Summer is just about over, so it's time to get your house and yard ready for winter.  1.  Remember to winterize your sprinkler system.  You'll need to turn off the sprinkler system controller and turn off the water at the main valve.  Then, to drain the system, open the drain valves to release the pressure on the system.  Consult with your irrigation system installer or manual for specific instructions for your system. 2.  Drain and store garden hoses. 3.  Remove leaves and debris from gutters and drainpipes. 4.  Clean, cover/put away your BBQ and lawn furniture. 5.  Reset any automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.  6.  Do touch up painting and caulking. 7.  Schedule your heating system for cleaning and servicing by a qualified HVAC service person.  Deb 10/13/2008

Never in our country's history has exercising your right to vote been so important.  Additionally, there are 18 state-wide ballot questions that will need to be answered so long lines are expected on November 4, Election Day.  Voters are encouraged to cast mail-in ballots or vote early.  Here is a recap of important Pueblo election information: Oct 6 - Voter registration deadline to vote in this election Oct 20 - Oct31 - Early voting 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Pueblo County Courthouse, Pueblo County Conference Room at 1001 N. Santa Fe Ave. , (former Spradley building downtown) or the Colorado State Fair Events Center Oct 28 - The last day registered voters can request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to them Oct 31 - The last day that voters may pick up a mail-in ballot application at the c... 09/26/2008

With all the natural disasters occurring lately due to hurricane and rising water in other parts of the country, I've thought about what would happen if a weather or fire emergency occurred here in Pueblo West.  In addition to calling your insurance company BEFORE a problem arises to make sure that your insurance coverage is adequate, it is a good idea to have a record of all of your personal belongings.  "Know Your Stuff" is a free software program offered by the Insurance Information Institute.  You can download the software from http://www.knowyourstuff.org.  This software allows you to create a room-by-room inventory and attach photos/receipts/appraisals, etc.  Once the inventory is complete, you should maintain a copy of the inventory somewhere other than in your house.  Luckily, l... 09/19/2008

Well, you'll never guess what I found in my house yesterday - a rattlesnake.  I have absolutely NO idea how this snake got into my house.  I found him (her?) near my bedroom door.  In order to get into the house, he (she?) would have had to climb either the front steps, garage steps or deck steps. I managed to sweep the very angry, spitting, hissing snake out the front door.  An hour later, after my heartbeat had slowed down, I looked up rattlesnake info on the web and here is what I found at the Colorado State University Extension Service website at:  http://www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/natres/06501.html. This time of year, snakes are looking for warm places to hibernate, so all exterior cracks and openings (doors, windows, water pipes, electrical lines) ¼ inch or larger should be sealed... 09/12/2008

Check out the Hen House Café at their new location at 53 E. Palmer Lake Drive (Corner of Joe Martinez Blvd and Palmer Lake).  Their new building, just a stone's throw from their previous location and has room for a lot more eat-in diners.  They are open daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they still have their delicious take-out chicken.  On another note, one of my clients told me about this great website: http://finderscheapers.com, which is a price comparison website that will help you find the best deals for products sold on-line.  My client told me she saved over $100 on her first purchase.  Deb 09/05/2008

I made an abrupt double take when I saw the "closing sale" sign hanging on the fence of Seufer Brothers Nursery (just East of/behind Safeway).  Seufer's is my favorite nursery (I have yet to kill off any of their plants with my gardening techniques) and I stopped by to see if they were hopefully just moving to a new a location.  I talked with Nan and she told me that Seufer Brothers couldn't afford to stay at the current location since C&C Sand, who shares the building w/Seufer's, was leaving.  Seufer Brothers will now just sell from their location at 345 S. Raynolds Ave. in Cañon City.  However, Nan, who is just an absolute wealth of gardening information and doesn't really want to make that long drive to Cañon City from her home in Pueblo, is considering opening up her own garden shop... 08/29/2008

Market Report for Pueblo West Average Sold Price $168,072 Median Sold Price $160,500 Average Days on Market 130 Total Sold Dollar Volume RESIDENTIAL $53,447,011 Total Home Sales Sold Dollar Volume $53,447,011   FHA 175 Conventional 67 VA 41 Cash 34 Other 1 Read about Vestas jobs coming to Pueblo here: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/08/colorado-green-jobs-vestas-2000.php 08/28/2008

On Tuesday, Billy Pine lost his battle with colon cancer. We say goodbye to a son, husband, father, friend and firefighter. After reading last week’s Pueblo West View about the new meat market at 324 McCulloch Blvd and on the advice of several of my clients, I stopped by for a chat and to try some of their meat. I bought the Jalapeno sausage and, I have to say, it was FABULOUS! Brink’s Meat Market has several package deals at different price points, a great value for those who want to stock their freezer. See last week’s article in the View by clicking here. Or, better yet, stop by and say hello and see what they have to offer! Deb 08/22/2008

School is now in session in Pueblo West.  Please watch your speed in school zones and watch out for children walking to school.  New this year for Pueblo West High School students - all students will be issued a Dell laptop computer and carrying case.  Students are required to pay a small fee to cover the cost of accidental insurance on the computers.  Fee amounts are determined by free/reduced lunch status and number of high school students per family. Deb 08/18/2008

"Hello everyone.  I was inspired by the recent pond tour and I hired my wonderfully talented fireman-turned-landscaper Damien Pritts, owner of Steimz Landscaping (719-240-0900), to build a pond for me.  I am absolutely THRILLED with the result (see picture), but I don't know what to do next.  My husband wants to put koi in the pond and I want plants.  If you have advice for us on how to make this happen, shoot me an e-mail. It's hard to believe that summer is almost over, with school starting next week.  Remember to DRIVE SAFELY through school zones and when children are present along our roadways." Deb 08/08/2008

I always admire people that proactively go after business.  Well, this week I received a call from Dennis Fish of Mesa Mowing (719-250-2877).  He is available to mow lots.  Because of our EXTREME fire danger and the multitude of RATS (see previous blog article), I encourage you to give Dennis a call to get your property trimmed and looking good! On another note, I encourage all of you to attend the Pueblo West Metropolitan District board of directors meetings.  See the Metro District website at http://www.pueblowestmetro.com for dates and times (also note that the website has a new look!).  Items are being discussed that will affect the future of Pueblo West.  Regardless of which side you are on; whether the topic is drainage, roads or the proposed recreation center, let our board of di... 08/01/2008

First the bad news.  Fleas found on a rabbit on the north side of Pueblo West have tested positive for plague. This is not unusual.  Prairie dogs in Pueblo West have tested positive for plague in the past.  Health officials suggest that you DO NOT touch dead animals or Pueblo West rodents.  Spray on insect repellent and wear clothing so that you are protected from flea bites.  Dust your pets with flea powder.  Remove plants and materials near the outside of your house that could become breeding/feeding grounds for rodents.   If you or your pet are not feeling well, especially if a high fever exists, bring your pet to your local vet or bring yourself to your doctor. Next, the good news.  Our local farmer's market is up and running every Thursday from 7:30am to 1:00pm on McCulloch, Cheers... 07/25/2008

This coming weekend, you’ll find me at the Billy Pine Barrel Race in Avondale on Saturday and the Pancake Breakfast at the Pueblo West Fire Department fundraiser for the Billy Pine family on Sunday. Billy Pine, a 28-year old Pueblo City Firefighter, has Stage Four terminal colon cancer and fellow firefighters are working to create a trust fund for Billy’s daughter, Sydney. Come out and support this very worthy cause. Saturday’s activities run from 9am to 9pm at the Walk-A-Mile Arena Business Highway 50 E mile marker #14. Sunday’s event runs from 7am to 1pm at Pueblo West Station No. 1 on the corner of Joe Martinez Blvd and Hahns Peak. For more info, see the nice article from the front page of the July 14 Chieftain. Deb 07/18/2008

Let’s help Pueblo Community College & CSU-Pueblo celebrate their 75th Anniversary! There will be plenty of activities starting with a 7.5K Run/2-Mile Walk at 7:30am. Then, from 8am until 6pm, there’s a Pancake Breakfast, Health Fair, Car Show, Art Show, Entertainment, Texas Roadhouse BBQ, Games and MORE! Register on-line for the run/walk at http://www.socorunners.org. Find out more about the 75th Anniversary at http://www.pueblocc.edu/75th_celebration. Come and enjoy the festivities! If you’re up for something more relaxing, the 8th Annual Parade of Ponds takes place this weekend. There are several locations to visit all over Pueblo and Pueblo West. Pick up flyers at Pet Paradise, 115 Pueblo Blvd Way; Fox’s Garden, 329 S. Santa Fe; Animal Kingdom, 339 S. Santa Fe; Campbells South, 329 C... 07/11/2008

There is a growing population of cotton rats moving into Pueblo West.  To eliminate the rodent's habitat, homeowners and owners of vacant lots are encouraged to cut down weeds and vegetation.  The Pueblo West Metro District office has a list of individuals who do mowing.  Let's drive out these unwelcome visitors! 07/03/2008

Well I stopped in today and chatted with Linda Bloom, Executive Director of Sun Haven, a luxury senior retirement community for active adults 55 and over (formerly the Inn at Pueblo West, 201 S. McCulloch). All I can say is WOW, what a difference just in the hallways, which are brightly lit and lined with art work. Linda gave me the grand tour, invited me in to model studio and 1-bedroom units and showed me the video about the grand master plan for the “community”. In future phases, there will be a medical plaza, assisted living and skilled nursing centers and shops lining McCulloch. I personally can’t wait for the restaurant to open, which will be available not only to the residents but to all of Pueblo West. Linda says the Phase I suites and restaurant should be open and ready for bus... 06/26/2008

"It's Official - the "wet" 4th of July parade is back for Pueblo West!  The parade begins at 10:00 am at the intersection of South Purcell and Joe Martinez and runs down Joe Martinez to Civic Center Drive.  Squirt guns are OK but water balloons are NOT.  Anyone with a frozen water balloon will receive a citation from the Sheriff's Department.  Other 4th festivities include the Lions Club pancake breakfast starting at 7:00 am; a Snap Fitness/United Way 3K Fun Run at 8:00 am; activities at Golden Guardian Park; a concert from 5:00 to 11:00pm and fireworks at dusk.  See you there! 06/13/2008

Have you received this month’s water bill yet? When you do, you’ll notice that instead of the old postcard format, the bill is now sent in a sealed envelope. Per the folks at the Pueblo West Metropolitan District, the new format provides privacy for the amount due/past due information, decreases the risk of loss due to intermingling with other mail and allows the Metro District to include announcements and surveys in the same envelope. Although there is a slight increase in cost, this can be mitigated by signing up for on-line payment which will be coming soon. The B Street Bash starts Friday, June 6th and running each Friday through June 27th. See http://www.bstreetbash.com/ for more info. 06/06/2008

There is so much going on in Pueblo West that I figured I'd better start a blog to make sure YOU got the word as well.  As I'm sure you've noticed, there is a ton of building going on: from our recently completed North side Fire Station to our Library expansion and so much in between.  Word is that we will FINALLY be getting a traffic light (by the end of summer) at the intersection of Purcell and Industrial.  Anybody who has made a quick stop at Safeway before going home at the end of the day and then tried to turn left from Industrial  Blvd. onto Purcell during rush hour knows that it is nearly an impossible task.  For those of you on the South side of Highway 50, many of us may be able to switch from propane to natural gas this coming fall.  Drive slowly while passing the pipeline wo... 05/30/2008

 Pueblo West Market report for 2007A total of 636 site built houses in P.W. were sold in 2007 Median price $124,900Average price $121,200Average Days on the market 96Average price per square foot $94A total of 289 vacant lots were sold in P.W. in 2007Median price $22,000Average price $27,600Average days on the market 170There are 351 houses on the market as of January 5, 2008Median price $199,900Average price $246,000Average days on the market 131Average price per square foot $126There are 721 vacant lots for sale as of January 5, 2008Median price $25,500Average price $ $47,019Average days on the market 272 01/05/2008