Over the years and with a number of significant benefactors, the zoo has grown to it’s 107 acres of parkland with over 800 species and a collection of over 4000 animals. The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the “Cageless” exhibit concept. The San Diego Zoo is a world leader in both species preservation as well as it’s world wide conservation efforts.

Throughout the Zoo grounds, the exhibits are designed around particular habitats. Currently there are 9 habitat regions ( see display and habitat map ) represented in the park with collections of animals and native plants representative of each region. The entire park is maintained as an arboretum with native and exotic plants ( and a notable rare plant collection ) represented throughout the park.

I hope you will enjoy meeting some of the many wonderful and unique faces of our permanent residents here at the San Diego Zoo in my slideshow.

San Diego Housing Market Has Been Steadily Improving-But Now It Is Slowing Down

Over the last 14 straight months, the San Diego Housing Market was improving. I reported so here on ActiveRain and on my Voice of San Diego Real Estate blog site with glee. So what is happening now? It would seem at first glance that the Federal Tax credit coupled along with state housing credits inspired most of the qualified buyers that were in the market to have already purchased leaving, us with a much smaller Buyer pool. And  that doesn’t look to be increasing any time soon. Could that be a real possibility after having a steady increase in the improving numbers of home prices and sales? A possible cyclical change already?

According to Data Quick reporting, more money was spent last month on housing in Southern California  in in the past 2 years. Home purchases are dropping significantly and with the historically low rates that haven’t been this low since the 1970’s, what could be going on?

We have had home price improvement for home sellers with the median price edging up 13.2 percent in the last year. The mix of homes  from distressed to equity homes sales has improved from what was in the range of over 50% to about 33% currently. Higher home priced sales  make up about 20.8% , which is up over last year , Investor and absentee buyers are currently making up about 19% of the sales. So that leaves up with 30% of the market made up of homes sales in the low priced category ( under $500K ) which is now lower than last year.

I suspect that Buyers are having a more difficult time of qualifying for the mortgages now. The requirements are getting more difficult  to qualify so it may be that many more potential buyers are not eligible to purchase.

Here is another  statistic that  might help explain some of the change we are experiencing. Over the years , typically adjustable rate mortgages make up  anywhere from 20 to 40 percent of the buyer pool at any one time. Today we are down to just a little over 6% of the mortgages  are adjustable. Jumbo loans , even though the interest rates are available under 5%, qualifying requires extra high credit scores, at least 20% down and cash reserves.

The Buyer pool is still shrinking and that could spell some serious pricing problems ahead for sellers as we see the ratio of supply and demand make these dramatic changes. This is likely to add to the number of distressed homeowners entering the inventory market in coming months. It may be early for this statement but I am thinking that the idea that the housing market is going to float all boats and help get us out of the economic downturn might have been just wishful thinking.

6015 Caminito Del Oeste , San Diego

Deluxe Townhome on Tecolote Natural Reserve

Striking University Canyon West two level contemporary townhouse on canyon rim with serene views. Shows beautifully with some updated amenities. Glorious backyard oasis w/tiled patio, partial cover, pond and lush plantings. All set beside a gorgeous canyon setting. Contemporary white kitchen with solid surface counter tops. New dishwasher and stove installed June 2010. 3rd BR  convertible is open loft style w/no closet.
University Canyon West is an upscale condominium development in the heart of San Diego above Fashion Valley behind the USD Campus. Bordering the Tecolote Canyon Natural Reserve, it is a quiet gem in the heart of central San Diego. Close to Mission Bay, Old Town, the world class shops and restaurants of Mission & Fashion Valley and convenient to downtown. This unit shares only one common wall and feels in many ways like a single family home. This floor plan’s features include soaring vaulted ceilings, clerestory and solarium windows, an upgraded fireplace surround with raised hearth, a skylight stairwell, a kitchen with breakfast area, a direct access 2 car garage and an exclusive use/owner maintained backyard/patio on the canyon. Plantation shutters can be found in the dining room, master bedroom, front guest bedroom and in the 3rd bedroom/loft. Wood pattern laminate flooring on the staircase, upstairs hall, 3rd bedroom/loft convertible and throughout the first level with the exception of Kitchen,with rustic white tile. For more information on this home or any other property available for sale in San Diego, contact the Local Expert, William Johnson, RE/MAX Associates

As we celebrate this day commemorating our Independence and Liberty, it is fun to look back on our history and take note of those unusual circumstances that are often missed. Here is one such fact in history.  Our 2nd President John Adams and our 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson died the same day, July 4th, 1826 as they both acknowledged the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. They were first friends and then grew bitter towards each other. But as they settled into their retirements as Past Presidents, their friendship was reaffirmed and strenghtened . They died within an hour of each other . Exactly five years later , they were to be joined by our 5th President , James Monroe who died July 4th, 1831.

On this, the celebration of the anniversary of our Independence, let us remember these men, Adams and Jefferson. For it is they that so eloquently expressed  the ideals of individual liberty and the philosophy of the need for freedom.

La Jolla Festival Of The Arts

This art show and 4th annual charity event held at the beginning of each summer is sponsored by the Torrey Pines Kiwanis Club. It is held on the east campus of the University of California San Diego. The designated grounds use many acres to accomplish the very large event. One of the finest Art Shows in all of Southern California, this art show in particular, I don’t miss. 

This is no ordinary community art show as it features Internationally known artists, book signings, Chalk art by Prominent world Class Modonnari, a Classic Car exhibit, Cuisine prepared by Restaurant Row participants, An Interactive Kids Zone, and Music Entertainment by Featured Musicians and Bands on The Carvin Entertainment Stage.

The variety of Fine Arts in different medium covers a very large area on the grounds and the numbers of artists this year was extraordinary. The sections of street painting by world class class Madonnari ( chalk artists) was simply amazing.

This year, I am featuring two artists whose wonderful artistic stylings I have come to know and really enjoy. Introducing you to Kari von Wening and Jan Bush.

This Hand Painted and Metal Sculpture, titled ” Bon Appetite” is one of the pieces that drew me in to see Kari and Jan’s work. Earlier this year, I had first come across their works as exhibited at the Little Italy show in Downtown San Diego.

It was quite evident that I wasn’t only one drawn in as their display area was crowded with art collectors. And they were the more serious collectors who regularly add to their collections. I met one middle age couple that been collecting their work for some time and were about to purchase yet another piece for their collection.

There was another violin there that I was attracted to and they asked me why I liked it. The form and design reminded me of “Carnival” in Venice. We discussed that further and they decided they wanted it in their collection. I was delighted to have been a part of the decision making process for them.

At the La Jolla Festival of the Arts show yesterday, once again I was found a piece called “Bon Appetitie”. I was talking with Kari and Jan about the Blog post I wrote of the review of the movie Julie and Julia where I used that title.

I asked Kari and Jan if I could feature this violin in this post because I really liked it. Who knows, I may start a new collection of their violins. Their work is so intriguing and is always an inspiration to me. Here is a link to their site if you would like to see more of their works. As a collection is really wonderful and each piece seems to make such a bold statement.

Here are some other photos representing other works found here at this festival. Enjoy!

While visiting the many artists exhibits I also found and spoke with many different kinds of artists, specializing in different media, including a Photographer whose work I really appreciate. He and his wife are world travelers and he originally was a newspaper Photo Journalist from San Francisco. We spoke about his vast array of works, my interests in photography and about the PhotoBlogger group I founded. His work is simply stunning and he has welcomed me to consult with him on some very creative techniques he developed.

Some of the artist categories at this show were custom jewelery design, wood workings, furniture, photography, original oil, water colors, acrylics, glass,paper, ceramics, Fiber and textiles, Sculpture, Drawing, airbrush and mixed media and Madonni.

]]> http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/07/03/la-jolla-festival-of-the-arts-featuring-the-works-of-kari-von-wening-and-jan-bush/feed/ 0 http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/06/28/microsoft-grand-opening-its-retail-store-in-san-diego/ http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/06/28/microsoft-grand-opening-its-retail-store-in-san-diego/#comments Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:44:12 +0000 William Johnson http://therealestatetextbook.com/?p=1279 Microsoft Grand Opening

Photo taken with iPhone camera

If you are a PC user, this was a major event that happened here in San Diego. I was not able to make it Thursday Jun 24th to the Grand Opening of Microsoft’s First Retail Store in San Diego but the celebration is still going on. And had I arrived just one hour earlier, I would been able to see the musician John Legend perform live there right in the front window of the store ( see white Yamaha piano in window) .

Even though I am an Apple user, I also use Microsoft on my Mac, so I am interested in Microsoft. What a beautiful store and the amount of personnel made me think I was in the Apple store. I was spoken to the moment I entered the store and then soon spotted what had to be one of the most intriguing notebook computers I have ever seen. In fact I couldn’t even figure out how to open it.

Immediately someone came over and and showed me. Wow, was I impressed. You simply run your hand over the front edge, the light turns blue and voila, you lift the thinnest screen on the thinnest computer I have ever seen.   And If that weren’t enough I saw things I have never seen before. I saw the table top touch screen computer the size big enough for about 4 people to comfortably play computer games in total ease, gadgets and software that would make you think you might have died and gone to “Technology Heaven“. Talk about toys for all ages. An amazing experience of the newest offerings in technology.

This all started because after my late in the day listing appointment and being close by to the mall, I wanted to stop in to see first hand the new Microsoft Store. I also needed to go into Apple, a couple stores away to see the newly released iPhone 4 since I will be due for an upgrade later this year. I naturally tried out the new 5 megapixel camera and the new video feature.  The resolution and quality of both were remarkable and the ease of using the video will make this a very desirable ad-on feature of the phone. While there I also tried out the new iPad which is still the coolest looking tablet but I will wait for the second edition for some needed ad-on features I am hopeful will be on the second edition.

So it was a late day of learning about what is new on the market and where the technology dollars will be parceled out later in the year.  All this was really eye candy for this techno wizard want-a-be.

” Celtic Woman and The Songs From the Heart “

Ever since I first became acquainted with the Celtic Woman, I have loved their music. I have watched them when they have appeared on KPBS. When I heard they were making a return visit to San Diego at the San Diego Civic Center I made sure I reserved my seats early so I could see them live in concert for the first time.

Making my way to the concert and with time to spare before the performance  seating, I decided to check out the famous US Grant Hotel. On the way over to the hotel, I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of the Celtic Woman equipment transport sitting in the loading area of the Civic Center. This sold out one night performance was a great production. And there was no doubt about it, it was a grand evening of remarkable music. They performed the music that has made them famous for well over two and a half hours. The concert was titled like their new CD, “Songs From The Heart“. One of my favorite songs is embedded there in new CD title, if you would care to listen.( note, the music video opens in a separate window)

The colors in this night photo taken on my iPhone camera of the US Grant Hotel after the performance are quite realistic of the stunning blue green lighting of the US Grant. The hotel’s interior has been remodeled again since I was last there and I must say it was certainly impressive in it’s grandeur. While there, I captured a few more photos with my iPhone and I was actually surprised with the quality of the photos, considering the lower resolution. The US Grant has been an icon of Downtown San Diego since 1910. With all it’s many international awards, it currently ranks in the top 100 most famous hotels in the world.

The Lobby of the Hotel is beautifully designed in neutral tones with ornate columns, white marble, travertine ,dark cherry wood detail and crystal chandeliers.

In one of the display areas, there was a photo showing the original US Grant at the turn of the century. Taking photos of pictures is sort of fun if you can capture it without  the light reflecting on it. And along where that photo was hanging on the wall as shown below, was a display window with the original table dining service of the US Grant.

The US Grant Dinning table service of dinner plate,crystal, silver flatware and accessories .

]]> http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/05/11/1261/feed/ 0 http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/05/11/i-tawt-i-taw-a-widdle-wabbit/ http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/05/11/i-tawt-i-taw-a-widdle-wabbit/#comments Wed, 12 May 2010 01:29:25 +0000 William Johnson http://therealestatetextbook.com/?p=1242

After seeing this little guy coming through my yard for a couple weeks and never having my camera handy, I finally caught up with him this afternoon ( assuming of course that it is a him). I never remember seeing rabbits where I live but this little thing seems to have adopted my place. At first I thought it was a compliment but my garden seems to be his main source for food.

My first mistake of course was in assuming that being this small, he couldn’t eat that much or do much harm so I just enjoyed his scampering around and coming up close to check me out. He isn’t the nervous type either. So I brought out carrots trying to feed it but he came over , sniffed them and tuned his nose up to them. Of course I never heard of a rabbit that didn’t like carrots but you are looking at one. Well that was last week. His culinary tastes have been greatly expanded.

I have since learned that he likes just about everything else in my yard, including the grass. What he just finished eating to the ground were my Lemon colored Day Lillies. The roots are still there ( no gophers as yet) and some stubs but little else. One day I had plants that were about to bloom and the next time I look they are but stubs sticking out the ground. I think sometime tomorrow we are going to have to part company. As I was contemplating how to fix the problem,  an image of father come into my head with him saying, “It’s a bit late to worry about closing the barn door now, the horse is already out and half way to China by now” .

Well, he does take a nice photo, hehehe.

According to Zillow, San Diego home prices year over year have increased 3.5 % and other reliable analysts agree that San Diego’s bottom was met and prices are on the rise and now lead the nation. Out of 27 major market areas, San Diego lead the way of the 6 top markets showing ayear over year increase in price followed by 4 other California markets.

Good news for Homeowners and for home ownership. It seems pretty clear that if prices are going to continue to rise, short of any great new economic downturn on the horizon, this is a very good time to buy with prices still low and interest rates still affordable. Single family homes are up on average 4.5 % over the past year and condominiums were 2.2 %.

Buyers that want to buy a home at the ground floor level would be well served now to get back into the market and make hay will sun shines, which it does most of the year here in San Diego. There are still some very good bargains out there but the inventory is low and hasn’t had much increase in inventory. Think in terms of supply and demand and take action now.

I would highly recommend San Diego Buyers to realize that the time is now if you still want in at the bottom.

]]> http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/05/11/1235/feed/ 0 http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/05/09/the-origin-of-the-tribute-we-pay-to-our-mothers/ http://therealestatetextbook.com/2010/05/09/the-origin-of-the-tribute-we-pay-to-our-mothers/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 01:40:28 +0000 William Johnson http://therealestatetextbook.com/?p=1251

Ever Since we were little kids, we knew that Mother’s Day was special. Naturally we thought it was just about our Mom. Once a year in May, we were reminded that this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, so don’t forget. Once we passed through elementary school into Junior High, we were left to our devices in what we should do to honor Mom. As you may recall, Elementary Teachers would always have us do a project  that usually meant making something to give Mom.

But do you know how all this started? Why we honor our Mothers? Some would say that the observance of honoring mothers had its origin with the Egyptians, but many other historians credit the social activist  Julia Ward Howe and a school teacher by the name of Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis for our modern-day holiday.

It was actually Julia that first used the words “Mother’s Day” in her “Mother’s Day for Peace” movement back in 1872. If Julia were alive today, she might be categorized as a “peace activist ” in that she promoted peace after having observed the carnage about the Civil War and Franco-Prussian war. Her campaign was to inspire women the world over to rise up against war.

Julia’s “Mother’s Day for Peace” was first observed in London at the International Women’s Peace Congress in 1872. All the while, a second woman Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis in her efforts to heal the nation after the Civil War attempted to improve sanitation and child care that she learned from her brother who was a doctor, for what she called the Mother’s Friendship Day.

Ann Reeves Jarvis a school teacher from Philadelphia is given credit for saving thousands of American lives in America after the Civil War through her teaching women in her Mother’s Friendship Clubs, the basics of nursing, child care and sanitation. Ann’s daughter, Anna Jarvis though is the one that succeeded in introducing Mother’s Day in the way we celebrate today.

Anna Jarvis wanted to honor her mother after her mother’s death in 1905 and decided that all mothers should be honored  with a special day designated as Mothers Day. She stated that effort with a letter writing campaign, urging businesses and congress to declare a national day of honor for Mothers. Her efforts she hoped would increase respect for parents and strenghten family bonds.

In 1908 in Grafton, West VA, a church service would honor Anna’s mother and that church would ultimately became known as the International Mother’s Day Shrine. Anna’s efforts would continue and in 1912, the Mother’s Day International Association came into being.

Anna continued to lobby the US Congress and convinced them of the need to honor all mothers which lead to a Congressional Resolution honoring mothers in 1913.

In 1914 on May 8th, by presidential proclamation, Woodrow Wilson officially set aside a national day, the second Sunday in May for the observation of Mother’s Day to honor all mothers. As Mother’s Day became very popular commercially, Anna became infuriated that the real sentiment of the day was being sacrificed by greed and profit. She even did a door to door campaign as well as a letter writing campaign to have the holiday, Mother’s Day rescinded, feeling that it was not being observed the way she had intended.  But despite her efforts that Mother’s Day should not be about gifts and flowers but genuinely expressed appreciation of motherhood in writing by ones children, Mother’s Day remains commercially profitable today in America and has spread throughout the world.

In the true sentiment of what this day means, let us each in our own way express to our Moms how much they mean to us and our appreciation of their sacrifices they made to rear us, protect us and love us. Let us then set aside this day in reverence of our appreciation of them.

Happy Mothers Day!