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Nov
08


Proposition 8 Protest 11/7/2008 Long Beach California

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FREEDOM FOR ALL

If freedom is denied to some then none of us are free!

 

Over 3,000 people gathered at the intersection of Redondo and Broadway in Long Beach California last night to protest the passing of Proposition 8 in our recent election. They marched into Alamitos Beach and Downtown Long Beach where they heard speeches by local officials and were then disbursed by the local authorities. Many were members of our large gay community, many were straight people who understand the value of freedom.

 

Our ancestors came to the country for many reasons; to be free of fascist governments, socialism, tyranny, to worship within their religious beliefs without fear and to live in the state of freedom. They came here to create a New World, to re-craft centuries of what was just plain wrong and to create a country where the people could live without fear and be free.

 

While one group may not think that what another group is doing is right, or approve of the way they live their lives, everybody needs to understand the the loss of, or the repression of, freedom is not in the spirit of the foundation that our great country was built on. When freedom is denied or removed from one group it leaves the chanel open to remove other liberties


 

To those of you who voted yes on Proposition 8 I have a couple of questions for you to ask yourself.


What are you going to do when a freedom that you hold precious is either removed or denied?


Does it only become a big deal when it affects you?

Proposition 8 Protest 11/7/08 Long Beach California

One of the commentors on the LB Post article today commented that “there are over 1,100 rights bestowed upon married couples that we as gay couples do not share"; why limit this to just gay marriage? Single and divorced people do not share in those benefits either; more people are choosing to remain single every day. Everybody should share the same benefits.

 

This is not going to be over until we as Americans share in the same benefits as each other. That is true equality; until we reach that none of us are experiencing freedom.

 


Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor

(562) 212-5420

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Main Street Realtors
Belmont Heights
244 Redondo Avenue
Long Beach California 90803

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Long Beach Real Estate Blog

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http://www.lauriemanny.com/0046CD
Posted on November 08, 2008 03:43:41 by Laurie.Manny
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Oct
31


Long Beach Green Living-Water Conservation

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Owners of Long Beach Homes have a unique opportunity to contribute to the environment, go green and conserve water. 

 

Long Beach Green LivingDid you know that most homeowners over water their lawns by 30% to 300%?  That’s a whole lotta wasted water folks!  I have to admit, I’ve been guilty of doing this myself on occasion, it’s just so nice to have a lush, green lawn and it shows a real pride in Long Beach home ownership.  With the economy in shambles and water in short supply and sporting a hefty price tag, now is a good time to think of creative ways to both conserve water and money in our Long Beach Homes

Cyber-Rain

Ric Romero of ABC Eyewitness News reports: Rob Patten of Agoura Hills lives on 3/4 of an acre.  His water bills have been coming in at over $300 monthly, a staggering number which made him decide to do something about it. After installing a new gadget called Cyber-Rain he has been able to reduce his monthly bill by about $100 and conserve a fair amount of water at the same time.  See How it Works.

 

 

Cyber Rain XCI is an 8 zone sprinkler system which claims to save homeowners 30% to 70% on their watering bills through the use of their PC and automatic weather updates from the Internet by automatically adjusting the amount of water usage based on weather and seasonal conditions.  It even provides the ability to check your water usage on your computer.  Ingenious!

 

Wireless Sprinkler Controller

 

Jonathan Neidnagel, CEO of Cyber-Rain claims that this system can pay for itself in 3 or 4 months.  Priced at about $295 this is not a cheap system, but may very well offer the best return on the investment and is a wonderful green contribution to the environment. Read more about this product and the effect it can have on our Southern California community over at the Cyber-Rain blog

 


A big thanks to my friend Joe over at the Sellsius Blog for finding this great gadget. 

 

 


Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor

(562) 212-5420

mls wizard


Main Street Realtors
Belmont Heights
244 Redondo Avenue
Long Beach California 90803

value wizard

 

Long Beach Real Estate Blog

Long Beach Real Estate Website

featured listings

contact

 

http://www.lauriemanny.com/004658
Posted on October 31, 2008 03:29:10 by Laurie.Manny
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Oct
17


Long Beach California Luxury Home Market Update

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Long Beach California Luxury Real Estate Market

Long Beach California is home to the West Coasts most affordable beach real estate.  Set in sunny Southern California we enjoy moderate temperatures year round, sweet ocean breezes and a resort atmosphere.  With our purchase prices so reasonable is it any wonder snowbirds are flocking here?  Palm Desert, 2 hours inland, is fantastic, but nothing compares to luxury oceanfront property and the beach is just more fun! 

 

Long Beach has an endless array of entertainment to suit any lifestyle or age from water-sports to nightlife, theater and fine dining.  This is the perfect place to do everything, do nothing or to just go fly a kite!


Yes we have golf courses!  Long Beach is centrally located making access to all Southern California golf courses just a short drive. 


Long Beach is conveniently located just 20 minutes south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 20 minutes north of John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Irvine, and home to our own Long Beach Airport - which we love.  We are also just a 20 minute drive into Downtown Los Angeles - in case you were thinking about catching a Lakers game; attending a concert at the fabulous Staples Center or a performance at our beautiful Music Center.  Fantabulous and incomparable, 8 time Grammy award winner, Tina Turner is performing at the Staples Center as I write this, had I known that ahead of time I would be there tonight singing along……..What’s love got to do with it?  La la la… Gotta love that woman! 


Did I say we were centrally located?  A 2 hour drive north will find you in beautiful Santa Barbara.  Head north just a little further and enjoy a day, or a romantic weekend, in wine country.  A leisurely drive south will take you into lovely San Diego.  Catch a Padres game or spend a day at the San Diego Zoo or perhaps SeaWorld with the family then head into the Downtown San Diego gaslight district for a delicious dinner and some relaxing down time. 


Surfer?  10 minutes to surf city - Huntington Beach, where you will catch some of the finest waves on the west coast. 


Long Beach is slated to become the new home of the largest movie studio in California.  A deal has been struck to take over the Boeing facility near the Long Beach airport. This will infuse new life into Long Beach and will certainly attract celebrities to our lovely waterfront homes and high rise condominiums.  How could they resist?  You never know who your new neighbor may be! 


Did you know that Hollywood got its start in Long Beach?  Long Beach was known as the motion picture capital of the world until post World War I when Hollywood developed around the glitz of the era.  With its perfect Southern California climate, Long Beach afforded the perfect setting for the industry.  There were eight film houses, two stock companies, roller-coasters and bath houses at the historic Pike, along the shore of Downtown Long Beach.  This was the home of the Balboa Amusement Production Company, the world’s most prolific silent-film studio.  W. C. Fields and other stars lived in beautiful mansions in the Bluff Park neighborhood along Ocean Boulevard and First Street, many of which remain in the families to this day.


Speaking of historic districts, Long Beach has 17 of them, California Heights being the largest.  We love our historic homes here.  You can find out more about the history of Long Beach here as well. 


Redevelopment in Alamitos Beach and the bustling Downtown Long Beach communities has birthed fabulous luxury high rise condominiums with endless ocean views, Manhattan style lofts and many fabulous new dining opportunities. 


The luxury home market is generally a cash market.  Brian Brady’s 2009 Real Estate Market outlook predicts that disappearing jobs and financing will likely drive the price of luxury properties down in our waterfront and higher end communities.  While that is tragic for the owners of these Long Beach properties it is an incredible opportunity to purchase the Long Beach home, condo or vacation property you have been waiting for.   


The Long Beach real estate market has gone through several tumultuous years, this winter is certain to be a difficult time for sellers of Long Beach luxury homes, condos and income properties.  FHA loan limits, currently capping at $729,750 for single family home purchases are slated to be decreased to around $625,000 on January 1, 2009.  Decreasing buyer purchasing power is certain to affect prices in the mid-market range of $700,000 to about $1,000,000.


What does this mean for sellers?  If you are planning on selling, you should plan on closing your escrow before the end of the year and should price it to do so. It would be our pleasure to provide a home value assessment


What does this mean for buyers?  This is an incredible opportunity to purchase your new home at an incredible price.


International buyers are flocking to the United States to purchase real estate at our current depressed prices, there is limited financing for foreign nationals, most are purchasing with all cash.  Long Beach prices have become very attractive to these buyers. You can start your search for Long Beach homes here.  VIP service is provided with the ability to set up custom searches with an automatic email alert system. 


If you are interested in purchasing a Long Beach luxury oceanfront home or a high rise luxury waterfront condominium, this winter is the time to make that purchase. It would be our pleasure to assist you.


Long Beach California City and Relocation Resource Guide

 


Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor

(562) 212-5420

mls wizard


Main Street Realtors
Belmont Heights
244 Redondo Avenue
Long Beach California 90803

value wizard

 

Long Beach Real Estate Blog

Long Beach Real Estate Website

featured listings

contact

 

http://www.lauriemanny.com/004596
Posted on October 17, 2008 16:27:20 by Laurie.Manny
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Oct
17


The Golf courses of Long Beach California

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The Golf courses of Long Beach CA



Bixby Village Golf Course, Bixby Village Course


The 9-hole ˜Bixby Village course at the Bixby Village Golf Course facility in Long Beach, California features 1,567 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 29. The course rating is 57.5 and it has a slope rating of 86. Designed by Ron Fream, the Bixby Village golf course opened in 1980.

6180 Bixby Village Dr
Long Beach, CA 90803-2001
(562) 498-7003



Recreation Park South Golf Course 18-Hole

This Municipal 18 hole Golf Course with over 6,317 yards with a par of 72. Billy Bell-designed layout is one of the oldest courses in Southern California.

Located among beautiful rolling hills, Recreation Park was constructed in 1917 and was originally known as Virginia Country Club. This very private club was opened to the public in 1931 and has since been known by its current name. Recreation Park, designated as one of the busiest golf courses in the nation, provides a night lighted driving range, practice greens, pro shop, full service restaurant and banquet facilities for up to 150 people.

5000 E. Anaheim
Long Beach, CA
(562) 494-5000



Recreation Park Golf Course 9-Hole

Located directly across 7th Street from the majestic 18-hole course, this nine-hole, par 29, executive facility affords guests a selection of shots and settings, which range from rolling hills to views of the Colorado Lagoon. This course also offers practice greens, a pro shop and food service.

5000 E 7th St
Long Beach, CA 90804-4340
(562) 438-4012



El Dorado Park Golf Course, El Dorado Park Course


The previous venue of the Queen Mary Open, this facility has now been selected as the site of the prestigious Long Beach Open. A magnificent 18-hole layout, El Dorado can truly be called a ˜players course, due to its expansive layout and numerous water hazards. Extensive practice facilities and full service restaurant are available at El Dorado.

2400 Studebaker Rd
Long Beach, CA 90815-2428
(562) 430-5411



Skylinks At Long Beach Golf Course, Skylinks Course


Directly across Lakewood Blvd., from the Long Beach Airport, this course provides an interesting blend of playing characteristics. Several water hazards and numerous bunkers await your errant shots, while excellent fairways and greens rewards your good play. This 18-hole course is a very enjoyable experience for all skill levels. Skylinks also offers a night lighted driving range, practice greens, a full service restaurant, bar and banquet facilities that can hold up to 150 people.

18 holes over 6,372 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)

Skylinks Flyover Tour Video

4800 E Wardlow Rd
Long Beach, CA 90808-1737
(562) 421-3388



Heartwell Golf Course, Heartwell Course


18 holes over 2,143 yards with a par of 54 (Municipal)

For those seeking this alternative, this facility offers an extremely enjoyable 18-hole round of par 3 golf. With holes ranging from 85 to 140 yards, two water hazards and numerous sand traps, this course will test the skills of the most seasoned player, as well as remain exceptionally enjoyable for the beginner. This fully lighted course also boasts of its excellent practice range, full size chipping and putting greens, full service restaurant and a professionally staffed pro shop.

  • Click here for information about golf instruction for youth.
  • Click here for information about golf instruction for adults.

6700 E Carson St.
Long Beach, CA 90808-2297
(562) 421-8855



Virginia Country Club, Virginia Course

The 18-hole ˜Virginia course at the Virginia Country Club facility in Long Beach, California features 6,505 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.9 and it has a slope rating of 128 on . Designed by William P. Bell, ASGCA/® Robert Muir Graves, ASGCA/Edward B. Dearie, Jr., the Virginia golf course opened in 1909. (Private Equity)

4602 N Virginia Road
Long Beach, CA 90807-1916
(562) 427-0924

 


Golf Courses near the City of Long Beach CA:


Within a 10 mile radius of Long Beach there is a large Selection of additional Golf Courses to enjoy:


Leisure World Seal Beach Golf Course, Leisure World Seal Beach Course

9 holes over 829 yards with a par of 27 (Private Equity)

Golden Rain & St Andrews
Seal Beach, CA 90740
(562) 431-6586


Old Ranch Country Club, Old Ranch Course


18 holes over 6,835 yards with a par of 72 (Private Non-Equity)

3901 Lampson Ave
Seal Beach, CA 90740-2756
(562) 596-4425


Lakewood Country Club & Tennis Center, Lakewood Course


18 holes over 7,045 yards with a par of 72 (Municipal)

3101 Carson St
Lakewood, CA 90712-4005
(562) 429-9711


Navy Golf Course, Executive Course

9 holes (Public)

5660 Orangewood Ave
Cypress, CA 90630-5550
(714) 889-1576


Navy Golf Course, Navy Course

18 holes (Public) and 9 hole Executive Course (Public)

5660 Orangewood Ave
Cypress, CA 90630-5550
(714) 889-1576


Meadowlark Golf Course, Meadowlark Course

18 holes over 5,609 yards with a par of 70 (Municipal)

16782 Graham St
Huntington Beach, CA 92649-3738
(714) 846-1364


SeaCliff Country Club, Sea Cliff Course


18 holes over 6,935 yards with a par of 72 (Private Non-Equity)

6501 Palm Ave
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-2698
(714) 536-7575


Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine, Cerritos Iron-Wood Nine Course


9 holes over 1,468 yards with a par of 29 (Municipal)

16449 Piuma Avenue
Cerritos, CA 90703-1530
(562) 916-8400


Harbor Park Golf Course, Harbor Park Course


9 holes over 3,200 yards with a par of 37 (Municipal)

1235 Figueroa Pl
Wilmington, CA 90744-2312
(310) 549-4953


David L. Baker Memorial Golf Course, David L. Baker Memorial Course


18 holes over 3,825 yards with a par of 62 (Municipal)

10410 Edinger Ave
Fountain Valley, CA 92708-1622
(714) 418-2152


Golf Resources on the Web:



Refer to our Long Beach City and Relocation Guide for more great Long Beach information. 

 

Long Beach has many beautiful townhomes, homes and estates backing our lovely golf courses.

It would be our pleasure to assist you in your home purchase or sale. 

 


Laurie Manny
Long Beach Realtor

(562) 212-5420

mls wizard


Main Street Realtors
Belmont Heights
244 Redondo Avenue
Long Beach California 90803

value wizard

 

Long Beach Real Estate Blog

Long Beach Real Estate Website

featured listings

contact

 

http://www.lauriemanny.com/004595
Posted on October 17, 2008 13:58:43 by Laurie.Manny
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Oct
14


HALLOWEEN History and Resources

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Halloween

 Halloween

All Hallows Eve - The evening before All Saints Day

 

The history of Halloween places it's origins in the ancient Celt culture (Irish) as a festival known as Samhain.  Samhain celebrates the end of harvest season and was a time to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock (I am thankful for supermarkets) for the long hard winter season ahead.  Ancient Celts believed that on All Hallows Eve the walls between the living and the dead overlapped.  They believed that the dead would come back and wreak havoc on the crops and cause illness. Celts performed colorful rituals involving costumes and bonfires (I like parties) in an attempt to placate the evil spirits. Kinda creepy, huh? 


The Irish potato Famine (1845-1849) resulted in the migration of some two million Irish to the United States who brought the holiday with them. 

 

 

HalloweenIn the United States, Halloween has become the sixth most profitable holiday after Christmas, Mothers Day, Valentines Day, Easter and Fathers Day) and has become our second most popular holiday, which is marketed to children and adults alike.  According to the National Retail Federation, the most popular Halloween costumes for adults are, in order: witch, pirate, vampire, cat and clown.

 

BIG research conducted a survey for the National Retail Federation in the United States and found that 53.3% of consumers planned to buy a costume for Halloween 2005, spending $38.11 on average (up 10 dollars from the year before). They were also expected to spend $4.96 billion in 2006, up significantly from just $3.29 billion the previous year.

 

The carved pumpkin, lit by a candle inside, is one of Halloween's most prominent symbols. This is an Irish tradition of carving a lantern which goes back centuries.

 

The jack-o'-lantern can be traced back to the Irish legend of  Stingy Jack, a greedy, gambling, hard drinking old farmer who tricked the devil into climbing a tree, and trapped him by carving a cross into the trunk of the tree. In revenge, the devil placed a curse on Jack which dooms him to forever wander the earth at night. For centuries, the bedtime parable was told by Irish parents to their children. Reference Wikipedia

 


Here in Long Beach California we know how to do Howl'oween. Sunday, October 26, 2008 on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore 600+ of our beloved dogs gather for Justin Rudd's 7th Annual Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade and Pet Adoption Fair

 

Sun., Oct. 26, 2:30 p.m. The start/finish is at Livingston Park, 4900 E. Livingston Dr. (@ Park Ave. in Belmont Shore), Long Beach, 90803. The 10-block sidewalk parade takes place on Second St. between Roycroft and Granada avenues and lasts about an hour. MAP

 

 

 

 

nghteye.gifHalloween Resources

 

 

 

 

 

dracula1.gifHalloween Party Planning Advice

 

 

 

We scoured the web for tons of Halloween recipes

and holiday fun games for the kids:

 

eyeballs.gifCreepy Halloween Recipes

 

 

 

 

 

flybat.gifHalloween Appetizers & Snacks

 

 

dracula3.gifAssorted Halloween Sweet Treat Recipes

 

 

image004.gifHalloween Beverages & Punches




 

witch_brewing.gifHalloween Cakes, Cupcakes & Pies




 

cleaning.gifHalloween Cookie, Bar & Brownie Recipies