BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE 5/31/12

Minors

BR Yankees at SF Athletics

The Minors game of the week went the way of the Bear River Yankees who travel to Applegate Ball Fields on Thursday for a 5:30 game against the Sierra Foothill Athletics. Both team sit a top their respective division rankings. The Yankees took and early 4-0 lead and held on for a 7-1 win on the road.

Brekyn Vasquez started on the mount for the Yankees and struck out the first three batters he faced. But was relieved by Justin Powell in the second who took over with the bases loaded but pitched his team out of the jam giving up no runs and tallied four strike outs. Both pitcher threw 35 pitches and they were replaced.

Colton Jenkins started the scoring with a three RBI inside the park home run in the first as well as later in the game delivered a two RBI double and scored after being hit by a pitch. Powell hit a double while Vasquez also hit safely in the win.

Jenkins closed out the games final 1 2/3 innings with four strike outs while giving up one run on two hits.

"The Yankees played very well," a Yankees coach said. "The A's were pretty much shut down by our defense."

BR Cardinals at BR Tigers

The Cardinals dropped the Tigers by a score of 8-3 on Wednesday. Cole Winters started on the hill for the Cards manager Ralph Hurst and delivered one inning of shutout ball. Adam Malik relieved Winters striking out three while giving up a run. Caleb Hurst was called to relieve Malik with runners on first and second when Mason Harrison of the Tigers hit the first pitch which resulted in a two RBI triple.

The game was called in the fourth with bases loaded and two out as the Tigers were mounting a possible come back.

In the bottom of the first Zachary Hurst led off with a walk and Brennan Schad delivered an inside the park home run for the Cards. Caleb Hurst went two for two at the plate and Julian Edminister hit safley in the win.

TRUCKEE AND YUBA RIVER FISHING GEAR LIST

I have fished the North Yuba river many times as well as many of the Truckee river's water sheds and recently I failed to take all the necessary equipment. Now I have a list, so I will not forget something, again. When you make a two hour drive to a trail head followed by a 4 mile hike to the river as I did, you don't want to forget something that could blow the entire day. As I have.

Here is my list and I now check things off as I load the gear into the car.

Fishing License and regulations
Rod and Reel
Fly box with the special flies
Back up line
Sunglasses
GPS unit
Weight/split shot
Fly fishing vest
Hemostat
Tippet
Floatant
Strike indicator
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Hat
Food
Water
Pliers
Back up reel with line
Jacket
Cellular phone
Fire

If you feel I missed something please let me know as I don't want to find out when I'm at the river's edge.

SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS BASEBALL CAMP

Baseball Camps

Join the Sacramento River Cats for the 2012 Summer Baseball Instructional Camps! The camps are an invaluable opportunity to obtain hands-on instruction from future MLB stars!
Open to ages 7-12 with two sessions in 2012! Camp 1: June 28-29 Camp 2: August 2-3 Time: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: Single Camp $109; both camps $169 Instruction from River Cats players and coaches Refreshments All campers will receive a free ticket to the River Cats game on June 29th or August 3rd!

Click here for sign up form.

NEVADA COUNTY SHORT SALE AND REO INVENTORY

In Nevada County there were 595 REO and short sales sold from 5/31/2011 to 5/31/2012 out of 1,267 total transactions. That equates to 47 percent of all sales in Nevada County in the past year have involved a bank transaction where as 26 percent of all homes sold in the U.S. in the first quarter of the year were bank-owned homes and those in some stage of the foreclosure process. Nevada County is currently running at almost twice the national average.


Nevada County REO and short sales median price over the same time period was $175,000. Where the equity sales median was $244,000 or 30 percent more than the bank's liquidation price.


As of May 31, 2012 there are 115 short sales and REOs on the market out of the 502 listed in all of Nevada County.


Nationwide, when compared to non-foreclosure homes, the average price of a foreclosure sale was 27 percent below the average sales price of homes not in foreclosure or bank-owned during the quarter. Nevada County's 30 percent price discount is in line with the national average.


In the first quarter, U.S. short sales grew 25 percent from a year earlier, hitting a three-year high. In contrast, bank-owned properties declined 15 percent versus the first three months of last year, the firm said.
The trend indicates a greater likelihood that home prices will continue to soften, as foreclosures and short sales typically sell at sharp discounts to other homes.


It also suggests a shift in the way lenders handle mortgages that have gone unpaid. Lenders may be favoring short sales versus waiting for troubled loans to go through the foreclosure process to take back the homes securing the loan, said Daren Blomquist, a vice president at RealtyTrac.


"A short sale is a safer alternative to avoid any potential problems that they (lenders) face because of the way they're processing foreclosures," Blomquist said.


As of end of April, there were 637,668 bank-owned homes in the U.S. yet to be sold, representing a 17-month supply, Blomquist said. Another 722,467 were in some stage of the foreclosure process.


Sales of all previously occupied homes jumped in January to the highest pace in nearly two years, but declined slightly the next two months. Sales rose 3.4 percent in April from March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million, according to the National Association of Realtors. That nearly matched January's pace of 4.63 million, but was below the nearly 6 million that most economists equate with healthy markets.

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530.477.2277

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE 5/30/12

Majors

BR Angels at PV Padres

 The Bear River Angels hit the road to Western Gateway park in Penn Valley on Wednesday after being idol for 10 days. The rust came off early as they jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the first and held on for a 14-5 final while taking on the Penn Valley Padres.


Pitching for BR manager Sean Solomon was David Fenton who went three innings for the win. Also being called for pitching duty were Scotty Sandstadt and Dean Hopper.


 RBI leaders  for the Angels were Sandstadt with five, Ryan Solomon with two and  Jake Leonard, Owen Dalbon and Porter Elliott each delivered one in the win.


Solomon scored the games first run on an RBI single by Sandstadt. The Angels scored five more runs in the third on singles by Porter Elliott, Jordan Elliott, Leonard walked to load to bases and Solomon, Hopper and Mason Giordano all singled.

Bear River scored five additional in the top of the fourth with singles by Dylan Sinclair, Porter Elliott, a double by Jordan Elliott and another double by Leonard, Solomon drew a walk followed by a single by Sandstadt and a double by Fenton.

In the top of the sixth Leonard hit a single and scored on wild pitch for a 13-5 lead and the final run came on a bases loaded walk to Hopper for the 14-5 final.

Hopper struck out three of the remaining four batters to close the game.

BR Giants at SF Giants

The BR Giants fell 4-3 to the Sierra Foothill Giants on Wednesday. SF scored first in the bottom of the second inning on a triple and a single off Bear River's starting pitcher Justin Kilgore, but the visiting team answered back with three of their own to take the lead in the top of the third. Bear River scored on a triple by Logan Jenkins. The BR Giants relief pitcher Clay Corippo gave up three runs in the bottom of third which came by way of a two run home run as well as a double in the loss.

Next up for the Bear River Giants is the Grass Valley Giants on Saturday at 1 at BR.

PV Giants at BR Athletics

The 10 day layoff was evident as the hosting A's fell to the Penn Valley Giants by a score of 10-7 on Wednesday.

Trevor Hennig started for the Athletics who went 2 1/3, Caleb Edwards followed going 1 2/3, Nathan Van Patten 1/3 and David Aldrich closed the final 2/3 in the loss.

The A's had lots of runners who made it on base by way of errors and/or walks but they had a hard time getting them home as they stranded nine runners in the loss.

Minors

BR Cardinals at BR Tigers

The Cardinals dropped the Tigers by a score of 8-3 on Wednesday.

Games of the week

The Minors game of the week should be the Bear River Yankees who travel to Applegate Ball Fields on Thursday for a 5:30 game against the Sierra Foothill Athletics. Both team sit a top their respective division rankings.

In Majors action this week it look as if the BR Dodgers will go toe to toe with the Grass Valley Giants at Bear River on Friday night at 7 p.m. Both team are currently in second place within the respective leagues. 

ALTA SIERRA YARD WASTE DAY AND PICNIC 2012

Yard Waste

It's that time of a year again. The annual ASPOA yard waste collection weekend is scheduled for June 2 and 3rd from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The best approach to the event is to pre-load your truck on Friday. Prior to loading lay a tarp in the bottom of the bed and place yard clippings, wood, leaves, etc. on top of the tarp. So when at the collection site, the off load team will pull the tarp out of the bed bring the debris with it, this will make for a speedy off load and will allow you the opportunity to make more runs from your yard.

If you have yard waste in plastic bags, you will be required to take them home with you. This not only costs you time unloading but everyone else who is in line as well.

The early runs to the site will be congested, but as the heat of the day wears on the lines do subside. Saturday is a very busy day so if you can get it all done in one day then Sunday would be best.

You will need your ASPOA membership card and a lot of patience. I have hear of people getting in line at 6:50 and remember the gates do not open until 8 a.m.

Picnic

ASPOA has announced it will hold it's annual picnic on June 24 from 1 to 4 p.m at the Alta Sierra County Club. The fee is $5 for members per person or $10 per household family. For non-members it is $7 per person or $15 for the family. This year there will be hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings as well as music, door prizes and activities for the kids.

Reservations are required 530-575-7984

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530.477.2277

BEAR RIVER NIELSEN TO JUMP AT STATE

BEAR RIVER AT STATE!!!!!!  Congrats to Kendal Nielsen who qualified for the State Meet this Friday and Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Clovis.  Good luck to Kendal as she competes in the Triple Jump and Long Jump.  Congrats to the girls 4x400m relay which finished up their season at the Master's Final Meet.  Kendal Nielsen, Breanna Gatto, Erica Higley, and Malone Pearson displayed true Bruin Pride with a 5th place finish.  Go Bruins.  (Vasquez)

TIME OF CHANGE IN NEVADA COUNTY

Graduation is said to be a time of closure, but we all know, when one door closes, another opens.

Many parents will feel excited as well as saddened this June as they watch their child walk across a stage, where they will be presented with their traveling papers (diploma). This emotional moment is a time to recognize your graduate's achievements and dedication to their future, as well as recognizing your own achievements.

Regardless if your child is leaving Nevada County to go off to a college located in an exciting far away land, attending Nevada Union, Bear River High School or one of the many county middle schools, there is an open door awaiting each of us.

Each door in life presents an emotional challenge that comes with change, due to the unknown. The door that closed, can not be re-opened, but it can be remembered fondly. How each parent and graduate handles the changes and challenges that have been presented can only be determined by ones-self, over time.

Embrace the experience, as the only constant in life is change.

PVL FOOTBALL - PLACER

I was reading about the 2012 Hillman football team in the Auburn Journal, when I got to thinking how big their front line will be when they take to the field this fall. Which was not the topic covered in the local paper.

The Front line

Eddie Vanderdoes - 6'4" 295lbs who power cleaned 335 pounds
James Hubbard - Is listed as an OL and DE on the maxpreps website, lifted 315lbs
Nate Duvall - Was listed at 6'4" 245 as a junior while playing for Golden Sierra, lifted 300 lbs    
Isaiah Pinero-  Plays WR and DB is listed at 6'4" 190lbs. He also averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds for the Hillman as a junior on their basketball team. He is an athletic wide-out who should see his fair share of balls thrown his way.

QB

The Hillman do return their starting QB, Peter Denham. The right handed senior worked out with Boise State's quarterback coach, Coach Pease over the break and many believe he is a prospect. In 2011 while playing as a junior he led Placer High to a 9-3 season, he averaged 90 yards through the air per game with five touchdowns on the season. Denham is 6' tall 190lbs and runs a 4.75 forty.

Back Field

While the Hillmen did graduate their top rushers, they do have a reload in Michael Robinson who scored 84 points while playing fullback as a junior. He is a ground and pound type back and looking at the size of the boys who will be opening the running lanes there might be a lot of pounding.

Linebacker

Also returning for Placer head coach Joey Montoya is inside linebacker Tony Suverkropp (5'11" and 195lbs) who averaged 10 tackles a game and tallied 113 for the season.

TOP U.S. SPOTS TO BUY FORECLOSURES

As statistics show more banks are moving their foreclosed property at a significant price reduction and Nevada County is no different. The top ten places in America to buy foreclosed property according to RealtyTrac are....

In the top spot is Kansas City, Missouri, where the average foreclosure sales price is $73,257 compared to $101,710 a year ago.

Boston earned the number two spot with an average foreclosure sales price of $195,672 compared to $203,606.

Pittsburgh came in at number three. The average foreclosure sales price is $73,142; last year, it was $82,928.

At fourth place, Tulsa has an average foreclosure sales price of $86,725 compared to $113,969 last year.

San Francisco earned the number five spot. A pricey city to own a home, San Francisco foreclosures averaged $307,803, down from last year’s average of $317,409.

Cape Coral-Fort Meyers, Florida is sixth best place to buy a foreclosure, and averaged at $102,022, with last year’s sales prices at $93,976.

Charlotte ranked number seven and averaged $118,808 for foreclosed homes. Last year, the average was $144,614, also with a 38 percent discount.

Tucson, Arizona was number eight at $112,660 compared to $129,500 last year.

Seattle foreclosures averaged $212,565, a drop from the year ago price of $237,852.

The number 10 spot went to Columbus, Ohio, where the average sales price is $98,223, falling from $101,152 last year.

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530.477.2277

BASKETBALL CAMPS

FROM: BRRPD

The following BB Camps are being offered for spring and summer - don't miss the fun and skills. Register today! And for something different - our Summer Flag Football League - coed, five weeks, 5 practices and games, Mondays through Fridays, morning or evening practices available -  at the MSC Gary Clarke Synthetic Turf Field. Visit our website for more information and registration forms ,www.brrpd.org.

NEW! Freshman Boys Basketball Clinic

Incoming BRHS freshmen boys don't miss this clinic! Athletic Director and Coach Duwaine Ganskie will facilitate this development camp. BRHS basketball staff and players will coach and instruct. Friday, June 1, 3:30pm-5pm; and Saturday, June 2, 9:00-Noon. $25.00.   

Session 1: June 1 and June 2

JUNE! BRHS Youth Basketball Camp

Jeff Bickmore & team will instruct. Players will gain ability and confidence in shooting, passing, ball handling and more. Don’t miss out on these four FUN basketball days! BRHS Super skills and drills youth basketball camp at Bear River High School. BRHS t-shirt included. Fundraiser for BRHS Girls Basketball Team. Coed; Grades 2-8; Bear River High School Gyms. $75.00 (siblings $50.00 each)

Session 2: June 25-28, Monday-Thursday, 9:00-Noon

JULY! Middle School Basketball Advanced Skills Camp

Dave Pistone, Bear River Recreation & Park District Winter Rec BB League Manager, will coordinate four days, six hours each of advanced basketball skills. This camp is for girls & boys in middle school who possess fundamental skills and want further development to compete at school or club level.  Focus also on the mental and competitive aspects of the game. Instructors include former and current players from the local high schools, camp size is limited for instructor/participant ratio. Be prepared to work hard and improve. Non-scuff shoes mandatory. Bring water, lunch. Register by June 30th. Magnolia Big Gym, July 9-12, Monday-Thursday, 9:00-3:00 p.m., $200.00

            

Session 3: July 9, 10, 11, 12; 9:00-3:00 p.m.

VAN PATTEN AND SWEEN, VC EARNS TOP SPOT

From the SacBee.com

On Monday, Valley Christian 6, Millennium 0 – The Lions scored five runs in the first, and sophomore Jeremiah Moore tossed a complete-game two-hitter for the program's fourth title in five seasons. Moore and Bronson Buljan each had two-run singles in the first for Valley Christian (23-6), which won its final 19 games.


 Bryan Roush, Teagan Mowry, Jimmy Shaw, Quentin Moore and Zach Sween all had hits for the Lions.

Read more here: http://blogs.sacbee.com/preps/archives/2012/05/valley-christia-4.html#storylink=cpy

The Bear River Little League players - Isacc Van Patten finished the season with a batting average of .615. Caleb Van Patten had an on base percentage of .409. Jake Sween had a batting average of .286 including a home run and Zach Sween finished the season at .204.

Click here for the Divivsion VII bracket.
Click here for complete SacBee.com story.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/29/4521965/nogosek-pitches-woodcreek-to-title.html#storylink=cpy

REVOLUTION SWING TRAINER

I sold my first Revolution Swing Trainer today, as well as two additional trainers were ordered.

How did the Revolution swing trainer come to be? My father gave me the general idea some 40 plus years ago when he was coaching me to be a great hitter and his father gave it to him prior to.

I made a few modifications to the clothes line type rope which my dad used in the 1970's. When swinging the rope my father would also receive rope burn on his hands so I created a handle system, it does not happen anymore.

It is a great hitting tool to be used for 5 min a day, please watch the video to see all of the benefits. Your developing player will learn to track and time the pitch. This is a must use tool for players of all ages.

NEVADA COUNTY HOUSE HUNTING TIP

As I have reported prior, the inventory of available homes currently on the market in Nevada County is in decline, which is causing many homes to receive multiple offers. Whether you're anticipating competition when you bid or not, you should be pre-approved for a mortgage before you write an offer. When in competition, being pre-approved will make a big difference, particularly if everyone else who is offering is pre-approved as well. It also lets you know what you can afford. And, it puts you in a good bargaining position with the seller.

Buyers aren't the only participants in today's housing market that have heard the news that the market has improved. Some sellers are putting their homes on the market because they've been waiting for a better time to sell. This is good news for buyers who are looking in the low-inventory markets such as Nevada County. In the past seven days 75 new properties have been added to the local MLS.

(If you would like to be added to the automatic MLS email system, which gives you unlimited access to the MLS, click here and sign up.)

You should expect you will have to negotiate. Many of today's sellers are selling for less than they paid. Even though the market has improved a bit, sellers may be disappointed with the current market value of their home. Be prepared to negotiate, not just the initial price, but after inspections are completed as well, especially if items come up you hadn't anticipated. Many Properties in and around Nevada County have had work done without permits, so look closely.

Include realistic contingency time frames in your purchase contract for loan and appraisal approval if you're applying for a mortgage. The recent uptick in the market means that lenders are suddenly overwhelmed with paperwork.

In mid-April, buyers in Nevada County, who were seeking approval for a loan were told they could close a transaction in 21 days. Not only could they not close in 21 days, it took more than 21 days for loan approval due to lender backlog. You will need time.

In conclusion, If you know you will be looking at homes for purchase this summer get pre-approved for a loan, be prepared to negotiate, check all permits and leave ample time to close the transaction.

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530.477.2277

SANTA CRUZ III 5/28/12

SANTA CRUZ II 5/28/12

SANTA CRUZ I 5/28/2012

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DISK GOLF NEWS

• 

  Sky Catz Meeting May 24, 2012

  One of the highlights of the meeting was when Brian Costa formally recognized Kathy Collins’ spectacular final round at last weekend’s PDGA NT Event: 27th Annual "Steady" Ed Memorial Masters Cup. Kathy shot a final round score of 82 (1 over par, 999 rated round, over a 27 hole championship course layout)! This duly represents the kind of active club members we have and are very grateful for their contributions. People like Kathy help to fuel our passion for the sport and give purpose to the volunteering of our time. We love disc golf and understand that it takes a community effort to make it possible.
  
  

  To-Do List for this month:
  
  
  

  • Post Registration forms for the Flipper Memorial doubles tournament scheduled for June 16th
  • Put a call out for volunteers at the Bring the Heat tournament in PV this weekend. The “end of day duties” need the most support.
  • Issue reimbursement for bench fixes planned in PV
  • Post a formal weekly tournament flyer titled “Gold Country Weekly Circuit”
  • Post a list of current Sky Catz members
  • Print and post Sky Catz Membership Forms at the parks
  • Vote on proposed club charter amendments
  • New Pin Placements in GV – convert rough notes into a formal proposal
  • Schedule a face to face Sky Catz meeting with GV’s Parks & Rec Board of Directors
  • Reschedule the face to face Sky Catz meeting with PV’s Parks & Rec Board of Directors
  • Start research on making Sky Catz a non-profit, allowing us to write for grants and gain other benefits
  • Organize/update all Sky Catz member contact information into one central database. Privacy rights will be implemented.
  • Finalize Sky Catz webpage logistic needed before fully activating the website.
  • Sell Sky Catz bag tags at weeklies.
  • Hold a special tournament meeting on June 14th for the upcoming Flipper Memorial Doubles Tournament.
  • Order more club mini discs

  News:

  • Don Harris will be heavily supporting Kerry Eldridge with his Sergeant in Arms duties in Penn Valley (including running weeklies with Jere Eshelmen and moving baskets).
  • Weekly tournament: Rates of $8 where discussed. $5 goes to payout, $2 goes ace pool, $1 goes to Sky Catz club, $1 discount for active Sky Catz Members. We also discussed topping out the ace pool at $250. This will allow for additional ace pools to grow if the first ace pot is not hit; meaning we will have the potential for multiple $250 ace pots!! We also discussed plans to keep a written log of who attends and who gets paid (Don Harris already started doing this in PV).
  • Maintenance Agreement between Sky Catz and GV Parks & Rec: Our President, Shaun Long, has successfully finalized and signed off on a formal agreement that saves our club hundreds of dollars in event fees and new course signs (special thanks to Mike Woodman and Bruce Hinson for their work on this too). In addition, we have a formal process in place for submitting course modifications. Sky Catz gratefully respects these agreed upon rules and will make every effort to gain formal approvals. This will ultimately help fosters a close working relationship with the Parks & Rec to ensure a positive future for our sport within this shared community.
  • Motherload Financial Recap: While Sky Catz is not responsible for the finances of many tournaments in our area, volunteering support from members is key. Sky Catz will help by focusing more resources towards sponsorship for next year’s events because we learned that Mr. Michael Travers (TD) had to pay an additional $457 of his own money to cover the Motherlode expenses this year. We can help change this for next year!

  
  

  Items still on the Wish List for future months (on going):

  • Putting League
  • Penn Valley: permanent OB lines, filling ponds to be a reasonable depth to retrieve discs, perform minor repairs and upkeep
  • Grass Valley: tee pad repair, minor upkeep, handicap accessibility, new tee signs, course safety strategies
  • Porta-potty on hole 12 for future GV tournaments
  • Make Sky Catz a non-profit
  • Make the Flipper Memorial a PDGA sanctioned event for 2013
  • 
    

  
  

  Next Sky Catz Meeting:

  Thursday, June 28th at 6:00pm

CREDIT SCORE IS CASH

How does a real estate bubble begin? Historically, lax credit standards are the primary reason.

The Federal Reserve's making some changes to avoid another real estate bubble as it has tightened mortgage requirements. Click here for the new report which indicates that lenders have been tightening the reigns.

Most lending institutions are less likely to offer loans to people with a FICO credit score of 620 along with a 10 percent down payment than they were in 2006, according to the report. Lenders were also less likely to do so even for those with a score of 720.

Stricter standards have drawn the attention of Ben S. Bernanke, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, who last week told a bankers group that “current standards may be limiting or preventing lending to many creditworthy borrowers.”

For those with lower credit scores , the math is cash: A borrower with a credit score of 720 can expect a rate of 3.70 percent on a 30-year, $300,000 fixed-rate mortgage, according to myfico.com, while someone with a score of 620 to 639 can expect a 5.07 percent rate — or an extra $242 per monthly payment.        

If you plan to purchase a home, or anything else for that matter, you may want to clean up your credit score prior to taking out the loan.

If Bernanke and the Federal Reserve were to reverse their current stance toward a looser policy, we may be moving towards another bubble. Therefore it would be best to get your score in order today and use your credit before everyone else does or you may find yourself buying to late.

LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL ADDS 50/70 DIVISION

The Little League International Board of Directors approved a measure to create a new division of Little League Baseball.

Featuring a pitching distance of 50 feet and base paths of 70 feet, the new baseball division for players who are league-age 11-13 will be offered for the 2013 regular season. It will include postseason tournament opportunities, including a World Series.

The new baseball division will serve as a bridge between the current “Little League” size field (46-foot pitching distance, 60-foot base paths) and a standard baseball diamond with 60.5-foot pitching and 90-foot base paths.

Little League International is now preparing rules and regulations for regular season and tournament play. More information on this new division, including the site for its first World Series in August 2013, will be released in coming months.

Click here for the full story.

SENIOR PROJECT

image from christina.k12.de.us

Recently I participated in an evaluation process of six Bear River High School seniors. Where I passed them with flying colors, or I should say they passed themselves. This was my first time doing this, so I walked into the room with no expectations and walked out with an appreciation.

The seniors came to the front of the classroom one by one for an eight to 12 minute speech about a profession they felt they wanted to engage in post school. I was one of three community members as well as a Bear River teacher who graded them in many areas. They all did great.

Many learned what they want to do professionally once they graduate high school and or college, but what was more important was a few learned what they did not want to do. As the teacher pointed out, "it's great you learned this before you racked up $40,000 in student loans." The soon to be graduates all laughed at the statement, but as a parent as well as a soon to be college financier, I took it to heart.

While all six of the 2012 graduates all stated they learned how to do a resume, cover letter and how to speak to adults, I learned these six graduates from Bear River High School are high quality people who will go far in life.

LOP, ALTA SIERRA AND SOUTH COUNTY PROPERTY VALUES

Over the past 12 months there were 99 single family homes which sold in Alta Sierra, Lake of the Pines as well as the South County area under $200,000. The lowest priced home was found in LOP which was 24212 Oakmont Way, the sales price was recorded at $73,000 for the three bedroom with two and a half bath 1,872 square foot home.

Currently there are 16 homes on the market in that same area with a list price less than $200,000. With the lowest price being a three bedroom, two bath, 1,448 sq. ft. home on a .37 lot located at 10969 Lakeshore North within Lake of the Pines currently priced at $126,000.

Now for the other end of the spectrum within the same area over the same time frame. There were three homes that sold with a sales price over $900,000. All three are water-front properties, with the most expensive being a 4,000 sq. ft. home on one acre on Lake Combie for $1,300,000.

Staying with water-front for a moment but looking at the lower end of the spectrum. There was a 1,796 sq. ft. three bedroom two bath home on .22 water-front lot on Lake Combie that sold within the past 12 months for $499,000.

Currently the lowest price water-front home on the market is on a four bedroom, two and a half bath, 2,276 sq. ft. home listed at $799,000.

Please feel free to contact me at 530.477.2277 if you would like for me to educate you on the current market conditions.

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530.477.2277

BEAR RIVER LITTLE LEAGUE OUTLOOK 5/24/12

JUNIORS

On Saturday June 9 at 10 a.m. the Bear River Giants (17-1) take on BR Angels (9-6) to conclude season play, the teams were due to play on March 24 but it was called due to rain.

During the regular season the Angels did drop the Auburn Brewers in a 9-8 contest and the Brewers were the only team to defeat the Giants all season. The game will have no post season implication, but to 13 and 14 year old boys, Bear River bragging rights could possibly have more value.

The Giants who are managed by Earl Cross are expected to represent Bear River Little League in the District 11 Tournament of Champions where they will play Lincoln on June 18, 6 p.m. at Tri City Little League.

MAJORS

The Bear River Angels (15-1) look to have two tough games of their remaining three contests. First of which is the Penn Valley Padres followed by the Grass Valley Giants both games will be played on the road. The Angels look to have a lock as Bear River's top seed for the TOC. which starts June 18th.

The BR Dodgers (8-5) hold a game lead in the loss column over the BR Giants with four games to play. Of the remaining contests none look to be easy. The Grass Valley Giants may be the team that could spoil their TOC bid. The Giants are a well coached team with a very dominant pitcher, this game could go either way. The Dodgers will host the Giants after a 12 day layoff on June 1 at 7 p.m.

The Bear River Giants (9-6) can not afford to to drop another game as they attempt to play catch up to the Dodgers in the rankings. BRLL only sends it's top two teams into the post season tournament. The Giants will not only have to go through the GV Giants in one of their last four games, but their season's playoff hopes could very well come down to their very last game. The Giants are scheduled to host the Cubs of Grass Grass Valley (12-3) on June 13 at 7 p.m. The Cubs are a well coached ball team without a true standout player, they have posted 158 runs while giving up 57, with many players contributing.

The Bear River Athletics (5-6) have five remaining games to be played on their schedule and three of which are very strong teams. They will play the Nevada City Red Sox, Grass Valley's Cubs as well as the Penn Valley Padress to close out their season.

MINORS

The Yankees are the clear favorite but they do face three top minor's teams of their remaining five. Sierra Foothill A's could give the Yankees a real test on May 31 then they take on Bear River's top scoring team the Cards and then they close out their regular season schedule with the BR Giants.

Typically the Bear River TOC tournament starts right after the regular season games are over and the winner of that inter-league tournament receives the bid to to compete at the District 11 TOC.

The Giants, Royals, Tigers and Cardinals are all within a game of each other and at this point it is anyone guess who will be standing at the end of this year's tournament.

Click here  for the Junior, Major as well as Minor's District 11 TOC brackets.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AT NEW HIGH

Nationwide housing affordability hit a new record high for a second consecutive quarter in the first three months of this year, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), released May 17. Yet tight lending conditions continue to pose a major obstacle to many prospective home buyers.

“Homes in this year’s first quarter were more affordable than they have been at any time in more than 20 years, yet many potential sales are not happening because of overly tight lending conditions that are keeping hardworking families from obtaining a suitable mortgage,” said Barry Rutenberg, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. “Without this significant hurdle, the housing and economic recovery could be proceeding at a much stronger pace.”

Among the most affordable major housing markets in respective order were Dayton, Ohio; Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.; Modesto, Calif.; Grand Rapids-Wyoming, Mich.; and Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.; the latter two of which tied for fifth place.

Other major metros at the bottom of the affordability chart included San Francisco-San Mateo-Redwood City, Calif.; Honolulu; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif.; and Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, Calif., respectively.
Ocean City, N.J., was the least affordable smaller housing market on the list, with 45.9 percent of homes sold in the first quarter affordable to families earning the median income of $71,100. Other small metros at the bottom of the list included Santa Cruz-Watsonville, Calif.; San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, Calif.; Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Goleta, Calif.; and Laredo, Texas.

Scott Hopper - Realtor, 530.477.2277

BEAR RIVER SOFTBALL ARE SECTION CHAMPS

In a facebook banter I learned the Lady Bruins defeated Whitney 9-3 in the section final on Wednesday. Stephanie Ceo hit a home run in her first at bat as well as a grand slam later in the contest.

"Nice retirement gift for Zauner! Way to go Lady Bruins. Congrats "A long time supporter of the program stated.


UPDATE- The Union's full story Click here

TRUCKEE RIVER FLOWS

I'm a little Truckee obsessed at the moment and if you are as well check this video out. If you need someone to show how the, where and when, then Matt "Gilligan" Koles is the guy. If you want to go it alone, then look for land marks, There are a few.

I did stop at the fly shop in Hershdale when traveling through recently and I was told the river from Tahoe City to the Town of Truckee was low and the larger fish were congregating in the deeper pools and within the cut banks. The river changes as you move below the Boca outlet to the state line as the flows were heavier due to Boca being 90 percent full. It sounded like the conditions were favorable but who really knows unless you try. Be sure the check the river's regulations as I was told the river was being patrolled.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/17/4494834/fishing-line-week-of-51712.html#storylink=cpy

HOUSING RECOVERY

Home prices are projected to rise by just under 1 percent nationwide in the second half of 2012 and Nevada County should keep pace with the national average. The inventory of homes available in the foothill region is drying up and prices are beginning to make a turn.

The report, titled The Shifting Nature of U.S. Housing Demand, stated investors who buy rental properties are leading phase one of the recovery, as opposed to buyers who purchase properties as their own residence.

The rate of returns of T-bills are currently low and their prices are high and when comparing the government guaranteed bill as an investment to that of real estate, which has a much higher rate of return accompanied with beaten down values, large investment firms are seeing value.

In 2013, prices will rise by 1.5 percent and up another 2.5 percent in 2014.

For the second phase, home prices will increase 3 to 3.5 percent between 2015 and 2017.

During the first phase, the demand for rental properties will come from young people hit hard by the recession and immigrants.

The housing recovery will come in a two phase process as reported by dsnews.com, Click here for the full story.

“Over 80 percent of Americans in recent surveys still agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment they can make. What will be intriguing to watch is how their aspirations around home ownership are affected by this period of extended austerity (In economics, austerity refers to a policy of deficit-cutting by lowering spending often via a reduction in the amount of benefits and public service provided),” he said.

According to the report, about $7 trillion in American wealth was lost when home prices dropped 30 percent after the housing bubble burst.

As investors buy up the oversupply of homes to take advantage of low prices and rising rents, the report also predicts that this will lead to the absorption of the existing surplus, which will clear by the start of 2015.

Then, phase two will begin with higher home prices and a return to home ownership.

According to the report, currently, 11 percent of homeowners say they would like to sell their home, but about half of these homeowners say they aren’t listing their property because they won’t get the price they want.

It is predicted that once prices rise by 3 percent in 2015, homeowners will start to return to the market, increasing the volume of home sales.

Credit will also become more accessible as standards ease, leading to more renters to become buyers. The report stated a crash in demand for rental properties is unlikely. Therefore their is a floor in the market.

Scott Hopper - Realtor 530.477.2277