Ok guys, if you just can't get enough Rodeo in your diet you are in luck. The Clovis Rodeo is going on now, this weekend, in Clovis. Goes through Sunday or Monday. Then, the Coarsegold Rodeo happens next weekend, beginning Friday night and going through Sunday. So, if you like the smell of oiled leather, cows, horses, sheep, bbq grilling, cold beer and hay, you should be in heaven.
See you there!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Importance of Spaying and Neutering
I very rarely go on a rant, but this subject is close to my heart and I've been chewing on it for a while. So, bear with me.
Many people today believe in the importance of spaying and neutering their animals. If you are one of the responsible, I thank you. There are, however, a number of people who believe that it isn't necessary, why bother? Excuses range from "can't afford it" to "one litter won't hurt", "my animal never comes into contact with other animals" and beyond.
Aside from the fact that the animal shelters are overflowing with pets needing good homes and that hundreds of animals are destroyed everyday due to overcrowding in those shelters, there is another factor to consider.
Indiscriminate breeding can also introduce a plethora of health problems into the animal community. Animals who are dumped off at shelters or the vets office are always checked out and given shots, but a lot of times, there are underlying conditions that may arise months later. I have been the lucky recipient of two such animals. Here are their stories:
Stuart the cat was dumped off in a box with his mother and sister at a local vets office. The technician at the office knew I was looking for another kitty so she gave me a call. I fell in love with the little guy and named him Stuart (after Stuart Little). He came home and after a couple of rough adjustment days, seemed like a perfectly normal and healthy little kitten.
About two weeks later he began regurgitating his food. We thought at first he had ingested some grass. It kept up. We changed his food. No good. We eliminated canned food from his diet. Nothing worked. We took him to the vet. After a very brief examination and xray they determined he had an extremely rare heart condition called mega esophagus. In essence, blood vessels from his heart had grown around his esophagus and were squeezing it shut, cutting off his food. The little guy was starving to death. The only option (other than euthanasia) was surgery at UC Davis. My husband and I discussed it and decided to give the little guy a chance. $3,000 later, Stuart is a healthy, happy little cat.
Next came Bella, the lab. Bella came to us from a friend who "accidentally" bred her registered white lab with an unregistered black lab. Early on, they were concerned that she might be blind in her right eye. I knew that if we didn't take her they would probably end up putting her down. We took her to a dog opthamologist, who confirmed that she was blind and that it was a congenital condition passed on to her from one of her parents. He strongly discouraged us from breeding her because she could pass the condition on to her puppies. (We had already decided to have her fixed.)
Things seemed fine, other than she was blind in the one eye, until two months later. We awoke at 3am to her moaning and whining under the bed. Her right eye was glassy and milky. We stayed up with her that night and made arrangements to take her to the specialist (in Stockton this time) the next afternoon. He examined her and diagnosed her with glaucoma. There was nothing to do but remove the bad eye. $1200 later, Bella is a one-eyed white lab in love with life.
I notified my friend of the situation via email and voicemail and begged her not to let her dog breed again. She never responded.
Seven new puppies were born on Easter Sunday. I can only hope that all of them will be lucky and not have the same condition that Bella inherited.
I admit that these two animals are probably extreme examples of what can happen. But let's think about what would have happened to them if the people who adopted them could not afford the unexpected vet bills? Stuart and Bella are wonderful, loving pets and I am glad that my husband and I made the decisions that we did, but not all animals will be so lucky.
Please, please, please do not let your animals breed indiscriminately.
Many people today believe in the importance of spaying and neutering their animals. If you are one of the responsible, I thank you. There are, however, a number of people who believe that it isn't necessary, why bother? Excuses range from "can't afford it" to "one litter won't hurt", "my animal never comes into contact with other animals" and beyond.
Aside from the fact that the animal shelters are overflowing with pets needing good homes and that hundreds of animals are destroyed everyday due to overcrowding in those shelters, there is another factor to consider.
Indiscriminate breeding can also introduce a plethora of health problems into the animal community. Animals who are dumped off at shelters or the vets office are always checked out and given shots, but a lot of times, there are underlying conditions that may arise months later. I have been the lucky recipient of two such animals. Here are their stories:
Stuart the cat was dumped off in a box with his mother and sister at a local vets office. The technician at the office knew I was looking for another kitty so she gave me a call. I fell in love with the little guy and named him Stuart (after Stuart Little). He came home and after a couple of rough adjustment days, seemed like a perfectly normal and healthy little kitten.
About two weeks later he began regurgitating his food. We thought at first he had ingested some grass. It kept up. We changed his food. No good. We eliminated canned food from his diet. Nothing worked. We took him to the vet. After a very brief examination and xray they determined he had an extremely rare heart condition called mega esophagus. In essence, blood vessels from his heart had grown around his esophagus and were squeezing it shut, cutting off his food. The little guy was starving to death. The only option (other than euthanasia) was surgery at UC Davis. My husband and I discussed it and decided to give the little guy a chance. $3,000 later, Stuart is a healthy, happy little cat.
Next came Bella, the lab. Bella came to us from a friend who "accidentally" bred her registered white lab with an unregistered black lab. Early on, they were concerned that she might be blind in her right eye. I knew that if we didn't take her they would probably end up putting her down. We took her to a dog opthamologist, who confirmed that she was blind and that it was a congenital condition passed on to her from one of her parents. He strongly discouraged us from breeding her because she could pass the condition on to her puppies. (We had already decided to have her fixed.)
Things seemed fine, other than she was blind in the one eye, until two months later. We awoke at 3am to her moaning and whining under the bed. Her right eye was glassy and milky. We stayed up with her that night and made arrangements to take her to the specialist (in Stockton this time) the next afternoon. He examined her and diagnosed her with glaucoma. There was nothing to do but remove the bad eye. $1200 later, Bella is a one-eyed white lab in love with life.
I notified my friend of the situation via email and voicemail and begged her not to let her dog breed again. She never responded.
Seven new puppies were born on Easter Sunday. I can only hope that all of them will be lucky and not have the same condition that Bella inherited.
I admit that these two animals are probably extreme examples of what can happen. But let's think about what would have happened to them if the people who adopted them could not afford the unexpected vet bills? Stuart and Bella are wonderful, loving pets and I am glad that my husband and I made the decisions that we did, but not all animals will be so lucky.
Please, please, please do not let your animals breed indiscriminately.
Community Carnival
The Sierra Star is hosting the Great Moms Walk & Community Carnival tomorrow from 10am to 1pm in the Sierra Star parking lot on Road 426, across from Sierra Telephone. Enjoy games, food and a bounce house. Contact Julie D. for info 760-2117.
Elegant Auction Tomorrow Night
It is the "see and be seen" event of the season for the mountain area. The 24th Annual Elegant Auction will be held tomorrow evening from 5 pm to ??? in the Lakeview Room of the Pines Resort at Bass Lake. This year's theme is Celebrating the Spirit of the Community. Participants may enjoy complimentary champagne and hors d'hoeuvres, live and silent auctions, raffles and music.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Oakhurst Community Park.
All proceeds from the auction benefit the Oakhurst Community Park.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Gardening Tips for Drought
This summer looks to be long and hot and, let's face it folks, we are low on water this year. The following are some simple tips for conserving water and maintaining your yard during the long, hot summer months.
Collecting, Saving Water
Repair leaks in hoses and fittings. This may be as simple as replacing the washers in hose fittings. A slow leak of one drip per second can lose 9 gallons of water a day, 260 gallons a month. A faster leak, filling an 8 ounce cup in 8 seconds, wastes 675 gallons a day, or 20,000 gallons a month!
Collect wasted and "gray" water from the household. The latter is rinse water from washers, and from washing dishes. When adjusting the hot and cold in baths and showers, collect in a bucket the water that would normally go down the drain before the temperature is adjusted. Also collect and use water from dehumidifiers or window air conditioners.
Collect water from downspouts of gutters, or divert these into flower beds.
Cultural Practices
For flowers and vegetables, use wider spacing to reduce competition for soil moisture, mulching in between plants.
Use 3 to 4 inches (after settling) of organic mulch (pine bark, straw or similar) to prevent soil from drying and losing moisture to the air. Keep such mulch away from trunks, and off the top of desirable perennials. Plastic mulches in vegetable and annual flower gardens in which plants are spaced regularly, or around shrubs, can help as well. Or use thick layers of newspapers in rows, covered lightly with mulch.
Incorporate organic matter into the soil, which will aid in water retention. Compost also adds nutrients, but breaks down faster than peat moss—another common amendment. Peat moss lasts longer in the soil, at least a year or more, but adds few nutrients and acidifies the soil. Water absorbent materials (hydrogels) can help dry sandy soils.
Fertilize less, both less in amount and less often, and avoid too much high nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen results in excessive growth, and need for water by plants. Organic fertilizers provide less, and over a longer period usually, and they help soil humus which helps hold water.
Choose and place plants properly. Don’t choose plants that prefer moist, and place them in a dry area. And choose plants more resistant to drought. As mentioned at the beginning, there are many other plants other than cacti and succulents such as those with deep tap roots (baptisia or false lupine), thick storage roots (daylilies), or those with waxy coated leaves (sedum). Perennial flowers need water when newly planted, but once established require much less water than annual flowers. Native plants may be a good choice as well. See OH Leaflet 73 on drought resistant plants.
Don’t apply pesticides that might cause injury to stressed plants, or in heat, or that need to be watered in.
Avoid pruning when plants are stressed and not growing, and so unable to heal wounds quickly. Pruning also may stimulate side shoots and more growth, and so more need for water.
For evergreens, use antitranspirant sprays on leaves that help prevent water loss. Or erect windbreaks around such plants, if they’re small or new, and a windy area. Burlap strung between posts is effective. For routinely windy sites, consider planting a more permanent windbreak of spruces, firs or other evergreens to screen other plantings.
Use hoeing and soil cultivation of weeds sparingly. Continually disturbing the soil surface will result in it drying out much faster. You may have to merely cut weeds off at the soil surface, or use contact or systemic herbicides, and save the cultivation until drought conditions ease. At least the bright side is that under drought, weeds wont grow as fast either! But keep weeds down, as they compete with more desirable plants for water.
Container plantings
Move container plants to more shaded areas.
Use pottery containers that are glazed on the outside, which prevents much water loss. Or use plastic containers, or set plastic containers if unattractive into more attractive outer pottery ones.
Don’t crowd too many plants into containers, or use large containers for large plants. This will help keep them from drying out so often, and requiring watering daily or more often.
Lawns
Leave grass clippings to act as mulch and recycle nutrients and some moisture.
If seeding lawn areas, or repairing areas, use drought resistant grass types such as fine fescues.
If water is not available, allow grass to go dormant. Unless extreme conditions for a long period, it will usually begin growing again once conditions improve.
Don’t mow grass when it is dormant and not growing. Even when growing, set the mower height at 2 to 3 inches high. High mown grass develops deeper root systems that are better able to withstand drought.
If water is restricted or in short supply, give highest priority to the following:
Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials
Newly seeded lawns or repaired lawn areas
Plants on sandy soils or windy and exposed sites
Vegetables when flowering
Watering
If you have water restrictions in your area or town, find out just water they cover. If not too severe, they may just cover lawn sprinklers and not watering of gardens.
Water in the early morning, when there is less heat and wind, and so less water lost to evaporation. Timers on automatic watering systems make very early watering much easier.
Don’t use overhead sprinklers, which may lose over half the water on a hot day to evaporation. Instead use manual watering, soaker hoses or drip systems. Soaker hoses are merely permeable hoses, often of recycled materials, that allow water to soak through them slowly. Placed on beds near plants, they allow water to slowly soak into the root zone. Cover these with mulch, and they lose even less water to the air, and are invisible.
Water deeply and less often rather than for shorter periods more often. This allows water to penetrate deeper, and so encourages deeper roots which are more resistant to drought. Lawns and bedding plants should be watered to at least 6 inches deep. Perennials, shrubs and trees should be watered to at least 12 inches deep. Check your sprinkler or rainfall with a rain gauge, available from garden and hardware stores. One inch of water will wet a sandy soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
Water established plants only if "really" needed and once they begin to wilt. Many perennials and woody plants may wilt, and not perform best if dry, but will survive. This is especially true if they were healthy and well-watered prior to drought conditions. Only a few perennials such as false spirea (Astilbe) have leaves that turn brown and don’t recover if dry, but have to generate new leaves.
Collecting, Saving Water
Repair leaks in hoses and fittings. This may be as simple as replacing the washers in hose fittings. A slow leak of one drip per second can lose 9 gallons of water a day, 260 gallons a month. A faster leak, filling an 8 ounce cup in 8 seconds, wastes 675 gallons a day, or 20,000 gallons a month!
Collect wasted and "gray" water from the household. The latter is rinse water from washers, and from washing dishes. When adjusting the hot and cold in baths and showers, collect in a bucket the water that would normally go down the drain before the temperature is adjusted. Also collect and use water from dehumidifiers or window air conditioners.
Collect water from downspouts of gutters, or divert these into flower beds.
Cultural Practices
For flowers and vegetables, use wider spacing to reduce competition for soil moisture, mulching in between plants.
Use 3 to 4 inches (after settling) of organic mulch (pine bark, straw or similar) to prevent soil from drying and losing moisture to the air. Keep such mulch away from trunks, and off the top of desirable perennials. Plastic mulches in vegetable and annual flower gardens in which plants are spaced regularly, or around shrubs, can help as well. Or use thick layers of newspapers in rows, covered lightly with mulch.
Incorporate organic matter into the soil, which will aid in water retention. Compost also adds nutrients, but breaks down faster than peat moss—another common amendment. Peat moss lasts longer in the soil, at least a year or more, but adds few nutrients and acidifies the soil. Water absorbent materials (hydrogels) can help dry sandy soils.
Fertilize less, both less in amount and less often, and avoid too much high nitrogen fertilizer. Too much nitrogen results in excessive growth, and need for water by plants. Organic fertilizers provide less, and over a longer period usually, and they help soil humus which helps hold water.
Choose and place plants properly. Don’t choose plants that prefer moist, and place them in a dry area. And choose plants more resistant to drought. As mentioned at the beginning, there are many other plants other than cacti and succulents such as those with deep tap roots (baptisia or false lupine), thick storage roots (daylilies), or those with waxy coated leaves (sedum). Perennial flowers need water when newly planted, but once established require much less water than annual flowers. Native plants may be a good choice as well. See OH Leaflet 73 on drought resistant plants.
Don’t apply pesticides that might cause injury to stressed plants, or in heat, or that need to be watered in.
Avoid pruning when plants are stressed and not growing, and so unable to heal wounds quickly. Pruning also may stimulate side shoots and more growth, and so more need for water.
For evergreens, use antitranspirant sprays on leaves that help prevent water loss. Or erect windbreaks around such plants, if they’re small or new, and a windy area. Burlap strung between posts is effective. For routinely windy sites, consider planting a more permanent windbreak of spruces, firs or other evergreens to screen other plantings.
Use hoeing and soil cultivation of weeds sparingly. Continually disturbing the soil surface will result in it drying out much faster. You may have to merely cut weeds off at the soil surface, or use contact or systemic herbicides, and save the cultivation until drought conditions ease. At least the bright side is that under drought, weeds wont grow as fast either! But keep weeds down, as they compete with more desirable plants for water.
Container plantings
Move container plants to more shaded areas.
Use pottery containers that are glazed on the outside, which prevents much water loss. Or use plastic containers, or set plastic containers if unattractive into more attractive outer pottery ones.
Don’t crowd too many plants into containers, or use large containers for large plants. This will help keep them from drying out so often, and requiring watering daily or more often.
Lawns
Leave grass clippings to act as mulch and recycle nutrients and some moisture.
If seeding lawn areas, or repairing areas, use drought resistant grass types such as fine fescues.
If water is not available, allow grass to go dormant. Unless extreme conditions for a long period, it will usually begin growing again once conditions improve.
Don’t mow grass when it is dormant and not growing. Even when growing, set the mower height at 2 to 3 inches high. High mown grass develops deeper root systems that are better able to withstand drought.
If water is restricted or in short supply, give highest priority to the following:
Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials
Newly seeded lawns or repaired lawn areas
Plants on sandy soils or windy and exposed sites
Vegetables when flowering
Mind Kids & Pets in Warmer Weather
The mountain area is experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures due to a high pressure system on the west coast. Temperatures in Fresno reached 100 degrees yesterday. Although we will experience a slight cool down over the weekend temperatures will still be way above average for April. Keep this in mind when leaving your pets outside or letting your kids play in the yard. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water and shade available for your pets. Remember, they can't tell you that they are too hot or uncomfortable so it is up to you as a responsible pet owner to take precautions. Make sure your children drink lots of water and don't let them get overheated.
Please, please, please....do not leave pets or children unattended in your car while you "run in to the store real quick". Even on a 70 degree day temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket in a short period of time.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of heat exhaustion: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps and headache.
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms get into the shade immediately, apply cool compresses to forehead and neck, use ice packs under arm pits and on the groin area, fan with clothing and rehydrate with plenty of fluids.
Here are the symptoms of heat stroke: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations,
confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, coma
Follow the steps above for heat exhaustion and call 911 immediately. Heat stroke can cause irreversible damage to vital organs.
Please, please, please....do not leave pets or children unattended in your car while you "run in to the store real quick". Even on a 70 degree day temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket in a short period of time.
Keep an eye out for these symptoms of heat exhaustion: Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps and headache.
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms get into the shade immediately, apply cool compresses to forehead and neck, use ice packs under arm pits and on the groin area, fan with clothing and rehydrate with plenty of fluids.
Here are the symptoms of heat stroke: high body temperature, the absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, hallucinations,
confusion, agitation, disorientation, seizure, coma
Follow the steps above for heat exhaustion and call 911 immediately. Heat stroke can cause irreversible damage to vital organs.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Honorary Mayor Candidate Interviewed by Clear Channel
Liz Ware, Oakhurst Honorary Mayor Candidate, along with her campaign manager, Janice Ware and Boy's and Girl's Board member Rima Runtzel just finished a 55 minute commercial free interview with Clear Channel Radio of Fresno. Topics included the Mayor's Race, Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, Golden Chain Theater, Coarsegold Rodeo, Home and Garden Show, Kings Vintage Museum and the 2010 Lincoln Exhibit in Oakhurst.
The interview will be aired:
Sunday, Apil 26th, 7am
KALZ 96.7, KBOS B95, KHGE Big Country 102.7, KCBL/KEZL Fox Sports Radio, KRZR Wild Hare 103.7
Suday April 16th, 11pm
KSOF Soft Rock 98.9 and KRDU Christian Talk Radio AM1130
The interview will be aired:
Sunday, Apil 26th, 7am
KALZ 96.7, KBOS B95, KHGE Big Country 102.7, KCBL/KEZL Fox Sports Radio, KRZR Wild Hare 103.7
Suday April 16th, 11pm
KSOF Soft Rock 98.9 and KRDU Christian Talk Radio AM1130
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Home Expo today, Cajun Feed tonight
Good afternoon everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying this gorgeous weather. Don't forget about the Mountain Home Expo going on now at the old True Value Building on Highway 49. Lots of local vendors, information and chances to win free stuff!! Also, the Rotary All You Can Eat Cajun Feed is tonight at the Oakhurst Community Center from 5pm to 9pm. Stuff yourself with shrimp, bbq ribs, dirty rice and bread pudding!! Hope to see you there!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Warmer Weather Increases Snowmelt
Warmer weather over the next few days will increase snow melt in the high sierras, causing local streams and rivers to rise. Waters will be swift moving and COLD!! As inviting as these waters may appear they can be quite dangerous. Please exercise caution when near these waterways. Anyone caught in these frigid waters can quickly fall victim to hypothermia.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lots of Doins This Weeked!!
This weekend there'll be plenty to keep everyone busy! Here's the lineup:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Saturday:
- Oakhurst Branch Library Book Sale, 10am to 2pm at the Oakhurst Library
- Free Home Ownership Mountain Expo, 9am to 4pm in the old True Value Building on Highway 49 in Oakhurst
- Hildreth Walking Tour. Enjoy a tour of the old gold rush town of Hildreth. Meet at Spring Valley School by 9:45 to caravan to Hildreth.
- 14th Annual Cajun Creole Fest, sponsored by the Sierra Sunrise Rotary Club. All you can eat shrimp, ribs, dirty rice, maquecho and bread pudding. Oakhurst Community Center
Sunday:
- Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast. 7:30am to 11am. Oakhurst Community Center
- Art Expo. 9am to 4:30pm, North Fork School, North Fork Rancheria Community Center. Artists are welcome to showcase their artwork, free of charge, at the North Fork School and the North Fork Rancheria Community Center on Earth Day.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Snow Today, Swimsuit This Weekend
Crazy weather, huh? I took a drive to North Fork this afternoon and decided on the way to stop at Bass Lake for my first Fork's burger of the season. I was sitting at the counter happily munching away on my cheeseburger and fries when I looked out the window and saw that it was snowing!! Accuweather is calling for temperatures in Oakhurst to be in the 80's this weekend. Shall we make a wager????
Spring Gardening Tips
While working on my garden this last weekend I came to the realization that I need to spend more time in the yard. I weeded, hoed, fertilized and revved up the roto-tiller. My dog even got into the spirit of things by helping me dig in the garden and by joining the cats in their crusade against gophers...Good Dog!! I happily planted tomatoes, cilantro, peppers, eggplant and greenbeans, never imagining that mother nature would throw another frost at me. She wouldn't dare!! Well, I awoke this morning to temperatures in the low 30's and frost glistening everywhere. My tomato plants are not happy, the jury is still out on the peppers or eggplant. In hindsight I should have covered them with some clear plastic "umbrella's" to protect them until the threat of frost is over.
In any event, I thought now would be an excellent time to post some spring gardening tips.
In any event, I thought now would be an excellent time to post some spring gardening tips.
- Start your lawn cleanup as soon as the ground is firming up and not spongy any longer. Rake up all leaves, twigs, dead growth and winter debris to let light and air to the soil. Reseed the bare of damaged patches by mixing a shovel-full of soil with a handfull of grass seed and spreading the mixture in the patch. Get your lawn mower checked and sharpen the blades.
- Remove tree guards and all protective burlap. Transplant shrubs prior to them blooming or leafing out.
- Leave winter mulch in place until temperatures are steadily warmer.
- Cut back any dead or freeze damaged foliage, clean dead leaves and debris out from under trees and shrubs.
- Treat rose bushes with a systemic fertilizer and insect repellant.
- Get started on your weeding. Early spring weeds are easier to pull as their root systems are still fairly shallow.
- Treat all flower beds and gardening beds with a soil amendment to replace vital nutrients for your plants.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Oakhurst Honorary Mayor Race Kick-off Tonight
Don't forget about the Honorary Mayor Race kick-off tonight in the Yosemite Bank parking lot. Candidates will be cooking dinner and dessert to raise funds for their charities. Bundle up if you're planning on attending...it's gonna be cold!
High Winds Expected for Mountain Area
Brrrr...what happened to Spring? I woke up this morning to FOG!! Where did our 70 degree temperatures go?
Be prepared for high winds beginning this evening, continuing through tomorrow. Temps are expected to drop into the mid 20's tonight with wind gusts predicted at 45 mph. Tomorrow, Accuweather is calling for mid 50's with wind gusts up to 40 mph. Lows tomorrow night are expected to drop into the low 30's. We should see a warm up on Thursday (let's hope). The good news is that temps for this weekend are expected to reach mid 70's to low 80's. The warmer temperatures should continue on through next week.
Be prepared for high winds beginning this evening, continuing through tomorrow. Temps are expected to drop into the mid 20's tonight with wind gusts predicted at 45 mph. Tomorrow, Accuweather is calling for mid 50's with wind gusts up to 40 mph. Lows tomorrow night are expected to drop into the low 30's. We should see a warm up on Thursday (let's hope). The good news is that temps for this weekend are expected to reach mid 70's to low 80's. The warmer temperatures should continue on through next week.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Keep Escrow and Title Local
Below is a Legislative Alert regarding Assembly Bill 957, the Buyer's Choice Act. In a nutshell, with the flood of foreclosure and bank owned properties on the market for sale, the lenders (aka beneficiaries) have required buyers to purchase title insurance and escrow services specifically chosen by the lenders. This has greatly effected local escrow companies over the last several months as the majority of homes being sold have been foreclosures. Escrow and title fees are being shipped to some companies out of the area or even (in some cases) out of state. Again, this effects our local escrow and title companies who are struggling right along with everyone else in this economy. AB 957 will prohibit these lenders from dictating title and escrow and will allow buyers to make their own choices. Read below:
SUBJECT: ASSEMBLY BILL 957 (Galgiani) - "BUYER'S CHOICE ACT"
AB 957 authored by Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani is a measure which would prohibit mortgagees, beneficiaries under a deed of trust or other persons (i.e. lenders, etc.) who acquired title to residential real property at a foreclosure sale from, as a condition of selling that real property to a buyer, require the buyer to purchase specific title insurance or use certain escrow services in connection with the sale from a company specifically chosen by the seller. In addition, the seller would not be allowed to disapprove of the use of a title or escrow company chosen by a buyer unless the seller has good cause.
AB 957 is strongly supported by a range of small independent escrow licensees, real estate agents, title companies, and other settlement service providers, and is co-sponsored by the Escrow Institute of California. AB 957 is an attempt to break the monopoly and strangle hold that Banks and Large Title Companies have on REO foreclosure resales, and provide smaller settlement service providers the opportunity to compete for business, as well as give consumers the ultimate decision and therefore "choice" to select their preferred settlement service provider. AB 957 does not affect current business relationships or arrangements between lenders and select settlement service providers, but ultimately will help grow the pie for all independent escrow licensees to effectively compete for business.
AB 957 is scheduled for its first committee hearing on MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009 before the CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY BANKING & FINANCE COMMITTEE in Room 444 in the State Capitol.
In anticipation of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee hearing, we are requesting that Members consider the following actions that must be taken immediately in support of AB 957:
Send your letter of support on your company letterhead to the Members of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee and Assembly Member Galgiani (REFER TO THE COMMITTEE LIST BELOW)
Consider having your fellow escrow company owners/shareholders, managers, employees, family members and friends send their own individual support letters, and/or group letter/petition that is signed by everyone involved in your company.
Seek out and ask that your fellow settlement service providers -- title, real estate and mortgage brokers, etc. consider sending letters of support.
Many of our Members have sought and received support from local chambers of commerce and other business affiliations and associations, as well as their local elected officials, city councils and county boards of supervisors. We need our local civic and business leaders to send their letters of support.
Any support from the local media needs to be brought to the attention of the Legislature.
Finally and probably one of the most important elements, we need any consumer/client empirical evidence/documentation and specific examples where individuals have been harmed. This documentation is critical to show the extent of the problem and why the Legislature must act NOW to open up the marketplace for the benefit and protection of consumers.
Letters of Support Should be Addressed to the following:
The Honorable Pedro Nava
Chairman
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
California State Assembly
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
The Honorable Cathleen Galgiani
Assembly Member
California State Assembly
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: AB 957 (Galgiani) - SUPPORT
Dear Chairman Nava and Assembly Member Galgiani:
(YOUR LETTER OF SUPPORT IN
YOUR OWN WORDS)
Sincerely yours,
Your Name Here
cc: Members of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
Kathleen O'Malley, Consultant, Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
Frank Prewoznik, Republic Consultant, Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
The carbon copy letters to the Members and Staff of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee should be addressed and mailed to:
*The Honorable Ted Gaines
Vice Chairman
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Joel Anderson
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Noreen Evans
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Paul J. Fong
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Felipe Fuentes
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Tony Mendoza
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Norma J. Torres
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Ira Ruskin
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Sandre Swanson
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Van Tran
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Staff to the Committee address:
Ms. Kathleen O'Malley
Consultant
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
1020 N Street, Room 360B
Sacramento, California 95814
Mr. Frank Prewoznik
Republican Consultant
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
1020 N Street, Room 400
Sacramento, California 95814
Letter writing Tips:
It is important to use your own words utilizing your own stationery
Keep your letter short and clear
Identify the bill -- as we have in the suggested letter heading above
State reasons for your support position. Share how AB 957 is important to your company, employees and community
Close by thanking the Committee for considering your comments and support for AB 957
To assist Institute Members in our Grass-Roots letter writing campaign, the Board has prepared the attached Bullet Points. Please do not copy verbatim, but pick and choose those you would like to use and put into your own letter using your own words and please share any documentation and evidence as part of your support letter.
Please contact the Institute Office if we can be of any assistance.
To read AB 957 click here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0951-1000/ab_957_bill_20090226_introduced.pdf
SUBJECT: ASSEMBLY BILL 957 (Galgiani) - "BUYER'S CHOICE ACT"
AB 957 authored by Assembly Member Cathleen Galgiani is a measure which would prohibit mortgagees, beneficiaries under a deed of trust or other persons (i.e. lenders, etc.) who acquired title to residential real property at a foreclosure sale from, as a condition of selling that real property to a buyer, require the buyer to purchase specific title insurance or use certain escrow services in connection with the sale from a company specifically chosen by the seller. In addition, the seller would not be allowed to disapprove of the use of a title or escrow company chosen by a buyer unless the seller has good cause.
AB 957 is strongly supported by a range of small independent escrow licensees, real estate agents, title companies, and other settlement service providers, and is co-sponsored by the Escrow Institute of California. AB 957 is an attempt to break the monopoly and strangle hold that Banks and Large Title Companies have on REO foreclosure resales, and provide smaller settlement service providers the opportunity to compete for business, as well as give consumers the ultimate decision and therefore "choice" to select their preferred settlement service provider. AB 957 does not affect current business relationships or arrangements between lenders and select settlement service providers, but ultimately will help grow the pie for all independent escrow licensees to effectively compete for business.
AB 957 is scheduled for its first committee hearing on MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2009 before the CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY BANKING & FINANCE COMMITTEE in Room 444 in the State Capitol.
In anticipation of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee hearing, we are requesting that Members consider the following actions that must be taken immediately in support of AB 957:
Send your letter of support on your company letterhead to the Members of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee and Assembly Member Galgiani (REFER TO THE COMMITTEE LIST BELOW)
Consider having your fellow escrow company owners/shareholders, managers, employees, family members and friends send their own individual support letters, and/or group letter/petition that is signed by everyone involved in your company.
Seek out and ask that your fellow settlement service providers -- title, real estate and mortgage brokers, etc. consider sending letters of support.
Many of our Members have sought and received support from local chambers of commerce and other business affiliations and associations, as well as their local elected officials, city councils and county boards of supervisors. We need our local civic and business leaders to send their letters of support.
Any support from the local media needs to be brought to the attention of the Legislature.
Finally and probably one of the most important elements, we need any consumer/client empirical evidence/documentation and specific examples where individuals have been harmed. This documentation is critical to show the extent of the problem and why the Legislature must act NOW to open up the marketplace for the benefit and protection of consumers.
Letters of Support Should be Addressed to the following:
The Honorable Pedro Nava
Chairman
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
California State Assembly
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
The Honorable Cathleen Galgiani
Assembly Member
California State Assembly
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
RE: AB 957 (Galgiani) - SUPPORT
Dear Chairman Nava and Assembly Member Galgiani:
(YOUR LETTER OF SUPPORT IN
YOUR OWN WORDS)
Sincerely yours,
Your Name Here
cc: Members of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
Kathleen O'Malley, Consultant, Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
Frank Prewoznik, Republic Consultant, Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
The carbon copy letters to the Members and Staff of the Assembly Banking & Finance Committee should be addressed and mailed to:
*The Honorable Ted Gaines
Vice Chairman
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Joel Anderson
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Noreen Evans
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Paul J. Fong
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Felipe Fuentes
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Tony Mendoza
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Norma J. Torres
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Ira Ruskin
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Sandre Swanson
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
*The Honorable Van Tran
Member
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
State Capitol
10th & L Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Staff to the Committee address:
Ms. Kathleen O'Malley
Consultant
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
1020 N Street, Room 360B
Sacramento, California 95814
Mr. Frank Prewoznik
Republican Consultant
Assembly Banking & Finance Committee
1020 N Street, Room 400
Sacramento, California 95814
Letter writing Tips:
It is important to use your own words utilizing your own stationery
Keep your letter short and clear
Identify the bill -- as we have in the suggested letter heading above
State reasons for your support position. Share how AB 957 is important to your company, employees and community
Close by thanking the Committee for considering your comments and support for AB 957
To assist Institute Members in our Grass-Roots letter writing campaign, the Board has prepared the attached Bullet Points. Please do not copy verbatim, but pick and choose those you would like to use and put into your own letter using your own words and please share any documentation and evidence as part of your support letter.
Please contact the Institute Office if we can be of any assistance.
To read AB 957 click here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0951-1000/ab_957_bill_20090226_introduced.pdf
Bananananza
For the entire week of April 13th, Jamba Juice of Oakhurst will give the Harry H. Baker Boy's & Girl's Club of Oakhurst 20% of every sale if the buyer brings in the flyer above with them OR mentions it. (That's right, you don't even have to print it out!) Just say BANANANANZA!! Help support our local Boy's & Girl's Club of Oakhurst!!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Renting Vs. Buying in 2009
The California Association of Realtors analyzed the difference between renting and buying a home. C.A.R. took into consideration low home prices, favorable mortgage rates and the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit. Based on C.A.R.s calculations and projections, the average monthly expense for a first time buyer purchasing an entry-level home would be $1,630.00. The average monthly expense of renting a three bedroom, two bath apartment would be $1,875.00.
Click here to view data C.A.R.'s data charts.
Click here to view data C.A.R.'s data charts.
Civil War Days in Mariposa
If you're a Civil War buff, or just like the sound of guns and canons, don't miss the Las Mariposas Civil War Days, April 25th and 26th in Mariposa on Yaqui Gulch Road. Gates open at 9am. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance through the Mariposa Visitors Bureau. For more information on the reenactment visit www.thecivilwardays.com.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Oakhurst Honorary Mayor Candidates Announced
Six candidates have stepped forward this year to run for the Honorary Mayor of Oakhurst. Drum roll.......and the candidates are:
- Alan King for the Wild Wonderful King Vintage Museum
- Brian Gearhart for the Eastern Madera County SPCA
- Chris Baker for the Lions Club
- Elizabeth Ware for the Boys and Girls Club of Oakhurst
- Gerald Ongman for the Sierra Senior Society
- Viviann Carlson for the Bass Lake School Education Foundation
Each candidate will spend the next three months raising campaign funds for their chosen non-profit organizations.
There will be an Honorary Mayor Race kickoff party on Tuesday, April 14th, in the Yosemite Bank parking lot from 5:30 to 7pm. Candidates will be selling dinners and desserts to jumpstart their campaigns. If you're in the neighborhood stop by and meet everyone!!
Oakhurst Branch Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Oakhurst Branch Library will be holding another book sale this weekend, April 18th, from 10am to 2pm. Prices start at just $2!! Choose from Arts & crafts, children's, classics -- some out of print, unusual cookbooks, coffee table, history, biography, collections. Some books are like new. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Oakhurst Branch Library expansion project. Join FOBL Saturday and help support our local library!!
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