No, this is not a trade in the NBA... Anaheim seems determined to honor their word and the state mandate that 20% of their power be "green electricity" for households by the year 2012. After a bit more testing is completed the Utah power plant will send Anaheim 11 megawatts of power beginning in 2009 from the Raser Power Plant, which boasts zero carbon emissions.   A spokesman from Raser said that 95% of the equipment they use to make geothermal green power is from machinery we've had for many years.  They run huge air conditioners backward...only 5% of what they use to obtain this green power is new technology. A geothermal generator uses heat from underground hot water to produce electricity. My only question is why can't we do this locally and not ship it in from another state? Your... 11/12/2008

Money is tight.  Contractors are looking for work.  How far will they travel to get work?  To the Space Station? The International Space Station is set to get a facelift soon as astronauts prepare for an upcoming launch that will have them make improvements which will essentially double the crew capacity at the station.  They will set in place a new water recovery system, a new fridge, set up extra sleeping compartments, add a work out machine capable of performing 30 exercises for crew members using it, and add a half bath.  They will be setting up extra lap top stations, thermostats and most important...they are going "green".  They will install an environmental system that is a closed loop - essentially recycling almost everything.  Yes, if you were thinking what I was thinking...it... 11/12/2008

In California, the Governor is faced with an $11.4 Billion budget deficit.  Our "Governator" has proposed an economic stimulus plan that would have the state sales tax increased by 1.5% for a 3 year period.  Ideally this would bring much needed revenue for the state...but wait a minute here.  I said "ideally" it would do that.  However, what if the increase in sales tax causes people to buy less and the result is more businesses closing?  A very real possibility.  It could create a further economic deterioration and downward spiral.  I really don't want to go to any more "going out of business" sales! Other ideas brought forward in the Governors package I can really get behind.  They include calling for scaling back holiday pay to straight time rather than time and a half for all state... 11/12/2008

Do we all agree that by the last 2 weeks of a major election campaign signs everywhere are about nauseating? Well, what happens to the signs after an election?  Whose job is it to remove them from light poles, fences, greenbelts, intersections...you name it?  Should they be removed at taxpayer expense?  Well some cities have rules about the candidate removing the signs within 30 days of an election, other cities have crews that remove them and I'm told that some candidates remove their signs without having to be asked. But what about giving signs a "2nd Term"?  How can we re-cycle them to be painted over by upcoming candidates or stored to live another day as they are re-used by incumbents?  Wouldn't that be better than filling up dumpsters with campaign signs of an election aftermath?... 11/11/2008

  It's not everyday that someone receives an American Flag flown on their birthday over our nation's Capitol from their Congressman.  Michael Caruso, Orange County Real Estate Broker was awarded this distinguished honor in a ceremony marking his service as President of the Orange County Association of Realtors.  Congressman John Campbell presented Michael with an American Flag which was flown over our nation's Capitol in Washington DC on Michaels' birthday.  "This recognition and award brought a tear to my eyes", Michael said.  "I thoroughly enjoyed serving the Association in my year as President and made many friends in our Legislature and in the local political arena as well.  But this type of farewell gift is astounding".  Michael has served the Orange County Association of Realtors ... 11/08/2008

Great pie shape provides 2 yards. Front courtyard is gated. Peak ocean views from gazebo. Largest plan in the Executive Edition priced hundreds of thousands below model match competing properties. All offers will be considered due to impending relocation. Main floor bedroom of office, plantation shutters, newer carpet in the Living and Dining. Tuscan color tones, several stainless updated appliances, plus built-in GE refrig. Terrific communitiy just 1.5 miles to clean sandy beaches and marina. Award winning public and private schools just outside the gates, 2 golf courses and tennis clubs within 1 mile. Ritz Carlton and St. Regis hotels nearby. Plenty of restaurants, shops, entertainment and shopping for your enjoyment...plus cool ocean breezes. For more photos, CLICK HERE or contact th... 11/08/2008

New Listings in Laguna Niguel CA 92677    11/6/08   30335 Via Corona, Laguna Niguel CA 92677 $324,500 2 br  2 ba  1,200 sqft  Apt/Condo/Twnhs   SINGLE LEVEL home 3 miles from the coast. Set in a small quiet community in the hills of Laguna Niguel just munutes to Salt Creek State Beach, Laguna Beach & Dana Point Harbor. Offering an open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, large kitchen, fireplace, indoor laundry & private yard with access from the dining room, bedroom and kitchen. Attached garage & attached carport. This home needs your TLC as the price reflects. Well kept neighborhood of attached homes is walking distance to shopping centers & library and about 4 miles to freeway. Very low tax rate, no Mello Roos & no waiting on the banks reply.     10 Elk Grove Lane, Laguna Niguel CA 926... 11/06/2008

In a recent numbers crunch by FALP, the report showed that 18 percent of all homes in the USA with a mortgage in place are in a negative equity position.  Not good news. Nevada was shown to be the leader in negative equity with 48 percent of all their homes with mortgages in a negative equity position.  Michigan was second with 39 percent of homes in a negative equity position and tied for 3rd place were Florida and Arizona with 29 percent of their mortgages in a negative equity position.  Oh yes, California was right there with 27 percent of homes with a mortgage in a negative equity position.  Other than Michigan, these states are a haven for 2nd home investors.  And it is safe to say that 2nd home owners don't want to lose those homes.  I believe the situation in Michigan is driven ... 11/05/2008

Two major and well respected educational facilities USC and UCLA teamed up recently to perform a study regarding consumer spending. The study showed that a rise in home values has a greater effect on consumer spending than any other asset, liquid or hard. Think about that...even money in the bank, does not have as much impact on consumer spending as when a person believes their home value is increasing. Now think...how important is our housing market to a turnaround in the overall economy.  Yep...our industry is integral to a successful economy.  And that is where the focus of governmental administration should be. Your comments are welcome... And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection. Best regards. Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI 2007 President,... 11/05/2008

The Power of a Single Vote - Laguna Niguel Election Information and Polling Places       This year promises to be one of the biggest elections ever. Even in areas that have been offering early voting, lines on Nov. 4th could be longer than normal, so be prepared: - Bring water, something to read and maybe even a small folding chair to sit on while you wait. If you can, consider carpooling to the polling place to avoid traffic snarls. - Make sure you have proper California ID with you. A photo ID is best. If you encounter problems voting in Laguna Niguel or have questions, the California precinct workers are there to help. If that doesn't work, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) for advice.          Nancy & Heather ClowardPrudential California RealtyDirect: 949-495-2819 or 949-228-4523... 11/04/2008

Regardless of your party affiliation you know that most, if not all states are in a deficit situation and oh my...so is our Federal government.   But look around and talk to the small business owners in this current market environment.  They know how to survive!  With credit lines squeezed about as tight as can be, small-business loans at a virtual standstill, declining revenues and rising costs to consider, the small business owners must be on top of their game.   You might find them cutting several phone lines from their phone tree, performing a second scan on bills to be sure they aren't over-billed on items, repairing equipment rather than buying new equipment, hiring temporary help rather than offering full time positions, and pooling errands to save on fuel.  For sure you'll find ... 11/04/2008

    New Listing       4 Nicosia Laguna Niguel, CA 92677   LOCATED IN THE COASTAL HILLS OF LAGUNA NIGUEL IN MARINA HILLS. YOU'LL LOVE THE LARGE MASTER SUITE, THE BIG BEDROOMS AND BONUS ROOM. THIS HOME FEATURES FOUR BEDROOM PLUS RETREAT, OFFICE AND BONUS ROOM, A LARGE ISLAND KITCHEN W/BUTLERS PANTRY, NOOK, AND FAMILY ROOM w/FIREPLACE, FORMAL LIVING AND DINING ROOMS. HARDWOOD FLOORING, NEUTRAL BERBER CARPET, BUILT-IN OFFICE CABINETRY. THE LARGE REAR YARD IS PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING WITH INGROUND FIGERGLASS SPA W/WATERFALL. ENJOY THE VIEWS OF HILLS, CITY LIGHTS AND SUNSETS AND A PEAK OCEAN VIEW. BEST OF ALL THIS HOME IS LOCATED IN THE MASTER PLAN COMMUNITY OF MARINA HILLS. LOCATED ON A SINGLE LOADED STREET. JUST REDUCED!!!! Price: $1,425,000 BEDS: 4 BATHS: 4 SQ. FT.: 3,580 $/SQ. FT.: $419 L... 11/03/2008

Photo's of Laguna Niguel California   The Beach - Salt Creek Laguna Niguel Skyline Laguna Niguel Sunset Laguna Niguel Skate Park Laguna Niguel Regional Park Laguna Niguel     Laguna Niguel Ritz Carlton   Nancy & Heather ClowardPrudential Clalifornia RealtyDirect: 949-495-2819 or 949-228-4523Nancy@NancyCloward.com or Heather@HeatherCloward.com 10/22/2008

In Laguna Niguel this week, the city is accepting applications for positions on various advisory panels. The Environmental Review Board, Investment Banking and Adult Committee, Parks and Recreation Commission, Planning Commission, Public Safety Committee, Senior Citizens Committee and the Traffic and Transportation Committee all have vacancies or will have after December 31. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. October 31 at City Hall. Your thoughts and feedback on this topic are greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to post your comments. Keeping you informed about the Orange County real estate market, economy and life in the OC is what I'm committed to doing.     For more great Orange County market insight and industry news visit Laguna Niguel Real Estate or view the Orange Cou... 10/22/2008

For the 22 buisness days ending September 19, Orange County sales increased 47.6 percent. However, the median sales price fell at 26.6 percent. In Aliso Viejo the median sale home price was $413,750. Thats a 18.9 percent decrease from 2007. The sales volume was 80, a 53.8 percent change from last year. In Dana Point the median sale home price was $850,000, a 57.3 percent decrease from the previous year. Dana Point's sales volume was 10, a 42.9 percent change from 2007. In Laguna Beach the median sale home price for the last four weeks was $1,337,500. That increases Laguna's median home price by 20 percent compared to last year. In Laguna Niguel the median sale home price was $558,000, a 20.0 percent decrease from 2007. Laguna Niguel's sales volume was 74, a 15.6 percent change from a ye... 10/21/2008

By any standard, this rent price is a value. Greenbelt view. Nice breezes. Updated window coverings. Newer carpet in the living area. Owner continuing to refine the property. Available November 1, 2008 or sooner. Washer and dryer in unit. For more photos or information, CLICK HERE or contact the Michael Caruso Real Estate Group at 949.753.7900 or michael@michaelcarusorealestate.com 10/19/2008

Are you looking for a short sale specialist ..... Do you need to pull off a short in Laguna Niguel??? Are you looking to buy a short sale in Laguna Niguel??? Well you have found the specialist that you are looking for.... Most homes for sale in Southern California are typically going to be either a Short Sale, or an REO property. What's a Short Sale? Whats an REO, Bank Owned, Foreclosure? What is your home worth? Your Laguna Niguel Short Sale Specialists Nancy and Heather Cloward are here to help guide you through this stressful time. If you are financially distressed and may be unable to make your payments, want to get out of your mortgate, or are facing foreclosure in Orange County, CONTACT Nancy and Heather Cloward TODAY! DON'T DELAY!   Nancy & Heather ClowardPrudential Clalifornia R... 10/17/2008

Tuesday, October 7th City Council Meeting when:Oct 7, 2008 at 7:00pmwhere:Laguna Niguel, CAfrom:City of Laguna Niguelcategory:Government and Politics Wednesday, October 8th Beginning Computer Class when:Oct 8, 2008 at 8:30amwhere:Laguna Niguel, CAfrom:Laguna Niguel Librarycategory:Schools and Libraries Baby Lapsit Story Time when:Oct 8, 2008 at 10:30amwhere:Laguna Niguel, CAfrom:Laguna Niguel Librarycategory:Schools and Libraries Toddler Storytime when:Oct 8, 2008 at 11:00amwhere:Laguna Niguel, CAfrom:Laguna Niguel Librarycategory:Schools and Libraries Preschool StoryTime when:Oct 8, 2008 at 2:30pmwhere:Laguna Niguel, CAfrom:Laguna Niguel Librarycategory:Schools and Libraries Friday, October 10th Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting when:Oct 10, 2008 at 7:30amwhere:Laguna Niguel, CAf... 10/07/2008

                                    Need to pull off a Short Sale in Laguna Niguel? Most homes for sale in Southern California are typically going to be either a Short Sale, or an REO property. What's a Short Sale? Whats an REO, Bank Owned, Foreclosure? What is your home worth in Irvine?  Want to.... Need to .... SHORT SALE IN LAGUNA NIGUEL ?                                            NOT Stressed? Are you a Laguna Niguel Buyer? Sign up for Laguna Niguel New Listings!                                                 Here at your Orange County Real Estate Connection, we can help you find a local Laguna Niguel Short Sale Specialist to help guide you through this stressful time. If you are financially distressed and may be unable to make your payments, want to get out of your mortgate, or a... 10/03/2008

Monsters Wanted in Laguna Niguel! Monster volunteers are wanted and welcome to participated in this years haunted trails. Sign Ups will take place on Monday, October 6th, at Crown Valley Park. Monsters must be at least 14 years old, willing to wear creepy clothing, put on make-up, practice "safe scare" techniques and have the ability to scream loudly and follow directions. Mandatory training dates will take place on October 16th, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and October 22, from 6:30 to 8:30. For more information visit www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us/currentevents.asp or call (949)-425-5100. Your thoughts and feedback on this topic are greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to post your comments. Keeping you informed about the Orange County real estate market, economy and life in the OC is what I'... 10/03/2008