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Real estate broker, civil engineer and general contractor.
Travel

Vernazza – the History, the Disaster and the Recovery Part 1

History

Vernazza is one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre region in Italy. Vernazza is the fourth town heading north, has no car traffic and remains one of the real “fishing villages” on the Italian Riviera, with the only proper harbor of the five towns. Vernazza was recognized as a fortified town dating back to the year 1080, and is located in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, northwestern Italy, the “Italian Riviera”.

Vernazza’s name is derived from the Latin adjective verna meaning “native” and the indigenous wine, “vernaccia” (“local” or “ours). Over the next two centuries Vernazza was ruled by the Republic of Genova, and was vital in Genova’s conquest of Liguria, providing port, fleet and soldiers to the battle.

httpv://youtu.be/-vA2-9VyMcY

Video taken by John O’Dell in a tour of Italy with Judy Pinegar

The first documented presence of a church dates back to 1251, with the parish of San Pietro sited in 1267. First reference to the Church of Santa Margherita d’Antiochia of Vernazza occurs in 1318. The church was expanded and renovated over the course of the 16th and 17th centuries, and thereafter the octagonal bell tower was erected.

In the 1800s, after a long period of stagnation, Vernazza improved wine production, enlarging and creating new terraced hillsides. The result was a revitalization of Vernazza’s commerce. Also at this time the construction of the Genova-La Spezia rail line began, putting an end to Vernazza’s isolation. Partially due to this transportation system, the population of the town increased by 60% in just a few years.

In 1997, the Cinque Terre was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 1999 the National Park of the Cinque Terre was born. The main source of revenue for Vernazza is tourism, but wine and olive oil are also produced.

Tomorrow: The Disaster

Article by Judy J. Pinegar – Published in Corriere della Valle
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Real Estate

July Pending Sales and Distressed Sales Report

Equity home sales continue sharp upward trend as housing supply remains tight in distressed markets

LOS ANGELES (Aug. 22) – The share of equity home sales continued to grow in July, increasing on a monthly basis for 17 of the last 18 months, while distressed sales plunged by half compared to a year ago, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported today.

“The increase in the share of equity sales reflects a market that is fully transitioning from investor purchases of distressed homes to primary home purchases by households.  The market continues to improve as more previously underwater homes gain equity due to recent upward movement in prices,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.  “As a result, we’re seeing a significant decline in the supply of short sale and bank-owned properties.”

Distressed housing market data:

• The share of equity sales – or non-distressed property sales – has risen on a month-to- month basis for 17 of the last 18 months and now makes up more than four in five sales, the highest share since December 2007. The share of equity sales in July increased to 82.9 percent, up from 79.9 percent in June.  Equity sales made up three of five  (59.2 percent) sales in July 2012.

• The combined share of all distressed property sales continued to decline in July, dropping to 17.1 percent in July, down from 20.1 percent in June and down from 40.8 percent in July 2012. Twenty-five of the 38 reported counties showed a month-to-month decrease in the share of distressed sales, with San Mateo and Santa Clara each recording the smallest share at 4 percent for each county in July.

• Of the distressed properties, the share of short sales fell to the lowest point since April 2009 at 11.6 percent.  July’s figure was down from 12.9 percent in June and was about half of what it was a year ago, when short sales made up 22.7 percent of all sales.  The continuing decline in short sales indicates more previously underwater homes are moving into positive equity as home prices remain on an upward trend.

• The share of REO sales also continued to fall, dropping to single-digits for the fourth straight month.  REOs made up only 5 percent of all sales in July, down from 6.6 percent in June and from 17.7 percent in July 2012.  The July 2013 figure was the lowest since September 2007.

• The available supply of homes was essentially flat from June but remained tight.  The July Unsold Inventory Index for equity sales edged down from 3.1 months in June to 3 months in July.  The supply of REOs inched up from 1.8 months in June to 2.1 months in July, and the supply of short sales ticked upward from 2.4 months in June to 2.5 months in July.

Pending home sales data:

• California pending home sales were essentially flat in July, with the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)* dipping 0.2 percent in July to 114, down from 114.3 in June, based on signed contracts.  Pending sales were down 1.5 percent from the 115.8 index recorded in July 2012.  Pending home sales are forward-looking indicators of future home sales activity, providing information on the future direction of the market.

Charts:

• Pending sales compared with closed sales.
• Historical trend in the share of equity sales compared with distressed sales.
• Closed housing sales in July by sales type (equity, distressed).
• Housing supply of REOs, short sales, and equity sales in July.
• A historical trend of REO, short sale, and equity sales housing supply.
• Year-to-year change in sales by property typ

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nevada county fair

Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair in Grass Valley

2013-draft-horse-classic

September 19 – 22, 2013

Join the beautiful Draft Horses for the 27th annual Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair, happening September 19 – 22, 2013 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.  Featuring six performances by the beautiful Draft Horses, this event is the premier Draft Horse show in the western United States.

The Classic spotlights a variety of horses, teams, rigs and performances; featuring everything from farm wagons, carriages, and driving competitions to dancing horses and racing mules.  The stars of the show are the horses, and with more than 120 horses stabled on the grounds, the Classic offers a unique chance to observe them in a multitude of settings.

Tickets are on sale now! This year, we’ve lowered the price of adult admission tickets for evening performances – making them more affordable than ever.  Additionally, we’re continuing our offer of discounted pricing on morning performances and children’s tickets.

In between classes, enjoy showcase specialty acts. This year, we welcome Tommie Turvey – a world-renowned equine entertainer, stuntman and one of the best movie horse trainers of today – who will be featured at each performance. Tommie’s horses have been featured in many movies, including “Batman: The Dark Knight,” and he did the training and filming of the Budweiser Clydesdales horses for the 2013 Superbowl commercial.

Also taking place at the Fairgrounds during the four days of the Classic is the Harvest Fair, which features musical entertainment, a clogging jamboree, Treat Street goodies, Art at the Classic, horse shoeing demonstrations, a chance to visit with the horses, and hundreds of community exhibits.

On Saturday of the Classic, spend time at the Bounty of the County. Sponsored by Nevada County Grown, Bounty of the County takes place from 1 – 4 pm and is a pairing of fabulous local chefs and barbecue experts with the produce and meats of Nevada County Grown farmers and ranchers. This is local, fresh, and delicious food at its best – and a feast for your palette.  Information is available at www.NevadaCountyGrown.org.

On Sunday of the Classic, it’s the third annual Classic BBQ Cook-Off happening from 1:30 – 4 pm. Whether you want to watch BBQ experts show off their cooking skills or simply join the fun and taste the treats – the BBQ Cook-Off is the place to be! Tasting tickets will be available at the event.

This year’s Draft Horse Classic is September 19 – 22 at the tree-covered Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley, 50 miles northeast of Sacramento. Tickets are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling the Fairgrounds Office at (530) 273-6217 or visiting the Fairgrounds’ website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com.

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Environment

American Fire Update

american-fire-aug-26-2013

August 26, 2013

We continue to have smoke here in Nevada County. The American Fire is now 81% contained but it has burned over 24,400 acres.

Fire Status: The south, west and north perimeters of the fire remainin patrol status. This is due to completion of fire lines and minimalto no hot spots being detected inside the fire line in these areas.Crews have completed burning operations adjacent to the Mosquito Ridge Road, along the eastern perimeter. These burning operations haveconsisted of fire fighters lighting low intensity (“cool”) fire withthe intent of reducing ground fuels between the fire perimeter and themain fire. This tactic was highly successful as it reduced thepotential of the main fire escaping containment lines. Now thatburning operations are completed, these same crews will transitioninto detecting and extinguishing any remaining hot spots.With increased containment of the fire, additional fire crews havebegun work repairing areas affected by fire fighting activities. This has included chipping material piled next to roads during fire line construction as well as identifying needs to construct water controldevices along fire lines throughout the fire area.Forest visitors are asked to adhere to area and road closures. Theseclosures are in place to protect visitors and fire fighters. The roads and areas that have been closed are unsafe due to fire-weakened,burned trees that pose a risk of falling, as well as frequently heavy smoke making visibility extremely poor. These areas and roads will be re-opened as soon as possible.

Hand Crews: 28 Engines: 79 Dozers: 13 Water Tenders: 35 Helicopters: 4

Closure Update: Mosquito Ridge Rd (FSR 96) remains closed from thejunction of Ralston Ridge Rd (FSR 96-023) to the junction of theDuncan Diversion Dam access road (FSR 96-052), west of French Meadows Reservoir. Foresthill Rd remains closed from Humbug Canyon Road (FSR88-066) to Robinson Flat Campground and Forest Rd 43 (Robinson FlatRd) remains closed from Robinson Flat Campground to Mosquito Ridge Rd.Robinson Flat Campground and Duncan Peak Lookout also remain closed. French Meadow Reservoir and access to the Oxbow Middle Fork American Rafting Launch put in remain open.

A Community Meeting will be held tonight, Monday, August 26 at 7 p.m.at the Foresthill Veterans Memorial Hall, 24601 Harrison Street,Foresthill.Forest Order No 17-13-06 has closed portions of the Tahoe NF on theAmerican Ranger District.http://tinyurl.com/mvx4w3c

Further information: American Fire Information (530) 367-8020, 8 a.m.to 7 p.m. www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe Follow us on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/Tahoe_NF www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3624 Forsmoke information: www.placer.ca.gov/apcd

 

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nevada county fair

Debby Biddinger Receives 2013 Blue Ribbon Award at Nevada County Fair

Debby Biddinger Receives Prestigious Blue Ribbon Award. Photo Credit: Nevada County Fairgrounds
Debby Biddinger, director of Tall Pines Nursery School at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.   Photo Credit: Nevada County Fairgrounds

Debby Biddinger was recently named the 2013 Blue Ribbon Award recipient by the Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors. The award was created by the Fair’s industry association, the Western Fairs Association (WFA), to recognize dedicated individuals who support their local Fair and continuously contribute to the quality of the Fair. Debby was recognized for her ongoing support of the Fairgrounds and its many activities, and for all her work at Tall Pines Nursery School at the Fairgrounds.

Debby has been the director of Tall Pines Nursery, a parent co-op preschool located at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, since 1985. She has also served as a teacher during this time and has become affectionately known as “Teacher Debby.”  During her 28 years at Tall Pines, Debby has seen almost 3,000 children pass through the preschool, and now has some families with three generations who have attended the school.

During the Fair, the preschool is closed; however, Debby can be found at the Fairgrounds getting the Tall Pines Nursery booth ready for the Fair, where they serve Round Table Pizza to Fair-goers as a fundraiser for the school.

Raised in Nevada County, Debby has been married to her husband, Tim, for 36 years, and they have a daughter, Amy. Throughout her years at the preschool, Debby has recruited both her husband and her daughter to help out at the preschool. To them, it’s “definitely a family event.” Their daughter, Amy, has followed in her Mom’s footsteps and is now a math teacher at Forest Charter.

“I truly love everything about the Fairgrounds – and I love that Tall Pines is such a part of the Fairgrounds,” said Debby. “I’m surprised and overwhelmed to receive this award, and I feel very fortunate to be able to work in such a beautiful location, with the families and children I serve, and among the Fair team.”

“Debby is truly one of the Fair’s best friends,” said Sandy Woods, CEO of the Fairgrounds. “She has a deep love for the Fairgrounds and she passes that passion on to her little students. She is one of the guardians of California’s Most Beautiful Fairgrounds and is very protective of the facility. She is held in very high esteem by the entire Fair staff and we consider her part of the Fair family. We are thrilled to be able to honor her with this industry award.”

Debby was recognized in a surprise presentation at the Fair’s Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, August 7.

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Environment

Be Fire Safe

 

Forest fire. Photo credit: Free-Extras.com
Forest fire. Photo credit: Free-Extras.com

Each year fire departments respond to thousands of fires started by people using equipment the wrong way. Whether working to create defensible space around your home, just mowing dry grass, or pulling your dirt bike over to the side of the road, if you live in a wild land area you need to use all equipment responsibly. Lawnmowers, weed eaters, chainsaws, grinders, welders, tractors and trimmers can all spark a wild land fire. Do your part, the right way to keep your community fire safe.

  • Mow before 10 a.m. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot to mow. REMEMBER, DON’T MOW DURING THE HEAT OF THE DAY OR WHEN THE WIND IS BLOWING!
  • Beware – Lawn mowers are designed to mow lawns, not dry grass, weeds or rocks! A grass-hidden rock is enough to start a fire when struck by a metal blade. Remove rocks from the area before you begin mowing.
  • In wild land areas, spark arresters are required on all portable gasoline powered equipment. This includes tractors, harvesters, chainsaws, weed eaters and mowers.
  • Keep the exhaust system, spark arresters and mower in proper working order and free of carbon buildup. Use the recommended grade of fuel and don’t top off.
  • In wild land areas, grinding and welding operations require a permit plus 10 feet of clearance, a 46-inch round point shovel, and a backpack water type fire extinguisher – all ready to use.
  • Hot exhaust pipes and mufflers can start fires you won’t even see-until it’s too late! Don’t drive your vehicle onto dry grass or brush.
  • Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire.

(C) 2005 Fire Safe Council

For more Fire wise tips visit the

Fire Safe Council of Nevada County’s website.

 

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nevada county fair

Nevada County Fair Thanks the Community

nevada-county-fairgrounds-l

The 2013 Nevada County Fair was one of the most successful fairs in recent history. This year, overwhelmingly, we were buoyed by our Fair community – and we thank you for that support and for your confidence.

We thank each and every one of you – our customers, our sponsors, our vendors, our Treat Street non-profits, our youth in agriculture, our volunteers, and all those who supported us from afar. Because of your support and generosity, we made a difference in Nevada County:

  • Two hundred and twenty two animals were sold at the Junior Livestock Auction, grossing $393,932 (a 15% increase over last year) for the youth of Nevada County.
  • The Ag Mechanics Auction, featuring 58 custom projects by Bear River and Nevada Union FFA students, raised $48,425 (an increase of 24%) for these students.
  • Almost $700,000 was generated on Treat Street. Proceeds raised will allow local non-profit organizations to provide vital services to our community.
  • Sunday’s special promotion of “Free Until Three,” brought 12,292 visitors, and coupled with paid attendance after three, created a record attendance day of 16,733 for any Sunday of the Fair.
  • The Fair included more than 7,200 exhibits from our community, including Floriculture Best of Division Winner – Maxine Lewelling – who’s been attending the Fair for more than 55 years, and entered for the first time this year.
  • On Community Involvement Day, the Fair partnered with BloodSource, the Food Bank of Nevada County and Foothill Lions:
    • 91 blood donors were registered and 78 pints of life saving blood were collected
    • 450 pounds of food were collected
    • 100 prescription eye glasses and one hearing aide were donated
  • Seventy business sponsors partnered with the Fair to provide valuable services – like free shuttle rides, community day with free admission, free drinking water, and special contests – to Fair-goers.
  • Almost 3,000 students and educators attended Wednesday’s Scholar Student Day.
  • In the Special Events Tent on Saturday, nine people donated hair to Locks of Love, including an individual who donated 24 inches of hair.  More than 190 vendors participated in this year’s Fair

The Fair has always been a celebration of our community – and our cumulative efforts – and one that draws us together and strengthens our ties; and the 2013 Fair continued that tradition. We are who we are because of all of you – and, for that, we thank you!

We’ll see you at the 2014 Nevada County Fair, August 6 – 10.

Tom Browning, President, Nevada County Fairgrounds Board of Directors

Sandy Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Nevada County Fairgrounds

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Environment, Nevada County Information

American Fire Video

httpv://youtu.be/YhuL9QWkfX8

The American River Fire continues to burn. Heavy smoke continues in the recent areas that I traveled, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Auburn and Roseville. As of this morning, 14,822 acres have been consumed by fire.

The fire is approximately 10 air miles northeast of Foresthill, CA, in steep, rugged terrain. While the fire is predominantly burning on the Tahoe National Forest within the North Fork of the Middle Fork American River drainage, there is a potential, given changes in weather or fire behavior, for the fire to threaten areas near Foresthill.

Active fire behavior continues on the eastern and southern flanks of the fire. Overnight, crews continued to build hand and dozer line to contain the active fire while evaluating future containment options. Firefighters will mop up and patrol containment line along Deadwood Road and Foresthill Divide Road south to the dozer line. Indirect line construction and mop up will continue down Deadwood Ridge. On the east side near Antoine, Manila and Screwauger Canyons, direct and indirect line construction will continue, with support of retardant drops.

Active fire behavior and roll out of burning material continue to be of concern, and will be closely monitored. Strong, erratic outflow winds and lightning may occur today, as the National Weather Service’s Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Active fire behavior in very steep, inaccessible terrain makes preparation of contingency lines critical. Indirect attack is the safest way to manage fire in areas of steep and difficult terrain.

American Fire perimeter August 20, 2013
American Fire perimeter August 20, 2013

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Environment, Nevada County Information

Today the Smoke Over Scotts Flat Lake is Worse

 

Smoke over Scotts Flat Lake August 13, 2013. Taken from my deck 830 am. Photo Credit John J. O'Dell
Smoke over Scotts Flat Lake August 13, 2013. Taken from my deck 830 am. Photo Credit John J. O’Dell

The smoke over Scotts Flat Lake was even worse this morning than yesterday.  I was smart enough to close my sliding glass doors and turn on the air conditioner during the night. Some of my friends living in Grass Valley  left their windows open and woke up to puffed eyes and sore throats.

The American fire is burning in heavy fuels on very steep slopes. The heavy fuels are creating large amounts of smoke The fire is located about 17 miles northeast of Foresthill in the Tahoe National Forest. Access to the fire is limited adding to the difficulty in fighting this fire. Firefighter safety is a concern.

Fire size is estimated at 1750 acres. The fire has burned across the North Fork Middle Fork American River and is burning both up and down the river drainage. The fire is being actively fought both directly and indirectly.

Multiple Forest Service and Cal Fire personnel are assigned to the fire. Currently 318 resources have been assigned including 18 crews, 16 engines, 4 helicopters, 5 dozers, 4 watertenders, and air tankers as available.

The Central Coast #7 Type II Incident Management Team has assumed managment of the fire.

Smoke is expected to impact Foresthill, Auburn, Nevada City, the valley and other areas for several days.

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Environment, Lakes in nevada county, Nevada County Information

Heavy Smoke Over Scott’s Flat Lake

Smoke over Scotts Flat Lake August 12, 2013. Picture taken by John O'Dell from my deck.
Smoke over Scott’s Flat Lake August 12, 2013. Picture taken by John O’Dell from my deck.

I woke up this morning and looked out my window to discover that Scotts Flat Lake was covered with smoke. Wondering where the fire was and hopefully not near my house, I looked at the Cal-Fire website to determine the location of the fire. Since the fire is in the Tahoe National Forest, I linked from Cal-Fire’s website  to  InciWeb for farther information

The fire started last Saturday around 4:10 pm.  Judy and I were at a wedding in Forest Hill at that time and we noticed smoke in and around Forest Hill.

The American fire is burning in a heavily forested area of very steep terrain on Deadwood Ridge, approximately 17 miles northeast of Forest Hill in Tahoe National Forest. Access to the fire is limited, and firefighter safety is a concern due to difficult terrain.

Fire size is estimated at 800-1,000 acres, with heavy smoke making it difficult to obtain precise numbers. The fire has crossed the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River and is burning toward the Last Chance area. Firefighters reported a moderate rate of spread with short uphill runs yesterday, and more of the same is expected today. Firefighters were able to make some progress on line construction overnight.

Multiple Forest Service and Cal Fire engines, crews, dozers, air tankers, and helicopters are committed, with additional resources on order. Smokejumpers are being utilized. Efforts are being focused mainly on the Deadwood Ridge and Last Chance sides of the fire. While firefighters are working to protect cultural resources from the fire and from suppression impacts, firefighter and public safety are the first priorities.

The Central Coast #7 Type II Incident Management Team is en route and expected to arrive today.

Smoke in the areas of Foresthill, Auburn, Nevada City, and the valley will likely continue over the next several days.

There are no current road closures, but people are being asked to stay out of the fire area for their own safety and the safety of firefighting personnel.

The town of Foresthill is not endangered and there are no evacuations ordered.

Fire Location


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