The California Department of Real Estate Commissioner, Jeff Davi, presented a speech to members of the Merced community at UC Merced only a few short hours ago.  He was introduced by the President of the Merced County Association of Realtors, Scott Oliver, who briefly talked about the local market.  Davi brought greetings from the Governor and congratulated the community on the newly built UC Merced.  He then compared the slow growth to that of CSU Monterey in his hometown.  Davi went on to describe the responsibilities of the Dept. of Real Estate (DRE) and how it is funded.  The DRE is a special fund department taking no money from California's general fund.  The Commissioner presented a slide show of charts and graphs covering both the market and other tidbits.  He applauded the Distr... 05/24/2007

The American Cancer Society hosted Merced's 9th Annual Relay for Life at the Merced College Stadium on Saturday April 28, 2007.  The relay kicked off with the Opening Ceremony and the Survivors Lap, a lap belonging to cancer survivors.  Ellie Wooten, Merced's Mayor and a cancer survivor, participated in the event helping lead the Survivors Lap.  Various activities were planned throughout the day to keep non-walking members of teams and the public occupied.  These activities were designed to educate and bring awareness about cancer.  Meals were provided by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, and the Merced City Firefighters Union Local 1479.  At the completion of the relay it was announced to participants they had raised $177,000 to support the Americ... 05/01/2007

 What does Merrill Lynch (buyer of First Franklin and First Republic) expect rates to do? They expect inflation to eventually moderate which will give the Fed the room to cut rates and lower the Fed Funds rate to 4.25% (now at 5.25%) by the end of the year, helping ARM prices. Practically everyone else involved in bond and mortgage markets, however, believe that expectations for an interest rate decrease faded last week and that there is a slim chance of a Fed easing by year-end. Most expect a 25 basis point decrease in January 2008. 04/26/2007

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an overnight event raising awareness and funds in communities across the nation.  The funds raised by these events are used for cancer research, education, advocacy, and services.  Because cancer will touch all of our lives at some point this event is very much a family event.  The Merced Relay for Life will begin at 9:00 am on April 28, 2007 at the Merced College.  From 10:00 to 3:00 pm there will be a kids camp where they can participate in various activites.  The team participating in the event will have at least one member walking around the track for 24 hours.  Many teams will have members camping out in tents throughout the night.  Everyone is encouraged to join this event.  Even if you are not a member of a team and would like to stop... 03/22/2007