I was driving out to Brentwood California to teach a social media class, and saw this as I was driving...  So I grabbed my camera and snapped a quick picture. Love it!  (I tried to post yesteray, but user-error) LOL! The Barn is located in Vasco Road (between Livermore and Brentwood).  When you are headed to Brentwood, it is on the left hand side.  It seems that flags are taken town everwhere on state roads, so this is on private property, so we get to see it! Great job, to whomever is teh owner and painted it! :) 07/29/2010

Brentwood's Liberty Lions need your support. Yes it is that time of year for high school fundraisers and no doubt you will be getting hit up for a lot of them.  However, I am going to share a really good one with you that will actually save you money and is for a good cause. As you know the budget crunch has hit east Contra Costa County High School sports hard.  Many local business are also getting hit hard.  For supporting high school sports many local, regional and national companies will provide you with discounts. The coupons and discount cards only cost $20.00, but you can get significant savings and coupons for free items at many local restaurants, movie theaters around the country, theme parks, national stores, Las Vegas Vacations, Disney World and more. Just to satisfy the Feder... 07/28/2010

It has been said, "Dad is a lot smarter now that I am 30 than when I was 15."  We all know that it was not dad that got smarter.  Here is a list of five things kids should understand about life. Education might make you smarter about some things, but it is no substitute for experience and will not make you wiser. Poverty does not cause crime, but crime will cause poverty. Things will not go as you plan in life - Plan on it! You can spend a life time earning a Good Reputation, but blow it all in five minutes. Stop whining about what you do not have to do what you want.  Figure out what you can do with what you have.  You will be surprised about how creative you can be and how little you really needed to begin with.  I am sure there are many others.  Just a few things that have been on my... 07/28/2010

Brentwood California Bank Owned Homes This Report looks at Brentwood California Bank Owned Homes by comparing the current active market in Single Family Bank Owned Homes to Bank Owned Homes sold in June and May. As of this report there are 46 Single Family Bank Owned Homes for sale in Brentwood California with an average asking price of $323,410.00 and a median price of $282,400.00. This is an average price per SF of $136.00 and these homes have been on the market an average of 42 days. In June 32 Bank Owned Homes sold in Brentwood California for an average price of $301,612.00 and a median price of $284,250.00. These homes sold for an average of $128.00 per SF and spent an average of 23 days on the market. In May 34 Bank Owned Homes sold in Brentwood California for an average price of ... 07/27/2010

Brentwood California Short Sales This report looks at Short Sales in Brentwood California by looking at the Active, Pending, and recent Short Sales of Single Family Homes in Brentwood California. Right now there are 74 Short Sale Homes on the market in Brentwood California with an average price of $318,513.00 and a median price of $325,000.00. These homes are priced at an average of $127.00 per SF and have been on the market for an average of 44 days. There are 236 Pending Short Sales with an average price of $304,791.00 and a median price of $299,000.00. This is an average price of $129.00 per SF and these homes have been on the market 28 days on average. In June 37 Short Sale Homes Sold in Brentwood California with an average price of $311,467.00 and a median price of $288,000.00. The... 07/23/2010

Back to School Already? Yes, in the Brentwood and Oakley School District of Contra Costa County in California, our kids will be going back to school on Monday, July 26th.  I have two children, one in elementary school and the other starting middle school this year.  Both attend a modified traditional school year and have never known what it is like to have three months off for summer vacation.  In my school district, our children have only seven weeks of summer vacation. Granted, the kids also also receive two weeks off in October, December and March.  And there are many minimum days scattered about throughout the school year.  Does anyone else remember when summer vacation would seem to last forever?  Hot days at the pool turned into warm summer evenings in the backyard.  Camping trip... 07/23/2010

Streets of Brentwood, California. If eating, shopping and great entertainment is something you enjoy, then The Streets of Brentwood has what you need this summer! The Streets of Brentwood not only offers shopping at over 20+ upscale stores, such as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, White House Black Market, but also has a great variety of restaurants to suit any palate. Choose from crisp salads, to delicious burgers, spicy Italian or try your hand at international cuisine such as Thai food! Not only can you shop and eat, but for the rest of July, you can have a picnic and listen to live bands at The Streets of Brentwood too. Every Friday evening from 5-9pm, through July 30th, The Streets of Brentwood will feature different artists from various types of music such as Blues, Jazz, Countr... 07/20/2010

This is a cheap post as I am simply going to link This Article in the American Spectator on the American Ruling Class and the disconnect many of us feel. Rush discussed this extensively on his show today.  Although a long article and not for the faint of heart is summarizes many of the issues we face and the challenge of bringing America back to the basis of the Constitution.    07/19/2010

Via The LA Times I discovered that the Brentwood home where Marilyn Monroe passed away has been listed For Sale at $3.6 Million. The property last sold for $925,000 in 1996 and had previously changed hands in 1986 for $850,000. The home at 12305 5th Helena Drive in Brentwood, CA 90049 is the only home the actress ever owned. She lived in the house for 6 months before her death. According to The MLS "the home is an authentic 1929 Hacienda situated behind tall gates at the end of a quiet cul de sac. The 2600 sq ft home has 4 Beds and 3 Baths and features traditional casement windows, polished concrete & terra cotta tile floors & original wood beamed ceilings". Monroe had purchased the home in 1962 for $90,000, and had been set to make mortgage payments at $320 a month. (Property Taxes on ... 07/14/2010

It has been an exciting month for soccer fans of all ages with the month long World Cup being played in South Africa. The tournament is only played once every four years and garners international media coverage. Fans of this tremendous sport, filled with talented athletes and flamboyant personalities span the globe. However in the far East County, we find a different level of soccer enthusiast, as players from the areas TOPSoccer league recently took to the pitch.   Some of the best advantages to living in the East Contra Costa County area are the programs available for kids and families.  As we move into the summer months the local pools are filled with joy and laughter from the many children that are out of school and enjoying the great California sunshine we have this time of year. ... 07/13/2010

Brentwood California Investment Properties Brentwood California Investment Properties are good opportunities for both Investors and home buyers. Investment Properties in Brentwood California offers some unique features, including: Low price Investment Properties. Brentwood California and East Contra Costa County has some of the best prices on quality housing in Contra Costa County. Brentwood is the nicest and most upscale community in East Contra Costa County.  Investment Properties should appreciate well in this well planned community. Brentwood has easy access to water sports such as boating and fishing. There are Park and Ride Centers close to Brentwood and there are plans to put eBart in.  Brentwood also provides a relatively easy commute to the employment centers in the Livermore V... 07/13/2010

I do not know the reporter involved nor do I wish to accuse anyone of intentional disregard for the truth.  What I saw may have been honest ignorance.  However, this is also an example of the constant bombardment of negative facts and news.  Today the paper reported a price drop in homes in the Contra Costa County area of about 3.5 to 4%.  This may or may not be true as a county as a whole, but it is certainly not true in East County where we have seen a steady increase in prices and have basically a sellers market. What is really disturbing to me is the source of these numbers.  The numbers are based on figures from the Assessors office.  The problem is the Assessors numbers are not based directly on sales.  The Assessors numbers are based on the Tax Assessment of the property.  The As... 07/12/2010

Brentwood Spring Football My son went to Spring Football as an 8th grader.  He primarily wanted to wrestle in high school, but went to spring football somewhat reluctantly.  However, after 2 days he told me he loves it. As an incoming Freshman he has been working out over the summer with the JV team and went to camp.  Unfortunately he hurt his foot and has spent a lot of time and the sidelines wearing a boot (Planter Faciaties).  He still goes and lifts weights, helps out, and does what he can.  He is back to the point he can wear his cliets and do some of the drills.  However, he is way behind. If they end up having freshman sports he may actually be ahead of the game as the freshman team has not started working out yet.  However, if freshman sports is canceled the best he might be abl... 07/11/2010

Brentwood California - A Fiscally Sound Community! There is one thing I want to clarify, this is not the Brentwood of OJ fame.  Brentwood of OJ fame is in the Hollywood area of Southern California and is unincorporated.  If you are reading this on Localism Active Rain still has pictures of SC Brentwood for us, but we are Northern California Brentwood. Northern California Brentwood is a quite community in East Contra Costa County (The San Francisco East Bay).  Many people move here for our fine affordable housing.  Equivalent housing in other nearby areas might cost 2 to 3 times as much, but we are still accessible to where people work. Brentwood is the premier community in East Contra Costa County.  Offering fine homes and amenities.  It is a great place to raise a family, retirees, or ... 07/09/2010

Homes for Sale in Brentwood California This report looks at Single Family Homes for Sale in Brentwood California and compares the current market of Homes for Sale to sales of Homes for Sale in May and June. Right now there are 192 Homes for Sale in Brentwood California, last month there were 194 Homes for Sale in Oakley California. The average price of the Homes for Sale is $474,767.00 and a median price of $363,950.00. The average asking price per SF is $200.00 and these Homes for Sale have been on the market an average of 66 days. However, 12 of the Homes for Sale in Brentwood California are priced over $1,000,000.00.  The value of these homes is often set by land or acreage and gives an unrealistic picture of the market.  There are 184 Homes for Sale priced under $1,000,000.00, last ... 07/09/2010

Homes for Sale in Oakley California This report looks at Single Family Homes for Sale in Oakley California and compares the current market of Homes for Sale to sales of Homes for Sale in May and June. Right now there are 149 Homes for Sale in Oakley California, last month there were 140 Homes for Sale in Oakley California. The average price of the Homes for Sale in $275,009.00 and a median price of $254,900.00. The average asking price per SF is $132.00 and these Homes for Sale have been on the market an average of 66 days. In June 60 Homes for Sale in Oakley California sold for an average price of $250,375.00 and a median price of $245,000.00. The average price per SF was $113.00 and the Homes for Sale were on the market for an average of 35 days. In May 74 Homes for Sale in Oakley Cal... 07/09/2010

June 2010: Number of Units Sold: 10 Average Days on the Market: 48 Median Price: $685,000 Average List Price: $722,000 Average Selling Price: $697,000 Lowest Price Condo Sold: $387,000 Highest Price Condo Sold: $1,185,000 Total Sold in Dollars: $6,972,000 Search The MLS - Stewart Penn - Realtor for homes, condos & lofts in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Century City, Westwood, Beverly Center, Miracle Mile, West Hollywood, Sunset Strip, Hollywood Hills, Hancock Park, Sherman Oaks, Studio City and throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Information obtained from The MLS is deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Photos courtesy of The MLS. 07/07/2010

Brentwood California Annual Corn Festival. I have lived in Brentwood for the last 12 years. Each year I look forward to the annual celebration of all that is CORN, a commodity for which Brentwood is known throughout the state!  If you have never tasted Brentwood corn, don't miss the opportunity!   This year's Brentwood Cornfest has been relocated one block west of the "traditional" location due to the construction of the new civic center. The Cornfest will be held in downtown Brentwood (on First Street and the surrounding streets).      There will be 300+ arts and crafts booths, live music, Farmers' Market, food vendors (get your corn here!), wineries and micro breweries - something for everyone!  Many of the local Brentwood businesses along First Street will remain open for business a... 07/06/2010

I was born on July 3, 1960 in Oklahoma City and I have had a lot of birthdays sense then - most unremarkable.  As I have gotten older I do not think much of birthdays, not because I am trying to avoid age, but because I just do not like to make a big deal out of it.  When my wife generally ask me what I want to do it is a small family activity.  Maybe a BBQ or her and I going to dinner.  As you might imagine often times at what ever 4th of July event I am at someone whips out a cake for my birthday.  My wife's birthday is July 4th and this even complicates the weekend a little more. However, this year is a milestone year.  At 50 I feel I have reached the half way point (and if statistics hold true I may have passed it.) and it is cause for reflection.  I have let my wife invite a number... 07/03/2010

Help Save Freshman Sports The Liberty Union High School District is the School District for the High Schools in Oakley and Brentwood.  It is a separate district from the elementary schools and middle schools. To balance the budget all Freshman High School sports have tenatively been cancelled.  The school distirct has given parents and boosters until 8/1/2010 to raise $48,000.00 to keep freshman sports for the 2010/2011 school year. The notice was very short.  I know there are a number of fundraisers going on including bowling nights at Brentwood Bowl.  I am willing to donate $300.00 per closed escrow for any buyer or seller mentioning this post to me.  However, I also realize that there may not be time to close the escrow and meet the deadline.  So here is what I will do.  If you donat... 07/01/2010