February 3, 2012
By an overwhelming margin, American voters strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages, according to a national survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders. The survey gauged voters’ attitudes towards homeownership and housing policy issues.
The poll shows that three out of four voters – both owners and renters — believe it is appropriate and reasonable for the federal government to provide tax incentives to promote homeownership. This sentiment cuts across regional and party lines.
Highlights of the survey include:
• Two-thirds of respondents say that the federal government should help home buyers to afford a long-term or 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.
• Nearly 75 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction.
• Sixty-eight percent would be less likely to vote for a congressional candidate who proposed to abolish the deduction.
• Ninety-six percent of homeowners are happy with their decision to own, and 84 percent who are “underwater” expressed the same sentiment.
• Job uncertainty and saving for a downpayment and closing costs are the biggest barriers to buying a home.
Source: C.A.R.
Posted in Real Estate, Things of Interest 
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February 1, 2012
California home sales rose for the third consecutive month in December, marking the highest level since January 2011, according to data from C.A.R. Sales also were up from a year ago, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase.
Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 520,940 in December, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations and MLSs statewide. December’s sales were up 3.3 percent from November’s revised pace of 504,420 and were up 0.1 percent from the revised 520,330 sales pace recorded in December 2010.
The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home posted its second consecutive monthly gain, increasing 1.8 percent to $285,920 in December, up from a revised $280,960 in November. However, the median price was down 6.2 percent from the revised $304,770 median price recorded in December 2010.
source: C.A.R.
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January 31, 2012
Super Run 10K & 5K Run/Walk Feb. 4
You can choose between a 10K along Crown Point or a 5K along South Shores and Fiesta Island. Awards are given to the 1st three winners in each age division. 7:30-10am. $32-$42 (age 13 & older) ~ $12-$15 (age 12 & younger) 619-298-7400 / www.kathyloperevents.com
Talmadge Art Show Feb. 5
Energetic environment for new, emerging, and accomplished artists to showcase and sell their works of art. 10am-4pm. NTC Park at Liberty Station: 2875 Dewey Road. www.talmadgeartshow.com
Red Trolley Classic Criterium Feb. 5
Amateur and professional cyclists from SDSU and Crank Cycling compete at this popular event. These fast-paced cyclists will ride a 7-mile course on surface streets in Sorrento Valley. 7am-5:15pm. $15-$35. 619-381-9080 / www.crankcycling.com
San Diego Jewish Film Festival Feb. 9-19
Nearly 50 films across genres like comedy, animation, drama, and documentary will be showcased. Reading Cinemas 14: 4665 Clairemont Dr., San Diego. 858-362-1330 / www.sdcjc.org
Mermaid San Diego Runs Feb. 11
Designed for women. It provides a supportive exercise experience where participants can choose between a 5K Run, 10K Run, or a Half Marathon. East Mission Bay, around Fiesta Island. 7am-12pm. $30 (5K) ~ $40 (10K) ~ $50 (Half Marathon) 408-314-1718 / www.mermaidseries.com
For the Love of Chocolate and SweetArt Festival Feb. 11
Sample locally brewed beer and wine paired with the best of San Diego’s gourmet chocolates. Also, spend the day shopping and tasting on Sweet Street and enjoying live music on historic Grand Avenue in downtown Escondido. 1-5pm. www.downtownescondido.com
Faith Tabernacle Outreach Feb. 11
Residents in the neighborhood are encouraged to come and listen to gospel music, enjoy staged performances, and visit job and health care booths. 11am-5pm. Raven Street (between Market St. & F St.) 808-397-8767 / www.faithtabernacle.com
Beer & Chocolate Valentine’s Ball Feb. 14
The Omni San Diego Hotel is partnering with award-winning Karl Strauss Brewery and Chuao Chocolatier to host their first-ever Valentine’s Day pairing event. 5:30-7:30pm. Omni Hotel: 675 L Street, San Diego. 619-645-6524 / www.omnihotels.com
Circus Vargas (Balboa Park) Feb. 16-26
Listen to lively circus music and watch thrilling exploits of human stars rendering unparalleled artistry and comical acts. See silly clowns, trampoline acrobatics, balancing acts, and aerial ballet. 7:30-9pm. $20-$60. 877-468-3861 / www.circusvargas.com
Little Italy Carnevale Feb. 18
There’s a Venetian masqueraole event in Little Italy that is mirrored to the one held in Venace as the celebration before lent. You’ll mingle among people dressed in Venetian attire and be entertained by music, stilt-walkers, jugglers, and more. 5-9pm. 619-233-3898 / www.littleitalysd.com
San Diego Brazil Carnival Mardi Gras Feb. 18
Features Pulsating Samba Beats, Samba Dancers, Electrifying Capoeira Performances, and Nonstop Brazilian Music. There will be Fun, Feathers, Fantasy and much more. 9pm-1:30am. 4th & B Showcase Theater: 345 B St., San Diego. www.brazilcarnival.com
Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk Feb. 18
Raises funds for research that will develop prevention strategies, test new treatments, establish tools for cancer researchers and train new scientists specializing in cancer research. 9am. Walnut Grove Park: 1950 Sycamore Drive, San Marcos. www.k9cancerwalk.org
Taste of San Diego Craft Brews Feb. 18
Celebrates the rich history of brewing in San Diego and recognizes local breweries that are making an impact on the brewing community. $39-$65. 6-10pm. San Diego History Center, Balboa Park: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3. 619-232-6203 x102 / http://www.sandiegohistory.org/tasteofsandiego
Mardi Gras 2012 Gaslamp Quarter Feb. 21
It’s an adult only (age 21+) Mardi Gras! The streets are open and people in masked revelry are dancing to the music. Mingle about, make new friends, eat, drink, and enjoy all the pleasantries this enchanting event has to offer. 5:30pm. $25-$30. 619-233-5008 / www.gaslamp.org
Hillcrest Mardi Gras Feb. 21
It’s an adult only (age 21+) Mardi Gras! So, dress up in colorful attire and join the crowd for a night of excitement. Get handfuls of shiny beads, drink beer, and go dance in the street. 6-11pm. $15-$20 (general ticket) ~ $50-$70 (VIP ticket) 619-299-3330 / www.fabloushillcrest.com
Sassy City Chicks San Diego Fashion Bash Feb. 23
Located at the Westfield Horton Plaza in San Diego, you will find up to 80% off on designer clothing, complimentary cocktails, and free spa services at our first Girl’s Night Out ’12! 5-10pm. 21+ event. www.sassycitychicks.com
Brasil Jazz Festa Feb. 26
Featuring 10 of San Diego’s finest jazz musicians: Tripp Sprague, Justin Grinnell, Danny Green, Julien Cantelm, Evona Wascinski, Claudia Lyra, David Scheid, Mark Lamson, Brian Pierini, and Allison Adams Tucker. $20. 1:30pm. Encinitas Library: 540 Cornish Drive. 760-479-2477
This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.
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January 26, 2012
Every home should have both smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector installed. But they can’t protect you unless their batteries work. It’s a good idea to change detector batteries when you reset your clocks in the Spring and Fall. If you didn’t do it last November, do it now! Also check manufacturers’ recommendations to see if the units are due for replacement, which is necessary from time to time.
If you live in a seasonally cold part of the country, check that vents are not blocked by accumulated snow and ice; your furnace and some appliances like the clothes dryer vent to the outside of your house, through the roof, foundation, or siding.
Wherever you live, periodically check your furnace room and remove flammable items stored near your heating system.
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January 23, 2012
Get a jump on your taxes…
How to get organized for filing that return!
Nobody takes in more money than the Internal Revenue Service — and they do it without giving us any pleasure for our efforts! We can’t make doing your taxes fun, but we can give you some tips to take the pain out of tax preparation. The key is to do a little advanced planning and organization. And if you know what information you’ll need, it will speed up the process of doing your return — and getting your refund!
Organize your papers and files. It’s a good idea to have a system for managing your finances. It doesn’t matter if it’s simple or sophisticated, just that it’s an approach you’ll actually use. Many people like a basic three-folder system they keep up with year-round.
* Folder 1–Income: Salary, dividends, earnings, distributions, checking account interest; and don’t forget the 1099 Form you got when you redeemed that savings bond.
* Folder 2–Expenses and Deductions: Make files for major categories like contributions, medical, and business expenses; put in canceled checks, bills, statements and receipts, mortgage statements, investment-related expenses, medical bills, child-care costs, and non-reimbursed business expenses for things like gas, food, and lodging.
* Folder 3–Investments: This can include investment account statements, 1099 Forms, and K-1 Forms for certain trusts or partnerships; ask a CPA or Financial Advisor for advice, as you should with all tax questions..
There are also some easy-to-use software programs. Just go online, search "tax preparation programs" and check out what’s available.
Don’t procrastinate. Get started now! Putting off preparing your tax return until April 14 is never a good idea. There ‘s a greater possibility you’ll make mistakes. And if you’re working with a tax preparer, that person may not have time to complete your return by the deadline. Even if you file for an extension, you’ll still have to pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. And if you’re due a refund, you’ll have to wait.
Use a professional. If you’re overwhelmed just organizing your papers, hire a professional to do your return. This is an especially good idea if your tax situation is the least bit complex, including lots of investments, the purchase or sale of a business, or a 1031 exchange of property that defers capital gains or losses. Ask a CPA or Financial Advisor for advice.
Get free help from the IRS. Go to www.irs.gov and download IRS Publication 17: Your Federal Income Tax, available in both English and Spanish. This is the authority for answers to lots of tax questions. There’s also a toll-free IRS TeleTax service at 800-829-4477 with recorded messages on lots of topics. Any other questions can get answers at the IRS help line: 800-829-1040.
Search around the IRS website. You’ll find a truly mammoth site at www.irs.gov. It offers forms, instructions, and publications to download; you can find information on tax law, plus answers to frequently asked tax questions. The best way to navigate your way through all this is to click on "Site Map", "Individuals", and then "1040 Central" for a more manageable range of options.
So get started now!
And good luck!
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January 19, 2012
Celebrating 20 Years
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Offers Half-Off Admission to San Diego County Residents
Special 20th anniversary deal valid on the 20th of each month through September 2012
Scripps Institution of Oceanography/University of California, San Diego
To mark 20 years at its current location along Expedition Way in La Jolla, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, is offering San Diego County residents half-off admission on the 20th of every month through the aquarium’s anniversary month of September 2012.
The special deal is valid for residents living in zip codes 91901-92199. Visitors must show a valid ID with the zip code to receive the offer (limit two children per paid adult; cannot be combined with other offers). Regular admission is $14 for adults, $9.50 for children ages 3-17 and $10 for seniors. Children under age 3 are free.
“We are very grateful to the San Diego community for embracing the aquarium and its mission over the last two decades,” said Nigella Hillgarth, aquarium executive director. “We’re offering half-off admission as a way to say thank you to residents and invite them to rediscover our fantastic facility.”
Scripps Oceanography has dedicated itself to maintaining a public aquarium since its inception in 1903. Birch Aquarium at Scripps opened in September 1992 along Expedition Way, replacing the Scripps Aquarium-Museum, which operated for four decades near Scripps Pier. Native San Diegans often recall visiting the facility when they were school children.
The new $14 million facility, named in honor of the Delaware-based Stephen and Mary Birch Foundation, a nonprofit organization that granted $6 million for the aquarium’s redesign, was three times larger than its predecessor and became a testament to the breadth of Scripps research explorations and the institution’s commitment to sharing ocean and earth science discoveries with the public.
In the last 20 years, Birch Aquarium at Scripps has welcomed more than 6 million visitors from across the United States and around the world, including U.S. presidents and other high-ranking government officials, royalty and Hollywood superstars. The aquarium remains one of San Diego’s top cultural destinations and was voted San Diego’s Best Museum in the 2011 A-List, coordinated by 10News.com. More than 40,000 school children take part in the aquarium’s on- and off-site education programs each year.
Today, visitors can explore more than 60 marine tanks – up from 36 on opening day – teeming with fishes, corals and invertebrates from the chilly waters of the Pacific Northwest to the warm currents of the tropical seas. A showcase 70,000-gallon tank houses a forest of gently swaying kelp, treating visitors to a serene view of a complex marine community that flourishes off the San Diego coast.
In addition to marine-life exhibits, the aquarium showcases ocean and earth science in its interactive, award-winning museum. Boundless Energy, the aquarium’s newest exhibit, opened last summer. This outdoor, interactive playground – celebrating ways we can harness clean energy from the planet – is a natural extension of Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge, an adjacent exhibit that presents the science of global climate change.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which ensures that rigorous standards are upheld onsite for animal care, education, wildlife and conservation in exhibits and programs.
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About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science and features five dozen interactive elements. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 405,000, including 40,000 school children.
Location:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone:
858-534-3474
Website:
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Admission:
$14 Adult, 18+
$10 Senior, 60+
$9.50 Youth, 3-17
Free Children, 2 and under
Free Aquarium Members
Directions:
From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive.
West one mile. Left on Expedition Way.
Parking:
Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.
Posted in All Things San Diego No Comments »
January 15, 2012
A man decided that he would change the world.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change the country.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change his community.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change his street.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change his family.
But, he wasn’t successful.
So he decided to change himself.
AND HE WAS SUCCESSFUL.
AND HIS FAMILY CHANGED AND THEY AFFECTED THEIR STREET.
AND THE PEOPLE ON THE STREET AFFECTED THEIR COMMUNITY.
AND THE PEOPLE OF THE COMMUNITY AFFECTED THEIR COUNTRY.
AND THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTRY AFFECTED THE WORLD.
"Attitudes are contagious – Is yours worth catching?"
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January 11, 2012
1/4 cup light cream cheese with roasted garlic (from 8-oz container)
1/4 cup chive-and-onion sour cream potato topper (from 12-oz container)
1 2/3 cups (about 1/2 lb) cooked turkey breast strips (1×1/4×1/8 inch)
2/3 cup shredded Italian cheese blend (2 1/2 oz)
1/3 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, reserve 1 tablespoon oil
1 jar (4.5 oz) sliced mushrooms, well drained
1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 to 2 tablespoons beaten egg
2 to 3 tablespoons pine nuts
Heat oven to 350°F.
Lightly grease cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray.
In medium bowl, mix cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Stir in turkey, cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms until well mixed.
Unroll dough into 2 long rectangles; place on cookie sheet.
Overlap long sides to form 14×9-inch rectangle.
Firmly press edges and perforations to seal.
Spread turkey mixture in 3-inch lengthwise strip down center of dough.
With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1 inch apart on long sides of dough to within 1/2 inch of filling.
Alternately cross strips over filling.
In small bowl, mix egg and reserved 1 tablespoon tomato oil until well mixed.
Brush oil mixture over dough; sprinkle with pine nuts.
Bake 28 to 35 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Cool 5 minutes.
Cut crosswise into slices.
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January 7, 2012
Celebrate ‘SEA Days’ this Winter
at Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Scripps Institution of Oceanography/University of California, San Diego
Experience Science, Exploration and Adventure for all ages this winter at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. SEA Days features multi-generational learning about cutting-edge research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Monthly events focus on current ocean topics with hands-on exploration, special activities and a chance to interact with Scripps Oceanography scientists. SEA Days also provides an ideal venue for students, scouts and others to meet requirements for “Interview a Scientist” or career-day projects.
Programs are included with aquarium admission and take place from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. Join us for these dynamic opportunities to explore the ocean!
Saturday, Jan. 21
Underwater Parks Day
Celebrate the third annual Underwater Parks Day. Meet animals that live in our local La Jolla Ecological Reserve, learn about the importance of our underwater treasures and explore the best ways to enjoy our underwater parks!
UNDERWATER PARKS DAY PHOTO CONTEST
Underwater parks, also known as marine protected areas, help preserve important underwater habitats, yet for many San Diegans these treasures are hidden from view. Help us share in the beauty of these parks by submitting your photographs of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park and other marine reserves. Submission deadline: Jan. 6. Check aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.
Saturday, Feb. 18
Wave Power
We’ve all seen waves break along the beautiful California coastline, but did you know these waves are full of energy that could power our communities? Join us for this family-friendly event and discover the potential power within our oceans through hands-on activities and projects.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science and features nearly five-dozen interactive elements. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium welcomes an annual attendance of more than 415,000, including 45,000 school children.
Visit Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone: 858-534-FISH
Website: http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Admission: $14 Adult, 18+
$10 Senior, 60+
$9.50 Youth, 3-17
Free Children, 2 and under
Free Scripps Oceanographic Society Members
Directions: From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive.
West one mile. Left on Expedition Way.
Parking: Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.
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January 5, 2012
Birds of a feather flock together… and then mess on your car.
A penny saved is a government oversight.
The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight, because by then your body and your fat have become really good friends.
The easiest way to find something lost around the house is to buy a replacement.
He who hesitates is probably right.
Did you ever notice: The Roman Numerals for forty (40) are XL.
If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame.
The sole purpose of a child’s middle name is so he can tell when he’s really in trouble.
Did you ever notice: When you put the 2 words ‘The’ and ‘IRS’ together it spells ‘Theirs…’
Aging: Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know ‘why’ I look this way. I’ve traveled a long way and some of the roads weren’t paved.
When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, think of Algebra.
You know you are getting old when everything either dries up or leaks.
One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young. Ah, being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.
Lord, Keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth . . . . AMEN!
Have a great day
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Loving the San Diego Coast!
