Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group to Host “Seniors in the Know” on October 3rd.

Event Features Performance by Chubby Checker 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will show attendees how to achieve their best life possible with informative health education presentations, question and answer sessions with Doctors, vendor booths and more.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this wonderful free event to the community,” said Merlin Aalborg, Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group Chief Operating Officer.  “This is a great opportunity for people to learn about a number of health topics and then enjoy an amazing concert by Chubby Checker.”

Guests will have the opportunity to take advantage of free health screenings as well.  Some screenings include:  Cancer Screening, Blood Pressure Checks, Body Mass Index, Cataract Screening, Cholesterol and Glucose Screening, Spine Checks and more.

Chubby Checker will cap the day off with an exciting 75-minute concert   He has been in the music industry for 50 years and has sold over 250 million records.  He introduced the world to “The Twist” in the 1960s, and the hip shaking move is still popular today.

“Seniors in the Know” will also allow seniors to gather important information on the 2012 Fall Medicare Open Enrollment period which begins October 15^th.

For more information on “Seniors in the Know,” visit:  www.hvvmg.com or call 760-261-1496.

Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group, with offices in Victorville, has over 40 Primary Care Physicians, 150 Specialists and is the only medical group that services Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, Barstow, Phelan, Adelanto and Big Bear.

Supported by $12 billion in R&D investment over the past decade, GE Aviation has become the world’s largest producer of jet engines with 50,000 commercial and military engines in service. GE Aviation’s production rates are expected to grow from approximately 3,000 commercial and military engine deliveries in 2011 to 3,400 deliveries in 2012, and 3,800 deliveries in 2013.

Read here for more about the investment announcement:  http://bit.ly/xj8MXE 

Currently, GE Aviation employs approximately 25,000 employees in the U.S., which is an increase of 1,000 employees since 2010, and will add more than 400 employees over the next three years.

GE Chairman Jeffrey Immelt’s just-released point-of-view on American competiveness, was published in the Harvard Business Review (HBR). In the article, Immelt declares that the key to an American manufacturing revival lies in the technology and sophisticated advanced engineering that is specific to GE Aviation facilities across the U.S., including Victorville, and protecting the company’s proprietary technology and supporting tomorrow’s engineers is part of GE’s commitment to the country.

In parallel to Immelt’s contribution to the HBR, GE is hosting a four-day forum in Washington D.C. this week, called “American Competitiveness: What Works,” where it will lead in-depth conversations with business, political and thought leaders on “what’s working” in America and what more we must do to remain globally competitive. Immelt’s point-of-view in the HBR is available to read online for the duration of the GE forum (Feb 13-16) through this link: http://bit.ly/x6Xx4B

The High Desert Business Journal is launching a new publication in spring of 2012.  High Desert Lifestyles Magazine will be a bi-monthly, premiere lifestyle magazine publication reaching Victor Valley residents and businesses in Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and surrounding areas.

Publisher Paisley Taylor said, “A lifestyle magazine is a perfect fit for our marketing and publishing company.  We look forward to the synergies we can create through using the two publications together, as both print and digital media.”  Working with premier digital marketers and Search Engine Optimization providers, Taylor looks forward to maximizing the content from and about her advertisers and contributors.  ”We have a lot to offer our clients this year, as we put a state-of-the-art digital marketing engine under the hood of both publications.”

High Desert Lifestyles Magazine will publish March of 2012 and already has a solid base of advertisers.  ”The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Taylor. “There is definitely a niche to fill.”  Taylor looks forward to bringing interesting articles and compelling imagery to the magazine, and is dedicated to promoting businesses and commerce in the Victor Valley.

Having grown up in the High Desert, Taylor finds it gratifying to promote her hometown in a positive way. “I left for a long time to pursue a college and post-graduate degrees, and to work in corporate America,” she says.  ”But when it was time to start a business, I came home.  I want to bring the best in the desert to both our publications.”

When asked what her favorite part of the business is, she replies, “The creativity and independence. In my household, I am a single parent, and it is important to me to show my daughter what our business is all about, and to bring a level of creativity to our lifestyle.”  Her daughter has helped since the inception of the magazine.  ”She and her cousins were photo assistants on our first photo shoot for the magazine.”  Taylor says she gave the youngest girls flashlights to create back lighting in the photographs for their food section.  ”I agreed to pay my daughter twenty bucks for the photo shoot. She’s saving up for her own camera.”  Taylor explains the criteria for her daughter’s camera selection.  ”She picked a red one.”

Follow High Desert Lifestyles Magazine on Facebook this March to find out where to pick up complementary issues of the Charter edition.

For advertising, call the publisher at 760-403-2136.

Mailing address for High Desert Lifestyles Magazine:

12277 Apple Valley Road, #384

Apple Valley, CA 92038

VICTORVILLE, Calif., February 6, 2012- The Mall of Victor Valley today announced the expansion of one of its major department store anchors, jcpenney.

The expanded store, set to open in late 2012, will be a nearly 100,000 square foot, single story, full-line department store, featuring great brands that include Sephora, Liz Claiborne, I Heart Ronson, MNG by Mango, Bisou Bisou, Levi’s and many more. The expanded store will be located in the former Forever 21 location, and will be approximately twice the size of the current jcpenney. News of the store’s expansion comes just on the heels of the announcement that Macy’s will join the shopping center, opening in 2013.

In addition to jcpenney, existing anchors at the 544,000+ square foot shopping center include Sears and Cinemark Theatre.  In addition to strong anchors, the property’s appealing in-line retailer mix includes stores such as Bath and Body Works, Vans, The Children’s Place, Victoria’s Secret, as well as Barnes and Noble, among many other top names.

“The Mall of Victor Valley has tremendous momentum, and jcpenney’s decision to expand here reinforces the property’s position as the key shopping destination in Southern California’s fast-growing High Desert region,” said Liz Hewson, Property Manager, The Mall of Victor Valley. “jcpenney has built a strong connection with local shoppers, who will certainly welcome a new and bigger version of one of their favorite stores.”

jcpenney, one of America’s leading retailers, is re-imagining every aspect of its business in order to reclaim its birthright and become America’s favorite store. The Company is currently transforming the way it does business and remaking the customer experience across its 1,100 department stores and on jcp.com. On every visit, customers can discover straightforward Fair and Square Pricing, month-long promotions that are in sync with the rhythm of their lives, exceptionally curated merchandise, artful presentation, and unmatched customer service.

“jcpenney’s decision to expand within The Mall of Victor Valley clearly communicates jcpenney’s belief in our market,” said Ryan McEachron, Mayor for the City of Victorville. “Macerich continues to ensure that The Mall of Victor Valley stays fresh and in-line with our community. The expanded jcpenney and the 2013 opening of Macy’s will serve as a catalyst for other great retailers to open or expand in this outstanding property.”

The Mall of Victor Valley serves San Bernardino County and surrounding communities in the High Desert about 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles.

Macerich is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States. Macerich now owns approximately 66 million square feet of gross leasable area consisting primarily of interests in 65 regional centers.  Additional information about Macerich can be obtained from the Company’s Web site atwww.macerich.com.

In one of the driest winters on record to date, the Subregional Water Reclamation Plants (WRP) are moving one step closer to fruition as the board approved the agency to start prequalifying bidders for the construction of the plants. When built, the plants will be able to reuse up to one million gallons of water per day for irrigation purposes.

“This is an important project for the future sustainability of our community, and will protect our potable water source for generations to come,” said Scot Nassif, VVWRA’s Board Chairman and Apple Valley Town Councilman. ”We’ve fitted Town Hall and several new buildings with purple pipe in anticipation of this project.”

Currently less than one half of the Victor Valley’s water demand is met by recycled water, with the rest being met by potable water in the High Desert, which is an arid region and has been plagued in the past by drought.

“After almost 20 years in the planning stages, it’s great to see us start taking solid steps toward the construction of these facilities,” said Logan Olds, VVWRA’s General Manager. “The benefit to the communities of having access to this valuable resource is important for the continued economic success of Apple Valley and Hesperia.”

The Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority is an independent agency that is equally governed by leaders from its member agencies, which include Apple Valley, Hesperia, Victorville, Oro Grande and Spring Valley Lake.

Sign up for “Block Walk 2012” on February 17th and walk the block with members of the community!

Victorville, CA – Join Desert Valley Medical Group, Inter Valley Health Plan, Challenger School and AMR and the 2012 Block Walk for heart health!

Bring your friends, neighbors and co-workers for this easy, 1 ½ mile walk which starts at the Desert Valley Charitable Foundation. Warm up, enjoy refreshments and free health and nutrition information at 9am and Walk begins at 10am.

Walk is FREE to all DVMG members & Senior Preferred Club/First Class, $5.00 for kids to 12 years, and $10 for all others. The first 250 walker’s to pre-register by Feb. 10th receive a shirt. Registration after 2/10, shirts are first come first serve or will be ordered post event. Proceeds will go to help educate and CPR certify 25 local business members.

Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active. It can help you reduce stress, tone muscles and lower your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, dementia, depression, osteoporosis and many types of cancer. Plus, it reduces weight and cholesterol levels.

According to the American Heart Association, for every hour you walk, you can gain two hours of life expectancy. Plus, it reduces weight and cholesterol levels.

Get fit, have fun and commit to protect the heart of our community….YOU!

Call 241-8000, ext. 8568 for more information or stop by the Desert Valley Charitable Foundation at 16716 Bear Valley Road in Victorville or Inter Valley Health Plan at 12209 Hesperia Road, Suite E in the Von’s Shopping Center in Victorville to sign up.

by Chris Lamoreaux

Executive Vice President, HomeSource Lamoreaux Residential Group 

For those High Desert residents contemplating taking advantage of the current state of the economy via home buying, there may not be a better time to buy.

As 2011 comes to a close, statistics show surprisingly successful trends for what many have been referring to as a “down market”. A “buyer’s market” is more than an understatement. While some make claims that homes aren’t selling and loans are difficult to obtain, year-end numbers contradict such statements.

According to National Association of Realtors, a total of 4,910,000 homes sold this year in the United States. Additionally, 80 percent of those sellers received loans, meaning obtaining a home loan and taking advantage of the mortgage rates has been a reality for many.

With homes priced below replacement cost, a stabilizing market, and historically low interest rates, purchasing a home is far less costly than renting. Numerous factors contributing to the favorable market for buyers, means there are plenty of reasons to consider making the move.

For individuals deciding between renting or purchasing a home, the fact is, rents are rising in the U.S. right now and in many markets it’s actually cheaper to buy a home than rent. Because the demand for rentals has recently increased, so have the rates, making renting more expensive than home ownership in many cases.

For investors looking for tangible assets, purchasing homes for rentals offers great cash flow and an opportunity for future appreciation. The current market condition, with a combination of low interest rates, low housing prices and rising rents, presents an ideal investment opportunity with solid asset protection.

Market Stabilization

According to CBS Money Watch, the worst of the price declines is likely over. “We’re potentially at an important pivot point where we’re moving from steeply falling home prices to an extended period of stabilizing prices.”

This is demonstrated locally in the minimal fluctuation of average selling prices. While home prices begin to even out, potential buyers will no longer be faced with the fear that the cost of their home will drastically decrease in the near future.

In fact, IHS Chief Economist, Nariman Behravesh stated “Even if there is another recession, people who can qualify for a mortgage won’t gain anything by playing the waiting game.”

Record Low Prices

From short sales and REO properties to traditional sales, prices are at an all-time low and negotiable. According to Bloomberg Business Week, buyers are “getting the best deals of the five-year U.S. housing bust – and perhaps the best deals of a generation – after a 31 percent national decline in home prices since 2006.” Locally, the declines have been steeper, reaching up to 65 percent in some neighborhoods.

Now is also the time buyers may get more for their money when it comes to aesthetics. Buyers may be able to get the granite countertops, baseboards, new paint, flooring and landscaping that their dream home featured.  And with the flipping trend dominating the down market, many buyers can find a renovated house listed by a motivated seller. “Add a little research and a flip could be a bargain buy,” according to Mortgage News Daily.

Record Low Mortgage Rates

Another motivating factor to act fast on buying a home are the record low mortgage rates. The Wall Street Journal stated “Rates are so low that houses in many markets look like bargains, even if price/rent ratios aren’t hitting new lows.” With the latest interest rate being less than half the average since 1971, house payments are more affordable than they have been in decades.

While some may consider postponing a purchase in hopes that interest rates will continue to decline, the savings would be minimal. Waiting is even a bit risky as mortgage rates are expected to climb in 2012. Fannie Mae forecasts a full percentage point increase in the New Year. “If you take out a $300,000 30-year fixed rate loan today at 4.6 percent your monthly payment will be $1,537. After a one percent rise, home prices would need to fall nearly 12 percent to come in at the same monthly mortgage,” according to CBS News.

Loan Quals to Toughen in 2012

The Home Buying Institute states qualifying for a loan will be much more difficult in 2012. “Borrowers will need their financial ducks in a row. They will likely need credit scores in the low 600s or higher, with stable income, employment and documentation of both.” In the future, approval for excellent mortgage rates will become difficult to obtain for any potential buyer with less than perfect credit.

With the elements combined, the residential real estate market truly is a “buyer’s market”. Potential buyers have many factors to take into consideration and should thoroughly evaluate the entire package before proceeding. With homes up to 50 percent below replacement cost and historically low interest rates in the 4 percent range, the ease in obtaining loans and home affordability is at an all-time best. Whether you are an investor, or a first time buyer looking to reposition your home, the real estate market offers tremendous opportunity.

About the author: Chris Lamoreaux is President of HomeSource Lamoreaux Residential Group, and can be reached at 760-684-8100 or cl@cbcdesert.com.

by Mike Nutter, ISU ARMAC Insurance Agency 

So, how did it go – 2011, that is?  It’s a question that will undoubtedly receive much fanfare throughout the coming weeks, though one thing is certain: the answers will surely run the gamut.  Regardless of whether we had reason to raise our glass or lick our wounds, we find ourselves presented with a clean slate, once again; a new opportunity to improve upon our weaknesses and fortify our strengths.

As we bid farewell to yet another year, most of us will take at the very least, a brief moment to reflect upon those successful behaviors that lead to growth, and those that proved to be less fruitful.  In so doing, one of the questions we will likely ask ourselves is whether or not we accomplished our goals for 2011 – and if not, what adjustments must we make in order to turn our dreams into reality in 2012.

While the majority of our endeavors will revolve around financial projections, improved efficiency, increased production and cost reduction, few of us if any, will acknowledge the importance of lessening risk within our organizations, and even fewer of us will employ the preemptive strategies necessary to protect those assets and the human capital that we have worked so hard to acquire.

In the spirit of renewed beginning, I have outlined below, some interesting points to consider as you carry out your plans for making this year your best yet.  Remember, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and “failing to plan is planning to fail”, so don’t be caught off guard without a blueprint that encompasses not only your strategy for gain, but a plan for mitigating the potential risk and threats that can render even your most successful accomplishments futile. 

Emergency Preparedness:  It has been said that should Southern California suffer a major earthquake, the High Desert region could be impacted in several ways including but not limited to a loss of resources such as water, power, gas and telephones; a limited supply of food; a halt on the transportation of goods and services via the Cajon Pass and a host of other related threats that could prove to be problematic to our region.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s FEMA website, all businesses, both small and large should consider the following when planning for a major disaster.

All Natural Hazards

Protect Business Records and Inventory

Install a Generator for Emergency Power

Earthquake

Anchor Large Equipment Properly

Anchor Tall Bookcases and File Cabinets

Anchor and Brace Propane Tanks and Gas Cylinders

Bolt Sill Plates to Foundation

Brace Cripple Walls

Install Latches on Drawers and Cabinet Doors

Mount Framed Pictures and Mirrors Securely

Restrain Desktop Computers and Appliances

Use Flexible Connections on Gas and Water Lines

Fire

Remove Excess Vegetation and Combustible Materials

Replace Roofing with Fire-Resistant Materials

Flood

Build With Flood Damage Resistant Materials

Raise Electrical System Components

Anchor Fuel Tanks

Install Sewer Backflow Valves

High Winds

Maintain EIFS Walls

Protect Windows and Doors with Covers

Reinforce or Replace Garage Doors

Remove Trees and Potential Windborne Missiles

Secure Metal Siding and Metal Roofs

Secure Built-Up and Single-Ply Roofs

Secure Composition Shingle Roofs

Brace Gable End Roof Framing

In addition to affording a business the added security and protection against a major disaster, implementing even some of these suggestions can, in many cases, reduce the cost of both property and liability insurance.  Discuss with your agent or broker how they plan to showcase this information to ensure that your efforts are documented and conveyed during the insurance procurement process.

FEMA goes on to suggest that there are three elements to disaster preparedness with each playing an integral role in identifying, planning for and recovering after a major catastrophic event.

Be Informed: Learn and understand what do before, during and after an emergency.  Take into consideration not only natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, landslides, high winds and floods but also pay special attention to those not so common disasters such as pandemics; technological and accidental hazards such as power outages & hazardous material incidents; and lastly, terrorist activity.

While it is virtually impossible to be entirely prepared for any and all threats against your business – both occurring naturally or the result of human influence – identifying the most likely events and planning a strategy around such occurrences will certainly decrease the likelihood of any one disaster crippling your businesses for the long term. 

Make a Plan: Prepare, plan and stay informed on emergencies.  Identify which hazards have a high probability of occurring in your area and create a proactive approach to addressing those hazards.

Share with and train employees on the proper use of hazard-specific information and ensure that everyone has a clear understanding of the steps to take during and after a major catastrophe.  Create a building evacuation plan, complete with maps and diagrams with which to steer your staff to safety in a fast and efficient manner.  Make long term plans, should your employees be unable to return to their personal residence and be sure to evaluate your heating, air conditioning and ventilation system to determine its ability to properly filter out potential contaminants.

Build a Kit:  A disaster supply kit is simply a collection of basic items that would be needed in the event of an emergency.  Below is a list of items that FEMA suggests should be included in any basic supply kit.

• Water (one gallon per person for at least one day)
• Food (at least a one-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Whistle
• Dust masks to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener
• Local maps
• Cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger

Even a scaled back version of the basic kit will offer some respite to your employees in the event of a major disaster and could prove to be the difference between whether or not your staff will suffer from human casualties.

Time and again, being unprepared leads to greater loss of property and life.  Disasters are always unexpected and more often than not, those same disasters have a much greater impact on those that lack a plan.  Never nice and always naughty, the threat of a natural or man-made catastrophe is real and should not be taken lightly.

With the prospect of success on the horizon, begin today to build an unshakeable foundation for your business.  Taking small steps in the right direction will result in a better prepared business; one that will also enjoy the benefits of increased employee morale, greater employee loyalty and a more stable and secure workforce.

Remember, just like last year, “He’s makin’ a list and checkin’ it twice”…well, you know the rest.  Do the right thing.

Happy New Year!

About the author:  Mike Nutter is a Sales Manager and top producing Account Executive for ISU Insurance Services, ARMAC Agency, and a former small business owner.  He can be reached at Mike.Nutter@isu-armac.com.

by Jason Lamoreaux, President, Coldwell Banker Commercial

As residents around the High Desert look forward to 2012 in hopes the economy will steadily revive, a look back at 2011 in the Commercial Real Estate Industry indicates many of the commercial real estate sectors have stabilized and are on a clear path to recovery.

Land

With land taking one of the worst hits in the commercial real estate market from 2008 to 2010, the recent year has improved in many aspects. According to Commercial Real Estate Information Company, CoStar, commercial real estate prices have increased 2.2%, which is the first year-over-year improvement since 2008. Developers have worked together with investors in an effort to mutually take advantage of the low prices. The Coldwell Banker Commercial High Desert Land Team has taken note of record high sale prices in 2011, including an industrial land sale at $2.88 per square foot.

While the Inland Empire is noticing a rising demand for land, the High Desert should experience a positive impact in 2012. “With major developments looking to build in the next year, multi-family, industrial and retail land sales should see a major increase in activity,” stated Coldwell Banker Commercial Land Specialist, Mehdi Mostaedi.

Multi-Family Properties

Commercial Property Executive, a news resource for commercial property owners, referred to multi-family properties as commercial real estate’s “darling investment class” and the trend will definitely carry into 2012. While the rental market stabilized in 2011, the multi-family market took note of a decreasing inventory and a skyrocketing demand for investment. “In fact, the Town of Apple Valley is the first to see speculative multi-family building in the High Desert,” said Multi-family Specialist, Bob Basen.

The High Desert’s Multi-Family Division with Coldwell Banker Commercial coordinated a record high sale of an apartment building for $75,000 per unit which is yet another indicator that prices will be seeing a positive increase in 2012. According to Multi Housing News, “The apartment sector is firmly in place at the forefront in investors’ eyes, and it seems it will hold the spot at the top through the upcoming year.”

Retail

For retail, commercial real estate is closing up a somewhat challenging year. Consumer spending was moderate for the majority of the year. Fourth quarter sales have been up significantly and with the creation of new jobs in the community, retailers are back in the market. The next two years are looking towards a much brighter future. Specifically in the High Desert, retailers are displaying a renewed interest from retailers who have never before considered this market.

Retailers already present in the market are looking to expand with additional locations in the High Desert. Additionally, the changing demographics in the High Desert are generating a demand for new types of retail in the Victor Valley. More national and expanding retailers in our market, along with plenty of new construction, all appear to be in store for 2012. “The Macy’s announcement is already demonstrating a noticeable impact in our area. In fact, new national retailers are currently working on moving to our area which will be excellent for both consumers and other retailers,” stated Coldwell Banker Commercial Retail Specialist, Colleen Butcher.

Industrial

“The Industrial sector has also seen gains, with manufacturing companies realizing the pure benefits and logistics for operating in the High Desert. The area is rapidly becoming one of the fastest developing industrial areas in the Southern California,” stated Coldwell Banker Commercial Industrial Specialist, Janette Wehrmann.

During the last year, the City of San Bernardino alone has experienced absorption of more than 1.8 million square feet of industrial space. According to the USC 2011 Industrial and Office Report, the top performer across all metro markets and both property types was the Inland Empire industrial market which recorded a 6.4 percent increase in average industrial rents and logged nearly 17 million square feet of net absorption.

While all markets suffered in 2009, the Inland Empire has roared back the strongest and is continuing to gain momentum. Construction is continuing and transaction volume is back on track to reach its highest levels of the decade.

In fact, Janette Wehrmann recently coordinated two successful transactions in Adelanto. Only spending weeks on the market, a 12,000 square foot industrial warehouse and an approximately 20,000 square foot manufacturing building were both recently leased by Wehrmann. Looking at an even more thriving 2012, the USC Industrial and Office Report predicts the vacancy rate will decline 2.5 percentage points over the next year and remain stable for the subsequent four quarters.

Office

The Inland Empire’s office market is also showing a strong competitive advantage in comparison to other markets with low rental rates. According to the USC 2011 Industrial and Office Report, the past four quarters are pointing towards a recovery.

Looking into 2012, tenants are looking for suitable properties at a reasonable cost. With rents down 6.3 percent from the previous year, tenants can be sure they are receiving the best lease rates. “Office space for sale in the High Desert is experiencing a lower inventory with an increasing demand,” stated Office Specialist, Walt Wehrmann.  The High Desert Office Division recently sold a Victorville office building in a mere 30 days, suggesting further pickup in the office sector in the coming year.

Commercial REOs

REO properties have been at the forefront of sales transactions for 2011 and will continue

through 2012. “REO pricing set the market in 2011, contributing to exceptional pricing of many properties. As with many transactions in the recent year, REO commercial real estate sold in a matter of weeks if not days,” stated Coldwell Banker Commercial REO Specialist, Joshua Rey. While the state of REO properties can vary in quality, there were no steals in 2011, but simply realistic prices that made sense for both sellers and buyers. Although there are no guarantees with REO properties for the future, buyers will likely still have the opportunity to purchase commercial real estate at an excellent price.

2012

With low vacancy rates in the High Desert for retail, office and industrial and a recovery underway, upward pricing pressure should be prevalent in 2012. According to the National Association of Realtors®, “Commercial real estate markets have been relatively flat this year, but improving fundamentals mean a more positive trend is expected in 2012.” Each of the concentrations are likely to continue moving in a positive direction in the coming year as the opportunities continue to grow for investors, tenants and owners, alike.

About the author: Jason Lamoreaux is President of Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Solutions, and can be reached at jl@cbcdesert.com or 760-684-8000.

by Kurt Vannaman, Sonic Systems, Inc.

Electrical disturbances, ranging from surges and spikes to complete blackouts, hit businesses and residents alike several times every month, and often daily.  These electrical disturbances are annoying, and potentially damaging to all of your plugged-in electrical components, including computers, TVs, stereo equipment, etc.

Every morning while I’m working in my home office, I hear my UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) unit dealing with the surges and drops in electricity I get at my home. I watch the display on the unit, as the amount of voltage spikes, but the UPS keeps the voltage steady, protecting my Computer and peripherals.

Computers and servers are especially susceptible to these electrical spikes and surges. Many people believe a simple inexpensive surge strip is all the protection they need. This could not be further from the truth. All you are buying is a false sense of security.

A good quality UPS unit is much better suited to this important task. UPS stands for Uninterruptable Power Supply. A good UPS unit has surge protection built in, and also gives you the added benefit of batteries, enabling you to keep working in the event of a short power outage, or to shut your computer and peripherals down properly without damaging them.

When a computer gets shut down improperly by losing power, or gets a large spike or drop in power, it tends to damage the operating system, your important files and data, or in some cases can physically damage the hard drive, motherboard, or power supply unit, just to name a few.

I personally have 4 UPS units in my home. I have my audio and video equipment protected, along with my computer and its peripherals. At my business I couldn’t even tell you the exact number, but suffice it to say it’s several. I personally want all my equipment protected, and want my customers equipment protected while it is being trusted to us for repair.

The most important piece of equipment to protect would be Business Servers.

There are basically three types of UPS units.

1. 1.      Standby UPS

These provide basic power protection, including surge protection and battery backup. They do not offer protection against brownouts (an extreme drop in voltage).

1. 2.      Line-interactive UPS

These feature AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulation) which corrects power fluctuations. If it detects a brownout, it draws from the batteries to increase the power output. If it detects a power surge, it automatically reduces the power output. This insures the connected equipment receives the proper regulated power all the time

1. 3.      Continuous UPS

These provide the highest level of protection. It converts the incoming AC (Outlet) power to DC power, then converts it back to AC. This process keeps the power constant and clean, protecting your valuable equipment.

I would recommend talking to a reputable computer professional to assist you in deciding which UPS unit is best for your needs, both in expense and protection. UPS units range in price from $50 to $1,500, so you can find what you need that is in your budget.

About the author:  Kurt Vannaman is the owner of Sonic Systems, Inc., and can be reached at (760) 242-2777 or Kurt@vvsonic.com.