Sacramento State Capitol

Good Wednesday Afternoon

Today I had an appointment to meet a client/friend at the capitol.  She runs a catering business/restaurant at the capitol, so we decided to meet there.  Having been born and raised in Sacramento, I cannot even begin to think how many times I have seen the Capitol while driving by.  On the other hand, I can probably count one two hands, the number of times I have been inside the Capitol.

The Capitol, located at 10th Street and Capitol Mall, Sacramento, is an impressive piece of architecture as you walk up to the site.  The first thing I notice are the impressive columns and gold dome.   The gardens that surround the Capitol are quite impressive also.  These things just don't seem to matter as much when you are driving by.

The Capitol, with its 234 foot high dome, was built between 1861 and 1869.  There have been numerous additions and extensions.  A complete restoration of the Capitol was completed in 1982, at a cost of approximately $68 million.  Because of the restoration, the marble floors and extravagant chandeliers shine like they did in the old days.  

In 1988, a bronze group sculpture, The Vietnam War Memorial stands in the northeast part of Capitol Park.  It's construction was entirely funded by donations.  Today, there were several visitors paying their respects at the memorial.

The beautiful and colorful gardens present a colorful backdrop for the Capitol.  The garden's also serve as a photographer's favorite place to photograph brides and grooms.  

Inside the Capitol there is plenty of energy flowing through the hall ways. Just walking up and down some of the hall ways today, I saw several prominent politicians.  In rare cases, once may even see the Governor walking around.  I did have the opportunity to meet Governor Wilson at his office.  One of my clients was an aide to Gov. Wilson and took me into his chambers. Quite a memorable experience.

The one other thing I noticed today, several school buses outside.  The Capitol is a great place to host a field trip.  It had been so long since I visited the Capitol.  One of the things I took for granted.  Living in Sacramento, yet not visiting prominent places here.  I highly recommend a visit to the State Capitol of California.

It's August 19, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com

What the heck is a Short Sale?

Good Tuesday Morning to Everyone!

I have been getting a lot of emails from people asking the same question.  People are asking me: "David, what the heck is a short sale?"  Hopefully, today I can answer this question.

A "short sale" is a real estate transaction in which the proceeds from the sale are less than what is owed to the lender(s).  The concept here, is to have the lender(s) agree to accept a lesser amount to close the sale.  Now the "tricky" part...

In a ratified  "short sale" the lender agrees to accept an agreed amount of money to consummate the sale, because of an economic or financial hardship suffered by the mortgagor (Home Owner).  This negotiation is done through communication (or sometimes lack of communication) with the lender's loss mitigation department.  The lender will evaluate the "hardship" of the mortgagor and make a decision based on the current value of the home, the mortgagor's financial status and contract terms.  If the lender feels that the circumstances submitted meets the criteria of a "short sale" the lender will agree to accept the proceeds in full satisfaction of the debt, even if it is "short." The extenuating circumstances will influence whether or not the lender will accept the "short" payoff.  

A "short sale" is an alternative to prevent a home from going into foreclosure.  A home owner may contact a Realtor to come out and give them an estimate of value.  If the "market value" is less than what is owed, the Realtor may put the home on the market and advertise it as a "short sale."  Communication is then established with the lender(s) to let them know what is taking place.  A "short sale" is a type of sale that all terms and conditions have to be approved by the mortgage holders, so Buyer's need to understand this.  Lender(s) that I have dealt all deal with "short sales" differently.   I have received approvals in as little as two weeks, and some have taken 5 months.  So if you are a Buyer and are looking at a "short sale" to purchase, you must be patient.

Once an offer has been submitted to a lender(s) for approval, the bank will order a "Broker Price Opinion (BPO)" to determine fair market value of the home.  This is done so that the lender has an idea of the value and eliminates fraudulent sales.  If the lender feels that the "short sale" is more favorable than a foreclosure, there is a great probability that the "short sale" will be approved.  A "short sale" is typically faster and less expensive than a foreclosure.

In short, a "short sale" is negotiating with the lender(s) a payoff which is less than what is owed.  "Short Sales" are becoming more and more common in this real estate market.  Now that I have totally confused you, you may send specific questions to me and I will do my best to clarify.  I do know what I am doing with these "short sales" and do not shy away from them, like some Realtors do.  I enjoy the challenge!

It's August 18, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com

Good People

Good Evening Everyone

I wanted to blog about a person I had the opportunity to meet on Friday Night.  As some of you know, I have become sort of a Twitter fanatic in the past couple of months.  I have been impressed with the social capabilities of Twitter.  I have made a lot of "friends" on Twitter.  

One person that I communicate with is Jay.  He is known as @prodigybullies on Twitter.  His name originates from his love of pit bulls.  He was in Northern CA for a Breeders Cup competition for one of his dogs "Tank."  Jay made the trip from Pullman, WA late Thursday and arrived in Northern CA around dinner time.  His drive took about 18 hours and he and Tank arrived in great shape.

Jay and I were able to connect in Vacaville at BJ's restaurant.  It was good to be able to chat with Jay face to face and share good conversation.  He gave me an education of the world of "bullies" and I have a great appreciation of people, like Jay, who treat their dog's the way they do.  I was impressed on the training, traveling, diet, and admiration the owners commit.  I always thought I was a dog lover, but Jay took it to another level.

After spending a couple hours chatting about football, dogs, golf, travel, food, and twitter, we had to call it a night.  Because of Twitter I have another good friend.  I am looking forward to visiting Jay in Pullman, WA and going to a Washington State Cougar football game (Jay is a strength and conditioning football coach at WSU).  This is example is another reason why Twitter can be a great tool to meet good people. Have a safe trip back Jay and give the "Tankster" a high five!!

It's August 15, 2009 and I am Bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com

Day Two - Liz Valicenti of Titleist

Good Thursday to All!

Today, the PGA Championship began at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota and we are blogging Day Two of my interview with Liz Valicenti, Senior Manager, Interactive Marketing for Titleist/Acushnet Golf.  Yesterday Liz talked about how she started at Titleist and how little golf she gets to play.  Here is the conclusion of my interview:

dwo34:  "I know the fans are chomping at the bit to hear about any new products that are going to be hitting the market.  I know I may need to upgrade my Driver soon.  What's coming up?"

Liz: "We haven’t officially launched our new products, but word has gotten out about the new Titleist irons.  We’ve been testing on tour and many of our players have put the new irons in their bags immediately.  Four models:  new Titleist AP1 Irons, new Titleist AP2 Irons, New Titleist CB (cavity back) Irons and New Titleist MB (muscle back) irons.  You can read more on the Titleist Tour blog ( HYPERLINK "http://www.titleisttourblog.com" www.titleisttourblog.com)  We will also have a new Scotty Cameron putter series as well as new Vokey wedges.  In January, we’ll announce even more new products at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.  While it’s not a rule, in general we see a two year life cycle for most of our products."

dwo34 "Liz, I know we chatted about this personally, but talk about Social Media and how it effects Titleist.  I find it amazing that we can now call each other friends and yet, we have yet to meet face to face."

Liz: " One of the things I’m so excited about with social media and Titleist is that because of these new tools, we are able to really communicate with our consumers.  Though it’s new technology, we’re really going back to grass roots or 1-1 marketing. If there’s one thing I know for sure it’s that our Titleist fans and loyal, passionate and they want us to know that and they want to know that we hear them.  In the past we really haven’t had the ability to open the dialog that is now available with web. 2.0 technology.  It’s allowing us to remove the filter between the consumer and the brand and really get a dialog going.  This helps the consumer because they feel empowered to tell us how they feel about the brand – what they like and what they dislike and we as a brand get the critical information we need about our products in order to continue to make the best performing, highest quality golf equipment available.

What’s also exciting to me about social media is that we now have the opportunity to connect with a younger consumer.. Facebook for example brings us a completely different pool of consumers at a significantly younger age.  We now have a direct line to talk to that younger group.  Ironically, a recent survey that we did among our Facebook group and our website database resulted in almost identical results.  Pleasantly surprising for me because it tells me that a Titleist fan is a Titleist fan – no matter what age."

dwo34: "Liz, you know I am a Twitter fan, and I favor this media over Facebook and MySpace. I think it would be great to talk about Twitter and it's power.  Some of my friend's are a little skeptical of Twitter.

Liz: "I don’t have to sell Twitter to you David, but Twitter is not only a place to communicate it’s a place to meet new contacts.  In the last year, 99% of all my new business contacts have been made on Twitter or Facebook.  . If it weren’t for Twitter, you and I would not in a million years know each other , but you are an avid Titleist fan and Titleist SHOULD know you, and if you are willing to share information, we should know what Titleist equipment you own, where you play, and we should be able to get products that will help improve your game, into your hands.  My hope for the Titleist brand is that somehow Titleist will have a connection, a communication or some kind of relationship through Social Media with all the David Ohara’s out there. I believe that It’s really all about TRUST.  Our fans need to trust that we are going to provide the highest quality, best performing golf equipment that’s made for their game."  

dwo34:  "Liz, the first round is in the books.  Tiger is on top of the leader board. What are your thoughts on the first round?"

Liz: "There is a lot more golf to play, and if you check the Titleist Leader Board, you will notice that the majority of the leaders are playing Titleist.  We have an outstanding chance to win the PGA. Should be fun."

dwo34: "Liz, thank you so much for your time and your insight. I have received so many emails with positive comments on Day One."

Liz "You're welcome David. Thank you."

My interview with Liz Valicenti was so much fun.  You see her excitement the minute you converse with Liz.  I get a clue why Titleist is one of the top brands in golf, it's great people like Liz who are compassionate and care about what they do.  I, myself am I loyal Titleist "Sunday" golfer.  My friend gave me a staff bag for a gift with my name embroidered on it (see photo), I play the Titleist Pro V1x ball, and I hit their clubs.  Titleist stands for quality in my opinion and you will not find a better quality person than Liz Valicenti.  Thank you again Liz and good luck this week at the PGA!

As a side note, leave your comments (about golf or Titleist) here or via email(dwo34@aol.com) and I will give away a couple of nice Titleist things.  I have some items that will make you a true Titleist fan, so respond and I will select the best comments.

It's August 13, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com

Liz Valicenti of Titleist

Titleist

Day One Blog Entry

I am so happy to have Liz Valicenti here to join us on the DWO34 Smooth Blog.  Liz is the Senior Manager, Interactive Marketing for Titleist/Acushnet Golf.  On the eve of the PGA Championship, the timing of her appearance here is perfect.  I interviewed Liz and here are some of the questions and answers from that interview:

dwo34:  "Hi Liz, please tell me how many years have you been with Titleist and how did you get started?"

Liz:  "18 years.  (in between did part-time and some at home while I had 3 boys. They are now 13, 11, and almost 9).  Everyone always asks – How can I get a job a Titleist – I really love golf.  Well, I honestly answered an ad in the Boston Globe for what was then Associate Manager of Marketing Services.  It took about 3 months from the time I sent in my resume until I was actually hired and I’ve got to say, this is very typical for our company.  You can’t give up.  I recall sending a three page letter to my supervisor why she should hire me.  She is still my manager today and sometimes threatens to bring the letter out just to torture me!

Way back then there was no internet and I was hired basically to put together our annual catalog and other promotional materials.  This was my first job after getting my MBA in Marketing @ Northeastern University and I’ve never looked back.  Moving from catalog production to online was a natural for me – it was such an exciting time in 1995/96 with the emergence of the World Wide Web.  In July 1996 after about 3 years of trying to convince everyone that we needed a website, we finally launched titleist.com.  I’ve been working on Titleist online and interactive since then.

dwo34:  "I know a lot of people are going to be curious about this. As an employee of Titleist, how many rounds do you get to play, what's in your bag now, and what's your handicap?"

Liz: "There’s a saying that once you start to work for Titleist you never play golf and if your handicap is going down instead of up – you’re not working hard enough. . . I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve only had 2 rounds in a year.  With three very active boys and a full time job -  it’s tough to find the time.  I’m about a 14 handicap. Well let’s just say that I’m a little behind in getting my bag updated, so let me tell you what I really WANT in my bag right now:

Pro V1x (contrary to what some think, you don’t have to have fast ball speeds or swing speeds).  I prefer the x over the Pro V1 because launch monitor results show that I have tons of spin off my driver and the Pro V1x helps me keep the ball straighter off the tee.  I really like the NXT Tour too. 909DComp (will get fit for a new shaft but I usually fit into a senior shaft) 909F2 Fairway  13.5 and 15.5.  909H Hybrid 17 and 21 degree. New AP1 irons 5-PW (same as above – you HAVE to get fit!)  I watched a few of our sales reps hitting the new AP1 irons that will be coming out mid fall and I was so impressed by the comments and think this is really going to be my new favorite iron! Vokey Wedges:  Spin Milled  52 and 58.  Putter:  I just got a 1996 Scotty Cameron La Costa restored!

dwo34:  "Liz what is your favorite golf course to play?"

Liz:  "New Seabury Country Club, New Seabury, MA (Cape Cod).  I grew up in the summers near the course and my brothers were caddies so we’d all go out at about 5pm after picking up the range.  There’s nothing like the front 9 of the Championship Course that overlooks Nantucket Sound – beautiful."

dwo34: "Talk about some of the Titleist Staff Golfers"

Liz: "I think the one thing about Titleist Brand Ambassadors is that they not only represent our products, they represent our brand.  We have such a great mix of US and ex-US players, different ages, different playing styles but the one consistent is they are all great representatives and ambassadors for the Titleist brand.  OK – I do have my favorites:  Davis Love III – such a gentleman; Brad Faxon – he’s local, a great guy and so loyal to Titleist.  Robert Karlsson, Adam Scott. "


dwo34: "Liz, tell us one of your most memorable and recent golf moments."

Liz: "Zach Johnson winning the Masters.  He’s just such a genuine, wonderful person.  He deserved it."

dwo34:  "Liz, why don't we save the rest for tomorrow. Good luck at Hazeltine National Golf Club this week"

Liz: "We have a good shot at one of our players winning. We are the number one ball on tour!"

Tomorrow Liz will talk about up coming products that Titleist is launching along with Social Network Marketing. It's truly amazing how we can connect.  I met Liz through Twitter and would not have been able to arrange this interview if it were not for these types of social media outlets.  I was able to get a photo of Adam Scott's bag ( pictured up above).  The Titleist site is very cool also, check them out at Titleist.com.

Harness Racing

Hello and Happy Tuesday

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of their week.  I wanted to chat about one of my passions. Harness racing!  beginning when I was in High School, I always enjoyed harness racing (horse racing with a sulky or "bike"), where the driver sits behind the horse.  I saw the owners of these athletes celebrate in victory and walk into the winner's circle to get their picture taken!  I said to myself "one day I am going to get my photo taken as an owner of one of these horses."  In 2005, I embarked into the horse ownership business.  With a friend, we purchased a horse names Winning Star.  We raced him several times, but he would not get to the winner's circle.  He suffered and injury, so we retired him and he enjoys a life of relaxation now.

I then proceeded to by another horse named Hi Ho Nicole, a tough mare, who always gave her best effort.  After several starts, she won my first race! The feeling of that victory was total jubilation! Words could not describe the feeling of that first win.  What made it special, is that she came from last place to catch the field at the wire!

That win was followed by other wins and other horses.  In 2007, my stable included 10 horses! A lofty number.  Two of my favorite horses were Tristate Hanover and Yankee Lance.  Tristate Hanover gave me an exciting rush when he won in front of a big crowd, including family and friends during the State Fair Meet.  Yankee lance went on to win over $100,000 for our partnership and was purchased from us for $62,500.  Considering we purchased him at a horse sale for $15,000, we did well with him.  He also set a time of 1:49.4, and for me, that is an all time record.  Any horse that can pace a sub 1:50 mile is considered very fast!  Yankee Lance was shipped to the Meadowlands in New jersey, considered the "Big Time" in harness racing and held his own with the east coast horses! These horses almost begin to take on the roll of a "pet" and it's easy to lose sight that this is a business, not an expensive pet.

Although a fun sport, I have limited myself to only one horse.  Split Ticket, my only horse currently,  races at Cal Expo.  He is considered one of the top pacers in California and has 8 wins for the year!  I learned that it's better to have a small stable of quality horses, rather than a large stable of marginal quality.  

I will line up one of the leading horsemen in CA to chime in here also.  I will give everyone a perspective behind the scenes.  Maybe even give a "tip" or two to the people who may want to make a wager.  The horse business is fun and exciting! I am proud to be involved in Harness Racing.

It's August 11, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com

Sacramento Betsuin Food and Cultural Bazaar

Hello Everyone

On Saturday and Sunday, I was a volunteer at the Sacramento Betsuin Food and Cultural Bazaar. The church is located on Riverside and Broadway (near Target for those who are familiar with Sacramento).  My cousin Brian is the chief organizers for the Teriyaki Sandwich booth.  Brian "inherited" the position from my Uncle Mitch, so it's been a family tradition to help out at the Bazaar since I could remember.

The Bazaar has many wonderful things to offer: great food (sushi, teriyaki chicken, udon, etc), cultural exhibits, discussions on Buddhism, entertainment, and meeting lots of wonderful people. Sacramento also has Rev. Bob! Rev. Bob Oshita, has been a fixture at the Sacramento Buddhist Church for many years and relates well with everyone.  He is always smiling and is always positive.

One of the amazing things about the Bazaar is the amount of support the people give.  I went on Thursday evening also last week to help skewer beef, and the place was packed with volunteers. Because there was so much help, the time went quickly.  All the booths at the Bazaar were all well staffed with more than eager volunteers.  Because of the people, the time there is actually very enjoyable.

I'll keep volunteering for this worthy cause. I enjoy the people!  The food is always tasty and the weather seems to cooperate for the most part.  I will mention this annual Food and Cultural Bazaar next year, so that you may attend.  The Sacramento Betsuin Food and Cultural Bazaar was a hit! Come and join us next year.

It's August 10, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

@dwo34

dwo34@aol.com