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Perhaps the most celebrated Christmas tree lighting in San Diego happens next Friday, during December Nights. But there are plenty of community celebrations happening around town. Here are some of the major neighborhood events, which are free unless otherwise noted:
SOUTH BAY
Chula Vista: The city’s centennial celebration continues at the Starlight celebration, which begins with the Mayor’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3 in Memorial Park, 373 Park Way. The parade follows at 6 p.m. along Third Avenue between E and H streets. (619) 422-1982 or thirdavenuevillage.com.
National City: A food drive and musical performances will be part of this tree lighting ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 at historic Brick Row, on A Avenue and 9th Street. (619) 477-9339.
Coronado: A day of adventure awaits in Coronado, beginning with a visit to “Snow Mountain,” open from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2. The popular parade down Orange Avenue begins at 6 p.m. and the evening closes at 7 p.m. with a tree lighting and concert at Rotary Park. coronadochamber.com.
CENTRAL SAN DIEGO
December Nights: The tree at the Organ Pavilion will be lit at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 2 during the event’s opening ceremony. (619) 239-0512 or balboapark.org/decembernights.
Ocean Beach: The 31st Annual Ocean Beach Holiday Parade begins at 5:05 p.m. Dec. 3 and lights its tree on Newport Avenue. obtowncouncil.org.
Little Italy: The Little Italy Tree Lighting and Christmas Village is from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Piazza Natale on the corner of Date and India streets. (619) 233-3898 or littleitalysd.com.
La Jolla: The La Jolla Christmas Parade begins at 2 p.m. Dec. 4 at Girard Avenue and Kline Street, followed at 3:30 p.m. by a holiday festival and tree lighting at the La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St. (858) 922-4046 or ljparade.com.
Naval Base San Diego: The general public is invited to the first-ever Surface Navy Holiday Lights event from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 where you can drive on base and see the lit-up ships along the waterfront. Some ships will be open for tours. There will also be music by the Navy Band Southwest, cocoa and cookies. navyregionsouthwest.com.
Seaport Village: Who needs a tree lighting when Surfin’ Santa returns to town in board shorts and flip-flops at 1 p.m. Saturday. There will be photos with Santa on his giant surfboard and six-foot wave, festive holiday music, live sidewalk entertainment throughout the day. seaportvillage.com.
EAST
Alpine: The Alpine Village Christmas Parade of Lights and Snow Festival begins at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9 along Alpine Boulevard and ends with Santa lighting the tree at Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Road. (619) 445-2722 or alpinechamber.com.
La Mesa: Christmas in the Village, which transforms downtown La Mesa into a Victorian village, will be celebrated from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. (619) 462-3000 or lmvma.com.
Julian: The mountain town lights its community tree on Saturday, and festivities include Christmas carols sung by local vocalists starting at 4 p.m. and the arrival of Santa aboard a fire engine just before 6 p.m. to light the tree.
Lakeside: The Spirit of Christmas celebration brings area school performances, Santa Claus, food and drink and concludes with a tree lighting ceremony. It happens from 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3 at 9924 Maine Ave. lakesideca.info.
NORTH INLAND
Escondido: The annual Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Free festivities include Santa, carolers, children’s crafts and snow. artcenter.org.
Vista: A tree lighting ceremony at Vista’s Main Street Gazebo happens from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2, with a community parade at 1 p.m. Dec. 3. vistachamber.org.
San Marcos: The City of San Marcos hosts Santa’s Magical Village and Tree Lighting with a gourmet food truck, holiday boutique and ornament making 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 at the San Marcos Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Drive. Lighting of the San Marcos holiday tree with Santa is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3. (760) 744-9000.
NORTH COAST
Encinitas: Santa will light the Encinitas Christmas tree at 5 p.m. Dec. 3 in the Lumberyard courtyard, 937 S. Highway 101. A holiday parade down South Coast Highway 101 follows. (760) 633-2740.
Carlsbad: Legoland California Resort lights its 30-foot Christmas tree made from Lego bricks at 5:30 p.m. Monday and continues at 5 p.m. nightly through Dec. 24. This event is included in admission price. See legoland.com for details.
Carlsbad: The Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying LC Lane, has a tree lighting and family festival from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3. Tickets: $8 at the door, free for ages 3 and under. (760) 434-2843.
Oceanside: The city will hold a tree lighting and holiday festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Regal Cinema Plaza, 401 Mission Ave. (760) 435-5550.
Del Mar: Celebrate A Holiday Winterland in downtown Del Mar with crafts, horse and carriage rides, treats and more from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 4, which will be followed by a 5 p.m. tree lighting. delmarmainstreet.com.
courtesy of: Nina Garin at http://www.signonsandiego.com
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According to mortgage giant Freddie Mac, more than 95 percent of homeowners who chose to refinance in the third quarter (Q3) of 2011 opted for fixed-rate mortgages.
Freddie Mac’s Quarterly Product Transition Report released today showed that those refinancing mortgages had a clear bias for fixed-rate mortgages, regardless of whether the original mortgage loan was a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM).
“Fixed mortgage rates averaged 4.29 percent for 30-year loans and 3.47 percent for 15-year product during the third quarter in Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, well below long-term averages,” Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, said in a statement. “The Bureau of Economic Analysis has estimated the average coupon on single-family loans was about 5.3 percent during the third quarter of 2011. It’s no wonder we continue to see strong refinance activity into fixed-rate loans.”
According to Freddie Mac’s data, more refinancers opted for a shorter-term loan during the second quarter (Q2) of 2011 than in any quarter since the second quarter (Q2) of 2003. Of refinancing homeowners who restructured a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, 40 percent chose either a 15-year or 20-year mortgage.
Separate data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) found that more than half (50.6 percent) of refinance borrowers in October 2011 chose 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages accounted for 28.8 percent of refinance activity in October 2011, the MBA said, which is the second highest level since January 2011.
“Compared to a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate on 15-year fixed was about 0.8 percentage points lower during the third quarter,” Nothaft said. “For borrowers motivated to refinance by low fixed-rates, they could obtain even lower rates by shortening their term.”
courtesy of: Max Thompson at http://www.e-wisdom.com
Mortgage rates today are mixed, no big swings in average mortgage rates over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Mortgage rates today 30 year mortgage loans are averaging 4.07%, a decline from yesterday’s average 30 year mortgage rate of 4.10%. Today’s Mortgage rates on 15 year home mortgage loans are averaging 3.35%, unchanged from yesterday’s average 15 year mortgage rate.
Current mortgage rates on 30 year jumbo home mortgage loans are averaging 4.53%, an increase from yesterday’s average 30 year jumbo mortgage rate of 4.50%. 15 year jumbo mortgage rates are averaging 3.77%, an increase from yesterday’s average 15 year jumbo mortgage rate of 3.73%.
Current mortgage rates on 1 year adjustable home loans are averaging 3.79%, an increase from last week’s average 1 year adjustable mortgage rate of 3.76%.
3 year adjustable mortgage rates today are averaging 2.76%, an increase from last week’s average 3 year adjustable mortgage rate of 2.74%.
5 year adjustable mortgage rates are averaging 2.76%, a decrease from the prior week’s average 5 year adjustable rate of 2.77%.
Current 7 year adjustable mortgage rates are averaging 3.04%, a decrease from the previous week’s average 7 year adjustable mortgage rate of 3.06%.
10 year adjustable mortgage rates currently are averaging 3.58%, up from last week’s average 10 year adjustable rate of 3.57%.
Current 1 year jumbo adjustable mortgage rates are averaging 4.50%, unchanged from last week’s average adjustable jumbo mortgage rate.
3 year adjustable jumbo rates today are averaging lower at 3.42%, up from last week’s average 3 year jumbo adjustable rate of 3.39%.
5 year adjustable jumbo mortgage rates and refinance rates currently are averaging 3.17%, up from last week’s average jumbo adjustable rate of 3.01%.
7 year jumbo adjustable mortgage rates and refinance rates today are averaging 3.50%, up from last week’s average 7 year adjustable home loan rate of 3.47%.
10 year jumbo loan rates and refi rates are averaging 4.04%, down from the prior week’s average 10 year jumbo home mortgage loan rate of 3.89%.
3 year interest only adjustable mortgage rates and refinancing rates are averaging 2.96%, up from last week’s average interest only mortgage loan rate of 2.93%.
5 year IO adjustable loan mortgage rates and mortgage refinance rates are averaging 2.85%, down from last week’s average five year interest only mortgage rate of 2.86%.
7 year interest only adjustable mortgage rates and refinance rates are averaging 3.14%, up from last week’s average 7 year interest-only mortgage interest rate of 3.07%.
Today’s 3 year jumbo interest only adjustable loan rates are averaging 3.59%, up from last week’s average jumbo adjustable interest only rate of 3.56%
Current 5 year adjustable jumbo interest only rates are averaging 3.42%, an increase from last week’s average IO home mortgage interest rate of 3.34%.
Today’s 7 year jumbo interest only adjustable rates are averaging 3.71%, up from last week’s average jumbo 7 year home mortgage loan rate 3.70%.
10 year home equity loan rates are averaging 6.23%, down from last week’s average home equity loan rate of 6.43%.
15 year home equity rates are averaging 6.39%, unchanged from last week’s average home equity loan rate.
Home equity line of credit rates currently are averaging 4.81%, unchanged last week’s average rate HELOC rate.
courtesy of: Brian McKay at http://www.monitorbankrates.com
There's more to do in San Diego than hunt for bargains, here are the top five things going on this holiday weekend:
Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds: The 17th annual light spectacular features hundreds of animated holiday scenes along a 1.5-mile route. The 15- to 20-minute drive takes you on a whimsical holiday journey, complete with music. For a more old-fashioned feeling, hop aboard the Holiday Hayride, a trek that includes music, carolers and marshmallow roasting, free hot chocolate or cider and a holiday cookie. This happens every Friday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person (ages 3 and younger ride free) and reservations are recommended at (858) 792-4252. Details: 5:30 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 1. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2200 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $14 to $19; $49 per bus. (858) 793-5555 or holidayoflights.com
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The beloved story by La Jolla’s own Dr. Seuss (aka the late Theodor Geisel) about a prickly, Christmas-hating malcontent, returns for its 14th year at The Old Globe this weekend. This year welcomes a new Grinch, played by Steve Blanchard, but will still feature favorite songs like “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze.” Details: 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $24 to $57. Continues through Dec. 31, call (619) 234-5623 or see theoldglobe.org for show times and details.
The Goodguys Fall Del Mar Nationals: This is like going to the San Diego County Fair, only instead of pig races and Jacuzzi salesmen, you have cars, cars and more cars. Expect more than 1,500 hot rods and customs at this popular national tour, as well as an automotive swap meet, vendor exhibits, Goodguys AutoCross, a special Surf Woodie exhibit presented by the San Diego Woodies, Nitro Thunderfest and plenty more auto-themed activities. And anyone who brings a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots will get a coupon for $3 off admission. Details: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2200 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $18 general admission; $6 for kids ages 7 to 12; free for kids age 6 and under; $9 parking fee. good-guys.com or delmarnats.com
Surfin' Santa: Celebrate a SoCal-style holiday season with the arrival of Surfin' Santa. He'll be sailing into Seaport Village on watercraft, wearing a board shorts and flip-flops and will pose for photos with his giant surfboard and six-foot wave. There will also be holiday music, sidewalk entertainment and shopping specials. Details: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Seaport Village, Embarcadero. Free; (619) 235-4014 or seaportvillage.com
Sockers versus Revolución! San Diegans aren't feeling so hot about football these days. So why not check out the other football when the San Diego Sockers battles its rivals from Tijuana, the Revolución. The game marks the first time midfielder, Eduardo Velez, battles his former team. Bring that stored-up pep and get ready to yell "gooooooaaal!" Details: 7:05 p.m. Saturday. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2200 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. $10.50 to $17.50 plus fees; (800) 743-3000 or ticketmaster.com.
courtesy of: Nina Garin at http://www.signonsandiego.com
(HealthNewsDiges.com) - SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a realistic low-cost at-home food plan is about $110 per week for a family of two, and $187 per week for a family of four who have kids over six years old. Even with their low-cost figures, some families may wonder in this economy how to make that work, while still striving to eat healthy meals. The good news is that there are many things that families can do to help keep costs down, yet eat healthy at the same time.“Many people make the assumption that it costs more to eat healthy,” explains Jolly Backer, the chief executive officer of Fresh Healthy Vending (www.freshvending.com). “That is not necessarily true, especially for those families that really make an effort to focus on healthy eating within their budget.”Here are some tips for eating healthy on a budget:Join a co-op or community-supported agriculture program. These options help people obtain fresh produce at more affordable prices.
Opt for drinking filtered tap water over other options. It is cheaper than buying juices and sugary beverages, and it is also the healthiest option.
Always write up a list before going grocery shopping, in order to avoid impulse buys. Know ahead of time what meals will be made and what ingredients are needed to make them.
Buy products in bulk, which will save money. Frozen vegetables offer a low-cost nutritious option, as well.
Cut back on the meat. Opting for some plant protein is cheaper and often healthier, since it leaves out the saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose low-cost, highly nutritious items like lentils, beans and tofu.
Focus on eating seasonally. While the stores may typically offer out-of-season produce, it will cost more than if it were in season, because it has been flown in from far-off locales.
Limit dining out, because eating at home meals is not only cheaper, but usually healthier. If a family wants to dine out occasionally, opt for places that offer ‘kids eat free’ day, and read the menu online ahead of time to find healthier options.
Clip coupons for those items that the family would normally purchase anyway. This doesn’t encourage additional spending that wasn’t planned and will help save money at the store.
“Whether eating at home or grabbing a snack on the run, there are lower cost, yet healthier options available,” adds Backer. “It is just really a matter of paying attention and seeking out those healthier options. They are there, for those who want to take advantage of them.”
courtesy of: Staff Editor at http://www.healthnewsdigest.com
| % OF MY ZIPS THAT INCREASED OR HELD STEADY IN HOME VALUES | ||
| JULY 2011 | CONDOS | HOUSES |
| 1 MO AGO | 62% | 56% |
| 2 MO AGO | 54% | 50% |
| 1 YR AGO | 69% | 44% |
| % OF MY ZIPS THAT INCREASED OR HELD STEADY IN HOME VALUES | ||
| JULY 2011 | CONDOS | HOUSES |
| 1 MO AGO | 62% | 56% |
| 2 MO AGO | 54% | 50% |
| 1 YR AGO | 69% | 44% |
| % OF MY ZIPS THAT INCREASED OR HELD STEADY IN HOME VALUES | ||
| JULY 2011 | CONDOS | HOUSES |
| 1 MO AGO | 62% | 56% |
| 2 MO AGO | 54% | 50% |
| 1 YR AGO | 69% | 44% |
