’ll also benefit the Rady Childrens Hospital and Health Centers.  Two worthy causes in one morning. Not bad.

So consider pulling yourself up off your comfy chair, yanking your best running shoes and outfit out of mothballs, and launching yourself into a morning of excitement-packed, energy-charged competition. You can already hear the crowds roaring as your fleet feet take you zooming down the ultra-scenic course.

Is there any other reason for leaping into the running action? Plenty. First, you’ll get to add to your wardrobe with a high-fashion, t-shirt, complimentary to all participants. And, of course, you’ll gain some major culinary thrills with ample quantities of Dominos pizza and foamy mugs of beer. Still need further incentives? OK, well there’s a Special Irish award for the best ‘Irish Themed’ running costume, as well as a drawing for gifts such as Sports Running Merchandise, Dinners for Two, and an exciting Entertainment Package.

Plus you’ll be strutting your championship stuff in breathtakingly scenic Mission Bay Park. Known as San Diego’s largest playground, this pristine 4,000 acre park features 27 miles of spectacular shoreline looking out onto sparkling blue Mission Bay. So you’ll have lots to think about besides the beers waiting for you at the end of the race.

If you want to learn more about this high-velocity event, visit http://www.kathyloperevents.com/stpatrick/

‘La Jolla’ was inspired by the Spanish word for jewel, and it’s easy to see why this thriving city earned such a sparkling name. When you’re a resident of La Jolla, you’re sitting on top of the world in an incomparably magnificent coastal environment seemingly created for the inspiration of artists. The breathtaking beauty of this seaside community isn’t inviting enough? OK. Consider this. ‘The jewel’ is a convenient hop, skip, and a jump away from dozens of fine local restaurants and shopping centers. And when you feel metropolitan excitement luring you to a new round of experiences, count yourself lucky. You’re in easy driving distance of bustling San Diego.

La Jolla is known for a more than a generous helping of luxury living. But there’s much more to this city than meets the eye. Look a little closer, and you’ll discover La Jolla actually consists of over 12 different neighborhoods. Each one is a gem blessed with its own character and charm.

One of these neighborhoods goes by the very apt name Country Club. For hearty sports enthusiasts drawn to the thrill and challenge of sending a golf ball soaring over a fairway, Country Club is definitely a dream come true. Setting new standards for picturesque destinations, this exclusive community is the location of the acclaimed La Jolla Country Club.

The Country Club neighborhood is perched comfortably above the Village, setting the stage for an abundance of dramatic views. You won’t have to look far to be impressed. Glance in one direction, and you’ll see a sweep of beautiful homes nestled on the fairway. Shift your gaze a bit, and you’ll behold sumptuous hillside estates offering breathtaking views of the golf course set against an ocean vista and mountains. And for a splash of charm, there are smaller residences set on streets that climb gracefully through lush hillsides. Add the appeal of mild year-round-weather, and this neighborhood truly stands as a gem among jewels. With so much going for it, it’s no wonder houses in the distinguished Country Club community are among the most desirable in La Jolla.

Don’t wait to enjoy the limitless appeal of this one-of-a-kind locale. If you’re interested in learning more about La Jolla’s exclusive Country Club community, I’ll be happy to help.

The San Diego Coast has it all, and then some. A major lure of the this oceanfront paradise is scenic San Diego Bay. In the mood for fun, sun, and just plain chilling out? The Bay is the place. And when it comes to the Bay, one of the best places here to kick up a little seaside enjoyment is Point Loma. But plan on staying awhile. Point Loma has so much to do that you could plant yourself here for a year and still not cover it all. We’re talking everything from scenic seaside parks to ocean sports to special events. Boredom is never an option. So prepare for one heck of a good time.

One of Point Loma’s must-see destinations is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. If you’re in the mood for some aquatic recreation or power sunbathing, you can choose from two beaches nestled at the bottom of spectacular cliffs. Jolted by an overpowering yen to connect with nature? No problem. Nearby Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is ready to explore. We’re talking 68-acres of awe-inspiring cliffs, natural foliage, and scenic views. Nature-lovers can also get an up close and personal glimpse of seashore life at the Point Loma Tide pools. Great place for you and your family to browse the wonders of the not-so-deep, and maybe make friends with a hermit crab or two.

For connecting with sea life in a different way, try a session of sport fishing on nearby Ocean Beach Pier. Incidentally, this is also is the ideal place to take a scenic daytime or nighttime stroll or satisfy your howling hunger with a visit to the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe’.

And when it’s time to shift gears into shopping mode, hightail it to the nearby Newport Ave. Shopping District. This is a three-block long expanse of unique, small town shops, cafes, and attractions guaranteed to satisfy every whim and taste.

Point Loma seems to offer everything but a dull time. So make tracks here the first chance you get, and discover one of the reasons why there’s simply nothing else in the world like San Diego Bay.

This Thursday November 5th will mark the Seventh Annual La Jolla Gallery & Wine Walk. There are now 18 restaurants and 15 art galleries that will play host to this event which is yet another reason to love La Jolla. It is an incredibly beautiful place filled with fine restaurants and exquisite galleries and this event brings it all together. This is a great and inexpensive way to support the La Jolla community as all proceeds go towards La Jolla and tickets are only $30 when bought in advance and $35 at the door.

This year La Jolla was again named the most expensive housing market in the US. We were even ranked above Beverly Hills.

La Jolla is such a desirable place to live. It is located right on the Pacific Ocean, has beautiful, warm weather year round, is home to wonderful restaurants, shopping, art, what more could you want? How about a racetrack? Well that’s in nearby Del Mar. Fabulous vacations spots? Guess what, you’re already in one, and you’re surrounded by more beautiful and interesting places that aren’t too far off like Palm Springs, Mexico, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (that would be more so interesting than beautiful…)

When you buy a home in La Jolla, chances are you aren’t just buying a home, you are buying your own personal paradise. Beach-front homes with pools, temperature-controlled wine cellars, more bathrooms than bedrooms, kitchens suited for a master chef, bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, more luxury than you can think of comes standard.