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Visit us at www.LaTorta.com and click on coupon for the latest value meals and coupons.

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or send a note with your full name and address to: 8295 La Mesa Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942

FROM THE FRONT PORCH JOURN@L s_pt_m\_r/o]to\_r ]ontri\utors:

Front Cover Photography: Brian Powell www.brianpowell.info

The Real Estate Brief A Note from Rosemary: Rosemary Joles Mortgage Note: Carolyn Plummer Home: Rita Mailheau & Judy Sullivan San Diego Adventure: Elle Schaeffer Travel San Diego: Barbara Allen Bargain Hunter: Josh and Liane Wilson Books or Blogs: Rosemary Joles Podsibilites: Todd Joles Appaholics: Rosemary Joles Nitty Gritty: Rita Mailheau

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FROM THE FRONT PORCH

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contents s_pt_m\_r/o]to\_r ^_p[rtm_nts

4 the real estate brief a note from rosemary carolyn’s mortgage memo

5 home the rule of code - the series - part 4

6/7 lifestyle experience sd theatre san diego adventure travel san diego

8 family corner bargain hunter out of the mouths front porch chatter

9 et cetera where’s rosemary delish

10 eye candy 6930 tourmaline place

12 minutia useless knowledge bravo and mia bites rosebud’s garden

13 upcycle trash to treasure

14 bits and pieces books or blogs podsibilities ponderings appaholics ingenious

15 sd outdoors sd sports park exploration-lake murray sd word find

16 nitty gritty go solar for zero down 17 sd concerts front porch pickin’

18 domiciles from east county to coast

12

9

16From the Front Porch Journal Compliments of:

Rosemary Joles Realtor, CA DRE # 01095314 619·405·7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com www.InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com 8295 La Mesa Boulevard La Mesa, CA 91942

Follow our blogs at: LivinInLaMesa.com or

LivinInSD.com

Like us on Facebook at: Facebook.com/LivinInECSD

13

A new program could save qualified borrowers $3,000 a year, even those who owe more than their home is worth.

The White House recently announced significant changes that will reduce the fees charged for the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Streamline Refinance Program.

Beginning June 11, 2012, the Streamline Refinance upfront fee of 1%* will be reduced to 0.01% of the total loan amount. And the annual fee will be lowered from 1.15% to 0.55% of the total loan amount.

By refinancing through this streamlined process, the average qualified FHA-insured borrower will save approximately $3,000 a year or $250 per month, on top of any savings from refinancing to a lower mortgage rate.

The "streamline" refers to the minimal amount of documentation and underwriting that needs to be performed. Streamline refinancing can be done without an appraisal or income verification, providing the person(s) on the loan hasn't changed.

There are no loan-to-value (LTV) restrictions on streamline refinancing. This is significant for underwater borrowers whose loan amount may exceed the current value of their home. However, second liens must subordinate with a maximum combined LTV ratio of 115% based on the original appraised value of the property.

The basic requirements of a streamline refinance are: The loan must already be FHA insured and endorsed on or

before May 31, 2009. Borrowers must be current on their mortgage payments with

no late payment in the previous 12 months. The refinance must result in a lowering of the borrower's

monthly principal and interest payments.

Currently, 3.4 million households with loans endorsed on or before May 31, 2009, pay more than a 5% annual interest rate on their FHA-insured mortgages.

If you would like more information about the changes to the FHA's Streamline Refinance Program and what these lower fees could mean for you, please contact me today.

For example, a typical loan of $250,000 has 360 monthly payments of $1,193.54; Note rate 4.00%; APR 4.124%. Monthly payments do not include taxes or insurance so the actual payment obligation will be higher.

the real estate brief a note from rosemary

carolyn’s mortgage memo - fha-refinancing option

Carolyn lives in Rancho San Diego with her husband, teenage daughter and 2 dogs. She has lived in East County for the past 22 years and loves the sunshine and sense of community. Carolyn can be contacted at 858-550-2541 or Carolyn.plummer@prospectmtg.com Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #3296. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 300310, and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the State of Califor-nia. To learn more, visit my Prospect Mortgage website at: mypro-spectmortgage.com/cplummer.

S eptember and October are my favorite time of the year to travel.—fewer tourists and nor-

mally it isn’t too hot or too cold in any US destination. I find it the per-fect time to relax, explore and enjoy San

Diego County, too. Taking a walk on our less congested beaches with the locals, is my idea of a good time.

Health Care Bill I’ve received several inquiries about the 3.8% “sales tax” that is suppose to take place in 2013 as part of healthcare reform. I’m not sure if we should call it a sales tax or a capital gains tax, but know that if a household is above a certain adjusted gross income (AGI), you are an investor, and or landlord, you will be taxed up to nearly 30% by the time you figure in the federal and state capital gains tax. For more detailed information on this subject go to: www.LivinInSD.com/3.8tax.

Streamlining of Short Sales FHFA the conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced that Fannie and Freddie will be issuing new guidelines to enhance and streamline the short sale process. Servicers of Fannie and Freddie loans will be allowed to approve short sales for borrowers with severe financial hardship with limited documentation, provide borrowers who are current on their loan (so don’t listen to those who tell you to default) the option for a short sale if they face a financial hardship such as divorce, long distance employment transfer, or a severe disability, and provide valuation guidance to real estate agents early in the short sale process. Servicers are required to implement these changes by November 1, 2012. Many such as Bank of America have already started to do so.

The San Diego Market At the peak of the downfall of the real estate market here in SD, we were looking at inventory of 18,000-19,000 homes for sale. Today’s market is offering less than 6000 homes on the market and swiftly heading to under 5000 homes. Buyers are finally seeing that interest rates under 4% and low home prices makes good financial sense. They are also seeing the ability to pay fewer dollars in monthly housing costs by owning a home vs. renting. It’s become a sellers market for homes that are priced correctly and in salable condition. Unfortunately for buyers, multiple offers have once again become the norm. Foreclosures are going the way of the dinosaur and for the first time in a long time, we are starting to see more traditional sales on the market than short sales. Wouldn’t it be grand if we were finally seeing the light at the proverbial end of the 7 year downward spiral tunnel. It would be nice to see a positive change in our real estate market and home owners finally seeing some equity growth. Until next time...Blessings

home

It boggles the mind that we could already be on part four, the final installment in our four part series. To me this is just another reason why we want to get organized. Our time is too precious to waste.

To review, CODE is an organizing acronym. “C” stands for Categorize; “O” stands for Order; “D” stands for Distance; and “E” stands for Ease of Use.

I asked Judy, what is different in this final point—Ease of Use—that varies from the principle of Distance. Distance refers to having things in close proximity.

Judy used this illustration. When it is time to wrap gifts, you want to go to one location to get all of the stuff you need: paper, scissors, tape, cards, pens and ribbons.

One way to facilitate the gift-wrapping center in a small space is via a rolling cart. When it comes time to wrap the gifts, a cart rolls out of the closet. Once you have finished, back it goes—boop, out of sight.

Judy mentioned a mutual friend, Kathy, who has a whole room devoted to crafting. Some families have a homework center for their kids. Everything you need to accomplish the job is right there.

The axiom for this principle is corralling all of your gear for any given activity into one location.

the rule of code...the series part four Rita Mailheau, Simplify Staging and Redesign, Inc.

Judy Sullivan and Rita Mailheau of Simplify Staging and Redesign, can help you find what makes sense in your home. Each home and family is unique. Let us help you turn your home into a haven using what you already have. Reach us at 619-315-5771, or check out our website at www.simplifysd.com. We are also on Facebook.

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and Company Salons Millicent

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4695 Palm Avenue · La Mesa · CA · 91942 Layaway/Delivery Available

Photo courtesy of : cowperthwaite design

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lifestyle experience sd theatre

Lamb’s Players Theater lambsplayers.org

Mixtape Extended to November 25

See How They Run August 10-September 23

Around the World in 80 days October 5-November 18

The Coronado Playhouse coronadoplayhouse.com

Twelfth Night August 31-September 23

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas October 26-December 2

The Old Globe theoldglobe.org

Richard III June 3-September 29

As You Like It June 10-September 30

Inherit the Wind June 17-September 25

Allegiance A New American Musical September 7-October 21

Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas November 17-December 29 Broadway San Diego Broadwaysd.com

Jekyll & Hyde October 2-October 7

Peter Pan November 13-November 18

San Diego Repertory Theatre sdrep.org

Exit Interview September 29-October 21

A Hammer, A Bell and A Song to Sing November 3-December 2

Events provided by Elle Schaeffer - ENS Marketing Directions. Elle is a freelance Graphic designer and Marketing Consultant, specializing in small businesses. When not sitting at her computer, you can find Elle out Mt. Biking with her husband K.C. You can see more samples and get more information about these or any other events at www.ensmd.com. Contact her at info@ensmd.com or (619) 278-8635. Ask about having a monthly calendar of events created for your business!

October FLEET WEEK www.fleetweeksandiego.org 9/8-10/14 various

Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Festival www.batesnutfarm.biz 10/6-10/7 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

MCAS Miramar Air Show www.miramarairshow.com 10/12-10/14 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Pacific Beachfest www.pacificbeachfest.org 10/6 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival www.ljawf.com 10/13 - 10/14 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Old Town Art Festival www.oldtownfestival.com 10/6 - 10/7 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Polish Festival - San Diego www.polishmission.org 10/12 - 10/14 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Ocean Beach Oktoberfest www.oceanbeachsandiego.com 10/12-10/13 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Little Italy Festa www.littleitalysd.com 10/14 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer www.makingstrides.acsevents.org 10/21 7:00 am - 11:00

MS Bay to Bay Bike Tour www.bikecas.nationalmssociety.org 10/20-10/21 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Boulevard Boo! Parade & Carnival www.booparade.com 10/22 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Haunted Hotel / Scream Zone / The Haunted Trail www.hauntedhotel.com 9/21-10/31 7:00 pm- 11:00 pm

Gaslamp Monster Bash www.mcfarlanepromotions.com 10/27 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

November Christmas on the Farm Craft Fair www.batesnutfarm.biz 11/3 – 11/4 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure www.komensandiego.org 11/4 8:00 am

San Diego Beer Week www.SDBW.org Nov 2-11 Time Varies

Silver Strand Half Marathon www.kozenterprises.com Nov 11 7:00 am – 11:30 am

Veterans Day Parade www.sdvetsparade.org 11/12 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival www.worldofwineevents.com 11/14 – 11/18 7:30 am – 8:00 pm

Outdoor Rink at Horton Square www.sdice.com 11/15/12 – 1/6/13 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day For The Cure www.the3day.org 11/16-11/18 6:00 am - 6:30 pm

Mother Goose Parade www.mothergooseparade.org 11/28 10:00 am

Encinitas Fall Festival www.encinitas101.com 11/18 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

The Old Globe's x-mas Tree Lighting www.oldglobe.org 11/18 6:00 pm

Father Joe's Thanksgiving Day 5K www.my.neighbor.org 11/22 7:45 am - 10:00 am

"Santa's Coming" Craft Fair www.batesnutfarm.biz 11/23 – 11/25 9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Events provided by Elle Schaeffer - ENS Marketing Directions. Elle is a freelance Graphic designer and Marketing Consultant, specializing in small businesses. When not sitting at her computer, you can find Elle out Mt. Biking with her husband K.C. You can see more samples and get more information about these or any other events at www.ensmd.com. Contact her at info@ensmd.com or (619) 278-8635. Ask about having a monthly calendar of events created for your business!

Need more information? Email Elle:

info@ensmd.com

travel san diego

lake calavera preserve By Barbara Allen

Barbara Allen is a freelance writer. She has written educational materials for the past 15 years and currently writes reading assessment items for an e-learning company in Virginia. Barbara loves to travel, explore new places, and write about them. Check out her blog: bicoastalbarb.wordpress.com/about her cross-country travels.

L ake Calavera Preserve, located in the northeastern part of the city of Carlsbad, is an open space nature preserve set aside to conserve natural lands for the protection of native

plants and wildlife. It is home to 115 plant, 49 bird, 10 mammal, and 7 amphibian/reptile species. Bordered by Oceanside and Vista, the preserve is approximately 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers, the preserve hosts 6.24 miles of nature trails.

At its center stands Mount Calavera, a 513-foot volcanic plug, a mass of volcanic rock that solidified in its vent 22 million years ago. The name Calavera means skull and was most likely called that because of its unusual shape. Mined for gravel in the early twentieth century, Mount Calavera is notable by a blemish on its face. It is easily spotted while driving northbound on Interstate 5.

Below Mount Calavera is Lake Calavera, a wetland habitat that shimmers a deep cobalt blue in the sunlight. Owned by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, it is a man-made reservoir that was created by a dam, completed in 1940, at the south end of the lake. On a sunny afternoon, you’ll see people walking their dogs (dogs off-leash are prohibited), groups hiking together, and runners traversing the trails. The terrain is a mix of paved and unpaved trails, flat to steep, and wet to rocky, with a difficulty level of moderate to difficult.

O n a sunny afternoon, you’ll see people walking their dogs, groups hiking together,

and runners traversing the trails.

In January 2009, the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) was hired by the city of Carlsbad to manage the preserve. In conjunction with the city, CNLM has installed fencing, signs, and information kiosks, as well as fixed trails, closed unauthorized trails, and removed invasive plant species. Areas of habitat restoration efforts are marked by orange construction fencing.

If you’d like to go for a leisurely hike or run, mountain bike, or observe California native plants, birds, and animals in the wild, there are three access points into the preserve and its trails: Carlsbad Village Drive and College Boulevard; Tamarack Avenue at Strata Drive; or Sky Haven Lane off Lake Boulevard in Oceanside.

All photos courtesy of Barbara Allen

bargain hunter bar·gain [bahr-guhn] -noun 1. an advantageous purchase, esp. one acquired at less than the usual cost: The sale offered bargains galore.

family corner

Who else has family and friends that come to town to visit and they want to see San Diego? You’re

not Daddy Warbucks? We are here to help. We have compiled a short list, an itinerary, if you will, of some fun things to do in San Diego on a shoestring budget.

After the family has had a good breakfast and plenty of coffee, pack up the walking shoes, a surf board or two, and sunglasses. First, it’s off to Santee Lakes for a morning stroll. Walk around a lake, then head down the road a bit to Mission Trails for a good hike. Now that everyone is

thoroughly awake, it seems like a good time for a history lesson at Mission San Diego de Alcala. It is the first of the great California Missions and marks the birthplace of Christianity in the far west. Now it is time for a little “R&R” under the trees at beautiful Lake Poway.

Then we suggest heading northeast to the quaint town of Julian for some much

needed apple pie and window shopping. After this it’s back in the car driving over pretty mountain roads to Bates Nut Farm, which features the largest and oldest pumpkin patch in San Diego County. The Farm also plays host to fairs and events throughout the year.

By now, it is probably about lunch time. Go ahead and drive to Valley View Casino and sign up for the free lobster buffet- voted San Diego’s best. After a bite, and while still in north county, feel free to pop in to Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia for a little more history. Now we are headed west to the Oceanside Pier, which was originally built in 1888 and is the longest wooden pier on the western United States. A must see.

Now take historical Highway 101 south, passing through beautiful beach-front real estate, and amazing views. Take the windy road up to Mt Soledad, the memorial to veterans, looking out over most of San Diego, a great view. Go down the hill and to La Jolla Shores. Now is the time to

out of the mouths...

My 3 year old was sitting in the middle seat of our van as we ran errands one morning.

“Mom, can we plant this when we get home, and grow some hamburgers? I turned to see what prompted such an unusual question, and saw in his little outstretched hand, one single sesame seed!

Sunday mornings are like Christmas for me because I

know that each week, on my front porch, I have at least $200 in coupons/money waiting for me. Such a great feeling.

-Unknown

front porch chatter

Come Sit

for a Spell

Come Sit

for a Spell

Josh and Liane live in Escondido with their three chil-dren. Liane’s new hobbies are couponing and Craigslist; more on that later. Today’s message was supported by Wikipedia and Google

get out that surf board and sun screen. After your afternoon in the sun, go around the bend to watch the seals play at Children’s Cove. If you happen to have your snorkeling gear with you, this is a great spot!

It is time for a snack- Costco is the perfect fit on the budget- hot dogs or just the free samples? Next we recommend taking a few minutes to walk around Mission Bay, featuring some of the world’s best water sport activity watching. Head further south now to historical Old Town, which was the first European settlement on the west coast in 1769. After your walk through tour of Old Town, drive over to Balboa Park to see the Organ Pavilion, Botanical Gardens, and a host of museums (some of which are free on Tuesdays!), and many other attractions.

By now it must be time for more window shopping. Sea Port Village fits the bill. It is a 14 acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex that was built on a landfill. Winding down the day, drive over the Coronado bridge, which is the third deadliest suicide bridge in the U.S. Really, a must see. The Hotel Del Coronado is a great national historic landmark to show the family. It has hosted presidents, princes, and Hollywood stars for the last 120 years and is said to be haunted. Walk down the beach just in time to watch the beautiful sunset.

How was that for a fun-filled, budget-friendly jaunt around San Diego? Tomorrow, the itinerary will be the Olympic training center in Chula Vista, a tour through the famous Taylor Guitar factory, and a dairy farm in Lakeside!

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free or almost free in sd

delish

where’s rosemary? In every issue of From the Front Porch you’ll find a photo of different places that I’ve been in San Diego County. Your goal is to figure out where I took the photo. Submit your guess as fast as you can (You have competition!!!) and the first correct answer will win a $25 gift card to the restaurant of their choice! You can email or call at: 619-405-7673 or Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com. Thanks for playing!

et cetera

mummy dogs

Petco Park San Diego, CA No winners...

Better luck next time!

where was rosemary?

Pho

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Ingredients Hotdogs cut in half Crescent rolls

Preparation Instructions

Cut crescent roll dough into thin strips and wrap around hot dogs. Bake according to crescent package directions and use ketchup or mustard for eyes.

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6930 Tourmaline· Carlsbad· CA· 92009 $525,000.00

3 Bedrooms 3.5 Baths

2216 Square Foot

Tri-Level Floor Plan

Stainless Steel Appliances

Kitchen, Laundry, Dining, Living, Master on Second Level

Granite Kitchen Countertops

Full Bath on the First Level

Upgraded Tile, Wood floors, Window Coverings

Large Master Suite

Luxurious Master Bath

Balcony off Master Suite

Low Maintenance Paved Patio

2 Bedrooms Plus Bonus Space on Top Level

La Costa Resort and Spa Golf Course Views

2 Car Garage

Use of the La Costa Greens Private Residents Club, The Presidio

More Information at: TourmalinePlace.com

X xquisite Contemporary

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673 Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com

Demand was so great for I Love Lucy merchandise in the late 1950’s that stores couldn’t keep up with the demand. A Little Ricky doll debuted in stores, and it’s manufacturer couldn’t keep up with the thousands of reorders. Neither could the overworked furniture firm that sold an unprecedented 1 million I Love Lucy bedroom suites to the shows fans in just 90 days. Did you know there’s a Lucy and Desi Museum? Check it out at: www.luci-desi.com

Todd Joles known as Todd the “Toolman,” is a handyman by day, a passionate luthier by night, mandolin/bluegrass aficionado by choice, and a purveyor of this useless knowledge. If you are in need of handyman services you can contact Todd at 619-985-5017. He may even share some useless knowledge with you.

rosebud’srosebud’srosebud’s gardengardengarden

Mr. Dave Barry was very right when he said...

"Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear." Bravo and Mia are the fur-children of Rebecca and Shayne Johnson. They are the grand puppies of Rosemary and Todd Joles.

bravo and mia bitesbravo and mia bitesbravo and mia bites

uselessuselessuseless knowledge knowledge knowledge

Rosemary Joles is passionate about low-water gardening in San Diego. She loves creating gardens that look like lush water thirsty gardens, yet need very little moisture to maintain them. Her other passions include real estate, lattes spending time with family and friends, reading, music and laughter!

botanical name: casesalpinia pulcherrima common name: red bird of paradise Likes: Sun to part shade Hates: Overwatering Blooms: Red, Bright yellow Negatives: Seed and plant are poisonous Bonus: Drought tolerant once established. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds.

"I have no plants in my house. They won’t live for me. Some of them don’t even wait to die, they commit suicide" - Jerry Seinfeld

minutia

Photo compliments of: Rebecca Johnson

Photo compliments of: Rosemary Joles To see more about this plant go to: www.LivinInSD.com

upcycle

From Trash to Treasure

The great thing about this project is once a child outgrows the dollhouse it can be converted back to a bookcase again. What do you need?

Wrapping paper Cardboard Yarn Scissors Bookcase Double-sided tape Dollhouse furniture Dolls

How to at: www.blog.landofnod.com

onvert a bookcase into a dollhouse!

Entertainment Center After

bits and pieces

podsibilities

What’s one thing you are still

searching for in life?

ponderings

From Marcandangel.com

appaholics

books or blogs

ingenious

F old paint chip strips in half and prop them up as place cards, writing

each person’s name on a shade that suggests their best qualities (like “Inner glow” or “Delicate Peach”)

Source: Real Simple Photo: Aya Brackett

T he great thing about the internet is it makes the world a pretty small place. You can go on vacation and not leave your living room by using Google Earth. If you want to search for a

home in Italy you can do that too. Which brings me to Kate Benbow, who lives just outside of London, England and is the curator of Kate’s

Creative Space. Creative is exactly what Kate is. In addition she is humorous, (The English version of my daughter Rebecca.) a mum to a 2 year old and a career woman. I don’t know how she finds the time to write about her adventures, but I’m grateful that she does. From inventive endeavors for her son, Harry, inspired baking designs to

the renovations to her “new old” home, you truly will enjoy checking out this blog. Perhaps you’ll even attempt one of her many fun projects. Now I’m off to purchase some egg cups, the cressman above are on my list of fun undertakings...

I’ve been having a real difficult time choosing a feature disc this month. I’ve heard so much great music that I just can’t seem to choose. The tunes that have been calling to me seem to all come from Allison Krauss and Union Station or one of their offshoots. The star in all the tunes I have been playing have one thing in common, Dan Tyminski. Whether it’s the title track of his

first solo album Carry Me Across The Mountain, to Man Of Constant Sorrow where he supplied the voice for George Clooney in the Soggy Bottom Boys in Oh Brother Where Art Thou, to his latest album Wheels, Dan brings a wonderful rich old timey sound. Check out my favorite, The Boy Who Couldn’t Hoe Corn, on YouTube. http://youtu.be/Z5X4Q6jFtHg

paint chips as place cards

www.katescreativespace.com/2012/03/11/spring-fever/

O kay so this actually isn’t an app, but I figured if I was saving you money you’d forgive me this one time. For all

of you with a thousand channels and thinking there is nothing good to watch on TV, I have an alternative for you. A tiny black box called ROKU. ROKU utilizes your internet connection to stream over 500 channels to your television. No more monthly fee. Just a one time purchase of this little gem which will cost you between $50-$99 depending upon the type that best suits your needs. Just think, no more cable bill, and a 30 day money back guarantee. Check it out at www.rocku.com.

Dan Tyminski

SD Sports

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Burlingame Hillcrest Linda Vista Mission Hills Mission Valley Fashion Valley Bay Park

North Park Ocean Beach Old Town Point Loma La Playa Liberty Station Loma Portal

Midway Point Loma Heights Roseville Fleetridge Sunset Cliffs Wooded Area University Heights

Find the answers at www.LivinInSD.com/ws

San Diego Neighborhoods Word Search

T he Chargers original powder blue jerseys and white helmets with a gold lightning bolt were worn from 1960-1973 when the

powder blue jerseys and white helmets were both changed to midnight blue. The original color scheme made a comeback in the mid 2000’s.

Now You Know

nitty gritty go solar for zero down

By Rita Mailheau

When she is not helping Judy Sullivan of Simplify Staging & Redesign, Inc., downsize and organize for their clients, Rita Mailheau works as a freelance writer. You can contact Rita at : rita.mailheau@gmail.com.

Cash Back Solar Incentives

In one of our Thursday caravans, Rosemary, Judy and I toured a gorgeous million-dollar home in the Shadow Mountain neighborhood. It turns out the homeowners

power their entire home, pool, well pump and grounds lighting from a solar panel setup in a hidden area on the property. The realtor told me the monthly bill for electric is $10. That’s what I call the good life—a beautiful home AND low utility bills. Could this be heaven?

I got in touch with Erica Johnson of Sullivan Solar Power, one of the top installers in the San Diego Gas and Electric cash back incentives program, to find out about this program.

This program is divided into three phases. Phases One and Phase Two are complete. The program is now in Phase Three of the funding. Funding runs out by end of December 2012 or when they reach the quota of 500 customers, whichever comes first. Homeowners installing under Phase Three will receive $1000 cash back for installing a solar power system.

If you are interested in receiving information, call Sullivan Solar Power at 858-271-7758.

Some FAQ about Solar Installation

Is it available to purchase one panel at a time? No, a system is designed as an array of panels. A typical system is about 16-20 solar panels. The cost for the installation covers the panels, the inverter, all the racking equipment, wiring, and labor of the electricians. There are no additional fees for permitting. It is all wrapped in.

Are contracts transferrable with the sale of a home? If you go with a lease ($0 down) option, it is very easy to transfer to a new homeowner. If you wish to purchase the system outright, then you can add the cost into the sale of the home.

Important to note: A recent National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL) report states that a solar home sells for 18% more and 20% faster than a non-solar home.

Is the payment fixed? You can have a fixed payment or an escalator. Fixed payments will still be cheaper than the utility in most cases. A payment with an escalator (around 2-3% - can set it where you want) will be lower initially. If you stay with the utility, the annual escalation of electricity costs raises by 6.5% per year on average over the past 30 years across the United States, per DOE data.

What is the break-even point? An electric bill of $150 is required for it to make the most sense. You can go solar for $0 down, have a cheaper monthly payment, and receive cash-back with the San Diego Solar Program.

What is the initial upfront investment? That will depend on whether you finance the system or do a cash purchase. With a lease, or a financed system (rates are amazing right now!), you can have a monthly payment that is cheaper right away, without spending a dime out of pocket.

How long to units last generally, before needing replacement? Your manufacturer's warranty on the panels is 25 years. But your system will be up and producing a fair amount of energy for 30-40 years. The inverter is the only piece of equipment that will need to be replaced and that will happen in year 12-15.

What kind of scheduled maintenance does system require? Solar panel systems are easy to maintain, because there really isn’t any maintenance! You will just need to clean the panels (with a hose, no abrasive chemicals) 4 times a year.

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sd concerts

10/9 Billy Joe Shaver Location: Normal Heights Price: $25-$52 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

10/11 Haydn: The Humorist Location: Downtown Price: $20 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

10/11TomRushLocation: Normal Heights Price: $35-$62 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

10/13Dr.JohnandTheBlindBoysofAlabamaLocation: Balboa Theatre Price: $25-$65 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

10/19ShaolinWarriorsLocation: Balboa Theatre Price: $25-$65 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

10/20KellyJoePhelpsLocation: Normal Heights Price: $20-$47 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

10/26IMusicidiRomaLocation: MCASD Sherwood Auditorium Price: $25-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

10/26NualaKennedyLocation: Normal Heights Price: $20-$47 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

10/30 Ballet Folklorico De Mexico Location: Copley Symphony Hall Price: $20-$72 Time: 7:30 pm Info: sandiegosymphony.org

11/1CaravanofThievesLocation: Normal Heights Price: $20-$47 Time: 7:30 pm Info: amsdconcerts.com

11/2Jean‐YvesThibaudetLocation: MCASD Sherwood Auditorium Price: $25-$75 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

11/15PhilharmoniaOrchestraLocation: Copley Symphony Hall Price: $25-$95 Time: 8:00 pm Info: ljms.org

Ballet Folklorico De Mexico Blind Boys of Alabama Billy Joe Shaver

New Construction · Vista · $356,990 3+ Bedroom 3 Bath · 1800 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Custom Southwest Style · Descanso · $649,500 2 Bedroom 2 Bath · 2424 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Great Starter Home · San Diego · $240,000 3 Bedroom 1 Bath · 896 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

domiciles

Electra · Columbia District · $749,900 2 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1488 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Resort Living · Carlsbad · $650,000-$675,000 4 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2155 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Furnished Remodel · Solana Beach · $699,900-$735,900 2 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 1440 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

from east county to the coast

Sweeping Sunset Views · Fallbrook · $525,000 3 Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2293 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Beautifully Maintained · La Mesa · $685,000-$735,000 4 Bedroom 3 Bath · 3538 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Tasteful Villa · Rancho Del Mar · $1,698,000 4 Bedroom 3.5 Bath · 3950 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Gatewood Hills Remodel · Rancho Bernardo · $549,795 3 Bedroom 2 Bath · 1655 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

Custom Build · Solana Beach · $1,998,000 4 Bedroom 4.5 Bath · 2880 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

West of I-5 · Carlsbad · $675,000 3+ Bedroom 2.5 Bath · 2155 Sq. Ft. · 619·405·7673

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X very home is a masterpiece

Low real estate inventory, multiple offers, many buyers…means higher prices for sellers. If you are thinking of making a move give us a call. We have buyers for your home.

Rosemary Joles In Harmony With Your Dreams

Residential Sales · Short Sales · Leasing 619· 405· 7673

Homes@InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com InHarmonyWithYourDreams.com