Winter Scenes from Hwy 46 West

A rare Winter snow blankets Spring blooms. Views looking down on the 46 where the low fog hovers while hilltops are clear and chilly…….all of this in one day!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
still need one more stocking stuffer?
How about a CO2 Detector? What better way to show you care!
The Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 goes into effect July 1st, 2011. This act requires a carbon monoxide detector to be in every single-family home at time of sale, similar to the way smoke detectors are currently required.
For multi-family properties, the compliance date is Jan 1, 2013.
Since the gas is odorless, tasteless and virtually undetectable with our senses- these little gadgets have saved many lives.
Happy Holidays!
LYNN BATES, Keith Byrd Team, North Coast Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria and Los Osos. 805 458-4409. Lynn@LynnBates.Com
Changes taking shape in Atascadero
The City of Atascadero has been working long and hard to freshen the look of the downtown area for the past couple of years. The vision is starting to take shape! The classy overpass at Hwy 101 and Hwy 41 is finished and fully operational. Existing buildings are getting a face lift. The future theatre and city center is changing from concept to reality. And the look is a good one that honors the history of the town. Residents are getting a sense of what the new and improved look of El Camino will be. The local buzz is positive and while it hasn’t been easy, kudos go to the City Council!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
A Home for the Holidays?
Shopping for a home during the holidays can be a good strategy. The pool of potential buyers normally shrinks during this time of year as folks become busy with holiday activities. This can potentially open a few doors for those who can fit a home search into their busy schedules. With the interest rates holding nicely low, I encourage my buyers to continue their search and keep focused on finding that perfect home. No sure way to tell what this year will bring but what better present to give yourself than a new home to put under the holiday tree!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
Atascadero High and Paso High Boosters throw Big Bash!
This Saturday, November 6th, the Paso Robles and Atascadero Boosters hold their annual Boosters BBQ and Pep Rally at high noon at Paso Robles the Food For Less. Once a year these groups join forces to benefit the athletic programs at both schools. They expect to serve over 3000 meals this year and all the food is generously donated by Food For Less. Parents and students do all of the work, marching bands and cheerleaders provide entertainment and atmosphere! It is also a chance to meet the mayors of both Paso and Atascadero, County Supervisors, coaches and………….most importantly…….the worth high school sports teams that are enhanced by the event. So come on out and get a great lunch, see some of the excitement and know that you are doing a little bit more for kids in your community!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
Open Studios Encore Weekend
San Luis County is known for it’s beauty and certainly the wine. But music and art are produced in abundance here, making this a truly special place to live and visit. Every year local artists combine resources and hold an open house weekend. This event is so popular that this year they are holding an Encore Weekend of this event. SLO Arts Council now makes the gorgeous brochure more available (free) throughout the county and online as well. But if you are out enjoying the scenery, don’t hesitate to stop at any one of the artists residences that open their doors to visitors. I love to search out my favorite artforms from the brochure but I have had some wonderful surprises at these spur-of-the-moment stops. For more information go to http://www.sloartscouncil.org/open_stu.html. A very special experience!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
Celebrate History – Colony Days in Atascadero
Atascadero celebrates its colorful and rich history as the first planned community in the West at the Colony Days celebration this coming weekend. ‘Tent City’ from which Atascadero sprung is erected with an ice cream parlor, barber shop, land office and residents really get the feeling of bygone times by dressing in period costume and cruising the authentic old town. The Historical Society Museum has tours and displays plus the extensive photographic collection showing early Atascadero and landmarks still here today. Festivities include the hometown parade, complete with kids on bikes and family pets……..a true slice of small town Americana! Then there is the Battle of Marching Bands at the High School and if you have never seen something like this, it really is a fun event. Come to hear long time residents reminisce, view history or to imagine yourself as a pioneer…..this is one special event!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
LOS OSOS SEWER PROJECT UPDATE
Under the Federal stimulus package, Los Osos was awarded funding of $ 87 Million from the US Dept of Agriculture; $83 Million is in the form of low interest loans- 3.25% for 40 years and $4 Million in Grants. The financing of the balance of the $165 Million project is now in process for low interest State Revolving Loans.
In order to move forward with the funding, the County was required to set the monthly rates/charges of the project. The monthly fee is now set at a high of $194/month. Because the decisions regarding how water usage will be charged are still in process, individual bills may actually be lower. Additionally, if the County is able to satisfy the requirements that will allow for future building on the vacant lots, the vacant land owners will share in the cost of the project, bringing the rate down to a high of $163/month.
This monthly fee is the total; it includes the payment for the lien on the property, ~$25,000, as well as the monthly operating & maintenance costs.
As things now stand, Construction is to begin in ~October of 2011 and the project is to be completed by late 2014. Monthly charges will not begin under the sewer is operational.
LYNN BATES, Keith Byrd Team, North Coast Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria and Los Osos. 805 458-4409. Lynn@LynnBates.Com
North County Garden Tour Showcases Great Landscapes/Gardens that Use Less Water
The Annual North County Garden Tour takes place this Saturday, October 9th from 9 to 3. This year the sponsors have wisely chosen to highlight gardens of various sizes that are designed to conserve resources as well as serve function and beauty. Sustainable design principles are fascinating to see in practice and obviously it is the way all California gardens will likely head in future years. I am always impressed with the creativity that is on display in these gardens and this years theme simply makes sense. The tour also has music, art and locally produce food samplings………all of the things that we do so well here in San Luis County! Tickets are $10 ahead at Laurel Nursery and $15, the day of at the Colony House in Atascadero. For more information, visit www.amwc.us or call 461-7217 ext. 17.
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583
Enjoying North SLO County to the Fullest!
Clients and friends come to town and I always try to think of way to best appreciate the beauty and flavor of this area. Over time I have decided that this is best experienced by sampling as many of our wonderful Bed and Breakfast as possible. Charming, relaxing…….always intent on the pampering of their guests, these charming little inns are all so special and unique. Each proprietor selects their favorite food and wine and go all out to make the settings, bedding and decor so inviting that you could really make this a habit!
One of my current favorites is the Santa Rita Inn in Templeton. Central to darned near everything in North County, this old farmhouse has been so tastefully enhanced that you may never want to leave the cozy great room or the shade of the front porch. There are a couple of stand alone cottages, one with a tiny but complete cooking area and sitting room plus fenced yard with firepit. Charlotte is a warm and welcoming gal who effortlessly makes sure that guests feel at home. And boy, does she know how to spoil you with yummy food and drink. www.santaritainn.com
But I warn you………this could become a habit!
Nancy Heins, Keith Byrd Team, North County Realtor of San Luis Obispo County including Paso Robles, Atascadero, Templeton and Santa Margarita. 805 458-3583

