Mountain Views News          Saturday, June 9, 2012

11

HOMES & PROPERTY

 Mountain Views News Saturday June 9, 2012 

One Of A Kind: Featuring unique homes and gardens and the people who create them Story and Photos by Chris Bertrand. 


2012 ARCADIA BEAUTIFUL 
AWARD WINNERS 
ANNOUNCED

Local residents had the opportunity again to nominate neighbors 
and businesses that help make Arcadia a beautiful place to live 
by their distinctive, carefully manicured front yards. From those 
nominations, fifteen properties were chosen as the “best of the 
best” this year.

According to Connie Schacatano at the city of Arcadia, “Judging 
criteria included the overall appearance as well as all the elements relative to the general 
beautification of the property, including general property maintenance, design, architecture, 
color plus improvements to the structure and landscaping. Other things that the judges look 
for is originality and “eye catching appeal. The property should upgrade the image of the 
neighborhood and add to the beauty of the community.” Homes can win only once every 
four years. 

The recognized homeowners will be recognized at an awards ceremony on June 19th at 7:00 
p.m. in the Arcadia City Council Meeting.

On a pleasant tour of this year’s winners, our Mountain Views News “judges” chose a few 
favorites: 30 W. Orange Grove Avenue, 1220 Rodeo Road, 1055 Panorama Drive and 440 S. 
Old Ranch Road. 

I routed the homes in a somewhat logical sequence for those who might enjoy a tour of lovely 
front yards: 

1. 30 W. Orange Grove Avenue
2. 322 Arbolada Drive
3. 1220 Rodeo Road
4. 440 S. Old Ranch Road
5. 1055 Panorama Drive
6. 333 Fairview Avenue
7. 170 W. Sandra Avenue
8. 471 W. Winnie Way
9. 410 E. Camino Real Avenue
10. 917 E. Camino Real Avenue
11. 1800 Louise Avenue
12. 1666 W. Las Flores Avenue
13. 1608 Holly Avenue
14. 2530 Lee Avenue
15. 1811 S. Seventh Avenue


Come December, the city also gives out its 
Holiday Awards for outstanding exterior 
decorations. So Arcadia residents, keep 
your eye out for great decorations in 
December and send in those nominations 
to the City Manager’s office 240 W. 
Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007!

Have an interesting home or garden that 
might interest our readers? Send the 
details to C.Bertrand@MtnViewsNews.
com!


VACATION TIME HOME SECURITY

It's summertime, and before you decide to pack up the family and go on vacation, take a few 
precautions to keep your home safe while you are away. Be cautious of who you tell about 
your vacation. It's okay to let a trusted neighbor know when and where you are going, just 
don't broadcast it to your whole neighborhood. And don't post the fact that you are going 
on vacation on social network sites for anyone to see; a friend of a friend of your friend just 
could be a burglar. 

Also, take a few steps to make potential burglars believe someone is actually home. Hook up 
a timer to lights, televisions and radios, so they go on and off while you are away. Adjust the 
time setting to your normal routine. Make sure that everything is locked up and secure before 
you head out; double check sheds, windows, garage doors, and any other opportunistic 
locations. Have the post office hold your mail or have a trusted neighbor collect your mail 
for you, as well as your newspaper. Don't allow newspapers to stack up in your driveway; an 
obvious clue to thieves that no one is home.

Another precaution you can take is to turn off the ringer to your phone. An unanswered 
phone might tip off a prowler that you are away. Don't leave a message on your answering 
machine announcing your vacation to callers. If you have a home security system, call your 
company and let them know you will be on vacation and notify local law enforcement, as 
well, so they can keep an extra eye on your home while you are away

BUY, SELL, WIN, WIN

Buyers, sellers, the time for hesitation is over for both of you. Home sales are rising, inventories 
are shrinking, and even though home values fell dramatically in the last few years, the 
good news is that houses are now more affordable than they have been at any time during 
the last twenty years.

If you are buying, now is the time to make your move, literally. As the market recovers, the 
scales are still tipped in your favor. There are still many "distressed properties" (foreclosures 
and short sales) on the market, and other homeowners are entering the selling field as improving 
conditions increase their confidence.

You can still expect competition for lower end, entry-level homes, but demand is softer in 
the middle to upper end property market, so you could be in a stronger bargaining position 
in those two tiers.

If you're a seller, don't be alarmed by the good news for buyers. Buyer confidence and 
strength makes it more likely that you'll enjoy a sale. Don't try to compete against short sales 
and foreclosures when you're pricing, though, because that's a tough game to win. 

Just complete any needed repairs, get your home into great showing condition, and emphasize 
your home's strengths and features. We're in an interesting transitional phase where 
both buyers and sellers can be winners with the right attitude and representation.


SCE Announces Refrigerator and 
Freezer Recycling Program

Free haul-away and $35.00 incentive

You could save up to $180.00* a year when you let SCE recycle your inefficient refrigerator 
or freezer. Plus, SCE will give you $35.00 for letting them haul it away for free. Here’s how 
it works:

1. Schedule your free pickup. Pickups are flexible and convenient (including Saturdays) and 
can be completed within a few days. To schedule a free pickup, visit www.sce.com/pickup 
or call 1-800-234-9722, Monday through Friday between 7:00am and 6:00pm, or Saturday 
between 7:00am and 3:30pm.

2. SCE will haul away your inefficient, working refrigerator or freezer for free. SCE will also 
send you $35.00 or you can choose to donate all or a portion of your $35.00 to the Energy 
Assistance Fund (EAF), a special fund that helps needy customers pay their utility bills. 
Donations to EAF are tax-deductible.

3. SCE will arrange for your refrigerator or freezer to be properly dismantled and recycled 
in an environmentally responsible manner.

* Estimated savings based on average usage and model; actual savings may vary. Refrigerators 
or freezers must be in working (e.g. cooling) order, between 10 and 32 cubic feet. 
Pickup is limited to two refrigerators or freezers per location per year.