The Classic Cars Cruise Night took place tonight in Encinitas California. There isn't really too much to say, since the real fun was in the looking...at dozens of classic cars from all over Southern California lined up along the Coast Road/Route 101 in downtown Encinitas.   A classic band playing Beach Boy songs (Little Deuce Coupe for example - a You-tube playlist video) and other vintage car songs at the Smog Center entertained folks throughout the evening. There was a good crowd on both sides of the street taking in these beautiful autos and talking to their owners, the traffic in town was a mess, the weather was balmy, and it was a perfect evening to stroll downtown Encinitas and enjoy the event and the shopping and restaurants. The photos of the cars really say it all, and I was on... 08/20/2009

It's time again for the Classic Car Cruise Night in Encinitas California.   This popular event, the 11th, will be this coming Thursday August 30 in downtown Encinitas. Classic Car Cruise Night will run from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM between D and K Streets.  There are a ton of classic cars here in Southern California - the very popular Wavecrest Woodie Festival event held in Encinitas is just one other example - so you can expect a wide range of classic cars from many decades...all are welcome.  I understand an exclusive electric car will be displayed, as well as the Coast Cruiser Shuttle that is currently being used in Encinitas and that runs on 100% vegetable oil (A buck and vegetable oil will get you to the beach).  This event is free, live music will be featured at the Smog Test Only Ce... 08/17/2009

Summer festivals continue in abundance in coastal North San Diego County, with the Encinitas Taste of Mainstreet coming soon.  August 27th is the day for the 20th annual Encinitas Taste of Mainstreet International food festival being held in the downtown area from Jamroc (a Jamaican Restaurant just north of Encinitas Boulevard on the Coast Road/Route 101) to Swami's Café at the far south end of town just before...you guessed...Swami's Beach, famous for its' surfing.  With over 40 restaurants of varying sorts in this stretch of historic 101, foodies are blessed with the opportunity to enjoy a wealth of food styles, as well as live cooking demos, music performances in 6 locations, and you can enjoy full meals at most of the restaurants even if you decide to not participate in the Encinita... 08/15/2009

Folks living in Southern California have the great fortune to be able to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle year-round, so knowing about Barbecues Galore in Encinitas California is kinda important.    Whether you are selling to create a full outdoor kitchen, or simply to have a smaller barbeque to grill outside whenever your heart desires, Barbeques Galore in Encinitas California has what you need. From high end built-grills with refrigerators and sinks, to portable grills, and everything in between, you will find what you need to create that outdoor paradise at Barbeques Galore.  Are you a charcoal fan, like me? They have it. Gas grills are probably more common and they come in a variety of styles and sizes. Like smoked food? Barbeques Galore has a number of choices as well. And there is the ... 08/12/2009

If you want a healthy drink that will help keep you feeling fit and healthy, you need to visit one of the best Encinitas Juice Bars, Fountain of Youth Juice Bar Encinitas California.  I paid a visit there after hearing much about the many loyal customers who stop by for their various nutrition drinks, cleanses and so much more, in addition to delicious sandwiches and other edibles. The focus, however, is on fresh squeezed fruit juices, organic vegetable juices, juice combinations (V5, V6, V7, and V10 for example), smoothies (with healthy additions such as protein powder, Vitamin C, bee pollen, calcium, Ginseng and wheat germ), wheatgrass shots, fresh sandwiches, and much more.  Abdul and Tania are the friendly and knowledgeable owners of Fountain of Youth Juice bar in Encinitas Californ... 08/10/2009

Hot Yoga in Encinitas, California  Do you have pain in your lower back that you cannot get rid of? Or, perhaps you have some carpel tunnel beginning in your hand? Or maybe you are just looking for a complete and thorough workout in an amazing environment. Well, if you live in San Diego's North County, then Yoga Tropics may be for you. Having opened its doors in 2006, Yoga Tropics has grown from a one room studio into a wonderful community center where people of all ability levels can practice. After years of playing competitive sports, the Stockalper family turned to hot yoga for relief and physical therapy.  Seeing the amazing results from regular practice of hot yoga, Margaret, with her daughters Carla and Tracey, and husband Mike, started Yoga Tropics, with the goal to create a yoga ... 08/10/2009

Our practice has been hectic here in San Diego which is why I haven't posted for a while.  Anyway, I wanted to share some of our latest pole photography and high dynamic range blending photos.  The home is a little beach cottage across from the library, and not far from the ocean.  However, it doesn't have ocean view.  So, it was important that we show how close the home was to the water (walk to beach).  We also need to present the home in a nice way since it is an Encinitas beach cottage. First, the front view of the home.  We put our Canon 5d with 24mm tilt/shift lens on our pole rig, and it was up about 12 ft off the ground. But the street was also a few feet higher than the front door, so the camera was actually up a bit higher.  This is a nice pole shot because it leads into the b... 08/09/2009

Martial Arts in Encinitas, California   If you are thinking about getting into Martial Arts or even if you just need a little bit of extra exercise, you should check out West Coast Martial Arts Academy in Encinitas, California. Located just east of the Encinitas Blvd. exit of the 5 freeway, West Coast Martial Arts Academy is home to martial artists as young as 3 years old. The owner and founder, Giuseppe Aliotta creates a friendly environment and provides an unbelievable amount of positive reinforcement for all of his students. Born in New York, Aliotta is the oldest of four boys and trained to be a boxer and a wrestler. Although he competed as a wrestler at the Empire State Games in New York, Aliotta soon realized there was more to life than punching and kicking. He loves the martial a... 08/08/2009

For folks with lower back or neck problems and related spinal issues who are seeking a chiropractor in Encinitas, Lund Chiropractic Encinitas California may be just what the doctor ordered for neuromuscular health. While for many years chiropractic care was frowned upon by many medical professionals, and those who practiced the science were viewed with skepticism in many cases, chiropractic care has become increasingly popular in the 20th century with a variety of studies documenting many benefits that can arise from manipulation or "adjustment" of the vertebrae of the spine and the resulting impact on muscles, organs and overall general health.     I spent some time with Dr. Scott Lund, a chiropractor in Encinitas and owner of Lund Chiropractic Encinitas California, to learn some more ... 08/07/2009

Want Amazing Craftsmanship: Call McQuiston Building and Woodworking in Leucadia, California If you are driving through the streets of North County and especially in the beach town of Encinitas, you see some homes with amazing woodwork. Well . . . that could very possibly by the work of Donnie McQuiston, owner of McQuiston Building and Woodworking.  Founded in 1982 by native North County local, Donnie McQuiston, McQuiston Building and Woodworking specializes in custom cabinetry and builds anything from entire-home cabinets on new custom residential homes to specialized kitchens, home offices, bedroom built-ins, etc. McQuiston Building and Woodworking was established in 1982 with a General Contractor's License and, subsequently, moved the niche of custom cabinets and woodworking.  Born an... 08/06/2009

Gaffney's Wine Bar Encinitas California is THE wine bar to go to in Encinitas. Not because they are a new place...oh no, Gaffney's Wine Bar has been around for some time with 9 years at The Lumber Yard in Encinitas over on the coast highway (the 101) in downtown Encinitas (and 7 + years in Sonoma before that)...but in their new digs as of June 29, 2009 at 166B N. El Camino Real (the Encinitas Marketplace), in the heart of the El Camino Real shopping and dining corridor.  Gaffney's Wine Bar joins the very popular Fountain of Youth Juice (look for an article about them shortly) and the about-to-open Total Woman Gym and Day Spa just 2 doors away, and is sure to continue their many years of success and loyal clients (with many more new ones in their new location in probably the busiest shop... 08/03/2009

CONTENT HAS BEEN REMOVED BY THE AUTHOR FOR EDITING PURPOSES ***************************** Subscribe in a reader If I can provide more information about Encinitas real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net. All content copyright © 2009 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits 08/01/2009

We attended the opening of the newest show at my favorite of the Leucadia Galleries, The Andrews Gallery in Encinitas California, Saturday July 18 with some friends.  In addition to a lively and diverse crowd, always the case at one of director Drew Snyder's openings, Andrews Gallery festivities included a talented jazz trio, In Motion, all the more impressive because of their young age (someone mentioned one of the members is only 16, but I don't know if that is fact or rumor).  I had a wonderful conversation with Susan Snyder, a well established artist in her own right (and Drew's aunt), whose work was also being exhibited as part of this group show. Having both been art gallery owners in the past (Snyder, in San Diego's Gaslamp District), it was fun to compare notes. And of course he... 07/30/2009

Okay, I'm going to let you in on a little secret......THE BEST street taco shop in North County and possibly THE BEST street taco shop ANYWHERE....AND....it's right here in Cardiff by the Sea!! I swore for months that I was NEVER going to let this little secret out of the bag for fear it would become too crowded and over run with tourists...BUT....I can't hold it in any longer..... BULL TACO at the San Elijo campgrounds!!!  There, I said it!!! If you haven't been to this taco shop then may I suggest you go put on your best flip flops and lots of sunscreen and head out to the campgrounds on Coast Hwy 101 in Cardiff, CA.  Park across the street on the coast because, unless you are camping there, then there is no parking in the campground.  Walk across the street and the taco shop is in th... 07/27/2009

Sell Your Home in Encinitas Ranch. If you live in North San Diego County and if you live in Encinitas Ranch, in the lovely beach community of Encinitas now may be a tough time to get top dollar for your home. So, here are four tips and tools to help sellers in Encinitas Ranch to sell their homes for top dollar: •1.    Find a Realtor®. Don't just pick a Realtor® out of the Yellow Pages. Look for someone who has experience and a good track record. For example, if your sale is going to be a short sale, find a Realtor® who specializes in short sales. Ask the agent for a list of recently closed transactions in your area. Have him or her describe their opinion of the value based on those recently closed transactions. •2.    Check your home's value. After listening to the professionals, check ... 07/26/2009

Hello and Welcome to Encinitas California Foreclosure Auction, Bank Owned REO, Short Sales, and Homes for Sale. July 20th, 2009 Understanding the foreclosure property auction (also known as Trustee Sale) process takes time, due diligence, and understanding.  Saavy Real Estate investors can find some of the best deals around buying at these auctions, but is it right for everyone.   We would like to help explain further about these auctions and the benefits and downsides of buying Real Estate at them. Here are some of the latest statistics from Foreclosure Radar hot off the press for June 2009.  If you are unfamiliar with some of the following terms please read below for further explanations. Notice of Defaults for California rose by 11.8% to the second highest level on record at 45,691 f... 07/20/2009

Encinitas restaurant Le Papagayo remains at the top of our list of favorite places to dine along the coast. The atmosphere is always friendly, lively and comfortable and a reminder of dining in the islands - a-come-in-your-shorts-and-flip-flops type of place, and the food is varied and presented well. Yes, the trains roar by on the other side of the Coast Road now and then, but for a casual, fun place with great prices, a respectable wine list, and a colorful interior (lots of original artwork), Le Papagayo is well worth a visit.Read a recent review in the North County Voice on Le Papagayo Owner Francois Patanchon, who hails from the Bordeaux region of France, is charming, and goes out of his way to make sure customers, whether new or old friends, are well taken care of. I don't think I... 07/19/2009

The Andrews Gallery, once again, offers art enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity, with works presented by French artist Erwin Dazelle. It is especially exciting that this exhibit is a debut for Dazelle in the US.   READ MORE about Erwin Dazelle on his LinkedIn profile  Dazelle hails from the Basque Country, with a personal history as a glassblower prior to bringing his talent to the canvas.  This colorful exhibit titled "A la tienne!" [to you, yours] is appropriately named, with contemporary treatment of some classic French imagery, including large-scale paintings mindful of the vintage French wine posters you find in many cafes and bistros in Paris. The Encinitas art community is, indeed fortunate to have such a talented art director in Drew Snyder, a talented artist in hiw own right, t... 07/14/2009

Hello and Welcome to Encinitas Foreclosure properties. During the recent down turn Encinitas home prices have experienced declines due to the overwhelming number of foreclosures and the tightening of credit. The region also faces pressure due to the recent rises in unemployment. So the question to ask, Is there opportunity to buy in this market? We believe the answer is Yes, but only with the right approach. The potential silver lining and opportunity here is the following: According to Dataquick, in the month of May, 2009 there were 3,094 sales in San Diego county which represents a 8% increase in sales volume over May of 2008. The median home price for San Diego has actually increased by 15,000 over the last 3 months from a low of 280,000 to 295,000 in May. The median home prices in ... 07/13/2009

As a buyer or seller in the Encinitas real estate market, it is important to have information about the market conditions in order to make a more informed decision about what to do with regard to buying, or selling, your Encinitas home.  Here is a summary of the Encinitas real estate market for June 2009 based on statistics from the MLS (private sales are not included nor are manufactured and mobile homes). These data are deemed reliable but are not guaranteed.   READ MORE: Encinitas - An Eclectic Seaside Community  In June 2009 there were 50 homes sold in Encinitas (a 43% increase in sales over May, following a 25% increase over April). Here's the breakdown of overall activity.    TOTAL HOMES Detached Attached Number 50 (up 43%) 36 (up 57%) 14 (up 17%) Days on Market 49 57 27 Average ... 07/06/2009