R EAL E STATE Q&A
N E W S
by Monica Corman
Checklist Before Rainy Season Begins Many clients have asked me for recommendations for roofing companies, painters, gutter installers and cleaners, and a host of other companies whose services are needed to maintain our properties. As we prepare for the winter weather and hoped for rains, here are some maintenance items to have on your checklist. 1. Clean your gutters and if they are too small to handle the capacity of water during heavy rains, consider having new, larger gutters installed 2. Have your roof inspected to determine necessary repairs and if the roof is nearing or at Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac
Work in progress
the end of its useful life, it is time for a new one 3. Check the condition of your windows, stucco or other siding, and eaves and be sure the paint and other materials are in good condition. 4. Check the vent screens and other potential areas where animals can get into your home and be sure there are no places they can enter 5. Trim trees that may be hazardous during high winds and rain If you maintain your home well, you will avoid larger, more costly repairs later.
For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at mcorman@apr.com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free market analysis of your property. www.MonicaCorman.com
Construction is underway on this housing project, known as Artisan, at 603 College Ave. in Menlo Park. Seventeen townhouses and nine single-family houses (three below-market-rate) are being built on the 1.23acre site, with driveways mainly off El Camino Real. The houses vary from 1,342 to 2,059 square feet, and from two bedroom/2.5 bathrooms to 4 bedroom/2.5 bathrooms. Completion is expected by January or February. The developer is D.R. Horton.
Campaign finance reports released for Menlo district fire board race By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer
B
ig money was not quite flying around in the final week before the Menlo Park Fire Protection District board election on Nov. 5, according to the latest round of campaign finance reports filed with the San Mateo County elections office. The reports cover campaign financial status through Oct. 19. The candidates have divided themselves into two slates: Chuck Bernstein, former fire board director Peter Carpenter and incumbent Rex Ianson vs. Carolyn Clarke and incumbent Jack Nelson, the two candidates who have accepted labor union support in their campaigns. Slate 1
Mr. Bernstein reported $10,170 in cash contributions (including a $9,000 loan to himself) and $651.90 in non-monetary donations from Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Ianson for items such as mailers and a campaign party. Donors included Ed Moritz and Henry Riggs, at $100 each, and
Slate 2
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Mickie Winkler, who gave $150. The largest expense for Mr. Bernstein has been $8,791.84 paid to Sacramento-based campaign consultant Nikki Wilson. Mr. Carpenter’s cash campaign contributions this year consist of a $10,000 loan to himself. He also received $1,113.32 in non-monetary donations
Union reports reserves of $17,000. from Mr. Bernstein for postage and related expenses, and it appears his own expenditures — $10,961.79 — have mainly gone to support Mr. Carpenter’s fellow slate candidates. Mr. Ianson, with $2,150 in cash donations — $150 from Mickie Winkler and the rest as a loan to himself has spent $454.20 at “Signs on the Cheap.” His nonmonetary expenditures went to support the other two candidates on the slate, providing voter lists and business cards.
Ms. Clarke’s filings show $3,432 in cash contributions this year, including a $166.02 loan from herself. She’s spent $2,384.08 during this reporting period, primarily on campaign literature. Donors included Aron Hall with $1,000; Greg Bock and Kiara Cannon with $500 and Tod Spieker with $500; and Menlo Park Councilman Rich Cline with $250. Mr. Nelson’s filings indicate $199 in cash contributions this year and a $6,650 loan to himself. He’s spent $6,513.37 total, most of it during this reporting period, on campaign literature. His report listed no donors. Union
MPF FLAG, the firefighters’ union political committee, has spent the most to date, with $8,646 this year going toward campaign literature and phone calls on behalf of Ms. Clarke ($5,123) and Mr. Nelson ($3,239). At the close of the reporting period on Oct. 19, the committee still had a sizable war chest of $17,173. A
Good for Business. Good for You. Good for the Community.
October 29, 2013 Attn: Estimator GONSALVES & STRONCK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC will be submitting a bid on the following Menlo Park Fire Protection District Project: Menlo Park FPD – Fire Station #2 East Palo Alto, CA Project # 2242002100 Bid Date: 11/25/13 Bid Time: 2:00 p.m. We are seeking bids from Subcontractors and Local Subcontractors operating within the District’s Service Territory of (East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Menlo Park & Atherton). Please contact us immediately to submit a proposed Scope of Work. The plans, specifications and copies of the District’s proposal may be obtained at ARC – San Carlos (Email at sancarlos@e-arc.com) or Gonsalves & Stronck FTP Site (ftp://ftp2.gs-construction.com) Instructions are as follows: Please go to INTERNET EXPLORER OR FIREFOX MOZILLA ONLY Type in: ftp://ftp2.gs-construction.com Log-In: EPA Password: fire Should you have any questions, please email to bidroom@gs-construction.com or call us here at the office at 650-802-2960. Sincerely, Lori Eldredge Administrative Assistant November 6, 2013 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 7