That’s right, You may be able to REDUCE your Orange County property taxes today!

With the current economy, I’m sure you’ve all seen the values being driven down in  your neighborhoods by short sales, bank owned properties,  and foreclosures.

The only good news in all of this is your property taxes should be going down also… If you feel that your tax assessment is higher than the market value, you have the  right to appeal your case to the Orange County Tax Assessor by September 15, 2011.

The one page form is easy to complete…. To get your Assessment Appeal form, go to the Orange County Assessor’s website at www.oc.ca.gov/assessor

You’ll need 3 comparable closed sales to show the Market Value as of January 1, 2011….. If you need help getting the information for your comps, email me at pat@patmcginnis.com and I’ll be happy to get the information for you.

Here’s to lower taxes!!!

Regards,

Ol’ “ST.” Pat

While relaxing at the Yorba Linda “Concert in the Park” a few Sundays ago, some friends of ours mentioned they had just visited a new business in Brea, and suggested we go see it for ourselves… The next day we happened to go to the Borders book store in Brea “Going out of Business Sale” and happened to notice next door was “The Meat House”, the exact business they were telling us about…

“The Meat House” is the new version of the  old neighborhood meat market… They have a huge selection of Prime and Choice meats, Gourmet Cheeses,  as well as  selection of hard to find fish for those special occasions….    And, the gourmet accoutrements would only be found in a very  few select stores…

The manager  that day, Patrick Price mentioned if they didn’t have it at the time they would order any exotic meats and/or fish  you desire…. so when you’re looking for that special Buffalo, Ostrich, Turtle, snake, or Alligator meat for a special Cajun meal, give them a try!

We found the staff to be very knowlegable, exremely friendly, and willing  to accomodate all requests..  

We tried a new Molasses Rub on a couple of BBQ’d Sirloins.. they were delicious !!!

So, when you’re planning your next special dinner, or BBQ, go visit our new North Orange County meat store at:   THE MEAT HOUSE, 415 S. Associated Rd., Brea, CA 92821… (Northwest corner of Imperial Hwy and Associated Rd. in Brea)

********* Ask them for the $5.00 discount coupon and tell them you heard about them on St Pat’s Pub******

Regards,

Ol’ “ST.” Pat

I don’t know if you’ve ever wandered around a farmers market lately, but it definitely brings back the “old days” feeling  of community  togetherness and the task of  farmers bringing their goods to town..

Whether any of the produce is “organic” or not,  many sure look rough enough to be home grown  ”organic”….

Seems like we always see some curious  craft or product  that we never see in the regular stores, and that along with the colorful people  make is fun enough to visit the local Farmers Markets..

If you include all the cities it seems like you can “go to market” most any day in Orange County.

Take a look at this list I discovered on the net at CBS Los Angeles: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/guide/orange-county-farmers-market-guide/  

Make the summer fun! Get up! Get out! and enjoy…

Regards,

Ol’ St. Pat

We’ve enjoyed concerts in the park each Sunday they’ve been presented in Yorba Linda for the last several years….. Seems  another 1000-1500 others enjoy them also..

It’s like stepping back in time when things were less complicated,  joyful and relaxing… A time when everyone in the community would meet at the park to enjoy open air concerts, and  entertainment while picknicing with  your family and other neighbors, while all the kids are running around and playing in a safe, sane environment..

We enjoy seeing the various businesses and charities setting up their pop-ups to display their wares, and the Boy Scouts selling their refreshments, hamburgers, and hotdogs to make some extra money for their designated charities..   it’s a wholesome environment to say the least..

With all the positives to this recreational event, I’m puzzled why the Yorba Linda City Council starting cutting back to now we only have 4 of these concerts…

Our surrounding Cities seem to be able to budget several more than we  do, and I now see Yorba Linda residences migrating to Placentia, Brea, Anaheim Hills, Orange, and even Tustin and La Habra to attend these weekly concerts… (because of this, there must also be  a certain amount of tax dollars and spending that goes to these Cities)

Yorba Linda has 4 concerts.

Placentia has 8 concerts.

Brea has 8 concerts.

Anaheim Hills has 5 concerts.

Orange has 8 concerts.

La Habra has 6 concerts.

Tustin has 8 concerts.

It seems when the Council is justifying high incomes for the administrative duties, they always compare  Yorba Linda  to other cities… well fair is fair!

What does the City have to say about this??

Let’s all ask them.

I’m just sayin’

Ol’ St. Pat

To find out the ins and outs of the short sale process, and to determine if it’s the right thing for you to do in this market go to:

www.HowToSellShortSaleReport.com

Many people have found this very helpful information, and I hope you do also.

Let me know what you think at pat@patmcginnis.com.

Here’s to Happy Days ahead!

Ol’ St. Pat

June 24th Did you Know that today was National “Swim a Lap” day.  

“Swim a Lap” Day is good for your health. And, it’s a fun day, too!

Summer has arrived. It’s time to enjoy all that summer has to offer, including plenty of time in and around the pool. What better way to enjoy the early days of summer, than by taking a lap or two (or three) around the pool. In addition to the fun, it’s great exercise to help keep you fit.

It’s likely to be sunny and hot today. Find a few friends and swim a  couple laps in the pool. Then, let the pool party begin!

See you around the pool!

Ol’ St. Pat

I know many people today are turning off the TV because of all the negative, mindless, raw programs  that are being promoted.  

The next time you’re complaining about what’s on TV and you’re looking for  something positive,  interesting, enlightening, and mind expanding, go to: www.Ted.com

You won’t believe what you see and hear… it’s mind blowing!!

Check it out and let me know what you think..

I just stumbled acrossed a great little website to keep the K-8

kids busy this summer.

There’s comics, games, fun brain teasers, movies, mad libs,

jokes,  flash-cards, web books, and help with homework…

Check it out and let me know if you have any other ideas for kids

activities this summer..

                                                Go to: www.funbrain.com

All we had when I was that age were books and comic books!!

                          Did you know Flag Day in the U.S.A. is always February 14th?  

Flag Day, is a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, its designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation…..one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon.

As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the  flag today and every day with pride!  

Properly Display Our Flag

There is a right way and a wrong way to display the flag.  The American flag should be held in the highest of regards. It represents our nation and the many people who gave their lives for our country and our flag. Here are the basics on displaying  the American flag:

• The flag is normally flown from sunrise to sunset.
• In the morning, raise the flag briskly. At sunset, lower it slowly. Always, raise and lower it ceremoniously.
• The flag should not be flown at night without a light on it.
• The flag should not be flown in the rain or inclement weather.
• After a tragedy or death, the flag is flown at half staff for 30 days. It’s  called “half staff” on land ,and “half mast” on a ship.
• When flown vertically on a pole, the stars and blue field ,  or “union”, is at the top and at the end of the pole (away from your house).
• The American flag is always flown at the top of the pole. Your state flag and other flags fly below it.
• The union is  always on top. When displayed in print, the stars and blue field are always on the left.
• Never let your flag touch the ground, never…period.
• Fold your flag when storing. Don’t just stuff it in a drawer or box.
•  When your flag is old and has seen  better days,  it is time to retire it. Old flags should be burned or buried. Please do not throw it in the trash.

Did you Know? There is a very special ceremony for retiring the flag by burning it. It is a ceremony everyone should see.Your local Boy Scout group knows the proper ceremony and performs it on a regular basis. If you have an old flag, give it to them. And, attend the ceremony.  

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Famous Flag People:Betsy Ross was a seamstress who made clothes for George Washington. In June, 1776, Washington approached her to make the country’s first flag and the rest is history.

Francis Scott Key Inspired by the British bombardment of Fort McHenry, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to our national anthem as he witnessed the event as British rockets whizzed in the air while our American Flag flew in the breeze

Did you Know? If you like to study flags, then you  are a Vexillologist!

I  thought you would enjoy  this article from our First Team Estates Luxury Portfolio

Indulgence is No Longer a Four-Letter WordWe are feeling better about the luxury market. And it shows. It’s a cautious optimism, yet increasingly confident nonetheless. Challenging times take their toll; but renewed enthusiasm reminds us that “indulgence” is no longer a four-letter word. Gold, champagne, chocolate, beauty care, and beloved luxury brands are some of our favorite ways to pamper and we know you are ready for a little bit of decadence these luxuries provide, too.CHAMPAGNE Pol Roger Champagne Still obsessed with the Royal Wedding? You can re-create it on a smaller scale with this insider tip. At Prince William and Kate Middleton’s affair, distinguished regal and celebrity guests sipped the elegant Pol Roger Champagne to toast the royal couple. Long associated with the British ruling class, Queen Elizabeth herself selected Cuvée Brut Réserve Pol Roger to serve the revelers. We have no doubt this will be the perfect hostess gift for months to come. Luxor Brut For an even bigger indulgence, consider Luxor Gold Champagne. Produced in limited quantities each year, Luxor Gold blends real gold flakes into the bubbly to treat the eyes in addition to the palate. Because, of course, who wouldn’t want to see little bits of gold sparkling in their champagne? CHOCOLATE MarieBelle Another one of life’s great indulgences is the delectable sweetness of chocolate. With flair similar to the flakes of Luxor Gold, the treats from MarieBelle gourmet chocolates are like wrapped works of art collected in a signature blue and brown box. Couture confections include saffron, cardamom and even Earl Grey tea – an appealing treat and new spin on a traditional boxed chocolate gift. La Madeline au Truffe Providing the ultimate sweet indulgence, the La Madeline au Truffe is a far from ordinary delicacy. At $250 per each two ounce ganache, the truffle from Knipschildt Chocolatier is recognized as the most expensive chocolate in the world. A true taste of luxury, it begins with a rare French Perigord truffle wrapped with a sweet mixture, then rolled in fine cocoa powder. BEAUTY Oro Gold Cosmetics The many shades, styles and gimmicks of beauty products can be overwhelming, but knowing what to invest in can add to the invigoration they provide. Created from and infused with 24K gold, Oro Gold Cosmetics add cachet to your daily routine. Literally cover yourself in gold with day moisturizers, renewal creams and more rejuvenating products said to activate regeneration and slow the effects of aging. Nephria-Jade Like gold, Jade is also most commonly associated with fine pieces of jewelry. But now the symbol of nobility is used to treat your skin like royalty. Made with real Jade and a combination of natural ingredients, the Nephria Jade Beauty Bar is a luxurious way to revitalize. Remove toxins and reduce irritation with healing properties of Jade and revel in the ultimate bathing experience. LUXE BRAND EXTENSIONS Clive Christian Enjoying products from a preferred luxury brand adds an extra layer of comfort to our favorite indulgences. Even more exciting is when a trusted brand extends itself into uncommon territory. Clive Christian, the well known kitchen designer to the stars, offers very high end cabinets and tailored furniture pieces filling the finest luxury spaces. Recently, the luxury designer stepped outside of that realm with exclusive perfumes that go for as much as $25,000 a bottle. Less expensive, yet still extravagant, scents for men and women are available at stores including Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue. Twin Luxe Chrome Edition Before treating guests to the fine Pol Roger champagne, Kate Middleton was squired to Westminster Abbey in a 1977 Rolls Royce Phantom IV. A legend with car aficionados and an enduring symbol of ultimate luxury, the level of classic styling fit for a fairytale has been transported to an unexpected place. Designer of the Phantom, Marek Djordjevic, devised the TwinLuxe Chrome Edition Shave Set for a superior shave. Like the classic auto, the set isn’t overtly flashy, but is cleanly refined with a brush and razor in polished chrome, alumina ceramic or PVD coating. Perfect for Phantom drivers and admirers alike.

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