Thrift…A Growing Choice for Teens

Tougher times create dynamics not seen before.  This time there is a change in the wind for teen shoppers.  Teens usually lead the fashion craze.  Just think of all the ‘big league’ names like Abercrombie, Gap, Express and Banana Republic to name a few.  You think teens are shopping there today?

A growing number of teens have turned to “Thrift Shop” clothes shopping because of a sour job market, slow economy and rising costs of clothing.  That is a far cry from the free spending of recent years when teens splurged on everything from Coach handbags to Juicy Couture T-shirts!

Now, jobs for teens are less plentiful and parents who supplied extravagant allowances are feeling the economic pinch themselves. 

Recent TV commercials are making it cool to be frugal…like eating off the $1 dollar menu at your favorite fast food place…and the take out food section of Costco is busier than ever (cheap, but great pizza and hot dogs). 

Well Thrift Stores are cool too…especially if they have a cool name for the store and save us parents some money!

Your comments are welcome.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Green House: 10 Steps to Energy-Efficient Home…

 

1. For every two degrees you lower your thermostat in winter (or for every two degrees you raise it in summer), you save 5 to 10% of the heating/cooling portion of your bill.
2. Have heating & air conditioning equipment serviced twice a year.
3. Consider a fan & dehumidifier.  Both use less energy and can make a home comfortable.
4. Don’t shut internal doors or registers, since that adds strain on the heating/cooling system and will make it use more electricity.
5. On sunny days, open curtains & blinds to let in the sun’s heat; close them at night and on cloudy days.
6. Close the fireplace damper & cover the fireplace when not in use; the chimney will act like a funnel & allow cold outside air to infiltrate.
7. Use enough weather stripping & caulking, including on the internal door to your heater/hot water closet and ceiling access.  Ask local utility company to perform an energy test.  Add insulation to attic.
8. Water heating usually accounts for 10 to 25% of the energy used in a home.  Tankless heaters provide hot water on demand, which reduces or eliminates standby losses.
9. Conserve bathroom water by installing low-flow shower heads & water-conserving toilets.
10. Replace single-pane windows.  Double-pane windows with high-performance low-E glass perform much better and help reduce heat loss in winter and gain in the summer.

Your comments are welcome…

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

 

Orange County Info ~ Central County

COSTA MESA

Save the date… 5/17/08 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Adams Elementary will hold its Country Fair.  Fundraiser features free admission.  Information – 714-424-7935

 

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Congratulations!  The Police Department recently promoted several officers.  Derek Link was promoted to Senior Officer; Ted Valle, Steve Desantis & Jose Maldonado were promoted to Sergeant; Ken Hounsley & Paul McInnis were promoted to lieutenant.

 

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Nothing new to report

 

IRVINE

Nothing new to report

 

LOS ALAMITOS

Registration is in progress for the Recreation & Community Services Department’s summer day camp.  Children from 5 to 12 are eligible for 10 one-week sessions being offered.  Each week is designed around a central theme and is $115 per week.  Information – 562-430-1073

 

NEWPORT BEACH

Nothing new to report

 

ORANGE

Nothing new to report

 

SANTA ANA

Nothing new to report

 

SEAL BEACH

Save the date… Now through 5/18/08.  See the artwork of McGaugh Elementary School students at the Mary Wilson Library, 707 Electric Ave.  Library hours are 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday & Tuesday; 10:00 am to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday.

 

TUSTIN

Tustin High students in good academic standing have until 5/15/08 to compete for The “Waldron Karp Scholarship” a police scholarship up to $1,000.  Students are to submit 500 to 1,000 words about ways in which the community can band together to defeat graffiti.  Information – 714-573-3296

 

VILLA PARK

Save the date… 5/25/08 from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm.  The annual Villa Park City Picnic will be held a Irvine Lake.  Information – 714-998-1500

Orange County Info ~ South County

ALISO VIEJO

The free 3 part series designed to educate youth about practical ways to successfully manage money continues on 5/15 & 5/22 from 7:00 – 8:00 pm.  Aliso Viejo Library Community Room, 1 Journey.  949-425-2519 or gduran@cityofalisoviejo.com

 

COTO DE CAZA & THE CANYONS

Fire Danger!  Cleveland National Forest officials announced that because of recent hot weather & dry vegetation, the fire danger level was increased from low to moderate.

 

DANA POINT

Nothing new to report

 

LADERA RANCH

Nothing new to report

 

LAGUNA BEACH

Nothing new to report

 

LAGUNA HILLS

Tickets for the middle school dance go on sale 5/19 and the dance will be on 6/6 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the community center, 25555 Alicia Pkwy.  The dance is for students from La Paz, Los Alisos and Serrano Intermediate.  Information – 949-707-2690

 

LAGUNA NIGUEL

Nothing new to report

 

LAGUNA WOODS

Congratulations to Resident Suellen Zima who won a Pen Marjorie Davies Roller Award for “Memoirs of a Middle-Aged Hummingbird”. 

 

LAKE FOREST

Still time to get your creative & patriotic entry into this year’s Annual 4^th of July parade.  This year’s theme is “Lake Forest Rocks on the 4^th”.  Entries must be submitted to the city by 6/6.  Applications can be picked up at the Community Center, 25550 Commercenter Dr. or downloaded at www.ci-lake-forest.ca.us

 

MISSION VIEJO

Nothing new to report

 

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Nothing new to report

 

SAN CLEMENTE

Detour:  The entrance to San Clemente State Beach through a pedestrian opening along Avenida Del Presidente has been closed.  The state park is closing that access to build a handicapped-accessible ramp which is part of a $27,000 park upgrade.          

 

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The city is seeking applications for the Youth Advisory Board, a board that serves a one-year term beginning in August.  Applications will be accepted until 5:30 pm May 15^th by the city clerk at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto.

Orange County Info ~ North County

ANAHEIM

Save the date… As part of its’ 35^th anniversary celebration, the Ramada is offering a deal to visitors. Guests may stay at the lodge May 14^th, Sept 1^st or Nov 30^th if they donate $30 or more, which benefits the Alliance of Children’s Rights. Information – 800-854-6097

 

BREA

Save the date… May 31^st from 10:00 am. Hike with Mayor Don Schweitzer through Carbon Canyon Regional Park. RSVP; no costs required. Information – 714-990-7718

 

BUENA PARK

The Buena Park Library is conducting a survey about customer satisfaction through May 30^th, available in English or Spanish. Stop by at 7150 La Palma Ave or www.buenaparklibrary.org .

 

CYPRESS

Save the date… 6/7/08 from 11:00 am to noon. Cypress Nature Park (4201 Ball Road) will be having a “Parrots and Pirates” show featuring the parrot from “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies on a pirate ship.  Information – 714-229-6780

 

FULLERTON

The city is considering a proposed water cost increase due to expected higher costs in 2008-2009. A public hearing is scheduled for June 17^th at 6:30 pm in City Hall. Information – 714-738-6382

 

GARDEN GROVE

Save the date… 5/17/08 at 9:00 am. The League of Women Voters will be hosting a discussion for ballot propositions for the June 3^rd election at the United Methodist Church of Garden Grove (12741 Main St, Room 15).  Information – 714-534-1070

 

LA HABRA

Congratulations: 2007 CIF Champion Aaron Novikoff has accepted a scholarship to play at Eastern Michigan University. He played defense for La Habra High School.

 

LA PALMA

Volunteers needed for the La Palma Meals on Wheels program.  Drivers will deliver food to seniors twice a month.  Information:  714-690-3350

 

PLACENTIA

The city voted to provide $17,500 for services during the Tamale Festival and Las Posadas on Dec. 9^th and Taste of Placentia Oct. 10^th, respectively. Services will include administrative support, police security, trash removal and cleanup.

 

STANTON

Save the date… 5/17/08 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Stanton will host its’ 7^th  Annual Classic Car show in Stanton Park, 7800 Katella Ave. Vendor space is available for $25 pre-registered or $30 at the gate. Information – 714-379-9222 x270

 

WESTMINSTER

The city is calling for local groups and organizations that would like to participate in the newly-resuscitated Founders’ Day Parade Oct. 25^th at the Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd. Information – 714-895-2860.

 

YORBA LINDA

Nothing new to report

Complaints are up…Used to be…The Tough Get Going

Ever notice that when times are tough, complaints go up?  I remember the old saying “when times are tough, the tough get going” but things seem so different now…

Here are a few examples:

1) Age-discrimination complaints are up - baby boomers are aging and as a result are more vulnerable to losing their jobs than their younger counter parts when companies cut costs.  Why? Well, they make more money and trimming costs would be better for the company if the higher paid employees are cut.

2) Teen jobs are scarce - ‘Summer Job Fairs’ are scarce and they were usually plentiful.  Teens are complaining that there are less job opportunities (and they’re correct) at restaurants and shopping malls because of a slowing economy.  These kids know why…they study economics in school.  But they also need money for college and they can earn it with a summer job.  Now, with fewer jobs available it creates more pressure for parents sending their kids off to school and they cut-back spending in other areas, contributing to a downward economic spiral.

3) Law Suits Are Up - I provide Expert Witness service for attorneys and I have been participating in 5 cases in the last 4 months.  Normally I would see 5 cases in a 3 year period.  People are angry and begin to dissect their transaction looking for a flaw…and then the attorney phone rings.

Your comments are welcome…

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

Rains Over but Ideas for next Season Inspire…

Rainy season never lasts long in California and we always look for a solution or some help in the area of water conservation.  Here are several great ideas to consider for next year…A “rain chain” can create a visual impact as it guides water down from a gutter and downspout thru a series of decorative cups and dumps into a basin for use later in gardens.  Visit rainchains.com for some examples and ideas.  They can save you water and look great.

Gutters and downspouts are a necessity in any home but remember not to let water accumulate near the base of the foundation.  Use quality materials for gutters and downspouts installed and maintained by a professional.  Visit guttersupply.com for some advice.

There is no time like now to prepare for next season…you don’t want to be doing it it in the middle of a rain storm.

Thanks for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

 

 

Cinco de Mayo and Avocados

Tequila, chips, salsa, cerveza (beer) and fun…all associated with the Mexican holiday so gracefully adopted by Americans called “Cinco de Mayo”.  While most Americans don’t even know what they’re celebrating, Cinco de Mayo has also become synonymous with one of the great harvests of every year - Avocados!

Surely you didn’t forget the guacamole to dip your chips into or to spread on that warm quesadilla…well, it’s made from avocados.

April and May are peak season for California grown Hass avocados, where suppliers will pack about 10.2 million pounds  for restaurants, food distributors and produce suppliers in and around California.

Here are some freaky avocado facts:

*There are about 500 varieties of avocados….

*Of those, about about 7 varieties are grown in California…

*The Hass variety accounts for about 95 percent of the total California crop…

*One avocado tree produces about 260 pounds of oxygen per year…

*Forty-three percent of U.S. households buy avocados…

Happy Cinco de Mayo and thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

 

OC’s Midnight Munchie Business

Well, there is a time for everything and with drunk driving a sore spot everywhere a group of entrepreneurs has found a way to keep people safe and make a business out of it!

These guys, known as “Midnight Muncheez” provide the solution for the OC’s munchie craving middle of the night consumers by selling and delivering everything from french bread pizzas, to ice cream, popcorn, peanuts, cigarettes and even toiletries in hopes of curbing the number of drunken drivers who might venture out to buy munchies after a night of partying.  Some consumers just like the idea of a night time delivery service while they’re kicking back watching a movie at home.

Either way, the police support the effort and it keeps drivers safer when keeping drunken drivers off the road.  This business thrives in Newport Beach and hopes to expand to Huntington Beach.  Most college towns should consider a service like this. 

I like the entrepreneurial style and the concept because it can save a life.  Good luck to “Midnight Muncheez”.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso

OC band marches in Nations Capital

Tustin’s Beckman High School marching band was invited to participate in the National Cherry Blossum Festival in Washington D.C.

150 students and 11 chaperones joined 11 other high school bands from around the nation playing patriotic songs at the festival.  The students also had the pleasure of learning while there and visited the Air and Space Museum and the National Archives where our Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and Bill of Rights rest.  They were also able to drop in on a session of the Senate to hear a day’s concluding remarks. 

The national Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the March 1912 gift of 3,000 Japanese cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to President Taft.  In 1965 anther 3,800 more trees was given to President Johnson.

Congratulations to Tustin’s Beckman High School in The OC!!!

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards, Michael Caruso