It was the third straight month of improvement in the pace of sales. Obviously, homebuyers are feeling a bit better about the market across the nation – the result of record low mortgage interest rates, job growth and bargain home prices.

Let’s hope this trend continues.

This gorgeous 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath loft condo has soaring windows that overlook a tranquil backyard with mature fig tree. High ceilings with large skylights provide great natural light. Stainless appliances, wood floors, and open floor plan great for entertaining.

The home has laundry, generous closet space and extra storage. Flexible floor plan allows the second bedroom (accessed via garage) to easily be used as a den or home office with separate entrance.

One car garage parking with a second outdoor guest spot.

Walking distance to Atlas Café, Flour and Water, Southern Exposure Gallery, Café Gratitude. Easy access to public transportation and freeways.

They are balancing that change with an additional grace period of 30 days before penalties would be applied.

They are also adding $12 to the registration fee. It appears that the state is trying to cut back on the costs of mailing out the notices and increasing revenue with the increased fee as well as expecting that many of us will forget to pay our registration on time, thus adding more fees through penalties.

Key here is to remind yourselves with post-it notes or iPhone alarms, so we will not pay extra for our vehicle registration.

Check the tag on your plates.  It will tell you what month you must renew.

The San Francisco Graywater Design Manual is available to be downloaded here:
http://sfwater.org/detail.cfm/MC_ID/13/MSC_ID/168/MTO_ID/758/C_ID/5421
In it are step-by-step instructions for building a laundry to landscape system and general info on other systems, irrigation with greywater, sample operation and maintenance manuals, and more! This manual is in draft form, so please read and use it and submit your comments so it
can be improved upon.

You can also apply to be part of a laundry to landscape pilot study and receive free training and parts to build your system if you live in San Francisco, see the website listed above for details.

There is also a great article and video out in Metropolis Mag by some journalism students who did a workshop with Greywater Action, read and view it here. http://www.metropolismag.com/pov/20110419/taking-action

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy to carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Water—one gallon per person, per day (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
Food—non perishable, easy to prepare items (3 day supply for evacuation, 2 week supply for home)
Flashlight
Battery powered or hand crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7 day supply) and medical items
Multi purpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:

Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
Games and activities for children
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
Two way radios
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Manual can opener
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

Whistle
N95 or surgical masks
Matches
Rain gear
Towels
Work gloves
Tools/supplies for securing your home
Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors
Household liquid bleach
Entertainment items
Blankets or sleeping bags
To see more information, the Red Cross has some very useful documents and 72 hours.org is another great place to learn more.



photos courtesy of Treehouse Workshop website



Are you or someone you know interested in ripping up sidewalks and installing gardens?

If so, you should attend one of the free upcoming Grey2Green Sidewalk Landscaping Workshops.  You’ll be guided through the steps needed to transform your sidewalk into a garden, including permitting, design and maintenance. The first workshop is Saturday, February 12, at 9 am at the County Fair Building at the SF Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park.  Please see attached brochure for the full Grey2Green Workshop schedule, additional information, and contact email and telephone numbers.

Check out my latest client appreciation program item of value to learn how to create a meaningful celebration this holiday season. Click on the link above to access the pdf file.

Happy Halloween!

• 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bath
• Open plan living/dining/kitchen perfect for entertaining
• Huge private deck
• Master suite with excellent natural light from both the East and West
• Secure deeded parking
• Extra storage

There are 30 lofts in this beautiful and well-located development designed by Gould Evans Baum Thornley Architects. Excellent SOMA location convient to public transport, commuting, city activities and nightlife! For more information and photos please visit: www.ArtistLofton10th.com