Bobby at work on Memorial Day 2009 at Pioneer Cemetery. Photo by Voila Photography.

I had the privilege of joining other community members at a special surprise birthday party for Bobby Arias, founder of Communities in Schools, one recent Saturday.  We got a call from Dan Rosales of Councilmember Richard Alarcon’s office, who invited me, my sister Alma Wade, and Joyce Gaynor to the event, held at the M.E.N.D. building on San Fernando Road. We know Bobby because of his volunteer work with us for Memorial Day at the historic Pioneer Cemetery in Sylmar every year.

There were a few hundred people there at the party to yell “Surprise, Bobby” when Bobby walked into the room, ready to do yet another gig-favor for a friend’s friend by being the M.C. at a 60th birthday party. Little did he know, the 60th birthday party was for him, arranged by Richard Alarcon and his staff to honor a true rock of the Valley.

Bobby Arias.  I first met Bobby in 2005 during a health fair at a local school in Sylmar. My sister and I went to check it out; then-Councilman Alex Padilla’s aide Maggie Estrada had told us about it, and we wanted to support her outstanding efforts to bring more awareness to the Sylmar community.

Bobby was there in his D.J. capacity handling announcements and playing great music for the crowd. My sister and I had been thinking about getting some advice from a professional regarding what kind of sound equipment we needed at the Pioneer Cemetery for Memorial Day — our voices just couldn’t be heard over the traffic and open space at the corner of Bledsoe and Foothill in Sylmar. 

My sister, Alma, said, “Let’s go talk to him,” pointing at the person in the baseball cap working the sound equipment that we came to know as Bobby. So we did. We waited for a break in the action, and then walked onto the stage to introduce ourselves and get advice. We explained that we wanted to buy some speakers and a microphone to put on our annual Memorial Day program and asked for his suggestions about what to buy. He obviously had the right equipment for the job. Bobby listened politely and intently to what we were saying, and then, without us even asking, said “Oh, I’ll do it for you.”  We asked how much he charged, and he said, “Oh, I’ll do it for you, for free. I do events like that all the time.”

We were astounded at the offer, accepted, and immediately exchanged phone numbers. That’s the kind of guy Bobby is. And that’s why a few hundred people in the know showed up to honor, toast, and thank him for all his kindness and unending generosity.

Bobby has so given much of his free time — his precious life — to helping and bettering his community.  The party was a fitting tribute to him, and it was a true honor for us to be able to participate in his special occasion.

Our birthday gift to Bobby was to present him, a cornerstone of so many events here in the Northeast Valley, with an engraved brick to be placed in the entrance of the Pioneer Cemetery. This long-lasting memento marks his place in Valley history, and will be a tangible record for all to see for years to come of his dedication to community service.

So next time you see Bobby, tell him “Thanks, Bobby.” He deserves it.
How about at Pioneer Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 31, 2010 at 11 a.m.?

Home prices are down, and interest rates are the best in 50 years (my lender partners say).

There are also fewer buyers over the holidays, which means there is less competition for the homes that are available to buy.

If you want to get ahead of the January rush, now is the time. I would be happy to help you.

“Ms Jacky” Walker
REALTOR®
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Office: 818-363-1717 x231
Fax: 818-360-5676
jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com
http://www.SylmarRealEstateInsider.com
DRE License #01124140

Probate Sales Specialist
Please call me if you, or anyone you know, wants to buy or sell a home. Thank you!

In 2004, only 18% of all homebuyers were single women. The latest report shows that number has risen to 22%, a significant gain in less than 5 years. Some reasons cited more single women homebuyers are that:

- Women are becoming better educated
- More women are working and seeking financial independence
- Young women are delaying marriage
- More women own & operate their own businesses (38% of all businesses in America)

More recently, the reasons are that single women homebuyers are attracted by:
- Interest rates are at historic lows
- Affordable home prices
- Ample housing supply
- First-time homebuyer tax credit

According to the NAR survey, single women homebuyers want:
- A safe community (single women account for a large number of condominium purchases where they find a sense of security)
- A home office (home-based businesses are very popular among women)
- Maintenance friendly yards
- Lots of storage
- Natural light, especially in the master suite and bathroom

There are many homes available in Sylmar and the San Fernando Valley that fit the above profile for single women homebuyers. Be sure to call me if you are a single woman homebuyer or if anyone you know wants to buy or sell a home. Thank you!

Ms. Jacky Walker
Realtor – DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

- Mostly smog free due to our near constant breeze
- Wonderful foothills view
- Grafitti Busters
- Fabulous car museum & musical instrument museum (Nethercutt Collection & San Sylmar)
- Hang gliding enthusiasts’ capital
- Easy access to all areas of L.A, via 210, 5, 405, 14, 118 freeways
- Four important historical sites (Pioneer Cemetery, Griffith Ranch, Cascades, Mission Wells)
- Last great rural atmosphere with real equestrian homes
- Great mix of all types of people
- Some of the best home prices in the Valley

Do you want to live in Sylmar, too? There are great deals on homes, condos and PUDs right now. Give me a call. 818-970-1286.

Jacky Walker

Ms. Jacky Walker REALTOR®
DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, CA 91344
Cell: 818-970-1286

Jacky.walker@gmail.com
http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

“Representing buyers and sellers of the San Fernando Valley lifestyle.”

Photo by Voila Photography

A recent request from a Sylmar resident prompts me to post this recipe for the SYLMAR-tini, a signature cocktail I created for a Sylmar Chamber of Commerce Mixer back in 2006. The cocktail ingredients pay tribute to the area’s rich historical background. Read more below. Try the SYLMAR-tini; you’ll like it.

SYLMAR-tini

Ingredients
- Clear plastic Martini glasses with hollow stem (8 oz)
- Box of Lemonheads lemon drop hard candy
- 1 to 1-1/2 ounces Gin, Vodka, Tequila, or Bourbon
- 4 ounces Tampico brand Citrus Punch
- Black seedless grapes, washed and individually polished
(These are seasonal, usually late August; you can freeze them for later use in Sylmar-tinis)
- Lime, lemon & orange slices,
- Ice cubes or bagged ice

Directions
Add 3 lemon drop candies into the hollow stem of a plastic martini glass. Add ice cubes and favorite alcoholic liquid (skip for virgin drink). Top with Tampico citrus punch. Plop a black grape into the glass. Garnish with drink skewer of lime, lemon and orange slices.

Historical Perspective
The signature cocktail of Sylmar, the SYLMAR-tini was created by Jacky Walker for a Sylmar Chamber of Commerce mixer held at the San Fernando Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar on Wednesday, October 27, 2006.

The Halloween theme of the evening was punctuated by Sylmar Chamber of Commerce members attending in costume and listening to a presentation “Why supporting a historic cemetery in Sylmar is good for your business.” The SYLMAR-tini accompanied several novelty appetizers, namely Witch Finger Sandwiches, Spider Doughnuts and Gut Salad.

The ingredients of the SYLMAR-tini were chosen to symbolically represent some of Sylmar’s historical past:

- Lemon drops and Tampico citrus punch symbolize the large citrus groves of lemons, oranges and limes that used to grow in Sylmar and the San Fernando Valley.

- Black seedless grapes substitute for the traditional Martini olive, and symbolize Sylmar’s olive history. Sylmar was once site of the world’s largest olive grove, and the area produced some of the world’s finest olive oil.

The SYLMAR-tini may be enjoyed any time of year, although they are perfect for balmy summer evenings watching our spectacular sunsets bounce off our beautiful foothills.

Happy Home Buying & Selling!

Jacky Walker

 —————–

Ms. Jacky Walker

REALTOR® – DRE License #01124140

Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286

Jacky.walker@gmail.com
http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

“Representing buyers and sellers of the San Fernando Valley lifestyle.”

Here’s the link to the Realtor.com page:  14127 Janna Way, Sylmar, CA
OR
http://www.realtor.c…om/realestateandhomes-detail/14127-Janna-Way_Sylmar_CA_91342_1111812225

Best regards,
Ms. Jacky Walker
Realtor – CA DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286

Jacky.walker@gmail.com
http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

Check out this report by ABC News’ Nightline: Real Estate Investors

Real estate investors typically buy up distressed homes from banks at low prices, fix them up, and convert them to rental properties or sell them at a profit. Sometimes they pay cash, sometimes they are able to leverage loans. Either way, real estate investors are actually helping drive the economy through their entrepreneurial spirit.

Buy low, sell high. Supply and demand. The American Way.

Experts are now telling us that the worst is behind us in terms of free-falling home prices, although foreclosures are still forthcoming. Here in Sylmar and the San Fernando Valley we’ve seen a significant change downward in the number of homes that are available for sale, and a significant upward count of buyers wanting to take advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyers credit offered by the Federal government.

In a normal economy, this condition would be considered a seller’s market.

Movement must occur for the economy to stabilize and the recovery to accelerate. Like traditional real estate investors, you can do your part for the recovery: Buy or sell a house!

Ms. Jacky Walker
REALTOR® – DRE License #01124140

Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

More than 37 million people in 15,000 communities participated last year, according to the event’s organizers, the National Association of Town Watch. Here in Sylmar the event will be held at 6 p.m. at Sylmar Park, 13109 Borden Ave (at Polk), and will be hosted by the Sylmar Neighborhood Council.

Law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations, and local officials participate each year to strengthen police-community partnerships, NATW says in its promotional material.

Over its 26 years of existence, National Night Out has grown from modest front porch neighborhood watch vigils into block parties, cookouts, parades, exhibits, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. Our program here in Sylmar will feature hot dogs, a celebration of Neighborhood Watch, and a game of softball.

History of NNO

Come out on August 4 at 6 p.m. to meet your neighbors and be part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug prevention event!

See you there!

Ms. Jacky Walker
REALTOR® – DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

The CRA is trying to get input from the Sylmar community as to how we want to change Sylmar for the better. Through the CRA, there is government power and money available to help recraft and revitalize Sylmar’s business, housing, recreation and streetscape mix.

Please try to attend the next meetings to have your voice heard on what you would like to change in the Northeast San Fernando Valley:

July 21 – 6 p.m.
Sun Valley Public Library, 7935 Vineland

July 22 – 6 p.m.
Pacoima Public Library, 13605 Van Nuys Blvd.

If you have questions, contact Lisa Bianconi: 213-977-2674 or lbianconi@cra.lacity.org
Meanwhile, Happy Home Buying & Selling! Interest rates are good and the $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit will be over soon.

Jacky Walker

Ms. Jacky Walker
REALTOR® – DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

“Representing buyers and sellers of the San Fernando Valley lifestyle.”

Maybe all the eating out is just satisfying a pent up demand. Like buying a house. Right now there are multiple buyers making multiple offers on homes and getting frustrated because they can’t seem to land one.  Are you one of these people? Your real estate agent is probably frustrated, too!

You’ve done everything right — gotten loan pre-approval, saved enough for your down payment and closing costs, know where you want to live, and you are working with a professional real estate agent that you like (if not, call me). Yet, you are still “homeless!”

Yes, it seems unfair. Time is ticking and you’ll miss your chance to buy at the prime pricing bottom.  Just don’t despair. Have patience and keep looking.

As our local homes-for-sale inventory changes and you wait for the right house to come along, your ability to purchase may change, too. For example:

- You may be able to save up even more money for a more impressive down payment
- You may want to consider fixer-uppers that have fallen in price.
- You can also think about shopping various lenders for the best terms (just because you have your pre-approval doesn’t mean you have to stop looking).

Be tough. Don’t give up. There IS a house out there for you.

Happy Home Buying & Selling!

Jacky Walker

Ms. Jacky Walker
REALTOR® – DRE License #01124140
Century 21 All Moves
11011 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA 91344

Cell: 818-970-1286
Jacky.walker@gmail.com

http://www.msjacky4homes.com
http://www.msjacky.listingbook.com

“Representing buyers and sellers of the San Fernando Valley lifestyle.”