Marin Adventure: The Best Fishing Spots in Marin

Alpine Lake

I never imagined that I would be able to say that I enjoyed fishing, but my husband loaded up our fishing gear and took me on an eye-opening journey. We drove up to Alpine Lake, hiked over, around, up, and down to his special spot. He got me all set up and said “you have to be quiet”. What, me? But I decided to give it a try. I cast my line, did all the things he said I had to do, and waited. That’s when it happened. I started to notice how blue the sky was, how many different beautiful birds there were and the sound they made when they flew just a few inches from the water. I wanted to shout to my husband, “Oh my god! Look at all of this beauty”! But when I looked over at him, he gave me a smile and put his finger to his lips, letting me know that I still had to be quiet. Then it happened. The sound of my rod, the zing, and my husband yelling “FISH ON”! I was excited and scared all at the same time, and we reeled that bass in together. What an amazing experience and day, and also for the bass because he lived to see another one!

As the time has come for the restocking of fish in our reservoirs, I wanted to share some of Marin County’s best places to have your very own amazing fishing adventure.

Those who like to fish can find many locations in Marin County for fresh and saltwater fishing. Some of the popular places include the following:

Fresh Water Fishing

Bon Tempe Lake, Alpine Lake, Lake Lagunitas, Kent Lake, Phoenix Lake, Stafford Lake, Nicasio Reservoir and Marin County’s hidden gem, Soulajule Reservoir.

Saltwater Fishing

Paradise Pier, Elephant Rock and Fort Baker.

Bon Tempe Lake

Parks are open from sunrise to sunset, and don’t forget to get your fishing license. Children under 16 don't need a license, and you can get your license online at: CA Department of Fish and Game.

Lagunitas, Alpine, Bon Tempe and Kent Lake all feed into each other. Bon Tempe is a 140 acre lake and is located at the base of Mt. Tamalpais, a quick three miles outside of Fairfax. Warm water swimmers such as bass, bluegill, catfish and rainbow trout can be caught 7 days a week. With easy parking and trailheads flat enough for little ones, this reservoir is ideal for a day trip. Swimming however, is prohibited.

Nicasio Reservoir

Nicasio Reservoir is a shallow, artificial reservoir in the Nicasio Valley region of Marin County.  It covers 845 acres and was created in 1961. The reservoir is used for recreational purposes; mainly fishing and hiking. Largemouth bass, carp and catfish are caught in this lake.

Stafford Lake is located in Novato, and it's 139 acre park has a lot going on. In the summer time they have music performances, picnics and events. Stafford Lake offers shore fishing of catfish, bluegill, and bass. After spending the day fishing with your family, use one of the many barbecue facilities. For the children, they have a popular children’s play structure, lawn areas, large meadows, and Volleyball and horseshoe courts. Swimming and dogs are prohibited at Stafford Lake.

Stafford Lake

A pretty drive through the foothills of north Marin County leads to the base of the dam at Soulajule Reservoir. A short walk on a ranch road leads over a sub-ridge, where a gorgeous lake is revealed all at once. This is one of prettiest hidden spots in the Bay Area, a beautiful hike-in reservoir nestled in a long canyon. The Soulajule Reservoir, located in West Marin, is open to the public seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Fishing is allowed year round and is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Neither boating or swimming is allowed, but pets are allowed on a leash.

With all the amazing and beautiful spots to fish in Marin County, can you wait until the weather is nicer to go out and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air?! I don't blame you if you cant. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez

The Morrow Report: Don't Wait to Lock Your Rate

The Economic Calendar for this week:

The X factor this week clearly lies in the first FOMC meeting in 2015, where Fed members will meet and discuss monetary policy. The two day meeting kicks off on Tuesday and will end Wednesday with the 2:00 p.m. EST release of the Fed's monetary policy statement.

~ Look for several key housing reports, including New Home Sales and the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index on Tuesday and Pending Home Sales on Thursday.

~ We'll get a sense of how consumers are feeling with Consumer Confidence on Tuesday and the Consumer Sentiment Index on Friday.

~ On Friday, look for the first reading on Q4 2014 Gross Domestic Product, the Employment Cost Index, and manufacturing news via the Chicago PMI.

All these Economic Reports have a HIGH to Moderate Impact on Rates.

Don't wait to lock your rate!




Brian D Morrow
Pinnacle Capital Mortgage
Mortgage Advisor
P: 415-310-5586
700 Irwin St, #300, San Rafael, CA 94901
NMLS#3311058
Equal Housing Lender NMLS 81395
Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

Property Taxes

Everyone who owns a home or property has them, but do you understand why? Property taxes are governed by California State law and are collected by each county. These taxes are in place to help with the upkeep of infrastructure, and all taxes remain in the county they are collected in to contribute directly back into that community. These are things like roads, street lights, schools and libraries, and many other public services.

How Property Taxes are Determined

Generally, the assessed value is the cash or market value of the property at the time of purchase. This value increases every year up to but no more than 2% per year until the property is sold or new construction has been completed. After an inspection, the Auditor-Controller applies the appropriate tax rates, which include the general tax levy, locally voted on special taxes, and any city or district direct assessments. The Tax Collector, sometimes called the Treasurer-Tax Collector, prepares the property tax bills based on the Auditor-Controller's calculations, distributes the bills, and then collects the taxes.

About Property Taxes

Homeowners pay property taxes to their appropriate assessment, collection, or franchise tax department in each county. A change in ownership or the completion of new construction could result in a change in the assessed value of the property and may result in the issuance of a supplemental property tax bill. In addition to standard property taxes, many jurisdictions also contain special assessment districts, which may have been formed as a means of financing infrastructure. Bonds may have been sold to finance the infrastructure and the ultimate property owner continues to make payments on the principal and interest on the bond. The yearly Tax Calendar varies by state, and taxes are due on predesignated dates and become delinquent when not paid. Penalties are assessed for the delinquent taxes, and properties may be sold at public auction after 5 years of tax delinquency.

For more information on local Marin County tax rates or any other questions, you can go to the Marin County Department of Finance's website, Department of Finance. You can also ask a tax advisor or go in to the Finance office at the Marin Civic Center suite 225.

Below is a chart that outlines Marin County's specific Tax Schedule to help you better understand when specific deadlines are for filings and to know when tax bills are due.

Happy Monday!
~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez


Copyright 2012 Fidelity National Title. All content herein is informational only and not intended to offer legal or financial advice.

Marin's Extensive Cycling Community

Marin County is one of the most beautiful places in America, and that means there is almost no end to the amazing outdoor activities you can participate in. One of our huge community activities is cycling, running and hiking, and boy can you tell. The second you step outside you'll probably see someone running or cycling by. It's so important around here that there are a great variety of clubs and groups you can join, and comprehensive maps to help you pick which trail or view you'd like to see.

Cycling isn't just for outdoor recreation either. Many people commute to work or do errands by cycling or walking, and to help facilitate that there are trails and paths that you can take to almost anywhere in Marin or beyond. And things are always being improved and upgraded, with Marin County taking advantage of a federally funded grant program called the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP), a $25 million federal grant designed to get more people outside and getting healthy. Their website has news and statuses of upcoming projects and is a great way to leave feedback on projects that you'd like to see done.

Are you new to the area? I found a great blog that is dedicated to the love of cycling and seeing the sites, and it covers a breathtaking amount of trails and sights that can only be seen here in Marin. They take you from San Francisco all the way up to China Camp, (I raised my two sons literally in China Camps' shadow for 25 years!), with beautiful pictures and detailed descriptions about the routes and sights to see along the way. It's by a couple who bike all over the Bay, so if you're interested in investigating more than just the North Bay, they've got you covered.

Joining a club is a great option too, you can meet new people and really get an insiders view to the backroads and local gems. There's a club for just about every town and different clubs may have different atmospheres, so feel it out and see which one is best for you.

The Marin County Bicycle Coalition is a great community of people dedicated to the love of cycling. Their website is the premier place to find trails, maps, resources, volunteer... Whatever has to do with cycling, you name it, they have it. Want to know a kid friendly and safe route to your nearby school? They've got it! It's an amazing resource to keep on hand, and being a member has some serious perks. You get 5-20% off at bike stores and other local businesses, free admission to member parties, weekly emails about events and news and so much more. There's a membership plan for anyone, starting with a $50 yearly subscription and up. 

Lastly, but certainly not least, we have an exciting new addition to the Marin cycling scene, the Marin Museum of Bicycling! Located in Fairfax, construction is underway, and the museum should be opening early this year. Not only is it a museum of bicycling, but it is the proud new location of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame that has been located in Crested Butte, Colorado since 1988. It has been a passion project for those involved for a long time, and promising things are sure to come with the opening of this awesome new attraction. You can even go to their website and purchase a membership right now in anticipation of it's grand opening!

If being physically active and cycling or walking outdoors is important to you, you can't find a better community than Marin to live in. Below is my list for all the websites I talked about in todays blog.

About the NTPP and local projects: Walk Bike Marin

Local blog details Marin and Bay Area sights: We Like To Bike

For the Bicycle Coalition: Marin County Bicycle Coalition

The new museum and Hall of Fame: Marin Bicycle Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame

Have a great weekend!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez

The Morrow Report: First Time Home Buyer

The first thing you'll need to determine is what your long-term goals are and then how home ownership fits in with those plans.

A mortgage is an important tool for buying a house, as it allows individuals to become homeowners without making a large proportional down payment. However, when you take on a mortgage, it's important to understand the structure of your payments. This structure determines how long it will take to pay off the mortgage and, in turn, how expensive it will ultimately be to finance your home.

The Components of a Mortgage Payment: PITI

Once the size and term of the loan have been determined, there are four factors that play a role in the calculation of a mortgage payment. Those four items are principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI).

There are Federal, State and City programs that offer a variety of resources for down payment assistance and financial education to qualified buyers in selected cities.  

Several other factors you must think about:

~What specific features will your home have?

 Single Family, Townhouse, Condominium, Multi family 

~Have you checked your credit?

Run your credit report free once a year AnnualCreditReport.com

~How much mortgage do you qualify for?

Get pre-approved with a Mortgage Lender

~How much home can you actually afford?

Principal, interest, taxes, insurance (PITI), maintenance and repairs

~Who will help you find a home and guide you through the purchase?

Work with a qualified Real Estate Agent, someone you can build a relationship with. 

Brian D Morrow

Pinnacle Capital Mortgage

Mortgage Advisor

P: 415-310-5586

700 Irwin St, #300, San Rafael, CA 94901

NMLS#3311058

Equal Housing Lender NMLS 81395

Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

Buying a Home in 2015: Getting Ready

It's the beginning of the new year, and we all know a lot of people like to set goals to achieve to better their lives. Do you set realistic goals, and can you stick by them throughout the year? If you've been thinking about buying a home but are intimidated by the process or don't think you're ready yet, it's time you sat down and really took the time to plan out what you want and how you'll get there. Buying a home can be one of the biggest purchases of your life, but it can be manageable by taking it one step at a time. You can investigate your options and get your ducks in a row without having to make a commitment to buy anything right now, although you may be surprised to find just how ready you may be while conducting your research.

Here is my general guide to understanding your options and getting ready to look for the home you've always dreamed of:

• Contact a trusted mortgage broker, they will be able to guide you through the financial information you will need to provide a lender in order for you to qualify for a loan.
• Get your pre-approval letter. This tells you how much you qualify for and gives you a clear budget for your new home.
• Decide which areas you would like to live in. This can be decided based on many factors, such as the community of people around you, schools, routes to work or other commutes, and even what type of home you're looking for.
• Find a real estate agent that best fits your needs. You'll be spending a lot of time working with your realtor, so finding someone you get along with and who you trust is crucial to finding the home of your dreams. Don't be afraid to interview, and don't feel pressured to use someone you don't feel is a good fit for you and your family. 

Remember to try and enjoy the process, because it's not going to be an instantaneous transaction. It can be stressful at times, but in the end your new home ALWAYS presents itself at the time its supposed to come to you. Trust the process.

The table above is a snapshot of how Marin County fared in Homes for sale vs. Homes sold.  As you can see in December 2014, there was not a lot of inventory for buyers to choose from, as compared to previous months. The Marin IJ is predicting a good year for 2015, will you be ready to jump into the housing market?

EXCITING NEWS!!! We are bringing back “THE MORROW REPORT”. Every Tuesday, starting tomorrow, my blog will be hosting a segment dedicated to Mortgage information.  Brian Morrow has been in the mortgage industry since 2001, and he specializes in conventional residential lending along with FHA, VA and first time home buyers. Follow Brian every Tuesday for your mortgage needs.

Have a great Monday!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Marin Farmer's Markets

Civic Center Farmer's Market

My office is located in the Corte Madera Town Center, and as I went into work Wednesday morning, I was reflecting on how wonderful it is to work above a community that is always full of happy faces shopping, eating, or just hanging out enjoying each other's company. Every Wednesday the Town Center has their Farmers market, and as I strolled around the vendors I found myself thinking of all the great Farmers Markets we have here in Marin. I really appreciate the feeling of simplicity and community you get from purchasing from your local farmer's market.

Enjoy seasonal produce
all year round

Farmer's Markets have been around since the dawn of civilization, but they've really become hugely popular and part of most people's shopping habits in the past decade or so. Living in California, one of the most productive and fertile growing centers of the world, is amazing enough, but here in Marin County we're especially fortunate to be surrounded by so many organic local farms.

From produce, to pottery, to amazing wines, you can't beat our local selections. Did you know we're also home to some very groundbreaking vegan cheese making companies? I haven't tried them yet, but reviews are very promising, and they're continuously innovating to create a wider selection of alternative cheeses. They're even being used in some local restaurants already!

There's a Farmer's Market almost every day of the week here, which is an amazing opportunity to cook with fresh, organic produce that you can pick up so easily from any of our local markets. For a list of all the local Farmer's Markets, you can visit the Marin County home page here: Marin County Farmer's Markets. To check out Miyoko's Kitchen, one of the vegan cheese companies, you can click here: Miyoko's Kitchen

Have a great weekend!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez

New Ordinances For Homes in the Ross Valley Sanitary District

It's that time of year when laws, props, ordinances and the like that were voted on previously are taking affect. The every day home owner can't be expected to know every new law that's passed, and so today I'm letting you know about one that immediately affects many home owners in Marin County.

Ordinance 66

Ordinance 66 pertains to the regulation of the maintenance of private sewer laterals. It has already taken effect as of January 1st 2015, and it affects many homes in the following towns that are in the Ross Valley Sanitary District:

- Larkspur
- Greenbrae
- Kentfield
- Ross
- San Anselmo
- Fairfax
- Bon Air
- Oak Manor
- Kent Woodlands
- Murray Park

When we get big downpours like we did earlier this winter, old sewer laterals leading from private properties overflow into the county's main sewer lines, and when this happens the water treatment centers down the line can become overburdened. Then the county is opened up to many fines and penalties by the federal government and even from private litigation. To prevent this from happening, the district has passed Ordinance 66 so that faulty or old laterals can start to be addressed and the problem of overflow and spill can be lessened or stopped.

What this means for you as a home owner is that the RVSD will be alerted that you will need an inspection whenever you meet the following criteria:
- Any remodeling projects that are greater than $75,000 or any projects having to do with an addition of a bathroom.
- The sale of a property.

This ordinance will NOT affect you if you know you have a septic system, or if your home is less than 20 years old and the RVSD has a properly permitted inspection on file.

If you'd like to read the full document, which is not very long, or for more information on ordinances and regulations, you can find it at the RVSD's website at: RVSD Resolutions and Ordinances, or you can call them at 415-259-2949.

You can also get monetary help if your lateral is in need of replacement, the information on the Lateral Replacement Grant Program is on their homepage at: rvsd.org.

What do you think about the new ordinance? Let me know in the comments below.

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Golden Gate Closing

The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed this weekend to make way for the new barrier system to be installed. The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District website says that the new median will be a safer and more efficient way to move lanes to accommodate for traffic, that the system in place will be more easily movable throughout the day, and that it will extend north onto the 101 to integrate with the new merging conditions which will be from right to left instead of left to right. The speed limit on the Waldo grade will also change from 55 to 45 to facilitate the safer conditions, and it is advised that you take the bridge a little more slowly than you usually do as there will be 6 inches less room in the far left lane.

The Transportation departments are recommending not traveling more than necessary in the bay this weekend, but if it is necessary there are other ways to get into the city. Buses will still be allowed to go over the bridge during construction, so you could either leave your car parked at home or park at one of the many bus stops along the highway that allow for parking and commuting. You can find the Golden Gate Transit schedules here: Golden Gate Bus Transit Schedule

Another option you can still utilize is the ferry. Both the Larkspur and Sausalito ferries will be making trips to the city all weekend, although if you have late night plans make sure you know that only the Larkspur ferry will be departing San Francisco late into the night. Both the Sausalito and Larkspur Ferry schedules can be found here: Golden Gate Ferry Schedule

If you'd like to take your car into the city, it is still possible but it is going to cost you in tolls and gas. You can go over the Richmond Bridge and take the Bay Bridge, or if you're more south you can still take the San Mateo Bridge in as well.

The Bridge formally closes Friday night (1/9/15)/Saturday morning (1/10/15) at 12:01 am and opens at 4 am on Monday morning (1/12/15). If you're interested in learning more about the project, or would like to see a simulation about how the new driving conditions should work after the redo, you can visit the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District webpage here: goldengate.org

What are your opinions on the new barrier system? Will it make it safer and (hopefully) easier to navigate the narrow bridge? Let me know what you think in the comment section.

Have a great day!

~ Kelly Cranmer Valadez