Come on down to Horton Plaza in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego for some outdoor ice skating in San Diego’s own version of Rockefeller Center. It’s only $12 per adult and $10 for kids under 12 and $2 per skate rental. To see their opening hours please visit hours.

This is a perfect holiday activity just a short stroll away for Downtown San Diego Condo home owners in Renaissance and Meridian and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners in 777 Sixth Ave.

This is for a great cause, the proceeds benefit the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

The mission of Fantacy on Ice is “to work in partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and to support its mission through: advocating for the health and well being of children, increasing community awareness of Rady Children’s Hospital, and fundraising”. Team spirit, camaraderie, and fun can be found throughout the Auxiliary-wide events like Kids’ News Day and Fantasy on Ice, “In this fiscal year 2008, as in past years, Fantasy on Ice has helped support many psychosocial programs and services offered through Children’s Hematology/Oncology Care Center: the bereavement and Celebration of Life, Child Specialists, social workers, translators and the Registered nurse for the school reintegration programs.

To read more about Fantacy on Ice please visit their website at www.sdice.com/horton/index.htm.

Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft howe owners and residents, are you in need of paint?

Are you moving in to your new place or maybe want to make a change and want new ideas. Take a short stroll over to Ace Hardware located on 675 6th Avenue in Downtown San Diego between G Street and Market Street in the East Village/Ballpark District.

Ace Hardware have everything for those special painting projects from drop cloths to rollers, tape to brushes. Thousands of colors and custom matching in both the Ace Brand paints and the premium quality line of Benjamin Moore paints. For drilling, sawing or sanding, we have the power tools you need. Hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches for projects large and small.

Have a small project and no where to store new power tools? Check into their rental program. Come see their extensive housewares department…from reorganizing your closet to cooking for friends, they have kitchen gadgets, small appliances, storage solutions, home decor, battery recycling and more.

Ace Hardware carry quality brands including Cuisinart, KitchenAid, OXO, Krups, SimpleHuman, Umbra, Interdesign, and Dyson. Ace Hardware in Downtown San Diego are committed to provide their customers with knowledgable advice, quality products and service. 

To contact Ace Hardware please call 619-544-9400, e-mail at contact@downtownace.com or visit their website at www.downtownace.com.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners and residents have a major concern about the noise and safety at the rail crossings and tracks in Downtown San Diego. The Federal Government has finalized a legislation to limit the noise from train horns in residential areas. CCDC is moving forward with an application to the Federal Railroad Administration to designate Downtown San Diego a Quiet Zone at the 13th grade crossing located at Park Boulevard to Laurel Street in the Columbia District and the Marina District. To be able to make this Quiet Zone happen, the railroad crossings are improved with safety enhancements such as additional gates, medians, traffic signals and warning lights. The $20.6 million estimated cost will be funded by Redevelopement Agency tax-increment financing. Click here to see the Quiet Zone Map.

The San Diego City Council approved the Quiet Zone to go to bid in September 2008. Many organizations are involved in the design, construction, fuctionality and long time maintenance which makes this Quiet Zone one of the longest and most complex ones. The organizations involved are Burlington Northern Sante Fe (BNSF), Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), AMTRAK, San Diego Imperial Valley Railway, North County Transit District, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

The project timeline/approval for bid fall 2008

• Plans, Specifications and Agreements Finalized Fall 2009
• Contract Advertised to Bid Winter 2010 
• Contract Awarded/Construction Begins Spring 2010
• Quiet Zone Complete and Implemented Spring 2011

To read more about the Quiet Zone visit their website at www.quietzonesd.com and to read 92101 Urban Living’s former blog about the Quiet Zone please click on Downtown San Diego Quiet Zone.

The San Diego City Council voted 6-2 on November 17th, 2009 to move the new Downtown San Diego Central Library project forward by putting the project out for construction bids.

A 2005 cost estimate placed construction costs at $184.9 million. Turner Construction will now return next year with a guaranteed construction bid on the project. Council Member Marti Emerald said in supporting the bid in Ocotober that “With all the investment that’s been made and so many years of this, I think that we owe almost a duty to the people who have dedicated so many years and so much money to find out what this would cost.”

San Diego Public Library Foundation Chair Judith C. Harris urged the Council to move forward. Mrs. Harris said “Our contributors believe enough to donate $37.5 million in private money for this project. The State of California believes in us enough to hold $20 million for us for seven years. The San Diego Unified School District believes in us enough to dedicate $20 million. I’m asking you, please, share the same faith. Believe in your volunteers. Believe in your city.”

In July 2010 the San Diego City Counsil is considering to award construction contract and the building is planned to be completed in January 2013.

The new Downtown San Diego Central Library will be located in the East Village/Ballpark District right next to Downtown San Diego Condos in Park Boulevard West and Park Boulevard East.

To read 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs please click on San Diego City Council Votes to Include San Diego Unified School District in New Downtown San Diego Library!, “San Diego’s New Central library on YouTube! ” and “What do you think of downtown San Diego’s “School-In Library” Concept in the East Village?” for more information about the new library!

This graph shows Downtown San Diego Condos and Downtown San Diego Lofts sales per Neighborhood by average square foot price during the third quarter in 2009.

The Columbia District is leading the way with $537 per square foot and close behind is the Marina District with $481 per square foot. After that comes the East Village/Ballpark District with $403 per square foot, the Metro with $401 per square foot and the Little Italy District with $367 per square foot. The Cortez Hill District had $357 per square foot and the Gaslamp District $331 per square foot.

To read more graphs from 92101 Urban Living’s former blogs please visit  Neighborhoods by Type of Sale in Downtown San Diego in the 3rd Quarter 2009!, Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold by Price Range in the 3rd Quarter 2009!, Neighborhoods in Downtown San Diego by Average Sale Price in the 3rd Quarter of 2009!, Downtown San Diego Condos and Lofts Financed in the 3rd Quarter of 2009!, Downtown San Diego Condos and Lofts Sold by Type of Sale - 3rd Quarter 2009! and Downtown San Diego Condos & Lofts Sold - Financing vs. Cash, 3rd Quarter 2009!

“Bayside“ is Downtown San Diego’s finest waterside community along the Embarcadero right next to the Little Italy District. Bayside homes have the greatest quality, panoramic views, spacious layouts, the best amenities and an Urban Downtown San Diego lifestyle 

Demand for Bayside’s spacious homes have been overwhelming with an average of more than 100 people per week visiting the Sales Center since the grand opening and over 50 homes sold during the past 90 days!

Bosa has captivated audiences once again. To read what the San Diego Union Tribune has to say about the man behind Bosa, who has played a major role in creating many of San Diego’s most distinguished Downtown San Diego Condos, Downtown San Diego Lofts, residences and prominent new landmarks please click here.

Building Amenities include:

• Private Wine Tasting Lounge
• Entertainment Lounge with Screening Room
• Resort-Style Pool with Outdoor Grilling Area
• Fully-Equipped Fitness Club with Sauna & Steam Room
• Attended Lobby

Residence Features include:

• Snaidero Cabinetry
• Stainless Steel Viking
• Miele Appliances
• Wine Cooler
• Panoramic Bay, City and Mountain Views
• Generous Balconies Perfect For Entertaining

Visit Bayside’s sales center today and experience a new collection of 11 model homes showcasing a variety of floor plans and stunning views. The sales center is open daily from 11am to 5pm and is located on 1325 Pacific Highway in San Diego. You can also visit Bayside on the web at www.BaysideByBosa.com  or call them at 619-239-2339.

To read 92101 Urban Living’s former blog please click on “Bayside” at The Embarcadero in Downtown San Diego - A Waterside Community!

The longest running Nutcracker with the San Diego Symphany at the Civic Theater in the Gaslamp District in Downtown San Diego is a family holiday tradition. The Nutcracker is voted “Best Local Dance Performance” Ranch and Coast Magazine 2008. The cost is between $25-$80 and the run time for this perforamce is about 2 hours and you can buy your ticket here. Don’t miss out, the show is only running between December 19th to December 22nd, 2009!

California Ballet has partnered with the United States Marine Corps Reserve in their “TOYS for TOTS” campaign for 2009! They will be collecting new toys at all NUTCRACKER performances for distribution to underprivileged children in the San Diego area. Please bring a new toy in its original packaging (no gift wrapped toys, please!) to the Theatre with you when you attend your performance.

Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners, residents and visitors don’t miss out on the opportunity to park free in the Little Italy District in Downtown San Diego every Saturday in December 2009 from 9am to 6pm with validation from participating businesses. The first three hours are free and after that you pay $5 per hour. Or, whitout validation you pay $5 per hour.

You can park at Washington Elementry and Delawie Wilkes Rodriques Barker Parking Lot. Remember to remove your car no later than 7.45pm or your car will be locked in until Monday morning. To get more information visit www.littleitalysd.com or call 619-233-3898.

To see a map and to see a list of participating businesses please visit Little Italy Map.

To read 92101 Urban Living’s former blog about the Little Italy District please click on Little Italy Association Meeting December 1st, 2009 - Stay Involved in Downtown San Diego! and “Taste of Little Italy” Returns to Downtown San Diego on November 4th, 2009!.

The 38th annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights are expected to draw more than 80,000 people down to Downtown San Diego’s water front on Sunday December 13th and Sunday December 20th, 2009!

At 5.30pm the firework will start of the parade to be followed by the boats decorated for the holiday season that will sail from the East end of Shelter Island into the Downtown San Diego’s water front and the Coronado area. This years theme is “Christmas at the Zoo”.

Downtown San Diego Condo and Downtown San Diego Loft home owners, residents and visitors come on down to the San Diego Bay, bring a blanket, a picknic and something warm to drink to enjoy the holiday celebration!

To read more information about the event please visit www.sdparadeoflights.org

Home First is an industry recognized loan modification and short sale negotiations consulting firm and they are more than happy to help you with any questions you might have in regards to your Loan Modification.

• Should I hire an attorney?

Attorneys are definitely necessary to sue somebody, or to defend you against a criminal accusation.  The majority of the lawyers who are trying to get involved right now are banking on the assumption that people believe there is some super power that comes with your law degree.  We’ve heard countless stories about files being thrown into the “legal file” by the underwriters at the bank when an attorney calls in with a sanctimonious or bellicose tone (the “legal file” is usually an eighteen inch high metal cylinder with one circular opening at the top).  Many people inside the legal profession and outside of it have commented that loan modifications are the latest ambulance to chase.  Lawyers are allowed to charge all of their fees up front, and those fees are not contingent upon result.  There are some lawyers out there who are having success for their clients, but typically, the lawyers who are successful are taking the same business based approach we do.

• Will a modification effect my credit?

The modification itself has no credit implications.  However, most people who are in financial distress are already behind on their mortgage payment, and that delinquency, if reported, will have a negative impact on your credit profile.

To read our former blogs please click on Home First, Inc - What is Loan Modification and Why is it Important?, Home First, Inc - Loan Modifications Questions - Tutorial 1, Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 2, Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 3,  Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 4 and Home First, Inc - Loan Modification Questions - Tutorial 5.