Empire Realty Assoc. | Marketing Team | Danville, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Lafayette

I spoke to Realtor Julie Sullivan today about the Mt. Diablo School District. Julie (along with information from Mark Lloyd, Vice President of the Mt. Diablo School District) filled me in on the help that this critical school district needs.

Q: In a nutshell, what is happening at Mt. Diablo School District ?

The 4000 high school student athletes of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District need your help They are short money ($250,000) to keep the sports in the schools. I know many people may think, I don't have a kid in Mt. Diablo School District why should I help? For Realtors, it will be very challenging trying to sell a home in the Mt. Diablo School District and then having to tell your clients they have no sports programs. For the people who live in the district right now this greatly affects the values of their homes including there goes Northgate and College Park too! In March of this year, faced with multiple millions in budget cuts, the school district eliminated the annual funding of high school sports, an $800,000 budget item that must now be made up through individual booster organizations and "contribute-to-play" fees. The United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation (UMDAF) was established as a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization in May of 2009 to generate complementary financial support for all six high schools in the MDUSD - Mt. Diablo, Ygnacio Valley, Northgate, College Park, Clayton Valley and Concord High.

Q: What does high school look like without sports?

A: No "Friday Night Lights," no three-pointers at the buzzer, a homecoming dance without a homecoming game, no chance for learning new athletic or team-building skills, no opportunities for college recruiters to scout....this is happening in Contra Costa County within the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) right now.

Q: Tell me about the foundation

A: The Foundation - which is separate from the school district - is comprised of parents and community members from all six district high schools and is a cooperative effort of the six high schools working together as one team with one common goal: MAKE ATHLETICS HAPPEN! The foundation team has had huge successes with the help of several very generous donations, plus numerous fundraisers. The MDUSD school board adopted the foundation's funding plan and our first of three high school sports seasons began in September. The funding plan has been successful for the most part; the foundation has raised approximately $150,000 and the schools "contribute-to-play" portion has brought in $105,000.

Q: What is next?

A: On October 27, 2009, the school board will determine if winter sports can compete based upon the fall fees raised. So for a lack of a better way of putting it, "it's crunch time - it's the end of the fourth quarter with no time outs left and only a Hail Mary in our arsenal". We find ourselves in need of about $250,000 to continue sports and begin the high school winter season - which could mean no basketball, soccer or wrestling for students who are hoping to use their athletic skills on college applications, and may prevent a student from wanting to stay in school.

Q: How can you help?

A: Currently the UMDAF is reaching out to our greater business community, our local professional sports teams and professional athletic foundations for help in sponsoring a high school athletic season. We are hopeful you will help us fund local high school sports and benefit from goodwill advertising and public relations. All funds generated will be shared equally between all six schools. In addition, you can be part of our efforts. The Foundation has announced its largest fundraiser to date - a 5K run/walk for all ages and skill levels on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at Newhall Park in Concord. Participant entry fees will be $20-$25 and benefit high school athletics in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. In addition to the 5K run, a benefit concert is planned for the spring of 2010 at the Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord.

Q: What can we do if we would like to make a donation?

I know it is difficult times for all however if you can spare any amount please make a check to United Mt. Diablo Athletic Foundation or UMDAF and leave it attention ‘Julie Sullivan' at the Walnut Creek office. In addition, please spread the word and ask anyone you feel is appropriate for a donation. Together, we can make a difference!

For further details on our events, go to UMDAF's website: www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org or for more information please contact me or visit their website at www.unitedmtdiabloathletics.org.

Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates

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Featured Community ~ Thomas Ranch, San Ramon CA

Amy Psomas is a busy mom, wife and full time Realtor. She specializes in working with buyers and sellers throughout San Ramon, Danville and Alamo. More specifically, she specializes in the Thomas Ranch neighborhood with over 15 homes sold!

I had a chance to speak with Amy recently about this unique area, and this is what she had to say!

Q: Tell me more about the area:

A: Thomas Ranch is tucked away in West San Ramon before entering the canyon. Thomas Ranch is a small community of approximately 130 homes built in the late 90s by William Lyon. The neighborhood is divided up into Lyon Manor and Lyon Plantation. Lyon Manor offers 3 floor plans ranging from approximately 2,100 to 2,700 sq. ft. Lyon Plantation offers four upscale floor plans, the largest up to approx 3800 sq. ft. It's a popular choice for homeowners wanting to be in a newer development in West San Ramon. Thomas Ranch is a smaller quiet or peaceful community of homes with beautiful views of the San Ramon hills and Mt. Diablo.

Q: In your opinion, what is the best part of Thomas Ranch?

A: With current market conditions, it's a great time to buy a luxury home at a more affordable price in Thomas Ranch. Close to 680 freeway, Memorial Park and the heart of San Ramon. Parents can walk or bike children to Twin Creeks Elementary. Award winning Iron Horse Middle School and California High are also in the top rated SRVUSD. It is a wonderful place to live and a great place to call home!

Thank you Amy! For more information please contact us today or feel free to leave a comment here.

Curious about the market in San Ramon? Click here! Bookmark this link as it is updated WEEKLY!

Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates

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Press Release | 9-29-09

EMPIRE REALTY ASSOCIATES RAISED OVER $7,000 FOR THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Empire Realty Associates participated in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life 24 hour walk-a-thon in June for the fourth year in a row. This was held at California High School in San Ramon. Empire raised $7,080 and was one of the top three companies to raise the most money. The total that the American Cancer Society received was $101,485.94.

Relay for Life is about remembering those lost to cancer, celebrating the survivors, and fighting back against the disease. Over 500 people joined together to support this cause. The money that people raised will help the American Cancer Society continue to provide research, education, advocacy and services like Reach to Recovery, Road to Recovery, Man to Man, and more!

The American Cancer Society collected over 1200 cans of food for the Food Bank of Contra Costa, collected over 200 cans of pet food for the Alameda County Animal Shelter, recycled 77 pounds of #1 plastic, recycled 5 bags of other plastics, and diverted 140 pounds of food scraps and biocompostables from trash. People walked over 3200 miles, which is equivalent to the distance from San Ramon, California to Anchorage, Alaska.

A special thanks to Empire Realtors Angela Fitzgerald and Tracy Pisenti who led and organized the Empire team. Empire looks forward to this event every year and will continue to support the American Cancer Society.

"Having lost my father and grandmother to cancer, and being a cancer survivor myself, Relay For Life® is a wonderful time to honor their memories," says Pisenti. "It is also a time to celebrate life and to do what I can to help raise money toward cancer research and support."

"We have all been touched by cancer. It seems almost every day someone I know is faced with this reality," says Fitzgerald. "Relay® allows me to do my part to combat this disease. Almost losing my mother to cancer years ago, I realize and appreciate the level of support now available to cancer patients and their families."

For more information, please contact Katie Lance, Marketing Manager at 925.217.5004 or at klance@empirera.com.

Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates

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Featured Community ~ Diablo Country Club ~ "Historic Summer Cottages to Modern Estates"

Empire Realty Realtors Marilee Headen and M.J. St. Jean have been working with buyers and sellers in Diablo Country Club and surrounding areas. This small, but unique community thrives on its own individuality, never falling prey to impersonal tracts of look-alike homes, where residents have sown the seeds of individuality, and descendant generations have returned to live the lifestyle of Diablo...

Marilee and M.J. absolutely love this special and historic community. I interviewed them last week to talk about Diablo, the details of the area, and what makes it so special

Q: Tell me more about Diablo County Club - I know there is a tremendous amount of history behind it right?

A: (Marilee) Yes! There is a tremendous amount of history. Diablo is a historic community that is nestled at the base of Mt Diablo. The first homes were built in the 1870's, with one property sitting on 4000 acres. In the 1920's, Diablo was a resort destination for families from San Franciso and Oakland. Families would enjoy the warm weather, the pretty lake and a beautiful club house.There was a railroad line that came from Oakland up to Diablo. It's tracks were where the 17th and 18th fairway of Diablo Country Club currently lie. The vacationing "well to do" San Franciscans and Oakland residents built small cottages. Many of these unique homes still remain.

A: (M.J.) Some of Diablo's history has disappeared with the passing of years, yet much remains. Nearly half of the Eucalyptus trees from the race track form the border between today's Diablo and the Cameo Acres neighborhood. Part of the current Diablo Country Clubhouse was once the bowling alley from railroad times. The stately 1800's home called "Oakwood" once an inn, then clubhouse, and now a private residence again, still stands proud on Alameda Diablo.

From a description in the July 1, 1897 Contra Costa News: "It is a beautiful little valley surrounded by rolling hills that protect it from invading winds and sudden atmospheric changes... the herds of cattle and horses that roam in the luxuriant fields and on the hills know of but one season, and that is summer... for the roses and the violets never stop blooming here in this favored spot.

Q: Tell me about Diablo today in 2009; what makes it such a unique community?

A: (Marilee) Diablo is a cohesive community centered around a beautiful golf course. Homes vary in size and price but most are unique and shaded by old growth trees. No cookie cutter homes here. You enter Diablo through an arbor of oak trees. People buy in Diablo for the pretty homes, large trees and country club setting but they stay for the community. The residents are involved in welcoming newcomers, special Halloween events, food bank collections, etc. The country club offers many activites for families including golf, tennis, swim team, concerts in a beautiful environment.

A: (M.J) Diablo is a "one of kind" community. Diablo today is a vibrant mix of properties in a beautiful setting at the base of Mt. Diablo. The moment you enter Diablo, it is clear you have stepped into a different world, whose residents treasure its tranquility, the winding, tree-lined lanes and strong community. It's not hard to get to know neighbors in Diablo, where the "community" center, is the quaint post office established in 1916, just steps from the private Country Club's front door. I love Diablo because of what if offers; it is like a step back in time with an amazing history and location, tremendous amenities, and has a vibrant community . It has great schools within minutes and easy access to freeways and BART

Thank you Marilee and M.J! For further information please contact Marilee or M.J. today!

For market stats for DIABLO that are updated weekly, click here!

Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates

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Featured Neighborhood ~ Woodranch | Danville, CA

Special thanks to Empire Realty Associates Partner, Floria Hakimi for her insight into Woodranch and Cimarron Hills nestled in the quaint town of Danville.

Q: Floria, tell me about this area. What types of homes are there?

"Woodranch Hills" and "Cimarron Hills" are within the same community known as "Woodranch". There are only single family homes. Woodranch homes were built by Ponderosa and they are in the lower section of the neighborhood with smaller lots. Cimarron Hills homes are built by Davidon Homes and they are on larger lots and many of them offer great views of Mt. Diablo and surrounding hills.

Q: How would you describe this neighborhood?

One of the few Danville neighborhoods where you can be as private or as social as you wish. There is always someone celebrating an event and everyone appreciates the livelihood and friendship that is easily recognized. People don't move out of this neighborhood unless they get relocated! By the way, Woodranch has one of the most active Tennis Teams that competes locally. Many of the neighborhood ladies find their Tennis Team as a wonderful added value to their life style without any additional cost. Low home owner dues of only $70 per month, has been envied by many other neighboring communities that a lot more without having the Olympic size pool, play area, children's park, club house and two tennis courts.

Q: What is the best thing about it?

Being surrounded by rolling hills and having very large lots that allows great privacy for home owners. Proximity to Blackhawk Plaza and Movie theatres and restaurants and biking and hiking trails has created a very unique environment for homeowners. Let's not forget the area's top notch schools within a short distance!

Q: Anything else you'd like to add?

Cimarron Hills has become a destination neighborhood for many local families and particularly is a popular community for relocation families. There are many Chevron Families that have chosen Cimarron Hills as their new home due to both community amenities and proximity to their place or work and for always holding the values higher than comparable neighborhoods.

Thank you Floria!

Posted by Katie Lance, Marketing Manager, Empire Realty Associates

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