About Lake County, CA

As Paul Harvey used to say, "and now, the rest of the story..."

Recently, there was a message from ActiveRain encouraging members to post a new photo and offering 1,000 points to do so. And so I went through the photo album and found the picture above and cropped the 'mugshot' of myself and uploaded the photo.

Today, I'm posting the uncropped photo and revealing "the rest of the storey..."

About a year ago, I applied for and was hired as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, Lake County. This was a short term job which allowed me to continue my Real Estate business while doing something for the community. As both a General Contractor and a Realtor I jumped at the opportunity!

Of all the things I did in this job...the best was handing the keys over to a family of their new home. A Habitat home buyer is by definition someone who could not otherwise buy a home. These are hardworking people who live in sub-standard housing and for whom the Dream of home ownership seems impossible.

HEY YOU HEP CATS, COOL DUDES, AND BOBBY SOXERS....Be sure and make it to the Spring Valley 50"s Sock Hop (you're allowed to wear shoes, of course!) on September 19^th at 6 P.M. Music will be provided by our own Jim Carey via CD (hey they're still flat and round...just no grooves!)

And speaking of that, for all of you who really want to get in the groove dig out that poodle skirt and bobby sox, a leather jacket, roll up your shirt sleeves, dig out your jeans and roll ‘em up, slick back your hair (if ya got any left) in a D.A., and dress in 50's attire (but not necessary to come join in the fun) as there will be a contest for the best dressed guy, gal, and couple...complete with prizes.

Do ya remember how to twist, swim, mash potato, stroll, etc? We're gonna try them all. There's even a contest for several types of dances....the granddaddy of them all will be a contest to see who can last dancing to 5 straight songs! Think your fit? Then ya gotta chance to win! Prizes there too!

Remember the hula hoop? Remember how to do it? Yup, another contest for that. Now you non-participants are sure to get a hoot out of that contest. See there's something for everyone so come and have a good time and get a few laughs.

Now for the tummy part....Bring yourself and the kids for the soda fountain treats; root beer floats, vanilla cokes, cherry cokes, ice cream sundaes...you get the idea. Since it starts at 6 P.M. plan on that being dessert. Of course, the full bar will also be available to those of you who are allergic to milk products.

Bring some coins and buy your raffle tickets ($1.00 each or 6 for $5) for the Chinese style raffle; you get to put a ticket in the prize you want and don't need to be present to win.

Get your picture taken in a 1950's car as a memento...ah, did you find your thrill on Blueberry Hill? Can you remember back that far? We'll also have some oldy but goody cars parked out front.

This fundraiser is open to everyone; residents, friends, strangers, kids, grandmas and grandpas, and you name it. So BE THERE OR BE SQUARE...SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR!

Reprinted by permission from editor http://SPRINGVALLEYHOME.COM

Come Home to Konocti

Debi Malley, Principal East Lake Elementary School, welcomed parents and community members Thursday evening at ‘Back to School Night'. The multipurpose facility was standing room only as parents had the opportunity to enjoy dinner provided by the Parent Teacher Organization and listen to Mrs. Malley as she introduced teachers and staff to those in attendance.

The Konocti Unified School District has adopted a ‘neighborhood school model' with the conversion of all elementary schools into K-8 schools this year. Eastlake was originally a K-8 school and parents cheered loudly as Mrs. Malley discussed the return of Eastlake to its original configuration.

Superintendant Dr. Bill MacDougall was on hand to discuss the ‘neighborhood school model' as well as any other issues or concerns with parents. Sue Salmina RN PHN district school nurse was available to discuss health related matters including H1N1

.

Parents then had a chance to visit the classrooms and listen to teachers as they discussed the year to come. Everywhere you looked the energy was high and the mood was both positive and optimistic. It promises to be a great year. Visit: http://eles.konoctiusd.org/

Hidden Valley Lake Market Report

2009 is off to a decent start in the Hidden Valley Lake Real Estate Market. As of 2/2/09 there are 104 homes on the market with an average listing price of $242,000.00. 17% of those homes are in either contingent or pending status with an average listing price of $191,000.00. The average days on market for these properties is 132 days. The high listing price is $299,900.00 and the low is $123,300.00. 77% of the homes in contingent or pending status are foreclosures.

When a foreclosure hits the market, and it's in good condition, the property will move quickly. May even receive multiple offers. If you are in the market for a foreclosure you have to do your homework prior to and during your purchase. As a buyer you should hire a home inspector to inspect the home. Sometimes work can be done on behalf of the lender to spruce up the house for sale. With a little investigating, you can find out what work has been done and who did the work. A foreclosure is sold in as is condition and the seller/lender carries no warranties or guarantees on the condition of the property.

For a complete list of local foreclosures please email me at jennifer.mullin@century21.com or call me at 707-355-3661.

· All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Statistical information provided by the Lake County Multiple Listing Service as of 2/2/09.