Sunday, December 9, 2012

Kahl Consultants just completed a website redesign for Groundswell Marketing of San Rafael, CA.

The former Groundswell website was built in flash. Unfortunately flash is not supported by Apple mobile devices such as iPhones and iPads. 

The Groundswell site was therefore converted to a mobile ready Wordpress CMS (content management system) site. It uses a responsive design to adapt to mobile devices and various monitor sizes. 

Groundswell offer clients around the world marketing and event planning services including:

  • Marketing Program Management
  • Conference Planning
  • Event & Tradeshow Marketing
  • Customer and Press Events
  • Sustainable Events
  • Sustainability Marketing
To see the new Groundswell site visit them online at:
http://www.groundswellmktg.com

Monday, November 19, 2012

Lotus Restaurants Give Back to the Community for Thanksgiving



For the eighth year in a row, the Lotus Family of Restaurants gives back to the community by hosting the annual FREE Thanksgiving Dinner


Lotuscuisineofindiathanksgiving3



San Rafael's Lotus Cuisine of India and Fairfax's Cafe Lotus will serve a free Indian buffet at these two locations on Wednesday, November 21, the night before Thanksgiving.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. No reservations.
Lotus invites anyone in need a good free meal!

Come enjoy our healthy tasty Indian food FREE.

This year Lotus Restaurants will also be collecting donations for local Marin Community Food Bank. We thank all of you who can donate for your generous support. This is their way of saying THANK YOU to the community.

Please help spread the word by forwarding this message to someone you know. Anyone who is homeless, needy, poor, or hungry is welcome to join us for a wonderful meal.

NOTE:  The free Thanksgiving Meal Offer is ONLY valid at our other Lotus restaurants (Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael and Cafe Lotus in Fairfax), but NOT at Lotus Chaat.


Monday, November 5, 2012

EcoLogic Landscaping provides ecological Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Maintenance Services for Marin and surrounding counties.

EcoLogic Landscaping provides Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Maintenance Services for Marin and surrounding counties.

 

With over 14 years in sustainable landscaping in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area, Ecologic Landscaping has the knowledge and expertise to create your garden from concept to completion. 

 

Whether renovating an existing landscape or creating a new garden, the company is committed to excellence that show in every detail. 

 

Ecologic Landscaping primary goal is to facilitate a dynamic, meaningful relationship between people and the land. They create gardens that are not only beautiful, but also provide an abundance of fresh food. Lets not forget the use of all-organic materials and highly efficient low water use irrigation systems.


About Ecologic Landscaping                        

 

Leith Carstarphen is the landscape designer and project supervisor for Ecologic Landscaping. He holds degrees in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. Leith has been working in the San Francisco Bay Area in the field of landscape architecture, construction, and maintenance since 1994. He regularly leads workshops and classes on sustainability issues and has a passionate commitment to edible and useful plants, and is an avid home gardener.


Quality, Commitment, Service


With more than a decade of experienced in landscaping, EcoLogic Landscaping has mastered the knowledge and expertise in creating a garden from concept to completion.

 

The crews have extensive skills in constructing gardens of exquisite craftsmanship and lasting beauty, using sustainable and organic materials and methods.

 

The services include all facets of landscape construction: patios and pathways, rock walls and retaining walls, waterfalls and fountains, decks, arbors, fences, drainage systems, irrigation and dramatic lighting.


Sustainability

 

Ecologic Landscaping believes that the best gardens grow naturally.  Using only the finest organic fertilizers to help your landscape grow and mature. They never use harsh pesticides or herbicides but instead rely on non-toxic alternatives that are safe for your family and pets. They support thriving ecosystems, and pests are controlled naturally, by beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Flowering plants will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds to your yard. They also create thriving ecosystems for all the microclimates of Northern California, whether shady or arid, and we strategically design landscaping to optimize growth and conserve water.


Edible Gardens

 

Ecologic Landscaping creates gardens that are not only beautiful, but also provide an abundance of fresh food. Imagine strolling through your garden with your children and harvesting perfectly ripe berries, vegetables, and culinary herbs. Landscape Services:


Architecture - Creative landscape designs are the specialty of EcoLogic Landscaping

 

Stonework - Custom stonework improves the lay of the land while adding a timeless quality to any garden

 

Carpentry / Gates - Wood helps define the boundaries of the garden, while providing structure and shade

 

Gates - Gates create a definition of spaces.  They create a separation of private from public space

 

Planting - Plants are what bring gardens to life! Plants attract hummingbirds and butterflies

Tree Care - Provides care for trees of all ages to treat diseases such as 'Sudden Oak Death'

Outdoor Kitchen - Increase the usability of your garden, and take advantage of California's mild climate with an outdoor kitchen

 

Waterfalls - Water in the garden soothes the spirit and completes the garden experience.

 

For more information about green landscape architecture services call Ecologic Landscaping at 415-454-8903

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Custom Van and Truck Conversions by Gary Miller and Personalized Vans & Trucks. Shop located in San Jose, California

We only do conversions – so think Personalized when you think custom vans and trucks.

Owner Gary Miller is known with his satisfied customers for his trademark personalized service.

Maybe you would like some custom van upholstery? How about some running boards for your sprinter van? Or any other type of custom van interiors? Think of us when you think of custom van and truck conversions.

We only use the best accessories for our custom work.

We are a proud dealer for Flexsteel and LLEBROC van seats and other vehicle seating as well as Fiberine fiberglass tops.

Our fully-equipped custom van shop is centrally located near the International Airport in San Jose, CA. The shop is at the intersection of Highways 101 (Bay shore Freeway) and 880 (Nimitz freeway).

About Personalized Vans & Trucks

You say pleasure is your business?

How about a camping van with TV and VCR, sofa bed, A/C D/C refrigeration, dual battery system, a sunroof and few extra windows to enjoy the view?

A windsurfing van with raised fiberglass top may be more to your liking.

With a sleeping area… and your surfboard, of course!

A full line of accessories is available.

We custom build door panels, headliners and walls, and install carpet kits and running boards.

How about comfortable, easy-to-sit-in seats for your vehicle? We use Flexsteel pick-up, RV and van seats in our customization.

And we can’t forget the alarm to protect your gear or the stereo to keep you company, now, can we?

We also build and customize the not-so- out-of-the-ordinary trucks and vans. Also among our specialty:

Utility vans built for commercial work, loaded with metal shelving with partitions separating driver and passenger from the cargo area,

Sub flooring, rubber mats, and ladder racks to

Contractor’s trucks with storage boxes, metal racks and bed liners.

The Shop

Our Capabilities

With twenty-five years’ experience in building and personalizing vans and trucks, we have the capability to 
build everything!

From a mobile office, to a totally self- supporting dog grooming van complete with bathing facilities, to catering vans and much much more.

Services
Camper Vans
Custom Vans
Dog Transport and Grooming Vehicles
Kite boarding Vehicles
Mobile Service and Mobile Shop Trucks
Office Vehicles
Sport Vehicles
Sprinter Vans
Surfing Vehicles

We custom build vans and trucks
1.       Sprinter Vans
2.      Office Vehicles
3.      Mobile Service and Mobile Shop Trucks
4.      Surfing Vans
5.      Camper Vans
6.      Sport Vehicles
7.      Custom Vans
8.      Dog Transport and Grooming Vehicles
9.      You name it!

Accessories

Our Full Line of Accessories
TV
VCR
stereo
sofa bed
A/C D/C refrigeration
dual battery system
a sunroof
extra windows
bathing facilities
raised fiberglass top
sleeping area
alarm system
metal shelving
sub flooring
rubber mats
ladder racks
storage boxes
metal racks
bed liners
door panels
headliners and walls
carpet kits
running boards
comfortable Flexsteel seats
driver and cargo area partition

To know more about the services offered by Personalized Vans & Trucks please visit http://www.personalizedvans.com/ or call 408-436 8244 .

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Retail Real Estate Consultant, Expansion Planning, Medical Retail Planning - Jeff Green Partners

Jeff Green Partners is a leading consultant in Retail Real Estate Feasibility, Retail Expansion Planning, Medical Retail Planning, Location Analysis and Commercial Land Use.

We provide market analysis and strategic planning and consulting services including:

● Shopping Center Feasibility
● Distressed Center Repositioning
● Retail Real Estate Planning and Investing
● Retail Market Research and Strategies
● Retail Expansion Planning
● Retail Strategies for Municipalities
● Medical Retail Planning
● Location Analysis
● Commercial Land Use
● Urban Redevelopment
● Retail Master Plans

A LEADER IN RETAIL REAL ESTATE FEASIBILITY

Jeff Green Partners was founded in May of 2004 in response to a growing demand for a new level of expert consulting services in the retail real estate marketplace. Led by President and CEO Jeff Green, Jeff Green Partners provides a full spectrum of analytical and interpretive services for property owners and developers.
Beyond feasibility studies and demographic profiles, the firm provides the kind of in-depth full spectrum analysis that generates critical context, penetrating insight and valuable strategic direction to many of the country’s leading retailers, commercial and retail real estate developers, and health care facilities. From project-specific guidance to long-term national expansion strategies, a wide range of national and regional retailers, property owners/managers/developers and medical practitioners look to Jeff Green Partners for the firm’s expertise and unparalleled knowledge of key retail markets nationwide to find out what is happening, what is going to happen, and how it will impact their businesses.

To succeed in today’s changing market, developers, retailers and medical practitioners all require more than just a consultant; they need a fresh perspective. They need a professional partner with the experience to make sound judgments, the vision to understand the broader perspective, and the keen insights needed to help them navigate the evolving complexities of a rapidly changing industry. For Jeff Green Partners, serving clients means providing them with the tools they need to achieve success in today’s competitive environment.

By providing in-depth analyses and comprehensive strategic support, Jeff Green Partners offers the vision; insight and adaptive innovations that helps them accomplish this goal.

A RANGE OF SERVICES

Jeff Green Partners provides comprehensive market analysis and strategic planning services, tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

Where appropriate, we emphasize close coordination and continuity with existing market research. We also have assisted many companies in establishing or expanding their research departments.

Our Services Include, But Are Not Limited To:
  • Shopping Center Research
  • Location Analysis
  • Consumer Profiling
  • Tenant Mix Evaluation
  • Distressed Center Repositioning and Redevelopment
  • Assessing Center Viability Long-Term
  • Marketing
  • Expansion (or Contraction) Opportunities.
Retail Expansion Planning
  • Site Feasibility Studies
  • Customer Profiling
  • Definition and Analysis of Trade Area
  • Target Customer Profiling (Demographic and Psychographic)
  • Competitive Review
  • Determination of Expenditure Potential
  • Sales Forecasting
  • Cannibalization (Sister Store Impact) Analysis
  • Prioritization of Expansion Opportunities
  • Overall Strategies for New Market Entry or Existing Market Expansion
  • New Store Format Development
  • Image Analysis
• Urban Redevelopment
  • Location Analysis
  • Retail Master Plans for Downtowns
  • Highest and Best Use Analysis
  • Supportable Space Analysis
  • Retail Void Analysis
  • Tenant Mix Recommendations
  • Adaptive Reuse
  • Mixed Use Developments
• Retail Real Estate Planning and Investing
  • Underwriting Retail and Real Estate Credits for Acquisitions Financing in the Public and Private Market
  • Investment Strategies
  • Asset and Securities Underwriting
  • Liquidation of Assets
  • Valuations
  • Repositioning Retailers’ and Developers’ assets

• Litigation Support
  • Market Analysis
  • Market Research
  • Retail Store Leasing
  • Retail Marketing
• Medical Retail Planning
  • Site Feasibility Studies
  • Definition and Analysis of Trade Area
  • Target Customer/Patient Profiling (Demographic and Psychographic)
  • Competitive Review
  • Sales Forecasting
  • Image Analysis
  • Overall Strategies for New Market Entry or Existing Market Expansion
• Hotel Feasibility
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Supportable Format
  • Size and Amenity Recommendations
  • Revenue Projections
• Office Space Research
  • Analysis of Existing Market
  • Existing and Historical Absorption
  • Supportable Space Recommendations
  • Analysis of Target Tenants
  • Revenue Projections
• Single and Multi-Family Residential Feasibility
  • Assessment of Existing Housing Stock
  • Measurement of Supply and Turnover
  • Analysis of Historical Absorption
  • Analysis of the Demand for New Housing
  • Supportable Residential Type (single-family, condominiums and/or apartments)
  • Forecast Sales and Recommend Price Range, Amenities, etc.
  • Project Absorption
• Training and Technical Support

Jeff Green Bio

Jeff Green is the owner and proprietor of Jeff Green Partners. Jeff has extensive consulting experience on a wide range of research projects ranging from feasibility studies for development projects across the US and internationally to sales projections for specific retailers. Mr. Green is a frequent speaker at national and international conferences sponsored by industry organizations such as the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Food Marketing Institute and Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Mr. Green was President of Market Insite Group which specialized in developing web based tools to assist retailers and property owners in site and tenant selection. In addition, Mr. Green headed the professional services division for Market Insite Group providing feasibility studies for property owners and national expansion plans and sales forecasts for a wide range of national and regional retailers.

Mr. Green was also President and Owner of The Green Group which merged with Market Insite Group in 2001. The Green Group had a 35 year history of providing consulting services to retail, restaurant and entertainment tenants.

Mr. Green is a graduate of Michigan State University and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Food Marketing Institute, American Marketing Association, ULI, International Downtown Association and the Value Retail Association.

For more information visit http://www.jeffgreenpartners.com/ or call 602.795.8351 for appointment.  

Sunday, September 30, 2012

CERT Advanced Training: October 13th - Refresher & Exercise - FREE‏

Are you CERT CERTified?

CERT is the Community Emergency Response Team. It consists of volunteers who assist the Fire Department and Emergency Response professionals in case of any major disasters. We encourage all our readers to take a CERT class and BE PREPARED!

If you are a CERT member in Marin County then this announcement is for you:

 

One of the most consistent comments that we receive after CERT Basic Training is that students would like more hands on exercises, especially in first aid and search & rescue. 

We are pleased to invite you to our third Marin County CERT Advanced Training for 2012, which will be held Saturday, October 13th, in   San Rafael from 9 am-3 pm. Our training will be held at the old McPhail School off San Pedro Rd., a great location for a simulated disaster!

The exercise will host fire department personnel, emergency management staff and CERT volunteers, who will conduct three refresher mini-sessions in the morning and two disaster simulations in the afternoon. Participants will be able to practice and review basic skills and work as teams during the simulations.

Please check out a brief description of the day, which we've included below. Advance registration is requested so we have enough staff for our exercises. We are limiting participation to 50 so sign up today!  There is a place for everyone in CERT and in this exercise.

 

Oct. 13, 2012 

9:00 am      Check-in and welcome

9:30-10:30   Disaster Medical Operations

10:30-10:40  Break

10:40-11:25  Search & Rescue

11:30- 11:55 CERT Organization (how to work as teams)

12:00-12:30  Lunch  Bring Your Own

12:50- 3:00  Simulations 1 & 2

2:45-3:00    debriefing & thank you's; check-out

Let us know if you'd like to volunteer to help on the day of the exercise.

 

We hope to see you on October 13th!

 

For more information or to register: 

415-485-3409

coordinator@marincountycert.org

www.marincountycert.org

Monday, July 16, 2012

Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree and 29 Palms Realty

Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree Realty and 29 Palms Realty offers services for your realty needs, whether you’re a buyer seller or investor. The agents come from all over and have different real estate specialties with the same passion and appreciation on the beauty of the desert communities they all call “home”.

WHY Cherie Miller

“Trust.” That’s the number one advantage in choosing Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree Realty and 29 Palms Realty to help you find the perfect home, neighborhood and price. They are a family-owned, local, full-service real estate office. Cherie Miller & Associates have diverse backgrounds and specialties

It is with great satisfaction for Cherie Miller to hand buyers the keys to their new home at closing and sees how their faces light up. They always look forward to helping each family to find and settle to their new desert home and community.  And willingly help sell your home from the time you’re ready to move as well.

The home buying process

Cherie Miller & Associates will assist you in making sure everything goes smoothly, from the start to moving-in.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how the buying process works.

1. Price. The staff will talk to you about price, to understand how much you are qualified for, what you want to pay for a monthly payment and help you with the pre-approval process.

2. Next the staff will talk about house size and location. Expect to be asked a lot of questions to help pinpoint the ideal house and location to fit your needs and lifestyle. For instance, do you have school-age children? Animals? If so, how many? This can be a determining factor. Where do you work? Are you retired? After determining all of these factors, they’ll filter them for areas and properties that fit your family needs and wants.

3. Showings. Once you to clearly identify your house needs and location, the next step is to get ready to view 2 to 10 homes until you find the right fit for you.

4. Offer. After you’ve picked the house you want, the staff will help you do the necessary paperwork and deliver your offer to the seller’s agent. Please note. You’ll usually be asked to write a check for a minimum of $500 or up to 3% of the house price. The check is to show you are a serious buyer and will be held as an earnest money deposit.

5. Escrow. When the seller accepts your offer, escrow will be established, serving as a neutral third party for all of the documents. The papers for the lender must be given to your lender as soon as possible and be thorough and accurate to keep from delaying the escrow. It’ll make sure that every “t” is crossed, every “i” is dotted and all necessary papers are signed properly.

6. Loan documents. The lender will prepare the loan documents. The lender will check closely to make sure they reflect the customer’s agreed-upon terms before they sign them and a notary will be available to notarize the deed of trust. At this point the client will provide the down payment, reflecting the difference from the deposit check, in the form of a cashier’s check or wire transfer.

7. Recording deed. Once the deed has been recorded with the county recorder’s office, the keys are handed over. Welcome home!

LISTING WITH CHERIE MILLER  

“Sold.”

That’s the word everyone want to hear from the real estate agent. It’s a satisfying reward to hang that sign in the yard. It shows that the agent was successful in helping the clients move on to the next stage of their lives with one less thing to worry about.

Cherie Miller & Associates will accomplish it with strategic local and Internet advertising, by promoting their proprietary Summer Catalog. Experienced real estate pros will help you navigate the paperwork and now – easy search tools on our website to help you find properties quickly.

Cherie Miller & Associates, Joshua Tree Realty and 29 Palms Realty are family-owned, local, full-service real estate offices. They are protecting the high reputation of the company name and proud of what they do. Their agents have diverse backgrounds and specialties in Real Estate in the Morongo Basin.

The home selling process

Once you’ve decided to place your home on the market, here are the steps involved in selling it.

1. Choosing your agent. These are tricky times, but that’s all the more reason to choose your agent wisely. We don’t view our clients as numbers.

2. Price. Analyzing comparable properties on the market and recently sold, look at upgrades and special benefits to come up with a price that positions your home attractively in your area.

3. Sign and lock box. Once you’ve signed a listing contract with Cherie Miller & Associates, the sign goes up, the lock box goes on and the marketing of your home begins.

4. Neatness sells. Now for the hard part: keeping your home “model” clean and tidy. But it’s worth it. All it takes is that one buyer, and we’ll help find the right one.

5. Offer. When a buyer makes an offer, you may need to negotiate a fair sales amount, presented through the agents. Once you approve the offer or counter-offer, you need to sign it.

6. Inspection. Your home will be inspected at this point; to be sure there are no unidentified problems. Be sure all utilities are on.

7. Escrow. All paperwork is handled through escrow, serving as a neutral third party. Papers need to be signed and notarized, including the grant deed.

8. Closing. At closing, the buyer will bring loan funds or cash, which is placed in escrow. At this point, be sure to turn off the utilities!

9. Deed recording. Escrow will arrange the recording of your home deed.
Disbursement of funds. Upon confirmation of the close of escrow, the buyer is given all keys and remotes. You can pick up your check or have the funds wired to your bank. Have a happy move

For your Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Pioneertown, Joshua Tree and 29 Palms real estate needs, trust Cherie Miller & Associates at telephone number (760) 369-1800.