There is a lot of news this week:  Petaluma Little League team going to the Little League World Series in Pennsylvania.  They are one of 8 US teams to compete, along with 8 International teams.  The first game is Thurs. 8/16; the Boulevard Cinemas will show the first two games in two of its largest auditoriums, at $15/per ticket—monies go to the families of team members to help offset the costs of traveling to the tournament.

Remember, school starts next Monday, Aug. 20^th.  If you commute to work, take some extra time to allow for added traffic.

Regarding politics – we now know who is running on the Republican Ticket.  Prepare to be deluged with political advertising which will include telephone calls, flyers/postcards in your mail; don’t be surprised if it is negative & ugly.  Remember to be an informed voter; take the time to read about policies the candidates want to change or what they support, and why. 

A couple of interesting events this weekend:  Cotati Accordion Festival on Fri. & Sat. (8/18 & 19), call 707-664-0444; on Sat. 8/18, the Holstein 100 Bike Ride (and Walk) in Petaluma, call 415-663-8148; or Sat. 8/18, Late Summer Open garden hosted by the Russian River Rose Company (Free) in Healdsburg, call 707-433-7455.

The collapse of the real estate market clearly contributed to a record number of disciplinary actions against licensees by the DRE.  Over 50% of the disciplinary actions were for scammers involved in foreclosure rescue & short sale scams.

A Real Estate Sales Licensee or Real Estate Broker must be licensed with the Department of Real Estate (DRE) to sell, lease, and/or originate loans, even Private Money Loans.  A Licensee must have 45 hours of continuing education (CE) every 4 years, once they obtain their license.  In addition, if the licensee arranges loans on single family dwellings, they must also obtain an NMLS endorsement to their license.  The NMLS endorsement requires 8 hours of CE each calendar year. 

While the DRE’s purging of unscrupulous operators from the real estate industry is important and is a good start, it is also important for business owners, like myself, to stay current on regulations and make sure that our agents & employees are also informed of relevant information on our industry.

A couple of interesting events this weekend are: Petaluma Animal Shelter Fundraiser on Fri. 8/10, call 707-778-1232; or a Roasted Pig Supper on Sat. 8/11 held at the Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma, call 707-938-8822, ext. 22.