Taste for Justice Event, Santa Maria, CA Legal Aid’s Annual Taste for Justice Wine Tasting Event is coming around again. The event will return to the Loading Dock in Orcutt. Last year, we held it at the Discovery Museum in Santa Maria and it was a blast. We also introduced the first Gourmet Gavel food competition and beer tasting. Both new elements were a huge success and we are going to continue them. Allan Hancock College culinary students will compete and be judged on a challenge dish they prepare. Local restaurants will provide appetizers, local breweries and wineries will pour, and a live auction will be held. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. The event this year will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2009 from 1pm – 5pm. If you would like to buy a ticket, give me a call at (805) 878-9879 or click here and buy tickets online.
Mint Properties is an event sponsor of Taste for Justice. Those of you who know me know of my commitment ot Legal Aid and the work they do here in our community. I currently serve on the Board of Legal Aid and hold the office of President Elect. In this economic downturn, Legal Aid’s work is even more vital and the needs of the community it serves have increased. Legal Aid fills the gap in legal services to victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, and housing discrimination. Now that resources are stretched thin, it is even more important for the community to come together and support Legal Aid. Since this event is such a pleasure, it is a great opportunity to have some fun, visit with friends, and do some good for the community. I hope you will join us.
Have you visited the models at the Orcutt new home community, Rice Ranch lately? I went by on Saturday to take a peek. The upgrades included are impressive: granite counter tops, 9.5 - 10 foot ceilings, surround sound wiring in great rooms, two tone interior paint, fully insulated exterior walls and ceilings, and ceramic tile flooring in the kitchens.
These homes are within walking distance to shopping centers which include popular new restaurants such as Panera Bread, Starbucks, Natural Cafe, and Yanagi Sushi. Also close are Albertsons, Food Maxx, Wal-Mart and Home Depot. The Traditions and Classics developments are at the center of some of the best new shops in Santa Maria. Both Homeowners Associations have a relatively low association fee under $200 per year, and the community is also host to a new fire station, Robin Ventura Field, and Rotary Centennial Park. The Bradley Square area is truly a great place to live on the Central Coast of California.
Sold listings were on the market an average of 77 days, were about 1900 sq.ft., and sold for about $155 per square foot. 12 of the 17 sold homes were REOs, 3 were closed short sales, and only two were regular sales. 88% of the sold activity in this neghborhood was forelcosure related; so, like many other developments that were built during the housing boom River Oaks is now overloaded with foreclosures during the housing bust.
