My First Day on the Hill: Santa Clarita Realtor on Legislative Day in Sacramento, CA

(June 4, 2008) My first day on Capitol Hill! I have to be honest, I loved it! One person can make a difference and I happen to be part of the 2000+ Realtors that spent a day visiting with California Legislators to discuss the Hot Topics that affect property rights and the real estate industry - today.

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDMQGfYQI68

First thing Wednesday Morning, I took the 'commuter' flight from Burbank Airport. I shared the flight with a Fourth Grade Class Trip, SRAR teammates and Cameron Smyth--Santa Clarita's own Assemblyman!

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Upon arrival the convention center was filled. The registration and preparation... We got an overview of the government process and a chance to see how the California Association of Realtors is working on behalf of Realtors all over the state on education, benefits and technology to bring the public a quality service.





Hot Issues shared on JUNE 4, 2008
<1> AB2678 Point-of-Sale Energy Audits - Oppose. CAR supports being compliant with Environmental Audit Requirements for both residential and commercial property, but to tie this requirement to occur at point-of-sale is not as efficient as other proposals. (see note at the bottom of the entry - Yay Us!)

<2> AB1055 Forgiveness of "Phantom" Income - Support if Amended. Currently, this is for 2 years, we are requested to make the timeframe match the Federal which is 3 years.

<3> AB1448 Licensing Fines - Support
Increase fines for unlicensed Real Estate Practitioners to give some teeth to discourage illegal dealings.

There are over 5000 bills introduced this year, CAR works hard in Sacramento to keep an eye out for items that will affect property ownership rights and the Real Estate Industry. Please contact your local board of Realtors and support the Action Fund or CLICK HERE --> http://www.car.org/index.php?id=MzM0Mjk=

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Then it was off to lunch! We went to Masons on 15th Street. This was a perfect restaurant for the occasion. Modern, flavorful - and that was just the entrance and bar area! A great modern restaurant, gracious service and surprisingly ample portions and awesome ice tea! ... Between you and me... I have to admit, when I saw the loft-style ceiling reminiscent of SOHO upitiness and the well-put together server uniform (black clothes wrapped in a functional yet oddly appealing long olive apron) I was thinking to myself if after the meal I could somehow grab a burger on the way back to our meeting without being noticed and if I did, would I get mustard on my jacket. :-) ... but GOOD NEWS!... I not only did not need any additional munchies, I was set until the reception... I had the salmon, the season fries and did I mention the ice tea! Check them both out online....

Masons Restaurant: http://www.theparkdowntown.com/page.php?url=masonsabout

The tea: Tropic Star Tropical blend: http://www.peerlesscoffee.com/

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A quick huddle of the team and then it was off to the hill!

Okay - I walked past the Arnold Schwarzenegger office of and couldn't resist a "Where's Waldo"-shot. .... take your time, do you see me now? :-)

Once we navigated the hallways and found each of our destinations, the gracious staff and legislators met with Realtors to listen and discuss the Realtor Hot Issues! We saw Senator Runners office Staff, Assemblyman Mike Feuer, and Santa Clarita's own Assemblyman Cameron Smyth!

After a productive afternoon 'on the Hill' it was a time for.... The Realtor Reception! CAR hosted Realtors from all over the state. I met Realtors from Simi Valley, San Diego, and Bakersfield! In addition legislators and staff also attended.

The flight home was relaxing. We did good work and what an experience! Surprising to me was how natural the whole day went. Even the commuter flight round trip seemed easier than commuting to downtown LA. Knowing that we are part of a process is enlightening. I am a Realtor. I am 170,000 members strong in the State of California. My clients and fellow Realtors share in that strength, that quality of product and service to the community. I hope to be blessed to attend again. It is a significant event as a yearly reminder to all of government that Realtors communicate with each property owner and will protect property rights and ensure the quality of service for the Real Estate industry.

REALTOR RESULTS
(June 14, 2008) per the CAR Red Alert! "After thousands of REALTORS® called their legislators in opposition to the bill and thousands more lobbied against the bill in person last week at Legislative Day, the bill’s author amended AB 2678 to remove the point-of-sale requirement. The bill was further amended at C.A.R.’s request, to ensure that energy audits or improvements are not required as a condition of sale. With these changes, C.A.R. SUPPORTS AB 2678. This is a BIG WIN for REALTORS® and their clients." Okay... WOOHOOO!!!!

Thank you for your continued support. Enjoy and Have a great day!

-Leah Pollack

Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.eliteprosre.com/
http://www.leahpollack.com/

CHERRY PICKING, LEONA VALLEY, CA

(May 31, 2008) Every year during the third week in May, I have an appointment reminder. It says - CALL CHERRY, and in my contacts CHERRY HOTLINE (24 Hours): (661) 266-7116. I listen intently, as this phone recorded message will share with me when the Cherry Orchards of Leona Valley will be open for picking.

Now this is A GREAT DAY OUT! The beautiful drive north to the end of Bouquet Canyon Road and make a left toward Leona Valley. Your first stop is the local General Market. You can see what is going on in town. Chat with locals.

This year we met the group promoting the Leona Valley Area Events. The Cherry Festival Parade (June 14th) and the Wine Tasting (June 21)! Check into the video below for details as well as the pic of the flyer.




After visiting... then you go on into the General Store and get your map. They will tell you who is open for picking. We go to whichever strikes our fancy. You arrive at the orchard and gracious Orchard teammates will direct you where to get your bins. Bins will either be baskets, buckets or wagons. Some hard-core pickers bring their own receptacles and ladders to get to the high fruit. Most everyone else brings themselves and comfortable shoes and the picking begins!

I pick anywhere between 8-20 lbs of cherries. This year I picked 11 lbs! I pit them using this great little pitter tool, bag and freeze them.





Soon, or not so soon, they will be made into pies, jam, and my favorite--snacked on frozen during the upcoming Fourth of July parade in Newhall, CA. I hope to see you there!


Once again keep your eyes open to the community events you can be a part of in and around Santa Clarita Valley.

Enjoy and Have a great day!

-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.leahpollack.com/

LILAC FESTIVAL@ PINE MOUNTAIN, CA

(May 17, 2008) Pine Mountain Club--the nearby faraway place--is one of Southern California's best-kept secrets... http://www.pinemountainclub.net/


The mountains, the fresh air, the pine trees, the lilacs, the craft fair! This Annual Event brings vendors from all around California to descend on a town that is so beautiful during the winter, but in spring with the hiking and the Craft Fairs and do not forget about the WINE IN THE PINES! Saturday June 7, 2008. This town of locals is fantastic!




I spoke with Maxine, a Craft and Gift vendor from Bakersfield (Maxine of Rconnect4U@aol.com) who returns each year to ensure she reconnects with the beauty of the surroundings, but also with the people of Pine Mountain.




As we had dinner of local pizza, I chatted with a wonderful man who provided some insights: I shared that I came for the day as lilacs remind me of my youth. He so gently said, come for the day for this Annual festival, return a different day for another event (Wine tasting!), perhaps even stay the night (I said there would be wine!). Come back for an accessible get-away weekend in the mountains. Connect with the community and share in its wonderful annual events and recreation of spring hikes and fun-filled winter snow days.
... I wholeheartedly agreed... At such a short drive from Santa Clarita, wont you check into it too? http://www.pinemountainclub.net/

http://www.wineinthepines.com/

Lilacs in Pine Moutain CA and near Santa Clarita CA - Crisp Air and Great View of Pine Mountain Sky












Keep you eyes open for great community events this summer and all year round!

Enjoy!
-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.leahpollack.com/

EMERGENCY EXPO: STOP- THINK - PREPARE

(April 19, 2008) This Expo is the BEST DAY OUT YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF & YOUR BUSINESS & YOUR FAMILY. This is my annual reminder of making sure the smoke detector batteries are fresh. Last year I replenished our Earthquake kits. I actually upgraded to the 5-year pack for the family. This year Wade Reynolds taught my family and I how to actually use the fire extinguisher! I have had those home fire extinguishers (pack of two) in my home for years. Did you know they have a gauge on them that tell you when you need to replace them? Important Stuff!

They have all sorts of safety organizations represented. Each year I learn something new... Here was one that really turned my head...Mosquitoes. Did you catch the article? ... Due to the housing market correction, there is an increase in Vacant Homes and/or Abandoned Property with Pools. Well it turns out, when there is no filter running on the pool, that is another word for 'Standing Water'. Standing Water tends to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also if the trash is not collected this too can breed mosquitoes. If you happen to notice that a house-at-risk is on the market, and it might need some attention... call the Real Estate Agent. Perhaps the pool can be drained, or treated while it is on the market? Perhaps the trash could be assembled and removed. Help raise awareness of this important issue in our area.

For more information about the West Nile Virus, please contact the LA County Department of Health Services West Nile Hot Line at (800) 975-4448 or the L.A. County Vector Control at (562) 944-9656 or visit: http://www.glacvcd.org/

A quick snap of Safety First and of course a big shout out to all of the supporters of this needed event to connect and prepare for your home and office!

Thank you for your continued support in making Santa Clarita a wonderful community!

Enjoy!

-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.leahpollack.com/

ARBOR DAY FESTIVAL: THE GREENER THEY GET!

(April 12, 2008) I am so proud ... the City of Santa Clarita has received the Tree City USA Award by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The honor is bestowed upon cities throughout America who consistently meet the standards which are designed to ensure that a given community has a viable tree management plan and program.

The event is good to see the local resources out there to promote healthy and accessible ways to get green, but also how to make the stuff you plant stay green and thrive! They also have a kids play area. I like the wood painting and the leaf stenciling - Central Park off Bouquet actually has trees with big leaves. AND Smokey the Bear was walking around!

In addition to the educational sessions on recycling, planting, pruning, composting, etc. They let you PLANT a TREE and give away free trees, AND there is a RAFFLE! I love the raffles. You have a ticket, the numbers are read off, there is anticipation in the air... anyway, it is fun and good reason to sit on bales of hay in Central Park! A good day had by all.... Check into the items below:

Santa Clarita Arbor Day LtoR Sara Arrington, Trish Grinnell, Leah Pollack of Association of Women Entrepreneurs!

Ah, the bus! and of course... just helping out the team!

A hearty THANKS to all of the participants, volunteers and staff that made this event AWESOME!!! Check into the video below... so you see the John Deere's in the background... I love those tractors!

Enjoy and have a great day!

-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.leahpollack.com/

BACK IN THE MIX!

Hello! First let me say, THANK YOU for all of the emails, and thank you for your patience. I know that I haven't been regular these past few months, my blogging intentions have been all go, no show. The blogging books all state the Art of blogging is regularity - well fellow viewers I have been taking my digital fiber and I am determined to let-it-flow with updates of the past two months of happenings.

And to kick off the blog-a-palooza, On 05/27/08: SANTA CLARITA NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 100 BEST PLACES TO RAISE A FAMILY According to Best Life magazine, a spin-off from the creators of Men’s Health magazine, Santa Clarita, coming in at number 56, is recognized as a city that combines a strong sense of community responsibility along with numerous family centered events. For more information on the City of Santa Clarita’s numerous appealing aspects, visit the website at http://www.santa-clarita.com/ To view the Best Life article, go to www.bestlifeonline.com/index.shtml.

Woohoo! In and around Santa Clarita Valley there are Festivals, Community Events and these are fun stuff so if you have been hibernating in your homes for the Winter... Wake y'all up to the accessibility of these event that are right here in your backyard.

And do not fear, if my delay in posting and the events are no longer around... guess what! These are ANNUAL EVENTS!!! Set your calendar reminders for these months NEXT YEAR and be a part of your community. Connect. Okay enough of a delay.... Enjoy and if you happen to have been at some of the events share with a comment, post with a pic, or when we see you in town, let me know!

-Leah Pollack
Your Real Estate Investing Resource
http://www.leahpollack.com/