California Family Vacations
June 2, 2009 by admin
Filed under Local Attractions, News, & Events
California Family Vacations can include beach locations, mountains or deserts
California family vacations are the best opportunity for bonding, getting to know your loved ones in a relaxed atmosphere, and in some instances, a chance to work out differences that can occur. We don’t seek to idealize these types of getaways and are well aware of the conflicts that can occur as people are suddenly stuck together in hotel rooms, cars, planes, and in group consensus situations where compromises abound.
“Where are we going to eat?”, “what time will we turn out the lights for the night”, “where are we going to spend our time?” and other such practical matters can become larger as the urgency to get moving on limited amounts of time exacerbate normal conflicts. Even with the tug and pull of different interests, the resolutions become part of the journey that families remember and discuss.
By the numbers, California theme parks and beach vacations are the type of vacations in which parents are most inclined to take their children. Family vacations aren’t limited to kids vacations, however. Families can be a couple or even a wedding and reunion in which the extended family visits one locale comes together for an event.
Though California Beaches family beach vacations are quite popular, Disneyland Resort vacations still rank number one for family fun as kids desire quality time with the big duck, Donald and his friend, Mickey.
Families can choose from over a dozen theme parks for their California family vacation with Disneyland, Magic Mountain, SeaWorld, Knotts Berry Farm, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Safari West, WaterWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Marine World a few of the options.
For the educational California family vacation trip, aquariums such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific include touch pools and educational tours. Smaller aquariums, world class zoos, botanical gardens and train rides through redwood forests are but a few of the great family vacations.
California is kid-friendly with only a few vacations not recommended for youth, such as wine tasting and wine tours. There are some great food-tasting factory tours for children, however, that included Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield where kids can sample over 30 flavors of Jelly Beans. From watching the sea lions on the rocks in Sea Ranch to playing a game of miniature golf or driving a little car on a track in Fountain Valley, kids can play to their hearts’ content when you take them on California family vacations.
California Winter Vacations provide exceptional opportunities to enjoy the reduced hotel and resort rates, more availability in rooms and suites and less crowds throughout the state.
California beach vacations can consist of a single afternoon at the beach, soaking up some sunshine and breathing the fresh Pacific Ocean salt mist air. Or in places such as Yosemite National Park, a family can take a hike through the forests next to waterfalls, watching deer and bears roam freely.
FHA Says 1st Time Buyers Get Quicker Tax Credit
June 2, 2009 by admin
Filed under Local Attractions, News, & Events
FHA Says Fist Time Buyers To Have Quicker Access To Tax Credit.
With the Sacramento region’s already low-low median-home price; which is slightly more than the national figure, many people who never thought they would own a home are now in the position to buy. However, there are still many people who can afford the monthly payment but are having a challenge putting together enough cash for closing costs and down payment. In an effort to Jump-start first time home buyers, last week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development unveiled a policy change which will provide the tax credit up-front. Recently, first time buyers accounted for half of all purchases during the first quarter nationwide.
Even with the low 3.5% down payment offered by FHA added to traditional closing costs, it could easily take $12,000 to $15,000 to get into a $200,000 home. And now there will be a way for first time home buyers to come up with $8000 of that, to be used for everything but the down payment.
President Obama’s economic stimulus plan, which was introduced in February, included a tax credit to the extent of $8,000 for first-time home buyers. However, home buyers would receive the credit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Typically you get a tax credit “back” when you file your tax return. So the credit either reduces the amount of tax you owe, or if you owe no additional tax then you are sent a refund check for the amount of the credit, after you file your 2009 tax return in early 2010.
The HUD policy change will enable borrowers to receive a loan they can repay with their tax credit. The advance from the lender cannot be used for the 3.5% down payment that borrowers have to make for FHA loans. Most typical loans have $3,000 to $5,000 in closing costs, title insurance, and other fees. The advance can be used by borrowers for meeting such costs. Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com, a publisher of mortgage and consumer loan information, says the program “could just grease the wheels for a couple more people to get into FHA.”
The federal government defines anyone who hasn’t owned a principal residence for three years as a first timer.
With the Sacramento region’s already low-low median-home price; which is slightly more than the national figure, many people who never thought they would own a home are now in the position to buy. However, there are still many people who can afford the monthly payment but are having a challenge putting together enough cash for closing costs and down payment. In an effort to Jump-start first time home buyers, last week, the Department of Housing and Urban Development unveiled a policy change which will provide the tax credit up-front. Recently, first time buyers accounted for half of all purchases during the first quarter nationwide.
Even with the low 3.5% down payment offered by FHA added to traditional closing costs, it could easily take $12,000 to $15,000 to get into a $200,000 home. And now there will be a way for first time home buyers to come up with $8000 of that, to be used for everything but the down payment.
President Obama’s economic stimulus plan, which was introduced in February, included a tax credit to the extent of $8,000 for first-time home buyers. However, home buyers would receive the credit from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Typically you get a tax credit “back” when you file your tax return. So the credit either reduces the amount of tax you owe, or if you owe no additional tax then you are sent a refund check for the amount of the credit, after you file your 2009 tax return in early 2010.
The HUD policy change will enable borrowers to receive a loan they can repay with their tax credit. The advance from the lender cannot be used for the 3.5% down payment that borrowers have to make for FHA loans. Most typical loans have $3,000 to $5,000 in closing costs, title insurance, and other fees. The advance can be used by borrowers for meeting such costs. Keith Gumbinger of HSH.com, a publisher of mortgage and consumer loan information, says the program “could just grease the wheels for a couple more people to get into FHA.”
The federal government defines anyone who hasn’t owned a principal residence for three years as a first timer.
Sacramento, the Grace Foundation Needs Your Help!
March 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Local Attractions, News, & Events
The Horse Emergency Response Operation (HERO) project offers an innovative approach to dealing with the spike in cases of horse neglect brought on by the convergence of job losses, foreclosures, and dramatic increases in the cost of feed, hay, and veterinary services.Confronted with this unfortunate reality, The HERO Project takes an “all hands on” approach to the problem. Facilitating the partnership of public and private groups will make efficient and responsible use of available resources in order to create viable alternatives for owners who no longer have the means to care for their horses. In addition to animals caught in the economic downturn, there have been several natural disasters in recent history which have exposed the need to provide disaster rescue information to local animal control agencies and owners who might be lacking specific knowledge of animal populations in their areas of responsibility. The Grace Foundation is in the unique position of being able to include an Out-Reach program which addresses problems including micro-chipping, capturing animal information, and available transportation.
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Shelter, medical assessment, and sanctuary at The Grace Foundation
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Relief and assistance in order to prevent cases of impending neglect
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Food vouchers and veterinary services to help qualified owners
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Owner Out-Reach
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Education
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On-site medical treatment
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Placement and adoption of horses to qualified adopters
What Kind of an Impact Will My Contribution Have?
Between anticipatory outreach, education, and the use of The Grace Foundation facilities, The HERO Project has the potential to save literally thousands of horses, not to mention the human lives that will be enriched and heartaches avoided as a result of your partnership in this endeavor. As a member of The HERO Project, you will be kept up to date on the progress made and the lives you’ve touched. Though no single program can put an end to the problem of horse abuse and neglect, you have the power to make a difference, and any contribution you can afford to make in support of this cause will have a significant impact.
As the story goes, there was a wise man who, at one time, went to the ocean to do his writing. One day he was walking along the shore; as he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. As he got closer, he saw that it was a girl, and she wasn’t dancing, instead was reaching down to the shore picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As the man got closer he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The girl paused, looked up and replied, “Throwing Starfish into the ocean.” “I guess I should have asked; why are you throwing Starfish into the ocean?” asked the man. “The sun is up and the tide is going out and if I don’t throw them in, they’ll die,” she answered. “But don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and Starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The girl listened politely, then bent down, picked up another Starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said to the man, “It made a difference for that one.”
Like the girl in the story, we must all find our Starfish and do our small part to make a difference in the world.
To make a donation to the HERO project
please visit:
http://www.thegracefoundationofnorcal.org/donate.html
Sacramento Easter Egg Hunts
March 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Local Attractions, News, & Events
Local Easter Egg Hunts!
Cameron Park
April 11th 10:00am
Location: Rassmussen Park
Cost: Free
Annual Easter Egg Hunt includes face painting, bounce house, pictures with the Easter Bunny and age divisions (age 0 through 10) for egg hunt with a special Golden Egg.
Folsom
El Dorado Hills
Spring Egg Hunt-Saturday April 11th 8-11am
Location: El Dorado Hills Community Park
Hop on Down to the CSD’s Annual Egg Hunt and pancake breakfast. Decorating contest entries are due by 9:30am, Egg Hunt begins at 10:30am
Egg Hunt at Promontory Community Park
Saturday April 11th
11-11:30am
Location: Promontory Community Park
This hunt is strictly eggs and candy (no contest, breakfast, or entertainment)
Easter Carnival
Saturday April 4th 12:00-2:00pm
Location: Greenhaven Luthern Church
Easter Carnival with games, crafts, snacks, bounce house, and an Easter egg hunt. Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!
Easter Carnival with games, crafts, snacks, bounce house, and an Easter egg hunt. Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!
Price: Free
Phone: (916) 428-8449
Age Suitability: All Ages
