Supporters Push Dreier for Legislation Protecting San Gabriel Mountains

Supporters Push Dreier for Legislation Protecting San Gabriel Mountains

A stack of 400 letters from local residents who are asking Rep. David Dreier (R-San Dimas) to introduce legislation to protect the San Gabriel Mountains was delivered to the Congressman’s office last Wednesday. To date, more than 1,500 letters and postcards have been sent to Rep. Dreier asking him to introduce a bill to help [...]

Foothill Artists Celebrate 50 Years with Art of the Garden Tour

Foothill Artists Celebrate 50 Years with Art of the Garden Tour

In 1960, around the time many Southern California elementary and junior-high schools were discontinuing arts classes because of declining school funding, a group of Pasadena and Arcadia-area parents, some but not all of them artists themselves, decided that they needed to take their kids’ arts education into their own hands. Combining their talents, some of [...]

Michael Jackson’s Vegas Estate Listed with Arcadia Realtors

Michael Jackson’s Vegas Estate Listed with Arcadia Realtors

  Just recently offered for sale at$12.8 million through Arcadia’s Century 21 Ludecke is a palatial estate known as the “Palomino Hacienda” that was Michael Jackson’s last Las Vegas home prior to his death. The sprawling Spanish Hacienda is a spectacular property, featuring a 3,982 square foot guest house, which was the main residence of [...]

AGING GRACEFULLY IN PLACE Part II.

AGING GRACEFULLY IN PLACE Part II.

By Erin Vostilal When my mother decided to remodel her home and add a second story, I was able to convince her to take some simple steps now so that she can plan to age in place, in her own home. Some easy updates now would make her home elegant and comfortable for an able-bodied [...]

Looking Ahead:Design Trends to Watch in 2010

Looking Ahead:Design Trends to Watch in 2010

This week, I am dusting off my crystal ball and peering deep into 2010 to see what design trends this New Year will bring us. What does it reveal? With a crazy economic climate, a desire to live green and the yearning to look to the past for simpler times, the design world will follow [...]

Setting a New Standard for Real Estate Marketing Innovation

Setting a New Standard for Real Estate Marketing Innovation

Sharon Chou of Century 21 Ludecke Recognized For Internet Marketing Excellence Nationally renowned real estate marketing and technology speaker and Realtor.com Vice President, Max Pigman, has presented to Sharon Chou of Century 21 Ludecke the “Real Estate Online Marketing Award of Excellence”. The Award of Excellence recognizes top agents who consistently provide great marketing services [...]

Seasonal Splendor: Winter Berries

Seasonal Splendor: Winter Berries

I know I’m not alone, because I see it in others at Trader Joe’s or Vroman’s.  That ashen, weary look of those doing their darndest to keep up with life’s demands.   Plenty often, our heads are down, eyes focused on the mountain of work blocking the emergency exits. Sure, on the one hand, it’s kinda [...]

Zap the Garden with Winter Color, Texture, Structure

Zap the Garden with Winter Color, Texture, Structure

Dear Garden Gal, I want to spruce up a couple of areas around the garden but I’m avoiding too much planting in flower beds to conserve water. Can you recommend a few plants or techniques for injecting some winter color without wasting water, money and time? – Beth S. Sierra Madre, CA   Dear Beth, [...]

Deadly Mistake #4: Make the Interest Rate on the Note Nice and Low

Deadly Mistake #4: Make the Interest Rate on the Note Nice and Low

It’s tempting to offer a low interest rate to entice a buyer to give you a fat, juicy price for your property.  It’s OK if that gets the job done and you’re happy with it, but you just have to know that you’re writing in the discount you will ultimately take on your note. Don’t [...]

How to Hire (And Work With) a Designer

How to Hire (And Work With) a Designer

If you’ve ever done your own design project, you know that it can easily become frustrating, leaving you collapsed in a heap of catalogs, fabric swatches and paint samples. Whether you are mired in fabric choices and furniture selection, don’t know any vendors, or can’t stick to your budget, a design project can be a [...]