Recently I started a business page on Facebook for Los Gatos Real Estate & Homes. Inside there are a few easy-to-navigate tabs with realty market data, a quick way to search for listed homes, photos of Los Gatos and links to information about buying & selling homes as well as living in Los Gatos.
Today I stumbled upon an interesting demographics tool: a map (and list) showing political donations in the last presidential election by city, particular address, by the donor's occupation, employer or last name. It's on the Huffington Post and appears to search nationwide. It is not 100% complete, though. I actually made a donation in the last election but my name and info are not showing up - I believe that this may not have included donations in the last few weeks of the election for tha treason (that's when I sent my donation in). Anyway, have a look around - it's interesting!
"$1,073,805 was given by people who identified their city as "Los Gatos, CA". $280,419 from 256 people to Republicans (av = $1095 each) $793,386 from 773 people to Democrats" (av = $1026 each)
$1,272,097 was given by people who identified their city as "Saratoga, CA". $456,436 from 264 people to Republicans (av = $1729 each) $815,661 from 579 people to Democrats (av = $1409 each)
A quick reminder: tonight's the night to change your clocks, moving them ahead one hour. (Sorry, one less hour of sleep!) It's a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detectors, too.
Readers, Recently I was approached by Asbestos.com to see if I would be willing to run a post by them in my blog. I agreed, since many homeowners do have asbestos in their "popcorn ceilings", around their heater ducts and possibly elsewhere, and they may not realize the correlation between airborn asbestos fibers and cancer. (Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed and made airborne. Popcorn ceilings in and of themselves are not harmful if treated properly. Often remediation for asbestos insulation around heater ducts, for instance, will not include removal but rather encasement so that the asbestos cannot move.)
Needless to say, buyers prefer a home without an asbestos issue and would rather not deal with textured ceilings etc. To remove asbestos-containing materials, call an expert. This is not a do-it yourself project!
Asbestos is found all over California, and in fact it is part of our state rock (the jade colored stone which you have undoubtedly seen) Asbestos is found in the rock and quarry near Communications Hill in San Jose too. Happily, the incidence of asbestos-related cancer in the San Jose area is relatively small, but when it comes to your health, it's best to know more and avoid even a small chance of sickness. This post is being run free of charge.
Asbestos Issues in Silicon Valley Real Estate
Guest post written by Joe Lederman of Asbestos.com
In the real estate industry, there are many things that need to be considered when involved in remodeling or purchasing property. Older homes built before 1980 have a good chance of containing asbestos laden materials. If you are a current or potential homeowner, you may be in danger of asbestos exposure.
Due to its geologic history and location, several types of asbestos occur naturally within California's state lines. Asbestos exposure can cause significant health problems for you and your family. There are now many environmentally-sustainable products which replace the need for asbestos.
Asbestos was widely used in various industrial products throughout the 20th century due to its heat and flame resistant qualities, it was regularly considered as a form of insulation on piping. Manufacturers of the product knew of its toxic components, but continued shipping it anyways. Exposure to asbestos can cause a fatal lung-ailment known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma treatment is limited and is difficult to diagnose due to a long latency period.
Removal of asbestos in any type of location must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling toxic materials. Asbestos deposits are found naturally in 44 of California’s 58 counties, including Santa Clara County. Green alternative options such as cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene should then be considered as replacements. The California Department of Industrial Relations administers a number of programs which are aimed at preventing asbestos exposure in public facilities, workplaces and homes.
California is adopting the move to a greener lifestyle and is helping lead the nation in the change. Research demonstrates that these new forms of insulation such as cotton fiber can reduce energy costs significantly every year. These new alternatives will allow those involved in real estate and potential homeowners to live in a safe, healthy home, away of any health corroding materials.
For more information, visit the Asbestos.com website.
I picked this article up thanks to Google Alerts (for "Los Gatos"). Horses are at the wrong end of hardship with this poor economy, and several individuals and agencies are trying to keep these beautiful animals from ending up in the wrong hands. One of them is right here in Los Gatos.
Love horses? Got room and the ability to care for them? Have a look at the article in the Contra Costa Times: Free to a good home -- the horse of your choice. (Scroll to the bottom and find an equestrian do-gooder in Los Gatos.)
As for me, I wish I had room and the budget. I have fond memories of riding horses in south San Jose and at Garrod's in Saratoga as a kid here. My parents had a home next to a horse ranch, and as a teen I felt like I was in heaven just to see the horses graze each day. For today I'll have to settle for spreading the word, but I would love to hear more about this from folks involved.
On this Veterans Day I am especially remembering my Grandfather, Col. Michael Buckley, who was the first U.S. POW in World War II, as well as all our loved ones who have served to protect us. I am also thinking of our family and friends who are serving now in Afghanistan and Iraq. May God keep them and all of our troops safe.
Roof rats abound in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga. Our lush vegetation, the mild weather and the abundant food sources must be too irresistable. They are not as uncommon as we'd like them to be!
Recently I learned quite a bit more about landscaping and how it can attract (or deter) rats. If you're interested in some practical landscaping tips - mostly a list of what NOT to plant or keep - please visit my Valley Of Hearts Delight Blog, where I posted on this subject earlier tonight.
A blog about Los Gatos real estate, homes, houses, condos, townhomes, housing market, neightborhoods, history, events, businesses, parks, schools, photos, issues, and lifestyle.
Mary Pope-Handy
Realtor, CRS, ABR, SRES, E-PRO
Luxor Real Estate Group
Mailing Address for Mary: PO Box 440 Los Gatos, CA 95031-0440
877 397-5391 (office/toll-free)
$280,419 from 256 people to Republicans (av = $1095 each)
$793,386 from 773 people to Democrats" (av = $1026 each)
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