“World's Most Complete Neighborpedia”
Sponsor a Community — What is Localism? | Register or Sign In
Explore:   What's happening in your neck of the woods?
HomeCaliforniaMonterey County

About Monterey County, CA

Blog_tag

A National Monument minutes from Soledad...Pinnacles National Monument... A South Monterey County treasure

02-16-12
Jason Skerik
Jason Skerik: Real Estate Agent in Greenfield, CA
  • view my blog
  • Office: (831) 674-3182
  • Mobile: (415) 532-7403

Pinnacles National Monument... Just Minutes from Soledad and one of the Nationns treasures.

Growing up South Monterey County we visited the Pinnacles many times on school trips and family outings. I remember as a kid how fun it was everytime we went. The most exciting part of going for me was climbing through the huge underground caves and the wild flowers growing everywhere.

Here is a little histroy (I did copy some of the following facts)

Naive Americans

Anthropologists believe Pinnacles was intermittently occupied by small groups of Native Americans. Evidence in the form of arrowheads and acorn grinding stones have been discovered within the monument.

Native Americans, called Costanoans by Spanish colonials, (derived from Spanish for "people of the coast"), inhabited western central California. Two local subgroups, the Chalone and Mutsun, visited Pinnacles. Subgroup populations ranged between 50 and 500 people. The Chalone lived west of Pinnacles in the Salinas River valley and the Mutsun lived to the north and east in the San Juan Bautista area and along the San Benito river.

Spanish Missionaries

The Spanish had a dramatic impact on the Native Americans who frequented Pinnacles. They traveled into California from Mexico and eventually established 21 religious missions between 1769 and 1823, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma.

The mission closest to Pinnacles was built in Soledad in 1791. The Chalone Indians lived in the area east of Soledad Mission -- close to what is now the western side of PinnaclesNational Monument.

Early Settlers

In 1891 Schuyler Hain, a homesteader, arrived in the Pinnacles area from Michigan. During the next twenty years he became known as the “Father of Pinnacles” leading tours up through Bear Valley and into the caves. Hain spoke to groups and wrote articles urging preservation of the area and acted as unofficial caretaker for many years. His efforts proved fruitful with the establishment of Pinnacles as a 2500 acre national monument in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt.

.

Civilian Conservation Corps

In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps established a camp in what is now the Old Pinnacles trailhead area. From 1933 to 1942, during cooler winter months, the CCC accomplished many projects. The dirt road up to Bear Gulch was widened, paved and completed in 1934. The CCC improved many of the trails that had been established by the early homesteaders, including the exciting steep and narrow trail that winds through the HighPeaks. They constructed the dam that forms the Bear Gulch reservoir and improved the trail into the caves, adding concrete steps and guard rails. Beginning in 1936 the CCC boys guided visitors through the caves using lanterns.

The rolling chaparral and dramatic rock faces of Pinnacles National Monument inspire loyalty in visitors, from picnickers to rock-climbers, and from stargazers to cave explorers. Pinnacles is visually stunning, as anyone who has seen the smooth orb of the moon glide from behind the crags of the High Peaks can attest, or who has watched the flashing black and white wings of acorn woodpeckers as they tuck acorns into the thick bark of gray pines. This striking beauty is attributable, in part, to the Monument’s geologic formations, showcase chaparral habitat, finely intergraded ecosystems, and protected native plant and animal diversity. Another special Pinnacles quality is its proximity to millions of people. We invite you to come and visit this corner of the National Park Service: Pinnacles National Monument.

If your coming to Carmel, Monterey, or Monterey County take a day to see the pinnacles. I promise you will not have seen anything like it before.

Directions from South

Take Hwy 101 south through the city of Gilroy to Hwy 25 south. On Hwy 25, go through the town of Hollister and continue about 30 miles to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146, then turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at Pinnacles Visitor Center. From the campground, the Bear Gulch Area is 3.5 miles further into the park along Hwy 146.

Directions from South

Take Hwy 101 North to the town of King City. Exit at 1st Street. Turn right toward King City. Continue straight until 1st St turns into Bitterwater Rd (Monterey County G13). Follow Bitterwater Rd until it intersects Hwy 25. Turn left on Hwy 25 (North) and follow for ~15 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 146 to enter the monument. Turn left into the Pinnacles Campground and check in at Pinnacles Visitor Center. The Bear Gulch Area is 3.5 miles further into the park along Hwy. 146.

0 Comments
Blog_tag

Let Me Be Your Listing Agent in Carmel-By-The-Sea

02-14-12
Michele Guastello
Michele Guastello: Real Estate Agent in Carmel by the Sea, CA
  • view my blog
  • Office: (831) 624-1566
  • Mobile: (831) 214-2545
  • Secondary: (310) 863-3663

Michelle Guastello With so many gorgeous homes, finding the perfect one in Carmel-By-The-Sea can be a tough decision. That’s why having an expert real estate agent can be a huge asset!

After working in the entertainment industry on feature films in Los Angeles, I made the move into real estate, and also moved to northern California. I have been a top producer for Sotheby’s International Realty for the past 10 years in Carmel-By-The-Sea, and have sold amazing luxury homes throughout the area.

I’ve had the opportunity to represent some truly standout properties on the Peninsula, and have worked with a variety of high-end clients where discretion was of the utmost importance. I attribute my expertise in this area to my time in entertainment where working with directors, actors and creative talent also required a level of anonymity. I have even helped some of these very people find the home of their dreams!

One of the things that sets me apart is my passion about luxury real estate. I love pairing a buyer with a home that is perfect for them and meets and exceeds their

Carmel By the Sea

every need. From coastal homes to country estates, and resort properties to ranches, my expertise extends to all types of real estate on the Monterey Peninsula. This area is ripe with European-style amenities like the infamous Pebble Beach Golf Course, Laguna Seca Raceway, in addition to a variety of annual food and wine events and more.

If you’re looking for luxury on the coast, I’m an expert real estate agent who would love to show you all of the unique and fantastic qualities that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer. I specialize in Carmel-By-The-Sea, Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Carmel Valley. Let’s get together so I can show you around!

0 Comments
Blog_tag

Luxury Properties on the Monterey Peninsula

02-14-12
Michele Guastello
Michele Guastello: Real Estate Agent in Carmel by the Sea, CA
  • view my blog
  • Office: (831) 624-1566
  • Mobile: (831) 214-2545
  • Secondary: (310) 863-3663

Luxury Properties on the Monterey Peninsula From coastal homes to country estates, and resort properties to ranches, there are no shortage of luxury properties on the Monterey Peninsula! There are gorgeous homes that dot the landscape, so finding the perfect one can be a challenge simply because there are so many wonderful homes to pick from.

One of the best ways to narrow down your search is to decide which type of amenities are most important for you and your family. With Pebble Beach’s world-class golf course, the Laguna Seca Raceway, a variety of annual food and wine events, and more, there’s no doubt that luxury properties are part of what makes the Monterey Peninsula so special. It becomes a matter of deciding where your interests lay, and then picking out a gorgeous home that compliments your lifestyle.

With a rich artistic history, artists, poets and writers have admired luxury properties on the Monterey Peninsula for years. In fact, in 1910, The San Francisco Call reported that 60% of Carmel's houses were built by citizens who were Luxury Properties on the Monterey Peninsula "devoting their lives to work connected to the aesthetic arts.” The area is also a haven for out-of-town guests who are looking for the luxury properties to serve as a home away from home. There are a variety of restaurants, hotels, and retail shops that beckon guests to stay and revel in the white-sand beaches, the dog-friendly atmosphere, and take in the gorgeous views of the Pacific coast. There’s no arguing that luxury properties play a huge role in the appeal that the Monterey Peninsula has to offer!

With so many luxury properties located on Monterey Peninsula, finding the perfect enclave to call home can be a tough decision. If you’re looking for opulence on the coast, I’m an expert real estate agent who is fluent about luxury properties on the Monterey Peninsula. I would love to show you all of the unique and fantastic qualities that the area has to offer. Let’s get together so I can show you around!

0 Comments
Blog_tag

How To Make A Great Offer On A Home

02-14-12
Leslie De Luca, REALTOR, Broker
Leslie De Luca, REALTOR, Broker: Real Estate Brokerage in Monterey, CA
  • view my blog
  • Office: (831) 214-1934
  • Mobile: (831) 214-1934

What Price Should I Offer On A Home?

What should I offer on a Monterey Home

This question is one that I hear every day...

Many home buyers struggle with how to structure an offer. We all want to get a good deal, and we know sellers want the best price..so what to do?

Here is the best formula for making an offer that will be successful:

  • Look At The Sold Comps For The Last 3 Months
  • Don't Clutter Up The Offer With Alot Of Junk
  • Be Realistic
  • Take Emotions Out Of The Equationmonterey ca
What do I mean by this? Simple,
First of all, one must analyze the sold, active and pending comps. Find out what the median sales price has been for the last three months. This will give you a good idea of what the home will actually appraise for. Yes, some homes are over-priced, and we don't know the seller's motivation for selling, but don't be shy to shoot a fair market offer anyway. Sometimes, sellers have to have the truth about value before they get realistic. Don't clutter up the offer asking for alot of things..termite, home warranties, furniture...you would be surprised at what some buyers ask for. Write a good clean offer that is fair for both sides. You will have 17 days to conduct any inspections, if you find something that you don't like, you can re-negotiate, but in the meantime, you have an accepted offer. Make sure you have a pre-approval letter from a reputable lender, proof of funds to close. You must have all of your ducks in a row to show the seller that you are a serious, strong buyer. Be realistic, what can you afford? what would you do if you were the seller? Look at it from both sides and then you will have the ability to write a good, strong offer that has a chance of being successful.
TAKE EMOTIONS OUT OF THE EQUATION: Yes, buying a home can be an emotional experience. One has to look at it with care, consideration and caution. When I write up an offer for my clients, I am careful to make sure that this is a price that they can live with..consider the taxes, monthly costs, costs to re-model, it is a huge decision and one must really think about all of the components. One more thing, if your offer is not successful, something else will come up that is even better, don't get discouraged. There is a perfect home for you, but writing a good offer is an important step to being successful at buying a home.
2 Comments
Blog_tag

Buying A Home Can Bring You Love?

02-14-12
Leslie De Luca, REALTOR, Broker
Leslie De Luca, REALTOR, Broker: Real Estate Brokerage in Monterey, CA
  • view my blog
  • Office: (831) 214-1934
  • Mobile: (831) 214-1934

If you want a date...buy a house....Well, it's not me saying it, I read it today...keep reading..

Carmel Weddings

So, in this article it states that home ownership is the perfect formula to find love. What do you think?

Would you rather date someone who is a homeowner? or is it ok if they rent?

Want A Date? Buy A House

Weddings carmel, ca

Home ownership gives you a sense of security, of having something that is yours, you can paint it, fix it, plant it, change it..it is so much fun to make your house your own. With prices at levels that make them affordable, even in Monterey County, now is the time.

Take A Look At What You Can Buy In Monterey California

So, is it true? Want to find love?...do you buy a home?

0 Comments