The 54th Annual Rolling Hills Estates City Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 9:oo a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Empty Saddle Club.  Palos Verdes homes owners will enjoy this old fashioned celebration with activities all day including equestrian events, hay wagon rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and many fun games and activities.  Some of the equestrian activities will include Gymkhana events, the Lomita Sheriff Posse Color Guard,  equine and dressage demonstrations and even a performance by the Junior Drill Team.  Please click here to read more about Rolling Hills Estates City Celebration... Photo courtesy of the City of Rolling Hills Estates 09/16/2011

Rolling Hills Estates 54th Annual Old-Fashioned City Celebration When:     Sunday, September 17, 2011Time:      9 am to 6 pm (see schedule of events)Where:    Empty Saddle Club, 39 Saddle Road, Rolling Hills Estates The City of Rolling Hills Estates is pleased to commemorate its 54th anniversary with an old-fashioned City Celebration on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at the Empty Saddle Club, located at 39 Empty Saddle Road.   Residents, friends, family, and neighbors are invited to join the day-long festivities, which will feature a barbecue dinner, a poker ride, equestrian events, haywagon rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and an assortment of fun games and activities, such as three-legged races, a hay jumping pit, and horseshoe matches.        A barbecue lunch will be served by the Pal... 09/15/2011

Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rolling Hills Estates and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA in August 2011. Norma Toering's neighborhood insider tip:  Peacocks crossing the road or roosting on a roof is a common sight in the Palos Verdes Dr. North neighborhood.  They are beautiful but noisy, and peacock droppings on decks and patios is a common complaint from residents who love the "color" they add to the neighborhood but not what they leave behind... Homes for sale: 18 Homes are listed for sale priced from $874,500 to $2,999,999. Pending sales: 12 Houses are in escrow in the PVDN area priced from $699,000 to $3,999,000. August sales: 4 Homes sold in August 2011: Address Sale Price Bed/Bath Sq. Feet. Lot Year Built Days Listed 4 Celeste Place $1,... 09/08/2011

On Friday, September 9, 2011, the 54th annual Portuguese Bend National Horse Show will be held at Ernie Howlett Park.  This  event offers three full days of a wide variety of special equestrian events.  Both riding rings will be scheduled with activities such as the $10,000 Seahorse Jumper Classic which challenges some of the West Coast’s finest Jumper riders over a difficult and exciting course. This show is the most popular three day event of its kind in the West, and is the site of the Pacific Coast Horse Show Medals Finals.  The Peninsula Committee Childrens’s Hospital presents this event to raise money to fund the Clinical Image Center at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.  Click here to read more about the Portuguese Bend Horse Show... Photo courtesy of the Portuguese Bend Nati... 09/06/2011

Before the former Palos Verdes Landfill was created, and before the construction of the Botanical Gardens and Ernie Howlett Park in Rolling Hills Estates,  the land under these areas was a large open pit mine. During the early 1900's the Dicalite Company began mining diatomaceous earth in the area now occupied by the South Coasrt Botanical Gardens off of Crenshaw Blvd, the former Palos Verdes Landfill site between Hawthorne and Crenshaw, and Ernie Howlett Park off of Hawthorne Blvd, , but at this time it was mostly surface mining. By 1929, open-pit mining was being pursued. In 1944 the mine was sold to the Great Lakes Carbon Company and mining began in earnest. By 1956, production of the mine declined and the site was sold to the County of Los Angeless, which then converted the site to ... 08/23/2011

Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rolling Hills Estates and PVP, CA in July 2011.   Homes for sale: 22 Homes are listed for sale in the PVDN area priced from  $699,999 to $2,999,999.     Pending sales: 9 Houses are in escrow priced from $699,000 to $3,999,000.       July sales: One home sold in July 2011: Address Sale Price Bed/Bath Sq. Feet. Lot Year Built Days Listed 13 Bridlewood Circle $1,550,000 4/4 4736 16800 1998 251 08/21/2011

Interest rates remain near historical lows. With the volatility in the stock market expected to continue, the flight to safety and bonds is expected to continue, keeping interest rates down The following are some excerpts from this week's newsletter on interest rates from HSH Associates : " Sales of existing homes faltered in July, easing to an annualized 4.67 million rate of sale. A 12.6% downturn in the western region was the culprit, and the overall figure was the weakest this year... but still 21% higher than a year ago. Reflective of the softer pace of sales, the supply of homes on the market expanded to 9.4 months. However, the new record lows for mortgage rates in August should prompt at least a few additional sales; borrowers in expensive California markets may have pushed off c... 08/20/2011

4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Rolling Hills Estates California 90274 features 4 Bedrooms and 6 Bathrooms with 5,662 Square fee and the lot size is 37,026.  The front of this 4 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School features expansive and private front yard and a 4 car garage.  This 4 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School has an very large backyard and also private.  4609 Palos Verdes Drive N is located in Rolling Hills Estate which is in the Palos Verdes Unified School District, the High School is Peninsula High School and the Elementary School is Rancho Vista Elementary School.  To view this 4 Bedroom For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School home please click the “Find Out More” link.   To schedule a private showing, or to get more information I... 08/16/2011

3 Bedroom Home For Sale In Rolling Hills Estates California 90274 features 3 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms with 1,890 Square feet and the lot size is 12,600.  The front of this 3 Bedroom Home For Sale near Dapplegray Elementary School features newly landscaped yard with a 2 car garage.  In the backyard of this 3 Bedroom Home For Sale near Dapplegray Elementary School features amazing views of the city and Harbor.  27740 Saddle Road is located in Larga Vista which is in the Palos Verdes Unified School District, the High School is PalosVerdes High School or Peninsula High School (option) and the Elementary School is Dapplegray Elementary School.  To view this 3 Bedroom Home For Sale near Dapplegray Elementary School home please click the “Find Out More” link.   To schedule a private showing, o... 08/16/2011

3 Bedroom Home For Sale In Rolling Hills Estates California 90274 features 3 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms with 2,300 Living Square feet and the lot size is 13,986.  The front of this 3 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School features extraordinary City Views.  In the backyard of this 3 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School with a 2 car garage and lots of privacy.  6 Palos Verdes Lane is located in Los Ranchos Verdes which is in the Palos Verdes Unified School District, the High School is Peninsula High School and the Elementary School is Rancho Vista Elementary School.  To view this 3 Bedroom For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School home please click the “Find Out More” link.   To schedule a private showing, or to get more information I am available... 08/16/2011

4 Bedroom Home For Sale In Rolling Hills Estates California 90274 features 4 Bedrooms and 4 Bathrooms with 4,382 Square feet and the lot size is 20,065.  The front of this 4 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School features beautiful landscape along a tree-lined, quiet street with a 3 car garage.  In the backyard of this 4 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School features a swimming pool and jacuzzi.  8 Pleasant Hill Drive is located in Rolling Hills Estates which is in the Palos Verdes Unified School District, the High School is Peninsula High School and the Elementary School is Rancho Vista Elementary School.  To view this 4 Bedroom Home For Sale near Rancho Vista Elementary School home please click the “Find Out More” link.   To schedule a private s... 08/16/2011

The Rolling Hills Estates Pepper Tree Foundation is pleased to present the 30th annual “The Hills Are Alive 10K/5K Run – 5K Walk,” which will take place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 8:00 am. Participants will enjoy running or walking on soft-packed bridle trails throughout scenic Rolling Hills Estates and the beautiful grounds of the South Coast Botanic Gardens. The race will start and finish at Ernie Howlett Park, 25851 Hawthorne Boulevard.   Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the 10K Run and 5K Run. Medals will also be handed out to the top three male and female finishers for both runs in each age division. Ernie Howlett ParkCity of Rolling Hills Estates25851 Hawthorne BoulevardRolling Hills Estates, CA USA For more info, see : http://www.ci.roll... 08/15/2011

The South Coast Botanical Garden is one of the best kept secrets of the South Bay and is a real hidden gem.  I have met many people who live in the South Bay who have never visited the Gardens. Its gardens include the Water-wise Garden, Herb Garden, English Rose Garden, and Garden of the Senses. A small lake and stream bed attract various birds The park consists of 87 acres of a former County landfill site and is located off of Crenshaw Blvd in the City of Rolling Hills Estates and is just north of Palos Verdes Drive north. The following is the history of the Botanical Gardens as publlished on the Botanical Gardens website: "Unique from the start, South Coast Botanic Garden is one of the world's first botanical gardens to be developed over a sanitary landfill. The Garden is a masterpiec... 08/13/2011

The Norris Theatre in Rolling Hills Estates is presenting a wonderful family friendly Disney musical over the next week or so.   Disney's Aladdin Jr. Fri,  August 5, 2011 - 7:30 pm Sat, August 6, 2011 - 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Sun, August 7, 2011 - 2:00 pm Thu, August 11, 2011 - 7:30 pm Fri, August 12. 2011 - 7:30 pm Sat, August 13, 2011 - 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Sun, August 14, 2011 - 2:00 pm Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, land of mystery, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! All of your favorite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences' spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning Alan Menke... 08/05/2011

Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Palos Verdes Peninsula and Rolling Hills Estates, CA in June 2011.     Active listings: 25 Homes are listed for sale in the PVDN area priced from $750,000 to $2,999,999. Pending sales: 7 Houses are in escrow priced from $699,000 to $3,999,000. June sales: 3 Homes sold in the Palos Verdes Dr. North neighborhood during June 2011: Address Sale Price Bed/Bath Sq. Feet. Lot Year Built Days Listed 27622 Saddle Rd. $810,000 4/2 1814 12600 1956 35 27601 Eastvale Rd $1,088,000 3/4 1962 31360 1957 30 27385 Eastvale Rd. $2,777,000 5/5 4949 22172 2000 320 Palos Verdes 2011 First Half Activity Palos Verdes Neighborhood Listings In Escrow Sold 2011 PV Drive North 22 7 20 07/24/2011

The Peninsula Center area of Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates (Area 175 in map below) had the following real estate market activity during the 2nd Quarter of 2011 : Properties Sold: 10 Address                   Sales Price  BR BA  Sq.ft. $/Sq.ft Yr.Blt. MLS#      Sold Date   Days on Mkt. 5234 Silver Arrow DR    $728,000 4 2.00 1,670 $435.93 1959 V11042731 5/20/11         40 27624 Fawnskin DR      $786,000 4 2.00 1,556 $505.14 1959 S11055110 6/14/11         11 27525 Halescorner RD  $845,000 3 3.00 1,899 $444.97 1959 V11001565 4/06/11           8 27413 Elmbridge DR     $980,000 5 3.00 2,450 $400.00 1965 S10092081 4/26/11         63 4719 Elkridge DR          $980,000 5 3.00 2,812 $348.51 1965 V11015938 4/19/11          61 28012 Beechgate DR $1,009,000 4 3.00 2,447 $412.34 1967... 07/11/2011

Palos Verdes real estate area 165 is the Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood is a somewhat equestrian oriented area where many homes maintain horse facilities.  There are also many equestrian centers located throughout the area.  Palos Verdes Drive North is located on the northern border of the Peninsula   This area has many lots that are 1/2 acre or more, which allows space for horse facilities.  The city of Rolling Hills Estates has many public  horse trails with tunnels under Hawthorne and Crenshaw Boulevards.  The city also has many miles of  bicycle paths.  The Palos Verdes Drive North area has a beautiful private golf course and clubhouse called the Rolling Hills Country Club which also is a popular wedding venue.  Click here to continue reading... Photo courtesy of the City of... 07/10/2011

The Palos Verdes Drive North area of the Palos Verdes Peninsula ( area 165 in map below )had the following real estate market activity for single family residences during the 2nd Quarter of 2011: Properties Sold: 14 Address                 Sales Price BR BA  Sq.ft.  $/Sq.ft Yr. Blt.  MLS #   Dale of Sale     Days on Market 27622 Saddle RD         $810,000 4 2.00 1,814 $446.53 1956 V11052190 6/10/11              35 27603 Saddle RD         $917,500 5 3.00 2,436 $376.64 1955 S11023256 5/04/11              62 4146 Rousseau Lane    $923,000 3 2.00 2,063 $447.41 1973 V11032016 4/08/11              26 27731 Eastvale RD       $942,700 3 3.00 2,223 $424.07 1964 S644885     4/02/11              49 27601 Eastvale RD     $1,088,000 3 4.00 1,962 $554.54 1957 H10126995 6/28/11             30 75 Bucks... 07/10/2011

  The South Coast Botanical Garden will be Hosting a Free Concert Today Featuring the Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band    When:  Sun, 6/19 4:30pm - 7:00pm Location:  Upper Event Meadow Picnic 4:30 pmConcert 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm $15 per person at the door Bring Dad for a picnic and concert for Father's Day!  Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band will again be performing on the Upper Meadow.  WRBB consists of a wide range of vocal and instrumental talents for your enjoyment. Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band's focus of performing "The Old Time Way" around a single microphone provides for added interest as they choreograph their movements to feature vocals and instruments.  The band plays favorite standards as well as original music.  Bring a picnic on the Upper Meadow along with a blanket and/or beach chair.  For m... 06/19/2011

Palos Verdes Drive North neighborhood real estate and home sales report for Rolling Hills Estates and the Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA in May 2011. Homes for sale: 22 Homes are listed for sale priced from $765,000 to $3,999,000. (Avg. List Price = $1,552,000) Pending sales: 4 Houses are in escrow in the PVDN area priced from $1,000,000 to $2,350,000. May sales: 7 Homes sold in May 2011: Address Sale Price Bed/Bath Sq. Feet. Lot Year Built Days Listed 27603 Saddle Rd $917,500 5/3 2436 13580 1955 62 75 Buckskin Ln $1,099,000 4/3 2062 18300 1957 256 62 Dapplegray Ln $1,150,000 2/1 1154 28810 1947 54 4015 Montaigne Way $1,160,000 5/3 3208 11330 1972 40 4103 Roessler Ct $1,230,000 4/3 2542 9990 1972 161 12 Saddlebow Lane $1,875,000 4/3 3106 43560 1955 35 26658 Westvale Rd $2,225,000 5/6 5744 1... 06/14/2011