THE LOAN DOC: TIPS TO AFFORD YOUR DREAM HOME
Printer-friendly version April 1, 2009 — Reality….Buying your first home can be intense, but still can be FUN with the right people. There are many professionals out there that are willing and able to help you with this process. But the more that you understand this process, the easier and more comforting this experience will be remembered with pleasant memories. You first need to align yourself with a good loan officer and have him refer you to a real estate agent so as not to get led down the wrong path. I am not here to scare you, but I am not here to paint a pretty picture and just tell you to trust anyone that says "I promise" or "don’t worry". These are commonly used terms in the mortgage and real estate industry. Over the coming weeks, I am going to give you advice, my opinions, and my expertise as a loan officer with 20 years of experience just in the mortgage industry. One piece of advice is that this can sometimes take time. It’s not like shopping for clothes, furniture, or even picking out a car for that matter of fact. Sure, I could get you approved for a mortgage in 1 day. You shouldn’t be waiting last minute to do that though. My concern is do not buy a house just because you need to be out of someplace by a certain date. And DON’T wait with 2 months left before your rent lease is up. I am starting to see this as a problem as of lately. Just because there are a lot of homes on the market, it doesn’t mean that you have a better chance of finding your dream home. Talk to a realtor that knows the area well. Don’t forget, there are other buyers out there also, looking for the same. Meaning….. more people will bid on the better homes out there, with multiple offers. That is why getting not only pre-qualified for a mortgage is important, but possibly Pre-Approved (knowing the difference). On a more serious note, especially now, rates can move on you at any given time as quickly as a hot air balloon can go up. You need to be working with a professional loan officer that understands the market, rates, and regards to rising rates and why. Getting good advice to when you should lock in your interest rate can go a long way. If dealing with an application taker, it could cost you thousands of dollars. Watching the market is especially important if you already have contracts on a home. I locked in a few of my clients last week because I do keep an eye on the bond market daily. But if you are still shopping for a home, that lender won’t be able to lock you into a rate until you actually find a home. You want a trusted loan officer that is on top of this and giving you updates and not waiting until the last minute. And keep in mind when shopping for a mortgage, don’t always focus on Rate. Payment is just as crucial. Lastly, even if you are just starting out, start saving a little here and a little there. Sure, there are a couple of mortgage financing options out there with even 100% financing programs like the USDA rural housing program or VA loans. But each program is different. Word of advice, speak to someone qualified and not just fatherly advise even though he may mean well. Or those that just bought a home, your neighbors, or even co-workers. As mentioned above, rates and programs can change daily. Jim Copeland is a senior loan officer with Windsor Capital Mortgage. Over the last 20 years, Jim has assisted homeowners in making educated and informed decisions regarding real estate finance. Get quick, accurate and honest answers from Jim for all your residential lending questions. Contact Jim @ 858.414.4592 or e-mail loandoc@eastcountymagazine.org Printer-friendly version
ESTRANGED BEDFELLOWS: KEHOE DEFENDS BLOCK, BUT SAYS SHE’S “DISAPPOINTED” WITH LACK OF VOTE FOR GAY MARRIAGE LEGISLATION
Printer-friendly versionBy E.A. Barrera April 2, 2009 (San Diego)—Openly gay San Diego State Senator Christine Kehoe defended newly elected 78th District Assemblyman Marty Block, even as she scolded Block for his refusal to support a resolution calling on the California Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 8, the voter-approved measure which invalidated gay marriages in California. Kehoe said she “had not lost trust in Marty, but was disappointed in him” for failing to support Assembly Bill HR-5/SR-7, which passed both the Assembly and State Senate on March 2. The bill, written by San Francisco area Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, stated the California legislature was opposed to Proposition 8 because it was “an improper revision, not an amendment, of the California Constitution and was not enacted according to the procedures required by Article XVIII of the California Constitution.” "Marty is new to the Legislature and it is a high learning curve," said Kehoe to a crowd of more than 100 during the group’s monthly meeting at the Joyce Beer’s Community Center in Hillcrest. "He has a lot of work to do in rebuilding trust with the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community, but there are very many issues — protecting gay youth from violence, mental health, civil rights issues — where I know Marty stands with us." California voters approved Proposition 8 by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent last November. In Block’s district, the measure was supported by 57 percent of voters. Block told the SDDC audience he felt his district’s support of Proposition 8 was "heartbreaking" but did not support HR-5/SR-7 because he thought the measure was an improper pressure tactic by the Legislature on the California courts. "I am an attorney and a former judge pro-tem. I can tell you this sort of pressure won’t get you far with the courts and is not a good idea,” said Block. “I preferred that the Legislature pass an Amicus-brief (a friend-of-the-court legal opinion volunteering advise on a pending issue before a court). I believe that all people should have the right to marry, and I have always supported marriage equality for the LGBT community, but I felt this legislation was flawed." From the outset of the meeting, anger towards Block was evident. Tom DiCioccio, former vice president of the San Diego Democratic Club, stood in front of the Beer’s Center wearing a duck costume and holding up a sign which read "Marty Block ducks gay equality votes." Inside, several members of the audience used terms such as "betrayal" and "disappointment" for what they considered Block’s lack of leadership in avoiding a vote on the resolution. In an open letter to Block, SDDC president Larry Baza called Block’s unwillingness to vote "an inexcusable dereliction of your duty to serve your LGBT constituents." Baza added that Block’s decision to avoid voting on "this basic civil rights issue, affirming LGBT equality and supporting the invalidation of Proposition 8" led him and the SDDC to question the group’s previous support of Block during his race against Chula Vista Republican City Councilman John McCann. "When you appeared at the San Diego Democratic Club’s endorsement meeting on September 27, 2007, you received a 100 percent score on our Club’s questionnaire and the endorsement of 78 percent of our membership," noted Baza in his letter. "Our Club not only provided you an important, early endorsement in your hard fought race, but we made your race a priority in both the primary and general elections. As you also know, you received the endorsement of Equality California (political action committee), which states that LGBT Californians should ‘vote with confidence’ and that EQCA endorses ‘only candidates who support the entire LGBT community 100 percent of the time.’," said Baza. Block brought 46th District Assemblyman John Perez to support him during the meeting with the SDDC. Perez, a co-author of HR-5 and one of four openly gay members of the Assembly, said the LGBT community needed to accept some of the blame for the passage of Proposition 8. "We in the LGBT community failed in our outreach – explaining to voters why they were voting the wrong way," said Perez. Perez, who represents a largely Latino population in Los Angeles, said economic problems often led to divisions among people and issues such as civil rights were more broadly supported during better economic times. He also offered the club his opinion on “coalition politics” noting the Democratic Party of California had many different constituencies. “The Democratic Party is not a myopic, litmus-test party and Democrats will never agree all the time,“ said Perez. “The core of coalition politics is not to vote the same way, but to recognize what we each need and see if we can be there for each other. Our goal can never be unanimity on all issues. We have to be concerned with economic as well as social issues and to simply try and keep the ball moving forward." Printer-friendly version
CRAFTING WITH MARY: ELEGANT EGGS
Printer-friendly versionBy Mary Genser April 1, 2009 (La Mesa)—These elegant eggs are beautiful enough to display year-round. They can be displayed throughout the home or given as treasured gifts. Start with wooden eggs that can be purchased at craft stores. Start by painting the eggs. Next, apply beads and gems, using a hot glue gun to apply. If you wish, you can next add glitter, carefully applying hot glue around the beads and jewels. Pour on glitter a segment at a time, pressing glitter firmly after glue cools slightly. Wait about an hour, then shake to remove excess glitter—and enjoy your custom creations. Eggs can be displayed on candleholders or atop any small glass or metal container turned upside down. Supplies needed: Wooden eggs Beads Jewels Acrylic Paints—any colors Glitter Glue gun …and lots of patience! Mary Genser has been doing arts and crafts for 38 years. She paints on canvas, metal, pottery, stones, wood, stone, and glass, also creating other craft items in a variety of mediums. She has buyers for her artwork in 45 states and eight countries. Printer-friendly version
WILL POWER REPORT: A FISH STORY
Printer-friendly versionNothing but the Truth! By Will Power April 7, 2009 San Diego)–A tragic event happened on a Southern California fishing boat this week. A deckhand, hoping to amuse some children on an “Educational” Fishing Trip, stuck a live fish in his mouth. The fish logged in the man’s windpipe and he was suffocated. But it is the fish, not the people in danger. Overfishing and pollution have caused some species of fish to disappear, while others can no longer legally be caught. There has been no ocean fishing for salmon of any type in California the last couple of years. The disastrous fish kill on the Klamath river drove salmon numbers so low that there is no longer a legal fishing season for salmon in the ocean. Even pelagic species like yellowfin tuna are in danger, as Japanese and Mexican purse seiners and long liners decimate tuna, sharks, swordfish, and dorado populations. International fisheries Agreements are regularly broken by outlaw fishermen who change flags and ship registrations more often than their underwear. The pirates fish on the borders of international boundaries, then run for the open ocean when they are challenged, which isn’t often. Many navies simply cannot catch the pirate fishermen, who have faster boats and better radar. Many nations like Japan and China have subsidized their fisheries and encouraged them in aggressive and often illegal fishing. But modern nations like Canada and the US still can’t reach agreement on the scope and scale of the salmon fishery. We know less about the oceans than we do about the moon. Tinkering with mother nature in the past has caused many species to disappear. More careful management and international cooperation is needed if we don’t choke on our own Dead fish. Once a species likeATlantic cod is gone, it is gone forever. Will Power is a retired teacher who holds a masters degree in creative writing. Printer-friendly version
WILL POWER REPORT: A SKUNK IN A SACK!
Printer-friendly versionNothing But the Truth! By Will Power March 24, 2009 (San Diego–If the US Government has learned anything from the botched bail-out, it should be not to trust the bankers to clean up their old messes. Now comes the real can of worms. Somebody is going to have to take the putrid can of bad loans created by Wall Street, dump it out and sort it out with rubber gloves. Then the plan is to try to get banks to buy up these toxic debts and investments. You can bet the Megabanks that got bailouts won’t touch these assets with a 20 foot pole. After all, they just conned the US Taxpayer in the biggest shell game in history. But will other banks line up to buy these stinkers? At least with a pig in a poke you can get some bacon. These assets are more like a skunk in a sack. Small banks who buy up these toxic assets run the risk of either becoming insolvent or suffering a liquidity crisis. And if the government assigns these toxic assets to smaller banks it could create a situation whereby the small banks would have to be rescued by the Megabanks. Big fish eat little fish. It’s bad for the system. It might be better for the Government to set up a fund similar to the Resolution Trust Fund that handled the Savings and Loan debacle. The Megabanks could be forced to lift some of the weight so smaller banks don’t get crushed with toxic assets. Certainly if Washington allows Wall Street to direct the future of the toxic assets, we will see more graft, corruption, influence-peddling and tax avoidance strategies which will help neither the Government nor the consumers. This is the last chance for Obama to get it right! It might be safer to shoot the skunk, and deep-six the sack. Let Obama issue a Presidential Directive declaring a debt Jubilee for individual consumers and homeowners by banning foreclosures. Let Bankruptcy Courts sort out the rest. Will Power is a retired teacher who holds a masters degree in creative writing. Printer-friendly version
EDIITORIAL: SDGE’S PROPOSAL TO SHUT-OFF POWER DURING TIMES OF SEVERE, FIRE-PRONE WEATHER RAISED IRE OF HUNDREDS OF BACKCOUNTRY RESIDENTS AT CPUC HEARING
Printer-friendly versionBy George Barnett April 8, 2009 (Alpine)—Over 300 people attended a California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hearing in Alpine tonight on SDG&E’s proposal to shut off power during fire-prone weather conditions. People turned out from El Cajon to In-ko-pah in the desert and the mountain community of Julian; with a smattering from areas unaffected by the proposal, such as Chula Vista. The backdrop to the hearing was the anti-Sunrise PowerLink rally attended by over 600 people in Alpine the night before at which Supervisor Dianne Jacob said of the transmission line’s proponents, “Follow the money!” Forty-one persons signed-up to speak at the CPUC hearing. About eight were elected persons of various agencies and planning groups. Supervisor Jacob was the only senior elected politician to attend the CPUC hearing and the anti-SRPL rally the night before. Speakers were against the proposal by 9:1. Those in support included a person from the Chula Vista chamber, a representative of an organization claiming to represent restaurants across the county, and surprisingly Augie Ghio, Chief, San Miguel Fire Protection. Just one supporter was from the backcountry. Overwhelmingly people were against the idea, urging instead that SDGE upgrade, harden and maintain its facilities so they didn’t “fall down” or “arc” in Sana Ana winds and cause fires. Fire Chief Ghio said shutting down power was a good idea because any proposal to stop wildfires before they started had to be good. Ghio made no observations as to the unintended disastrous consequences of such action. In his report to the fire district board on March 12th, Ghio recorded the next step in securing funding for the district’s proposed “multi-million dollar” fire training facility as, “Next step present packet to Sempra Energy”. The district currently is a member agency in the Heartland Fire Training Facility with the El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee and Lakeside fire districts. On the other side, a Padre Dam spokesperson said it wouldn’t be able to deliver water to firefighters without electricity – something a couple of other fire people pointed out. Many folks from remote backcountry areas, where there are no water agencies and where pumped well water is stored, spoke as though they intended to “shelter-in-place”–stay and fight fires on their property (having previously taken the prudent prevention/clearing measures). Several pointed out that without electricity it would be impossible to use stored well-water (10,000 gallons to a new county policy) to wet down buildings and ground, and to actually put out fires. Plus their stored water would also not be available to the rural fire districts if the power was shutdown. Neville Connell, who heads the Greater Alpine Fire Safe Council, presented some statistics garnered in part from Cleveland National Forest indicating there have been 600 fires the past five years, of which 150 were started by SDGE facilities, 50 by lightning, and hundreds more by other means. The point was that SDGE facility problems seemed responsible for 25% of all fires. That’s quite bad enough, and ought to be fixed. But while turning-off the electricity during periods of high fire alert might preclude an SDGE caused fire, it would also preclude fire-fighting in the Backcountry on fires started by the majority/multitude of other sources. Shutting down power posed much greater risk than the risk mitigation SDGE seeks. All the other comments about the unintended disastrous consequences of shutting-off power were reiterated again and again (health issues of the ill and infirmed, no communications, etc.). Supervisor Jacob spoke forcefully against the idea, and objected to CPUC making this a separate matter to the Sunrise PowerLink project – saying it’s all intertwined. As other higher-up elected politicians were all missing in action, the floor was left to planning group members like me. I spoke on the basis of personal experience that there’s no reason for SDGE facilities to be causing fires. “Turning-off the juice” during an inclement weather condition that’s entirely normal for the area was to consider a performance level below that of third world countries. If it is true that SDGE facilities have caused 167 fires in the past five or so years, there may well be something seriously wrong in terms of design, operation and maintenance–matters that need correction. In the end, it seemed the vast majority of attendees left with the impression that something is wrong with SDGE’s facilities, and that SDGE is seeking a way out from under future liabilities for fires caused by them. George Barnett is an elected member of the Alpine Planning Group. He is also President of the Back Country Land Trust. The trust owns 750 acres of pristine land in the Potrero/Hauser area of Las Californias in process of donation to the People of the United States. The SRPL transmission line route crosses the property posing considerable, unmitigated environmental damage. BCLT is against the SRPL project in its entirety and is a member of the “Smart Energy Solutions for San Diego” campaign coordinated by the Sierra Club. This editorial reflects the views of its author and does not necessarily reflect the views of East County Magazine. If you wish to submit an editorial for consideration, contact editor@eastcountymagazine.org. Printer-friendly version
FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER IS A MODEL OF SUCCESS FOR HEARTLAND LIONS CLUB
Printer-friendly versionBy Miriam Raftery Models Emily Withers-Roberts, Penny Shidner, Judy Godde, and Monica Zech March 28, 2009 (El Cajon)—Local celebrities including former TV and radio broadcaster Monica Zech strutted their stuff as runway models in the 21st annual Touch of Spring Fashion Show and Silent Auction to benefit the Heartland Lions Club. Held at the Elks Lodge in El Cajon, the event included a champagne luncheon, silent auction and drawing for prizes. Over 176 people attend this year’s show, which raises funds for the many local charities supported by the Lions. Lest you think the Lions Club is an all-male bastion, the ladies clearly ruled the day on this festive occasion. “The community was so generous,” said Rae Swiech, president of the Heartland Lions, adding that nearly everyone would go home with a prize. “Everything was done by volunteers. We all do things together as a team.” Pianist Carrie Baker, who formerly performed with comedian Redd Foxx, provided musical accompaniment. Red Hauge Goddesses La Mesa Chamber of Commerce President Mary England bids on a doll. Attendees included the Red Hauge Goddesses, a group of local women resplendent in purple garb and red hats. President Rae Swiech and volunteers display auction and drawing prizes Mina Raffo, an Iraqi immigrant, receives scholarship check Scholarships were awarded to five local students, including Mina Raffo of Granite Hills The Heartland Lions chapter formed in 1990, when its charter was converted from a Lioness Club. Funds raised by Heartland Lions support community service projects including sight and hearing impaired, Greenfield Middle School music department, Bostonia Elementary School student achievement awards, City of Hope, KPBS radio reading service, the San Diego Service Center for the Blind, scholarships for local students, and most recently, East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
HELIX SPEECH TEAM NAMED LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Printer-friendly version March 20, 2009 (La Mesa)—Helix Charter High School’s speech team has won the League Championship in a three-day tournament, earning its fourth League title in the past six years. Nineteen Helix students have qualified to compete at the California High School Speech Association State Tournament in Culver City at the end of April. Nate Howard, a third-year speaker and senior at Helix, won two individual awards: the Joe Lagnese trophy, which is given to the competitor who amasses the most individual points over the three weekends of the tournament, and the Speaker of the Year award, which is presented to the speech competitor who earns the most points over the entire season based on participation and points earned at League tournaments. Sophomore and second-year speaker Nick Nguyen took third place in the competition for the Joe Lagnese award. “We are in need of help with funding for this trip,” said speech and drama teacher Gregg Osborn, Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Helix. “Any donations would be welcomed.” The team regained its championship from La Costa Canyon High School. “Many of these speakers have had a hand in two of those championships,” Osborn noted. “Our league encompasses all of San Diego and Imperial counties, so what these students have done is impressive.” Complete results are as follows: 1st in DI: Julie Brown 1st in Duo: Taylor Chertkov & Maya Miesner 1st in Expos: Daniela Brady 1st in HI: Nick Nguyen 1st in OO: Elijah Sims 1st in OPP: Nate Howard 1st in TI: Nate Howard 2nd in HI: Stephanie Wilborn 2nd in OI: Nate Howard 2nd in OPP: Nick Nguyen 3rd in DI: Maya Miesner 3rd in Expos: Aubrey Asimos 3rd in OI: Maddie Rehm 3rd in OO: Nate Howard 3rd in TI: Sara Remmes 4th in OPP: Julie Brown 4th in TI: Elijah Sims 5th in DI: Elijah Sims 5th in Duo: Daniela Brady and Sara Remmes 5th in Expos: Sara Remmes 5th in OA: Maya Miesner 5th in OPP: Dominique Robinson 5th in TI: Maddie Rehm 6th in DI: Allizon Marez 6th in Duo: Aubrey Asimos & Channelle McNutt 6th in OA: Ashleigh Anderson 6th in OI: Channelle McNutt 6th in TI: Julie Brown 7th in DI: Taylor Chertkov 7th in HI: Dominique Robinson 7th in OA: Nick Nguyen 7th in TI: Aubrey Asimos Semifinalist in DI: Ashleigh Anderson Semifinalist in DI: Andrew Milholland Semifinalist in Duo: Sara Aslagson-Sahar & Shayla Gavin-Futas Semifinalist in Duo: Ashley Soto-Gonzalez & Jamie Trevino Semifinalist in Expos: Alexis Aceves Semifinalist in Expos: Tawsha Bonifaz Semifinalist in Expos: Jamie Trevino Semifinalist in HI: Ashleigh Anderson Semifinalist in HI: Tawsha Bonifaz Semifinalist in HI: Delaney Branger Semifinalist in HI: Alex Mousavi Semifinalist in HI: Ashley Soto-Gonzalez Semifinalist in OA: Ashley Beamer Semifinalist in OA: Maddie Rehm Semifinalist in OI: Daniela Brady Semifinalist in OI: Gabriel Garcia Semifinalist in OI: Shayla Gavin-Futas Semifinalist in OO: Taylor Chertkov Semifinalist in OO: Allizon Marez Semifinalist in OO: Dominique Robinson Semifinalist in OPP: Gabriel Garcia Semifinalist in OPP: Allizon Marez Semifinalist in OPP: Evan Stromer Semifinalist in TI: Ashley Beamer Semifinalist in TI: Evan Stromer Semifinalist in TI: Stephanie Wilborn Printer-friendly version
O’DUNN FINE ART GALLERY OPENS IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Rachel Ford Hutman Photo by Tim Thomas Pastelist Molly Lipsher, oil painter Jack Jordan, Paul Henricksen, La Mesa Chamber CEO Mary England, gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn, Mayor Art Madrid, Miss La Mesa Stephanie Packard, and Miss La Mesa Teen Katrina Schweitzer. March 29, 2009 (La Mesa)—Art aficionados flocked to the grand opening of O’Dunn Fine Art Gallery Thursday evening in La Mesa’s downtown village. The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce co-hosted the event with gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn, an artist and former dean of Fine Arts at Grossmont College. The modern gallery houses over 35 pieces of fine art by sixteen different artists, including the owner. Over 100 people stopped by the Gallery opening for a night of art, champagne and congratulations. When asked how she felt about the gallery’s opening, O’Dunn replied that she is delighted. “O’Dunn Fine Art is a good fit with the renaissance of the village that is taking place, and I am working with other merchants to promote downtown La Mesa and its myriad attractions,” she said. Gallery owner Shannon O’Dunn; photo by Rachel Ford Hutman Artist Jack Jordan with his paintings Village business owners couldn’t agree more. Amy McNamara, owner of Tres Fabu, said, “There is nothing like this! This gives residents a higher scale that La Mesa needed.” She added that the new gallery gives locals a reason to stay in town, instead of heading to La Jolla or downtown San Diego. Sara Marzec of Sara’s Selections Boutique was also pleased with the new addition: “This is just what we needed,” she concluded. “It will bring in a different crowd.” Prominent artists on display include pastelist Molly Lipsher and oil painter Jack Jordan. Prices in the gallery range from $300 to $2,000. All works are originals except for one print, and the gallery is also interested in buying paintings. “People need to find out that O’Dunn Fine Art is here, look at the paintings, look at their home for opportunities to hang a particular piece, and then come back to purchase,:” said O’Dunn. “This is a process over time rather than impulse buying, although I am of course hoping for some of that too!” Molly Lipsher, a landscape artist, recalled how she and O’Dunn met. Lipsher was at an expensive charity benefit and her friends didn’t show. Deflated, she headed home and met Shannon O’Dunn at the bus stop. They started talking and it was “serendipity.” Miss LA Mesa and Miss Teen La Mesa. Lipsher has on display a variety of work covering the mountains, desert, and sea. “I don’t know what is missing…maybe the arctic,” she quipped. Another well-known local artist on display is Jack Jordan. Mr. Jordan is a landscape, seascape and oortrait painter. He studied at the Coronado School of Art and at the Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. Laura Duggan has lived in La Mesa since 1975 and she thinks “the gallery is great in the village.” A fellow San Diego resident for 81 years, Gerry Waltters, agrees. “The gallery is wonderful for the community,” she noted. “Shannon used her expertise to create a charming venue.” Many local residents were also heard commenting how “refreshing” the gallery was, and how there was so much “great art” to see. O’Dunn Fine Art Gallery is located at 8342 La Mesa Blvd. For more information, call 619-251-8074. Printer-friendly version