BROKERS CORNER
RAY SHAY
BROKER ASSOCIATE I OWNER
e bartender behind the long wooden bar raised his voice again, telling the jubilant crowd, “It is time to go; we are closing!” e news channels had not yet con rmed that President Donald J. Trump would be our 47th President, but looking at the numbers, we all knew it was inevitable. I placed a tip alongside my empty beer as the bartender and I shared a knowing look. We had both seen the patrons shi from subdued to expressive in only a few hours.
Earlier, I was at Howard University, a predominantly Black University about ve miles from the White House. It has excellent law, medicine, and social science programs. As a credentialed press reporter, I walked among thousands of rally attendees who were standing, sitting, or milling around as we awaited election results and the arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris.
I know I am showing my age, but these were mostly ”kids” who were animated and excited. As the election results began trending heavily for President Trump, some of the students began to cry and several asked me if i knew if Vice President Harris was still coming. All I could tell them was that I did not know.
e large crowd became silent when the Vice President Harris’s team sta member walked onto the expansive stage and announced that Vice President Harris was not coming. I will never forget the look on those young peoples face as we all quietly shu ed out of the venue as the Secret Service released the perimeter.
When I travel to witness history, I always try to take something away. Over the few days in Washington I was surprised at the level of our divisions between Americans. I saw countless heated arguments and the exchanging of insults from supporters of both Harris and Trump. ere was no speci c pro le on either side, and it was not quanti able to a single race, culture, age, or demographic.
is strong separation of political beliefs was not limited to strangers. It carries over to a few of my friends and immediate family. With six siblings, we fall all over the political spectrum. at has never been surprising or new to me, but the clenched jaws, angry looks, and hostile text
messaging are. Our family is not alone in this struggle.
Only a few hours before daybreak, I strolled along the National Mall and noticed that many of the trees were changing colors from deep green to crimson. It is something that none of us has the power to stop.
I visited with President Abraham Lincoln in hopes he could tell me how I can help to heal my country and my family. I then walked quietly into the darkness to the south of the Lincoln Memorial and stumbled upon the Korean War Veterans Memorial. It is in a grove of trees, and the soldiers are of di erent ethnicities and ages. As I looked at their faces, it appeared they each had private thoughts, goals, and beliefs.
What impressed me was that they were all moving bravely in the same direction to bene t each other and their countries. I am hopeful, that all Americans will do the same and help bring strangers, neighbors and families closer together with a common goal for the love of our country.
The holiday season is officially here and lately I have seen some awesome gift guides. This inspired me to create my own with a twist. Rather than choosing physical items I wanted the theme to be around experiences.
A weekend trip to Vegas. I am personally not a gambler or into much of the party scene but two things I do love are food and great shows which is enough justification to make the 1 hour plane ride or 5 hour road trip. Lately I have consistently seen $99 round trip tickets on Alaska leaving San Diego and hotel rates starting at $100.
Are you a wine connoisseur but don’t want to dish out the high rates for Napa then here are a few alternatives. Paso Robles is located along the central coast and boasts over 200+ wineries. Willamette Valley wine country in Oregon happens to be one of the leading Pinot Noir producers in the world. Tag along a road trip along the Oregon coast to see some of the coolest beaches I have ever seen. Don’t forget about Temecula Valley as it’s only a short drive away and some places to check out are Ponte Winery and Wilson Creek Winery.
is one is de nitely a splurge but one I think is worth mentioning as it can be such a great family activity and that is going on a hot air balloon. San Diego is considered a highly desirable location to do this for not only our great weather but also our incredible landscape. Taking in the dramatic views as well as enjoying the company of your loved ones from 3,000 feet in the air sounds pretty cool to me.
Palm Springs is always a good idea as it has something for everyone whether it’s gol ng, shopping (my personal favorite is Cambazaon outlets), swimming by pool, or simply just relaxing. If your planning on staying the night there are a variety of great hotels to choose from (make sure to use google hotels to nd the best options) or if you’re planning on traveling with a big group Airbnb or Vrbo is another wonderful option.
is is quite generic yet leaves room for interpretation and that is booking a last minute trip out of Tijuana airport. You can easily and safely cross the border via the CBX (Cross Border Express) bridge which drops you o right inside the airport. is can take you to many beautiful and tropical destinations such as the famous Cabo San Lucas, iconic Mexico City or Zihuatanejo where e Shawshank Redemption was lmed. I am a big fan of looking for destinations that are o the beaten path and Mexico has so many great hidden gems.
Leavenworth, Washington is arguably one of the best Christmas towns in the country and only a train ride away from Seattle via Amtrak. ere are decorations everywhere you look in this charming town and can be a wonderful place to get into the Christmas spirit. Just don’t forget your winter coat as there is always a chance of snow!
If you have the means or stacked up a bunch of credit card points then think about booking a trip to Europe for the amazing Christmas markets (ex. Vienna, Lapland, Munich and so much more). There are many articles online about learning how to use your credit card points to get free flights as well as hotels making these major trips a reality for many.
If you have some thrill seekers within your family or friends then look no further and book a tandem paragliding session offered at Torrey Pines Gliderport. Just a heads up you can’t make reservations ahead of time as it’s weather dependent so give a call the day of to see if they are operating. My favorite part is there is a cafe right where the takeoff and landing is so you all get to enjoy the scenery.
Always remember it truly is the thought and effort that counts. So taking your loved one on just on a pedicure date, spa day, or even a lunch at your favorite spot will always be a perfect gift.
Lastly, I know this goes completely against my “experiences” gift guide but I can’t help but mention one of the best and inexpensive gifts and that is framing a photo or DIY scrapbook. They are so impactful and will definitely mean a lot to whoever you plan on gifting.
Happy Holidays to you and your family!
In this month’s article, we highlight another one of our longtime 4S Ranch residents, Robin Litrenta. Robin has lived in the 4S Ranch Community for the past 24 years. She is originally from Florida and made the big move to San Diego in year 2000. Before 4S Ranch became the community that it is today, one of only few developments in the area at the time was Bernardo Springs. Robin has been the original owner of her home since it was built in 2000. She is one of very few who had witnessed the birth of 4S Ranch and are still living here. Robin recalled seeing advertisements for different developments for the 4S Ranch masterplan, but things got delayed for about a year due to methane gas being discovered in certain areas.
With two young school-aged children at the time, a good school district was the main reason for Robin and her family moving to Bernardo Springs. Both of her children were able to take advantage of going to all three schools (Stone Ranch Elementary, Oak Valley Middle School, and Del Norte High School) when they were newly built.
There are several reasons Robin loves living in 4S Ranch. It’s a very well-maintained community, a great place to raise a family with a great school district, the conveniences of goods and services nearby, and easy access to the freeways and to the coast. When her son and daughter were younger, they were able to enjoy taking part in different sports in 4S Ranch. Robin’s son and daughter are now both “grown and flown.” Her son lives here in San Diego and her daughter lives in Venice Beach.
Robin is currently engaged to her wonderful fiancé, Ron Graham. Although they don’t have an exact date yet, it’s going to happen sometime in 2025. Ron works in the I.T. industry and he currently works for iBridge Cloud Technologies Inc. Outside of work, Ron competes in the Ironman Triathlon, which consists of a 2.4mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. This is very impressive because it takes a lot of discipline and commitment to compete in this regardless of where you rank in the race. Ron has two adult sons; one lives in upstate New York and the other lives in Redondo Beach.
Robin has been a full-time professional photographer since 2017, but she has been doing photography all her life. What she specializes in are family photos, couples, maternity, newborns, and high school photos. No, she does not do weddings, but she does do engagement photos. If you or anyone you know who may be in the
market for any of Robin’s services, shoot her an email. Her photography business name is “Robin Litrenta Photography” and you can check out her Instagram and webpage at: Instagram.com/robinlitrenta | www.robinlitrentaphotography.com | robin.litrenta@gmail.com
If you live or work in 4S Ranch or Del Sur and would like to be featured (or spotlighted) in our next article, please contact Tu Nguyen at 619-889-5777. Let’s continue celebrating the remarkable individuals and families who enrich our communities every day.
Solana Beach
It’s that time of year to get cozy in the kitchen. The Autumn chill has arrived and I’m scrolling through my recipes for warm comfort food and holiday delicacies.
The kitchen is the heart of the home! It’s the gathering place for family and friends. And there’s always the dilemma of seating.
Kitchen islands have become the new kitchen table. Size, location and seating around an island is something to think about. It needs to be part of the family dynamics.
You want your island to be practical and functional and amazing at the same time since it’s the focal point of the kitchen.
An oversized island may be a show stopper, but if it’s too large for the space the kitchen will feel squeezed in and overcrowded. It’s important to have a plan that includes features that fit your needs. Pay attention to your kitchen layout keeping in mind how much functional space you have to work with.
Measurements for cabinets throughout the space and the flow of the kitchen, including required work movement space all have to be taken into consideration in deciding where and how large an island should be.
Also remember doorways, pathways, appliance doors opening and cabinet and drawer openings.
After you come up with a kitchen layout, the next plans to be incorporated into the design are electrical and plumbing that is necessary for the functionality of the island workspace.
Is it worth a great design to dig into slab for plumbing for a sink or a gas line or electricity for a stovetop or microwave in an existing kitchen?
Or is it more cost effective to use the island as a workspace and leave the appliances and plumbing at the perimeter of the kitchen? That is totally up to you and your wants and needs in your kitchen!
After all your plans come into place you get to have fun with what I refer to as “Jewelry” for your new kitchen island.
Countertops, paint color or wood stain, cabinet pulls and handles - these are the elements that give it your personal touch!
And when your design is done, have family and friends gather at the kitchen island.
Contractor’s special! This is the diamond in the rough you’ve been waiting for! A 1, 481sqft single level home that sits on 1/3 acre corner lot in Oceanside. Lot is flat and it may be possible to add an ADU. Let’s get you started on this Journey! Sold for $875K!! (asking price was $798,888) Closed Escrow in Seven Days! listed for $1,628,888 Sold for $1,830,000!! Pending in 5 days
Welcome to your dream home! Gorgeous 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath gem spans 2, 329sqft of thoughtfully designed living space. Nestled in a prime location with easy access to freeways and top-rated schools, this home has it all: new interior and exterior paint, new carpet, beautiful hardwood floors on 1st fl & stairs along with solar. Outside you’ll enjoy stunning, unobstructed VIEWS from your sun-soaked backyard. The south-facing backyard ensures beautiful light all day, creating the perfect backdrop for relaxing or entertaining.
There’s a new coastal community I’ve had my eye on for years, even before they broke ground. Fox Point Farms is a stunning addition to the Leucadia/Encinitas area, with a lot to offer all in one location:
Heaven Farm + Table – A farm-to-table restaurant offering a unique dining experience with seasonal dishes that are sure to captivate your senses.
Harvest Market – A new approach to grocery shopping, featuring regenerative-grown products sourced directly from the farm and local partners.
Fox Point Brewing & Roasters – The first farm-to-tap brewery in San Diego County, plus responsibly sourced organic coffee beans.
Apothecary – Handcrafted herbal products made with ingredients grown on the farm.
Hatch Gatherings – A space for community and wellness events, creating a vibrant gathering spot.
I was especially excited to try the new farm-to-table restaurant, Haven. Although it’s still in a soft opening phase, it’s already showing promise. The outdoor area is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and very inviting. The only slight hiccup was the seating arrangement –
while waiting on the lounge steps, we learned it was drinks-only, not food service. But we didn’t mind, as we weren’t in a hurry and enjoyed the space.
Once inside, the atmosphere was fantastic, with a stone fireplace, lush greenery, and high glass ceilings creating a warm, relaxed vibe. Though Our drinks took a little longer due to a busy server, they were surprisingly comped, which was a nice touch.
When we moved to the bar, the warm atmosphere and welcoming staff made us feel right at home. We were thrilled to learn that the chef hails from the Caribbean, infusing the menu with a Caribbean flair. The special hummus, topped with farm-fresh tomatoes and herbs and served with fried plantains, was a delightful start. Our main course – Caribbean-style roasted chicken –was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned.
Fox Point Farms made an ordinary Friday night feel extraordinary.
I heard the farm animals are arriving! Soon you will be able to see a charming array of farm animals that enhance the community’s authentic agricultural atmosphere. The farm features chickens, goats and all of which contribute to its farm-to-table ethos and offer a fun, interactive element for families and visitors. These animals are not only part of the farm’s aesthetic but also contribute to sustainable practices, like composting and natural grazing, which help maintain the farm’s regenerative agriculture approach. The presence of these animals creates a unique, rustic experience and fosters a strong sense of connection to the land for everyone who visits. Such a unique concept for a neighborhood and I can’t wait to return soon.
You can find more information about Fox Point Farms here: https://www.foxpointfarms.com/about/
Beautifully updated 3bd/2ba; 1619sqft home situated on a private, corner lot in the gated community of The Village. Enjoy modern living with new flooring, designer paint, recessed lighting, updated electrical outlets and elegant silhouette shades. Bright white kitchen has Viking stove, new Samsung dishwasher and fridge & spacious dining area.The large, tree-shaded backyard o ers a serene retreat, complete with a patio perfect for outdoor dining & entertaining. Owned Solar and part of Poway Unified. It’s a must see!
3bd/2ba, 1708sqft property situated on a corner lot boasts beautiful mountain views & a range of thoughtful upgrades. Enjoy the benefits of owned solar, a renovated secondary bath & plantation shutters throughout. Modern conveniences include an EV charger, tankless water heater, & new interior doors with sleek black matte hardware. Open floorplan features cathedral ceiling in the living area & the large kitchen is perfect for entertaining. Patio o the primary bdrm & another o living rm is ideal for outdoor relaxation.
