2019 Spring High Desert Home Show by High Desert Media Group

2 Thursday, April 4, 2019

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ow celebrating its 35th year, the High Desert Home & Garden Show is bigger than ever before, encompassing all four exhibit buildings at the High Desert Event Center, Fairgrounds — Victorville. Truly, everything you need to enhance your family’s home and lifestyle is featured at this year’s show, April 5, 6 and 7. Presented by High Desert Home Shows and sponsored by Victorville Motors and The Daily Press, the show has gained recognition as a High Desert community tradition. T h i s ye a r ’s s h ow fe a tures hundreds of exhibitors both indoors and out, and, as always, promises something for everyone. This is truly “The Finest Show in the High Desert” the biggest and best Home Show in San Bernardino County, with more around every corner than ever before. Don’t miss all of the beautiful exhibits from many of your favorites, with new and exciting displays featuring products to provide you with fresh inspiration for the projects you’ve been considering. Whether it’s building, remodeling, adding, enclosing, decorating, upgrading, or landscaping that you’re looking for an expert on, they’re all here at this year’s show. You can find a licensed contractor for any project you can think of and it’s all in one convenient location. The High Desert Home & Garden Show has EVERYTHING for your home and for your landscaping needs. From home security to kitchen specialists, from interior decorators to home furnishings, from floor and window covering specialists, from outdoor furniture to barbecues, from spas and saunas to pools and even communications vendors, the High

with the outdoor vendors for your home and your garden. With spring here and summer around the bend, you’ll want to take advantage of the Home Show specials these businesses are offering. Don’t just “dream” of your ideal outdoor atmosphere — “create it” with the help of the experts at the High Desert Home & Garden Show. Whatever you need or desire for the way you live, the High Desert Home & Garden Show is the place to find it — at the High Desert Event

Center, Home of the San Bernardino County Fair, in Victorville. Hours are from Noon to 5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Parking is FREE. The Daily Press provides discount coupons, and General Admission is only $6; children under 18 are free with an adult. Seniors enjoy $1 admission on Friday. For more informat io n , visit t he web sit e at Highdeserthomeshows.com. — High Desert Home Shows

product or service you need, comparison shop and make a decision on the spot - or in your own good time. Lifestyle exhibits and outdoor living products are what we’ve come to expect from the Home Show and have always been a part of its success. And this year’s show is even better with Healthy living cooking demonstrations scheduled multiple times throughout the day. High Desert lifestyle in the warm weather is all about the outdoors — so don’t miss this opportunity to meet

How color can affect your garden

lower gardens can add color and awe-inspiring appeal to a property. The National Gardening Association notes that gardeners can find nearly every color of the spectrum in flowering perennials. So whether you prefer soft pink, are partial to bright red or want to relax in a garden and gaze at something deep blue, chances are you’ll find a perennial to tickle your fancy.The NGA offers the following breakdown of colors to help gardeners learn how their gardens can set the mood they’re looking for. Bright colors A garden full of bright colors like red, orange, magenta, and yellow can provide a landscape with vigor and energy. The NGA notes that brightly colored flowers can withstand especially bright sunshine, meaning gardeners can marvel at their appearance even when the sun might be adversely affecting other plants and flowers.Pastel colors Pastels, which include soft pink, powder blue, lavender, and peach, create a tranquil feeling in a garden. This makes pastel perfect for those who want their gardens to be a relax-

ing, peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The NGA notes that pastels may looked washed out in the midday sun, so they might be best enjoyed early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Complementary colors Complementary colors are those

that are opposite one another on the color wheel. Orange and blue are examples of complementary colors. According to the NGA, complementary colors can add creative energy and vitality to a garden.Harmonious colors These colors are those that are

next to each other on the color wheel, such as orange and red. The NGA recommends harmonious colors for gardeners looking to create a unifying feel in their gardens without resorting to a monochromatic color scheme. Harmonious colors give off a gentle feeling that can make for a relaxing garden atmosphere. Monochromatic colors Monochromatic gardens can be awe-inspiring even though they stick to a single color and don’t provide an array of awe-inspiring colors. The NGA notes that gardeners with monochromatic gardens make them interesting by using plants of various sizes and shapes. When planting a garden, gardeners can choose whichever color scheme they prefer. To learn more about the effects of color on a garden, visit the National Gardening Association website at www.garden.org. — Metro

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exhibitors hold exciting giveaways throughout the weekend as well, so don’t miss your chance to win one of these great prizes. The High Desert Home & Garden Show continues to win out over shopping on one’s own. The time and money you will save finding the products and services you need under one roof is truly remarkable; no driving down to a bigger city in search of what you want, no phone calls to find the lowest price. You can stop by the several vendors who carry the

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Desert Home & Garden Show has it covered. You can even find real estate professionals to help you with the sale or purchase of a new home or property, contractors to assist in designing and building your new home; we even have reputable lending experts ready and willing to help you with financing your new project. And when that’s all done, talk to our travel expert to plan your next getaway. The High Desert Home & Garden Show has all of this and so much more. Many of the Home Show

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Artists of the High Desert add color to the Home Show By Kathy Young

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rtists of the High Desert is a non-profit organization that has been active in the area for more than 50 years. Their booth at this year’s Home & Garden Show will feature members working in acrylics, watercolor and drawing. A special feature at the Show is a children’s table with supplies so the kids can participate in creating a work of art. AHD holds many activities including regular lessons as well as workshops, demonstrations and competitions. Throughout the year, four artists are invited to give demonstrations in their area of expertise. Art lessons are offered in oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting plus work-

shops in pastels, drawing, colored pencil, pen and ink, and other specialty areas. While workshop prices may vary, class lesson prices are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Open painting sessions are offered three times a week at $5 per session for members, $8 for non-members. In May, AHD is hosting a Moms, Dads and Grads Arts & Crafts Boutique. Youth art classes are held, for ages 6 to 12 and 13 through 18. AHD also offers a Youth Summer Art Program that includes crafts, too. “Plein air” or outdoor painting sessions are held at various interesting locations in the High Desert as well. The annual art com-

petition, “Fall Into Art,” is held in November. Members’ works are also displayed throughout the year, with displays changing every two months. Memberships are $40 a year and offer discounted framing and canvases, discounted class/workshop fees, a bi-monthly newsletter, displaying of art in gallery, entering into club art competitions, plein air group meetings and more. Artists of the High Desert is located at 16930 Main St., Ste. E, in Hesperia. For information, call or text 760947-4881 or email artistsofthehighdesert@ yahoo.com. The website is updated regularly, www.artistsofthehighde.wixsite.com, and the organization has its own Facebook page.

ELIMINATE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL!

Federal tax credits are still available! Guasti Solar can help you gain freedom from high electric bills! their knowledge of construction as General Contractors with renewable energ y to provide affordable solar packages to fit individual needs and budget. They’ve installed charity renewable energy systems in the Philippines, Nicaragua and Cambodia as well as throughout Southern California. Guasti Construction is an award-winning c o m p a ny w h o p r i d e

t h e m s e l ve s o n t h e i r customer satisfaction. Their vision and foresight have allowed them to keep current with the changing times of the renewable energy industry. They can even i n s t a l l c a r c h a rg i n g equipment for Electric Cars for customers with Tesla, Volt, Bolt, Leaf, Prius or other electric cars and can install whole house battery backup systems for on or off grid.

They help you own your solar system rather than leasing so you get the tax benefits rather than a leasing company. Ownership protects you from the rising costs of electricity while helping the environment. Your monthly electrical usage costs can be reduced or completely eliminated by installing the proper sized system. Joe and his team of professionals will assist you in determining the

correct solar system for your needs and meet with you for a custom personalized quote for your home, business or non-profit organization. They will show you where your panels should be located, how to maximize your system, and give you a system to fit your budget. Joe and his staff can even design a system to allow you to have power during a utility outage without the use of batteries.

At this time of year, all the folks at Guasti Solar want to express their thanks to the Lord for the hundreds of wonderful customers here in the community. Thank you for voting for us in the Best of the Desert contest. We appreciate you. Please call Guasti Solar today at 760-9490480 to schedule your free site visit to get your project started. — Guasti Solar

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uasti Solar was voted as one of the top solar companies in the Daily Press “Best of the Desert” contest. As a local, family-owned business located in the High Desert. since 1988, Guasti Construction, Inc. has earned respect from their many happy customers. O wners Joe and Bev Guasti along with t h e i r s o n s , A n t h o ny and Luke, combine

Thursday, April 4, 2019

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Thursday, April 4, 2019

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Thursday, April 4, 2019

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Carpeteria — More than 66 years in California, 14 years in the High Desert

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arpeteria is celebrating its 66th year beautifying homes in California and its 14th year here in the High Desert, where it is locally owned and operated. Carpeteria sells the best quality goods at an honest price and with the absolute best service from sale through the installation process. From April through May, take 20 percent to 50 percent off all materials installed; $300 off any countertop installs; free upgraded pad with carpet purchase, and get tile and laminate completely installed from $3.99 to $8.99 — with thousands of colors and patterns to choose from. The newest and best completely waterproof flooring for the show specials are being installed from $4.50 to $8 with upgraded underlayment. Carpeteria has a wonderful selection of carpet, tile, vinyl plank, wood or laminate, or natural stone for floors or granite or Corian countertops for kitchen or bath. They specialize in creating dream bathrooms from a basic shower and tub. They assist with home remodel or renovations, too. Joe Glover’s staff is well trained in Interior Design, and free estimates are available seven days a week. Use their virtual design at www. Carpeteria.com. See how

everything looks before you make your decision. Joe holds a current License #866822 covering the C-15 and C-54 trades. Make sure you choose contractors licensed in the trades they are bidding. Joe is a member of all local Chambers of Commerce and belongs t o t h e H i gh D e s e r t Contractors Association. All of Joe’s installers are licensed. Carpeteria is the only licensed STAINMASTER Flooring Center in the High Desert. STAINMASTER 100-percent nylon Ultra Life carpet comes with a 25-year unlimited stain warranty covering any stain under the sun. S TA I N M A S T E R ’s PetProtect® carpet provides triple benefits with the best pet-limited warranty. Carpeteria offers COREtec and COREtec Plus ® flooring that is 100 percent waterproof. The durability of laminate combined with waterproofing is the best of both worlds. COREtec is a patented, revolutionary technological advancement, a high-density, extra strong and dimensionally stable composite core using virgin polymers, recycled wood and bamboo into a waterproof core (hence the name). A luxury vinyl wear layer is then permanently bonded to this core, a concept

developed and patented by USFloors. Cork is added to each plank to create COREtec Plus®. This flooring is quieter and warmer and requires no additional underlayment. COREtec Plus can be installed easily over existing hard surfaces and can conceal imperfections in subfloors. The patented construction of COREtec Plus is extremely stable and will not expand or contract under normal conditions. Fo r t h e H o m e & Garden Show, Carpeteria has additional and outstanding show specials including a “Hero’s Discount” to seniors, active or retired military, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, and teachers. Stop by Carpeteria’s b o o t h at t h e Ho m e Improvement & Lifestyle Show. Register to win a free carpet runner or area rug. Sign up for a free estimate. Carpeteria is open seven days a week and is open late — ‘til 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Carpeteria Flooring Center is located at 17260 Bear Valley Road, Ste. 101, in Victorville. The telephone number is 760955-9551 or 800-FLOORME. — Carpeteria

eat waves are an inevitable part of summer in many places across the globe. While humans can escape indoors to air conditioned rooms when heat waves hit full swing, flowers planted around a property have no such luxury, putting their survival in jeopardy whenever the mercury rises to especially steamy heights. Wilted flowers that have succumbed to the summer sun are a sight many gardening enthusiasts can recognize. But there are ways to keep flowers safe and vibrant during periods of extreme heat. • Water at the appropriate times of day. The National Gardening Association notes that it’s best to water in the early morning and evening because less water will be lost to evaporation during these times of day than during the afternoon, when temperatures tend to be at their hottest. • Choose the right watering method. It’s not just when but also how you water that can affect flowers during summer heat waves. Aboveground sprinklers might be great for lawns, but the NGA notes that such sprinklers can encourage the spread of disease on certain plants, including roses. Many gardening professionals recommend soaker hoses when watering flowers because they promote deep watering that can help the plants withstand the summer heat. If you must use an overheard watering system, set the timer so plants are watered in early in the morning or evening. • Routinely check the soil moisture. Soil moisture can help gardeners determine if their flowers have enough water to withstand the heat. The NGA advises gardeners to dig a

12-inch deep wedge of soil from their gardens to determine its moisture levels. If the top six inches of the soil is dry, water. If that area is still wet or moist, the plants have enough moisture to withstand the heat. Check these moisture levels

more frequently during heat waves than other times of year. • Avoid overwatering. Novice gardeners may be tempted to water more frequently when they see wilted leaves on their flowers. But wilted leaves are not necessarily indicative of

suffering plants. Plants release moisture to protect themselves from excessive heat, and that release of moisture can cause leaves to wilt as the plants try to protect themselves by providing less surface area that can be exposed to the sun. So long as

soil moisture levels are healthy, the flowers should be fine, even if their leaves have wilted. No gardener wants to see their flowers succumb to the summer heat. Fortunately, there are many ways to help flowers survive heat waves.

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How to help flowers withstand heat waves H

Thursday, April 4, 2019

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Lawn & Garden Equipment Exchange returns with bigger savings 100-percent electric lawn mowers offered at $99 for first 100 prepaid registrants

he 2019 Lawn and Garden Equipment Exchange, hosted by the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (MDAQMD), aims to be the largest in District history. Coming off of a new record in equipment exchanges in 2018, the District increased funding for the 2019 event in hopes of further reducing the emissions from gas-powered lawn and

garden equipment. The boost in funding has allowed the District to offer the zero-emission, 56-volt EGO lawn mowers for only $99 (tax included) to the first 100 prepaid registrants with trade-in of their gas-powered lawn mowers. Despite the efforts of countless residents who’ve converted their landscaping due to the

drought and suc cessful incentive programs, there is still a significant amount of gas-powered equipment used throughout the District. “Our program continues to draw in more and more of our District residents each year,” said M DAQ M D E xe c u t i ve Director Brad Poiriez. “The positive impact this simple exchange has on reducing our

local emissions can’t be overstated, and we’re always excited to see that our local residents understand that.” Beyond the special price for the first 100 p re p a i d re g i s t ra n t s , lawn mowers are availa b l e fo r $ 1 2 5 w h i l e electric blowers and t r i m m e r s a r e av a i l able for $75 with the exchange of eligible, wo rk i n g ga s equi va -

lents. Registration is now open and all participants must preregister at www.thegreenstationproducts.com/mdaqmd. html. See demonstrations of the equipment and preregister in person April 5, 6 and 7 at the 35th Annual High Desert Home & Garden Show at the High Desert Event Center, Fairgrounds, in Victorville.

M DAQ M D i s t h e air pollution control authority and permitting agency for the High Desert portion of San Bernardino County and the Palo Verde Valley in Riverside County. Visit mdaqmd.ca.gov or follow on social media @ MDAQMD. — Mojave Desert Air Q u a l i t y M a n a ge m e n t District

How lawns benefit from aeration

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ompacted soil can have a dramatic effect on grass. Compacted soil blocks oxygen, water and nutrients from reaching the root systems of the turf. That creates a lawn with weak roots, which make grass more vulnerable to disease and compromising its ability to withstand harsh weather, such as summer heat. The buildup of thatch, which is a matted layer of grass clippings and other organic debris that collects on the top of the soil, is one indicator that a lawn could benefit from aeration, a process in which the surface of the lawn is perforated to break up compacted soil and allow oxygen, water and nutrients to reach root systems. Other signs

that aeration may be necessary include patches of thin grass, brown spots and a high concentration of clay in the soil. When faced with a lawn that could benefit from aeration, homeowners may wonder if such as task lends itself to DIY or if it’s best left to professional landscapers. Aerating a lawn is not always easy, and typically it involves the use of one of three types of aerators: • Core aerator: A core aerator uses hollow tines to pull plugs of soil from the lawn. The plugs are left on the surface of the lawn. Homeowners can pick up the plugs or, according to the grass seed experts at Pennington, even leave them in the yard and allow

them to break down. • Spike aerator: The experts at Pennington note that spike aerators employ solid, spike-like tines to poke holes in the soil. These aerators leave the spikes in the soil. Some people wear spiked aeration shoes while walking around the yard to mimic the effects of spike aerators. • Slicing aerator: According to Pennington, slicing aerators employ rotating blades that slice through thatch and down into the soil. These aerators leave the soil in the ground. Aerators can be operated manually, though professionals tend to use motorized aerators. — Metro

arth Day is a celebration of the planet that people, plants and animals call home. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day was established to demonstrate support for environmental protection, and events are held each year on April 22. It is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network and celebrated in more than 193 countries. People may wonder what they can do at a local level to make Earth Day a larger part of their lives. Here are just a few great ways to embrace Earth Day. • Make it a point to bike or walk to school or work. If conditions are prohibitive, carpool to cut down on traffic. The fewer cars on the road, the less emissions in the air. • Recycle e-waste in your home. E-waste is considered outdated elec-

• Invest in a reusable coffee cup or water bottle. This can reduce the amount of trash that ultimately ends up in the environment. • Connect with nature

by turning off electronics for the day and getting outside. Head to a park or nature trail and immerse yourself in the great outdoors. • Do something as sim-

ple as switching paper statements and bills to e-bills and online invoices. This reduces reliance on trees for new sources of paper. • Grow some edibles

Make the most of your home improvement dollars

ome improvement projects provide homeowners with a chance to put their own stamp on their homes. In addition, many such projects make homes safer and, in some instances, more eco-friendly. The opportunity to make a home more comfortable, safer and/or more eco-friendly entices many homeowners to open their wallets. In fact, the Home Improvement Research Institute estimates that the home improvement

products market will grow by more than 5 percent in 2018. Homeowners might experience some sticker shock when researching home improvement projects or receiving estimates from contractors. But there are ways for budget-conscious homeowners to transform their homes and still make the most of their home improvement dollars. • Do your homework. Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes its

“Cost vs. Value Report,” a comprehensive study of 21 popular remodeling projects in 149 United States markets. The report notes the value each project retains at resale in 100 markets across the country. Homeowners who want to get the strongest return on investment can access the “Cost vs. Value Report” (www.remodeling.how.net) to see which home improvement projects are best suited for them. • Do some of the labor

yourself. Homeowners willing to swing a hammer also can stretch their home improvement dollars. For example, the home improvement resource “This Old House” notes that homeowners willing to do their own demolition before the contractors arrive can save substantial amounts of money. A professional contractor may charge $1,000 to demo a 200-square-foot deck, but This Old House estimates that homeowners who demo their own

decks may spend only $450 (for the dumpster rental and parking permit). • Hire a consultant. The DIY movement is incredibly popular, no doubt thanks to television channels such as HGTV and the DIY Network. Homeowners with DIY experience may be able to complete projects on their own with little consultation from professional contractors. Some contractors may not offer consulting services, however. The

consultation route, which typically requires paying licensed contractors hourly fees to offer guidance, should only be considered by homeowners with legitimate DIY skills, for whom this option can be a great way to save money. • Schedule renovations during homeowner-friendly times of year. Summer and fall tend to be contractors’ busy seasons, and homeowners will likely pay more for projects during this time of year. — Metro

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tronic appliances that are no longer used. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world.

in your home garden or even on a windowsill. This is a fun, eco-friendly way to control the foods you consume at home and a great way to save money as well. • Reusing and recycling does not just pertain to water bottles and aluminum cans. Find out ways to repurpose or share items with others so they get more mileage. Also, make use of sharing services like bike sharing kiosks or Yerdle, an online community sharing marketplace. • Volunteer your time at an organization that has an environmental focus. Or suggest a task with an eco-friendly slant, like picking up trash from a beach, to a local community group or club.Earth Day is a great opportunity to get involved with environmental efforts. — Metro

Meaningful, fun ways to celebrate Earth Day E

Thursday, April 4, 2019

HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Home security tips for seniors S

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eniors are often targeted by criminals. Though many criminals target seniors from afar via telephone or internet scams, criminals seek to enter seniors’ homes. The Bureau of Justice Statistics offers that, between 2003 and 2013, the ratio of property crime to violent crime was higher for the elderly and persons between the ages of 50 and 64 than it was for younger persons between the ages of 25 and 49. Home security is important for people of all ages, but especially so for seniors and aging individuals living alone. By following certain safety tips and developing a home security plan, seniors can feel safer at home. • Lock windows and doors. It may seem like common sense, but failure to repeatedly lock windows and doors can, and often does, give burglars easy entry into the home. • Think about a smart doorbell. Technology now enables doorbells to provide a video feed to a person’s smartphone or tablet over WiFi. This allows residents to see who is at the door and speak to this person without having to open the door. Some products like Ring¨ will even register motion activity and record short videos from outside of the house. • Don’t share or leave keys. Avoid leaving keys under a mat or in a flower pot. Others may be watching your actions and gain access to your home while you are away. • Ask for ID. When service

Converting garages into livable spaces

people or other individuals come to the door, verify their credentials by asking to see some identification. • Get a home security system. The best protection against burglars is a home security alarm, states HomeSecurityResource. org. Such an alarm often deters burglars from breaking in. • Install a lockable mailbox. Locked mailboxes restrict access to sensitive information, such as bank account numbers, sent in the mail. Make sure retirement checks or other payments are deposited directly

into bank accounts instead of having them sent by check. • Us e h o m e a u t o m a t i o n . Home automation, or a “smart home,” can be utilized to turn on lights, set the thermostat, lock doors, and much more. • Adopt a dog. Dogs can be an asset to seniors. Dogs provide companionship and can bark or alert seniors if someone is around or inside of the home. Home security is serious business for seniors who are vulnerable to criminals. — Metro

any people decide to upgrade from their apartments or condominiums out of a need for more space. But even after moving into a new home, homeowners may soon begin to outgrow the room they have. Rather than looking for a new home, some homeowners consider expansion. Expanding a living space can be expensive, and a more affordable option may be converting existing basement or garage space into something more livable. Garages already are built on a foundation, have four walls and a roof overhead, so a garage-conversion project is merely a matter of turning this utilitarian area into a living space. Before beginning the renovation, homeowners should consider the benefits versus the cost of converting the garage. For those who are planning to grow old in a house, a garage conversion can be a worthy investment. But those who intend to sell their homes rather than retire in them may learn that a converted garage can affect home value and make it less desirable at resale. Compare your home to others in the area and see what your neighbors have done. If converted garages are the norm where you live, your own renovation may fit in with others. Always apply for the proper permits and learn the zoning laws to see if a garage conversion is acceptable in your town or city. It’s best to go by the book so that work can be done in a proper manner and be inspected for safety. Many homeowners hope their garage-conversion projects will make their garages seem like a seamless part of the rest of the house. To do so, you will need to remove evidence the space was once a garage. Slab floor will need to be raised and insulated. Walls also will need to be insulated and finished to improve comfort and soundproofing. Many garages do not have windows, so for the garage to function as a renovated space, windows may need to be added. — Metro