Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Could rent control be coming to San Diego?


Courtesy of The Union Tribune

A statewide vote to allow more widespread rent control could have big implications for San Diego County if it passes.
The effort, led by tenants rights groups and bankrolled by Los Angeles HIV/AIDS activist Michael Weinstein, qualified for the Nov. 6 ballot in June.
If approved by voters, the initiative would repeal a 1995 law that limited county and city governments’ ability to slow rent hikes. Even if it passes, it would still be up to local lawmakers to approve rent control or approve citizens’ initiatives.
San Diego is one of the few big cities in California with no form of rent control, unlike San Francisco, Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Alan Gin, an economist at the University of San Diego, said rent limitations may help some people but it could result in less housing being built, something desperately needed in the state.
“Housing prices have gotten way out of hand in California,” he said. “Even though I don’t think (rent control) will work, I can understand people’s frustration.”
Economists typically argue that rent control will lead to a reduction in the quality and quantity of housing available. But, that hasn’t stopped frustrated renters in San Diego and the rest of California from taking action.
The average San Diego County rent in March was $1,887, pushed up by an influx of new, high-end apartments downtown, said MarketPointe Realty Advisors. It has increased 8 percent in a year.
A local organizer for Prop 10, Paola Martinez, said low-income Californians are struggling to survive. She said arguments that rent control would slow housing production are hard to stomach for low-income renters.
“Housing is being created, it’s just not the type of housing we need,” she said of new residential projects. “We are not building affordable housing.”
One of the most common arguments against rent control is that if a landlord knows they can’t charge more, they won’t fix up the apartment. Try telling that to a San Diego renter, Martinez said.
“Even without rent control, those issues are still there,” she said. “We’re seeing increases of rent at a super high rate in pretty deplorable conditions, uninhabitable conditions. Their landlords aren’t making any repairs, even when they are increasing the rent.”
Prop. 10 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which bans cities and counties from capping rent increases on apartments built after 1995. If passed, it means new apartment buildings that are being constructed downtown could be subject to the law. The act also prevents rent control on single-family homes.
Martinez is director of the San Diego chapter of the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, which is also part of a coalition of community groups in National City that began gathering signatures in March for its own rent control measure.
The National City effort would cap annual rent increases at 5 percent. The city has filed a lawsuit against the organizer, alleging its plan to create a rent control board would violate state law. A court hearing is scheduled for July 20.
Borre Winckel, CEO of the local Building Industry Association, said its members are concerned about lenders not funding big multifamily projects out of fear that that Prop.10 could pass.
He said a potential slowing down of new home construction would end up making things harder for renters because fewer units would be available.
“It will displace and de-house people who need new units, so it’s not a recipe for more production,” he said. “If there’s one thing the state needs more of is more production. New production and rent control can’t exist in the same statement. It’s illogical.”
A few secondary effects of Prop. 10 passage could be a slowdown in home price increases and maybe a few more opportunities (at least in the short-term) for homeownership. The repeal of Costa-Hawkins would mean that rent control would be allowed for single-family homes, potentionally limiting the value for an investor.
“It’s sort of the same thing as the construction argument,” Gin said. “If the home is less valuable, in terms of how much you can rent for, it could affect the price.”
Winckel said apartment complex owners may respond to passage by converting units to condos. While that would create more homeownership opportunities for San Diegans, he said the measure would eventually make things more difficult for renters because they would be forced to move.
“It’s not a good news story because converting from rentals to condos means you’re not net adding new units to the market,” he said.
There will likely be a strong campaign to defeat Prop. 10. Last week, the Building and Construction Trades Council of California joined with the California Apartment Association and other groups to launch a “No on Prop. 10” campaign.
However, at the ground level battle for rent control, organizers say there is excitement that the proposition will soundly win.
Rafael Bautista has been organizing with a group called San Diego Tenants United since 2015 to bring rent control to the region, holding a march downtown in 2016. He said renters are so frustrated that a spark has been lighted in the state that will be hard to put out.
He said if National City’s measure passes, it is only a matter of time before it spreads around San Diego County.
“National City is like a release valve,” Bautista said. “Then, that’s even more burden on San Diego (city) and surrounding cities.”

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Things to Do This Weekend in San Diego: July 12-15


TGI Weekend! Celebrate Pride month in Hillcrest with one of the largest Pride parades on the West Coast. Or watch the competition as dozens of matching teams compete in the annual Over the Line Tournament. Those are just a few of the fun happenings this weekend in San Diego. Get up. Get out. Play!  
Thursday, July 12
California State Games 

Times Vary (through Sunday), SDCCU StadiumThis non-profit sports festival aims to provide a U.S. Olympic-style experience amateur athletes. The event has run since 1988 and features sports like archery, BMX and robotics. This year’s opening ceremony is on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and will begin with a torch run and cauldron lighting -- just like in the U.S. Olympics -- before a fireworks display fills the sky. Ahead of the opening ceremonies, an obstacle course and a Stone Brewing Beer Garden will be open to guests.
Wonderspaces: With Creative License10 a.m. to 10 p.m., B Street Pier (San Diego)A unique type of art gallery has moved into an inconspicuous building on the waterfront. It’s the second year the traveling art exhibit called Wonderspaces has stopped in San Diego. This time, Wonderspaces has curated 15 installations from different artists for an immersive experience that takes guests inside the art. With a $24 ticket ($14 for children over three) guests will experience a short virtual reality thriller, walk through thousands of light points, leave their mark on the art, and more as they wander through the rooms of wonder. Tickets for July just became available and guests will need to reserve a spot in advance to attend. 
Rum Runner Night5 to 8 p.m., Maritime Museum San DiegoExplore the history of rum -- from the 17th-century sugar cane plantations to modern-day cocktail lounges -- at a new interactive exhibit aboard steam ferryboat Berkeley. This one-night-only event in partnership with the Gaslamp Quarter restaurant Havana 1920 transports guests to the era of Cuban rum running. A mixologist will create specialty rum cocktails as guests nibble on authentic Cuban cuisine. A $30 ticket to the event comes with one drink ticket and unlimited appetizers.
Things to Do at Balboa ParkThings to Do at Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s best-known landmarks. NBC 7's Monica Garske speaks with Balboa Park Conservancy CEO and president Tomas Herrera-Mishler about a few of the things you should do when you visit the sprawling urban park in the hear of America's Finest City.
(Published Thursday, April 20, 2017)

Night Fishing 5 to 11:30 p.m., Santee LakesSantee Lakes’ seasonal night fishing is back. Adults and kids can enjoy a serene evening as they try to hook catfish and bluegill lingering along the shoreline of Santee Lake. A fishing permit from Santee Lakes’ general store is required and costs $9 for adults and $6 for kids.
Santee Summer Concert Series5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Town Center Community Park EastHave a bluesy evening at Santee’s Summer Concert Series this Thursday. Blues groups Mercedes Moore Band and Bill Magee Blues Band will both take the stage for a summer concert under the stars. Bring a blanket and grab a bite from one of the evening’s featured food trucks like smoked barbecue from Super Q, or Oggi’s Pizza from the event’s beer garden, at this free, family-friendly event.
Group Works to Restore Balboa Park CarouselGroup Works to Restore Balboa Park Carousel
The San Diego-based nonprofit organization, Friends of Balboa Park, recently purchased the historic Balboa Park Carousel located off Park Boulevard. The group plans to restore the ride to its glory days and keep it running for generations to come. The carousel was built in 1910 and boasts all of its original parts. It first came to Balboa Park in 1...  (Published Tuesday, July 25, 2017)
Twilight in the Park Summer Concerts6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Balboa ParkAs summer returns, Balboa Park will be filled with music for the Twilight in the Park concert series. A concert will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday through August featuring an array of artists -- from big bands like the Hillcrest Wind Ensemble and the San Diego Youth Symphony to groups like bluegrass artists Back Pocket Whiskey Fellas and Mexican musical group Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista. This Thursday, Zydeco group Bayou Brothers will play for a special Family Day in the park. Guests are encouraged to come an hour early for themed events at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and to bring a picnic to enjoy during the free, family-friendly concert.
San Diego Padres v. Los Angeles Dodgers
7:10 p.m., Petco ParkSoCal rivals face off for their final game of the series this Thursday in downtown San Diego. The Padres are celebrating Christmas in July this game and will be giving away "ugly" Christmas t-shirts to ticket holders ($15 and up). While at the ballpark, try an array of craft brew and tastes of some of this year’s new local grub-- like Seafood Tacos from Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill or a Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog from Carnitas' Snack Shack.h
8 p.m. (through Sunday), The American Comedy Co.Funnyman Marlon Wayans acts, produces, writes and directs for television but is still makes time for stand up shows at various venues across the country. This week, he makes a stop in San Diego for four nights of performances. Tickets to the show cost $40. Wayans has a recently-released comedy special on Netflix called "Naked" and is the star of NBC’s comedy sitcom "Marlon,"loosely based on his life.
Friday, July 13
Sun and Sea Festival8 a.m. to dusk (Friday and Saturday), Pier Plaza (Imperial Beach)Imperial Beach’s largest annual event brings dozens of artists to the beach to create sculptures in the sand. The theme for this year’s Imperial Beach Sun & Sea Festival is "Super Heroes in the Sand." On top of the competition, the two-day festival will feature a morning paddle out, a beach run and a pancake breakfast on Friday and a superhero parade and an interactive kids zone on Saturday. There will also be a farmer’s market and an international food fair, plus stages with live musical performances.t

Food Truck Fridays4 to 8:30 p.m., Balboa Park
Delectable treats will once again flood historic Balboa Park every Friday night this summer for the popular Food Truck Fridays series. A lineup of about a dozen food trucks will rotate each week through September 28 at Plaza de Panama ready to feed hungry guests as a variety of live music, like Mariachi and orchestral sounds, waft through the air. Some of the dining possibilities include Bosnian Grill, Monster Crafts, Pierogi Truck, Super Q and Yo Yo Bento, Beachin’ Boba, Devil Dogs BBQ, Sushi Uno and more. Visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit in front of the Botanical Building as they eat, or enjoy craft beer, wine and cocktails inside nearby restaurants. Booths will be set up with activities for kids and Balboa Park will introduce a "living room" area filled with giant lawn games. Surrounding museums will extend hours to accommodate guests and the San Diego Museum of Art will offer $5 admission after 5 p.m.
Cruisin’ Grand5 to 9 p.m., Grand Avenue (Escondido)It’s opening night for the free auto festival that has taken over downtown Escondido for nearly two decades. Hundreds of vintage cars line Grand Avenue for seven blocks every Friday night from April to September for the event that seems to transform the city into a retro paradise. Along the route, enjoy dinner or browse local goods at one of the many restaurants and shops that extend their hours during the car show.
Clear the Shelters: Save the DateClear the Shelters: Save the Date
NBC and Telemundo stations across the country will team up with hundreds of shelters nationwide on Aug. 18 for the fourth annual Clear the Shelters animal adoption drive.
(Published Friday, April 27, 2018)

Summer Movies in the ParkTimes Vary, Locations VaryAcross the county this summer, cities are taking part in movie screenings at their local outdoor parks. Almost every day of the week, San Diegans can find a different free outdoor movie screening thanks to the county-wide initiative. The full calendar of screenings for the summer can be found here. Bring a picnic, chairs and a blanket to enjoy the movie of your choice typically starting at sunset. 
Dr. Seuss's 'The Lorax'7 p.m., The Old GlobeThe Old Globe’s talented cast and crew brings to life Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax," the story of-of a small, fuzzy creature, The Lorax, who decides to speak up for the voiceless -- all the trees in his Truffula Forest. Tickets to the colorful and upbeat performance on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, which runs through August 12, start at $30 for children and $40 for adults. iego

Looking to save some cash, but still enjoy the city? In San Diego, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for free or on the cheap. Go for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park or Cowles Mountain, stroll Balboa Park, try a new craft brewery, admire the murals of Chicano Park or read a book at a downtown park. Get out there and explore America’s Finest City.
Courtesy of NBC San Diego

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Top 5 Benefits of a VA Home Loan


Since the creation of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans Program, over 22 million veterans have achieved the American Dream of homeownership. Many veterans do not know the details of the program and therefore do not take advantage of the benefits available to them.
If you are a veteran or you know someone who is, here is a breakdown of the VA Home Loan benefits that can be used to achieve the American Dream!

Top 5 Benefits of a VA Home Loan

  1. The greatest benefit of a VA Loan is that borrowers can buy a home with a 0% down payment. In 2016, 82% of all VA Loans put down 0%!
  2. Primary Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is not required! (Most other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI, which adds additional costs to your monthly housing expense!)
  3. Credit Score requirements are also lower for VA Home Loans. The average FICO® score of a borrower for an approved VA Loan is 620, compared to 676 (FHA) or 753 (Conventional).
  4. There is also a limitation on a veteran buyer’s closing costs. Sellers can pay all of a buyer’s loan-related closing costs and up to 4% in concessions in some cases.
  5. Even with interest rates rising, VA Loans continue to have the lowest average interest rates of all loan types.

Who Qualifies for a VA Home Loan?

One of the most important first steps when applying for a VA Home Loan is obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). “The COE verifies to the lender that you are eligible for a VA-backed loan.”

You Can Apply for a VA Loan if You:

  • Serve 90 consecutive days during wartime
  • Serve 181 consecutive days during peacetime
  • Have more than 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves
  • Are the spouse of a service member who has died in the line of duty or as the result of a service-related disability

You Can Use a VA Loan To:

  • Purchase a Home
  • Purchase a Condo
  • Build a Home
  • Refinance an existing home loan
  • Make improvements to a home by installing energy-related features or making energy-efficient improvements

Bottom Line

For more information or to find out if you or a loved one would qualify to use the VA Home Loan Benefit, let’s get together! Thank you for your service!