One of our favorite places to go to for tea or happy hour is the Santa Barbara Biltmore.  Each year their Christmas display is lovely and well worth a visit.  We loved this wreath welcoming us in!The Christmas tree is also a beautiful sight almost reaching the tall beamed ceiling.  Notice the big switch!They also decorated the chandeliers, it added a special touch to the holiday atmosphere. We really enjoyed the festive spirit created by all this lovely decor.   Wishing all our friends a Very Merry Christmas Eve!  Regardless of your religious beliefs, we all want peace and goodwill to all of mankind, with no exclusions! Cheers,  Ron & Alexandra Seigel. 12/23/2015

Freddy Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey August 201530 year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 3.91% this week compared to 3.89% last week. Lowest 30 year rate touched in the last 10 years is 3.55%.15 year mortgage rate fell to 3.13% this week compared to 3.17% last week. Lowest 30 year rate touched in the last 10 years is 2.83%.5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgatge is 2.95%, just the same as last week. Lowest 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage touched in the last 10 years is 2.75%.Mortgage rates remained level over the last week. 08/19/2015

12/22/2014

Today was the first two games of the season for the Montecito YMCA Stingray's, the 4th - 6th grade  flag football team that I am coaching, and we won them both! It was a hot day in Santa Barbara today; and a great day to play football. Our first game we were up against the Falcons who hit us with a withering running attack.  We weathered the storm and wore them down with our relentless offensive barrage.  Stingray Quarterback Witt scored with a keeper around the right end, and capped it off with a 2 point conversion pass to Miles in the right corner of the end zone for the win. The second game against the Mustangs, also from the Montecito YMCA, was down to the wire after both teams scored with the stingrays failing the extra point attempt and falling behind after the Mustangs converted ... 09/25/2010

I am a very proud graduate of Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA.  It is more than a college, it is a place that is truly forming young people.  I can't begin to explain in a blog what Westmont has meant to my life and my family.  Most folks don't understand how a college can be so impactful...you really have to experience it or know somebody who has.  Anyway, Westmont was engulfed in flames last night, with several buildings (including 14 faculty homes) being lost.  As far as I know, nobody was injured.  My coach, who is more so my mentor and friend (he, his wife, and his 2 children were all part of my wedding) lost his home.  Gig Harbor High graduate and cross country and track and field standout Kate Stuart is a freshman at Westmont this year, running for that same coach I ran for... 11/14/2008