La Jolla Real Estate Blog: July 2008

HARRY'S COFFEE SHOP, in the village of La Jolla, has been around since 1960 and I imagine that the décor has changed very little in the almost 50 years of serving the local La Jollans. For those of us who grew up during the corner diner days, Harry's is the place for you, and my family has enjoyed Harry's for years.  It's a sixties style diner outfitted with booth seating, vinyl cushions and a coffee bar.  There's also patio seating outside in the front for those beautiful La Jolla days.

The same people have worked there for years and most of us are on a first name basis with the locals.  It is a place that you can run into, sit at the counter, and visit with people or simply read the paper.  I remember my first experience to Harry's.  I parked in the private lot in the back and walked through the back area past the bustling kitchen to the main dining room.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the authentic, no frills ambience and to take in the smell of bacon sizzling on the grill. Harry's menu is definitely focused on breakfasts, which are served all day, with an exhaustive list of options. Harry's also serves lunch and their selection of sandwiches is extensive.

Harry's Coffee Shop is located at 7545 Girard Avenue, La Jolla and their phone number is (858) 454-7381.

It was reported recently that vacant homes may need special insurance coverage.  An empty unsold house is a problem.  When a homeowner moves out and the house remains empty, it may continue to be protected by homeowners insurance for risks such as fire, as long as the premium is paid. But after 30 days of vacancy, things like vandalism, water damage caused by broken pipes, and theft are no longer covered. Some policies cease coverage after 60 days.  Exclusions in coverage for vacant properties are not new. Insurance companies believe that damage to a home is more likely when no one is living in it and that certain things grow worse with inattention. They even reserve the right to cancel what coverage remains in force when they learn of an extended vacancy. This potential gap in coverage could be a problem for owners.

Check with your insurance company to see if they provide you a policy such as "Vacant Property & Liability Insurance".  If not, Coldwell Banker is affiliated with NRT Insurance Agency and can give you a quote.  Their number is (888) 717-1776 or visit their website at www.nrtinsurance.com.

Today I would like to introduce you to the area known as "La Jolla Village North".  I actually think it should be called something like "La Jolla East but West of the I-5". 

This community is situated on a narrow strip of land along Interstate 5 and adjacent to the UCSD campus.  La Jolla Village North contains many condominium developments, and is in close proximity to a shopping center and movie theaters. 

I purchased my very first home here in the Eastbluff complex.  I paid $62,500 for it brand new!  At my tender young age, I was somewhat of a risk taker and put the deposit which was $2,000 on my credit card and then waited to earn enough money to get the loan while the property was being built.  The risk paid off and I sold it for much more years later.  Today they are being sold for $500,000+.  With many affordable condominium projects to choose from, it is a favorite place to live for commuters, UCSD students, first time home buyers and young families.  Some of the complexes available are the Woodlands, Eastbluff, South Point, Boardwalk, Cambridge, Cape La Jolla and others.

If you are interested in information about La Quinta or desert area real estate we would like to invite you to view our comprehensive website at www.LQ-Homes.com.  Here you will find every development, pictures, aerials, hoa information, maps and prices for La Quinta properties.  You can also visit us at www.Resort-Home.com for more information about the Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and surrounding area communities.

View all desert area listings in the MLS by clicking the link below:

Interested in any San Diego County listings for sale?  Click the link below:

If you would like more information contact us at (760) 567-9100.

One of my Coldwell Banker associates has a new listing at CLINTON MANOR IN LA JOLLA.  Clinton Manor features 40 units and is located in the heart of the village of La Jolla.  There are two buildings with 4 stories each.  This unit is beautifully upgraded with crown moulding, Ralph Lauren carpeting, cook's kitchen with granite countertops, travertine floors and much more. There is underground parking, spa, community center, security gate, workout room, sauna and sun deck. Relax and enjoy the ocean view!  This property is competitively priced at $799,000. 

Clinton Manor in La Jolla Condo Photos:

98 SOLD PROPERTIES IN LA JOLLA

MONTH         NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD

January 2008              14 detached homes

February 2008             12 detached homes

March 2008                 17 detached homes

April 2008                   20 detached homes

May 2008                   21 detached homes

June 2008                   14 detached homes

Least expensive home sold:  $695,000 on Desert View Drive

Most expensive home sold:  $16,500,000 on Dunemere Drive

My family and I share many happy memories of Fourth of July celebrations at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.  Here is more information about this historical jewel by the sea...

THE LA JOLLA BEACH AND TENNIS CLUB was originally opened in 1927 as the La Jolla Beach & Yacht Club.  An enterprising couple, Frederick William Kellogg and Florence Scripps Kellogg purchased the property in 1935 in order to create an oceanfront resort that would attract out-of-town visitors, as well as local La Jolla residents.

The Kelloggs broadened the Club's appeal by creating an exclusive oceanfront tennis resort with four new tennis courts, a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, and renaming the resort the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. To attract out-of-town guests, they built the "Beach Club Apartments" at the south end of the property. Unfortunately, Frederick Kellogg died in 1940 and the his son, William Scripps Kellogg became the resort's driving force to become a tennis and vacation destination.  During his tenure, he oversaw extensive changes, including the expansion of the Beach Club Apartments in 1948, the addition of the North Wing in 1957, and construction of Playa del Oro Apartments and the F.W. Kellogg commercial building. Other work included the completion of the Marine Room restaurant, construction of a nine-hole par-3 golf course, and extensive landscaping at the main entrance.

Up until the early 1980s, W.S. Kellogg was still a familiar sight at the Club, taking children for rides on the beach in a 1915 Packard, known as the "Old Black Goose". Children who rode in the convertible became members of the Old Black Goose Club, swearing an oath to never become litterbugs.  With W.S. Kellogg's grandson now behind the wheel, children today still keep faithful the oath, patrolling the grounds to pick up litter.

In 1973, W.S. Kellogg retired after 34 years, and his son, William Crowe Kellogg assumed management. Under his leadership, two more tennis courts were added and an extensive renovation of the facility was started.

Today, operation of the Club, Marine Room Restaurant and the neighboring La Jolla Shores Hotel and Shores Restaurant is being handled by a fourth generation Kellogg family member; William ("Bill") J. Kellogg. The Club has remained a family venture and has been protected by successive generations of Kelloggs.

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Fourth of July!  Whether in La Jolla or in another part of our incredible country, may we all remember the sacrifices made to allow us to live free.  Our prayers are with the armed forces and with the future of our great nation. God Bless America!

For a list of the fireworks displays and patriotic activities tonight, please visit www.signonsandiego.com.

Summer is here and La Jolla is the perfect place to be!  Residents are looking forward to the annual Fourth of July fireworks displays that can be seen in every direction from atop Mount Soledad. The beach is crowded with locals and those San Diegans that venture over from inland San Diego County when their temperatures top 100 degrees and our cool coastal breezes are around 80 degrees.

Today it would seem appropriate to introduce you to the neighborhood known as "La Jolla Shores".  This is where my family and I have spent many Fourth of Julys enjoying the beach, boogey boarding, barbecuing with friends and family and watching the fireworks display at the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

LA JOLLA SHORES is north of the Village of La Jolla and east and west of La Jolla Shores Drive.  If you are interested in walking to the beach, visiting the quaint La Jolla Shores village and enjoy a small town atmosphere, this is the place for you!  This neighborhood features small shops, area markets and popular restaurants.  The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a popular summer spot for tourists and tennis aficionados from around the world.  La Jolla Shores beach is a long and expansive beach that locals and tourists enjoy.  This highly sought-after neighborhood is known for its oceanfront estates, seaside condominiums, beach cottages and the exceptional hillside residences which overlook the La Jolla Shores coastline.

Wishing you and your loved ones a special Fourth of July.  As the daughter of a military officer, I have a special place in my heart for those who are currently serving and who have served our country. God bless America and the military men and women who are protecting us and our freedom.