La Quinta Real Estate Blog

If you are a fan of polo and want a neighborhood close to the polo fields.. then there is a community for you in La Quinta, called the La Quinta Polo Estates!  This small gated community of luxury custom homes is located just down the street from the Eldorado Polo Club and features specially designed homes on 2+ acre parcels of land.  The CCR's for this gated community include the zoning provisions for 2 horses per acre.  The street names in La Quinta Polo Estates include Vista Bonita Trail and Vista Montana Road.  Equestrian properties in the golf capital of the world!

CURRENT AVAILABLE LISTINGS IN LA QUINTA POLO ESTATES

1. $3,795,000 - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 6,860 sq. ft., 93,218 lot size
2. $3,850,000 - 4 bdrms/4.5 baths, approx. 6,533 sq. ft., 86,864 lot size
3. $3,895,000 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 4,612 sq. ft., 82,764 lot size
4. $3,995,000 - 5 bdrms/5.25 baths, approx. 6,409 sq. ft., 108,900 lot size

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market, give us a call at (760) 567-9100. 

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "La Quinta Polo Estates - A Gated Community in South La Quinta".  Information is from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  Listing information is from the Desert Area MLS and subject to change without notice.

The La Quinta Arts Foundation is presenting another  "Dine...Shop...& Play.. Under the Stars" in Old Town La Quinta on September 19th & 20th with local participating restaurants, merchants and artists.  Singer-guitarist Sergio Villegas will perform music from the Andes, and 20-25 artists will set up in vacant stores to create temporary galleries.  Hogs Breath Inn, the Stuft Pizza Bar & Grill and Old Town Bar and Grill will offer free dessert with the purchase of an entree, and there will be a contest for a $250 gift certificate to an Old Town La Quinta store.

Dine, Shop & Play Under the Stars in Old Town La Quinta, 5-9 p.m., in Old Town La Quinta. For more information contact (760) 564-1244

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market, give us a call at (760) 567-9100. 

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "Art. Culture. Night Life.. in Old Town La Quinta on September 19th and 20th".  Information is from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

A new LifeStream blood donor center opened in La Quinta on September 10^th.  Formerly known as the Blood Bank of Riverside, the name was recently changed to LifeStream.  The 8,000-square-foot facility, at 79-215 Corporate Centre Drive, is equipped with an Internet café featuring Starbucks coffee, snacks and other beverages, as well as "e-chairs" that have Internet access so donors can surf the Web or watch movies as blood is being collected.

LifeStream's desert facility employs a staff of 25 medical professionals, including nurses, donor specialists, lab technicians and a mobile operations team.  LifeStream's six donor centers, including the new $4 million La Quinta center, are the only local facilities licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The centers are also the only ones in the two-county region to operate blood-typing laboratories accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks, officials said.

In addition to its centers, LifeStream operates seven mobile blood donation centers within the two counties and receives more than 500 donations daily.  It also provides more than 10,000 blood products - from platelets to plasma - annually for patient transfusions in the Coachella Valley, officials said.

"I can't tell you how many people are still alive because of the blood and transfusions (from LifeStream). But what I can tell you is nobody has died because LifeStream wasn't able to give us the blood that we needed," said Dr. Robert J. Cunnah, chief medical officer at Desert Regional Medical Center, which has an exclusive partnership with LifeStream for blood products. "That's an outstanding record."

The LifeStream name captures the spirit of the organization's mission to save lives by connecting donors to patients and promoting wellness.  Let's support our local La Quinta blood bank!  To volunteer, contact 909-885-6503 Ext. 396.

The LA QUINTA PLAYHOUSE has relocated to 108 Main Street in Old Town La Quinta on the corner of Calle Tampico and Desert Club Drive.  This new venue will open in time for the new season which begins in October.   The "black box theater" will have seating for 50 and be open to the public for the season with the opening of the tragic comedy, "Waiting for Godot" on October 18^th.  The show will run through Nov. 23, with performances on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 pm (Matinee) and 7:30 pm.

JoAnn Reeves, the La Quinta Playhouse's Artistic Director, is thrilled to be in the new location and is planning other special events for the Playhouse including the Kiddie Klassics, a children's acting camp, which will begin in mid-October. The children will learn acting basics and work toward public holiday shows. Jo Ann is also working on plans to offer "Dinner at Hogs Breath and Show" nights, Friday night "Cabaret" performances throughout the season, adult acting classes, poetry readings and open microphone nights. 

Future shows include a holiday comedy, and the comedy "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You" will run January 3^rd to February 1st.  Another comedy is planned for February and a musical in March. Tickets for all shows will cost $22.

Let's support our local theater and enjoy a fun evening or matinee at the La Quinta Playhouse!   For more information contact 760-360-9191.

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market, give us a call at (760) 567-9100. 

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "La Quinta Playhouse Opens Season on October 18th in New Location".  Information is from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

Today I posted about the City of La Quinta's Household Hazard Waste Program scheduled for September 27th from 9 am to 2 pm. The event will take place in the parking lot in front of the La Quinta Maintenance Yard, south of Avenue 52. While thinking about the common household items we have that can harm our environment, I am reminded that hazardous waste also includes medications, even unused ones.

Pain killers, cough medication, high blood pressure medications, birth control pills and other prescription medications are examples of the household hazardous wastes that should be kept out of your garbage and recycling, and never flushed down your toilet or poured down your drain.

Due to their nature, medications require special handling. It's very important to store them properly and dispose them properly as well. Old and unused medication, both prescription and over-the-counter, is toxic, and if it is not disposed of safely, it could enter the environment and contaminate our lakes, rivers, groundwater and soil.

So how do you get rid of your unwanted medications? I called the City of La Quinta (760) 777-7035 and they told me they do not currently have a plan for the disposal of medicines but are working on one.  Until then this is what is recommended:

• Dispose of the drugs in their original containers being sure that they are tightly secure. Wrap container in a small plastic bag and then again in another bag. This should be sufficient to keep others from finding your trashed medications, though you should always use a permenant marker to cover your name and any personal information on the bottle just in case this is indeed not enough. If you are worried about animals getting into the medications, include something foul tasting such as cayenne pepper.
• Dissolve the medicines in a jar with water already intended for the trash. Such as a pickle or jelly jar. Add a absorbant solid such as cat litter, sawdust or oatmeal to prevent the liquid from leaking if the container is broken. This is also a good way to make a solid out of liquid medications. Adding cayenne pepper would also be good if you are worried this may happen though it is probably unneccesary.
• The FDA recommends taking drugs out of their original containers and mixing them with an undesirable substances, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter and then disposing of them in the trash.  The medication will be less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through your trash.
• Do not give medications to friends. Doctors prescribe drugs based on a person's specific symptoms and medical history. A drug that works for you could be dangerous for someone else.
• When in doubt about proper disposal, talk to your pharmacist.

Let's all do what we can to protect our environment for ourselves and for future generations.  

THE CITY OF LA QUINTA and the County of Riverside will offer a free disposal site for household hazardous waste on September 27th from 9 am to 2 pm in the parking lot in front of the La Quinta Maintenance Yard, south of Avenue 52.

Acceptable items include: Cleaners, bleaches, floor wax, drain cleaners, furniture polish, aerosol cans, fertilizer, pesticides, paint, garden chemicals, pool chlorine, motor oil/oil filters, antifreeze, and batteries.

Unacceptable items include: Business, non-profit, or out of county hazardous waste, explosives or ammunition, radioactive materials, medical and infectious waste, asbestos, appliances, tires, or 55-gallon drums.

Business waste or containers larger than 5 gallons are not allowed. No more than 50 pounds, per vehicle, per trip allowed. For more information contact:  (760) 777-7035.

The City of La Quinta has recently hired a private contractor to provide FREE graffiti removal on commercial properties within the City of La Quinta.  The graffiti removal program is designed to remove the graffiti on buildings as soon as it is discovered. 

Property owners must sign a release form to allow the private contractor to have access to their property.  These services are free to property owners that submit the release form to the City.  Visit the City's website for the "Graffiti Removal Form" or contact the City of La Quinta for more information.

SCHLOTZSKY'S is now open in La Quinta.  I first discovered Schlotzsky's sandwich place in La Jolla several years ago and I have been a fan every since.  Their logo includes the slogan, "Funny Name... Serious Sandwich" and I couldn't agree more.  Their menu features oven toasted sandwiches, 8" pizzas, wraps, fresh tossed salads, fresh soups, paninis, and deserts.  Our favorite is the Angus pastrami with melted swiss cheese sandwich and dijon mustard on their special round bread... simply scrumptious! 

Schlotzsky's was founded in 1971 in Austin, Texas and now is an international franchise chain with locations in 35 states and six foreign countries.

Give it try!  The La Quinta Schlotzsky's is located at 79-680 Highway 111 and their phone number is (760) 342-2200.

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market, give us a call at (760) 567-9100. 

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "Schlotzsky's "Home of the Original Sandwich" Opens in La Quinta".  Information is from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. 

LA QUINTA TENNIS VILLAS are one of the best "get away" resort homes available in La Quinta.  The Tennis Villas are located on the grounds of the world famous La Quinta Resort and Spa and many overlook the tennis courts &/or the west views of the Santa Rosa Mountains.  This small group of villas offer a leasing program through the Hotel which is a plus for investors.  Built in 1984-1985, the floor plans feature 2 to 3 bedrooms, 2 to 3 bathrooms and from 1,632 square feet of interior living space. Just steps away from the La Quinta Resort pools, spa, tennis and fitness center and two world class golf courses. Great hiking and biking trails are also nearby.  This is resort living at its best!  La Quinta Tennis Villas neighborhood streets include Avenida Fernanda and Calle Mazatlan.

CURRENT LISTINGS AVAILABLE IN LA QUINTA TENNIS VILLAS

1. $599,000 - 2 bdrms/2.25 baths, approx. 1,632 sq. ft.
2. $649,000 - 2 bdrms/2.5 baths, approx. 1,632 sq. ft.
3. $750,000 - 2 bdrms/2.5 baths, approx. 1,632 sq. ft.
4. $779,000 - 2 bdrms/2.25 baths, approx. 1,632 sq. ft.

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market, give us a call at (760) 567-9100. 

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "La Quinta Tennis Villas - Resort Living At Its Best".  Information is from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  Listing information is from the Desert Area MLS and subject to change without notice.

LA CANTERA is a gated community surrounded by million dollar developments in South La Quinta.  These architecturally beautiful Santa Barbara style Spanish estates were built in 2006 by Vista La Quinta Partners and feature five floor plans.  La Cantera has semi-custom single and two story homes with views of the nearby Santa Rosa Mountain range.  The floor plans offer 3 to 4 bedrooms with 3 to 3 1/2 bathrooms and from 2,416 to 2,931 square feet of interior living space.  Lot sizes are generous which give La Cantera an "estate" feel to their  exclusive community.  Streets in the La Cantera neighborhood include Bendita, Via Bendita, Via Roblada & Via Tranquila.

CURRENT LISTINGS IN LA CANTERA

1. $599,999 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,929 sq. ft.
2. $980,000 - 4 bdrms/2.75 baths, approx. 3,502 sq. ft.

PENDING SALES IN LA CANTERA

1. $564,900 - 4 bdrms/4 baths, approx. 3,502 sq. ft.
2. $579,900 - 3 bdrms/4 baths, approx. 2,849 sq. ft.
3. $680,000 - 3 bdrms/2.75 baths, approx. 2,929 sq. ft.

RECENT SALES IN LA CANTERA

1. Sold 6/30/08 for $519,900 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,415 sq. ft.
2. Sold 7/25/08 for $550,000 - 4 bdrms/4 baths, approx. 3,502 sq. ft.
3. Sold 5/29/08 for $560,000 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 3,481 sq. ft.
4. Sold 5/01/08 for $570,000 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 3,502 sq. ft.
5. Sold 6/07/08 for $590,000 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,849 sq. ft.
6. Sold 6/15/08 for $599,900 - 3 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,929 sq. ft.
7. Sold 6/04/08 for $615,000 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,849 sq. ft.
8. Sold 5/23/08 for $620,000 - 2 bdrms/3 baths, approx. 2,327 sq. ft.
9. Sold 8/07/08 for $625,000 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,849 sq. ft.
10. Sold 3/21/08 for $629,900 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,849 sq. ft.
11. Sold 4/01/08 for $649,900 - 4 bdrms/3.5 baths, approx. 2,849 sq. ft.

If you are interested in searching for homes in La Quinta, researching the current value of your home, viewing our La Quinta Real Estate Website, or learning more about the current housing market, give us a call at (760) 567-9100. 

Copyright © 2008 Susan Laxson. All Rights Reserved. "La Cantera - A Gated Community in South La Quinta".  Information is from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.  Listing information is from the Desert Area MLS and subject to change without notice.