SLO County Golf, Wine & Real EstateGolf, Wine & Real Estate News and Events Blog
Introducing Aidan Bradley - Golf Course PhotographerFriday, June 30, 2006 We've all taken notice of the incredible golf course photography displayed at many of the clubhouses and websites of our Central Coast golf courses. Most recently, we've enjoyed viewing the large framed photographs displayed at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo, highlighting their new challenging and picturesque holes.  Inspiring photographs of Central Coast golf courses are also proudly displayed at Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles, Blacklake in Nipomo, La Purisima in Lompoc, Sandpiper and Glen Annie in Goleta, Alisal Ranch Resort and River Course in Solvang, Rancho San Marcos in Santa Barbara, along with dozens more in California and hundreds worldwide.  Many of these images we've seen at our local golf courses are displayed right here at GolfSLO.com, inspiring visitors to get out and play these beautiful and challenging courses. These photos are highlighted in the banner of our home page as well as many of the individual course pages such as Monarch Dunes and Hunter Ranch Golf Course. These photographs are all the work of local golf course photographer, Aidan Bradley - regarded amongst the best at his trade and widely recognized for his ability to capture the excitement and mood of a golf course.  Over the years, Aidan's images have graced the pages of all the national golf publications and he is a regular contributor to golf coffee table books such as "Nicklaus by Design", Golf Digest's "Top 100 Courses You Can Play", "Golf, The Women's Game", and many more. Titleist, Spalding Worldwide, Taylor Made, and Top Flight are but a few of the clients who have used Aidan’s images in their ad campaigns. Aidan was born in Cork, Ireland, where he lived for 21 years. He now resides in Santa Barbara, California, from where his work takes him to places that the most passionate golfer dreams of: Saint Andrews in Scotland, Augusta National in Georgia, Ballybunion in Ireland, and The Challenge on the island of Lanai. Whatever the assignment, Aidan's focus onlight and the surrounding natural environment consistently produces images that evoke a mood even non-golfers find attractive and compelling. Website: www.golfcoursephotography.com Aidan Bradley - Golf Course Photography Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf 30 Percent Slowdown in SLO County Home SalesWednesday, June 28, 2006San Luis Obispo County's median home price rose 4.2 percent last month while sales decreased by nearly 30% compared with the same period a year ago.The median price of an existing home was $556,670 in May, up from $534,440 the year before, according to the California Association of Realtors. In April, the median price - the statistical point where half of homes sell for more and half for less — reached $599,360. The record median price for the county was $605,160 in November 2005. The total number of homes sold, meanwhile, dropped 29.8 percent compared with the same period in May 2005. The slowdown in the county follows a statewide trend. The median price of an existing home in California increased 8 percent last month and sales decreased 21.1 percent compared with May 2005, the association reported. Vince Malta, president of the California Association of Realtors, attributes the dip in sales is to rising interest rates. He also urged sellers to make sure their homes are "competitively priced in today’s changing market." Last month, the median number of days to sell a single-family home was 44, compared with 27 days for the same period last year. Agents in San Luis Obispo County have also reported longer selling times and increased inventory. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate SLO County Third in California WineriesTuesday, June 27, 2006The Wine Institute reports that there are 1,367 brick and mortar wineries in California. About one-half of them are located in Napa and Sonoma counties. San Luis Obispo County is third with just over 100 wineries.Over a half a million acres are in production in California with 60 percent dedicated to red varietals and 40 percent planted with white varietals. There are 14 different red varietals with over 1,000 producing acres. A total of 33 red varietals are planted in California. Cabernet Sauvignon is at the top of the list with Merlot and Zinfandel showing about one-third less plantings. Pinot Noir is fourth on the list with about one-fourth of Cabernet Sauvignons acreage. There are about 10,000 acres of Barbera planted. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Wine Aug 19 - 2 Person Scramble at Monarch DunesMonday, June 26, 2006Sign up for the Two Person Scramble at Monarch Dunes Golf Club in Nipomo on Saturday, August 19, 2006. Tournament is a 1:00 pm Shotgun start with Gross and Net Prizes.Fee is $50 for Royal Rewards Members, $60 Non-Members. Website: www.monarchdunesgolf.com Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf SLO Farmers Market Making ChangesSunday, June 25, 2006The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association, with the approval of City Council, plans to add more seating, create a better lighting system, and improve maintenance to enhance the San Luis Obispo Thursday night Farmers market and street fair's ambience. The Downtown Association will also begin allowing non-downtown businesses to participate as vendors.The changes are to make sure that the 23-year-old market 'keeps up with the times,' according to a recent Downtown Association press release. Allowing non-downtown businesses to participate in the market is a result of spots that go unfilled by downtown businesses. Non-downtown vendors will have to pay a higher rate and can only fill spaces not reserved first by members. Deborah Cash, president of the organization, says they strive to improve the San Luis Obispo Farmers Market. In 1998 the association produced and marketed the video 'How to Have a Farmers Market in Your Town.' Hundreds of videos were sold to communities across the nation that hoped to launch their own market. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast News San Luis Obispo Real Estate - Rent vs. Buy?Saturday, June 24, 2006Katie Benner, a staff reporter at TheStreet.com, shares her insights on the old buy vs. rent conundrum considering today's real estate market. Some excerpts below.If you're not lucky enough to already be a homeowner, your housing options essentially boil down to buying or renting. But these days, that feels like a choice between boarding the Titanic or settling onto the Hindenburg. As the housing market begins to adjust to more normal growth, the rental market is adjusting, too, in the form of much higher rent. So what's a shelter-seeker to do? A recent report from Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies shows that buying may still be the best choice. With interest rates rising and speculative demand cooling, the report says that the housing boom is under pressure, but prices will continue to climb as long as the economy keeps creating jobs and builders trim production to match slowing demand. As the housing market softens, real estate speculators are unloading properties to realize projected gains. This is adding more inventory to the marketplace that may take 12 to 18 months to burn through, and it should bring prices down in some areas. "If you look historically, it's always a good time to buy because homes pretty much always appreciate. Plus, it's more than an investment. It's the place where you live," says Brian Carey, an economist with Moody's Economy.com. "The question is, can you afford to buy?" Article: The Buy vs. Rent Conundrum TheStreet.com, Katie Benner Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate Mortgage Payments made difficult with Rising Interest RatesFriday, June 23, 2006Rising interest rates are squeezing consumers this summer, especially when it comes to managing mortgage costs, says a survey done by Roper Public Affairs for TransUnion's TrueCredit.com, located in San Luis Obispo.The survey found that 27 percent of homeowners think higher interest rates will make it difficult to make mortgage payments and 24 percent carry an adjustable rate mortgage or adjustable home loan --a figure that jumps to 37 percent among those between the ages of 25 and 49. The survey also indicates that rising interest rates will cause: * Twenty-three percent of homeowners to consider refinancing * Sixty-one percent of renters to have trouble paying their rent * Seventy-eight percent of renters to have difficulty buying a home in the near future The survey was done between May 12 and May 14, with 1,004 participants. San Luis Obispo-based TrueCredit.com's mission is to help consumers understand and manage their credit, through online educational material, free monthly newsletters and credit products. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of TransUnion. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate San Luis Obispo Wineries recognized in Wine SpectatorThursday, June 22, 2006San Luis Obispo County wineries, restaurants and hotels were featured in the June 15 issue of Wine Spectator magazine.The issue focused on the local chardonnays and pinot noirs made by the Talley family in Edna Valley and Arroyo Grande, red and white Rhone varieties made by Francois Perrin and Robert Haas of Tablas Creek winery, and Syrah by Stephan Asseo of L'Aventure in Paso Robles. Given special mention were Adelaida Cellars, Clayhouse Vineyard, Saxum, Stephan Vineyards, Richard Sauret Vineyards and Justin Vineyards. Local restaurants also highlighted were The Park Restaurant in San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley's Fiala's Gourmet Deli, and Paso Robles restaurants Bistro Laurent and Villa Creek. The magazine also noted The Just Inn at Justin Winery and Villa Toscana, both in Paso Robles, for their luxury accommodations. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Wine SLO County Home Sales SlowingWednesday, June 21, 2006While the median home price rose in May, residential sales are down compared with the same month a year ago, according to DataQuick Information Systems, a Southern California real estate research firm.The median price - the statistical point where half the homes sell for more and half for less - was $555,000, an 11 percent increase from May 2005 when the median price was $499,000, DataQuick reported. In April, the median price for the county was $539,500. In terms of home sales, there were 422 sold last month, compared with 472 in May 2005. In April 2006, 326 homes were sold. DataQuick generates its statistics from county data and includes new and resale homes and condominiums. DataQuick provides just one gauge of home price and sales activity in the county. The California Association of Realtors will release its home price and sales data June 27. The association bases its figures on the reported closed escrow sales of single-family detached homes provided by member associations. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate Jim DeLaby on the U.S. Open FinishTuesday, June 20, 2006Jim DeLaby shares his thoughts about the finish at the U.S. Open this weekend and his analysis of Phil Michelson's and Geoff Ogilvy's SUPERZONE state.www.jimdelaby.com Phil's biorhythm chart for the U.S. Open is quite interesting as well. Phil Michelson's Biorhythm Chart Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Jun 23 - Atascadero Wine Festival Golf TournamentMonday, June 19, 2006 The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Wine Festival Golf Tournament takes place on Friday, June 23, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. at Chalk Mountain Golf Course in Atascadero. An "A" flight is available for serious golfers and "B" flight for not-so-serious golfers. $90 entry fee includes greens fee, cart, lunch, drinks & goody bag. Foursomes welcomed. Call the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce at 805-466-2044 for more information. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Wine Jun 24 - Atascadero State Hospital Golf TournamentSaturday, June 17, 2006Atascadero State Hospital will hold its 52nd Anniversary Golf Tournament on June 24, 2006 to raise money for its annual employee barbecue.The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the Paso Robles Golf Club, 1600 Country Club Drive, and will include a post-tournament banquet for players. Registration is $80 for individual players before Monday and $100 thereafter. The public is welcome to join the teams of four. Limited registration will be available the day of the competition. For more information, contact ASH spokeswoman Barrie Hafler at 468-2008. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Paso Robles Attracts Younger ResidentsThursday, June 15, 2006Paso Robles can expect to see more young, middle-income professionals lured by the city's relatively affordable housing costs in coming years, a panel of economic analysts said Wednesday.The challenge, said experts who spoke at the 2006 Economic Forecast, is that few of them will work in Paso - and it will be up to Paso leaders to create jobs for them, partly by encouraging wealthy entrepreneurs relocating to the city to establish businesses there. In the past year, UCSB Economic Forecast Director Bill Watkins told the group of local business leaders, the community has seen a 3 percent increase in new residents between 25 and 34 years old but an overall drop in those between 35 and 44. The shift bucks a statewide trend consistently marked by the exodus of young, middle-income professionals to more affordable locales. But even with median single-family homes that averaged more than $400,000 in March and that are expected to reach $607,000 by 2008, Watkins said he expects Paso Robles to remain attractive to some young families - even if they must commute 30 miles one-way to work in San Luis Obispo. 'Paso Robles is a unique place in the area we work,' Watkins said. '... This is essentially the home for the new workers.' The news comes as Paso Robles has become a commanding economic force for the Central Coast, drawing scores of well-heeled tourists and retirees to its wineries and restaurants. Article: Younger residents in Paso's future The Tribune, Stephen Curran Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate US Amateur Qualifier at Cypress Ridge Golf CourseWednesday, June 14, 2006Cypress Ridge Golf Course is hosting a sectional qualifier for the 106th U.S. Amateur Championship on July 27, 2006. Entries are open to amateur golfers with an up-to-date USGA Handicap Index not exceeding 2.4 under the Men's USGA Handicap System. The U.S. Amateur Championship will be held August 21-27, 2006 at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, MN.Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Edna Valley's Ortman Family VineyardsSaturday, June 10, 2006Janis Switzer highlights the Ortman Family Vineyards in an article this week in The Tribune.Chuck Ortman's new "family" venture follows his retirement three years ago from Meridian Winery in Paso Robles where he oversaw production of nearly a million cases of wine a year. As its founder and head winemaker since its beginning in 1984, Ortman has been one of the most prominent and influential pioneers in the Paso Robles wine industry. Since 2003, the Ortmans have been purchasing fruit from about 10 established growers in the northern and southern parts of the county and producing eight different wines from five varietals at Orcutt Road Cellars. They have shared a tasting room with Saucelito Canyon on Biddle Ranch Road since April of last year and are planning their own winery and tasting room on 130 acres recently purchased on Orcutt Road. Even when the new winery is complete, the Ortmans plan to keep the size of their operation small, no more than 10,000 cases a year. Chuck and his son Matt consider the future of Edna Valley to be unlimited. Article: Wine is a family affair The Tribune, Janis Switzer Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Wine Potential Flaws in SLO Inclusionary Housing LawFriday, June 09, 2006Edward Stringham, an educator and author, will discuss how affordable housing laws negatively impact residential production and the cost of housing at the June 15 membership dinner of the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast.Stringham, a San Jose State University faculty member, will discuss a study he co-authored for the Reason Public Policy Institute. Titled 'Housing Supply and Affordability,' the study examined what happened in a housing market after local government passed inclusionary housing laws. Inclusionary housing laws, such as one San Luis Obispo County will soon consider, require builders to include a certain percentage of affordable homes in each new development. Stringham concluded that inclusionary laws created few affordable units, added $22,000 to $44,000 to the cost of each market-rate home, and lowered the number of new homes being built by an annual average of 31 percent. Stringham is also president of the Association of Private Enterprise Education, editor of the Journal of Private Enterprise, and author of 20 articles. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites, 333 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo, beginning at 5:30 p.m on June 15. Tickets cost $35 for association members and $40 for non-members before June 12 and $40 for members and $45 for non-members after June 12. To make reservations, call 546-0418 or e-mail dschacher@hbacc.org. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate Jun 13 - SLO County Men's Senior AmateurThursday, June 08, 2006The 2006 San Luis Obispo County Men's Senior Ameteur is being held Tuesday, June 13th at Dairy Creek Golf Course and Wednesday, June 14th at Chalk Mountain Golf Course.The 36-hole stroke play tournament entry free is $30 per player (does not include green fees or golf car rental). To enter or obtain additional information, contact PGA Head Professional, Kent Lauble, at Dairy Creek Golf Course - (805) 782-8070. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Jun 23 - Demo Day at Cypress Ridge Golf CourseWednesday, June 07, 2006Cypress Ridge will be hold a demo day on June 23rd at their Driving Range from 10:00am-3:00pm. This is a great chance to test out any demo club they carry. Use this demo day to try different shafts, lofts, and lies to see which club set up is a custom fit for you. There is no charge to demo any of the clubs. The following clubs brands will be available to try out: Titleist, Ping, Mizuno, Cobra, Tour Edge, and Callaway. Everyone is welcome!Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf SLO Building Permits DecreaseTuesday, June 06, 2006The number of residential building permits in the county is lagging behind last year's total, a trend that's being seen statewide, according to the Home Builders Association of the Central Coast.San Luis Obispo County and its seven cities issued 529 permits in the first third of this year, compared with 598 in the same period a year ago. That's a decrease of 11.5 percent. Two-thirds of permits issued were for homes in Paso Robles and the unincorporated county, with 100 and 254 permits, respectively. Permits for single-family and multifamily homes decreased countywide from January through April, with Paso Robles declining by 35.5 percent from a year before. The county's unincorporated area fell by 19.4 percent compared with the first four months of 2005. Residential building permit activity is down 10.5 percent statewide. For the first four months of the year, 59,950 permits were issued, compared with 66,991 by this time last year. The association said the drop can be attributed to a slowdown in the housing market. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Real Estate Jun 25 Raging Rhone Rendezvous at Edna Valley VineyardsSunday, June 04, 2006Calling all wine lovers! It's time to treat yourself to an evening of fine food and wine. Edna Valley Vineyards is hosting its Raging Rhone Rendezvous luncheon on June 25.Guests will start with a taste of every Rhone varietal that Edna Valley Vineyards creates. Chef Maegen Loring from the Park Restaurant will pair each wine with a handmade appetizer, followed by a three-course French meal with, of course, wines to match. Lunch will be served in the winery's banquet room with its panoramic views from noon to 3 p.m. at $50 per person. Edna Valley Vineyards is located at 2585 Biddle Ranch Road. Reservations are required and seating is limited. For more info call 544-5855. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Wine Central Coast is a Stretch of Heaven for Avid GolfersSaturday, June 03, 2006Elliott Stern shares an informative article - Par for the Course - on Central Coast golf courses in this week's Times Press Recorder.The Central Coast is a 50-mile stretch of heaven for avid golfers. From Avila Beach in the north to Cachuma Lake in the south, it’s a place with near perfect weather, where golfers can tee it up 364 days a year. The region boasts more than a dozen golf courses where you can test your skill while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery in California. All the local courses have some things in common. They are all open every day - except Christmas - from dawn until dusk. The first tee time is between 6:30 and 7 a.m. with play allowed until it gets dark - usually 6 p.m. in the winter stretching to around 9 p.m. in the summer. Golf carts are available everywhere for an extra fee. Reservations are recommended but not required and are taken up to seven days in advance. Mornings are the busiest times on the course so reservations are highly recommended. Twilight discounts are common. They also have fully stocked pro shops, with golf balls and other accessories, restaurants ranging from snack bars to fine dining establishments and Web sites. Read entire article for information about Monarch Dunes Golf Club, Blacklake Golf Resort, Cypress Ridge Golf Center, Avila Beach Golf Resort, Pismo State Beach Golf Course, Rancho Maria Golf Course, Sunset Ridge Golf Center, Santa Maria Country Club, Marshallia Ranch, La Purisma Golf Course, Village Country Club, Zaca Creek Golf Course, The River Course at the Alisal, Alisal Ranch, and Rancho San Marcos Golf Course. Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf The Woodlands is a Well-Planned CommunityFriday, June 02, 2006The Woodlands serves as a good example of local government and developers working together, mapping out not only what a planned community can be today but also what it will be in the future, officials claim.The approximately 1,000-acre project is being done in four phases. The first, with 446 homes as well as an 18-hole golf course designed in the tradition of St. Andrew's in Scotland, has already been completed. Two months ago, construction began on the more than 330 homes and nine-hole executive golf course that will make up Phase 1B. The final phase will be completed in about a decade, according to builders, and will include a 140,000-square-foot business park with retail shops on 19 acres. That phase will also include an undetermined number of villas, which will range in size from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet. When the massive Woodlands complex in Nipomo is complete, it will feature 1,320 homes and two and a half golf courses, as well as retail and corporate offices. But the real beauty of The Woodlands is not readily apparent to the eye, a county consultant says. It's the many hidden amenities, butterfly habitat and other ecologically friendly construction features that are the heart of the planned community. On-site chipping of cleared trees for composting and recycling. Water that is heated at the source, so when the tap is turned on, hot water is immediate, avoiding wasting water. Water and sewage treatment plants within the development. Recycled water used for golf course maintenance. A monarch butterfly habitat that must be cared for in perpetuity by the homeowners association. Specialized areas of the golf courses are designed to double as water reservoirs, so there will be no flooding. Contributions to nearby road exentions to relieve traffic in more congested areas of Nipomo. Plans for a business park and retail center to bring jobs to the local economy. Links: The Woodlands in Nipomo Article: Consultant says Woodlands is a well-planned community The Adobe Press, Chris Aguilar Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Golf Real Estate Jun 11 - Pinot & Paell Cook-Off in TempletonThursday, June 01, 200620 chefs from restaurants as far away as Los Angeles and Sacramento will join a dozen Paso Robles wineries on June 11 at the third annual Pinot and Paella Cook-Off in Templeton Community Park. The chefs will make paellas that range from the traditional to the outrageous.The event started with a simple idea. Marc Goldberg and Maggie D'Ambrosia were debating what the ultimate food pairing for pinot noir - their favorite red wine - would be. The answer? Paella, a saffron-flavored Spanish dish made with rice, vegetables, meat, chicken and seafood. "Our theory was that pinot noir is so diverse that it would go with any kind of paella, whether it’s shrimp and chicken, or snails and artichokes," D’Ambrosia said. They hosted a party on the front porch of their winery, Windward Vineyard, and invited a handful of local chefs and about 100 friends and acquaintances. The party was a hit. This year, Windward Vineyard is expecting 400 guests, 100 more than last year. The event is considered by chefs to be "one of the most fun of the year," according to Villa Creek chef Tom Fundaro, winner of last year's competition. Pinot Noir is the driving passion of Marc Goldberg and Maggie D'Ambrosia, husband-and-wife owners of Windward Vineyard in Paso Robles. Windward Vineyard exclusively produces Burgundian-style pinot noir. The couple's passion is to make the "Great American Pinot Noir," one that rivals those produced in the Burgundy region of France. Tickets are $60 each and include all food and wine. Ticket sales are limited, so advance purchase is necessary. For more information, call 238-5825. Links: www.windwardvineyard.com or www.pinotandpaella.com Tags: San Luis Obispo Central Coast Wine |
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