dena land news dec 2009
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One survey shows that 35 per-
cent of consumers plan to spend less for
Christmas gifts this year.
The percentage is just a
little higher than the 25 percent who
reported last January that they spent
too much. That percentage will
probably decrease when consumers
are surveyed in January 2010.
The recession has been a
wakeup call for everyone. Even
profligate spenders are planning to
cut back and charge less to their
credit cards.
Here's how to do it:
1) Calculate exactly how much
you can spend from current income plus
whatever you saved ahead for gifts.
2) Make a list of everyone you
absolutely have to buy for. Then whittle
down the list.
3) If you have a family gather-
ing where everyone buys for everyone
else, suggest a gift exchange instead.
Draw names so everyone only buys one
gift.
4) Negotiate with relatives so
only the kids get presents this year.
But couples without children who buy
for others' kids should be gifted.
5) Once your list is finalized,
decide how much of your calculated
money you will spend on each indi-
vidual.
6) Shop with a list that in-
cludes the amount to spend on each
person. Try not to exceed it.
7) Consider buying used vin-
tage books, sheet music, or bookends
for those who would appreciate them.
7 Steps To Keep Christmas Spending Under Control
Linda Lane-White
“Singing” Realtor ®
CA Lic #01091347
Notary Public
(626)786-1231
DENA LAND NEWSDENA LAND NEWSDENA LAND NEWS A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER BY LINDA LANE-WHITE—KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY
SERVING MY HOMETOWN OF ALTADENA/PASADENA AND OUTLYING AREAS
December 2009
Though it’s been a tough
year for many of us, I still
wanted to wish you the many
joys of the holiday season
It's time to put aside con-
cerns about the world, the
economy and work, at least
temporarily. Fortunately, the
worst American recession
since the 1930s appears to be
slowly healing.
It's time to celebrate. The
holidays are here. The birth
of Christ, the menorah's
promise of light, and the win-
ter solstice lifting of our spir-
its.
In December, our diverse
people celebrate in different
ways but everyone can feel
the wonder of the holiday
season.
Christmas celebrates the
birth of Christ on December
25 with its traditions and
customs, including the ap-
pearance of Santa, that jolly
old elf.
Hanukkah celebrates the
lives of a people who refused
to give up. The Festival of
Lights commemorates the
Jews' rededicating the Tem-
ple of Jerusalem after a great
battle.
The lights of Christmas
and Hanukkah come as a
welcome relief since by Dec.
21, the winter solstice brings
the shortest, darkest day of
the year.
Yes, in December, ob-
serve the ecumenical won-
ders of the Jewish menorahs,
the Christian traditions, and
sparkling garlands for all.
This year, December 18
also marks the beginning of
the Islamic New Year. This
movable feast is marked qui-
etly with prayers, readings
and reflection.
We may celebrate holi-
days in different ways, but in
our work we are one group,
unified and determined to
prevail and succeed.
I wish you the joys of the
season and thank you for
being the good friends and co
-workers you have proved to
be.
Linda Lane-White ..
Christmas riddle
What would Rudolph do if he lost his
tail? (Go to a re-tail shop!)
borrowers can take FHA mortgages for as much
as $729,750 but the limits vary from place-to-
place. We can discuss FHA limits and require-
ments with you if you think such a loan would
be good for you.
There are a lot of reasons people look to
FHA loans. Today, if you want to make a down
payment of less than 10 percent, you almost
certainly will have to do an FHA loan. Borrow-
ers can get a home mortgage for as little as 3.5
percent down.
As a government-insured loan, an FHA
mortgage has easier credit qualifying guidelines
than most lenders. Today, nearly all lenders
require a credit score of 700 or more to qualify
for a conventional mortgage. FHA credit score
requirements are slightly lower.
Nonetheless, there is no guarantee that an
FHA mortgage is a better deal than a conven-
tional one. As always, shop around and deal
with a reputable lender.
Q We hear that FHA
mortgages are a
good deal these days,
but are they strictly for
lower-income home
buyers?
A In the past, most
Federal Housing
Administration (FHA)
loans were made to
lower-income borrow-
ers. In fact, that is why
FHA was established.
In the 1930s, a working
person would have to
save 50 percent of the
value of a house before
being able to get a mort-
gage. The FHA
changed that with pro-
grams that guaranteed
loans made to people
with lower down pay-
ments.
FHA itself does not
actually lend money or
set interest rates. In-
stead, it guarantees
loans, insuring that pri-
vate lenders are pro-
tected against defaults
on loans. Today the
FHA has a variety of
loan guarantee programs
for first-time borrowers,
reverse mortgages, and
refinances. The percent-
age of FHA loans in the
mortgage market is
about 25 percent.
In fact, while FHA
loans still require
smaller down payments
and often have low in-
terest rates, not all FHA
borrowers are low in-
come. In areas where
real estate is expensive,
Across
1. Engine need
4. Band performance
7. La Scala highlight
9. Dotty
10. Huckleberry ___
11. Midterm, for one
12. Like some glass
14. Clock standard: Abbr.
15. Glut
19. Large butte
20. Arthurian lady
22. Big-ticket ___
23. French novelist Pierre
24. Driveway surface
25. Votes against
Down
1. Blockhead
2. Camera part
3. Fluff
4. Old German duchy name
5. "Good grief!"
6. Tartan cap
8. Rearrange letters
9. Refined
13. UN agency
15. ___ good example
16. ___-friendly
17. Knowing, as a secret
18. Josip Broz, familiarly
19. Cambridge sch.
21. Criticize, slangily
CHRISTMAS DECO
The title is a clue to the word
in the shaded diagonal.
Dena Land News—Linda Lane-White • Keller Williams Realty (626) 786-1231 • www.lindalanewhite.com
Ask an
Expert
Happy Birthday David Rutherford—5th
George Van Alstine—5th
Laurie Williams—10th (Happy 50th)
Cynthia Perello—17th
Dana Hause Gaspars—19th
Jessica Williams—22nd
Vickie Westgate—23rd
Carol Lane-McCoo—24th
Meyosha Scott Williams—30th
Peter Larson—31st
Happy Anniversary Glenn & Shanti Molina—22nd
Ivory and Marilyn Webster—27th
Want to know what has sold re-
cently in YOUR area. Send me an
e-mail or give me a call and I’ll
custom tailor a list just for you! Linda Lane-White (626) 786-1231
or lindalanewhite@sbcglobal.net
It’s December—Make a List and Check It Twice ...When Buying or Remodeling
S anta Claus is coming to town ... and you never
can tell what might happen. He's making a list
and checking it twice. So should you.
If you are thinking about the home you want in
the coming year, this is a good time to compile your
wish list, whether you're looking to Santa or not.
After writing your dreams and wishes, your list
of must-haves comes next.
Give yourself the gift of time to create the lists.
You can enjoy that time whenever a new idea comes to
you, whether it's in the middle of the day or in the mid-
dle of watching NCIS on television.
Builders of up-scale homes say a state-of-the-art
kitchen, walk-in closets and whirlpool tubs rank as the
three most-coveted elements Americans over age 25
want in their dream homes. The survey of builders was
made by market-research firm GFK Roper.
Your own list will be a lot longer as you custom-
ize it according to how your family lives. Fortunately,
most of your needs today can be met by an existing
home, and many of your wishes can be fulfilled at the
same time.
A dream home doesn't have to be a palace, but
with home prices at their current levels, dreamers have
the opportunity to buy more than they could in earlier
times. If you don‟t want to move—remodel! Just make
sure to use a licensed contractor who knows current
code in your area and make sure you‟re named as ad-
ditional insured under the company‟s liability insur-
ance. DON‟T TAKE CHANCES WITH UNLICENSED
WORKERS WHO “SAY” THEY‟RE CONTRACTORS.
Check their license at www.cslb.ca.gov
A few things you may want to include in your
list:
A separate laundry room.
A mud room with a half bath attached for
washing up.
Extra storage space for toys and sports
equipment.
Large kitchen with space for family dining.
Fenced yard to keep small kids and big
dogs contained.
No home will have them all, but many will have
other amenities you will like even better.
If you're a baby boomer or beyond, that home
could be
your re-
ward for
a life-
time of
work
service
to
others.
Active Adults Corner Trust Linda Lane-White as your Seniors Real Estate Specialist®
CEEDUB
CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL
With over 30 years of experience, we work
with you to achieve your dream.
Call Today For A Free Estimate
(Licensed/Bonded/Insured)
(626) 786-1229 CHRIS WHITE, OWNER
Ca Lic #883002
www.ceedubconstruction.com
The scammers, spammers, and rip-off
artists are out in force this time of year.
But you can protect yourself. On the
telephone, never give an unsolicited caller
your account numbers.
To protect yourself from email scams,
don't click on links within emails, open
unexpected attachments, or call phone
numbers included in emails from financial
institutions.
If you think you have received a mes-
sage by email from your bank or financial
institution, do not click on the link. Open
a new window in your browser (Internet
Explorer, for example) and type the ad-
dress in the address blank. If the email
urges you to call the bank, go to call the
bank by the number listed in the telephone
book, not the email.
„Tis The Season: Watch Out For E-Mail and Phone Scams
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
5 2/3 cups flour
1 ounce active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup candied citrus peel
1/2 cup almond slivers
1/2 cup powdered sugar.
Directions: Scald milk. Add
granulated sugar, butter and
salt. Cool to lukewarm. Add 2
whole eggs, and 2 yolks. Mix.
Add to 3 cups flour and yeast in
food processor. Process and let rise until
double.
Add spices, raisins, citron, al-
monds, and rest of flour. Process and put
on floured board and knead. Let the
dough rise in greased bowl.
When risen, cut into 3-4 pieces.
Roll each into an oval, butter, and fold in
half lengthwise. Put on greased baking
sheet, cover, and let rise until double.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 min-
utes. Remove to rack. When cool, dust
with confectioner's (powdered) sugar.
When Buying or Refinancing...
Call Peter First Peter Cosfol
& Augusta Financial
Get Pre-Approved Senior Loan Officer Augusta Financial is a service oriented mortgage company that specializes in residential
financing. We have many loan programs to help our clients with all of their mortgage needs.
Peter offers the best pricing with the lowest fees!
Peter will personally address all of your questions and concerns regarding the loan process!
Augusta Financial makes the loan process seem easy!
Augusta is both Broker and Mortgage Banker!
We offer In-house processing and funding!
It’s A GREAT Time To Buy or Refinance!
(661) 260-2970 Office · (661) 291-2234 Direct · (818) 281-1466 Cell
Who do you know right now who’s looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Give me a call or send me an E-mail. I’m never too busy for your referrals to friends or family.
Linda Lane-White (lindalanewhite@kw.com or 626-786-1231)
Disclaimers: All real estate information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change, or withdrawal. Neither
listing broker(s) nor this company shall be responsible for typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. If your property is currently listed with another
real estate broker, this is not a solicitation of that listing.
Level 1-Commercial 560 sf
Level 2- 1 BR/1BA 560 sf
2 Car Garage 400 sf
Laundry Room 64 sf
2,997 sf lot
Separate HVAC Units
Separate Electric Meters
Dual pane laminate glass
Alarm System
Security Gates
(Buy with only a $49,900
down payment)
Highlights
Mixed Use
Live/Work
Owner/User
Investment
Enterprise
Zone
Tax Credits
Hiring Credits
Zoned FGSP-CL-1B
Use Code: Retail/
Residential
1564-66 N. Fair OaksAve., Pasadena
Free LCD TV if you bring me a $499,900 buyer!
Completely renovated, vacant, free-standing
building, great street frontage Call (626) 786-1231 for more information
www.1564NFairOaks.com (Construction by Ceedub Construction)
Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
but the fire is so delightful! That crack-
ling, cheerful dancing fire in the fireplace
is sure to kindle deep appreciation from
family and guests on chilly winter days.
Throughout the ages, the home hearth
has been the center of cheer on dreary
days.
For some, keeping the home fires
burning, is virtually a sacred tradition.
Mary-Anne Robb resident of the stately
Cothay Manor in Somerset, England
keeps the fire burning in her Great Hall
from October until Easter. “Old
houses,,”she says, “should smell of bees-
wax and wood smoke.”
Perhaps with the rising costs of fuel,
more homes will rekindle the tradition of
a merry fire. If
you are consider-
ing building a
holiday fire, one
of the first things
you have to do
choose wood. Of
course different
woods smell dif-
ferently and burn
for different peri-
ods. Dense hard
wood such as oak
and ash are slow,
lazy burners.
Spruce or cedar smell lovely but burn
quickly. If you cut your own wood, cut
your logs to size immediately then let
them season a year.
A fire can take an hour or so to warm
up a room, so plan ahead if you want to
have one as a backdrop for dinner.
Robb recommends keeping a good
layer of ash in the often-used fireplace,
since it holds heat and cuts down on
smoke. Remove some ash every two
weeks or so, depending on the size of
your fireplace. You can distribute it over
your rose beds.
The editors at County Life UK recom-
mend purchasing a firelighter to start your
fire. To lay a proper fire, crisscross a
layer of extremely dry kindling. Above
that put two
small, very dry
logs balanced
against each
other as an arch.
Start the kindling
and logs with
your firelighter.
When the flames
are high and go-
ing well, add coal
or larger logs.
American Christmas: Blending Customs
Keep the Home Fires Burning
For more than a thousand years, we
have evidence that Christmas has been a
time of joy and celebration, but just what
kind of celebration depends on time and
place.
Not surprisingly, North American
Christmas traditions are a blend of cus-
toms.
In England during the 1700s, Christ-
mas was a time for parties, fox hunts,
balls, and merry-making -- all the prov-
ince of adults with no wide-eyed children
in sight.
Meanwhile, in colonial Williamsburg,
as you might expect, Christmas was
treated very much as a religious holiday,
centered first around church services, and
then around friends, family, and, of
course, food. In these celebrations chil-
dren were almost certainly included and
encouraged to participate, setting the
American colonials apart from their Brit-
ish contemporaries.
The tradition of the Christmas tree,
seems rightly attributed to the Ger-
mans. More than 1,500 years ago a monk
who became known as St. Boniface used a
fir tree to explain the Trinity to his Ger-
man audience. By the 12th century the
tree was being hung upside down from
ceilings at Christmastide.
Although there exist reports of deco-
rated trees in England and Germany in
the 15th century, the idea of a Christmas
tree didn't really catch on in England
until 1848. At that time, Queen Victoria
and Prince Albert were pictured in the
Illustrated London News standing with
family around a decorated tree. Sud-
denly the Christmas tree was all the
fashion.
While Americans are often ac-
cused of over-lavish Christmases, Vic-
torian celebrations of the 1890s were
over the top: Heaps of toys, food, and
trees crammed with every kind of
decoration.
By contrast, on the vast American
continent, traditions varied but by
1900, all the elements of the modern
Christmas were in place. Woolworths
sold decorations and even little hooks
to hang them on. Strings of lights were
available. And people thought giving
gifts to loved ones was a good thing.
Beechwood fires are bright and clear
If the logs are kept a year;
Chestnut's only good, they say,
If for long 'tis laid away;
Make a fire of elder tree,
Death within your house shall be;
But ash new or ash old
Is fit for Queen with crown of gold.
Birch and fir logs burn too fast,
Blaze up bright and do not last;
It is by the Irish said
Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread;
Elmwood burns like churchyard mould
E'en the very flames are cold;
But ash green or ash brown
Is fit for Queen with golden crown.
Poplar gives a bitter smoke
Fills your eyes and makes you choke;
Apple wood will scent your room
With an incense like perfume;
Oaken logs, if dry and old
Keep away the winter's cold;
But ash wet or ash dry
A King shall warm his slippers by.
FIREWOOD (Author Unknown)
Dena Land News—Linda Lane-White • Keller Williams Realty (626) 786-1231 • www.lindalanewhite.com
Dena Land News December 2009 Happenings
Various Dates Support our local Coffee Gallery in Altadena. There are some AWESOME acts this month!
2029 N Lake Call 626-398-7917 or www.coffeegallery.com
Now—Dec 20 Baby It‟s You. Pasadena Playhouse 39 S El Molino.626-356-7529 $varies
Now—Dec 12 Altadena Sheriff‟s Stations Annual Christmas Food & Toy Drive. Drop off unopened food
items or unwrapped toys at the Station or Altadena Library. Call Deputy Sam Estrada at 626-798-1131
Dec 8 Five Acres Festive Holiday Open House. 6pm (cocoa, hot cider & hors d‟oeuvres) 7pm (program)
8pm (special wine reception to celebrate the new Zeilstra Research & Training Center w/campus tours)
The program includes the Henson Puppets, the Rose Queen and her Court, and performance by the chil-
dren. 760 W Mountain View, Altadena. Brighten a child‟s holiday. Bring an unwrapped gift! RSVP to Mar-
garet 626-798-6793 ext 2244 or mmorici@5acres.org. www.5acres.org
Dec 12 10-11:30am Altadena NAACP & LEAD Program Reception. Parents and 10th and 11th graders are
encouraged to attend. Community Center 730 E Altadena Dr., Altadena www.leadprogram.org
Dec 12 2pm Christmas Tree Lane Winter Arts & Crafts Festival. Altadena Library—Santa Rosa/Mariposa.
6pm Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony. Call 626-786-1231 for more info
Dec 12 7pm-11pm North (Pole) Lake Shop Hop Festival. Galloway Alley. Live Music, Food, Sledding on
Real Snow. Lake/Mariposa
Dec 12 The Nutcracker. Pasadena Dance Theatre. San Gabriel Mission Playhouse 320 S Mission Dr., San
Gabriel. www.pasadenadance.org 626-683-3459 Prices vary from $15 to $42
Dec 13 9am-3pm Rose Bowl Flea Market. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive $8.00
Dec 13 4pm-6pm Chanukah Menorah Lighting Celebration. Glendale Galleria 100 W Broadway, Glen-
dale. www.chabadcenter.org 818-240-2750 Free
Dec 13 4pm Christmas w/the Pasadena Master Chorale joined by students from Muir, Blair and Washing-
ton Middle School. Altadena Community Church 943 E Altadena Dr. www.pasadenamasterchorale.org
626-208-0009 $10.00
Dec 13 7pm 8th Annual Christmas Concert & Carol Sing Along. Westminster Presbyterian Church 1757 N
Lake, Pasadena 626-794-7141 Free
Dec 18 7pm Pasadena Conservatory of Music Annual Holiday Sing Along. 100 N Hill, Pasadena Free
Dec 19 10am-12pm Merry Merry Movie Holiday treats and surprises await all who attend. Pasadena Play-
house District Assoc. 673 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 626-744-0340 www.playhousedistrict.org Free
Dec 22&23 Nutcracker by Long Beach Ballet at Pasadena Civic.300 E Green pasadenacivic.com $20-$85
Dec 26 9pm-midnightGreg Poree with Robert Kyle (awesome sax/flute player) performs at Red White &
Bluezz 70 S. Raymond, Pasadena www.robertkyle.com
Pasadena Market Center
445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91105
Cell: (626) 786-1231
Home Office: (626) 798-2382
Fax: (626) 296-1979
lindalanewhite@sbcglobal.net
Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena
In Tune With Your Needs
If You Would Like To Receive This
Newsletter on a Regular Basis for
Guaranteed Delivery (Snail or E-Mail)
Call me or send me an E-Mail...LLW
Linda Lane-White
“Singing” Realtor®
CA Lic #01091347 (since 1990)
Notary Public (since 1987)
Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
www.lindalanewhite.com
Search the MLS on my web site!
www.lindalanewhite.com
89th Annual
Christmas Tree Lane
Winter Festival &
Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009
2:00 Festival Begins
6:00 Ceremony Begins
Location: Altadena Library—
Corner of Mariposa and
Santa Rosa Ave
Danny’s Farm Petting Zoo,
pics with Santa Claus & his
sleigh, various arts & crafts,
and entertainment (including
the John Muir Alumni Drum
Corps) and mingle with your
neighbors!
Call (626) 786-1231 for more
information.
www.christmastreelane.net
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