Ellie Viray, Realtor

Altadena has this great way of getting you from the mountains to the beach.

Did you know that you can leave your car behind and head to the beach from Altadena to Santa Monica Beach? How? Take the Summer Beach Bus.

Save gas, ride in comfort, relax and leave the driving to the Summer Beach Bus. The bus arrives to Santa Monica Beach around 11AM depending on the traffic and departs from Santa Monica Beach at 3PM. For more info on the bus ride, go to www.LaGoBus.Info(click to recreational transit svc) or call (888) 796-1122.

*Information courtesy of Altadena Connection 2008

THE LITTLE RED HEN COFFEE SHOP

This coffee shop is a landmark in Altadena, located on Fair Oaks Avenue.

Altadena has a lot of new and old, and this old is worth checking out.

Currently owned and operated by Mr. Lonzia Shay, the coffee shop fills up with both young and old to get a taste of Mr. Shay's original and specialty plates.

According to Mr. Shay, the restaurant was purchased by Mr. Shay some 25 years ago, and he has been the prominent figure in continuing to cook up his daily specials.

When you walk into the coffee shop, you are taken years back of the image of local diner, with stools and counter. Décor is definitely homey with menu specials on the walls. The bright red table cloth covering the tables adds a definite charm, comfort and warmth. This place is downright "wholesome." Isn't this where the local residents want to eat and chat, catch up with what is happening in wonderful "Beautiful Altadena?"

The Little RED HEN Coffee Shop

2697 Fair Oaks Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001 Tel: (626) 791-1614

Mr. Shay with his RED apron ready to cook up a meal.

Diana has been working at the coffess shop for 7 years.

Charming and Cozy.

Your property tax may go down due to the value review of Los Angeles County Homes.

Los Angeles Country Assessor Rick Auerbach announced that a decline in value review of homes in LA County was completed. Because of the decline in the real estate market, review was done to assure properly accessed home values.

Auerbach noted that a review of homes and condos bought between July 1, 2004 and from June 30, 2007 were made based on the market trends in LA County. According to the news release from the assessor office, the review included 318,000 homes and condos, and lower assessment on 128,000 homes and condos will reflect on tax bill for October.

The average reduction in assessed value is about $73,000 providing an average property tax saving of $750. Auerbach said that the review would eliminate many taxpayers to make formal appeal process. If owners still disagree with the value, they can file an appeal. The deadline for appeal is November 30.

Owners who made home purchase outside of the time period for the review (July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2007) and believe their home value is assessed above the actual value as of January 1, 2008, can file a one page Decline-in Value application, which can be downloaded at http://assessor.lacounty.gov.

Homeowners should be aware that there are private companies that are offering service to check reduction in property taxes. Companies of this nature can charge hundreds of dollars. Auerbach say that solicitation may not be illegal. Owners should be aware that a review of their home may have already been done and value reduced. Plus, according to Auerbach, the Decline-In-Value form is easy to complete.

This information was provided from press news release (for immediate release), dated May 27, 2008, Rick Auerbach LA County Assessor. Contact: Robert Knowles (213) 974-3101

Jacarada is everywhere in City of Pasadena.

Driving down streets of Pasadena, like Del Mar Blvd., and navigating through the residential neighborhood, you cannot take your eyes off the beautiful Jacaranda.

I want to share the great photgraphs of this tree with beautiful blue/purple flowers; a sub-tropical tree native to South America.

On SAT, weather was going to be HOT in the valley area. I was scheduled for a workshop that morning. From Pasadena to Santa Monica, I noticed the traffic was heavier than the usual weekend morning traffic. Where are they headed to? Of course, To The Beach. The weather in the valley was hitting 90 degrees plus, some triple digits.

Arriving to Santa Monica, the weather was a comfortable 70's with mild breeze. Just The Perfect Weather. I live by the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains and love it; however, the beach is hard to compete. And Santa Monica offers so much.

The Pier - There is a Pacific Park where you can ride bumper cars, live circus show by volunteers, aquarium, shops, and more.

The Farmer's Market - One of the acclaimed farmer's markets in the WEST. Check out the fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, bread, cheese, and you may see famous chef's doing their buying here too.

Parks - Santa Monica offers seven local parks which you can enjoy.

Shopping - You have the downtown Santa Monica and 3^rd St. Promenade to shop and enjoy the restaurant scene.

Next time when the heat gets to you, jump in your car and head down to the beach!

*photo-by freefoto.com