Grand Opening of HBUHSD Auditorium and Bell Tower

On Sunday, October 18 beginning at 12 noon, the Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts Foundation is celebrating the Grand Opening of the HBUHSD Auditorium and Bell Tower. This iconic building has been closed three years for renovations and is opening as the home of the Academy for the Performing Arts. Brunch, Music, Tours of the Facility, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and the play Titanic will be featured. Contact the Academy for the Performing Arts for more information.

2008-2009 RE Comparison

According to the latest Orange County real estate statistics, home prices are still depreciating and will for the short term. However, comparing inventory and completed sales from 2008 to 2009 reveals some interesting news. Inventory is shrinking while sales are increasing.

Utility Plan Loses In Close Vote

Balboa Island residents on the main island narrowly defeated a ballot measure to put utilities underground by a vote of 505 to 501. If the ballot had passed, an assessment district would have been established, utility poles on the main island would be removed and the wires for electricity, telephone and cable would be installed underground like on the little island. Utility companies would receive a new infrastructure to deliver their services. Alleys would have been dug up to install the conduit, plus, each residence would need to provide hookups to the public utilities. The city estimated it would cost each property owner about $16,000. In addition, each property owner would have to pay a private contractor for a hookup.

Despite the pros and cons, the defeat was a reflection of taxes and the current state of the economy. Advocates argued for safety and aesthetics: Dissenters pointed out the high cost. Balboa Island is an older community. Many of the residents moved to Balboa Island before property values jumped and have lived there since before Proposition 13. Their property taxes are relatively low. Adding an additional assessment to the property tax and having to pay an additional fee to a private contractor would have significantly increased property taxes and dipped into savings. Most residents voted NO because the burden was too much.

This American Lifesaver

For a great summation of multimillion-dollar balance sheets and how they affect the banking industry, listen to "Bad Bank", produced on 2.27.09 by This American Lifesaver of NPR Chicago.

And, check out "The Giant Pool of Money" produced on 5.09.08 for a great explanation of the mortgage crisis.

California Association of Realtors Market Matters

Welcome to the Market Matters Advisory, your weekly guide to the real estate market. To access the latest edition for March 5, 2009, please click here.

California Association of Realtors Market Matters

Welcome to the Market Matters Advisory, your weekly guide to the real estate market. To access the latest edition for February 26, 2009, please click here.

California Association of Realtors Market Matters

Welcome to the Market Matters Advisory, your weekly guide to the real estate market. To access the latest edition for February 19, 2009, please click here.