Calling all Wood Streets residents!!!!  Tonight (August 3, 2010) is “National Night Out”!  It’s actually America’s Night Out Against Crime!

National Night Out (NNO) is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).  This year’s event is sponsored by the Historic Wood Streets Association (HWSA) and is gearing up for a wonderful time tonight, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., as we all observe National Night Out.  Please join us at 3465 Ramona Drive in the Wood Streets for free ice cream, fun, and visits from the City of Riverside Police and Fire Departments, along with council member Mike Gardner.  The kids will enjoy the big fire truck!

In 2009, the National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, local officials and neighborhood organizations from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.  In all, over 36 million people participated in National Night Out in 2009.  Let’s make 2010 even better!

National Night Out is designed to:

• heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
• generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
• strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
• send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back

If you live in another community, please consider registering for an organizational kit, available at the NNO website linked above, for your National Night Out in 2011.  Once you register, you will receive NNO updates during the period leading up to next year’s event.

A week ago today, Sunday, July 25, 2010, the Wood Streets Green Team organized a workshop entitled “Green Home Conversions with Riverside Public Utilities Rebates“.  About 40 people (mostly Wood Streets residents) attended the workshop and heard Ryan Bullard from Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) explain the new Whole House Rebate Program, a tiered rebate that gets bigger the more environmentally friendly projects you perform.  Click here to learn more about the ever-important RPU rebate program!

Concerned residents who were able to attend the workshop were provided with an opening speech by Justin Scott-Coe, creator of the Wood Streets Green Team, who then introduced Ryan Bullard from RPU and Steven Rawls from REEIS (Residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Specialists).  Those who attended were offered a free home diagnosis inspection from REEIS, and a free “Go Green” reusable shopping bag from RPU.  Tara and I love these bags — we’re even looking into having some reusable shopping bags made for our business so we can give them away and encourage our neighbors and clients to help the environment by shopping responsibly.

Tara and I are proud to live in the Wood Streets neighborhood of Riverside, and are proud to be members of the Wood Streets Green Team!  You don’t necessarily have to live in the Wood Streets to be a member of the Wood Streets Green Team.  This site is a resource where all Riverside residents can share insights, ask questions, and request information about living more sustainably.  Go Green, Go!

What better way to spend time with family on a Saturday morning than by biking to the local Farmers’ Market in downtown Riverside near the famous Mission Inn.  By riding our bikes, we don’t have to worry about where to park, we save money on gas, save wear and tear on our automobiles, spend quality time with family, and best of all we get some exercise! 

Local California family farmers growing food for families.  Californians supporting California.  Yep, that’s what it’s all about!

Didn’t buy too much today, but it was a heavy haul for my bike basket.  The melon, corn and potatoes are what weighed so much.  This week I bought purple (yes, purple) green beans, called nightshade (at least that’s what the farmer told me).  He said they’re sweeter than green beans.  And if you’re wondering why I bought only one tomato, it’s because my mom said she was bringing me some homegrown ‘tomaters’ from her own garden.

The bok choy was only a dollar, and since I’ve never tried it before, I thought it wasn’t too much to spend on something new even if I don’t end up liking it.  And the peaches weren’t from the market; they’re from my friend Mary’s very own backyard tree here in Riverside.  And they are extremely sweet and delicious!!

A wonderful morning, a bountiful and affordable harvest, and a fun bike ride with my sister and niece.  I love, love, love Riverside, California!!!

The Riverside Downtown Farmers’ Market is a place for area farmers to sell their seasonal crops directly to customers.  When Tara and I first heard about this, we had just started taking our healthy eating to the next level, so this was perfect timing.  Instead of driving a car to the market and contributing to polluting the environment, we ride our bicycles.  Exercise… pollution reduction… healthy food… what a great way to start almost each and every weekend.

Located on the Main Street Pedestrian Mall between 5th and 6th Streets (adjacent to the Mission Inn) in the arts and culture district of downtown Riverside, it provides a unique opportunity to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, hummus, aged gouda cheese by Winchester Cheese Co., fresh baked bread from Old Towne Baking Co. and other specialty food items.

Open every SATURDAY from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

A photo of my beach cruiser’s handlebar basket overflowing with my farmers’ market haul a couple of weekends ago.  Nectarines, plums, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, cabbage, broccoli, corn, eggplant, etc. all for under $30!

Every FRIDAY from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sears parking lot (corner of Streeter and Arlington) is the original Riverside Certified Farmers’ Market open rain or shine at the same location for over 25 years!  This farmers’ market specializes in local ‘mom & pop’ farms and organic backyard gardeners that offer everything from heirloom tomatoes to ancient varieties of corn.  Because growing your own food is the healthiest, these farmers give friendly farming advice.

In addition to the organic farmers, there are local bakeries, fresh cut flowers, hot roasted peanuts, local honey, potted orchids, and a colorful assortment of local artisans including hand-mined stone jewelry and natural soy candles.  Some vendors accept Visa and MasterCard, and there’s an ATM machine on the premises.

No matter which Farmers’ Market you attend, maybe even both, please be sure to wear comfortable shoes, a hat (or umbrella) and bring your canvas shopping bags.  We’ll see you there!

[ SOLD for $250,000 ]  Incredible investment opportunity in famous Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains with peekaboo lake views and esteemed lake rights!  This 3-story, 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home with approximately 3,000 sq ft boasts a level entry with open floor plan, fireplace, and a deck on every level!  Updated kitchen, 3 master bedroom suites, family room, game room, wine cellar and wet bar.  Circular driveway.  Rent it out, use it as a second home, or let friends, relatives and clients utilize it!  What a superb opportunity!

You’re too late for this investment opportunity, but give “The Sister Team” a call and we’ll help you find another one! 

Want to save $$$ on energy costs?  Tired of that hot/stuffy room?  Are you afraid to run your air conditioner?  Confused by all the advertisements?  Don’t know where to begin?  The “Wood Streets Green Team” can help!

The Wood Streets Green Team’s mission is to provide resources to assist Wood Streets residents in increasing the sustainability of their lifestyle.  Their website is a resource where all Riverside residents can share insights, ask questions, and request information about living more sustainably. 

Join us on Sunday July 25, 2010 for a workshop entitled ”Green Home Conversions with Riverside Public Utilities Rebates” from 3 pm to 5 pm at RCC‘s Hall of Fame in the Student Union Center (click here for campus map). 

This workshop will feature Ryan Bullard from Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) who will explain the new Whole House Rebate Program, a tiered rebate that gets bigger the more environmentally friendly projects you perform.  Steven Rawls from REEIS (Residential Energy Efficiency Improvement Specialists) will teach you how to determine the most important and cost effective improvements for your home.

The green shape under the words “Wood Streets Green Team” is the map outline of the Wood Streets neighborhood here in wonderful and historical Riverside, California!

This workshop will provide valuable information for everyone concerned about the environment, their community, and their future.  

Though the Team is geographically located in the Wood Streets neighborhood, all Riverside residents are invited to join the Team and attend the workshops!  We look forward to seeing you there.

This home is NOT a foreclosure, nor is it a short sale.  What we have here folks, is an old-fashioned seller, so no waiting weeks or months for an answer from a bank!  A quick escrow is not only possible, but desired. 

There will be an open house this Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so plan on stopping by and seeing it in person!  Tell a friend…. bring a friend!

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$199,900 This lovely mid-century home with vaulted ceilings is almost complete (new textured ceilings, new paint, new kitchen sink and counter tops, kitchen cabinets were re-surfaced, dishwasher, some bathroom upgrades, new flooring, indoor laundry, crown moulding in living room, new windows throughout), so now it’s up to you to put the finishing touches on it. There are 3 bedrooms with a bonus room that could be the 4th bedroom, which needs to be finished with drywall, but what a great room!  There are also 1 3/4 bathrooms.  Existing square footage is 1528 with an additional 300 for the bonus room.  Forced air heat makes this home comfy in the winter, and wall air conditioning units make this home comfy in the summer (wouldn’t take much to install central air — just add a unit because the ducting is already in place).  Large covered front porch, large front yard and manageable backyard make this a perfect family home.  Two-car attached garage with house access is a bonus feature.  Don’t hesitate on this great value!

This home is a short sale (pre-foreclosure).  We have closed many short sales, and this transaction will be no exception.  All we need is an offer to submit to Bank of America — their new automated system closes short sales within 90 days or so.

$274,900   [ IN ESCROW ]  Welcome to paradise! One of the nicest homes and yards in this neighborhood, bar none! This turnkey 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, 1555 sq ft, 2-story home sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Beginning with rosebushes in the front yard, a cute porch beckons you inside to tile entry, neutral carpeting, plantation window shutters throughout, bright kitchen with tile counter tops and tile flooring, dishwasher, central air/heat, separate indoor laundry room, a built-in desk in upstairs hallway, and a master bedroom suite with cathedral ceiling, walk-in closet and double sinks.

A tropical backyard rounds out this deal of the century, with palm trees, blooming hibiscus, built-in gas barbecue, and last but not least: a gorgeous in-ground pool/spa with waterfall and built-in slide for the kids! Quiet neighborhood, no HOA, easy freeway access. Don’t hesitate on this beauty — you won’t need to put one penny into this gorgeous home — just move right in!

~Not a short sale ~ Not a foreclosure ~ Quick escrow available ~

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$280,000 [IN ESCROW]  Beautiful turnkey 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom single story home with over 2,000 sq ft located in desirable Morgan Hill!  Quiet street location and level lot with hills and mountain views.  Light, bright and neutral decor throughout. Tile flooring, window blinds, fireplace, gorgeous open kitchen overlooking large family room, master bedroom suite with two walk-in closets, double vanities, and a roman tub.  Low-maintenance backyard with patio and hook-ups for a fountain and a spa.