Friday, December 19, 2014

Yesterday was a very rewarding day ...

I had the pleasure of accompanying 11 of my associates from the office out to Oasis School in Thermal. For the past 6-7 years we have been supporting 3 of the 4 Fourth Grade classes plus the Special Ed Class at various times of the year. At the start of the year, we augment their learning capabilities by providing much needed school supplies to get them off on the right start. At summer, we provide books for summer reading and other items for health and fun; however, at Christmas, our direction changes and we like to surprise them with little things to brighten their day plus a new soccer ball for each student. That was our goal today and while we accomplished it, we all came away with so much more given to us than we gave. There is no substitute for true feelings and the spirit of giving. While we brought them gifts ... we came away with such a sense of Christmas spirit that we all spoke of for the remainder of the afternoon. The wonderful welcome they give their "Fairy GodMothers and GodFathers" as they call us is enough to get your spirit going; then the thoughtful looks as a Christmas story is being told; followed by pure joy in their eyes as the little gift bags are distributed; and then the broad grins as the soccer balls are passed out ... Truly the wonder of Christmas before our eyes ... and all of this before the cookies and juice boxes are distributed ( a true wonder in today's age)... Some re-wrapped toys in the tissue paper to give to family, some spoke of taking the cookies home to share and one boy asked us to not only put his name on his soccer ball but to add his brother's name ... All of this is true confirmation for me that Christmas is alive and well here in America and worldwide ... Santa Lives :)

Friday, December 5, 2014

North La Quinta Maintenance District Update

It has been some time since we've heard anything about the proposed North La Quinta Maintenance Assessment districts. Just recently, I was able to reach out to the Public Works Department to inquire about the status. I was informed that after the survey results were received and reviewed by the Public Works Department and discussed at length at the City Council level, the decision was made last May to table the issue and possibly revisit after the November elections. If you were not aware, the results were that the interest of North La Quinta homeowners to approve the establishment of the Maintenance districts was limited to the minority with only approximately one-third being interested in establishing the districts and taking on the additional taxes annually that would have been required to cover the expense. Those results were received very well by the majority ... While no one on either side of the issue including the city of La Quinta is pleased with the current condition of the identified areas, the current goal is to investigate different landscaping design options which will not be spectacular but better ... The question is: How soon will the condition of the areas be revisited? This is what I wrote up to inform you of … and now there is evidence of what we can likely expect. I know the time change may limit the ease of noticing changes for many of us however have you noticed the pathway area from Wakefield Circle down to Adams street/Blackhawk Way was under renovation. The trees have been trimmed and the grass was replaced with decomposed granite earlier this week.

Speed limits and safe driving in Desert Pride

Many residents have been noticing the driving habits of our neighbors, guests and Vendors (Contractors, Landscapers, etc.). They have been reporting the less than safe issues to the City of La Quinta. I have been contacted by the City to put together a formal notice of the issues and a request for action, including but not limited to more speed limit signs, locating the digital read out trailer to make drivers more aware, painting the streets (maybe with a large yellow “CAUTION” in particular areas and possibly speed bumps or humps. Whatever is going to be requested, it must come from a majority so we really need to come together as a community to address the situation. Please keep in mind that while one resident may not mind a speed limit sign or bump/hump at or near the front of their home, another might not be in favor. While we’ve been asked to voice our concerns, that doesn’t mean whatever we request is going to be approved. We all have heard about budget issues and those likely won’t change unless these particular items might come from a different area of the budget. What this means is that I need feedback from one and all at your earliest convenience. Share your ideas and thoughts about our development’s traffic concerns and email them to me. I will organize the data and hopefully we can get together en masse maybe at our Community Park on a Saturday morning/afternoon, if desired. When you email, please use the following email Roger@RogerASullivan.com and provide, name, home address, phone (if you want) and your thoughts on the issue. I promise you I would never sell info and I will never send you anything unless it’s in regards to the community.

Next Door Neighbor

Do you know about NextDoorNeighbor – it’s free Nextdoor is the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free. Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home. People are using Nextdoor to: • Quickly get the word out about a break-in • Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group • Track down a trustworthy babysitter • Find out who does the best paint job in town • Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog • Find a new home for an outgrown bike • Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name Nextdoor’s mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods. More info on Core values, Manifesto, Privacy, Safety, Nextdoor Guidelines for Neighborly Behavior, etc. you can read here: https://nextdoor.com/about_us/ Email me and I will send you an invitation Roger@RogerASullivan.com We are Nextdoor. We are simply you and your neighbors, together.

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Interesting ...

Here's some interesting information to be aware of especially with the Holiday shopping season approaching ... WARNING FROM POLICE THIS APPLIES TO BOTH WOMEN AND MEN BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE--NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKING (NOT A JOKE) Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating.. You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into reverse.. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family. Remember a purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want it to fall into the wrong hands. Please keep this going and tell all your friends and family ...

Monday, November 3, 2014

Let's be careful out there ...

It has come to my attention that auto burglaries and break-ins are on the rise. This doesn't coincide with schools being back in session however it does make sense that certain nefarious characters need shopping money for the holidays, drugs, alcohol, etc. At least one of the unfortunate auto owners had kept their mailbox key in the car for convenience and that was taken as well. Outside of the extra effort required with the Post Office, plus the expense, it's highly possible that some mail might have been removed from their box. This unfortunate situation is a great reminder for all of us to keep and eye on our property AND our neighbor's property. If you see someone acting suspiciously, you can: a) call your neighbor; b) hit the alarm button on your car if parked outside to get some attention; c) *carefully * walk out front and let them see you noticing them; d) taking down any license # or physical description; e) call the non-emergency number of (760) 836-3215 ext 5; and f) if it appears to be a more dire situation, of course 911 Remember that it doesn't need to appear to be a suspicious individual ... many times, these people pose as pool guys, landscapers, air conditioning repairmen and anything else that might not attract attention ... so if you don't recognize that so called vendor you've probably seen next door or across the street 100 times, it's likely to be a problem waiting to happen ... Whatever you do, be careful ... your safety is first and foremost ..."

Friday, August 22, 2014

Home Safety Update August 2014

Here's an update to previous posts with some amendments !!! Don't be a victim - Keep Alert -watch out for strange or new activity not only at your home but your neighbor's too! ... and keep your garage door(s) closed or at least only open enough so that no one can get under it, especially a small unattended child. Anyone can slip out of a car, into a garage and snag golf clubs or something else of value then sling it into the back of a truck and be gone in less than 10 seconds ... and this includes a purse, etc... while you carry the groceries into the house. Many people think keeping the garage door open at the bottom relieves the garage of some of the heat while their car cools ... Considering that heat rises, there may be no significant benefit anyway. You'd be better served installing a vent high above the existing vent(s) in your garage to allow a flow of air, getting an attic fan or whole house fan ... some have mentioned they open the side door to the backyard because the side gate is locked - I mentioned this at one point but after further consideration probably only makes sense if you have a dog ... Here's a few other suggestions that could help you feel safer in your home or sleep better at night when you're away ... 1) Installing a switch in the house to control the electrical outlet for your garage door controller(s). Should you need to leave your house for an extended period, all electrical power for the garage door(s) is shut off by the new switch; and when you return home ... a flip of the switch returns the operation to normal. 2) If your garage door(s) do not already have them, manual slide bar(s) can be installed for additional security. These are installed and slide into one of the door(s) track slot openings. If worried about damaging your door(s) when these are installed, you can paint them red as a reminder to disengage prior to opening when you return to your home. 3) Padlocking the referenced manual slide bars could be an additional precaution of preventing the garage being used as an exit way and/or removing any furniture, golf carts or vehicles. 4) Install a peep-hole viewer in the door from the house into your garage just like the front door. If you are in the habit of leaving your garage door open for convenience or venting while your car cools down, even if you think you don't leave it open enough for someone to get in - be careful. 5) Always look and listen before you open the door to the garage and then turn on the lights inside the garage before you open the door and look and listen again before opening. If you do not have a switch for the interior garage lights inside the door within reach of your view from the newly-installed peephole, call an electrician and install one or move the existing one closer ... and finally 6) You can install brackets on either side of the door to the patio and then insert a properly measured and cut two-by-four for added support ... I can't image anyone being able to kick that in ... I hope you find this information helpful ... As always, Keep the faith !!!

CVWD Water Restrictions

If you haven't heard the news, here's what the District is imposing to help the severe drought situation we are facing: Water restrictions adopted by the Coachella Valley Water District 1. Irrigate lawns and other landscaping only after sunset and before 10 a.m., except when "overseeding" or doing maintenance. 2. Use CVWD drought watering guide to irrigate: www.cvwd.org/conservation/wateringguide.php. 3. Repair broken sprinklers within 24 hours of being notified. 4. Do not wash down driveways, sidewalks or other hard exterior surfaces. 5. Wash vehicles and windows only if using a hose with a shutoff nozzle. 6. Prevent runoff onto a neighbor's property or sidewalks or roads. 7. Fountains or other water features must recirculate water. 8. Restaurants should serve water to customers only upon request. 9. Hotels are being asked to place messages in guest rooms promoting water conservation. More information: http://www.cvwd.org/news/news246.php As always, Keep the faith !!!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

La Quinta Crime Reports

Are you curious about the crimes reported in La Quinta? Check this out by cutting and pasting into your browser: http://www.laquintapolice.org/Crime-Stat-Graph

Sunday, April 27, 2014

CPTED - La Quinta Police are committed to help us

The Police Department has a new program to which I became aware at the City of La Quinta's Birthday celebration this last Saturday at City Hall ... A fine time was had by all ... Officer Curia will make an appointment to visit your home to review, discuss and instruct on the fine points of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Officer Curia can be reached at (760) 250-1388 ... Keep the faith !!!

Monday, March 17, 2014

Household hints ...

You've stripped a screw ... Now what do you do? If you have a hacksaw, you can cut into the top of the screw to create a new groove for your screwdriver ... Eazy Peezy !!! Do you have a little one doing their best to reproduce their version of the Mona Lisa on your wall(s)? ... grab some old fashioned (non-gel) toothpaste and a scrub brush or sponge and wipe until the marks are gone (gingerly, please) ... Are you out of Drano or Liquid Plumber and can't go to the store? ... try dropping three Alka-Seltzer tablets down the sink followed by a cup of white vinegar and let it sit for approx. 15 minutes which is when you should be able to clean the drain with boiling water. (DO NOT TRY THIS IS YOU'VE ALREADY USED A COMMERICAL PRODUCT like DRANO or LIQUID PLUMBER) ... Best of luck with your chores ... and Keep the Faith !!!

Saturday, March 15, 2014

There's a new kind of thief in town cruising your Open House ...

Everyone is apprehensive about opening up their home to a bunch of strangers, particularly when they are not home. Open Houses are a great marketing tool, allowing prospective buyers to compare your home with their wants and needs; also allowing neighbors to get a peek if they might have a friend or relative they want to move closer to them. Before you have an Open House, you should secure any very personal and important items out of harms way whether they be highly valuable, sentimental or breakable and the new category - medicinal !!! There has been an increase in medications being removed from bedrooms, bathrooms and medicine cabinets of late to such a degree that the warnings have even been televised. Everything has value and we know how expensive prescriptions are ... someone who needs your medicine doesn't care of your loss only their gain ... and certainly kids may not even know what a drug is but will take it anyway ... so be extra careful and make sure your medications is safe along with all your other valuables ... Keep the faith !!!

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

General Interest of Desert Pride Residents

It does not appear that many of the residents are interested in anything going on in our development ... Of course, there are a few ... I do mean that ... whether it's the Assessment issue, security or garbage cans in front of houses, etc ... nobody really seems to care. There is no apparent sense of community. There is no apparent desire for cohesiveness. I just want to wish the few caring souls all the best in the future ... Keep the faith !!!

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Sunday meeting in the Park

A group of residents has called a meeting for 10 AM tomorrow in our park to talk about the Assessment District issue. Please do your best to attend

Friday, February 21, 2014

Another voice in the North LQ Assessment

There a group of residents working very hard on the "No" end of this issue and are to be applauded for their efforts. It sure would be nice if we could all come together for a meeting. Maybe that can come to fruition after the City comes forward with information after tallying the Surveys ... Anyway, read about those efforts at http://nolqassessment.wordpress.com/ ... My previous posting a moment ago was not in support of a Maintenance District but was merely dissemination of info I was able to come up with.

Maintenance District information

FYI - Here's information on the Monticello Maintenance District if you are interested in seeing how it's set up and the typical reporting

Monday, February 10, 2014

Assessment District?

There is no doubt that the City took it on the chin in the recession, rolling up their sleeves, really reducing staff, etc... to make things work. Some services suffered but they seem to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel unless the expected second recession hits and then who knows. So the attention to the maintenance expense of the North La Quinta developments is understood. Our current City fathers have their eyes open unlike some of those in the recent past. This is a good thing. In a perfect world the HOA's and/or Maintenance Assessment districts would have been created back in the late 90's/early 2000's. Is it wrong for the City to attempt to fix this as it should have been back then? Is it wrong for us to say no - I am not paying? These are the two major issues. What's right, fair, equitable and most importantly - in our best interests is what needs to be determined ... If "NO I am not paying" is not the answer for the majority ... Maybe a self-governed HOA is the answer ... maybe we have enough full-time community-minded residents here in Desert Pride (or Reunion as the City has called us in the recent past) that would devote time to the cause. We might be able to really minimize the actual expense without the bureaucracy of the City involved and increase efficiency and home values (APPRECIATION) What are you thoughts about a meeting in our park to discuss the issue ... maybe a Saturday-late morning-in the next few weeks. We might even get the City to show up???

Saturday, February 1, 2014

TODAY'S Open Houses !!!

Thinking about upgrading? How about downsizing? What about getting away from HOA dues, into the IID lower rate area or even into a better school district? I am fortunate to have three Open Houses available for viewing today - all from Noon to 3:00 pm - 48705 Classic in Legacy Villas, a fantastic opportunity for a primary residence, a vacation/second home or even an Investment; and then 41620 Alligator Road in Bermuda Dunes, a truly clean, clean, clean 3 bedroom home in a quiet area; followed by 44630 Monticello in La Quinta, a wonderful Pride of Ownership home which I will be holding open - Stop by one or all that may interest you. Hope to see you … I always look forward to exceeding your expectations in fulfilling your Real Estate needs. Regards, Roger A. Sullivan, Realtor DRE # 01236680 Certified Distressed Property Expert direct: 1(760) 610-3245 Windermere Real Estate office: 1(760) 564-9685 47250 Washington St #B efax: 1(760) 459-2038 La Quinta, CA 92253 website: http://RogerASullivan.com Legal Disclaimer: The information transmitted may contain confidential material and is intended only for the person or entity in which it is addressed. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete the information from your system and contact the sender.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Assessment District Update

The City of La Quinta is mailing information to North La Quinta property owners and you should receive the information early next week. Please keep an eye out for it. The information packet was put together based on questions, feedback, and misconceptions they’ve heard. The packet will include a letter from the City Manager, an information sheet, a survey, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. This is not a ballot or a financial commitment. The survey is due Friday, February 21. Make sure your voice is heard by completing the survey :) Keep the Faith !!!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Oasis School beating all odds ...

When the headline says "beating all odds, with the help of some stalwarts of the community, the kids can now beat ON the odds" ... Oasis School wins again ... Nick and Tyler of Nicolino's Restaurant in Cathedral City donated a full drum set with seat and everything-and I mean everything but their kitchen sink. This was a great boon for the Oasis School music program (Well, as it exists - no formal funding). Our first effort was a baby Grand Piano earlier this year ... http://windermeresocal.com/blog/index.php/2013/05/thermal-music-sullivan-050113/ Our next efforts, enabled by Agents, family, friends, clients and community (i.e. Rocky's Pawn Shop and The Musicians' Outlet), resulted in saxophones, clarinet, coronet, flute, piccolo, keyboard, violins, and a gross of drumsticks for the drum line which they so desperately needed. We were also able to acquire matching tee shirts for the drumline with aspirations of one day acquiring uniforms ... everyone can dream :) We are sort of on our way to getting a school band together to accompany the drum line; however, we have a long way to go. Do you have any instruments gathering dust? Interested in helping the next Bruno Mars, Katy Perry or Carlos Santana ... Call me, email me or even text me for pickup ... and please, don't hesitate to deliver to my office if you like ... I can always be reached by text or phone 760-610-3245 office number is 760-564-9685 ... Keep the faith !!!