Garth Evans

From what I understand, the new “Fresh and Easy” grocery store will be opening tomorrow. They are located next to Lowe’s in the Sterling Pointe shopping center and will be a good option in addition to the Safeway and Raley’s that are already here in town. I haven’t ever been into a “Fresh and Easy”, but it sounds like it will be a smaller grocery store that focuses on more healthy food. Their website also says that they are a “green building” and try to use natural light and energy savings techniques so they can pass the savings on to the customer. I am sort of excited to go check it out, I may have a preconceived idea of what it will be like that may be incorrect, but I get the feeling that it will be a store between a Trader Joes and a Whole Foods. It will be neat to have another grocery store option in Lincoln right away.

The other store coming in soon is one of the WalMart Neighborhood Markets. They just started putting up the temporary fencing around their job-site this week. This store will be located right on Hwy 65 as it goes through town (“G” Street between 2nd and 3rd) where the old Rainbow Market was. A lot of business owners in the area are excited about the store coming in as they think it may help drive traffic to their stores. Many of the tenants at the Lincoln Business Center, where my office is, feel that it will benefit their restaurants, hair salon, vacuum repair shop, sign store, Koi Pond store, Filipino goods shop and more…

I was the “Realtor of the Week” in the Lincoln News Messenger last week! They did a little write-up about me that I was sort of excited about. I really do work hard to take care of my clients and I think it shows.

Special certifications, designations, memberships, training (e.g. HUD, short sales):
- Bachelor of Arts Degree from BYU (double major in Korean and International Relations)
- Masters in Business Administration, University of Utah (emphasis in Marketing)
- Canadian Chief Scout Award (Equivalent to Eagle Scout)
- Member of the Association of Realtors’ Masters Club 8 consecutive years
- Premium SalesMaster Award – Realty World
- Top Associate – Realty World
- Achievement in Excellence – Realty World

How many years in business?
Real Estate in Lincoln for 10 years

Why did you become a Realtor?
I have always been interested in owning my own business. After Graduate school, I worked for a large fortune 500 company. I learned some valuable lessons during that time but was always thinking of what kind of business I wanted to own. Eventually I made the jump to real estate and I’ve never looked back. Owning my own business and working as a Broker has proven to be incredibly challenging yet gratifying. It has given me the chance to put all of my education and previous experience to the test.

What are your favorite parts of the job?
In my business things get personal. Buying or selling a home is a big event in people’s lives. I spend a lot of time negotiating for my clients and helping them get what they want. It feels good when the deal is done and everyone is happy. Times are tough and people are in some stressful situations. I feel privileged that my clients trust me with their personal situations. It feels good when I can do a service for them and help make positive changes in their lives.

What are the most challenging parts of the job?
In this market, no deal is easy. I take each transaction on as a challenge whether it is negotiating a purchase for a buyer or dealing with the banks on a short sale. It is satisfying to know that I made a deal work that may have seemed impossible at the beginning and completing a job that many may have given up on. I gladly take on these challenges and work hard to get what my client wants.

What do you think of the market right now?It is challenging but exciting. Anytime you have a market like this, there are new opportunities for refining your business or learning new parts of the business. I have had the chance to become very good at short sales and working with banks. It is a lot of fun working with first time home buyers that thought they would never be able to afford a home.

How are you involved in the community?Right now I am a ScoutMaster for Troop 745 in Lincoln. I love the outdoors! We have so many beautiful places around here for backpacking and camping. I really enjoy working with the Scouts and helping them learn not only great outdoor skills but life lessons as well. It is incredibly satisfying to see the boys work hard and earn their awards. I also help coach the roller hockey team at 12 Bridges Middle School.

What are your hobbies/interests?
I am originally from Edmonton, Canada so I grew up playing ice hockey. My wife grew up in Lincoln, so when we decided to move our family here I was happy to find that there are a couple of ice rinks close by. I enjoy trail running and anything to do with the outdoors. My son and I are working on a Land Cruiser and we like to get out and drive back to some remote areas to hike and fish. California has so many beautiful areas, my family and I love to hike and explore new places.

Every once in a while the Lincoln News Messenger asks me to write an article about real estate in Lincoln. This time I decided to do something a little different…

Home Preparedness

Over the last 6 years or so, I have had the opportunity to work with the Boy Scouts. Recently, a number of boys in our troop started working on their Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge. Shortly after we started, the tanker fire in Lincoln took place. About a week after the dust had settled, we had the chance to meet with one of the people who had been in charge during the disaster. He spoke to the boys about what had happened and stressed the importance of having an emergency kit in their homes. Instead of giving home beautification tips or how to cut down on your utility bills, I thought it would be worthwhile to pass along some information that could be essential for every home.

One of the first things he told us was that it was important to put together a kit that would have the essentials for at least 96 hours. He was involved in operations during 9-11 and Katrina and said that 96 hours’ worth of supplies was needed before many people were rescued or evacuated. He told us that it should be in a place that is easily accessible and probably close to the car. He suggested keeping it in backpacks or in the large plastic bins you can find at the store.

One of the first things he spoke about was having cash in relatively small bills readily available. The amount may depend on your family size, but having some cash very important. Also having some change on hand could be useful.

Food and Water-He talked about having a 4 day supply of food and water per person. He said that having a box (or boxes) of bottled water would be adequate but that it should be rotated every once in a while. Food would be items that aren’t perishable, can be stored, and don’t require cooking or refrigeration. Some items that would work well are jerky, granola bars, trail mix, dried fruit, canned foods, gum, candy and dehydrated foods.  I have a backpacking stove and fuel in my kit and prefer the dehydrated backpacking meals. They don’t take up much space and the kids like them.  Along with your food you should think about having utensils and a simple mess kit or paper plates.

Personal items-One of the most important items would be a first aid kit. You should also have a toiletries kit for each person that includes soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb or brush, toilet paper or wet-wipes. Travel-size items that are available at some large retailers are perfect for your kit. Some members of your family may have needs that will require prescription medicine, extra contact lenses or eye-wear. Medications including Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, cough medicine and children’s medicine should be included. Babies will require additional items.

Shelter, Warmth and Clothing-I keep my camping supplies close by and ready to go in case of an emergency. Sleeping bags, foam pads and tents are part of my kit. Along with this, jackets, hats and gloves should be included for every member of the family. Even in warm weather these items can be useful. Each person should have a change of clothing for warm and cool weather, extra under garments, rain gear, extra socks and a sturdy pair of boots.

Additional equipment-flashlights, headlamps, extra batteries, lantern, flares, candles, lighters, shovel, radio, work gloves, rope, a roll of duct tape, pen and paper, whistle(s), dust masks, tarp, camera and other items can be added if deemed necessary.  He did tell us that it could be helpful to have some simple games included. Some individuals prepare more or less items and this list is not comprehensive, it just gives an idea of some things you may want to think about.

Emergency plan-each household should have an emergency plan laid out for any time of the day. Who picks up the kids if a disaster happens while they are at school? Where does everyone meet? Communication by cell phone may not be possible during a disaster and it is good to go over everything and have a plan for every situation. “Be Prepared”  like the Boy Scouts and a tough situation can turn into an event that the whole family will get through and look back on as an adventure.

Let me know if you have any ideas about emergency preparedness!

Wow, it’s only 10:00 am and my office thermostat is already reading 84 degrees. I usually don’t have to turn the air on until at least 11:00, but I’m starting to heat up! I really like the heat, maybe it’s because I had to shovel so many sidewalks and deal with frozen ears and toes so much growing up. Isn’t is funny taking about the weather? It seems like some people are never satisfied. Either it’s too hot, too cold, too much rain, not enough rain…blah, blah, blah. Maybe it’s just for converstation or something but I think it might be about attitude as well. Now, I can understand if you are having to move today, I do feel for my clients moving to Davis. I hope the day goes well. I also understand the farmers and other businesses that depend on the weather for work or to be able to do work, but I am talking about the everyday American that goes to an office or school that is air-conditioned and the hardest part of the day is getting into a hot car and sweating for a minute while it cools down.

Sorry if I come off harsh, it might just be a bit of an attitude after talking to some banks on short sales, but I’m also counting my blessings and trying to reflect on how lucky we are to live in this country. I’m going to try to have a more positive outlook and encourage others to do the same!

On the real estate front, rates are still extremely low and if you have good credit and a little money, it’s a great time to buy. Some of the bank-owned and traditional sales are starting to sit on the market a little longer and I feel that prices in the larger homes are starting to drop again slightly (they did go up in Placer County for a few months).  Congratulations on closing to my two clients moving out of the area.

 Call me if you have any questions about buying or selling or the market in general.

Can you remember your summers as a kid? I always think back about he hype and parties leading up to the end of school and then the joy of being free for a couple months. It seems to me that things have changed and there are way more parties and end of school productions that there use to be. There was great joy in being done with the everyday grind,  but also sadness in knowing that there were some friends that you wouldn’t see until you were sitting in your desk with your “school clothes” in a few months. Anyway, kids seem to have an adjustment period where they go from being super busy to feeling like they have nothing to do. Have you heard the phrase “I’m bored!” yet this summer? I am sure my wife hears it a lot more that I do, but I have had some calls from home during the day with the complaint of not having anything to do. My answer is always work! Mow the lawn, wash the car, water the plants, clean the floor, wash the windows…I could go on and on. Anyway, summer is supposed to be fun for the kids, and for those Moms, Dads, Grandmas or Grandpas out there that need some ideas to keep the kids busy, I am going to post some great ideas of things to do over the summer. I can’t take credit for the list,  this has been compiled by others for all of us to use.

The first list is of FREE activities and ideas:

Summer Fun 2010

Print out a calendar for the whole summer at:  http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2010/05/summer-calendar.html and fill in what is already known and pick theme days, this could include a library day, a craft day, a food/cooking day, and outing day, movie day, friends over day, and a water day or whatever works for you.

Let children choose a theme for each week nd focus activities around that theme.

Establish a point system for things such as reading or outdoor play and use those points to earn media time or special outings.

If you choose a certain day for outings, keep it a surprise but let the children know it is almost always that day of the week to look forward to, for example “Wacky Wednesday” or “Surprise Friday”.

Grab those local parents’ magazines in the front of the grocery store.  Even if you don’t have young kids, the calendar in the back can be very useful.

Sign up for the City of Lincoln eBulletin, you get an email every couple of days with the activities, events and meetings around Lincoln:  http://www.ci.lincoln.ca.us/ConstantContact.cfm -These bulletins don’t always have fun activities for the kids but will give you a good idea of what is going on in the City.

FREE ACTIVITIES

Regal Family Movies – Olympus Pointe 12 – Tues., Wed., Thurs. @ 10:00 AM

520 N. Sunrise Ave., Roseville, CA  95661, 916-772-1245

June 22, 23, 24                     Doogal (G)

                                                Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)

June 29, 30 & July 1           Tale of Despereaux (G)

                                                Planet 51 (PG)

July 6, 7, 8                             Wallace & Gromit (G)

                                                Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs (PG)

July 13, 14, 15                      Kit Kittredge:  American Girl (G)

                                                Aliens In The Attice (PG)

July 20, 21, 22                      March Of The Penguins (G)

                                                Where The Wild Things Are (PG)

July 27, 28, 29                      Arctic Tale (G)

                                                Kung Fu Panda (PG)

August 3, 4, 5                       Clifford’s Big Movie (G)

                                                The Spy Next Door (PG)

Water Parks-were not talking about the big slide parks like “Sunsplash”

                Lincoln – Foskett Ranch

                Rocklin – Lone Tree, Camp Whitney, Memorial Park

                Roseville – Leonard Duke Davis Park, Mark White Park, R.F. Nelson Park, and others in greater Sac.

Frisbee Golf – Johnson Springview Park in Rocklin, Oak Park in Carmichael

Flashlight Tag – Fun to play at night at McBean Park

Tennis – Court at LHS usually open starting at 8 am

Free Books at Carnegie Library – Fridays 8:00 am – 12 Noon beginning June 11^th

Hidden Falls Regional Park (between Lincoln & Auburn) – Beautiful hiking.  Bring a lunch and make it a day.  Check website for directions and map:  www.placer.ca.gov/Departments/Facility/Parks/hiddenfalls.aspx

Rocklin’s 2010 Evening-In-The-Park free concerts held at Johnson-Springview Park, 5480 Fifth Street at the Community Stage.  Performances held on Friday nights from 7 pm – 9 pm. 

                June 11 – Dad’s Night with “Square1”

                July 9 – Kids’ Night with “Essex”

                July 23 – Health & Safety Night with “Eclipse”

                August 6 – Teachers’ Appreciation Night with “Departure”  www.rocklin.ca.gov/government/service_n_facility/special_events_theatre_n_arts/special_events/evening_in_the_park_concert_series.asp

Rocklin’s Shakespeare Company presents Dream On: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Johnson-Springview Park Community Stage.  Free performances start at 8 pm.  Dates: July 29, 30 and August 1, 13, 14, 15

www.rocklin.ca.gov/government/service_n_facility/special_events_theatre_n_arts/theatre/shakespeare_in_the_park.asp

Fun cement slide – Lincoln Estates Park, 331 James Drive in Roseville. Bring a rolls of wax paper for easy sliding.  There are picnic areas and regular play structures at the park, but NO bathrooms.

Art Walk – 3^rd Saturday of every month.  Downtown Roseville galleries, and retail & civic venues keep their doors open for visitors to enjoy an evening of fine art, music and refreshment.  Roseville Arts Blue Line Gallery participates in this community event by offering regular 3^rd Saturday afternoon hands-on activities for children (1-4pm) and evening receptions (6:30-9pm).  http://www.rosevillearts.org/tours.html#3rdsat

Friday night movie at the Twelve Bridges Library – July 2^nd at 6:00 pm – Percy Jackson; the Lightening Thief

Check website for August movie:  www.libraryatlincoln.org

Lincoln  Library Summer Reading Program – June 1^st thru July 5^th.  www.libraryatlincoln.org

Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program – Read 8 books and get a free book off their list.  Sign-up forms in the store.  1256 Galleria Blvd., Roseville

Concerts at The Fountains in Roseville – Sat. July 3^rd, 8 – 10 pm

Lincoln Farmer’s Market – Thursday Nights in downtown Lincoln

Martha Riley Library – new library in Roseville that has an upstairs room where kids can play games.  Also houses the Utility Exploration Center.

Downtown Roseville Tuesday Night – 5 – 9 pm on Vernon Street, May through July

http://www.roseville.ca.us/calendars/city_calendar.asp?ViewBy=7&CalDate=6/15/2010&EventDateID=16785

Lowe’s free Build & Grow Clinics – kids build projects at 10 am on some Saturdays https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/

Home Depot free kid’s workshops – first Saturday of each month from 9am – 12 Noon

Michael’s – variety of craft classes  http://www.michaels.com/art/online/events?storeid=1680

Chuck E. Cheese – use coupons from the newspaper for free and cheap tokens-I’m not a huge fan of this one, something about furry animals being around pizza…but the kids like it!

Play areas in the mall

Geocaching – high tech treasure hunting  http://www.geocaching.com/ This is pretty cool for older kids. REI has GPS units you can rent. Sometimes the treasures they find are fun. Make sure that you give them some things to leave for the next people at the geocache-the treasures don’t have to be expensive. I have seen fast food toys and dollar store items in the cache. You could probably find some things around the house that would be great geocache treasures.

I was just thinking about how lucky we are to live in this beatiful area. All of Placer County is really pretty great. The rain has been good, but I am ready for spring! If you like the outdoors, there is so much to do around here. Just recently, my Mom came down for a visit and we were able to take a couple day trips. We went down to San Francisco and went through the California Academy of Sciences. What an incredible place! The kids, especially my 5 year old, loved the sea life and everything else there was to see. We are located in a perfect spot between the culture of the city and the natural beauty of the Sierras. Where else can you travel for about an hour and either be out to the coast or skiing on world class resorts? We also had the chance to take my Mom on a hike through Hidden Falls Regional Park just here in Auburn. Just about 15 or 20 minutes from Lincoln and that place is pretty incredible too! I could go on and on about all the great places we have close by. Camp Far West Lake is just North of town and is pretty quiet compared to Folsom Lake and some of the other lakes around. Some of my favorite hikes that we do with the Boy Scouts are only an hour up I-80 – Loch Leven Lake, Warren Lake, Castle Peak and many others…I am always looking for new places too, let me know if anyone else has any favorites. We do live in a beautiful place!