Community Archives - Page 18 of 26

March 29, 2014

Gigabits, Here We Come

The city of Lake Oswego recently announced that it is on the shortlist of towns being considered by Google to receive ultra-high-speed Google Fiber broadband. Both Google and the City are in a joint planning process to formulate a plan to make this happen.

What would this mean to citizens of the City? Holy-cow fast Internet connnections! Google Fiber is 100 times faster than standard broadband. It allows those who are connected to access a “Gigabit” Internet connection almost instantaneously.

If all goes well, construction of the network would begin in late 2014 or early 2015, with hopes of starting to connect households by mid 2015. We will know if the plan is a go by the end of 2014.

As a Realtor, I spend a good deal of time on the Internet. My time is important to me and being able to do what I do more quickly sounds pretty fine to me.

To learn more and to receive updates, click here.

December 12, 2013

Dianne’s Top 10

I really like Lake Oswego and thought I’d share with you my own top 10 list of things I enjoy about living here.

10. Walking. There are just so many great trails and walking paths. The Iron Mountain Trail, the bike path around the lake, all of the many trails in Mt. Park, the trails on Cook’s Butte, they keep me entertained and enjoying my walking habit.

9. The patio at Riccardo’s. It is a little bit of Italy to be enjoyed right here at home. Riccardo has a true Italian menu with a wonderful wine list, but the high-light for me is the back patio. A soothing water feature and wonderful flowers are to be enjoyed, but I think I almost like it better on a cold and rainy day. The over-hangs of the perimeter are generous enough to keep you dry, and the space heaters keep you warm. Cozy and yummy.

8. Breakfast out. I have 3 favorite breakfast spots: St. Honore, La Provence, and Babica Hen. I can’t say which I like best, but they all keep me coming back for more.

7. Summer concerts. I did quite a bit of blogging about them last summer. The point I want to make is go out and do it. A warm evening, a picnic dinner, and free music, it’s the good life.

6. Community School. Schools are a big part of what motivates people to move to Lake Oswego. It’s why I moved here. But there is an entire extra layer to what is available. Community school offers extra programs for kids seeking more. It may be more art, more sports, more language skills, more of what youngsters want to explore. It’s available at community school. I highly recommend the driver’s ed program.

5. Convenience. Lake Oswego is simply a convenient place to live. You are 15 minutes from downtown Portland, 30 minutes from the airport, 10 minutes for a huge shopping center (Washington Square), 3 minutes from a lifestyle mall (Bridgeport Village), it’s amazing. Within a 3 mile radius of my house I have 4 Starbuck’s and 5 grocery stores. Yet I live on a huge treed lot in a quiet neighborhood. Yep, my little slice of heaven.

4. The Arts Council of Lake Oswego. Responsible for the Gallery Without Walls, the Art Literacy Program in the elementary schools, and the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts, the Arts Council of Lake Oswego brings art front and center into our lives. For me, art makes life sweet and I want it in my life.

3. The flowers. Lake Oswego won the America in Bloom competition several years ago. It probably helped that one of the City’s former mayors owned a garden center. The hanging baskets in the summer are like fire works during the day. There is pretty much no public median that doesn’t have a planted bed. Even in the winter: there are pansies and decorative kale in abundance. It’s beautiful.

2. A wholesome place to raise a family. No not everyone in LO has kids, but if you do, it is a wonderful and supportive community. My kids got so much encouragement from this community. How refreshing that it’s cool to get good grades! It’s a pretty darn nice place to grow up. I wanted my kids to be safe riding their bikes and to have positive influences in their lives. I found it for them here in LO.

1. Friendly people. I moved here for the schools, but was completely not expecting how easy it is to make friends. I think that’s because it really is a small town. It’s easy to get involved and to have an impact.

Honerable Mentions:
Lakewood Theater
Luscher Farm
The Dog Park
Christmas Tree Lighting with Santa
4th of July Parade
4th of July pancake breakfast
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts
La Vang Vietnamese Restaurant
Pine Shed Barbeque
George Roger’s Park
Zupan’s heated lounge
Seeing the Lake
Seeing the Mountain

There you have it! I hope I’ve given you some good ideas of what to expect and what to enjoy in LO.

Dianne

November 7, 2013

Fall is Really Here…

Hello Property Blotter Readers!!!

We’ve had a few weeks of Indian Summer with crazy blue skies and lots of sunshine, and it now looks like we’re really into the Fall Season. This time of year we engage in “Fall Cleaning” at my house. This particular year that means new floors in the kitchen, utility room and bathroom, and new paint everywhere as we prepare for the holidays and months ahead during which we enjoy entertaining, and just reveling in the inside of our home most of the time. Do you find yourself sprucing more at this time of year than in the Springtime? …or is it just me!? : )

In Lake Oswego there are plenty of things to do outside of your home this season.

Everyone looks forward to the Holiday Tree Lighting the day after Thanksgiving at Bigelow Plaza (5th & A). It is a big deal in Lake Oswego, and we’d love to see you there as the whole town comes out to mark the start of the holiday season CLICK HERE for more info.

We all want to start to transform our homes into holiday retreats whose lights we can see from down the block as we approach after a long day’s work! Holiday Wreath-Making at Luscher Farms is one way to really get into the spirit. CLICK HERE for more info.

Beat the Fall/Winter weather by taking your kids to the Indoor Playground sponsored by Lake Oswego Parks & Recreation Dept. Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays you can let the kids run, jump & play on all kinds of park equipment… but stay warm & cozy indoors! CLICK HERE for more information.

From knitting to gaming to poetry-slamming…. Lake Oswego has it all for teens this season! CLICK HERE for more information on programs & events.

August 1, 2013August 2, 2013

My Favorite Things To Do In Lake Oswego

Hello to all our Property Blotter readers!

Well, summer is in full swing and Dianne and I are running like crazy (no… still not too busy for you).

I thought I’d just muse a bit about a few of my favorite things to do in Lake Oswego:

I love to start out in the early morning hours at the Palisades Starbucks with a friend and cross over in a nice, brisk walk toward Hallinan. There are a few uphill spots, but mostly it’s a nice flat walk that winds through picturesque Freepons Park with its walking trails (if you care to deviate and explore), creek, little bridge & friendly neighbors. Then on to Hallinan Elementary School, where you can continue the walk around the field, or head back for a nice cup of coffee! More About Palisades
Considering my former career as a blues, funk & soul vocalist, I have a lot of friends in the music biz around the Portland area. I like to go support live music and visit them when they’re in Lake Oswego! Portland is a big blues town, and Lake Oswego is folded right in there. The Gemini Pub on State Street is a fantastic local haunt that features the best bands in the area, and region. The feeling is relaxed, the music is great, and the walk home (if you live in Lake Oswego) is extremely pleasant after a full night of music and merriment. Gemini Bar & Grill
Dianne wrote extensively about the summer Concert Series in the park. Again, the very best music in the northwest right there in the cool Lake Oswego breeze. Sit back with your feet in the grass and listen to the sounds of fantastic music and water lapping the shore of the Willamette River. Summer Concerts
I just LOVED the Lake Twin Cinema. They have been remodeling, so its a mystery what the theatre will be like going into the future (hopefully even better!), but to me, it WAS Lake Oswego just as it was. When I first moved to Lake Oswego I marveled at its living room feel around the fireplace in the lobby, and how pleasant it can be to wait in line for a popular movie while you gaze at Lake Oswego through the big windows seemingly placed there for that purpose. But the best thing about the Lake Twin Cinema was the people. Truly, you had to experience it to understand how stellar the staff is/was. Read More Here About August Re-Opening!
The Dog Park on Stafford Rd is without peer. There are two fenced free run areas where owners can let their dogs run free, play fetch, chat with neighbors, and just enjoy the wide open feel right there at Luscher Farm & next to Hazelia Field ballpark. One part is for smaller dogs, and the other is for bigger, more rambunctious ones. Just a joy to have this in the community. Hazelia Field Dog Park

Ok… gotta run. I’ll share more with you about my favorite things in Lake Oswego another time : )

Very Best,

Linda

July 25, 2013

Sweet Sounds of Summer

Summer is a full and rich time of year. I know it schedules out hard and heavy and I really have to prioritize what I want to do. So it’s easy to miss something here or there. This is one thing that you do not want to miss. Make an effort and take advantage of the LO Summer Concert Series. They are free and they are wonderful.

Curtis Salgado performed last night at Foothills Park. Children were the early dancers, but it did not take long for the full crowd to get involved. Curtis Salgado is internationally recognized. He was awarded the 2013 BB King Entertainer of the year award. He was John Belushi’s inspiration for the Blues Brothers. This is seriously great entertainment, and its FREE.

The next concert coming up will be July 28th, this Sunday, at Millennium Plaza Park, 6:00-7:30. Scott Cossu, a well-known, new-age pianist will be performing. His music is a blend of jazz, classical, and ethnic. It is bound to be good.

Then next Wednesday, July 31st from 6:30-8:30, Five Guys Named Moe will be performing at Foothills Park. This is a 12-piece show band with a huge horn section, back-up vocals, and strong lead singers. It sounds like the kind of band that makes you get onto your feet and move.

There is just something about live music on a summer evening. You can not help but smile and feel like this is what it is all about. I’ve got to share something so sweet, something so special, it really captures what I am trying to say here. At last night’s concert I saw a man wheel his wife in to the park in a wheel chair. As the music got going, he would lift her to her feet where she could stand, then, holding her hands between them, they danced. Smiling from ear to ear, they had a great time.

This is summer at its best. Don’t let it pass you by!
Dianne

June 12, 2013

You Know It’s Summer When….

The Farmer’s Market is happening on Saturday mornings.

Every Saturday through October 12th, come and enjoy the Lake Oswego Farmer’s Market. 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, at Millennium Plaza Park, you’ll find a wide array of food and flora. Several vendors offer fantastic fresh-made breakfast options, so that is a good place to start. Live music is a plus. There is even doggie daycare. Then fill your basket with berries, fresh vegetables, artisian meats and cheeses, and many other lush options that let you know it is the season that fully brings us the fruits of the earth.

The Vintage Trolley is again on the tracks.

Take a historic ride on vintage trolley #514. It is a replica of the original trolleys that were used in Portland at the turn of the last century. Wicker seats, brass fixtures, and ornate woodwork will take you back in time. The ride costs $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-12, and it’s free for kids under the age of 3. Even better, there will be free rides offered July 4, 5, and 6, from 10 am to 4pm each day.

The ride is currently 20 minutes in lenght. It stops just North of the Sellwood Bridge, due to the current bridge construction. It follows the shore of the Willamette River. There are 2 high-lights: the 1400 foot Elk Rock tunnel (known as Oregon’s darket tunnel) and 686 foot Long Trestle. I am a big fan of tunnels and trestles and this little trolley ride is great fun. For more info, click here.

It’s Summer Concert time!

Suffice it to say that the City of Lake Oswego puts on two wonderful concert series. The Sounds of Summer series occurs Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The concerts are split between Foothills Park and Westlake Park. Performers this year include Curtis Salgado, Tom Grant, and Johnny Limbo and the Lugnuts. For the full performance schedule of the Sounds of Summer series, click here. The Moonlight and Music series occurs Sundays from 6:00-7:30 at Millennium Plaza Park. Performers in this series include SoulMates, Ian McFeron, and Geoffrey Castle. For a full concert schedule for the Moonlight and Music Series, click here. It is pretty much the very essence of summer to spread out a picnic blanket, relax back in the warmth of a summer evening, and listen to some wonderful music. These concerts are free.

For me, besides being busy with real estate, I enjoy the anticipation of all of the great goings on that are unique to Oregon in the summer. I think because we have such distinct seasons, with our fair share of cold weather, we really know how to apprecaite and to make the most of the wonderful months of summer.

Enjoy!

Dianne

May 8, 2013

News & Notes ~ Happenings & Market Data

During the period of May 15th and August 31st, Lake Oswego Police will be conducting undercover operations using decoys to determine whether establishments are serving alcohol to underage individuals. Lake Oswego is being proactive in implementing this program to circumvent alcohol-related incidents involving minors in Lake Oswego. According to the Dept of Health & Human Services and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Underage alcohol use is a major public health problem. Alcohol is the most commonly used drug in the United States, more than tobacco and illicit drugs, and is responsible for 4,700 deaths of underage persons annually.
The 37th Annual “Lake Run” will be held in Lake Oswego on Saturday, May 11th. There will be a kids dash, a 5k for walkers or runners, and a 10k challenge with an “improved new route”. This event draws thousands every year. Come enjoy the fun in Millenium Plaza Park with entertainment, lots of great food, and exposition booths. For more information CLICK HERE.
The 2013 Community Survey results show, among other things, that:

* Overall, residents rate the city 8.6 on a 10-point scale, so satisfaction is high as “a place to live”.

* Residents let their “grade” for satisfaction with local government slip to 3.3 on a 5-point scale. (This is down .1 since 2010, and .5 since 2005)

* 52%, a majority, agree that the city makes efficient use of tax dollars.

* As for the most popular sources of information, 63% of Lake Oswego residents get their information from the Lake Oswego Review and 58% from the Hello LO newsletter among other publications.

* For the detailed report CLICK HERE.

Here is a bit of data illustrating how Lake Oswego compares in context with the larger Portland market (you may want to zoom… sorry for the small-ish image…. interesting though, eh?):

***Note that Appreciation is based on a comparison of the rolling average sale price for the last 12 months (4/1/12-3/31/13) with the 12 months prior (4/1/11-3/31/12). Days on Market is the number of days from when a property is listed to when an offer is accepted on that same property. If a property is re-listed within 31 days, DOM continues to accrue; however, it does not include the time that it was off the market

May 2, 2013

Secrets of Lake Oswego’s Famous Flower Baskets

Ever wonder how it’s done? How those baskets get so huge and gorgeous? I am honored to share with you a re-run of a column I wrote 3 years ago. It seems like the perfect week to post this information.

There are several things that Lake Oswego is famous for: the Lake, beautiful homes, great schools, and the glorious flower baskets. The baskets have been hung annually on the main streets of town for many years. They are spectacular with both great size and great color. As someone who loves flowers and working in my garden, I’ve wondered how they do it. What are the secrets that make the LO baskets thrive? They start out pretty and of good size, but by summer’s end they hang about 6 feet down and are a profusion of color that is just amazing. Last Saturday I attended a class put on by the City Park’s and Recreation Department where I learned how they do it. So here it is: the secrets of Lake Oswego’s famous flower baskets.

Start with a 12 inch hanging pot that is nearly as deep as it is wide. The city uses 16 inch pots, but those are much too large for the scale of most homes. 10 inch pots can also be used, but they require watering twice daily, whereas the 12 inch pot can get by on once daily watering. Also recommended is a pot with a straight side. This allows as much soil and water as possible for root development. These instructions are for a 12 inch pot. If you use one that is either larger or smaller, please make your own adjustments.

Fill the pot about half full of soil. The recommended soil is NW Best Soil Potting Mix. This is what is used by the City. It is the choice because it contains “Sirfactin” which allows the walls of soil to expand so water doesn’t run around the planting mix and out the bottom of the container. To this soil, mix in about 1/4 cup of Plant-Tone, a fertilizer to get the plants off to a good start.

Before adding any more soil, remember the planter is only about half full, place 7, 4-inch plant starts. If they are in plastic containers, pull them out. If they are in the kind that are made of compost you can just set them into the planter in the container and the container will decompose as the roots develop. Think about putting a plant that will grow tall in the center such as a geranium. Then place the other 6 plants around the perimeter that will hang as they spread and grow. Think about having a variety of colors and textures. The planters made for the city are designed to be hung in full sun. You can design your own flowers based upon where you intend to hang your planter. Using a 12 inch planter and 4 inch plants you will find that this really packs the pot completely full of plants. The 7th one has to be pretty much squeezed into the planter. This will leave just a few areas between the edges of the plants that need to be filled with dirt. Find those spots and gently fill dirt in around the plants. When you are done the level of the top of the dirt should be about one inch below the rim of the pot. (It’s a good idea when testing the first plant you put into the container to eye-ball the level and see if you need to fill your planter more than half full when you add the initial soil).

Water immediately and really let the water run. The planter needs to be watered DAILY, even on days that have rain. Rain will not be enough to thoroughly saturate the soil. It is not possible to over-water this planter. Yes, you really have to water it every single day. When you water, let the water gently run and then keep the water going. Count to 50, sing a short song, whatever you can do to force yourself to stand at the planter and thoroughly water the planter. Do it every single day and on those days with really extreme heat, do it TWICE.

Once a week fertilize with Proven Winners. This is a fertilizer that is widely sold in the area. You mix it into a big gallon watering can with water and poor it into the planter. It has a balance of fertilizers that is 24-12-17. It contains 15 nutrients, not just nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but trace elements as well.

When you hang your planter remember a couple of things. This planter is going to get very large. This means that it will be very heavy so make certain that it is on a hook that will hold the growing weight. Also hang it where it has room to grow. By the end of the season it will hang 4 to 6 feet long. It will be a total show piece in your garden.

If you have questions or need help, or want to buy any and all of the materials listed above, the place to go is The Garden Corner in Tualatin. Located at 21550 SW 108th Ave in Tualatin, this garden center has been the birthplace of the LO hanging baskets for many years. They are proud of their participation in the LO hanging basket program and are happy to be of help to you when you grow a basket of your very own.

I’ve got my basket hanging at my home. I am eager to see just how big it is going to get. Let me know if you do one too. Maybe we can share some photos in September!

Remember, gardening is great therapy for your soul.
Dianne

April 4, 2013April 4, 2013

This is important because We Love LO!

In 1978 the State of Oregon mandated that individual communities develop and maintain a comprehensive plan. This plan becomes a road map for the future. How does the community support growing populations, economic development, and prioritize resources? The last time Lake Oswego updated its comprehensive plan was in 1994. With 16 years since being updated, in 2010 the State of Oregon told the City of Lake Oswego to update the comprehensive plan and gave the City 3 years to do so.

In the last 3 years over 2000 citizens of the community have participated in a lengthy process of meeting, discussing, and giving in-put as to what the vision of Lake Oswego should look like in 2035. This was a very involved process that included the school district, neighborhood associations, business associations, and open public forums. In fact, the City received the National Planning Excellence Award for Communications Initiative from the American Planning Association for this effort.

The comprehensive plan has 7 action areas:

• Healthy Ecosystems
• Community Health and Public Safety
• Connected Community
• Inspiring Places and Spaces
• Economic Vitality
• Complete Neighborhoods and Housing
• Community Culture

These action areas support a wide variety of goals. Much emphasis is placed on livability and there was a strong consensus that walking, biking, and public transportation should be encouraged. Value is placed on high-quality schools, library, and recreational opportunities. Economic diversity is encouraged and the support of local businesses is a goal.

Think about it, the gallery without walls didn’t just happen. It is something we treasure and enjoy because in the past the arts were encouraged and supported in this community.

The final step in the adaption of the comprehensive plan is now occurring. Our mayor and city council will be voting on the adaption of the final version of the comprehensive plan at the City Council meeting on April 16th. I want to encourage you to learn about the plan. The easiest way to do this is by watching this short video.

Next I want to encourage you to contact our Mayor and City Council members to support adaption of the current comprehensive plan as it has been developed by the citizens of our community. To contact our Mayor and members of the City Council click here.

There is always a bit of controversy in public planning. That is true in this instance. There are several members of our city council who are not in favor of the comprehensive plan as it has been developed. I guess it could be attributed to a general dislike of planning in general: the idea that government should be smaller and less involved. There certainly are times when I agree with that perspective. But this plan is a good one. It is a vision for the future of our City that was developed by the citizens of this City. Please encourage the adaptation of the plan as the citizens have designed it over the course of the last 3 years.

We do love our City! This vision for the next 20 years is wonderful! Get involved and please encourage the adaptation of the Comprehensive Plan.
Dianne

January 4, 2013January 4, 2013

A New Year!

Greetings to all of our loyal and new Property Blotter readers!

As we enter our 5th year of publishing this insiders’ look at the Lake Oswego community and Real Estate scenes, we want to take a moment to thank you so much for your interest and patronage through the years! Dianne and I are as committed as ever to bringing you the micro-focused real estate information you count on, and also the perspective of Lake Oswego as part of the larger Portland Metro Area from time to time. Context is good… at least we think so : )

We both specialize in Lake Oswego property, considering the time we’ve spent living and working here, and we both also have been working all over the Greater Portland Area for many, many years, so please remember us if you know someone who needs a really experienced and reliable Realtor for any property “selling or buying adventure” in this larger geographic area!

Though our lives have changed through the years, the Property Blotter has remained constant, and we hope that you enjoy it as much as we do. Recently we have made one BIG change, and that is that we are now working with Oregon First Real Estate Company! A change like this is the kind of thing that only occurs once in a very great while, and while we have been very pleased with our previous affiliation and will miss those with whom we’ve worked closely for some time, we are thrilled to be joining this vibrant, established local company with offices all over the Portland area and Vancouver!

Just for fun, I’ve pasted below our very first post from 2008, and after reading it, am feeling both nostalgic, and satisfied with the work we’ve committed ourselves to, and all we’ve accomplished with so many of you.

Happy New Year to each of you…. We toast YOU in 2013!

Welcome to the premier edition of the Property Blotter!

This blog is intended to be a fun and useful forum pertaining to real estate issues in the City of Lake Oswego. It will bring you information that directly reflects current market conditions.

It will also provide you with history of the area and insights into Lake Oswego’s vibrant community. You will find plenty of statistics and details about houses currently for sale and recently sold. You will also find neighborhood profiles and featured homes. And, yes, you’ll get commentary on local events and neighborhood happenings.

What you will not find is endless self-promotion and unneeded advertising. This is going to be a place to learn about Lake Oswego real estate and not a place that will waste your time. We don’t care for that sort of thing any more than you do.

And just who are we and why do we have any right to be doing this? We are Realtors who have each lived in Lake Oswego for some time and have been directly a part of this community. Between us we have 30 years of experience selling real estate in this fine community. Between us we have lived in Lake Oswego for 20 years. Our children have attended school here. We participated in sports here. We volunteered with local non-profits here. We know this town.

Lake Oswego is an amazing place to live. It is also seriously misunderstood. Yes, there are million-dollar homes in Lake Oswego. But more than money, Lake Oswego is a town that has people who care. It has always had great schools and so attracts families looking for excellent public schools. There are modest homes as well as lakeside estates.

If we are doing our job right, you’ll come away from this blog feeling like you know a bit more about what prices of homes are like, what is going on with local businesses, and what it is about LO that makes it a great place to live and to work. If you currently live here, you’ll know more about what your home may be worth. If you are thinking about moving here, you’ll know more about what to expect when you buy a home and what this community is like as a place to live.

So come along with us on this “blog-mobile”. It is going to be a great journey.