<![CDATA[cityofoceanshores]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C en-us Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:26:17 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for October 10, 2008]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C?p=7
Clamming Time! Summer is over and that means that the clam season is only days away. In case you didn't know, razor clams are found by the hole left on the sand surface as the clam's neck is withdrawn. When this dimple is found, a scoop or two of sand is dug away beside the dimple and the clam is found by reaching into the sand in the side of the hole. Be careful not to dig too close to the dimple or the clam will be damaged. Most clams are dug with special narrow-bladed clam shovels. Clams can also be dug with a "clam gun" or "tube". This is simply a 4 inch diameter pipe or tube with a handle and a small air vent at the closed upper end. Digging is done by pushing the tube down over the clam dimple with a rocking motion. The air vent is then blocked with a finger or thumb and the core of sand, with the clam enclosed, is pulled up and dropped on the beach. Then you put in your bucket, take it home, clean it, fry it and eat it. Yummy good.

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update It's slow out here at the beach much like the rest of the country. However, since our real estate market is so dependent on the success of the Puget Sound real estate market, we have some reasons to be optimistic. Home sales around Western Washington during September rose 4.1 percent from a year ago, reversing a 19-month pattern of declines. Industry folks say the recent economic turmoil is taking a toll on activity, but also suggest negative news reports are keeping buyers on the fence and creating misunderstandings about the availability of home loans. With the passage of the bailout bill, we will see an improvement in the loan arena easing up restrictions for buyers who have been locked out of the market or who are waiting to jump in before the bottom hits (if it hasn't already). No one knows for sure, but at this point, with interest rates at historic lows, there's no guarantee that they'll fall much further. We're starting to see more sales now from investors and buyers who have taken a lot of their worth out of the market and are now putting it into real estate. Good idea.

Commercial Real Estate & Downtown Developments
With the construction of the Boardwalk Shops of Ocean Shores project underway along with the new Fire Department being built on Point Brown, downtown is definitely projecting excitement with these new developments. Another new restaurant is gearing up to open on Ocean Shores Blvd sometime in December and a new sign went up next to the Barber Shop on Point Brown Ave announcing a new building which will feature a new donut shop. Good news for downtown.

New Construction Going Strong
Nearly one-third of all homes sold in Ocean Shores this year so far are new construction. This doesn't account for the "custom" market, the private homebuilder or homes that people hired builders to build for them. 51 out of the 169 homes sold this year so far were built in either 2007 or 2008. This part of the local real estate market seems to still be strong. If you're interested in new construction, I can help. Email me!

!!! Dreamscape Condos @ New Pricing! Rediscover Luxury! Located at the Southern tip of Ocean Shores, these units include 2 or 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchens featuring maple cabinets, tile floors & granite counters; living rooms w/fireplace & separate dining area w/private decks. Watch ships, whales & fishing boats from the comfort of your own private getaway. Seconds from pristine beaches. Several condos available with prices that range from $259,000 to $399,000. Don't wait until they're all sold! Isn't it time to Live Your Dream? Email me or call me at 360.581.9020 for more info today. These will not last at these new prices!

Upcoming Events
Clam Dig!
2008 Clam dig schedule (Tentative) October - 16th (8:30pm -1.5), 17th(9:17pm -1.5), 18th (10:08pm -1.2). November - 13th (6:27pm -1.6), 14th (7:15pm -1.8), 15th (8:04pm -1.6), 16th (8:54pm -1.2). December -11th (5:23pm -1.1), 12th (6:13pm -1.5), 13th (7:02pm -1.6), 14th (7:50pm -1.4) Cat Fanciers' Association Cat Show
Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26, 2008
A cat show is composed of a number of separate, concurrently running, individual shows held in the various judging rings throughout a show hall. 120 W. Chance A La Mer Ave. Ocean Shores, WA 98569.

Jazz at the Beach -Jazz Festival

Friday, November 7 - Sunday, November 9, 2008
Jazz bands from around the United States and Canada join together to offer over 100 hours of live jazz at several venues throughout Ocean Shores.

Winter Fanta-Sea

Friday, November 28 - Sunday, November 30, 2008
Over 70 arts and crafts booths feature thousands of unique handmade items just in time for the holidays! Bring the kids, Santa will be there to listen to all of your Christmas wishes.


News


Diggers should be happy as count for clams climbs Two beaches easily accessed by South Sound razor clam diggers should have more clams, while two others will have fewer clams and Kalaloch will remain closed. The Copalis and Mocrocks beaches, running from Ocean Shores north to the Moclips River, have clam populations that are the strongest since 2004-05. The populations at Long Beach and Twin Harbors are down from last year, as much as 43 percent at Twin Harbors. Kalaloch will stay closed early in the season to give a rebounding population of small clams time to grow. Harvesters are allowed to take only 15 clams, and must keep the first 15 they dig regardless of size or condition. Each digger must keep his or her clams in their own container. A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. There are various license options, like a combination fishing license, shellfish/seaweed license or razor clam-only license. Descriptions of licenses and instructions on purchase are available at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov.
Weatherwax Debate Heats Up
Should the Weatherwax property - an undeveloped 120 acre forest tract near the center of town - be included under the Critical Areas Ordinance? That was the question council members and citizens debated at a recent City Council Meeting.

The City Council unanimously approved a request to set a public hearing at the Oct. 13th City Council meeting concerning adopting revisions in the critical areas ordinance as set forth by the Washington State Growth management act. Since the Weatherwax property has multiple characteristics typical of a critical area, it could still be developed, but it would require stricter regulations should it be designated as a critical area, said Ken Lanfear, director of public works.

City officials say the Weatherwax property can fit into multiple areas, and problems lie with how to classify it. Citizens' comments were restricted to whether or not to hold the public hearing, and any comments concerning the ordinance would have to be made during the public hearing.
Jeff Daniel
Associate Broker Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://cityofoceanshores.postlets.com/
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
OCEAN SHORES INFO: http://www.cityofoceanshores.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com
OCEAN SHORES BLOG: http://activerain.com/jeffgdaniel

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:26:17 GMT <![CDATA[Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 06.2008]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C?p=6
Summertime at the Beach!
Obviously that means the rain is gone. Well, mainly gone. Our dry months are here. Last year, Ocean Shores received only 1.31 inches of rain in July and 1.46 inches in August. Let the dry times roll...

Ocean Shores Real Estate Update
This month, we're focusing on waterfront lots and land in Ocean Shores. Ocean Shores has an estimated 70 miles of waterfront. The peninsula's western shoreline extends southward approximately six miles with sandy public beaches. The southern shoreline runs easterly along the entrance to Grays Harbor with views of Westport, two miles across the entrance to the harbor. The eastern shoreline is primarily a residential area offering eastern and northern views of the Bowerman Basin, the Olympic Mountain range, Mt. Rainier, the cooling towers in Satsop and more.
Ocean Shores boasts 23 miles of freshwater canals and lakes. Duck Lake is stocked and considered one of the best year-round fishing lakes in Western Washington. The lake and canals are power-boat accessible with multiple boat launches and is friendly to waterskiers and swimmers. NO JET SKIS HOWEVER. All of the fresh water in Ocean Shores is excellent for many different boating experiences. A lot of people who live here own kayaks, boats or canoes. Below is a bit of a summary on the current market:
27 Lake Lots on the market in Ocean Shores. Average listing price: $128,420. 341 Days on Market.
18 Lake Lots sold in Ocean Shores during the past 12 months. Average sales price: $115,628. 241 Days on Market.
82 Canal lots on the market in Ocean Shores. Average listing price: $85,849. 351 Days on Market.
43 Canal Lots sold in Ocean Shores during the past 12 months. Average sales price: $65,384. 205 Days on Market.
82 Ocean & Bay front lots on the market in Ocean Shores. Average listing price: $189,765. 331 Days on Market.
15 Ocean & Bay front lots sold in Ocean Shores during the past 12 months. Average sales price: $141,300. 308 Days on Market.
Upcoming Events
4th Annual Ocean Shores Independence Day Picnic - July 3, 2008 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Place: North Bay Park. Admission is free!! Come celebrate the birth of our nation. Bring a blanket and your picnic basket or take advantage of the many food vendors that will be on hand. There will be something fun for all ages at this gala event.
  • Ride the Smokey Mountain Railroad,
  • Slide down the Tot-Tanic Slide,
  • Embark on the Undersea Adventure obstacle course,
  • Challenge your friends on the Bungee Run,
  • Try your skill at Bouncy Boxing,
  • Join the super heroes on the Forces of Fun,
  • Smaller kids try out the Octopus Obstacle Course,
  • Challenge the Mutiny Pirate Ship with climbing, sliding and bouncing areas.
  • Hear numerous local artists perform on the grandstand.
  • Have fun with roving magicians & clowns.
  • Or just have a great time observing and visiting.
4th of July & Fire O'er the Water - July 4th
Celebrate Independence Day & stay over for the best fireworks show on the coast at Ocean Shores & Ocean City.
Big Weekend Triathlon & Footfest - July 12-13
The Big Weekend events are scheduled for July 12-13, 2008 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The triathlon events include: Swimming in Duck Lake, Biking on the city streets of Ocean Shores peninsula & running on ocean beach and city streets.
Sun & Surf Run - July 25-27
Over 2,000 motorcycles at the Convention Center. Enjoy bonfire, fireworks, motorcycle parades, stunt riders and vendors. www.sunandsurfevent.com
News
New Fireworks Rules
Tourists & residents planning to set off fireworks at the beach next summer will have some stiffer restrictions on where they can do it. The City Council Monday night voted unanimously to amend the city's ordinance on fireworks. The amendment will go into effect in 2009. Under the new amendment, people are restricted from discharging fireworks within city limits, except for between the Marine View Drive Beach Access and the Damon Beach Approach at a minimum of 100 feet west of the dunes. Currently, please stay at least 50 feet away.
The amendment also changed the city's ordinance to reflect state laws on the hours of discharge. It is now legal to discharge fireworks between the hours of noon to 11 p.m. June 28, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. June 29 through July 3, between 9 a.m. and midnight July 4 and from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. July 5. The ordinance also made it legal to use fireworks from 6 p.m. New Year's Eve until 1 a.m. January 1. The previous city code did not include the New Year's holiday.
Offshore Drilling coming here?
In the Pacific Ocean off Washington state there are salmon, whales and a lot of water. But, apparently, there isn't much oil or natural gas. State officials say they haven't heard a peep from anyone wanting to drill off the coast. Oil and natural gas resources off the Northwest coast are minuscule when compared to Florida and California. A 2001 Interior Department study estimated there might be 2.35 trillion feet of natural gas off Washington and Oregon. The same study estimated there was 180 trillion feet of natural gas in the Gulf of Mexico and 15 trillion feet off California. Several companies oil expressed an interest in exploring deep-sea areas off the Northwest coast in the late 1980s and early 1990s. "There isn't much interest in Washington state," said Dave Norman, the deputy state geologist. "The Washington coast ranks real low in potential - almost near the bottom." Norman said exploratory holes and seismic testing off the coast have never found much, even though oil seeps have been discovered on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula.
Proposed Radar Station of the coast gets a $2 Million Boost
A congressional panel's support for a Doppler radar station on the Washington coast is a "huge start" toward a facility that could help predict the severity of approaching Pacific storms, a University of Washington meteorologist says. "This is a significant amount to get the thing started, but it's not everything," said the UW's Cliff Mass. Mass said he's encouraged by the action, supported by Sen. Maria Cantwell, even though the amount approved is less than half of the $4.5 million that the radar would cost to purchase and install. It could help forecasters, utility crews and emergency workers assess storms heading into Washington. Cantwell and Mass say the radar is necessary because the Olympic Mountains prevent a government radar station on Camano Island from seeing storms approaching over the ocean. The price of an additional radar is small compared to the estimated $1 billion in damage done in Washington by last December's storms.
Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Point Brown Ave NW/PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
]]> Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:47:04 GMT <![CDATA[Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 04.2008]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C?p=5
Springtime at the Beach!
Spring is back! We had an 80 degree day last Saturday. It was summertime in the springtime. And then of course it rained on Sunday... Ugh. Spring is coming they tell us. The past few weeks the town has been busy as families and kids were visiting the beach during their Spring Break. Summer's right around the corner....
Ocean Shores Featured in Coastal Living
What has been known as the "richest little city" has made it into one of the largest national publications about living in a coastal community. Ocean Shores has been featured as one of the top 16 most affordable coastal communities in Coastal Living magazine. The article, "So You Want to Live on the Coast," hit magazine stands a couple weeks ago. The magazine has a subscription base of 650,000, but reaches an audience of more than 3.2 million readers. About a year and a half ago, the magazine did a feature on the town of Seabrook, also in the North Beach area. While staff from the magazine visited the area, they also toured Ocean Shores. That brief visit may have been one of the reasons the magazine decided to do a separate feature on Ocean Shores, according to Ken Mercer, director of tourism at the Ocean Shores Convention Center, "They made the judgment that it's a pretty cool town," Mercer said. "They liked what they saw." (of course they did!) Click HERE to read the full article.
Real Estate Update
Real Estate activity has been semi-steady during the 1st quarter of 2008. Here is a summary and comparison of the market today in Ocean Shores versus 2007.
37 Homes sold during 1st quarter 2008 for an average sales price of $211,534 versus 46 Homes sold during 1st quarter 2007 for an average sales price of $192,175. Sales are down, average sales prices are up.
50 Vacant Lots sold during 1st quarter 2008 for an average sales price of $42,573 versus 48 Vacant Lots sold during 1st quarter 2007 for an average sales price of $53,082. Sales are up, average prices are down.
Conclusion: Sales are slower in town. It's been colder than usual this year. There's also less agents around which is a good thing. Inventory is still too high and once it comes down, prices will continue to rise. All numbers & stats are from the NWMLS. If you have any questions regarding these numbers or activity in the real estate market, please call Jeff Daniel of Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties at 360.581.9020.
"Hot Properties"
Click HERE to see the best deals in town right now!
Are Condo Sales Dead?
Only 2 condos sold in Ocean Shores during the entire 1st quarter of 2008 versus 8 condos sold during 1st quarter of 2007. Is the condo craze over or has the marketing for them gone down the tube? The Dreamscape Condo for example has only sold one Condo so far this year (sold by Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties of course).
Upcoming Events
* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19
John Stewart (original member and song writer of the famed Kingston Trio), Tillers Folly (Canadian Celtic performers), renowned blues artist Del Ray, Tom May and Prairie Flyer (an award winning bluegrass band from Spokane) are just part of the bill. In addition to a great weekend of music, there will also be vendors, food and drink. You won't want to miss this exciting event.
* Razor Clam Dig Approved on four Ocean Beaches
Clam diggers will proceed with a morning razor clam dig starting April 19 at four ocean beaches after marine toxin tests showed the clams at those beaches are safe to eat. Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks will all be open for digging April 19-20. Twin Harbors will be open for three additional days, April 21-23, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). No digging will be allowed after noon on any beach. Kalaloch Beach will remain closed to harvest.
Depending on harvest numbers after the April opener, there may be enough clams left in the quota on some beaches for additional digging opportunities in May, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. "With the variable digging conditions we've experienced since the first of the year, the harvest has been lower than expected," Ayres said. "Following this April opener we'll know if there will be enough clams for some May digging on one or more beaches."
Ayres advises diggers to check the Washington Department of Transportation website, which provides project updates and traffic cameras: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/camerahtm. Dates and low tides are: Copalis Beach, which extends from the Grays Harbor north jetty to the Copalis River and includes the Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis areas.
* Bash at the Beach
The Quinault Beach Resort and Casino is returning to the fight game when it hosts "Bash At The Beach" on Thursday, April 24. Five bouts are tentatively scheduled for the event card, including heavyweight prospect Eric "Night Train" Boose, a women's Washington state welterweight title defense and the professional debut for Moclips' Sky Bell. Tickets are on sale now at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. Ringside tickets are $40, VIP tickets are $25 and general seating is $15. For tickets, either walk up on the night of the fights or call (888) 461-2214.
* Country Music Jam - May 3-4
Saturday & Sunday afternoon open Jam Sessions
Sat. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm / Sun. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Ocean Shores Convention Center
Saturday Night Dinner-Dance
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm at the Ocean Shores Convention Center
News
* US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge Getting Set to Reopen
The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge to all traffic. During the closure, traffic will be detoured over the nearby Riverside Bridge. The Riverside Bridge will be reconfigured from two westbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Crews will replace the electrical and mechanical components of the bridge's draw span during the closure. Here is the link to the project web page: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/. Plan in advance so you don't spend too much time stuck in traffic. The bridge should be back in action by early May or the end of this month. Yeah!
* Funky fish washes up near Ocean Shores
Another oddity has washed up along the Washington coast. KING 5 viewer Curtis Fowler found this fish about 15 miles north of Ocean Shores. Three weeks later, he found another. It turns out to be a critter called the Long Nose Lancet, something experts say has washed up on our coast before. The fish mainly lives in deep tropical and subtropical waters, but will venture out for food or to breed. And it's got a mouth of razor-sharp teeth. Creepy. - Source: The Daily World.
* The Ferry is Closed
Tourists looking for a scenic shortcut between Westport and Ocean Shores this summer are out of luck. The buildup of sand and silt in the Ocean Shores Marina has caused the passenger ferry linking the two cities to close. "It's hard on the equipment," said ferry owner Bill Walsh. "It's hard running on the mud and the sand." The buildup at the entrance and inside the marina has steadily worsened over the past three years, said Walsh.
The ferry, El Matador, lost income because it couldn't run on time. Ridership declined when people tired of the extended waits between trips and that forced him to raise the fare -from $10 per round trip to $12.50. Walsh has discontinued ferry service intermittently over the past few years, but this is the first time since it began in 1986 that he has been forced to shut down completely.
The only way to make the ferry operational would be to dredge the channel to the Ocean Shores Marina as well as the basin inside it. According to Walsh, the marina has never been dredged since it opened in 1962. Section 10 of the Federal Rivers and Harbors Act doesn't allow dredging without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. So far, no local government entity in Grays Harbor County has applied for a permit to begin dredging. In addition to obtaining a permit from the Corps, the proponent would need approval from the Quinault Indian Nation's Enterprise Board, since the Nation owns the marina.
But seeking that approval is difficult, according to Guy Capoeman, vice chairman for the Quinault Indian Nation. Dredging means disturbing natural habitat and would require mitigation, which means providing land to compensate for the affected habitat. Authorizing dredging is only part of it. How to pay for it still has to be hashed out between the Corps of Engineers and the Quinault Indian Nation. The Corps is responsible for paying for federal navigation projects, which include dredging. That funding comes from Congress. The catch is that only the entrance channel to the marina qualifies as a federal navigation project. The Quinault Nation would be responsible for the basin, according to Lester Soule, chief of civil programs and projects of the Army Corps of Engineers.
In 2000, the Quinault Nation initiated a feasibility study that included dredging the entrance channel for a vehicular ferry and moving a section of breakwater in the marina. The study examined placing additional docks at the marina for the Quinault's commercial fishing fleet and building a resort on the shore. The Corps ran out of federal funding to back the study in 2005 and it was never completed. The study estimated the cost for the project at $9.5 million, only $1.5 million of which would be federally funded. The other $8 million would have to come from the Quinault Nation.
Soule said Congress quit funding the project because it didn't view the project as a good investment. Officials from all across Grays Harbor County are forming a task group to figure out how to get the ferry operating next year. - Source: The Daily World.
* Lady Drowns in the Surf
A 50-year-old Bremerton woman drowned at the beach at Ocean Shores while on a family outing. Carol Davidson was with her adult daughter and grandchildren on a trip to the beach when she walked out to play in the surf, according to the Grays Harbor Sheriffs Office. The daughter, an Aberdeen woman, was looking after her children when she heard her mother calling for help. The daughter couldn't find Davidson when she looked at the last place she had seen her, and she and other people on the beach searched for Davidson and called 911, said Undersheriff Rick Scott. After a short time they saw her floating in the water, unconscious.
The death appears to be a case of the woman falling victim to the vicious riptides that run off the shore. "You can be in surf one second, able to stand, and then a riptide will come along and pull you out over your head the next," Scott said. "It doesn't matter how nice it is outside," Scott said, noting the sunny weather attracted many people to the beach Saturday. "The water is just as treacherous as on a cold, cloudy day."
See you on the Beach! (but please don't play in the surf unless you're properly prepared)
Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Point Brown Ave NW/PMB 1568, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free) - 1.360.289.3111 (fax)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
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]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:24:51 GMT <![CDATA[Entry for March 13, 2008]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C?p=4
You can find great local Ocean Shores, Washington real estate information on Localism.com Jeff Daniel is a proud member of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network, a free online community to help real estate professionals grow their business.]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:40:11 GMT <![CDATA[Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 02.2008]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C?p=2
Springtime at the Beach!
Spring is back! The beaches have been full of people over the past few weekends. Lots of folks have been down checking out the new Damon Point State Park looking at all the changes caused by the storm last December. Activity is high in Ocean Shores. It hasn't felt much like a sleepy little beach town in recent weeks.
Real Estate Update
Real Estate activity has finally heated up after a slow winter. Buyers started showing up heavily in the middle of February and it's been pretty steady ever since. Our office website www.oceanshoresNOW.com and my www.cityofoceanshores.com website are both getting the kind of online traffic that compares to our usual summer traffic. Both websites have recently been updated and changed to make them more user friendly as well. Take a look! Meanwhile, I'll have a report on 1st quarter sales numbers next month in the March Newsletter. Now is a good time to buy while prices are still down. Feel free to look at some of the great deals & great properties right now by clicking one of the links below:
Upcoming Events
* Razor Clam Festival - March 14-15
Put on by the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce. 360.289.2451
On Friday night, they're putting on their first Restaurant Crawl. The evening begins with Appetizers at Waves, followed by your choice of Razor Clam Chowder or a crisp green salad at Alec's by the Sea. Participants will then head over to the Shilo for their entree (a choice of Razor Clams-of course, or Citrus Chicken). Dessert will be enjoyed at Galway Bay-you will have a choice of 3 different selections, including their famous Bread Pudding. The cost is just $30 for adults and $18 for children under 12. You do need a reservation, so if you'd like to attend, be sure to call the chamber before Friday morning, March 14th. Seating times begin between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
The following events take place on Saturday at the Convention Center:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Artisan Marketplace
Featuring more than 30 Northwest artists and crafters with unique and indigenous works.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ~ Kids Fun Zone
Arts and crafts for the whole family to enjoy, with a little help from the Ocean Shores Pirates!
10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~ People's Choice Voting for Favorite Chowder
Sample the chowder then vote for your favorite and see how your choice stacks up with the judges.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Food Vendors Open
The professional chowder cook-off contestants and other participating vendors will be selling their delicious entrees and samples for all to try.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~ Beer & Wine Bar Open
Sponsored by The Shilo Inn. For adults 21+.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ~
Live Music with Marcia Kester. Marcia's blend of acoustic and electric sounds will have you tapping your toes and singing along all afternoon. She's a little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll, a dash of ballads, oldies and a little pop!
12:00 p.m. ~ Amateur Chowder Cook-Off Contest Begins
Be sure to watch the amateur chefs battle it out to be the clam chowder king.
1:00 p.m. ~ Decorated Clam Shovel and Gun Art Auction
Those adorned clam shovels and guns will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Ocean Shores Chamber of Commerce.
2:30 p.m. ~ Professional Chowder Cook-Off Contest Begins
Our celebrity judges will be making the rounds and sampling clam chowder from participating restaurants from Grays Harbor County. The judges will decide who truly is the 2008 Chowder Cook-Off Champion-and gets the boasting rights of having the Best Chowder on the Washington Coast!
6:00 p.m. ~ End of the Second Annual Razor Clam Festival & Chowder Cook-Off
* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19
John Stewart (original member and song writer of the famed Kingston Trio), Tillers Folly (Canadian Celtic performers), renowned blues artist Del Ray, Tom May and Prairie Flyer (an award winning bluegrass band from Spokane) are just part of the bill. In addition to a great weekend of music, there will also be vendors, food and drink. You won't want to miss this exciting event.
News
* US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge is Closed
The Washington State Department of Transportation has closed the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge to all traffic. During the closure, traffic will be detoured over the nearby Riverside Bridge. The Riverside Bridge will be reconfigured from two westbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Crews will replace the electrical and mechanical components of the bridge's draw span during the closure. Here is the link to the project web page: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/. Plan in advance so you don't spend too much time stuck in traffic. The bridge should be back in action by early May.
* Ocean Shores Election Update
After the recent March election, the results are in for who will be your next American Idol. Oops. Wrong show. Ocean Shores recently held a primary election and here's what's going on. Dean Bunkers will be running against Fred Winge in the May 20th Mayor election, while Peter Jordan, who served two terms on the City Council and one term as mayor is out. Meanwhile, Garland French will be running against Monte Nicholson for City Council Position A and Richard Skewis will run against John Lynn for City Council Position B.
* Strange Canisters washing up on the Beaches
Mysterious silver-colored canisters found along the Washington coast once contained rat poison and should not be handled, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Ecology says. Hundreds of the one-liter canisters, apparently made in China, have been found as far south as Ocean Shores to as far north as Ozette since last summer, she said. They came to the attention of the state Ecology Department only last weekend when some were displayed at the Beachcomber's Fun Fair at Ocean Shores, officials said. "Tests confirmed a small amount of phosphine gas, which is a product of aluminum phosphide used to kill rodents and other pests aboard cargo ships. One person in Ocean Shores reported that he's seen as many as 100 since last summer. Anyone who spots one of these silver, one-liter containers should note its location and phone Ecology's environmental hot line in Olympia: 360-407-6300.
* Doppler coming to the Coast?
The National Weather Service has several Doppler radar sites in the state, but the current locations can't reach through the Olympic Mountains, leaving what atmospheric scientists call a "black hole" from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Oregon coast which includes Ocean Shores, Westport and the entire North Coast. Scientists, fishermen and community activists have proposed building a new radar station in Westport and are hoping a Northwest congressional delegation has the political muscle to get the funding. Added radar would mean forecasts for communities like Ocean Shores and would go from forecasts showing what's happening currently to forecasts that could look several hours into the future. Knowing what happens in the future could help first responders prepare more for big storms, like the one in December that caught many folks off guard. A new coastal radar in the Westport area could cost as much as $8.5 million.
* New Bridge in Copalis Beach
A new bridge over Connor Creek now provides easy beach access for visitors and emergency vehicles in Copalis Beach. The bridge is located at the end of Heath Road, off Highway 109. Over the past several years, Connor Creek has shifted north about four miles, cutting off easy vehicle access to the beach at Heath Road and Benner Gap. State Parks worked with local officials and residents to acquire a 30-foot-wide right of way to construct the bridge at Heath Road.
* The New & Improved www.cityofoceanshores.com
The website has completely been redesigned to serve property buyers, sellers, visitors, vacationers and anyone interested in Ocean Shores or the North Beach area. I've added a lot of sections to the site. Please check it out and feel free to share any comments with me if you want. Thank you.
See you on the Beach!
Jeff Daniel
Designated Broker
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
749 Point Brown Ave NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
1.360.581.9020 (cell) - 1.888.469.3100 (toll free)
PROPERTY SEARCH: http://homepages.com/JeffDaniel/AgentHome.aspx
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]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:24:31 GMT <![CDATA[Cityofoceanshores.com Newsletter ~ 01.2008]]> http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-VKTmufY7fqCVhw9bzJXp1RE_YKXOOk4C?p=1
Springtime at the Beach!
Well it's not here yet, but Mother Nature has been teasing us lately with a few gorgeous days with lots of sunshine, no wind and warm weather. This year is promising to be another great one for Ocean Shores and the entire North Beach area. The entire coast is booming with new towns, stores, homes and more as people are finally realizing what a great place this is.
Storm Watching
Vertical rain, 70-mph wind and 30-foot swells don't sound much like visitor attractions, but Pacific coast storm watching is the newest lure for the been-there-done-that crowd. Savvy tourism marketers know they have to offer more than howling wind and rain in your face to lure you to their coasts, so they've concocted storm-watching packages that appeal to nature lovers or nesters. Dozens of high-velocity storms batter the coast between November and March. January and February traditionally deliver the most wicked weather.
Washington state's coastline shoulders up against the Pacific like a bully challenging Mother Nature to give him her best shot. And come winter, she does, sending battering-ram wind, frothy waves and occasional power outages. Kalaloch Lodge, 185 miles from Seattle and 195 miles from Portland, is located between two rain forests, so you're sure to get rain as well as winter storms. The $169 "Storm Catcher" package includes one night in a picturesque cabin (ask for an ocean view), two Kalaloch mugs, breakfast for two and rain ponchos, valid Jan. 2-Feb. 29. Ocean Shores, one of two spots in Washington where you can drive your car on the beach, is 168 miles from Portland and 134 miles from Seattle. Downtown draws families to its carnival-spirited arcades and taffy shops.
The Ramada Ocean Shore's "Storm Watcher" package includes two nights, massage and spacious rooms for $530. Large oceanfront suites with fireplaces and soaking tubs set the stage for the "Perfect Storm" package at Ocean Shore's Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. The $299 enticement includes one-night's accommodations, two half-hour massages, breakfast and dinner for two at ocean-front Emily's.
Real Estate Update
Here are some stats comparing sold properties in Ocean Shores versus current active listings:
* 241 Homes sold in Ocean Shores during 2007 at an average sales price of $209,783. Average price per square foot was $153.46 and the average Days on Market was 178 days.
* Currently, there's 217 Homes on the market at an average price of $275,592. Average price per square foot is $175.62 and the average Days on Market is 214 days.
* 322 Vacant Lots sold in Ocean Shores during 2007 at an average sales price of $54,655. Average Days on Market was 142 days.
* Currently, there's 580 Vacant Lots on the market at an average price of $85,181. Average Days on Market is 233 days.

Summary: There's too much inventory and current average prices are still higher than what buyers are willing to pay. This market is still correcting itself from the dramatic upswing that started in 2003 and ended in 2005. Once the market corrects, values will again rise on the beach.
On an even more optimistic note, Ocean Shores is still the most affordable coastal community in the country and that's why nearly a new home is built everyday here. More and more baby boomers are retiring in Ocean Shores and numerous people move here to work and play while there are still a lot of people coming from Portland, Seattle and Bellevue to invest in property and to buy their vacation getaways. Now is a great time to reinvest in Ocean Shores or buy for the first time while prices are down. Once they go up again, many properties here will no longer be affordable!
Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties is #1
The totals are in and Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties finished out 2007 as the Number One (#1) Real Estate Sales Office in Ocean Shores. We sold more properties this past year than any other office in town. Congratulations and thanks to the customers, owners, agents, employees and friends of Coldwell Banker for making us the top real estate office in Ocean Shores and the entire North Beach Area.
Upcoming Events
* Antique & Collectible Show - Feb 9-10
The 6th Annual Ocean Shores Antique & Collectible Show will be held February 9th and 10th, 2008 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center. Huge event! Over eighty vendors offer a wide variety of antiques including dolls, glass, furniture, American Art pottery, and much, much more. For a small donation to local charities and nonprofits, you can have your treasures evaluated. New this year will be a certified quilt appraiser. Hourly Door Prizes include a Weekend Get-Away Package for two, provided by the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino.
* Beachcombers Fun Fair - March 1-2
21st Annual event features exhibits, seminars, information booths, vendors, a kids science fair Saturday morning plus beach walks on Sunday morning.
* Razor Clam Festival - March 14-15
Top chefs from area restaurants bring their best clam chowder and entrees for a chance at "The Best on the North Beach!" Vendor and food booths, music and more. A great family event!
* North Coast Folk Festival - April 18-19
John Stewart (original member and song writer of the famed Kingston Trio), Tillers Folly (Canadian Celtic performers), renowned blues artist Del Ray, Tom May and Prairie Flyer (an award winning bluegrass band from Spokane) are just part of the bill. In addition to a great weekend of music, there will also be vendors, food and drink. You won't want to miss this exciting event.
News
* Great White Shark Hoax
There is a not so funny story that has been circulated on the Internet about a large Great White Shark that towed a vessel backwards after being tail looped and the story says that this happened here in Ocean Shores. The story, a hoax, is posted on my blog at http://oceanshoresrealestate.blogspot.com. The pictures of the Mako shark was captured off the coast of Nova Scotia, NOT IN OCEAN SHORES!
* First Razor Clam Dig of 2008 is this Weekend.
The first razor clam dig of 2008 is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 18-21 on three ocean beaches. That's a three-day weekend, with Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday the 21st. If marine toxin tests confirm that the clams are safe to eat, Twin Harbors Beach at Westport will open for late-afternoon digs all three days, while Long Beach and Copalis will be open Jan. 19 and 20. Digging on those beaches will be restricted to the hours between noon and midnight, according to the Department of Fish & Wildlife.
* US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge Getting Set to Close
The Washington State Department of Transportation is planning to close the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge to all traffic beginning Feb. 19 for 10 weeks. During the closure, traffic will be detoured over the nearby Riverside Bridge. The Riverside Bridge will be reconfigured from two westbound lanes to one lane in each direction. Crews will replace the electrical and mechanical components of the bridge's draw span during the closure. Here is the link to the project web page: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/US101/SimpsonBridgeRehab/. Plan in advance so you don't spend too much time stuck in traffic.
* Voters Will Elect a New Mayor in March
Ocean Shores voters will elect a new mayor and two new City Council members during a March 11 special election. Filing for all three positions is open and runs through Feb. 23rd according to Grays Harbor County Elections.
* The Wave of the Future
The waters off Makah Bay near the tip of Washington's Olympic Peninsula could become home to the world's first commercial wave-energy project. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on Thursday issued its first license for a so-called hydrokinetic energy project to British Columbia-based Finavera Renewables, a company working to develop wind and wave-energy projects in the U.S., Canada, Ireland and South Africa.
"Today is historic as we enter a new energy frontier," FERC Commissioner Philip Moeller said in a written statement. "For the first time, we allow the harnessing of electricity from wave-energy power that results from the gravitational pull of the moon."
To date, Finavera is the only company that has sought an FERC license to move ahead on a project. But numerous companies have applied for permits to begin studying proposed projects. A Seattle-based company, for instance, has applied for a permit to conduct a feasibility study on what would be a massive wind- and wave-energy farm along a 28-square-mile stretch along the coast at Westport and Ocean Shores. Cool stuff!
See You on the Beach!
Jeff Daniel