HALLOWEEN SAFETY
Halloween is an exciting time of the year and a particularly special time for children. The following safety and crime prevention tips will make Halloween safer for everyone.
SAFER COSTUMES
The brighter the better. Choose bright colors, flame-retardant materials,
and attach reflective tape to the costume. Size it right. Make sure your child’s costume is loose enough for warm clothing underneath—but not too loose or long to cause tripping. Skip the mask. A mask can obstruct your child’s vision. Use kid-friendly makeup instead.
TRICK OR TREAT
Get in on the fun. Do not allow your child to go out alone. Pin your child’s name, address and phone number inside their pocket in case you get separated. Carry a flashlight so motorists can see you. Set ground rules. Instruct your child to stay in their own neighborhood, trick or treat at homes that have porch lights on, and NEVER enter the home of a stranger.
Inspect the treats carefully. Don’t let your child snack while trick-or-treating. Inspect the treats and discard anything not sealed, torn or looks questionable. “When in doubt, throw it out.” Report suspicious treats to the police.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Walk safely. Children should walk, not run, from house to house. Guide your
child to use the sidewalk, if possible, and not walk in the street. Cross streets at the corners and never cross between parked cars, in the middle of the block, or diagonally across the intersection. If you have further questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Disaster Preparedness - Are you ready for the big one?
You should review review the enclosed article and even discuss the items in your family "Emergency meeting" and do not discount any ... for example - elevator avoidance - while we don't have a lot of elevators in the desert, they are at more places than you realize ... Hospitals, numerous stores at the mall, restaurants, etc... For your convenience this article is reprinted from the Chamber's "GEM". Be ready and be safe.
Indoors:
•Be sure you are wearing shoes before walking around because of broken glass or other debris.
•Take cover under a desk, sturdy table, bench or against an inside wall or doorway.
Stay away from cabinets, heavy mirrors/pictures and other heavy objects.
If you're in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cabinets.
Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall on you.
•If you're sleeping, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest safe place.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people enter or exit a structure.
•If you're in a public place such as a store or other crowded area, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
•If you are in a high rise building, stay indoors and try to get under a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
•If you're in a theater of stadium, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
•Do not use elevators.
Outdoors:
•Stay there until the shaking stops and move away from buildings, streetlights, and overhead utility wires.
•If you're on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•If you are in mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
In a moving vehicle:
•Stop quickly and safely and stay in the vehicle.
Do not stop near or under overpasses, buildings, trees, or overhead utility
wires.
•Keep earthquake survival kits in your car.
Trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match for light.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing to keep dust
out.
Indoors:
•Be sure you are wearing shoes before walking around because of broken glass or other debris.
•Take cover under a desk, sturdy table, bench or against an inside wall or doorway.
Stay away from cabinets, heavy mirrors/pictures and other heavy objects.
If you're in the kitchen, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cabinets.
Stay away from windows, outside doors and walls and anything that could fall on you.
•If you're sleeping, stay in bed and cover your head with a pillow. If your bed is under a heavy light fixture or you have a large mirror or painting over your headboard, move to the nearest safe place.
•Stay inside until the shaking stops and it is safe to go outside. Most injuries during an earthquake occur when people enter or exit a structure.
•If you're in a public place such as a store or other crowded area, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
•If you are in a high rise building, stay indoors and try to get under a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
•If you're in a theater of stadium, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
•Do not use elevators.
Outdoors:
•Stay there until the shaking stops and move away from buildings, streetlights, and overhead utility wires.
•If you're on a sidewalk near buildings, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
•If you are in mountainous area--watch out for falling rock, landslides, trees, and other debris that could be loosened by quakes.
In a moving vehicle:
•Stop quickly and safely and stay in the vehicle.
Do not stop near or under overpasses, buildings, trees, or overhead utility
wires.
•Keep earthquake survival kits in your car.
Trapped under debris:
•Do not light a match for light.
•Do not move about or kick up dust.
•Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or clothing to keep dust
out.
Monday, September 12, 2011
La Quinta Police - PREVENTING THEFT
“La Quinta's finest featured the following article in the 'GEM'. It is worthwhile reading again.
PREVENTING THEFT ~ Keeping Your Property Safe”
Theft is the most common crime reported in the City of La Quinta. The La
Quinta Police Department encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your home, neighborhood or school:
• Think like a criminal. It is imperative to be “street smart.” Put yourself in the place of thieves who are always looking for something to steal. Thieves are always on the lookout, so you should be too.
• Limit access, reduce benefits, and increase risk. Criminals usually
commit a crime if they think they have easy access to an item with little risk of being caught. Being vigilant and “street smart” can affect their perception that the risk outweighs the potential benefits.
• Never leave your property unattended. Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security. Even if you are among friends, in familiar surroundings, or even if you’re just looking away for a moment—it pays to keep an eye on your property.
• When it comes to cars or bikes, remember to look, lock, and
leave. Look around for suspicious persons when you park your vehicle or
bike. Lock your vehicle or your bike securely. Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Beware of the garage. Garages are a common entry point for burglars
and thieves. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings. Make
sure the garage door remains closed any time you are not present.
If you have any questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
PREVENTING THEFT ~ Keeping Your Property Safe”
Theft is the most common crime reported in the City of La Quinta. The La
Quinta Police Department encourages you to take responsibility for protecting your property. Here are a few tips for discouraging would-be thieves in your home, neighborhood or school:
• Think like a criminal. It is imperative to be “street smart.” Put yourself in the place of thieves who are always looking for something to steal. Thieves are always on the lookout, so you should be too.
• Limit access, reduce benefits, and increase risk. Criminals usually
commit a crime if they think they have easy access to an item with little risk of being caught. Being vigilant and “street smart” can affect their perception that the risk outweighs the potential benefits.
• Never leave your property unattended. Don’t be lulled into a false
sense of security. Even if you are among friends, in familiar surroundings, or even if you’re just looking away for a moment—it pays to keep an eye on your property.
• When it comes to cars or bikes, remember to look, lock, and
leave. Look around for suspicious persons when you park your vehicle or
bike. Lock your vehicle or your bike securely. Don’t leave anything of value in plain sight.
• Beware of the garage. Garages are a common entry point for burglars
and thieves. Open garage doors serve to advertise your belongings. Make
sure the garage door remains closed any time you are not present.
If you have any questions, please call Officer Fowler at (760) 777-7376.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Is your house safe?
A new law passed that requires placement of Carbon Monoxide Detectors in all residences, whether Owner Occupied or Leased out. You have probably seen the commercials ... so be safe, obey the law, protect your loved ones and tenants ... and save yourself from a horrible lawsuit because you kept forgetting to handle it. Here's some info for you
Q 1. What is carbon monoxide?
A Carbon monoxide is a gas produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned. A person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. However, at high levels carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes.
In addition, there are well-documented chronic health effects of acute carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to carbon monoxide, such as lethargy, headaches, concentration problems, amnesia, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, memory impairment, and personality alterations.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13261.)
Q 2. Is there a new California law dealing with the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A Yes. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13260 et seq.) was signed into law this year. It requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in every “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy.” The California legislature also modified both the TDS (for residential one-to-four unit real property) and MHTDS (for manufactured homes and mobilehomes) to include a reference to carbon monoxide detector devices. See below for more details.
Q 3. What is a carbon monoxide detector?
A It is a relatively inexpensive device similar to a smoke detector that signals detection of carbon monoxide in the air. Under the law, a carbon monoxide device is “designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a distinct audible alarm.” It can be battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a device installed as recommended by Standard 720 of the National Fire Protection Association that is either wired into the alternating current power line of the dwelling unit with a secondary battery backup or connected to a system via a panel.
If the carbon monoxide device is combined with a smoke detector, it must emit an alarm or voice warning in a manner that clearly differentiates between a carbon monoxide alarm warning and a smoke detector warning.
The carbon monoxide device must have been tested and certified pursuant to the requirements of the American National standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) as set forth in either ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/UL 2075, or successor standards, by a nationally recognized testing laboratory listed in the directory of approved testing laboratories established by the Building Materials Listing Program of the Fire Engineering Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13262.)
Q 4. How does a homeowner comply with this law?
A Every owner of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” must install an approved carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.
The applicable time periods are as follows:
(1) For all existing single-family dwelling units on or before July 1, 2011.
(2) For all other existing dwelling units on or before Jan. 1, 2013.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(a).)
Q 5. How many devices and where do I place them in the home?
A This new law requires the owner “to install the devices in a manner consistent with building standards applicable to new construction for the relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is technically feasible to do so” (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(b)).
The following language comes packaged with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors:
For minimum security, a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The Alarm should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.
Building standards applicable to new construction are as follows (overview summary only):
• Section R315 et seq. of the 2010 edition California Residential Code (CRC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to new one-to-two family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories and also where work requiring a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding one thousand dollars in existing dwellings units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
• Section 420 et seq of the 2010 edition California Building Code (CBC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to other new dwelling units and also where a permit is required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000 in existing dwelling units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
Q 6. Are there any penalties for noncompliance with this law regarding installation of carbon monoxide detector devices?
A Yes. A violation is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. However, a property owner must receive a 30-day notice to correct first. If an owner who receives such a notice fails to correct the problem within the 30-day period, then the owner may be assessed the fine. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(c).)
Q 7. Can a buyer of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” rescind the sale if the dwelling doesn’t have the necessary carbon monoxide detectors?
A No. However, the buyer may be entitled to an award of actual damages not to exceed $100 plus court costs and attorney’s fees. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(d).)
Note the following language in the TDS and MHTDS:
Installation of a listed appliance, device, or amenity is not a precondition of sale or transfer of the dwelling. The carbon monoxide device, garage door opener, or child-resistant pool barrier may not be in compliance with the safety standards relating to, respectively, carbon monoxide device standards of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 13260) of Part 2 of Division 12 of, automatic reversing device standards of Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 19890) of Part 3 of Division 13 of, or the pool safety standards of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 115920) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of, the Health and Safety Code. Window security bars may not have quick-release mechanisms in compliance with the 1995 edition of the California Building Standards Code.
Q 8. Does a seller have any special carbon monoxide disclosure obligations?
A No. The only disclosure obligations are satisfied when providing a buyer with the TDS or the MHTDS. If the seller is exempt from giving a TDS, the law doesn’t require any specific disclosures regarding carbon monoxide detector devices. (See Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1102.6, 1102.6d.)
The Homeowners’ Guide to Environmental Hazards also will include information regarding carbon monoxide.
Q 9. May local municipalities require more stringent standards for carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(e)).
Q 10. Do landlords have any special obligations regarding carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes. All landlords of dwelling units must install carbon monoxide detectors as indicated in Question 4. The law gives a landlord authority to enter the dwelling unit for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide devices “pursuant to the authority and requirements of Section 1954 of the Civil Code [entry by landlord].”
The carbon monoxide device must be operable at the time that a tenant takes possession. However, the tenant has the responsibility of notifying the owner or owner’s agent if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable or deficient carbon monoxide device. The landlord is not in violation of the law for a deficient or inoperable carbon monoxide device if he or she has not received notice of the problem from the tenant.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.1.)
Q 11. If the California Building Standards Commission adopts or updates building standards relating to carbon monoxide devices in the future, is the owner required to install the newer device?
A It depends. Yes, when the owner makes an application for a permit for alterations, repairs, or additions to that dwelling unit with the cost exceeding $1,000. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.2(b).)
Q 1. What is carbon monoxide?
A Carbon monoxide is a gas produced whenever any fuel, such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal, is burned. A person cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. However, at high levels carbon monoxide can kill a person in minutes.
In addition, there are well-documented chronic health effects of acute carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to carbon monoxide, such as lethargy, headaches, concentration problems, amnesia, psychosis, Parkinson’s disease, memory impairment, and personality alterations.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13261.)
Q 2. Is there a new California law dealing with the issue of carbon monoxide poisoning?
A Yes. The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 13260 et seq.) was signed into law this year. It requires carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in every “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy.” The California legislature also modified both the TDS (for residential one-to-four unit real property) and MHTDS (for manufactured homes and mobilehomes) to include a reference to carbon monoxide detector devices. See below for more details.
Q 3. What is a carbon monoxide detector?
A It is a relatively inexpensive device similar to a smoke detector that signals detection of carbon monoxide in the air. Under the law, a carbon monoxide device is “designed to detect carbon monoxide and produce a distinct audible alarm.” It can be battery powered, a plug-in device with battery backup, or a device installed as recommended by Standard 720 of the National Fire Protection Association that is either wired into the alternating current power line of the dwelling unit with a secondary battery backup or connected to a system via a panel.
If the carbon monoxide device is combined with a smoke detector, it must emit an alarm or voice warning in a manner that clearly differentiates between a carbon monoxide alarm warning and a smoke detector warning.
The carbon monoxide device must have been tested and certified pursuant to the requirements of the American National standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) as set forth in either ANSI/UL 2034 or ANSI/UL 2075, or successor standards, by a nationally recognized testing laboratory listed in the directory of approved testing laboratories established by the Building Materials Listing Program of the Fire Engineering Division of the Office of the State Fire Marshal of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 13262.)
Q 4. How does a homeowner comply with this law?
A Every owner of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” must install an approved carbon monoxide device in each existing dwelling unit having a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace, or an attached garage.
The applicable time periods are as follows:
(1) For all existing single-family dwelling units on or before July 1, 2011.
(2) For all other existing dwelling units on or before Jan. 1, 2013.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(a).)
Q 5. How many devices and where do I place them in the home?
A This new law requires the owner “to install the devices in a manner consistent with building standards applicable to new construction for the relevant type of occupancy or with the manufacturer’s instructions, if it is technically feasible to do so” (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(b)).
The following language comes packaged with carbon monoxide (CO) detectors:
For minimum security, a CO Alarm should be centrally located outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. The Alarm should be located at least 6 inches (152mm) from all exterior walls and at least 3 feet (0.9 meters) from supply or return vents.
Building standards applicable to new construction are as follows (overview summary only):
• Section R315 et seq. of the 2010 edition California Residential Code (CRC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to new one-to-two family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories and also where work requiring a permit for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding one thousand dollars in existing dwellings units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
• Section 420 et seq of the 2010 edition California Building Code (CBC) [effective Jan. 1, 2011] (applicable to other new dwelling units and also where a permit is required for alterations, repairs or additions exceeding $1,000 in existing dwelling units):
Installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s) in dwelling units and on every level including basements within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
Q 6. Are there any penalties for noncompliance with this law regarding installation of carbon monoxide detector devices?
A Yes. A violation is an infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $200 for each offense. However, a property owner must receive a 30-day notice to correct first. If an owner who receives such a notice fails to correct the problem within the 30-day period, then the owner may be assessed the fine. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(c).)
Q 7. Can a buyer of a “dwelling unit intended for human occupancy” rescind the sale if the dwelling doesn’t have the necessary carbon monoxide detectors?
A No. However, the buyer may be entitled to an award of actual damages not to exceed $100 plus court costs and attorney’s fees. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(d).)
Note the following language in the TDS and MHTDS:
Installation of a listed appliance, device, or amenity is not a precondition of sale or transfer of the dwelling. The carbon monoxide device, garage door opener, or child-resistant pool barrier may not be in compliance with the safety standards relating to, respectively, carbon monoxide device standards of Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 13260) of Part 2 of Division 12 of, automatic reversing device standards of Chapter 12.5 (commencing with Section 19890) of Part 3 of Division 13 of, or the pool safety standards of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 115920) of Chapter 5 of Part 10 of Division 104 of, the Health and Safety Code. Window security bars may not have quick-release mechanisms in compliance with the 1995 edition of the California Building Standards Code.
Q 8. Does a seller have any special carbon monoxide disclosure obligations?
A No. The only disclosure obligations are satisfied when providing a buyer with the TDS or the MHTDS. If the seller is exempt from giving a TDS, the law doesn’t require any specific disclosures regarding carbon monoxide detector devices. (See Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1102.6, 1102.6d.)
The Homeowners’ Guide to Environmental Hazards also will include information regarding carbon monoxide.
Q 9. May local municipalities require more stringent standards for carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926(e)).
Q 10. Do landlords have any special obligations regarding carbon monoxide detectors?
A Yes. All landlords of dwelling units must install carbon monoxide detectors as indicated in Question 4. The law gives a landlord authority to enter the dwelling unit for the purpose of installing, repairing, testing, and maintaining carbon monoxide devices “pursuant to the authority and requirements of Section 1954 of the Civil Code [entry by landlord].”
The carbon monoxide device must be operable at the time that a tenant takes possession. However, the tenant has the responsibility of notifying the owner or owner’s agent if the tenant becomes aware of an inoperable or deficient carbon monoxide device. The landlord is not in violation of the law for a deficient or inoperable carbon monoxide device if he or she has not received notice of the problem from the tenant.
(Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.1.)
Q 11. If the California Building Standards Commission adopts or updates building standards relating to carbon monoxide devices in the future, is the owner required to install the newer device?
A It depends. Yes, when the owner makes an application for a permit for alterations, repairs, or additions to that dwelling unit with the cost exceeding $1,000. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 17926.2(b).)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Seems like summer is a little late this year but never fear ....
Warmer weather is right around the corner.
The snowbirds have gone home, there's parking everywhere and the kids are out of school.
Things really sow down when schools close for the summer. Vacations start, kids go to camp or the beach, etc.; however... not everyone can get away. Boredom can set in quickly when there's little to do and no money to do it with ..... which reminds me of a quote I've cited previously "If the Devil finds a man idle, he'll set him at work - J. Kelly - Scottish Proverbs 1721.
Don't be a victim - Keep Alert !!! and keep your garage door closed or at least only open enough so that no one can get under it, especially a small unattended child. Considering that heat rises, there may be no significant benefit anyway. You'd be better off 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.
Watering tip to save money, save water and make your landscape drought resistant: Water once in the morning, a good soak so the water goes deep and the roots will follow. Watering 3-5 times a day, might make you think you're being nice to your landscape but a lot of water hits the sidewalk and gutter 3-5 times a day taking your money with it. There's 3-5 times as much evaporation - wasted water and money; and finally, the roots remain close to the surface where they are subject to higher temperatures and if subjected to severe conditions or a REAL drought came, they have no chance. Additionally, consider a smart irrigation controller from CVWD.
The snowbirds have gone home, there's parking everywhere and the kids are out of school.
Things really sow down when schools close for the summer. Vacations start, kids go to camp or the beach, etc.; however... not everyone can get away. Boredom can set in quickly when there's little to do and no money to do it with ..... which reminds me of a quote I've cited previously "If the Devil finds a man idle, he'll set him at work - J. Kelly - Scottish Proverbs 1721.
Don't be a victim - Keep Alert !!! and keep your garage door closed or at least only open enough so that no one can get under it, especially a small unattended child. Considering that heat rises, there may be no significant benefit anyway. You'd be better off 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.
Watering tip to save money, save water and make your landscape drought resistant: Water once in the morning, a good soak so the water goes deep and the roots will follow. Watering 3-5 times a day, might make you think you're being nice to your landscape but a lot of water hits the sidewalk and gutter 3-5 times a day taking your money with it. There's 3-5 times as much evaporation - wasted water and money; and finally, the roots remain close to the surface where they are subject to higher temperatures and if subjected to severe conditions or a REAL drought came, they have no chance. Additionally, consider a smart irrigation controller from CVWD.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sales prices did well in May ...
Home sales rose 6 percent across the Coachella Valley in May in contrast to double-digit declines in Riverside County and the rest of Southern California.
Last month, 1,087 single-family homes and condominiums sold in the valley, San Diego-based DataQuick Information Systems reported. Cities with the strongest sales included Palm Desert with 203, Palm Springs with 187 and La Quinta with 142.
The median price — half sold for more, half for less — was $204,000 in May, a 3 percent decline from May 2010, DataQuick reported.
Compared to May last year, sales fell 12.5 percent in Riverside County and 17.4 percent across Southern California.
In recent months, the valley's home sales have fared significantly better than the rest of Southern California, driven by second-home buyers and bargain hunters.
That hasn't helped stabilize prices, but it is helping to slowly clear out the huge inventory of real estate, a critical step in rebuilding the local economy.
Read the whole story:
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20110621/BUSINESS04/106210314/Home-sales-rise-6-percent-valley?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
Last month, 1,087 single-family homes and condominiums sold in the valley, San Diego-based DataQuick Information Systems reported. Cities with the strongest sales included Palm Desert with 203, Palm Springs with 187 and La Quinta with 142.
The median price — half sold for more, half for less — was $204,000 in May, a 3 percent decline from May 2010, DataQuick reported.
Compared to May last year, sales fell 12.5 percent in Riverside County and 17.4 percent across Southern California.
In recent months, the valley's home sales have fared significantly better than the rest of Southern California, driven by second-home buyers and bargain hunters.
That hasn't helped stabilize prices, but it is helping to slowly clear out the huge inventory of real estate, a critical step in rebuilding the local economy.
Read the whole story:
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20110621/BUSINESS04/106210314/Home-sales-rise-6-percent-valley?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Frontpage
Sunday, June 19, 2011
New law July 1st - you must have CO2 detectors in your home
All single-family homes in California with attached garages and fireplaces are supposed to have a carbon monoxide detector starting July 1 when a new California law takes effect.
Owners of apartment buildings have until Jan. 1, 2013, to comply with the law. “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people and sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation,” acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover said in a news release.
The colorless, odorless gas is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, and many types of appliances and cooking devices. It's also produced when gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned.
CO detectors are easy to install and can be purchased at most stores that also sell smoke detectors, said Bill Peters, an information officer for Cal Fire. But not just any detector will do.
“You must buy one that's approved by the state fire marshal's office,” Palm Desert director of buildings and safety Russell Grance said.
They have to be connected to the home's electrical wiring and also have a battery back-up. The exception is homes without attic access and then a battery-operated detector is OK, Grance said.
The fire marshal has a list of approved devices and installation requirements on its website, http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/.
Read the full story as it appeared in the Desert Sun:
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20110616/NEWS01/106160310/New-law-takes-aim-silent-killer-CO-fumes
As always - Keep the faith !!
Owners of apartment buildings have until Jan. 1, 2013, to comply with the law. “Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, each year claiming the lives of an average of 480 people and sending more than 20,000 people to emergency rooms across the nation,” acting State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover said in a news release.
The colorless, odorless gas is produced from heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, and many types of appliances and cooking devices. It's also produced when gas, oil, kerosene, wood or charcoal is burned.
CO detectors are easy to install and can be purchased at most stores that also sell smoke detectors, said Bill Peters, an information officer for Cal Fire. But not just any detector will do.
“You must buy one that's approved by the state fire marshal's office,” Palm Desert director of buildings and safety Russell Grance said.
They have to be connected to the home's electrical wiring and also have a battery back-up. The exception is homes without attic access and then a battery-operated detector is OK, Grance said.
The fire marshal has a list of approved devices and installation requirements on its website, http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/.
Read the full story as it appeared in the Desert Sun:
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20110616/NEWS01/106160310/New-law-takes-aim-silent-killer-CO-fumes
As always - Keep the faith !!
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