It's back to school for the Mira Catalina Elementary students and the Marymount College students; both schools are located in the Mira Catalina neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. Those lazy hazy day of summer are but a fond memory.  Here's what happened in the real estate market for your neighborhood during August 2008: Active Listings:  11 homes are currently for sale priced from $999,999 to $3,399,000. Pending Sales:  1 home is currently in escrow listed for $1,295,000. August Sales:  2 homes closed escrow priced at $1,005,000 and $1,385,000. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate, property, houses and homes in: Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palo... 09/19/2008

Is the Point Vicente Lighthouse haunted?:  After nearby residents complained about the bright flashes from the lighthouse,  the landward side of the lantern room was painted an opaque, pearly white. The light from the rotating lens seen through the opaque tower room windows created, for some, the illusion of a woman pacing the tower's walkway and gave rise to Point Vicente's "Lady of the Light," yet another lighthouse ghost story. Some said the ghost was the spirit of a woman who leaped into the sea when her lover was lost in a shipwreck off the point. In 1955, a thicker coat of paint ended the spirit's nightly romp around the tower, and the ghost has not been seen officially since. (See http://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=95 ) Visit my website http://www.maureenmegowan.com fo... 09/19/2008

I saw a gorgeous home in the Palos Verdes Drive East neighborhood yesterday at a broker open house.  It had a lovely harbor view, a swimming pool and a stunning kitchen.  The garden was lush and lovely.  The PVDE neighborhood is great for commuters; it's just minutes to the 110 Freeway. August 2008 Real Estate Update for PVDE area of Rancho Palos Verdes: For Sale:  29 homes are currently for sale priced from $825,000 to $3,400,000 In Escrow:  6 homes are currently in escrow priced from $799,000 to $1,495,000 Aug. Sales:  4 homes sold priced from $850,000 to $1,450,000 With nearly 30 homes to choose from, there's likely to be at least one you will love! Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real es... 09/11/2008

  "THe ERA OF "RABBIT-EARS" IS COMING TO AN END  rabbit-ears picture courtesy of google.com   On February 17, 2009, analog television transmission will be discontinued across the nation.  This federally-mandated transition will free up airwaves spectrum for the government to create a national public safety frequency.    The difference between analog and digital transmission is that analog uses radio frequency waves to transmit images and is susceptible to interference where whole digital transmission uses computer code in the from of ones and zeros to transmit higher quality pictures and sound without interference. According to the government survey , only about 21 million U>S> households or 19% currently do not make use of digital transmission by subscribing to cable or satellite servi... 09/10/2008

From the beginning, Frank Vanderlip had great plans for the development of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. As early as 1912, Vanderlip hired architects, including the landscape architectural firm of Olmsted Brothers, to draw up a masterplan for the development. Original plans included the construction of a magnificent golf club on the bluffs overlooking Portuguese Bend, to be known as "Los Palos Verdes Country Club". The golf links was to include a clubhouse with 150 guest rooms, locker rooms,and numerous dining and community rooms. Other amenities were to include a large swimming pool, tennis courts, polo grounds, and a yacht club with concrete pier. Article published on 5/17/1914 in the Los Angeles Times about the proposed Los Palos Verdes Country Club in the Portugese Bend Club areaHis i... 09/09/2008

 Here is a great article on the Palos Verdes Retreat Center, I like most of the community did not know that this retreat center is available to the public, It is a great place to see and hold meetings, events or small group seminars. The views are spectacular, right next to the St. John Fisher Church and School. Check this out for your next event. It is a great location, in the center of the peninsula easy to get to and centrally located. By Frank Brown, Peninsula NewsFriday, August 22, 2008 4:23 PM PDT Hidden away on Crest Road just east of Crenshaw Boulevard, the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center holds secret charms. Some of its loyal supporters showed up last weekend to sip and savor wine and dinner, then to involve themselves in games of chance. Some who stayed late were put up for a n... 08/27/2008

  The Miraleste area of Rancho Palos Verdes was part of the original Palos Verdes Project which was developed in the 1920's and 1930's, and was subject to the same deed restrictions that were recorded on the lots which later became part of the City of Palos Verdes Estates, which included architectural review authority by the Art Jury of the Palos Verdes Homes Association. For more secrets of the Palos Verdes Peninsula go to Palos Verdes Secrets & Little Known Facts  08/25/2008

The two large round white buildings visible from Palos Verdes Drive East at the top of the hill house a radar facility that is still operational. It is run by the Federal Aviation Administration which continues to use the facility for long-range radar. The Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center uses the facility to control air traffic into and out of Los Angeles. The FAA took over the facility from the U.S. Air Force in 1960. For more secrets of the Palos Verdes Peninsula go to Palos Verdes Secrets & Little Known Facts  08/25/2008

....And why is the road in such bad shape there? This area suffered a significant land slide in 1956, which continues to this day, which requires constant road maintenance and repair to the land movement. The landslide destroyed many homes in this area, and a prohibition against building in this area has existed since then. From 1945 to 1956, until the 1956 landslide,  the Livingston Quarry operated, mining such minerals as barite, quartz, dolomite, gypsum, as well as basalt that was mined for use as a railroad bed material, as well as rocks used in the Long Beach breakwater. The Livingston Quarry area can be viewed by turning on Forrestal Drive, across the street from Trump National Golf Club off of Palos Verdes Drive South, and driving past the Ladera Linda Community Center and past t... 08/25/2008

Frank Vanderlip, the "Father of Palos Verdes" constructed his first residence on the Peninsula in 1916 in the Portuguese Bend area, the "Old Ranch Cottage", now known as the "Cottage". (See The History of Rancho Palos Verdes) Other buildings were added to the estate in the 1920's including a small guest house and garage called "La Casetta" and a larger guest house known as the "Villetta", now known as "Villa Narcissa". The Cottage is still owned by Suzanne Vanderlip, the widow of John Vanderlip, the youngest son of Frank Vanderlip, Sr., and Villa Narcissa is still owned by Elin Vanderlip, the widow of Frank Vanderlip Sr.'s third son, Kelvin.  A third structure, a barn and stables called the "Farmstead" later became the Portuguese Bend Riding Club.The Vanderlip properties are located at ... 08/25/2008

PRICED TO SELL AT $899,000 Come take a look:   27811 Hawthorne Bl, Rancho Palos Verdes 90275 MLS# V08091465 4 bedrooms/2 bath 1,816 sq.ft  This lovely, bright and sunny home is located on the residential access road adjacent to the main Hawthorne Blvd behind the tall hedge. " This beautifully maintained and upgraded home is in immaculate, move-in ready condition. There is a spacious, well landscaped yard that feels very private and features mature peach, apricot and lemon trees. The kitchen has granite counters and is adjacent to the family room with an eating area. There is direct access to the garage from the spacious laundry room. This comfortable floor plan is ideal and makes you feel right at home! Located near schools and shops.   OPEN Sunday 2-5 For more details contact Rachelmty... 08/21/2008

Hello, Today is Thursday August 21th. There are currently 8 homes for sale in Los Verdes, R.P.V. Here are the details: 6111     Monero Dr.    $899,000      3/2  2,178   sq.ft 28603   Lomo Dr.       $899,000      4/2  1,617   sq.ft 28016   Lobrook Dr.    $1,098,000   4/3  2,305   sq.ft 29024   Warnick  Dr.    $1,099,900   5/3  2,482  sq.ft 28033   Lomo  Dr.       $1,199,000   4/2  2,029  sq.ft 29520   Driftwood Dr.   $1,230,000   4/3  3,092  sq.ft 28035   Braidwood Dr.  $1,299,000   5/3  2,262  sq.ft 28312   Plainfield Dr.   $1,659,000   4/4  3,888  sq.ft There are three currently in escrow: 6515  Abbottswood     $1,025,000  4/2   1,806  sq.ft 6975  Verde Ridge      $1,195,000  4/3   2,794 sq.ft 29217 Whites Point      $1,299,000 4/3   2,398 sq.ft For more details please contact Rachel  ... 08/21/2008

Here is more great party venues from the PV Moms Club, these moms have not missed any of the favorite hot spots for our South Bay Kids, They know how to let the kid's have great fun! Here is the link to the PV Moms Club:    http://pvmomsclub.com/guide.html                                   KIDS PARTY VENUES                                                My Gym 3511 PCH Torrance.   Great, attentive staff, kids LOVE  it, easy to plan – bring paper goods, food and cake and My Gym does the rest.  318-2288.   Party in a park Back to the basics, less expensive and easy fun.   Kids Concepts 22844 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance.  465-0075.  Great group gathering spot.  Lots to do for children of all ages.  Food on premises.    Gymboree 2825 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance.  Parties for groups with s... 08/20/2008

 Much to our dismay we will not have a Trader Joe's in Golden Cove, I always wonder if the stores check their zip codes to see just how much of their sales volume comes from the zips of 90274 and 90275. I am sure it is a major amount that warrants a store in our area.   We are still waiting and spending more gas dollars running up and down the hill. Personally, I would rather be spending it at Trader Joe's. Below is the explaination given by the planning commission sent to me by one of my clients. From: tomlong@palosverdes.com    Subject: Trader Joe's    Message:" Dear RPV Residents,Some of you may have heard that Trader Joe's is not coming to RPV at Golden Cove, at least not for now.  Some people have jumped to the conclusion that the city made this decision.  In reality the property ... 08/18/2008

The Rancho Palos Verdes Market for 2008 is on the rise for single family homes sold compared to 2007 statistics. See the chart below and start to buy, no more time is left to procrastinate. The market is on the rise and how. THe interest rates are also on the rise, which means that the buyer who did not grab the rates at 5.5% on a $500,000.00 will now be paying 6.75% and over the life of your loan will spend $250,000.00 more in interest for the same home that could have been bought 3 mos. ago.  Don't add rising prices to the interest rate increase and then look back. Now is the time to make the move, the market is picking up and the buyers are back. Check out the chart below.   Date 4/07 5/07 6/07 7/07 8/07 9/07 10/07 11/07 12/07 1/08 2/08 3/08 4/08 5/08 6/08 For Sale 89 110 106 110 124... 07/25/2008

The Eastview community of Rancho Palos Verdes was formerly part of Los Angeles and is still a part of Los Angeles Unified School District.  However, since the residents now reside in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes they have the option of selecting either LAUSD or Palos Verdes Unifed School District.  Many of the homes in the Eastview neighborhood have spectacular views of the Los Angeles Harbor and the Vincent Thomas Bridge.  Several of the streets are lined with Jacaranda trees and offer the residents a beautiful sight to behold in May and June.   The numbers are in for the first half of 2008 for the Eastview area of Rancho Palos Verdes: Active Listings:  19 single family homes are currently for sale priced from $569,000 to $1,299,000. In Escrow:  10 homes are currently under contract... 07/23/2008

The Silver Spur community of Rancho Palos Verdes is home to Peninsula High School, and the alma mater of my four children!  The Silver Spur area is centrally located for easy access off and on the hill. It's one of the more affordable areas on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The real estate statistics are in for the first half of 2008 for the Silver Spur neighborhood: Active Listings:  11 single family homes are currently for sale priced from $869,000 to $1,265,000. In Escrow:  1 home is currently under contract priced at $799,000. 2008 Sales:  13 homes sold priced from $760,000 to $1,775,000. In 2007 49 Silver Spur single family homes sold priced from $807,500 to $2,135,000. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles c... 07/23/2008

The Peninsula Center neighborhood is named appropriately--it is located in the center of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  Many of the homes have sparkling city light views and the central location gives them easy access to shopping, theaters, restaurants and access of and on the hill.   The real estate numbers are in for the first half of 2008 for the Peninsula Center neighborhood: Active Listings:  6 single family homes are currently listed for sale priced from $998,000 to $1,399,000. In Escrow:  No homes are currently under contract. 2008 Sales:  5 homes sold priced from $1,005,000 to $1,530,000. In 2007 19 Peninsula Center homes sold priced from $830,000 to $1,475,000. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles citie... 07/23/2008

The Crest neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes covers the crest, or top, of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.  A portion of the neighborhood is in Rolling Hills Estates. If you enjoy being just minutes from movie theaters, shopping and dining this is an excellent area to call home. The real estate statistics are in for the first half of 2008 for the Crest area: Active Listings:  6 homes are currently for sale priced from $950,000 to $1,499,000. In Escrow: 3 homes are currently under contract priced from $895,000 to $1,139,000. 2008 Sales:  8 homes have sold YTD priced from $900,000 to $1,299,000. In 2007 26 homes sold priced from $970,000 to $1,550,000. Boutiques and restaurants line "The Brickwalk" along Deep Valley Dr. in Rolling Hills Estates. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty... 07/22/2008

The Los Verdes neighborhood is noted for the Los Verdes Golf Course and ocean view homes.  Located between Hawthorne Blvd. and Palos Verdes Dr. West in Rancho Palos Verdes, this coastal community offers a variety of homes for those in search of an ocean view property. The numbers are in for the first half of 2008 for Single Family Home in Los Verdes: Active Listings:  6 homes are currently for sale priced from $1,025,000 to $1,699,000. In Escrow:  6 homes are currently under contract priced from $985,000 to $1,199,000. 2008 Sales:  11 homes sold priced from $930,000 to$1,260,000. In 2007 30 Los Verdes homes sold priced from $850,000 to$1,549,000. Norma Toering & Team RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty(310) 493-8333 / Office Phone: (310) 831-0800 South Bay Los Angeles cities I sell real estate a... 07/21/2008