Rita Tayenaka

The state of California is staging the largest earthquake drill in US history! It will be held November 13, 2008. So go online to www.shakeout.org and register. You can register in many different capacities, individual, groups, businesses, schools etc. It is going to be a helpful drill for our emergency resources. So go check out the website, click on regsiter and join us in the largest drill ever. It should raise emergency- preparedness awareness and get us ready for the big one. Please register and encourage your friends to register!

Dear past sellers,

I need to apologize! What I had you do without batting an eye.

First take your home and stage it to sell.

Then I would calmly tell my sellers pack like you are moving- get rid of all the personal stuff in your home. Your home should be not like you are living in it but as you would want to see it as a buyer. Put all your personal stuff in boxes and store away ready to move.

Next I am going to do an open house so you need to leave for the day - 5 hours- mid day on your weekend and figure out what to do with yourself- movie, dinner, lunch - whatever.... and by the way take away the cat, dog, lizard and litter boxes that go with.

All this time I didn't bat an eye. Then I would show up 15 minutes early to my open house. Signs would be posted, people biting at the bit to get in. I would knock at the door with my cheery smile and great the homeowner who had been cleaning, making beds, getting rid of any evidence of having made breakfast, no dirty laundry- home whipped into shape.

I would move on in and enjoy several hours of peace while I greeted neighbors and potential buyers.

Little did I think of my poor sellers, they had mad kids who just wanted to stay home and play, husband who wanted to watch the big game and what to do with the pup? Do you have them groomed...... every weekend? How long can you play at the dog park and what to do with the rest of the family while the dog is happily playing?

Well- I just listed my own home... so all the realities of this hit home! I have been packing like a fool- never knew I could sweat that much and still live. Everything personal is in boxes hidden away, then my kid asks for me to sew up his pants---- mmmm where is the thread, the sewing machine and never mind the ironing board???

I cleaned the kitchen, did the wash, shined the windows and was just doing the last of the bed making when knock, knock on the door, my friend/ realtor with her happy smile ready to spend the day in my home! I cracked the door and told her to go away! She laughed and came on in- no really GO AWAY!!

The dog went to a friends house and played in her pool all day- so now I owe her a pool cleaning, the kids didn't want to leave- saying they had homework- so they were in and out all day, my husband stayed in the garage and packed- which I am sure the agent didn't like ( as I wouldn't of) and I went on my way to disturb another seller of mine to do the same- get out!

Now that I am deep in the midst of all this.... I must say I am sorry. I will never be early for an open house! I will never stay late because it was busy, if you want to leave bowser home- I will work with you- Kennel or something- but most of all----- I am SORRY!

Have you found this wonderful little secret in Califia? It is the Matt Davis Park.

For years this area was just a weed patch. The builder of the community - Bramalea went bankrupt in the early 1990's and left the park unfinished. The city was the beneficiary of the land but didn't have the funds to do anything with the property.

For years it sat empty, weeds grew- kids played. There were many skate ramps built by kids, lots of " fun " happened up in this unkept area.

Then the city started having planning sessions with the neighborhood. The ideas flowed from a swimming pool, to soceer fields, to just plain open space. These planning sessions went on for months and then nothing.

Several years later again the planning sessions started. Apprarently some of the bond money that was set for the park was available. The area residents again had some great ideas. The architect came up with this plan- a playground surrounded by a walking park and rolling hills. The cost was 1.5 million dollars. I went home that night after looking at the plans and couldn't believe this simple park was going to cost so much to develop.

Months went on- grading happened, plants were planted, grass was growing, boy scouts helped, it was an effort. The chain link fence didn't allow the residents to go in- there was mystery!

Well now it has been about 2 years that the park has been open and it is a beauty. The views are phenomenal, the walking path is lighted and if you do the whole loop- up the hill and around it is 1/4 mile so do four loops and you've walked a mile. The park is shared by kids on the playground, people enjoying the seats and tables with the views, walkers, dogs, even deer are seen early in the morning grazing on the beautiful landscaping.

It is truely a unique park- because of the rolling green area there can't be a baseball or soceer game played- it is just a park for enjoyment of all.

The city did a grand job of it and if you live in Califia and haven't discovered this gem- head on down to the bottom street and walk to Camino Largo and check it out. You will find Mocha my black lab and I there twice a day - everyday- we LOVE IT! Thanks to the city of Mission Viejo.

PS It is also a memorial park to Matt Davis a motorcyle policeman who lost his life in Misison Viejo while on duty- I am sure his family is proud of the park also!

Like disco? Want to relax in Central Park and enjoy some 80's sounds. Come to the free concert in Central Park in Rancho Santa Margarita on Sunday August 10 the Funkomatics will be playing- you can pull out your white suit, your spandex and join in the dancing!

What a great night to bring the familiy- let your kids enjoy "your music" bring back some good memories and share the night. Hope to see you there.

There will be area restaurants where you can purchase dinner to enjoy while soaking in the evening. What a great backdrop, the mountains, the sun setting- this is what Rancho is all about.

Looking for something to do ? How does a FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT sound?

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is hosting a free showing of the movie "E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial" on Friday, August 15, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Remember ET hidden in the pile of stuffed animals? Why not grab your kids, grandkids or a neighborhood group and head over to the community center for a large screen showing. A fun family activity is planned before the movie begins. Complimentary popcorn and drinks will be provided. Call 470-3062 for further information.

Have you been to the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center since it has been remodeled? You could use this as an excuse to roam the new buildings and grounds, it is really a wonderful center and a great place to hold an event. Come check out the event and the movie all at once. See you there!

P. Murrary Community and Senior Center on Saturday Aug. 15th at 6:30