Chino Hills residents, the holiday season is upon us. Please remember as you are out and about picking out those great gifts that if you shop Chino Hills you also help our community.  When you shop in Chino Hills 1% of the 7.75% sales tax you pay is returned directly to the city's general fund to support City services. This adds up when we all pull together. We have lots of great shopping, so spend your dollars here first. 11/10/2007

Local stats from the MRMLS show that for the month of October, twenty single family homes were closed sales. 80% sold for under the list price. Two condos/townhomes sold and both were sold for under the list price.As of November 10, 2007, there are currently 382 single family homes on the active market and 45 townhmes/condos on the active market. I'll keep you posted on what sells this month and how many active properties remain on the market. If you or someone you know is looking to buy in Chino Hills, there is a plethora of great available properties. 11/10/2007

The City of Chino Hills has an "Adopt-A-Family" Program that assists families that have financial hardships that may prevent them from providing basic necessities and/or gifts for their families at Christmas. Families who qualify will be "adopted" by a local business, community group, or residents who will provide items for the family at Christmas. To apply each applicant must make an appointment to complete their paperwork at the Recreation Division located at 2001 Grand Ave. All meetings are confidential. For more information contact the City of Chino Hills at (909) 364-2700. 11/10/2007

The annual food and gift giveaway for local families in need will be underway soon for Thanksgiving and Christmas. In addition to donated food, Caring For the Hills also hopes to receive items for children and teens. Gift certificates and gift cards to local restaurants and vendors would be very much appreciated for our local teens. For more information on how to make your donation to this cause please contact Judy Rodgers at Caring For the Hills at (909) 597-1454. 11/10/2007

September  2007 Comparison to September 2006September Average Price            Average Price TrendSeptember 07 # Sold                        2007                   200625                         $531,299             $594,462         -10.6%San Bernardino County Homes for Sale Monthly Totals:September 07 # Sold                     2007                      20061376                   $335,042                $348,553        -3.9%Closed Residential Resale Transactions As Reported By Dataquick Information Services. I post this information monthly so you can keep up with trends in a few select cities in San Bernardino County. I always post the cities of Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Fontana and Rancho Cucmonga as a comparison with the specific city as well. Brought to you by: Doug Beaver Corona... 11/06/2007

Country Springs Elementary School has earned a place on the 2007 list of Blue Ribbon Schools on the US Department of Education's No Child Left Behind program and the only school to be chosen in all of San Bernardino County! The principal of the school, Michael Harrell attributes the high performance of students scores to teaching children according to their different intellengences. The Theory of Multiple Intellengences instructs children according to their learning preferences. Children learn best in a variety of ways and preferences including visual, audio or bodily kinesthetic approaches. Children are made aware of their individual learning style by the administration of an annual survey. The children are also taught using tonation and musical beat as memory aids. Congratulations Cou... 11/04/2007

          Chino Hills Neighborhood Network Program Community Meeting-Tuesday, Oct. 30,2007According to Christine Kelly, Community Development Director at the City of Chino Hills, commercial developments are on the rise in Chino Hills, CA.  There are a multitude of reasons behind the increase in commercial interests in our faire city. First and foremost, Chino Hills' strong demographics and its location at the convergence of Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties make it attractive to commercial developers. With a growing population of 77,969, the City's high median household income of $86,443 (in 2002) is second only to the exclusive community of Indian Wells in the Inland Empire. Prominent retailers, like Trader Joe's, are choosing to locate in Chino Hills based up... 11/03/2007

Water rates could go up as much as 5.8% effective April 2008 for a typical single family residence with a standard 5/8 inch meter. This means residents will pay approximately $0.64 on a typical monthly bill and a sewer rate increase of $1.87. Chino Hills residents will "vote by mail" on whether to approve the series of rate increases that will span over five years. 10/27/2007

Are you curious about what's going on with development in Chino Hills?Community Development meeting on Monday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m.Learn More About Development Projects in Chino Hillsand taking the 20-gallon challenge at a Neighborhood Network Community Meeting - October 29th  Residents are invited to learn more about current and future development projects at the Neighborhood Network Fall Community Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 29th at the McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center, 14280 Peyton Drive. Christine Kelly, Community Development Director, and Zai Abu Bakar, Assistant Community Development Director, will update residents regarding development trends and projects in Chino Hills.   Staff from the Public Facilities & Operations Department will also challenge residents ... 10/25/2007

This is the typical sellers lament today. But how do we fix this? Our goal as Real Estate Professionals is to help the average seller reach their ultimate goal. This usually begins with successfully selling the sellers current home. The housing slump is ever-present, so here is what we can do to work together: 1. Price it Right- As your preferred Real Estate Consultant, I am always watching the market for indicators as to what TOP DOLLAR is for your home today. But remember, the TOP DOLLAR of today may vary quite drastically form the top dollar of tomorrow. If your home is not receiving showings, it is priced too high. If it is showing and not receiving offers then there is something about the home that must be addressed. A price that is too high puts off buyers and thus the home will s... 10/20/2007

Maintaining low interest rates for an extended period means speculation AND risk-taking. The option adjustable rate mortgage and interest only mortgages were fairly new creations offered to sub-prime borrowers in high volumes. Additionally, we are just now beginning to see how these mortgages  perform in periods of economic stress.  The low introductory rates made homeownership more affordable thus adjustable rate mortgages increased. The premise was to refinance BEFORE the interest rates reset within two to five years. The PROBLEM? the market softened (whoops) and it has become difficult to refinance. The RESULT? Foreclosures.                                                 10/20/2007

Community Clean Up Campaign set for Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 noonDumpsters will be located at Westmont Elementary, 1780 West Ninth Street (parking lot) and WinCo Parking lot, 90 Rio Rancho Road in the Pomona Ranch Plaza. Items accepted are old couches, water heaters, stoves, washers, dryers, televisions, computers, monitors, and other bulky household items. You may recycle used motor oil and oil filters at WinCo Parking lot, 90 Rio Rancho Road:Place contaminated oil in a closed, clean plastic container-no bleach bottles.Do not mix with any other chemicalsBring up to 5 gallons in container and 5 filters per person. For more information contact Burrtec Wate Industries (909) 620-1353 10/20/2007

The state Department of Finance has been doing some research recently. They have predicted that by the year 2050 Riverside county will have a population of 4.7 million and rank second in California behind Los Angeles County. The current population in Riverside county is just over 2 million, this means that Riverside county projected growth is double what the population currently is. The forecast for San Bernardino county is that by the year 2050, the population will reach 3.6 million, up from its current 2 million in population.  Additionally, it is also projected that California's population will reach 60 million. Wow!    10/16/2007

What is exempt from permits?     § One-story detached accessory building used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15m2)§ Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high.§ Oil derricks.§ Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) high.§ Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding flammable liquids.§ Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.§ Platforms, walkways and driveways not more than 30 inces (762 mm) above grade and not ove... 10/16/2007

  When is a permit required?The best way to determine if a proposed project requires a permit is to contact the Building and Safety Department at (909) 364-2780.A permit is generally required for any new building, addition, alteration, repair or change in use of an existing building or structure and site improvements. Examples of residential items that require permits:§ Water heater replacement§ Re-Roof§ Interior remodels§ Window replacements§ Patio covers§ Second Story Decks§ Balconies Examples of commercial items that require permits:§ Moveable cases more than 6' in height§ Shelving units/gondolas more thatn 6' in height§ Additions of walls§ Removal of bearing walls or non-bearing demising walls between two or more spaces§ Changes made to the electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems... 10/16/2007

SEEKING QUALIFIED FAMILIESThis year marks the 3rd holiday season where Chino Hills families who may need somehelp to provide presents, food, and clothing for their families during the holiday season canapply to participate in the Adopt-A-Family program. Qualified families will be "adopted" bylocal businesses, community groups, and Chino Hills residents who will donate items for thefamily. Families who have questions about income requirements and the interview processare encouraged to call Christine Martinez, at (909) 364-2702 for additional information.Spanish speaking callers may contact Albert Cardenas at (909) 548-4942. Residents,businesses, and local community groups provided overwhelming support in 2005 when theprogram was launched. 10/16/2007

Although your home falling into foreclosure will leave a negative mark on your credit report there are steps that you can take to get your credit back on track: 1. Rebuild Good Credit- Six months after the foreclosure appears on your credit report, begin rebuilding your credit by opening new lines of credit such as major credit card and a charge ctard. Remember to pay the bills on time. 2. Take Your Time- Do not apply for a new mortgage for two years so that you will have significant time for your rebuilt credit history to show. 3. Comparison Shop for A Mortgage These are just a few ways to pick up the pieces and rebuild your credit after foreclosure. 10/11/2007

Come out and join the FREE fun at the Fall Festival. Fun for kids of all ages. Saturday, October 27th from 12-3 p.m. Chino Hills Marketplace - 4200 Chino Hills Parkway, Chino Hills, CAFree Attractions will include:store to store safe trick or treating,Costume contest,Pony Rides,Petting Zoo,Giant Slide, Face Painting and Balloon Artist, Caricature Artist. You won't want to miss this! 10/06/2007

 Members of the Armed Forces who are Chino Hills residents (or an immediate family member of a Chino Hills resident: wife/husband, son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter) may be honored with a Military Recognition Banner.The cost of each banner is $210.  There is a limit of one per service person. The military banners will be on display continuously along Grand Avenue. The banners will be installed by the City and removed when the banner is damaged or the service person is no longer in the military. The City will not be responsible for replacing banners that are stolen, damaged or destroyed due to sun, weather, age, vandalism or any act of nature beyond our control such as high winds. Timing of the banner installation and removal will be at the City's discretion.How Can I Order a Banner?U... 10/06/2007

Country Springs Elementary has been named a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This distinction makes it one of the top schools in the nation. It is the only school in the San Bernardino County to earn the distinction and one of just 24 in California. Country Springs has shown consistent improvement inand high achievement over a five year span. It has had the highest Academic Performance Index (API) in both the school district and the county since 1998. The schools API for 2006-2007 was 923. Although this is the school district first Blue Ribbon school, it has had several schools honored by the State as California Distinguished Schools. They are: Briggs Fundamental, Eagle Canyon, Country Springs, Hidden Trails, Townsend Junior High, Marshall and Butterfield Ranch. 10/06/2007