Archive for the 'What to do in San Diego' Category
Free e-waste recycling events
January 9th, 2010 Categories: San Diego County Community News, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO- Hopefully, like me you have replaced the light bulbs in your home with CFL’s or compact fluorescent light bulbs. They are probably the easiest way for any homeowner or business to save money, energy and natural resources.
One thing hasn’t changed: the energy savings. Compact fluorescents emit the same light as classic incandescents but use 75% or 80% less electricity.
What that means is that if every one of 110 million American households bought just one ice-cream-cone bulb, took it home, and screwed it in the place of an ordinary 60-watt bulb, the energy saved would be enough to power a city of 1.5 million people. One bulb swapped out, enough electricity saved to power all the homes in Delaware and Rhode Island. In terms of oil not burned, or greenhouse gases not exhausted into the atmosphere, one bulb is equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars off the roads. -Fast Company Magazine
The problem with them is they are considered hazardous household waste. The reason for this is they they contain mercury atoms in the gas that fills the bulb and mercury is a hazardous material.
But there are many electronic products we use daily that too are considered to contain hazardous material. I personally use one rule to decide if I am going to save the product for disposal at a e-waste event and that is, does it have a circuit board. If the answer is yes, I save it in a box and dispose of at these free events.
Starting today and tomorrow there is a e-waste disposal event in Carlsbad at the Westfield mall. January 16th and 17th there will be two events in La Jolla and La Mesa and finally a fourth on January 30th in Encinitas. Additionally, Recycle San Diego, has ongoing events at their location.
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Continued low interest rates plays well for San Diego real estate market
August 10th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News, San Diego County Community News, San Diego county Real Estate News, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO- There is speculation that the FED will not be raising interest rates at their meeting this week but will in fact keep them at current levels. I fell strongly that this is a very important ingredient to the recipe that is keeping our real estate market afloat. On July 16th, I wrote about the importance of current interest rate levels to the San Diego real estate market and to San Diego first time buyers.
My take on the market at this point is the market will remain flat from this point. In order to maintain this stability, knowing there is a boat load of distressed properties not yet on the market, will be the continuation of these historically low interest rates as well as incentives such as the tax credit. There is a continuing strong appetite for San Diego properties at these price points and it is high demand that is propping up our market.
If we lose the incentives for buyers that currently exist in our market we could easily see a pricing decline approaching or surpassing that $280,000 median price we saw in January.
The next ingredient being the tax incentives, while nice, is probably the least important of the two. Being able to lock into a 30 year fix mortgage of 5.5% will have long term benefits on homeownership. Additionally, as time passes the ability to convert this purchase into an income property becomes great and that is how wealth is built in real estate.
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Solana Beach Triathlon and TCSD Cares Dave Martin award
July 27th, 2009 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, Real Estate News, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports, What to do in San Diego
SOLANA BEACH- Yesterday was the first Triathlon Club of San Diego sponsored Solana Beach 
Sprint Triathlon. It to was the first time the Dave Martin award was presented by TCSD Cares, which is the newly formed charitable arm of the Triathlon Club of San Diego.
For those not familiar with Dave Martin’s story, he was the Solana Beach veterinarian and TCSD club member that passed after being involved with a great white during a club ocean swim. There was a fund raising effort done within the triathlon community for his family. Fortunately they were in a healthy financially position, so they decided to give the money back to the triathlon community. It was decided to make sure the money was used to help a worthy candidate with their education expenses and TCSD Cares would be charged with caring for the funds raised and granting this annual award.
The first recipient of the Dave Martin award, chosen blindly by the grant committee of TCSD Cares, is Jaclyn Trosper. I think most active TCSD members know Jackie and her mom Bobbie Solomon. Jackie is a mother of two and her husband is a 3rd class Petty Officer in the US Navy. She has been working towards her RN license, which she recently tested for and passed, and is now taking specialized classes hoping to become involved in organ donation. Jackie and her mom have been very involved in TCSD as volunteers and I am sure Dave would be very happy with her selection. I know that the Martin kids are as they participated in the selection process. 
Congratulations JACKIE!!! You are a fantastic member of TCSD and very worthy of this award.
One last note on the Martin Family, Dave’s grandson Tanner Martin has became involved in triathlon immediately after his grandpa passed, as did Jeff his father. Yesterday Tanner CRUSHED the course and finished first in his age group, 12 and under. I am currently in negotiations with Tanner to work as his agent as I think the kids gotta future!!
The triathlon was blessed with PERFECT conditions, if you like your swim entry and exit with plenty of surf. A big swell started rolling in to the San Diego area starting Thursday with surf up to 10 feet in some areas of the county. By Sunday the surf had subsided somewhat but for the beginning of the Solana Beach triathlon it was still in the 3-4 foot range with occasional 5 foot sets rolling through.
Having grown up in the water, I forsaked racing and decided I could better support and represent TCSD as a swim buddy. As always it was a blast. I LOVE the surf and it’s always a good day when you can help someone get through conditions that would otherwise end their triathlon. 
My first swim was with Shellby Madden, who too is a recipient of TCSD Cares. Next was with TCSD member, Helen Barker, who came out of the water in 7th position in her wave. By helping keep up her confidence during the surf entry and exit, she did very well. My favorite victim, I mean athlete was Sophie. I truly believe that she would have not completed the event had I not been there to pretty much demand that we keep going. That whole tough love thing.
I knew she was having a tough time when I saw her surface from a wave and do what most inexperienced swimmers do and that’s take a quick gulping breath. In this situation, and it proved true this time, you take in a mouthful of water as the undercurrent is still active and usually pulls you back down a bit. The look on he face at that point was one of panic as is often the case when the O2 you were hoping for is actually H2O. I grabbed a hold of her, made sure she stayed above the water, could feel my presence hopefully giving her some security and refused to hear her pleas of turning around. I knew she was OK and it became my mission to build her confidence. Two waves later we were passed the surf zone and she was on her way to finishing and I received this promise from her;
I know you have heard this a thousand time but thank you thank you for this morning. Without you I don’t think I would have made it out. I hope one day I will be the person that helps other but I think for now I will learn how to get better at those surf entry and
exit!
Thanks it meant a lot to me and I was able to go through the swim without going on full blown panique(panic) mode and thus have a "strong" second part of the race!
Yes my goal is to spend a lot of time in the waves that I have been avoiding until now and learn how to go under them deep. Until I decided to go do triathlon I was very happy to stay on the beach and watch the waves…. Now I have decided to do something that forces me to learn how to master surf entry/exit!
So that was my Solana Beach Triathlon. Hope to see you out there next year and a HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS!!!
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Carlsbad bike lane closure
May 31st, 2009 Categories: San Diego County Bike Rides, San Diego County Community News, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports, What to do in San Diego
Carlsbad– Saw this on my ride and thought I would send it out. There is not a sign in the north bound lanes so I think they are just FINALLY fixing the bike lane from Poinsettia to
Ponto Beach.
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Quintesential La Jolla 50s beach cottage for sale
May 23rd, 2009 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, Real Estate News, San Diego county Real Estate News, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– DO NOT MISS this opportunity to purchase a wonderful example of the southern California beach cottage. This hilltop 3 bedroom 3 bath La Jolla home sitting above Bird Rock features an amazing view that brings Pt Loma and the Coronado Islands in to your living area. If you are in the market for your ‘surf shack’, you have to see this home. Call me at 760.415.3329. Hinanos are on me.
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Will selling the Del Mar Fairgrounds save our state?
May 14th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News, San Diego County Community News, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– I could not believe my eyes when I saw in my morning San Diego Union that the Governor is contemplating selling the Del Mar Fairgrounds property. I had heard about this before as well as the potential to sell the San Francisco bay property that San Quentin state prison is on.
Now I could write a huge editorial about why I could support the sale of San Quentin as to me this makes a ton of sense. First, I don’t think a better example exists of a worse possible use of land, but mainly I would really love to see a couple prison farms built to replace San Quentin. Here prisoners could be rehabilitated by learning actual job skills. Additionally, the prisoners could make a nice wage thus giving them the ability to make restitution or support payments and have money upon release from the system. Lastly, the system would have a marketable product to supplement operating expenses through the open market sales and/or the use of the farm product within the prison system. But back to the topic at hand.
The people of California own this irreplaceable coastal gem and specifically, the people of San Diego county are the caretakers. This property belongs to us and the sale of this land would do nothing to fix our budget problem. The problem can only be fixed be taking two steps and those are the increase of taxes and fees COUPLED with better spending practices.
One of the best pieces of advise I’ve heard with regard to debt reduction is that “increasing income is not a strategy” especially one time income. The long term solution is only found in reduction of expenses as this is where the most control can be exercised. Now if there are options that can increase long term income flow they obliviously need to be implemented, but solely going out an getting a new job or pawning your wedding ring are nothing more than false hope.
Currently the state budget deficit is projected to be approximately 15 billion dollars with the potential to go as high as 21 billion. The sale of the fairgrounds along with other state properties such as San Quentin, the Los Angeles Coliseum, which is wasting away, and more are predicted to net 1 billion dollars.
The governor’s team estimates that selling the properties could bring in as much as $1 billion, according to documents outlining the plan.
Schwarzenegger is expected to reveal more details this afternoon as part of his revised spending plan that will reflect twin grim scenarios: a deficit of more than $15 billion and the possibility of voters rejecting budget-related measures on Tuesday’s special election ballot, pushing the deficit over $21 billion.-San Diego Union Tribune, May 14, 2009
So as you can see there is little to be gained under this plan. I could potentially get behind this plan if the revenue would wipe out the deficit with surplus and it was coupled with legislation that would prevent this type of deficit again. Yes I am awake, but this is the only way this would make any sense.
Once these properties are gone they are gone forever and we all lose. 
There would be no way a property on the San Diego coast could ever be found and purchased as these parcels just do not exist as they did when the fairgrounds was established in the late 1800s. This is a liquidation of a jewel in the crown of California that will have zero impact on the overall health of our state.
If we’re gonna go broke as a state with or without the Del Mar fairgrounds, I say save me a clubhouse seat, because one day this will pass and California will be all the better for holding on to this gem!!!
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Million dollar views for the first time buyers
April 15th, 2009 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, Client Testimonials, San Diego County Community News, San Diego County Fixer of the Week, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, San Diego county Real Estate News, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– Lately I have been working with quite a few first time buyers. With the interest rates hovering at or under 5%, home pricing back to levels creating a near record high affordability rate and the $8,000 tax credit, it’s no wonder these buyers are entering the market.
For the first time buyer with the active lifestyle looking to buy in a central location with a huge upside potential, I have the perfect home in the north Bay Park area. How do I know this home is ideal for you? I have in the sold two homes within this pocket in the last two months and here is what those clients have said.
“This is one of those rare finds in San Diego. It’s centrally located, easy freeway access, quiet, safe, and it has an amazing sweeping view of Mission Bay and the ocean. It also has a unique charm found only in older San Diego neighborhoods. With these amenities, this is easily a
million-dollar plus neighborhood. And most of the neighborhood is filled with expensive houses to prove it. There are only a small handful of original houses available, tucked away in between these higher priced, remodeled homes. If you are lucky enough to catch one of these original homes up for sale, you can live in a million-dollar oceanview neighborhood for a fraction of what such properties usually go for.”– closed escrow 2/11/2009
and
“After searching for 2 years, I found this house in Bay Park with an awesome view, in a great neighborhood that is centrally located. I saw a lot of fixer uppers in okay neighborhoods, or better houses in questionable neighborhoods, but this house and location had the best potential. I have been enjoying my bay/ocean view out on the deck every night!” -closed escrow 3/23/2009
This 2 bedroom 2 bath home at 3635 Princeton Avenue provides you with amazing southern views from downtown over the bay and to the west facing the ocean overlooking Pacific Beach. From the deck you can see the transition area for the Triathlon Club of San Diego races on Fiesta Island on race day and on the 4th of July you will have front row seats to the Seaworld fireworks show.
It is a downhill coast to Mission Bay for your Fiesta Island workouts and it doesn’t get much more convenient for getting those extra minutes of sleep before heading down on race day for your triathlon or 10K.
Additionally all the events, including those Friday night swims at La Jolla cove, and dining opportunities of downtown and La Jolla are within 15 minutes of your new home.
If you are in the market for a detached home under $400,000 in a neighborhood of million dollar homes, call me at 760.415.3329 for your private showing.
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Upscale foreclosure opportunity in Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar
January 8th, 2009 Categories: Real Estate News, San Diego County Fixer of the Week, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, San Diego county Real Estate News, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– In real estate there is the classic quote, “location, location, location”. Another is to “look for the worst house on the best street”. In these two homes, you have both of these coming into play.
The foreclosure opportunities that have been hitting the less prestigious areas of the county, have present these great opportunities in Rancho Santa Fe and in Del Mar.
At $1.1 million, this 3 bedroom 3 bath 2110 square foot Rancho Santa Fe home sitting on over two acres is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Last sold in 2005 for $1.8 million, it is perfect for the horse lover with stables and training arenas. For the triathlete, roll out your driveway and head east for Del Dios or Lake Wohlford loop or head west for some Torrey Pines repeats or a Rose Canyon Mission Bay loop. For your run workouts, you have the Rancho Santa Fe trails nearby as well as the lagoon run from BnL Bikes in Solana Beach. Dog lover? 
Head to the San Dieguito river mouth and let your dog get his “play” on with other dogs as they romp around at north county’s only dog beach.
- Looking for a flip/ remodel/ project opportunity then this 3 bedroom 3 bath house on Highland in Del Mar is calling your name. Now listed at $699,000 it last sold in 2004 for $1,010,000. While the last owner may have had vision, you can see as illustrated in the two photos, they took a turn for the worse.
For the triathlete, many of the same training opportunities exist, so save some money and bring your vision and your contractor.
If you would like more information on either of these properties please follow this link and click on more details.
If you would like to view either of these properties, contact me at 760–415–3329 or at brianalong@msn.com.
Images and information from SANDICOR MLS.
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Triathlon Club of San Diego the best value in triathlon
January 2nd, 2009 Categories: Aquathlon and Duathlon Race Reports, San Diego County Triathlon Race Reports, Triathlon Club of San Diego Race Reports, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– Over the last couple weeks there have been articles published regarding the impact of the economy on triathlon. While I think these articles are a bit premature I do agree that the triathlon community is heavy on white collar workers.
A article written by Pete Wilson for USA Triathlon states that, “It helps that the Ironman competitors have an average income of $161,000, according to WTC research”. In our local paper, the San Diego Union Tribune, Triathlete Magazine founder, had a higher number.
Industry sources say there are multiple reasons why the multi-sport is faring well. Demographics play a part. Duke said the average household income of Triathlete subscribers is $177,000.
“I don’t think they’re the people getting laid off. They’re the people laying off,” he said.– www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20081212
So where is the best value in triathlon whether your salary is five figures or seven? Easy, it is the Triathlon Club of San Diego.
With the current membership fee of $60 annually, not including the discounts for family or military membership, I promise you you will get back your money many times over.
TCSD holds a winter/ spring race duathlon series sponsored by RUNJUNK.com. This series of 5 races rotates throughout San Diego and even includes one off-road race held at Mission Trails regional park. In the summer there is the Aquathlon race series that takes place once a month at La Jolla shores. This race series, sponsored by Kashi, is a 1200 meter ocean swim followed by a 3 mile two loop run from the La Jolla Shores hotel to the Scripps pier. Then, staying true to the club name are the 9 club triathlons sponsored by San Diego Running Institute that take place March through November. Early in the year TCSD is on Fiesta Island and then finishes the year in the very gracious city of Coronado.
Now just being able to come and race 19 times a year for $60 represents a helluva value, but TCSD doesn’t stop there. After the races you will find fresh fruit, bakery goods and at times fresh breakfast burritos, breakfast croissant sandwiches or, when it is really chilly, Denise Pitre and crew breakout the fresh oatmeal and accompaniments.
The aquathlons however go even further. After the race you will find the most amazing Italian feast made up of 45–60 pizzas, greek, ceasar and apple and walnut salad, garlic bread, munchies and homemade dessert made by club member Elizabeth Daubner. Additionally, there is a raffle and two pair of ZOOT running shoes as well as a two ZOOT fusion suits are given to the winner. All of this at no additional cost!!!
If that isn’t enough for you, TCSD meets one a month at either Road Runner Sports or Coastal Sports and Wellness. To make sure everyone no one leaves hungry, Chipotle, provides us with burritos and chips and salsa. But what really sets these meetings apart are the speakers and raffle.
TCSD has hosted so many great speakers including Kate Major, Chrissie Wellington, Normann Stadler, Chris McCormack, Michelie Jones, Dean Karnazes, Mirinda Carfrae and so many others. The January 2009 meeting will feature Craig Alexander and Joe Friel of Triathlete Training Bible and 
Training Peaks coaching will be speaking and holding clinics in March.
The monthly raffle is second to none and typically has a value in excess of $1500. XTERRA wetsuits, Rudy Project helmets and glasses, Beaker Concept products, and certificates ranging from $20 to $100 toNytro, Hi-Tech Bikes, Moment Cycle Sports and BnL Bike and Sports, free massage certificates from ReHab United and ART certificates from University City Physical Therapy. FREE!!!!
Now let’s assume you are still not seeing the value. Let’s see, you gotten to race 19 times. You were fed at least 30 meals, potentially won at least $100 in schwag and potentially more than that, but you still are holding tight to that $60. Well there’s more.
All those tri-shops mentioned offer 10–15% discounts to members and have member only sales. Rudy Project offers our members 40% discounts as does Beaker Concepts. There are discounts on races from local race director KOZ enterprises producer of the San Diego Triathlon Series and more. If you purchase a bike this could equate to $150 to $800 savings.
Want more? Triathlon Club of San Diego has beginner programs, coaching clincs, their own swim program, ocean swims 5 times a week March through October, track workouts in north county and University City, group rides, social events, the famous La Jolla Cove Friday night potluck swim and MORE!!!
Clearly the best value in triathlon and the best club in the country!! You HAVE TO join today!!
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Economic news driving you crazy?
October 20th, 2008 Categories: San Diego County Community News, What to do in San Diego
SAN DIEGO– If all the economic news of late is driving you crazy take comfort in the fact it is costing you less to get there.
After spiking at $147 a barrel earlier this year, oil is now under $75 a barrel and while OPEC maybe looking at cutting production, analysts think that we could see oil as low as $35 a barrel.
“Oil demand in the U.S. will be a bellwether,” Pervan said. “If the US, Europe and Japan go into a major recession, there’s no reason we can’t see $35, $40 a barrel.”-Associated Press, Stevenson Jacobs, 10/20/2008
So, if there are bright sides to all this turmoil, one could be gas prices back in the mid to low two dollars. Currently the national average is $2.92 with 
San Diego averaging $3.23. This already is a significant drop from our early July high of $4.58 a gallon.
At the time of this writing, Dion and Sons at 11427 Woodside Ave in Santee is coming in at $2.85 and represents the lowest price in San Diego!!!
Will this lead to the return of the Hummer?
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