Avila Beach is one of my favorite towns on the Central Coast of California in San Luis Obispo County. Located just off the beaten path of Highway 101 between San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach is a country beach town with sandy beaches, orchards, resorts, sulfur springs, and a charming little town you don't want to miss.

Avila Beach is right next to Port San Luis Obispo and the Avila Beach Pier. The area suffered an oil leak in 1998 but since the massive cleanup that removed tons of soil, sand and oil this beach front town has been totally renovated and become one of the most popular beach towns on the Central Coast.

My family and I frequent this area to go to the Avila barn which provides apple, and peach picking in their seasons, animals for the kids to pet and look at, and then to go to the Avila beach. One of the newest discoveries for us was a great restaurant that somehow we had missed, "The Custom House".

The Custom House is a nice restaurant in Avila Beach for casual dining before, after, or during your experience at Avila Beach. Located right across the street from the sand you can enjoy the sound and views of the ocean as you enjoy good service and food at reasonable prices.

Below is a Little History of the Custom House and Avila Beach that was on their menu:

Oceanic shipping became common in the first half of the 19th Century using Port San Luis. There were stage lines and small gauge railroads created to run supplies to and from Port San Luis and San Luis Obispo. Oil companies built pipelines to the port to ship out to all points in the Pacific. In 1906, San Luis Bay was designated an official United States Port of Entry for California. A $500,000 breakwater was built using rock blasted from Morro Rock in Morro Bay, CA., still seen today out the front windows. Since then Morro Rock has become a protected national landmark and no more rock removal is permitted.

The port was originally under the jurisdiction of San Francisco. Deputy collectors required offices to work, so David Muzio of Avila Beach built what was The "Old" Custom House. The building was dedicated on March 19, 1927, creating the largest celebration the county had ever seen.

The Old Custom House opened as a restaurant in 1971. Over the next 25 years, The Old Custom House Restaurant served up many freshly made meals, famous Bloody Marys, and provided a good time for locals and tourists alike.

A large oil leak was discovered in 1998 under the beach front property of Avila Beach, CA.. The ensuing cleanup forced the closure of many shops, restaurants and other businesses in "downtown" Avila Beach. After two years, and the removal of 6,750 truckloads of soil, the cleanup was completed and construction of the "new" Old Custom House and Mr. Rick's was started. The Old Custom House and Mr. Rick's were completed in 2002 and were among the first businesses to reopen along the redesigned Front Street Promenade in Avila Beach.

View Avila Beach Real Estate

Sometimes the best way to capture style and class is in simplicity. And when showcasing a luxury estate property on a web site this is what you should be displaying.

When we remove the clutter and noise around and just center the attention on what is important it creates a feeling of clarity and contentment. As bloggers, we tend to do be long winded and draw out our ideas for a more interesting read. However, when a topic is handled in the simplest way that gets right to the point there is nothing like it.

This post isn't about blogging though or the art of writing, this is about displaying a luxury estate on a property website. My example is a web site that show cases one of most spectacular high end properties on the Central Coast of California - cambriaestate.com

Typically I like my web sites to be full of content but this is a great example of where to be clean, simple, focused and refined just like the property that it is show casing. Not only does it make you slow down and focus in on the property and not get lost in the clutter but it also sets the mood for the home itself.

A careful consideration when choosing a web design layout for your real estate web site or property web site is who are you attracting. Not all people like the same types of things, nor are they attracted to the same types of web sites. One point of view says

• Use lots of words on all your pages
• Fill your pages with keywords
• At least 300 words on each page
• Create lots of links on your page

While this may be good in certain respects it is not good in all aspects of internet marketing. If you are doing this to enhance your website you are probably doing it to attract viewers from search engines or content readers and not the people who will get totally confused by all the content. I find that people might like your site for the information if it has a lot of content but also get very lost in the clutter. Now if your site is very clean and you only have a few links to navigate people understand what you are trying to tell them and the point the site is making, and honestly if your site never delivers the point of it being there all the content is useless. My advice when showcasing a property in its own website is do like - cambriaestate.com

• Use defined lines for your framework
• Use short crisp thoughts on your pages
• Reduce the clutter
• Reduce the navigation buttons to a minimum

Real Estate Agencies

An exciting new feature has been added to my real estate search service for San Luis Obispo County MLS: A list of every brokerage in the CCRMLS and a list of their active listing agents in the area with links to their listings for sale.

This will be very helpful for those people looking for a specific agency's or listing agent's listings. As I track my statistics using Google Analytics I see many people coming in to my website searching for a specific brokerage. I know when they get there they must be a little frustrated to only find maybe one or two listings and in different places of my site. So I consolidated an area just for people who are searching that way.

Hopefully now when people are searching for Re/Max in Arroyo Grande, Re/Max Park Side in Paso Robles or Century 21 in Cambria they will find an updated list of all their current properties as all the listings on the site are updated on a daily bases with the most recent photos.

View the real estate agencies.

There are some great companies out there and I support them by adding their brokerage name and listing agent name next to every property detail and hopefully as a team we can achieve the sellers goal of selling their property.

The most exposure one can give a listing the better you are serving your client. With the majority of home buyers looking online that means presenting it as many place online as you possibly can. I'm not sure why some agents and agencies exclude their listings from IDX display except maybe they think their listing is to good to be sold by any other Realtor. Agency pocket listings are to me a disservice to the seller. If you think you have a buyer for the property, great, but you want to increase demand on that property and that means increase exposure.

20 units of water used in two months will cost $235.26, up from $156.84

61 units will cost $1,932.98, up from $351.45

These dramatic increases are reflecting the Cambria district’s well levels are as low as they’ve been since 1988-1990 which was the final years of Cambria’s six-year drought.

Cambria real estate is currently in a building moratorium causing the value of most lots to drop in value, some being sold for under $10,000 while others on the ocean going for $2M+. The building moratorium is planned on being relieved somewhere near 2011 with the building of a desalinization plant that will distribute water hookups to 800 Cambria parcels. The parcels receiving hookups are all reserved on the Cambria water wait list comprised of about 650 positions, some of these positions are being sold separately from the lots themselves.

There are currently 78 water positions being sold in Cambria from $87,000 for position 606 to $299,000 for position 12 and $389,000 for a water hook-up to build now.

Though the water situation in Cambria is complicated it hasn’t detracted the desirability of this charming small town on the Central Coast of California called Cambria Pines by the Sea. The local community thrives on tourism and the public events like the 4^th of July fireworks, the annual Pinedorado, the many car shows throughout the year, and the ever famous Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Find out more about Cambria Real Estate

My newest project has been the construction of an IDX system for Manor Realty in Chester California. I have been working for the broker / owner Alan Savage for several years now and constructed a few websites and IDX systems for him.

About two years ago I built the first version of the Plumas County IDX search system for Manor Realty and somehow between then and now it got disconnected from the IDX system. Since then I have refined some techniques and SEO for IDX projects to include higher level Google Map API functionality to give a feeling like most of the high end real estate search companies use (Trulia, Zillow).

Plumas County is north east of Sacramento and West of Reno NV. In the Sierra Nevada mountains it is a great location for skiing, biking and other recreational activities in their season. At the center of Plumas County is Lake Almanor a beautiful lake with great fishing, boating, and water sports.

There are almost 2000 listings in the Plumas County MLS today, mostly single family homes and lots but a few ranches and commercial property scattered in different cities. Some believe Lake Almanor to be the next Lake Tahoe as developers find the area and begin to build ski resorts and other attractions. Only time will tell but already many investors have found this area to be exploding with new real estate growth.

Almost all the local brokerages contribute their listings to this system, so unlike other web sites that only show you a portion of the listings, or perhaps only their listings alone, this brings you the entire multiple listing service. Franchise brokerages such as Coldwell Banker, Re/Max, Century 21, London Properties Lake Almanor, United Country, Plumas Properties, and Prudential. Other local agencies who contribute to this service include Almanor Busy Bee Realty, Baumann Realty, Bailey Creek Properties, Mountain properties and others.

Manor Realty is located on the north west side of Lake Almanor in Chester CA at 289 Main Street and was the brokerage for Foxwood at Lake Almanor for a during its early stages of development.

In beginning this topic on the Chumash Indians I take great care and appreciation for what I am about to write. I have great respect and honor for the native Americans and native peoples of a lot of different cultures such as the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, native Hawaiian’s and other great civilizations that have been infringed upon by our European idealistic superiority. I begin to embark on this blog for Celeste and the challenge she returned to me after I desired her to expand on the Hawaiian culture in its rawest form which she did, entitling the Localism Featured blog “The History of Hawaiian Homes” which I invite you all to read.

This subject will predate the Spanish exploration of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, the first recorded European explorer of this area. The Chumash Indians in their native state is the subject of this blog, their history, their culture, and their lives.

The Chumash Indians are the natives of the area we now call the Central Coast of California, stretching South of Malibu CA, North of Cambria CA, into Big Sur, out to the Channel Islands, and inland to the San Joaquin Valley. Their culture, homes, and territories were well established with over 150 independent villages, 7,000 square miles and a population estimated at over 18,000. Science dates the first settlements in this area back to 11,000 B.C.

Chumash means “bead maker”, “Seashell people” or “the ones who make shell bead money” and were hunters, gatherers and fishermen. Like many cultures they recognized the life of nature and how the lives of their people depended on its providence. Ceremonies were set based on the times and seasons of the moon, and sun. Their father, the sun, was celebrated in his respective seasons and transition points we call the summer and winter solstices.

As one of the most advanced boat builders, the Chumash Indians used tar found naturally to strengthen the seagoing plank canoe boats (tomol) they built from native redwoods, and driftwood. Invented about 2,000 years ago and able to withstand the waves of our Pacific Ocean, these boats gave them travel up and down the coast line connecting culture and trade amongst the Chumash Indian villages. Each village had adapted cultures and resources in their distinct locations and sea shells were used as money to trade amongst the Chumash tribes.

Fine twined baskets, necklaces, jewelry, arrowheads, stone cookware, and seashell money are prevalent artifacts left by this culture. There are spots around where I live that you can be sure to find arrowheads and other artifacts after looking only a short while. A mound on a hill in Cambria is a known ceremonial ground of the Chumash. Burial grounds are scattered throughout the area, these locations are the sites of established villages. Food storage and the harvesting of crops allowed for these stationary societies to hunt, fish, and live in. Another site at a farm where I grew up was littered with old abalone shells, arrowheads, mortar and pestle remains and other treasures my family collected.

The Chumash were led by chiefs / priests (wots) of both men and women. The shamen / astrologers were knowledgeable in the changing of seasons and mapped the stars to guide the people into the future. The chief’s offspring was the inheritor of position, wealth, and ultimately supreme control of the tribe.

Chumash ceremonies were held at mounds, hills, caves or other special sites. Cave paintings can still be found depicting the events, animals and people that were part of their beliefs and rituals for generations. Most of these paintings are under 1,000 years old and are protected by the state. Their locations are even withheld to the public for the most part. One location can be visited in Santa Barbara call Painted Cave. More information about this and other Chumash facts can be found on a Santa Barbara based website: Chumash Indian Life.

Today the Chumash families and museums are found with collections of pictures and artifacts depicting culture before the Spanish Missions lined California and wiped the Chumash nearly into non existence. Some Santa Ynez Chumash have capitalized like other Native Americans on their ability to build gaming casinos; theirs is the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez. Find out more about the Santa Ynez Chumash.

The Mustang Water Slides and Lopez Lake Recreation Area in Arroyo Grande California

The San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival

The Wine and Wineries of Paso Robles Wine Country
from Paso Robles Real Estate

There are about 250 wineries in the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and nearly 100 wineries in the 24 square mile wine country territory with over 26,000 vineyard acres. Along California’s Central Coast Paso Robles Wine Country is centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles and is California’s fastest growing wine region.

Paso Robles is fast emerging as a real powerhouse in the world of fine wine. What started as a sleepy western town of agriculture and horse ranches has blossomed into the perfect getaway for wine lovers. Here lies some of the best wines in California.

Wine tasting in Paso Robles California is a favorite activity among tourists with many wine tours cruising the Paso Robles Wine Country and its numerous wineries.

• Paso Robles Wine Country encompasses more than 26,000 vineyard acres. Wine grapes continue to hold the top position for agriculture value crops in San Luis Obispo County and are represented by 35,313 planted acres of wine grapes as reported in the San Luis Obispo County Crop Statistics for the year 2005.
  
  More than 40 wine grape varieties are grown in Paso Robles; The most widely planted varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), Merlot (15%), Syrah / Shiraz (10%), Zinfandel (9%), Chardonnay (8%), Petite Sirah (4%) and Sauvignon Blanc (3%). With Italian and Rhône varieties on the upswing, more than 30 other varieties with 100 to less than an acre planted in the region include Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, White Riesling, Roussanne, Barbera, Semillon, Refosco, Syrah Noir, Lagrein, Nebbiolo, Napa Gamay, Marsanne, Counoise, Tannat, Touriga, Grenache Noir, Verdelho, Blaufränkisch, Orange Muscat, Picpoul Blanc, Vermentino, Primitivo, Tinta Cao, Sousão, Tocai Friulano, Cinsault, Carignane, Pinot Blanc and Dolcetto (13%).
  
  The reported acreage reflects the 2006 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance membership. From Paso Wine

The Wineries of Highway 46 East
Highway 46 is located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles in Paso Robles. From north or south, travel approximately 3 hours until reaching the Highway 46 East or Fresno turnoff and proceed east from Highway 101 at San Luis Obispo or proceed west from Interstate 5.

• Bianchi
  Bianchi Vineyards has been producing quality wines for over 30 years. Visit our tasting room set in the estate vineyards with inviting terraces and edged by a waterfall fed lake.
  
  
• Chumeia Vineyards
  A small winery featuring Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
  
  
• Clautiere Vineyard
  Prepare to add some pizzazz to your life and taste wines that are estate-grown and crafted to produce exciting expressions of Rhone varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon.
  
  
• Eberle Winery
  Over 25 years of fine wine making. Monthly Guest Chef Dinners held down in the candle-lit caves, deck lunches and facilities for private events.
  
  
• EOS Estate Winery
  California's most spectacular estate winery. Visitor;s Center features award-winning wines, wine tasting, real race car exhibit, deli, gifts, and meeting room.
  
  
• Firestone Vineyard
  Firestone Vineyard was founded in 1972 and is now in its third generation of Firestone family stewardship. Paso Robles winery complements the original winery in Santa Barbara County.
  
  
• Martin & Weyrich
  One of Paso Robles' most celebrated wineries and premier producer of Italian varietals in the U.S. Award-winning wines.
  
  
• Meridian
  Wander through our herb gardens and enjoy a picnic at one of our tables overlooking our vineyards. Tasting room open 10am - 5pm daily.
  
  
• Pretty-Smith Vineyard & Winery
  45 acres of primarily Bordeaux varieties that produce award winning Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cavernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and a Bordeaux blend that Lisa calls Palette de Rouge.
  
  
• Robert Hall Winery
  The largest underground wine caverns on the central coast. Tasting daily of our award-winning wines.
  
  
• Sylvester Winery
  Offering warm hospitality & real handcrafted wines. Tasting room doubles as a gourmet foods shop with meats and cheeses.
  
  
• Tobin James Cellars
  "Taste Paso Robles in a Glass" at the 140 year-old bar with award winning wines. Intense fruit driven wines on this estate vineyard.

Paso Robles Wine Country is an incredible destination and its elegant country side, rolling hills of grapes, and growing communities is making the city of El Paso de Robles one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.

Find out more about Paso and Paso Robles Real Estate

Cambria California has an eerie, haunting small town feel to it at times. There are a lot of older buildings built in or around the turn of the last century and the community is that slow paced, small town feel you might hear about in many of the books written by Steven King. There aren't ramshackle homes all over town, zombies walking the streets nor does it have strange goings on - in fact the community is very friendly, active and Cambria real estate is flourishing and luxury homes in Cambria are some of the most incredible in all of the Central Coast of CA.

This small town Cambria has been the setting of many films. It's picturescue charm and beauty in the pine trees and it's close proximity to Los Angeles and Hollywood California has made it a hot spot for motion pictures, books, and movie stars. In 1990 the film Arachnophobia was shot in this small town which depicted deadly spiders coming out from the trees and pines surrounding the town. In fact some friends of mine and many other Cambria locals were used as extras in the movie.

It has a draw to artists, painters, poets and authors; one of these is Richard Taylor a novelist and writer of the new book "The Haunting of Cambria". Richard Taylor found his way to Cambria from Southern California with his wit, charm, and insightful writing style.

"The Haunting of Cambria" is a fiction set with real characters in a real town and the main character is Richard himself as he begins to court Lily. The scene is set around a house called the Monroe House, and old bed and breakfast in Cambria CA.

Bed and Breakfast's in Cambria are a driving part of the economy in this small community as tourist from all over the world come to visit this charming town and Hearst Castle in San Simeon just up the coast.

Cambria Real Estate