It is going to be a hot one this weekend. Here are 5 places to beat the heat:1) Lake IsanjoI love Lake Isanjo because it is rarely crowded. Even on a hot weekend there maybe less than 20 people around this large lake. Why? Because it's hard to get to! Parking is a good 2+ mile hike away. Yes, it's hard to get to, but it's worth it. Park at Spring Lake and hike the Spring Creek Trail up to the Lake. It's worth it. Or park at Annadel State Park and hike Warren Richardson Trail 2.5 miles to the lake A picnic bench sits at the shoreline of Lake Isanjo Where: Annadel State Park but best access is from parking at Spring Lake Park 5585 Newanga Ave Santa Rosa Fee: Parking $7 at Spring Lake Dogs: No dogs in Annadel State Park More Information: Annadel 2) Spring Lake Lagoon:It's much easier to ge... 08/26/2017

My mountain bike is in the shop due to a broken spoke but it was such a nice day that I really wanted to go outside and get some exercise.  I took my dogs to Hood Mountain Regional Park and hiked the Valley View Trail. The Valley View Trail is a moderate  4.4 mile hike with fantastic views of  Oakmont, Rincon Valley, and Sonoma referred to by the author Jack London as the Valley of the Moon.  This park is under-used, rural, and is a great place to view wildlife, listen to birds, and GET LOST.  Seriously, people get lost frequently so BRING A MAP!Here are the steps to do this hike: Drive to the park parking lot on Pythian Dr Hike up the Lower Johnson Trail to Merganser Pond Trail (1.3 mi) Hike the Merganser Pond Trial to the pond (.4 mi) Once at the pond, walk counter clockwise around th... 08/24/2017

I wonder how many people know that they can watch polo free in Rincon Valley at the Wine Country Polo Club field? I went to my first game this last weekend and had an absolute blast!   Polo is a fast moving game with only 8 players (4 per side) on the field at a time.  To prevent exhaustion to the horses, each quarter is only 7:30 mins long.   There is 1 umpire on horseback.  There are plenty of places to watch the matches for free, or you may prefer to pay to have a more luxurious experience, as we did.  This particular event, photographed below, was a benefit for Wounded Veterans and was $180 per plate.  Lunch was delicious, and wine tasting  generous. Generally, polo can be watched most weekends at the Wine County Polo fields beginning at 9:30 am through Oct 1st 2017.  Additional pra... 08/22/2017

The following is the sales activity in Rincon Valley Santa Rosa 95409 for the week of August 14th - 21st, 2017.  This does not include mobile homes or Oakmont.  Homes listed in this market report were not necessarily listed or sold by Saint Francis Properties, and is just for general consumer information only. Contact me to inquire about the specifics of any particular sale.   Single Family Detached Homes: $675,000        5510 El Encanto Dr       3/2       1822 sq ft $765,000        729 Montclair Dr          4/3        2050 sq ft $779,000        366 Breeden St              4/3        2500 sq ft $790,000        4590 Badger Rd             4/3        2178 sq ft $799,000        1505 Great Heron Dr   3/3         2406 sq ft $1,365,000     627 Scotland Dr            4/4         2456 sq ft    A... 08/22/2017

The following is the sales activity in Rincon Valley Santa Rosa, 95409 for the week of August 7th - 13th 2017.  This does not include mobile homes or Oakmont.  Homes listed in this market report were not necessarily listed or sold by Saint Francis Properties, and is just for general consumer information only. Contact me to inquire about the specifics of any particular sale. Single Family Detached Homes:   $599,900    1426 Twilight Way      3/3    1294 sq ft   $575,000    4997 Parkhurst Dr      3/2    1449 sq ft   $674,000    761 Montclair Dr         3/2   1646 sq ft   $549,900    4548 Montgomery Dr 3/2   1139 sq ft Avg: $ 599,700                                       1382 sq ft  As the average home sales price continues to climb in Rincon Valley, this is a great time to sell.  Call me t... 08/22/2017

The following is the sales activity in Rincon Valley 95409 for the week of August 1st - 6th 2017.  This does not include mobile homes or Oakmont.  Homes listed in this market report were not necessarily listed or sold by Saint Francis Properties, and is just for general consumer information only. Contact me to inquire about the specifics of any particular sale.        Single Family Detached Homes: $325,000     323    Algiers Court       2/1        885 sq ft $549,000     4926  Chairman Drive  3/2     1239 sq ft $1,175,000  619   Scotland Drive    2/3      3000 sq ft Avg: $683,000                                      1,708 sq ft  As the average home sales price continues to climb in Rincon Valley, this is a great time to sell.  Call me today, I'd love to come over and talk to you.Addition... 08/22/2017

Robert Ripley was born and raised in Santa Rosa.  Encouraged by his high school art teacher, Ripley refined his artistic talent and went to work for the SF Chronicle drawing sports cartoons, and odd facts about sports figures.  Later he became known for his cartoon narratives of things in other countries (esp India) that were difficult for Americans to believe.  Many say that Robert Ripley never claimed anything he wrote was true and left it to the reader to decide but actually Robert Ripley stated that he COULD prove everything he published, and in fact, worked very closely with a fact checker to ensure its accuracy.   Robert Ripley is buried in Santa Rosa next to his parents in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. 08/20/2017

Summer isn't going to last forever. Here are 5 outdoor things you can do tonight  1. Funky FridayEnjoy music and food in a family friendly environment at the Hood House.  If you haven't been yet, there are only 2 shows left after tonight's show.  Tonight, The Soulside Blues Band.When: Tonight (Friday) 7pm - 9pm +/-Where: Hood Mansion N. Pythian Santa RosaCost: $10 plus parking unless you have a Son. Co. Reg. Park passFood: Beer, wine, food available for purchaseMore info: Funky Friday 2. Friday Night Live in CloverdaleIt's a drive, but well worth it.  Great outdoor venue, warm weather, tons of food for purchase at the outdoor market on Cloverdale Blvd.  Tonight, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, a latin big band.When: Tonight (Friday) 6:30 - 9:30 +/-Where: Cloverdale Blvd plazaCost: FreeFood: Wi... 08/18/2017

 Hey Rincon Valley, looking for some exercise that's close to home? Take your dog for a Hike with the Hounds at Taylor Mountain Regional Park tonight (Thursday Aug 17) for an energetic sunset hike. Bagel and Jerry are up for the Challenge When: Thurs Aug 17th 5:30 pm Where: Taylor Mountain Regional Park , 3820 Petaluma Hill Road Bring: your dog w/ 6' leash (or shorter), water, doggie waste bag Registration: required at Son Co. Reg. Parks 707.483.0940 Cost: 7$ parking unless you have a park pass   Originally posted on RinconValleyBlog.com 7/17/2017    08/17/2017

Normally I plant my tomato plants in pots but this summer  I tried something new.  I'd read a newspaper article about using bales of straw as raised planting beds.  Over last winter, I took a straw bale,  laid it on it's side, and cut holes into it where I wanted my tomato plants to be planted.  I fill the holes with potting soil and let it sit out during the winter rains (which we got a lot this year),  The soil and rain create a condition where the straw starts to break inside.  When weather allowed for proper planting conditions, I put 2 tomato plants in the soil, topped off my potting soil, and let it grow.    So far the plants have grown exceptionally well.  I water them a bit more often than I did when they were in pots because I feel the straw drains too easily.  My Cherry tomato... 08/16/2017

Wild Oak is a great planned unit development community in Rincon Valley. It is nestled in the woodlands at the base of Annadel State Park.Wild Oak homes are designed to blend into the natural beauty of the areaWild Oak is a collection of 60+ single family homes that is accessed through a security gate on the edge of Oakmont. The homes are mostly "townhome" style but there are a few detached homes. The homeowner owns the structure, and the land it sits on.Wild Oak is absolutely beautiful with majestic Oaks, tall Redwoods, Bay and other trees. Wild Oak was designed to blend in with nature and to enhance the beautiful location.Amenities shared in the Wild Oak community are a pool, tennis and pickleball courts. There is a private path leading to Annadel State Park.Wild Oak Pool and common a... 08/13/2017

A friend of mine, who works for the Sonoma County Tourism Board, recommended I become a Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA). She said that with all the blogs I write regarding things to do in Rincon Valley and Sonoma County, a CTA designation would be right up my alley.I attended the 1-day course July 18th, held at the Sonoma County Tourism office on Aviation Blvd near the Sonoma County Airport. There were 15 other CTA candidates taking the course. The course was interactive with a combination of Power Point lecture and group tasks. It was a great way to meet some of Sonoma County's front line hospitality workers. I was the only real estate broker.What is the Certified Tourism Ambassador program? The CTA program is the only industry recognized program for the nation's hospitality front l... 08/07/2017

It's fair time in Sonoma County. The fairgrounds in Santa Rosa are alive with food vendors, carnival rides, livestock exhibits, concerts, the famous Hall of Flowers, and of course Wine Country Horse Racing.The fair runs from now until Aug 13th and is located at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds 1350 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa, CA.Horse racing dates:Aug 3-6Aug 10-13Aug 18-20 (post fair race) This photo was taken of Gwen and me at the track on opening day. We attended a special "Hat Day" event which included lunch, grandstand seating, and a hat competition. The photograph was taken by WB Photography of Santa Rosa who always does an outstanding job capturing the fair's excitement.Photo by WB Photography 2017 used with permission I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 a... 08/05/2017

No need to stay at home tonight, here are 5 things you can do to get an early start on your hard earned weekend! Summer of Love Art Night 6 pm - 9 pm Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Cost is $25 but that gets admission into the exhibit, 2 drinks, and snacks.  Enjoy the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love with live music by Rubber Soul, and taking in the art work of the 60's.  Music and dancing at Sebastiani Winery Friday night music series Sebastiani Winery Friday nights This is a weekly FREE event. Wine is available for purchase at the winery.  Bring your own food and picnic in the courtyard.  Local bands play inside the tasting room.  Gwen and I hit this about once a month and it's always a good time.  Wine is available for purchase by the glass or bottle.  Several food trucks are on si... 08/04/2017

Lessons that I learned the hard way and now use to educate my clients.Lesson #1, don't buy that car until you close on your home!When I was purchasing my 2nd house, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about buying a home. My first purchase was 3 years earlier, and I just sold that house and was now purchasing in Cloverdale.  The year... 1993.  I stopped by my agent's office as it was very close to where I worked.  He leaped out of his chair and yelled: "You bought a car!!!"  "Uhhhh yes..."  Do you want to lose this house and your deposit? he asked sternly.  "Uhhhh, no..."    "I told you don't go buy a boat, buy a car, buy anything!"   he said.    "Uhhhh, oh that's right..."  The problem was that I had lifted "all contingencies" and in the week before I closed, I bought a fellow... 07/10/2017

After a hard week of work wouldn't it be nice to go out for a nice glass of wine, gourmet pizza and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in Sonoma County?  Yes!  You can get all that at Fog Crest Winery in Sebastopol.    On the first Friday of the month, a gourmet food truck rolls in and dishes up delicious meals.  This week, it was gourmet pizzas by Bariadelli.  Then enjoy a glass of any number of wines being poured in the tasting room.  Stay inside the quiet temperature controlled tasting room, or enjoy  a nice breeze and local discussions out on the deck.  Come alone, or bring your friends.                                Fog Crest is known for it's Chardonnay, Rose', and Pinot noirs.  That's all they make, and they do it well.   Where: Fog Crest Vineyard 7602 Occidental Rd Sebastop... 07/09/2017

Hey Rincon Valley, looking for some love today?  Come on out to Montgomery Village and enjoy the free Summer of Love concert from noon - 3pm in the Village Court.  Dance to classic 60's and 70's music today while enjoying food and beverages for sale.  Food and beverage sales benefit local charities. This is part of Montgomery Villages weekly concert series.  I don't go to each concert, but I've been to a few, and they are a lot of fun!  I always meet somebody I know, and enjoy the great food and a chilled beer under the canopy in the courtyard of the Montgomery Village Shopping Center.    Future shows include:  7/15 - Funky Dozen 7/22 - Rockin' Down the Highway 7/29 - David Martin's House Party 8/05 - Super Huey Crowd enjoys Pride and Joy   Where: Montgomery Village Shopping Center Farm... 07/08/2017

Market report for Rincon Valley for the week of June 30th   2017There were 4 closed sales: 339 Algiers Court       2/1     880 Sq Ft    Yr: 1974    Sold: $335,000 924 Tranquilo Calle   3/2   1425 Sq Ft   Yr: 1967     Sold: $599,000 5704 Owls Nest Dr     3/3    2406 Sq Ft   Yr: 1998    Sold: $865,000 4198 Pine Rock Pl      4/4    3035 Sq Ft   Yr: 1986    Sold: $1,311,500 Averages:                           1936 Sq Ft                Sold:  $777,625  I love living in Rincon Valley!  I've lived here since 1995 and can't imagine living in a better north bay community.  Call me today if you're interested in buying a home in Rincon Valley, or if you'd like to list your Rincon Valley home for sale.                  Rincon Valley 4th of July neighborhood street party 07/08/2017

I was riding my bike through Rincon Valley, past the City of Santa Rosa tennis courts near Howarth Park when I noticed 4 small pickle-ball courts. The city had removed a fenced section with 2 tennis courts and replaced them with pickle-ball courts. Pickle-ball you say? Yes, pickle-ball. I first played pickle-ball in the 1970s at a camp on Orcas Island. It is a combination of Badminton, Ping Pong, and tennis. Some of the odd rules are that you only score a point if you served. The serve is cross court, and the ball must bounce before being returned. It is an odd but fast game. It seems to be increasing in popularity with an older generation. Pickle-ball courts have appeared at our local 55+ community. For those of us too old to chase tennis balls, pickle-ball may just be what the doctor ... 07/05/2017

  We have some great wineries in Rincon Valley.  A number of them advertise that they are "dog-friendly".  Gwen and I took the dogs out to test just how "dog-friendly"  they were.  Here's what we found.                                                                                                                                     Road Trip!  St. Francis Winery100 Pythian Rd Santa Rosa Website  Bagel & Jerry posing with St Francis AssisiGreat red and white wines.  We were told the dogs were welcome, but we were asked to sit outside in the garden with them.  The staff was curious and gave them some attention.  There were bowls of water around for them to drink from.  The staff came outside to serve us wine and a cheese pairing.  There were a few other dogs present Bottom line: Tasting ... 07/05/2017