R.S.V.P. Wells Fargo Short Sale Presentation FREE to all Presented by: Amelia Castro Short Sale Manager Real Estate Owned and Short Sale Division As well as a: “Short Sale Realtor Perspective” Fabian Casarez, President of NAHREP Inland Empire and Kari Leon, Broker/Owner Agio Real Estate will speak from the point of view of the real estate agent R.S.V.P. July 12, 2012 Registration begins at 10:30 am Presentation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Victor Valley Association of REALTORS 11890 Hesperia Road Hesperia, CA 92345 FREE to all R.S.V.P. at www.nahrep-ie.org Become a member for only $99   Click here for a printable flyer to share with your associates 06/26/2012

It's a Piece of Cake in Fontana! I love birthdays, not just for the presents but for the delicious and creative cakes that we get treated to! The best place to get your cake in Fontana is, hands down, Manila Piece O' Cake Bake Shop. The frosting is creamy and not too sweet, and they come up with some of the most amazing designs I've ever seen. They don't stop at cake, though - you can get pastries and breads - even creme brulee and Spanish bread. I have a sweet tooth, and Manila's never fails to satisfy! 06/21/2012

Fontana is Back on Its Feet! Today the Fontana City Council announced that Fontana is back on solid financial ground and approved its new budget. In recent years, in addition to feeling the normal effects of the recession, Fontana also had to cope with the loss of redevelopment funds and had been forced into major layoffs. This year marked an upswing with only one temporary position eliminated and two new positions added. The council also predicted a rise in property values in the coming months. Very good news! 06/20/2012

Fontana's Gnarly, Dude! Okay, I will admit, I'm not a skater so I'm not up on the "lingo", but I DO know there's a new skatepark that just opened up in Fontana! I have not been on a skateboard in years, so I may not be using this facility a lot, but if you are a skater, this park is a dream come true. Fontana Skatepark is HUGE for one thing, and residents get a month of unlimited usage for just $5, which I think would make it ideal for a summer activity (especially with the costs of other local amusement parks and entertainment centers going up). Additionally, they have lessons, birthday parties, Skate Camp - I'm a little bit jealous that this wasn't around when I was growing up! 06/19/2012

Fontana - Kicking Tail and Taking Names! Now, before you get the wrong idea, Fontana is a calm and peace-loving city. However, in the martial arts arena, we're fierce. Our local school is Fontana Karate-Do, and it teaches karate to all ages and levels of users. It's true that you can get a little bruised up as you learn, but it also teaches you how to both defend yourself and to move more gracefully, so in my mind it's worth it. It's a great workout but it doesn't feel like a workout because you're so involved in learning you don't notice. You'll notice the next day, when you begin to get reacquainted with muscles you hadn't used in years! 06/18/2012

Authorities Need Your Help in Fontana! I generally prefer not to write about negative topics, because that's not what I like to read about when I'm reading blogs, and also I feel that the news does a good enough job covering the ugliness in the world. However, in this instance, the Fontana police really need our help and I want to spread the word. Fontana is a very close-knit and above all SAFE community, so something like this has us all on edge. During the past three months in Fontana, there have been four fires set at dental offices, one as recently as June 14th. Dentistry for Kids, Family Dentistry, Fontana Dental Group, and Western Dental have all been hit, causing well over a million dollars in damages. Not only does this destroy the business (and I will admit, I have no idea why ... 06/17/2012

Thompson's Building Supplies is an amazing store in Fontana CA off the I-10 at the Cherry exit. It has everything you could imagine to fix up your home from rock, stones, big rocks, fountains, waterfalls, pots, plants, garden supplies, custom barbecues, patio furniture and accessories, trees, and statues. They even have a custom design center where they will come out and draw up plans for your backyard like walls, custom patio furniture, masonary supplies etc. It is just an amazing place! I went buy there a few days ago and bought some Malibu type lighting for the backyard, some pots and some plants. I just cannot get a enough of this place. Next week they are delivering 2 scoops of gold rock to my house as well so we can finish our landscaping remodeling job.   This is a barbecue we bo... 06/16/2012

Kaiser and Fontana = A Great Team! I have heard many detractors of Kaiser Permanente and I understand the frustration, because health is an intensely personal and emotional issue and who hasn't had an insensitive or, worse, incompetant doctor in their day? All I can say it must be another Kaiser that people are talking about because the one here in Fontana is fantastic! I have a friend who needed a stem cell transplant (they used her own stem cells) and since Kaiser doesn't have the facilities to perform the procedure, they coordinated and paid for her to have it done at another hospital. Additionally, they coordinated all of her after-care and follow-up visits between her regular doctor and the specialists so she didn't have to worry about a thing. On a more personal note, I personally... 06/15/2012

Spotlight on Burrtec Industries in Fontana Now, no one wants to talk about waste management, but it is CRITICAL to a well-functioning city, so it's worth discussing. Here in Fontana, we've been lucky enough to have the corporate offices for Burrtec Industries in our city for the past 25 years. Burrtec handles everything from recycling household trash to port-a-potties for events to residential garbage collection and truly are Fontana's unsung heroes. Additionally, Burrtec has been highly involved in the community, attending the various fairs, parades and other activities we have during the year. For example, recently they were at the Fontana Rotary Triathlon educating residents and learning about what the city needs. I guess the highest compliment I can give Burrtec is that in all the m... 06/15/2012

Looking to Volunteer? Fontana Has a Program for YOU! This is no garden-variety volunteer program. Fontana is looking for volunteers to assist the local police. It doesn't take much of a time commitment and you'll get to be involved with crime analysis, neighborhood watch, traffic control, vacation patrol, "shop with a cop" and much more. You may be asking what it takes to volunteer - not much!! You just have to be at least 21 years old, have no felony convictions, get fingerprinted and pass a background check, donate four hours per week, and be of good character. You can find out more on the City of Fontana website or by calling (909) 350-7758. 06/13/2012

Fontana Feels The Need for Speed! You don't have to be a die-hard NASCAR fan to enjoy a day at the Auto Club Speedway here in Fontana. It's a large facility, so you should dress comfortably (and layer - it can get really hot or really chilly, depending on the time of day) and be prepared for fun! It reminds me a bit of going to the county fair - hot dogs, beer, people watching and lots of excitement. Now, the Speedway just issued an Open Challenge to Aerosmith singer / American Idol host Steven Tyler, so you never know who might show up. The challenge is due to the fact that Mr. Tyler just purchased the most powerful roadster in the world, and the Auto Club Speedway just happens to hold the speed record for the fastest closed-course lap. Will he answer the challenge? Can he beat the clo... 06/12/2012

Staying Cool in Fontana! Summer's here and as much as we love the sunshine, it's also important to stay cool and hydrated, especially since most of us participate in a lot of summer-time activities. This is especially true of inland Southern California where it can get VERY dry and hot in the summer months. The City of Fontana has a solution! They have opened the City’s Cooling Facilities to the public and invite everyone to stop by. "Cooling Facilities" are areas where the public can get relief from the heat during the day and provide seating areas, air conditioning and drinking water for residents to use and enjoy. For more information, visit the city website here. 06/11/2012

Family Fun in Fontana! Fontana has always been a wonderful city for families in no small part because of the numerous activities for kids of all ages. In my opinion, the Family Fun Nights are the most fun and every year they work hard to keep things new and fresh. Every Tuesday during the summer (June 12 - July 31) at 5pm, you can head down to the park (a different park hosts each week) and participate in crafts, games, activities AND at dusk watch a fun family-friendly movie like Remember the Titans, Kung Fu Panda 2, Kicking and Screaming, and more! 06/10/2012

Pizza: The Perfect Food? Discuss. Gooey cheese, fresh toppings, those giant slices you have to fold over to eat... I'm talking about New York style pizza and, unless you're IN New York, you're not going to find a better slice than at My NY Pizza here in Fontana, CA. Also, can you say "pastrami pizza"? Yes. It's as good as it sounds! In addition to a mouthwatering pizza, My NY Pizza also offers calzones (also a personal favorite), Stromboli, sandwiches, salads... I'm not saying you should eat here every day, I'm just saying you could and not get bored. ;-) 06/09/2012

"Leading Edge" Leads to Success in Fontana! As I've been researching my community, I've come to be amazed at the quality and dedication of our local businesses here in Fontana. One business that blew my mind is the Leading Edge Learning Center. I've heard of them, of course, but I thought they were more just to tutor kids struggling in school. The DO tutor kids, but they do so much more that I had to share what I discovered. Firstly, it's a community based program so, while it is a franchise, it does not operate as thought it were. The Center gets to know the students personally and tailors the program to each student's specific needs. They even go as far as finding outside resources for students if they themselves don't have the ability to fulfill a student's needs. They have been out ... 06/08/2012

Fontana Loves Motown And really, who doesn't? I know I have for as long as I can remember - Diane Ross (and the Supremes of course), Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder... I could fill a hundred posts with all of the incredible artists and music that came out of Motown Records. This Saturday, June 9th, The Tibbies Center Stage Theater is presenting an all new show spanning the Motown era starting in 1959 all the way to today. I have seen several performances at Tibbies and it has always been an excellent experience, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what they've cooked up for their Motown Motor City Revue! 06/07/2012

Hey Tiger! For the BEST Course, Come to Fontana! Southern California has some of the most beautiful links in the world, and while I admit I am highly biased, I believe Sierra Lakes Golf Club is the best of the best, and I'll tell you why. It's the all-you-can-eat gourmet champagne brunch. It's the fact that Sierra Lakes was designed by renowned architect Ted Robinson, making the majestic mountains nearby frame the course for an incredible view. It's the perfectly maintained fairways. It's the quality of player you meet there. It's the challenge! I encourage anyone who enjoys golf that's visiting the Inland Empire to give it a try. You'll be glad you did.   06/06/2012

“Risk Management Seminar” Get the facts about your risks on short-sales and REO transactions, from a Real Estate Attorney. Code Violations Overview This seminar will explore the landmines and remedies currently being fought out in court. Get the edge and protect your business by getting trained on how to avoid these costly mistakes. Three locations available June 12, 2012 9:30 am Check-in and Networking Event from 10:00 am to 12:00 am Agio Real Estate, Inc. 20440 US Highway 18, Suite 103 Apple Valley, CA 92307 June 13, 2012 9:30 am Check-in and Networking Event from 10:00 am to 11:30 am Homestrong Classroom 8711 Monroe Ct. Rancho Cucamonga, CA June 14, 2012 Registration begins at 9:30 am Event from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Cal Desert Assoc Realtors 44475 Monterey Avenue Palm Desert, CA 922... 06/05/2012

NAHREP Inland Empire and NAHREP San Diego present Realtor Summit 2012 Come and be part of the Real Estate Industry’s Biggest Event Save the date: July 19, 2012 for this great one day eventSeminars and Education from 9 am to 5 pm Networking, mixer food, dancing from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pmPechanga Resort & Casino 45000 Pechanga Parkway Temecula CA Topics include but are not limited to: Real Estate Technology Panel * Mortgage Update Panel * Top Real Estate Agent Panel Asset Manager Round Table ** HARP Speaker ** Short Sale Specialist Round Table HUD providers - BLB, Pemco, Matt MartinNAHREP IE and NAHREP SD members are $49 Non-members are $149 in advance (which will include your membership) R.S.V.P. will begin in June 2012 06/05/2012

Goodbye School, Hello Summer! As June gets into full swing, aside from bbqs and baseball games, if you're under the age of 18 it more importantly means no school. I remember how glorious it was seeing 3 months of free time ahead of me (although, if I remember correctly, we got bored within the first 3 hours of vacation) and, my senior year, how bittersweet it was to say goodbye to high school and how exciting it was to start "real life". Now, I know I'm biased, but we have had a great school year here in Fontana, and I just had to share a little. The cheerleaders at Summit High School won the national championship, their school band brought home the state title, AND teacher Sherry Hamilton was named History Teacher of the Year in the state of California. I want to take a moment to congr... 06/05/2012