The American Red Cross of Santa Monica has a number of volunteer positions open for persons who live and work in the community and who are interested in donating their time for a great cause and a premier, internationally recognized, disaster relief organization. The chapter is urgently looking to staff a number of positions -- front desk and telephone receptionists, blood services, computer and web design, public relations, class instructors, fundraising, working in disaster preparedness and assisting the chapter's youth program, one of the city's largest teen programs. "This is an excellent opportunity for persons of all ages, including senior citizens and retirees, to become involved with the community and the good work of the American Red Cross," said Tom Viscount, acting Director ... 09/11/2007

First-Time Homebuyers The California Housing Finance Agency understands how much you want to own your first home. We also realize how difficult that can be. That is why they offer below market interest rate first mortgage programs and a variety of down payment assistance programs to eligible first-time homebuyers, which can turn your dreams of homeownership into reality. If you’d like to contact a CalHFA Homeownership Representative for more information on our programs, call 877.9.CalHFA (877.922.5432). Find more homebuying information at the Consumer Home Mortgage Information Website. You can also attend the first of many Consumer Home Mortgage Town Halls throughout the state. Take these easy steps to see if you qualify to apply for a CalHFA loan through an approved lender. You can al... 09/08/2007

23rd Annual Coastal Cleanup Day Saturday, September 15th, 2007 time: 9 a.m. – 12 noon Now Recruiting for Volunteers! Sign up by visiting www.healthebay.org or call 1-800-HEAL-BAY or call the City of Santa Monica Volunteer Program at 310.458.2201x5286# For one of the 6 Beach Site Locations: Sites (lifeguard towers) Parking Lots* 1. Tower 4 (Marguerita) Lot 10 – 445 PCH 2. Tower 8 (Montana) Lot 8 – 810 PCH 3. Tower 1550 (Colorado) Lot 1550 – 1550 PCH 4. Tower 18 (Pico) Lot 4 S. – 2030 Barnard Way 5. Tower 22 (Pacific) Lot 4 S. – 2030 Barnard Way 6. Tower 27 (Hill) Lot 5 S. – 2600 Barnard Way * Free Parking: Show this flier and get free parking at the above parking lots only. Prepare: Wear a hat and comfortable clothing that protects against the sun’s rays. Bring drinking water and sunscre... 09/05/2007

One of the best in California, with many great dealers, antique furniture, chandeliers, textiles, vintage clothes, vintage & costume jewelry, rugs, prints,etc. Kids are free, friendly dogs are welcome, home-cooked food! Come and find that special antique you've been looking for! Date/Time: Sunday 9/2/2007 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Location: Santa Monica Municipal Airport (), On Airport Avenue, west of Bundy Drive Served by Big Blue Bus lines 8 and 14. On-site parking lot. Contact: Marketplace Productions, (323) 933-2511 Cost: $4 first Sunday; Seniors $3; Earlybirds $7 View Larger MapI love selling Santa Monica Real Estate because the City of Santa Monica offers numerous cultural activities, entertainment events, and enviromental programs. To preview Santa Monica's finest real estate, please v... 09/01/2007

Santa Monica is joining its sister water agencies across the southland to promote simple ways that each of us can contribute to statewide water conservation efforts in what is now California’s driest year on record. If everyone saved 20 gallons of water a day, the Southern California region would be protected against severe water shortages this summer. The “20 Gallon Challenge” asks every person to save this much water each day—at home and at work—by implementing simple strategies for both indoor and outdoor water use. Whether you’re a homeowner, apartment resident or a business owner, saving water is easier than you may think. Just a few changes in routine can make a big difference in your water usage. Many times, it can be as easy as fixing that nagging leak in the kitchen, or replac... 08/30/2007

I have thoroughly enjoyed the free summer concerts in the City of Santa Monica! The 23rd Annual Twilight Dances Series features great new artists and long-time favorites each Thursday evening, all summer long! July 26: "Tosh Meets Marley" with Fully Fullwood & Junior Marvin; August 2: Zydeco and Western Soul with Queen Ida & Her Zydeco Band and Hacienda Brothers; August 9: Spiritual Hip-Hop with Arrested Development and the Agape International Choir; August 16: An Evening with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Patti Smith; August 23: Americana with the Holmes Brothers and Carrie Rodriguez; August 30: An Evening with LA's Favorite Band--Los Lobos. Ride your bike! Free bike valet service now available! Los Lobos will be rocking the stage tomorrow, August 30th. Dont miss it, it's the last Twiligh... 08/29/2007

What better way to end this hot month of August with the coolest concert on the Westside. Today is the final "Concert on the Lawn" in Santa Monica. Maggie Palomo aka "Hot Salsa Mama" will be performing this evening. Date/Time: Today, August 26th @ 5pm Location: Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street Santa Monica, CA. View Larger Map Maggie Palomo spent the summer evenings of her youth listening to the sounds of Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. On August 26th she combines the Motown sound with that of her Cuban heritage to dominate the stage. This Santa Monica artist will wrap up the series with the hottest salsa tunes you’ve ever heard. Free parking is available after 4:00 pm at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium at 1855 Main Street and on the streets surrounding City Hall. And you ca... 08/26/2007

The Santa Monica Conservancy is offering a new docent-guided downtown walking tour traversing more than 130 years of history. In six blocks, including portions of the Santa Monica Promenade, tourgoers will experience the transformation of a Wild West frontier town into the sophisticated, hip urban area of today. Tours will be weekly on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Click here for more information. This is just one of the many reasons why I love selling Santa Monica Real Estate. There's always an event nearby to enjoy. Whether it's a party, family event, concert on the Pier, or Farmer's Market you will always be able to enjoy an event in the City of Santa Monica. To preview Santa Monica's finest properties, please visit my website. When you are ready to view the homes or have any questions, plea... 08/18/2007

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend their fun-filled food festival and find out why the 2007 Zagat Los Angeles/Southern California Guide voted Santa Monica as the best dining experience destination. Sample delicacies offered by up to 40 different restaurants , visit the separate wine garden, learn cooking techniques from hourly chef demonstrations, and enjoy live music by the beach. Date: September 16, 2007 Time: 12:00 - 4:00 pm Location: Santa Monica PierWest Parking Lot This is just another reason why Santa Monica Real Estate will always be extremely desired! To preview Santa Monica's finest properties, please visit my website. When you are ready to view the properties, please contact me. This year's festival will feature culinary masterpieces from: Abode Resta... 08/15/2007

Here are 10 features that can add value to your home.  I ran across an amazing article on Yahoo.  In today's market, most seller's are unrealistic as to their expectations! Read below for  the very helpful ideas that the article had... 1. An updated kitchen. "Kitchens are critical," says Robert Irwin, author of "Home Buyer's Checklist." "Today, people like a big kitchen with a lot of workspace." They look for solid surface counters and high-quality flooring, such as wood, laminate, tile or stone. And they want newer appliances in working order. Even if it's not huge, it should have "countertops that are serviceable, that aren't going to have to be replaced soon and cabinetry in good condition," says Alan Hummel, past president of the Appraisal Institute. "It has to be well-appointed an... 08/13/2007

Rent Control staff are presenting free quarterly seminars for tenants of residential rental property in Santa Monica. Tenants will learn the basics of the Santa Monica Rent Control law. Date and Location: Tuesday, August 14, 2007 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica Main Library Auditorium google map There are many benefits of living in an area that's rent controlled. There even more benefits to being a Santa Monica homeowner! To preview Santa Monica's finest properties for sale, please visit my website. Please contact me for any additional information or if you would like to view a property. 08/12/2007

Wednesdays and Saturdays Come enjoy one of the largest and best Farmers' Markets in Santa Monica, California on Arizona between Second and Fourth streets google map Both on Wednesdays and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is just another reason why Santa Monica Real Estate will continue to strengthen and be one of the most desired communities to live it. To preview Santa Monica's finest properties for sale, please visit my website. Please contact me for any additional information or if you would like to view a home. 08/11/2007

One of the reasons I love Santa Monica is because of the community strength! Neighbors are persistent about keeping their streets safe and clean. Part of the Neighborhood Centered Policing strategy implemented by the Santa Monica Police Department includes the "Neighborhood Watch" program.  This is a "partnership" approach in which the goal is for police to work hand in hand with you and your neighbors in an effort to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in your community. In order to reach this goal, we want you to become better acquainted with your neighbors while our SMPD Crime Prevention Coordinators show you how to protect yourself, your loved ones, your neighbors, and your property from crime. Statistical data, as well as criminals themselves, confirm that when neighbors o... 08/07/2007

I ran across an article about SMC(Santa Monica College) receiving money for transportation and logistics training.... Santa Monica College is pleased to announce it has received two state grants totaling $865,000 to develop a program to train Westside transit workers in hybrid technology and related skills and Southland employees in the ever-expanding field of logistics, the movement of goods and services. The two grants were awarded by the California Community Colleges' Chancellor's Office and will be used based on the participating companies' needs. The $437,500 "advanced transportation" grant is to train technicians and managers at the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Culver City Transit Line in hybrid technology, alternative fuels and related fields as the two bus companies shift to us... 08/03/2007

The annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life fundraiser was held for 24 hours, from 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, through 9 a.m. on Sunday, July 29, at John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica.Teams of people camped out at John Adams, and each team had a representative on the field at all times to symbolize that cancer never rests.According to relayforlife.org, "Much more than a walk around a track, Relay is a time to celebrate those who have battled cancer, remember those lost and get inspired to fight back. Those who have shared the same experience find common ground, hope and healing at Relay."The event raised over $78,000. Of the 31 teams participating, the KPMG team earned the most at $9,200.Nat Trives was the Relay's Honorary Chair. Summer Smith Loveland and Stephanie Bucklew ... 08/02/2007

National Night Out is back with a twist. The Santa Monica Police Department and Chief Timothy Jackman are hosting a 1950s style party on Tuesday, August 7th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in front of the Public Safety Facility located at 333 Olympic Drive.Celebrating the lowest crime rate since 1956, the National Night Out Block Party will include entertainment by The Wonderelles, an all female group, who will perform a 50s revue, contests and games for the kids and lots of free food and prizes.McGruff the Crime Dog, the SWAT Team, and K-9 and Mounted Units will be joined by the Santa Monica Fire Department to meet the community to celebrate the partnerships which make our city safe.Sponsored for the 24 years by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is a nationwide event i... 08/01/2007

Construction Project Information The following is a list of City of Santa Monica construction projects within public streets that may impact traffic. This list is updated by the City's Civil Engineering & Architecture Division on a bi-weekly basis. You can also obtain this information using a touch-tone phone to access the City's automated information system, "City Hall On Call." Just dial (310) 458-8999, press 1, and enter Message No. 716. For the hearing impaired, "City Hall On Call" TTY can be accessed by calling (310) 458-2243. To view a map of the construction projects please click here. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view and print-out the printable map. Marine Street Utility Undergrounding Water Main Replacement Project Wilshire Storm Water Diversion Structures A... 07/22/2007

I recently spent some time in Los Angeles, and had some time to kill between appointments. Since I was in Santa Monica I decide to take some photos to share of this historical landmark (in part because of the reminder of visits many years ago to Coney Island and other piers back East). The Santa Monica Pier was built in 1908-1909 and opened to the public in September. This 1600 wooden pier has had a colorful history with the Hippodrome Building on an adjacent pier (Looff Pleasure Pier) that has housed several merry-go-rounds, the La Monica Ballroom (no loner in existence), and the original Blue Streak Roller Coaster (wooden, like Coney Island, torn down in the 1930s). The pier has also had multiple cameo appearances in Hollywood movies such as "Ruthless People." But the Santa Monica Pi... 07/19/2007

All are invited to learn how to live greener at the "Santa Monica Green with Envy Tour" on Tuesday, July 24, from 9:45 am to 4:00 pm. Explore how the City of Santa Monica takes on the issues of recycling, stormwater, urban runoff, irrigation and xeriscaping. RSVP is requested to Melina Watts, Malibu Creek Watershed Coordinator.  Online:Click here for tour detailsContact:Melina Watts, Malibu Creek Watershed CoordinatorE-mail:melina.watts@rcdsmm.orgPhone:(818) 597-8627 x104 If you would like more information about buying or selling real estate in Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Westside please do not hesitate to contact me or visit my website to preview some of the Westside's most luxurious properties. 07/13/2007

 4/05-10/05# of ListingsAverage DOMLow Price $Median Price $High Price $Average Price $*Avg. Sq. Ft.*Avg. $/Sq. Ft.Avg SP/Avg LPActive------------------Backup------------------Pending2662699,0002,047,5005,295,0002,185,8652,171936.72--Sold LP16835448,5001,595,0006,150,0001,934,8812,407807.37--Sold SP **16833490,0001,599,5004,900,0001,884,6612,374793.80100.26%Expired------------------Withdrawn------------------10/05-4/06 # of ListingsAverage DOMLow Price $Median Price $High Price $Average Price $*Avg. Sq. Ft.*Avg. $/Sq. Ft.Avg SP/Avg LPActive------------------Backup------------------Pending2662699,0002,047,5005,295,0002,185,8652,171936.72--Sold LP13944150,0001,549,0004,920,0001,769,6742,008840.36--Sold SP **13945605,0001,425,0004,500,0001,660,0181,999830.32100.14%Expired------------------... 04/09/2007