It's almost spring! I'm not sure if you are as tired as I am with the dark clouds, rain and especially the cold weather, but it's time to get back into shape. One of my clients is conducting a fitness camp for women. He is excellent! Not only will he help get a few pounds off, he will help get that energy level back. When us ladies start getting older, we tend to lose some of our drive, at least I've noticed it myself. Here's Neal's email for more information.
Neal Maddoxneal@x-tremeathletics.com
There's been a buzz recently regarding our Campbell City Council members. Three of our longtime members will be leaving us soon. Don Burr's term will be up at the end of this year. Jane Kennedy and Dan Furtado's terms will be up the end of next year. We are waiting to see who wants to take their place. Joe Hernandez will be up for re-election this year, but we haven't heard if he's going to run for a second term.
I keep getting asked, "Dorene, have you heard of anyone running yet?" I guess there will be no sneak previews. Labor Day is the traditional kickoff for many candidates to begin their campaigning in earnest.
With three council seats up for election in the next two years I wonder who will be vying for the job. Regardless of the candidates, change is in the air. We just don't know how much or how good the change will be.
Are you running...inquiring minds want to know!
I spend so much time in Campbell at many of our establishments I thought I'd give my "thumbs up" for my top 5 favorites this month.
Best restaurant: Sonoma Chicken
The I enjoy Sonoma Chicken so much is their fast, their menu has variety(something for everyone) and their customer service can't be beat. I took my dad there a few months ago. He had picked the wrong chicken sauce for his chicken. They immediately handed me a new plate with his favorite sauce. No questions asked.
Best breakfast: Stacks
Once again, they are fast and the atmosphere is pretty down home. My favorite dish is th fruit crepes with has browns.
Best happy hour: Capers
They have a drink called Bocce ball. It's sweet but good. They often have discounts on their appetizers during happy hour.
Best Church - Bethel
I've been attending this church for over 2 years now. Pastor Allen is the best minister.
Best local new paper - Campbell Express
The paper is short and sweet. It won't take you all day to read and you get a good feel on what's happening without pages of advertisements.
Next month I'll post more favorites in Campbell. If you have a favorite place in Campbell, let me know
I'm sure everyone is feeling the pinch right now with the economy the way it is. Everything seems to be going up in price except the (average) values of our properties.
I was complaining to my husband today how much the cost of my favorite hairspray went up $3.00 since I purchased it last. As most ladies know, that's only a few weeks.
A thought came to mind, where is everyone going to go for a vacation. With the elevated cost of gas and food, not too many people can afford long trips from home. Here are a few fairly local suggestions:
Napa/Calistoga
From San Jose, 1 ½ hour drive.
Places to stay...
Silver Rose - The Inn has 19 beautiful rooms to choose from. One of our favorite events at the Silver Rose Cellars is the private Barrel Tasting and Tour. When you stay at the inn the barrel tasting if free.
Roman Spa - Great Location in Calistoga has a nice pool and two Jacuzzi tubs (one inside). It is very localized. You can shop or eat in any of the nearby establishments.
Oasis Spa - best place for mud baths and massages. I HIGHLY recommend this spot. They have specials from Sunday to Thursday.
Events and places to visit...
Sterling Vineyards - If you have time and the cash, they have a tram that gives you view of the Napa Valley. The above picture was taken from the tram.
Franks Family Winery - They have a great "backroom" where you can try the "good" stuff. Sorry...no website to post.
Mumms- They serve sparkling wine. My husband Ron and I order the sampler set of 6 different champagnes (sparkling wine, what ever...) Sorry...no website to post.
Mustard Festival - A fantastic time!
Mendocino/Gualala/Fort Bragg
From San Jose, 2 ½ hour drive. Fort Bragg add another 1 ½
For those never hearing of Gualala click here: History of Gualala
Owners, Maureen and Bill Shupe
This is a great place to spend some peaceful time. Maureen and Bill are great to talk with. The can tell you everything about the area including where the best wineries are.
Victorian Gardens, Manchester
One of our favorite places to go in the Mendocino area was in a city call Manchester. There was a bed and breakfast called Victorian Gardens (website is still up). It was a magical place to be. They had exotic as well as domestic animals. Luciano would cook an authentic Italian meal like you've never had before. My husband took me there for many birthdays. Two years ago when Ron was planning one of our yearly trips, we found out Luciano had died. When Ron Spoke with Pauline she said she doubt she could continue with the bed and breakfast. I included a picture of the home and the surrounding beauty. What a shame to lose such a talented and special friend.
Places go
A Romantic Russian style atmosphere. My husband has taken me there for my favorite dish "cold pair soup". One birthday of mine, my husband told me I could choose anywhere I wanted to go. I said, "I'd like a bowl of pair soup". Well off we went. When we got there, it wasn't being served that night. The chef made it for me anyway. No that's service. They have an incredible menu full of wild game. The food is fantastic!
Yes...I have some of it at home. Take a plastic bag with you. You will be amazed at the sight. The sun shines on the pieces of polished deposited on the beach. Glass Beach is one of the most unique beaches in the world, not because nature created it that way, but because time and the pounding surf have corrected one of man's mistakes.
Read about how nature reclaimed this beach.
Well theres some ideas for you. Please let me know what you thought of them if you go.
Dorene
Jeanette Watson was recentely chosen the 11th Senate District's Woman of the Year because of her leadership in civic improvement and historical preservation.
Jeanette was honored last year for her many contributions to the Campbell area. She was the first woman elected to the Campbell City Council, serving from 1985 to 2006 and served as mayor on five different occasions.
In 1968, the Campbell Chamber of Commerce changed its traditional Man of the year award to Citizen of the Year and selected Jeanette as the first recipient.
Kudos to you Jeanette!
Whether you are buying or selling property in the Silicon Valley area, my goal is to provide you with the resources and tools needed to make smart and stress free real estate decisions.
One of my favorite cities in the Silicon Valley is Campbell.
Campbell was founded by Benjamin Campbell, after whom the city was named. Campbell was officially incorporated as a city in 1952. The city then grew rapidly as orchard lands disappeared tract by tract.
Today, Campbell is a quiet suburban residential neighborhood in the southern part of the Santa Clara Valley.
Little known facts about Campbell:
Campbell is situated in the southern portion of the Santa Clara Valley. The historic downtown section sits just west of the railroad in the central area. The southwestern area of Campbell is known as the San Tomas neighborhood and varies somewhat from most of Campbell in the size of its lots and styles of housing. Hamilton Avenue is one the northernmost roads in Campbell.
Points of Interest and History 
Campbell Museum and Ainsley House
Welcome to your one-stop source for real state covering the Silicon Valley area. Real estate is one of the most exciting investments you can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience. Here you'll find everything you'll need to buy or sell a home, as well as learn about the market value of homes you may own in the area. it is my goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please tell me how I can best help in your Real Estate needs!
Here are some of the groups I'm a member of...
Campbell Chamber of Commerce Board Director Campbell Museum and Ainsley House Board Director Fundraising Chairperson for the Carol of Lights Committee
I was referred to Dorene by a friend who Dorene had helped while going through a divorce. I was in the middle of a very nasty divorce. My ex-husband wanted more than I felt he deserved. Our divorce had been going on for 3 years when I finally called Dorene. I had a good pension and a decent amount of equity in my home. Because my husband had been physically and emotionally abusive, I felt he shouldn't get a dime.
My Attorney tried to explain how our laws work, but I was so caught up in the emotions, I just couldn't get past what I felt was the unfairness of it all. I asked Dorene to attend, what would turn out to be our last court date. After the session, I sat down with Dorene and my attorney in the hall of the court house. The opposing counselor and my husband were on the other side trying to submit another offer to settle.
I was very stubborn and refused to consider the settlement. Dorene helped start the negotiation process by explaining the financial side of my predicament. She explained the importance of moving forward and how the gap my husband wanted versus how much I was willing to settle for wasn't worth the stress. I agreed. The offer was accepted. Finally that man is out of my life. Things have improved immensely since Dorene entered my life!
Maria D, San Jose CA
When we were referred to Dorene our credit was in pretty bad shape. We had heard about credit repair companies. Once she explained we could correct the mistakes on our credit report ourselves, we decided this was the way to go. She also showed us how to increase our scores by running a credit analyzer. The credit analyzer showed us step-by-step what needed to be done for improving our credit. Once we improved our scores we were able to get approved for a mortgage loan. We can't thank Dorene enough for helping making our dreams come true. We tell everyone we meet to call Dorene when it comes to buying or refinancing their home.
Angelo & Karen - Sunnyvale CA
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