Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has estimated a shortfall of about $14.5 billion for this coming fiscal year.  To help reduce the deficit he has  propose slicing State departments’ budgets by 10 percent, closing of state parks, and releasing prison inmates early. California is not the only state feeling the fiscal punch. In Rhode Island the governor warned that his state faces the largest budget deficit in many years.Nationwide, more than half the 50 states face budget gaps as they try to put together the budgets for the coming fiscal year.  It has been reported that one main reason for revenue shortfalls is the slumping real estate market, sub prime mortgage crisis along with the continuing rise in oil prices. California is among those hardest hit by the real estate slump.  Another factor hurting California is the number of people moving out of state.  According to some reports California lost more than 263,000 residents.Real estate people can do their part to help recover California’s doom by promoting a positive outlook in owning and investing in California’s real estate.  Agents should be involved in their community affairs and a loud voice in local government. California still has a lot to offer.

Can I ever buy a million dollar home? Years ago I would have never even entertained the thought of owning a million dollar home. But, in today’s market I may be closer than I ever thought. That’s because nationwide, homeowners are slashing asking prices, often by significant margins, making million-dollar properties much more palatable then ever before.Its been reported that in Los Angeles a million dollars will buy a four-bedroom, tract type home with a few upgrades. In New York it might get you a one to two bedroom apartment. On the West Coast, like the Bay Area a million dollars doesn’t seem wildly excessive: The median home price in San Francisco is over $800,000.00. These prices are the result of concentrated wealth in the local economy, high regulatory and business costs for builders that are passed along to buyers, and a very small, confined geographic space that allows for little new development.If you are willing to move out of those confined geographic areas and into suburbs, your million dollars can get you into a modest 1,500-square-foot house with three bedrooms and a good-sized yard. If you’re willing to move out further into the foothills your money can get you a 3,000 plus square foot home on several acres with views, shops and other amenities.In Central California, check out Coarsegold, Oakhurst, Mariposa and Sonora. You will be surprised what your million dollars can buy, and you’ll get change.Again, its location, location, location. While home sales nationwide are at a historic low, those at or above the $1 million mark can be yours for less.

As winter continues to place snow in the mountain areas, one must be ready and prepared for winter driving. Cal Trans offers these words of advise.

BE PREPARED

Before heading to snow country, make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition. Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent icing. Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition. Always carry tire chains/traction devices. Make sure they are the proper size for your tires and are in working order. You might also want to take along a flashlight and chain repair links. Chains must be installed on the drive wheels. Make sure you know if your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive. Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial deicer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free your car if it’s “snowed in,” sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow and a towel to clean your hands. It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have these supplies. Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when putting on chains.

CHAIN CONTROL ENFORCEMENT & CHECKPOINTS

You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate chains are required. You can be cited by the California Highway Patrol and fined if you don’t. Chain Control Checkpoints, staffed by Caltrans and CHP, are used on highways and freeways that historically have major problems with driver compliance. You will be required to stop at staffed checkpoints. You will be directed to turn around if you do not have adequate tires or chains. The majority of times when chains are required, you will not be required to pass through a checkpoint. Drivers must follow “Chains Required” signs whether required to go through a checkpoint or not. When you must put on chains, wait until you can pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic. Chain Installers: If you use the services of a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot the installer’s badge number on it. Remember, chain installers are independent business people, not Caltrans employees. Having the badge number may help with any misunderstandings later. Chain installers are NOT allowed to sell or rent chains. When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading “End Chain Control” to a pull-off area where you can safely remove them.

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Buckle your seatbelt. Each passenger is required to wear a seatbelt and small children must be in approved car seats. Allow enough time. Trips to the mountains can take longer during winter than other times of year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes or turn back during a bad storm or you may be caught in a traffic delay. Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog. Slow down. A highway speed of 55 or 65 miles an hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow or ice. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes. Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow removal equipment. Even though snow removal vehicles have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment. When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or carbon monoxide problems.

ASSIST THE CHP 11-99 FOUNDATION
The California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, charitable organization that provides Benefits and Scholarships to California Highway Patrol family members.  Since the CHP 11-99 Foundation was incorporated in 1981, the members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors have provided over $14 million in assistance to current, retired and Fallen in the Line of Duty CHP employees and their families.  For a quarter century now, the important work of the Foundation has been enabled through the generosity of tens of thousands of individual donors and volunteers and by institutional grant funding.  To learn how you can assist and participate, you can go online to CHP11-99.org  
CHP 11-99 FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVES NEVER SOLICIT DONATIONS VIA TELEPHONE.  If you receive a telephone solicitation from someone claiming to be a CHP 11-99 Foundation fund raiser, please discontinue the call and provide us with a brief report via email to 11-99nevercalls@chp11-99.org.

A Simple Way to Donate to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial

 There is a  beautiful bronze and granite Memorial located on State Capitol grounds in Sacramento which contains the names of the more than 1,400 courageous peace officers who have laid down their lives in the line of duty protecting and serving their fellow Californians. The names date back to early statehood. Contributions are needed and used to maintain the California Peace Officers’ Memorial, and for activities in support of the surviving families of those brave men and women peace officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.Taxpayers can make voluntary tax-free contributions on their personal state income tax returns to the “California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation Fund.” The process is simple. There are no checks to write and no solicitors. The taxpayer merely enters an amount of at least $1 on his or her state income tax return.I urge you to remember the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation Fund when you file your 2007 state tax return. .

I have been searching for just the right horse trailer with living quaters for a couple of years.  You find the right trailer, its too expensive.  You find the right price and its to small or does not have the “stuff” you want or need.  At last I found the bonanza.  Luxurious  trailer with everything one would need, including a fire place, at a price even I can afford.  Trailers I was looking at that fit my taste were $60,000.00 to $70,000.00 and up.  Well I found a trailer around $50,000.00 with everything I want.  Of course you can doll them up to your wallets content.  If your in the market or thinking about being in the market don’t buy until you check out Alexis Horse Trailers.  Check out the web site at www.alexishorsetrailers.com . I know this may sound like an advertisment and maybe it is.  I do not work for the company I am just a very satisfied customer.

Winter, Your Car, and You

Driving in the winter means snow, sleet, and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather

At any temperature—20 degrees Fahrenheit below zero or 90 degrees Fahrenheit above—weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems.It is important to listen to forecasts on radio, TV, cable weather channel, or forecasts in the daily papers.

Your Car

Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.

Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.

Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.

 Inspecting the distributor.

Checking the battery.

Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.

Checking antifreeze leve and the freeze line. Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner’s manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. Following the tuneup, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, your trunk should carry:

A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack

A shovel

Jumper cables

Tow and tire chains

A bag of salt or cat litter

Tool kit

Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a “survival kit” that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:                 

Working flashlight and extra batteries                 

Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth                 

Compass                  

First aid kit                 

 Exterior windshield cleaner                 

Ice scraper and snow brush                 

Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container                 

Scissors and string/cord                 

Non-perishable, high energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm, such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap, and blankets.

If You Become Stranded

Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.                  

To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.                 

If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.                  

To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.                

Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.