School’s almost out and summer is approaching, which means parents now having the daunting task of keeping their kids entertained – a task that can be challenging regardless of budget. Most parents want their kids to have a summer not only filled with fun, but also tidbits of education. Reading is one of the most important skills your child should maintain between school years. Foster your child’s bookworm habits with the following simple activities and tips that make reading fun (these are also great for adults, too):

1. Read Mom’s Favorites to Them: Mix up your school-year routine during the summer and have kids read parents a bedtime story. Create a list of your favorite childhood reads and check them out of the library. Have your child read the stories aloud to you and then discuss whether the book will become one of their favorites and why.

2. Read the Book, See the Movie: Use your child’s love of watching movies over the summer to encourage them to read. Explore the concepts of character and plot by discussing who was in the movie – the “good guys” and “not-so-good-guys” – and what they did. Talk about how the book and the movie differed.

3. Have a Book-Themed Celebration: Plan a  series of little parties or events with your child throughout the summer that relate to the books they read. Don’t treat reading like a task that needs rewarding, but put a few special nights on the calendar to enhance their reading experiences during summer vacation.

4. Write a Star’s Biography: Does your child have a favorite celebrity or sports hero? Help your younger child learn the concept of biographies by researching and writing a short one on their favorite singer, athlete, movie star, etc. With your older child, try a role-playing activity where they’re a newspaper reporter and you are the celebrity they have to interview for an article they are writing.

5. “Read This for Me!”: As adults, we take everyday reading skills for granted, absorbing menus and weather reports without thinking twice. Encourage your child to practice their reading during these casual encounters with words. Ask your little one to identify letters or short words on street signs. Have your older child read cooking instructions or newspaper headlines to you. Kids love opportunities to model adults, and these “grown-up” chances to read can expand their vocabulary beyond their school curriculum.

6. Read E-books or Books Online: Kindles, Nooks, and iPads aren’t only catching on with adults. Children also love high-tech e-book readers, especially during long trips. WeGiveBooks.org offers free children’s picture books you can read on your computer, tablet, or other mobile Web device. Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com also allows you to download classic literature for free.

7. Be a Pen Pal: Writing letters is becoming a lost art. Children of any age can keep in touch with a relative or friend by writing letters or postcards about their summer adventures. Help your younger child sound out and spell tough words; give older children grammar and spelling edits. The best part of sending fun snail mail will be getting some in return – hopefully!

8. Star in a Play: Whether your child joins a theater program this summer or just dabbles in drama at home, reading and attempting to memorize a simple script is a wonderful way to expand their mind and interest in the arts. You can find free plays for children at FreePlays.org. Puppet theater is a fun way to get your younger child to come out of their shell and practice reading aloud.

9. Have Family Mad Libs Night: Summer is a great time for family game nights, and Mad Libs are a fun grammar activity that anyone ages 9 and up will love playing. Mad Libs are books full of silly fill-in-the-blank stories that help kids learn adjectives, verbs, nouns, exclamations, and other parts of speech. Modify it for your younger child by simply asking for action words, or a person, place, or thing to complete the tale.

10. Keep a Summer Journal: The summer is full of adventures worth writing about. Buy a notebook for your child to use as a travel journal or everyday diary. If they’re computer savvy or artsy, have her take digital photos and write captions to create an online slideshow of her summer fun. Journaling is a great way to reinforce the five W’s of story-telling, used in school reports. Keep a journal every summer, and they’ll have a special keepsake – and a great record of how their writing has improved since the previous year.

Happy reading everyone! We hope these tips make your summer one of fantasy and adventure!

Allergies are no fun! Below are some tips to help fight ‘em off!

Sniffing. Sneezing. Itching. Allergies can definitely make you miserable. Whether it’s dust, animal dander, trees, grass or weeds that triggers your allergies, there are ways to fight back. Here are some solutions:

1. Try over-the-counter medication.For nasal symptoms, an antihistamine such as Allegra, Claritin or Zyrtec may help. Check with your physician first if you’re taking other medication that may interact.

2. Use sinus rinses. Nasal irrigation can work wonders to clear up congestion. For some, using a saltwater solution with a Neti pot brings relief.

3. Know your enemy. A physician can use blood or skin tests and look at your medical history to identify your allergy triggers.

4. Reduce your sensitivity. Once you know what causes your symptoms, you can reduce your exposure. If you have sever allergies, your physician may recommend shots that decrease your immune response to certain triggers.

It is highly recommended by physicians that you should seek medical help if you have allergy symptoms more than three or four times a week and/or frequently use allergy medications.

For the second year in a row, Ernst & Haas participated in Long Beach’s Earth Day Beach Cleanup at Granada Beach on April 21. The event was hosted by numerous organizations, and attended by a variety of groups including schools, churches, and businesses.

The cleanup is one of many efforts to provide cleaner, safer beaches throughout Long Beach, and are conducted monthly, on the third Saturday of every month.

Two of the main organizations that host the Earth Day Beach Cleanup are Justin Rudd’s 30-Minute Beach Cleanup, and  El Dorado Nature Center.

Justin Rudd’s organization  makes cleanups fun by asking participants to dress according to each month’s theme (i.e. Earth Day cleanup was pajama themed), and the Nature Center keeps participants informed with videos, brochures, and photos of  how to keep our oceans and beaches healthy.

The cleanups draw people of all ages and cultures, a sight that is both encouraging and impressive. More encouraging, however, was the fact that the beach was much more cleaner this year, than last.

We hope that a clean beach is a sign of progression towards a clean planet.

We’ve all been in situations that have tested our driving skills – from dealing with other drivers who are distracted to unforeseen weather conditions. But what do you do when the unlikely – and typically uncommon – occurs? Here’s how to stay safe in your car, even when the out-of-the-ordinary happens: (Contributed by State Farm Insurance)

• If a rock hits the windshield: Your windshield is made of laminated glass, which is strong and not likely to shatter. If a rock or other item strikes your windshield, it will likely chip or star. Don’t put off repair or replacement. The windshield works in conjunction with the air bags to protect the car’s occupants.

• If another vehicle drops something in front of your car: There’s an object hurtling through the air, ready to land in front of you. You have a split second to react. Your natural reaction is to swerve or slam on the brakes, which is OK in some situations. But doing so could land you squarely in the path of other drivers on the road. If the item is a piece of lumber or of similar size, you might be able to straddle it or drive over it. If it’s a large piece of industrial equipment, you’ll have to quickly gauge traffic and try to drive around it without running into another car.

• If the hood pops up when you’re driving: First things first: Remain calm. Don’t swerve but do lay off the accelerator. Your best bet is to roll down your window so you can see ahead. Turn on your hazard lights and work your way to the shoulder to park your car. If the hood can be latched, do so. If the latch is broken, call for roadside assistance.

• If you blow a tire: Unlike a flat tire – which is a more subtle change in steering and handling – a blown tire makes a sudden and startling change to driving. Grip the steering wheel and do not slam on the brakes. Slow the car gradually by lifting your foot off the gas pedal. Turn your hazard lights on and ease to the side of the road, where you can come to a complete stop. At this point, you can use a spare tire or call for roadside assistance.

• If your brakes don’t work: Brakes can go out when the brake fluid either boils or leaks out of the system. If this happens you’ll have to use other means to slow your car. First shift the car into a lower gear; this allows the engine to help slow the car. Turn your hazard lights on and get over to the edge of the road as quickly and safely as you can; then shift the car into neutral and gradually apply the emergency brake until the vehicle stops. If that brake has also failed, direct the car onto a soft shoulder, which will help you slow down.

• If you hit a large animal: Good news: The chance of hitting a charging elephant is nil. Bad news: You still have to share the road with some pretty big animals such as deer. If you hit an animal, your instinct might be to swerve or brake hard, but this can cause an accident for other drivers. Instead drive straight until you can pull over and stop on the roadside. Stay in your car and call fro help.

• If a wheel comes off: This might sound like a scenario in a thrilling whodunit, but the only mystery is how to get through it. If your wheel comes off, you’ll hear a thump or clunk. Handle this as you would a blown tire. Slow your car down and carefully get to the shoulder and come to a stop. If you have a spare tire, put it on.

• If the vehicle in front of you loses control:There are so many unknowns: Does the car have a mechanical problem? Is it weather-related? Your job will be to avoid a possible accident by either braking or accelerating to remove yourself from danger. If the road is icy, ease off the gas pedal instead of braking, which could cause your car to lose control as well.

• If the exhaust pipe falls off: If your tailpipe is dragging, the sound is unmistakable – and excruciating. Stop the car and use wire, such as a coat hanger, to suspend the tailpipe or call for roadside assistance. A dragging exhaust pipe can spark a fire, a very dangerous situation.

• If the car catches a fire while you’re driving: Need a convincing reason to keep up with your car’s maintenance schedule? Mechanical or electrical failures cause more than two-thirds of highway fires and often begin in the engine, running gear, or wheel area. This means the fire is likely to be small and smoldering, giving you time to get out of and away from the car and potentially extinguish it. If you have an auto fire, get over to the shoulder quickly and safely. Stop the vehicle and turn it off. Turn on your hazard lights and get everyone out of the car before calling for emergency help. If you see flames coming from under the hood, do not open it. Oxygen increases the energy of a fire and can turn a bad situation tragic in an instant.

• If your check engine light comes on: On some cars, if the light is red and you have serious trouble – you might be out of oil or have a damaged engine. On others it’s just a warning to get your car checked out as soon as possible. Consult your owner’s manual to see if you should stop right away and call for assistance.

Regardless of what may come your way on the road, be sure to drive safely and responsibly!

This Sunday is Easter and what’s better than honey-baked hams, creme-filled eggs, and bunny-shaped marshmallows? Easter brunch, of course! Below is a list of fabulous restaurants throughout Long Beach that will be offering brunch this Easter Sunday:

Champagne Easter Brunch @ Claire’s at the Museum, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E. Ocean Blvd.

Price: $44.95 (adults) & $12.95 (children 10 and under) & 39.95 (Museum members)

For more information, call (562) 439-2119, ext. 270 or 234

Easter Brunch @ Fuego’s at Hotel Maya, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Dr.

Price: $52 (adults) & $26 (children 12 and under)

For more information, call (562) 481-3910

Easter Brunch @ Gladstone’s, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Gladstone’s, 330 S. Pine Ave.

For more information, call (562) 432-8588

Easter Egg Hunt & Brunch @ Skylinks Golf Course, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Skylinks, 4800 E. Wardlow Rd.

Price: $28.99 (adults) & $12.99 (children 12 and under)

For more information, call (562) 421-3388, ext. 205

Easter Sunday Brunch @ The Aquarium of the Pacific, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way

Price: $42 (general adults) & $32 (general children 11 and under); $32 (member adults) & $22 (member children 11 and under)

For more information, call (562) 590-3100

Champagne brunch @ Parker’s Lighthouse, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Parker’s Lighthouse, 435 Shoreline Village Dr.

Price: $39 (adults) & $19 (children 12 and under)

For more information, call (562) 432-6500

Easter Brunch @ Hyatt the Pike, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hyatt the Pike, 285 Bay St.

Price: $25 (adults) & $10 (children 11 and under)

For more information, call (562) 432-1234

Please keep in mind that the majority of these restaurants require reservations for their Easter brunch. So get to hoppin’ and prepare to feast! Happy Easter!

Pictured are (left to right): Lorenzo Alatorre, Property Supervisor; Sal Lopez, Property Supervisor; Solita Heng, Leasing Coordinator; Frank Figueroa, Property Supervisor; Brooke Karli, Marketing Coordinator; Jeannine Riley, Property Supervisor; David Haas, Owner and Broker; Jaime Martin, Property Supervisor; and Luis Hernandez, Property Supervisor.

Last week, a handful of Ernst & Haas staff members traveled to Napa, California to participate in the National Association of Residential Property Manager’s (NARPM) annual California conference, also known as CalNARPM.

The conference hosted nearly 150 property management professionals, all of whom benefited from numerous speakers and vendors throughout the 3-day conference.

Workshop topics at the conference included “How to Use a Camcorder for Video Tours and Inspections”; “Dealing with Difficult Tenants”; “What You Need to Know About Fair Housing”; “Preventive Law: Landlord Tenant Law in 2012”; “How to Deal with Negative Online Reviews”; and much more.

In addition to the workshops, guest speakers such as Tom Brannon, CEO California Apartment Association, and Dan Sandri, Chief Auditor of the Department of Real Estate, spoke about the new laws affecting property management, as well as the audit results from 2011, respectively.

Although our staff learned a lot at the conference, it was encouraging to know that Ernst & Haas is on the right track and in many cases, ahead of the game—what the conference deemed “early adopters”. While other  firms were learning how to film their properties, we were learning how to do it better, since we already do it. And while some firms were learning how to deal with difficult tenants, we received confirmation that we’ve been doing it right all along.

It is also noteworthy to mention that we were the largest group there, with 9 of our employees representing Ernst & Haas!

In a nutshell, the conference solidified what we already know and do and simply helped fine tune our services. We truly enjoyed having the opportunity to represent our company and to network amongst other professionals in our field.

The Kogi Korean BBQ food truck is just one of many to be featured in Long Beach's "Lunch Truck It" program!

In case you haven’t noticed, lunch trucks have become the new craze. Nowadays, they go beyond the typical taco-influenced menu and venture into the likes of grilled cheese sandwiches, Korean barbecue, and even chocolate chip cookies! And unlike before, it doesn’t have to be 2 a.m. for one to enjoy a food truck delicatessen – most of these trucks are out and about Southern California throughout the day, seven days a week. And if you’re lucky, you’ll attend a company event – or even a wedding – where these trucks are the featured caterers!

Fortunately for Long Beach, some of the most popular food trucks will make their way into the city the first Wednesday of every month. According to www.lunchtruckit.com, food trucks such as Kogi Korean BBQ, Grilled Cheese Truck, The Greasy Wiener, Lobsta Truck, Chunk ‘N’ Chip, and many mor,e will make their way into the ZaSo Design District (off of Colorado Ave. and Anaheim St.) the first Wednesday of every month from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. A full schedule of which trucks will be featured each month can be viewed here.

So on April 4, when you and your co-workers are scrambling to decide on a lunch location, just remember the corner of Colorado and Anaheim – you’ll have truckloads of food to choose from!

Mattresses are one of many items that should NEVER be purchased used!

In many cases, buying an item used is comparable to buying it new. Textbooks and video games are great examples of this as they tend to be a lot more affordable when already used, and yet remain in decent condition. But not every product is a good deal when purchased used. Some secondhand goods carry significant safety hazards, some wear down in quality after repeated use, and some are just plain gross. Here are a few to avoid, courtesy Matt Brownell of Yahoo! Finance:

• Mattresses: In New York City, a used mattress might as well be a smallpox blanket. Fear of bedbugs means that there’s virtually no secondhand mattress market to speak of, and you’re a lot more likely to see an old mattress in the back of a garbage truck than on Craigslist. While that means you can get one for super cheap, we still say it’s not worth the risk in urban areas where bedbugs are a concern. But even in the absence of the little critters, buying a used mattress is still a bad proposition.

• Couches and Upholstered Furniture: Of course, bedbugs can be found in all sorts of upholstered furniture, not just beds. That’s why we recommend buying only non-upholstered furniture because while you can wipe down a bookshelf or coffee table, cleaning an upholstered couch is a lot trickier. If there are bedbugs, dust or pet smells lurking within, you’re going to have a tough time removing them through conventional methods.

• Drop-Side Cribs: We previously recommended getting cribs and other baby furniture used for the simple reason that people will use it for just a couple  of years before putting it in their attic to gather dust. That abundance of supply means that there are a lot of people looking to sell old furniture on the cheap. But there’s one very big exception to this rule: drop-side cribs, a special kind of crib that allows you to lower the side for easy access to your child. The cribs were linked to a number of infant deaths after babies became caught between the mattress and side, and in 2010, the government formally banned their manufacture and sale in the U.S. That means you won’t find them in stores, but there’s always a chance that someone will try to sell you one of the cribs without realizing they’ve been banned. Before you buy any used items, inspect them thoroughly and confirm that they’re not a model that has been recalled.

• Bike Helmets: Bicycle helmets, in some sense, are designed to break: They absorb the impact of a hard blow to the head, and in the process they’ll usually crack but leave the cranium intact. That’s why experts say you should always throw out your bike helmet after a crash. As such, you should play it safe by never buying a used bike helmet, because even if you don’t see any cracks, there could be unseen damage from an accident you don’t know about. The good news is that they’re cheap to buy new!

• Bathing Suits: The fact that bathing suits are worn without underwear should be enough to dissuade you from buying a used one. Even if you run it through the washing machine with hot water and germicidal detergent, there’s no washing away that “ick” factor.

• Tires: In the past we’ve recommended buying a used car, but tires are another matter. Consumer Reports notes that worn-down tires are a lot less safe in wet conditions, and unless you have enough car expertise to assess the wear and tear on a set of tires, it’s best just to buy them new. And if you’re buying a used car, make sure that the mechanic you bring in to inspect it also takes a hard look at the condition of the tires.

• Shoes: Much like bathing suits, shoes fall into both the “wear and tear” and “gross” categories. Indeed, multiple readers identified shoes as one of the things they would never buy used. Even if they don’t stink, you also have to deal with the fact that the soles are likely worn, they may be coming apart at the seams in ways you can’t see, and they have been “broken in” to adapt to someone else’s unique foot shape. Shoes aren’t cheap, but there’s no sense in paying for a pair of stinky shoes that are going to need to be repaired soon anyway.

• Laptops: First of all, they have moving parts: Laptops are opened and closed hundreds of times, and that constant use means a lot of unseen wear and tear over the years. Secondly, there’s a lot going on inside that can go wrong. And we’re not talking about viruses, which won’t be a concern after you wipe the hard drive and start fresh. Rather, we’re referring to the various electronic components that may be on the verge of failure. While you can open the hood to inspect a used car’s engine, it’s generally not advisable to open up a laptop (and you probably won’t know what you’re looking for anyway). Finally, consider the fact that people tend to tote their laptops everywhere they go, and that means they get jostled, bumped, spilled on, and dropped. Even if the laptop boots up when you test it out, it’s difficult to gauge what sort of abuse a computer has sustained in its travels.

We’re all looking to save a quick buck, but just make sure that you’re being smart in every purchase you make – used or not!

Moving? Make sure you dispose of unwanted items in a matter that is environmentally friendly.

There’s no if’s, and’s or but’s about it – moving is a daunting task. Beyond finding a place to move to – and recruiting people to help you do so – is the never-ending task of having to sort through all of your belongings and pack. Although time consuming, this step in the moving process can actually be pretty beneficial: 1. You get to clean out your things and decide what it is you really use and need, versus what’s just collecting dust, and 2. The more you sort, the less you have to actually pack. But what happens to the pile of items that you no longer need or use? Donate them? Trash them? Burn them? (Just kidding, that’s not safe!). Here’s a list of how to properly dispose certain items – of course, in an environmentally responsible way:

1. Televisions – Months ago, Best Buy announced that it’s dropping the $10 fee for recycling old TVs. Televisions and other electronic waste can’t be tossed in landfills, but not all e-waste recycling is actually environmentally safe. Some e-waste is shipped to developing countries where impoverished people break down and sort it without any environmental or personal safeguards, so it’s relieving to know that companies such as Best Buy make sure to recycle it properly.

2. Tires – Televisions, tires, and mattresses all seem to be commonly dumped items in parks, alleys and on curbs. It’s no wonder: No matter where you live, these items usually cost a few bucks to properly dispose of them. The upside is that used tires can still be very useful. They may lose their treads, but they are nothing if not endurable, which makes them excellent candidates for reuse in basketball courts, shoes and even as new tires.

3. Toxic Household Chemicals – Most homes contain something that the state or federal government considers toxic. These items – for obvious reasons – can’t be thrown away in the normal trash or flushed down the drain. Check local regulations to see which items are considered toxic in your area. Your state or local municipality website can direct you to recycling locations.

4. Mattresses – Despite the fact that thousands of old mattresses get dumped in landfills every year, there are still very few recycling facilities available for this ubiquitous behemoth. If you have an unwanted mattress, first research local regulations about donations or disposal. Research 1800RECYCLING or EARTH911 to find out if you are lucky enough to have a recycling option near you.

5. Household Goods – From silverware and bedding, to books and clothing, used household goods that are still in good working condition can go on to live another lifetime with someone else. Box us reusable items and deliver to a local charity. Or, if you have larger items like a dresser, table or sofa, request a pickup. These types of donations are often tax deductible, so be sure to ask for a receipt.

Finally, Once you’ve moved into a new place, break down your boxes and put them out for the next recycling pickup. Or, of the boxes are still in good shape, they can be offered on Craigslist to save a stranger the trouble of collecting their own.

If you or anyone you know are looking to move, be sure to visit our website - www.MyRentalList.com – for a FREE vacancy list!

Whether you stay put after retirement, or relocate to somewhere sunny and sandy, be sure to enjoy it!

Whether you’re in your 20′s, or late 50′s, retirement should be on your mind. Let’s face it, it’s never to early to start planning – and saving – for retirement. For those of us in our 20′s, saving for retirement seems like a lost cost considering it’s decades away. And for those of us in our late 50′s, it’s the most important thing as it soon becomes the means to our living. But for those of us that are fortunate enough to have either retired, or are on the cusp of retiring, here are 10 necessities for a great retirement location (list courtesy Yahoo! Finance):

1. Affordable Housing: Selling your current home and moving to a place where housing costs significantly less could give your nest egg a quick and significant boost.

2. Lower Taxes: Tax rates vary considerably by state, and moving to a place with lower taxes could increase your spending power. There are seven states with no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Additionally, New Hampshire and Tennessee tax dividend and interest income only. There are also five states that don’t levy a sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. The taxation of Social Security and pension benefits also differs by state. However, states without these taxes often have above-average property tax rates, so it’s best to run the numbers based on the sources of your retirement income.

3. Better Weather: Many retirees choose to spend the coldest winter months in a sunnier climate or permanently relocate to a place with better weather. Approximately 30,000 seniors moved in 2011 primarily to live in a better climate.

4. Recreation and Culture: Throughout much of your life, your career dictates where you live. Retirement allows you the freedom to select a desirable place to live, whether that means surrounding yourself with golf courses, art galleries, water views, or hiking trails. In addition, many seniors use retirement as an opportunity to upgrade to what they describe as a better home, or a neighborhood with less crime, the Census Bureau found.

5. Job or Volunteer Opportunities: A part-time job or second career is increasingly becoming a part of the retirement years. If you plan to continue working, consider the health of the economy before moving to a new place, and look for cities with interesting part-time job or consulting opportunities. Many retirees also pursue volunteer work for the community and social benefits.

6. Proximity to Healthcare: Your healthcare needs are likely to increase as you age. Some 150,000 people changed residences for health reasons in 2011, typically after age 75. Any retirement spot you are considering should have health and elder-care facilities and doctors who specialize in taking care of older patients.

7. Convenient Transportation: Many retirees eventually reach a point where they can’t or no longer want to drive. When this happens, other methods of transportation are essential. Consider whether a city has public transportation options or affordable taxi or van services for seniors.

8. Amenities for Seniors: As you age, you may increasingly need assistance with errands, yard work, and household chores. Some cities have nonprofit aging-in-place communities that provide a range of services such as home maintenance, transportation, and meal services in exchange for an annual fee. You might also be interested in socializing at a senior center, using a senior citizen tuition waiver at a local college, or getting senior discounts from local retailers. Check out the perks and privileges offered to senior citizens, even if you are not yet old enough to qualify.

9. Near Family and Friends: There is no substitute for living near friends and family members. Even the coldest retirement spot can be welcoming when you can watch your grandchildren play in your backyard. Living near relatives can also save you money if your children or other relatives can give you a ride to your next doctor’s appointment or help with household chores you would otherwise pay someone to do.

10. Stay Close to Home: Most people who trade places don’t relocate far from home. The majority of retirees who moved between 2010 and 2011 stayed in the same county and state. Only 0.8 percent of senior citizens crossed state lines or relocated abroad. There are many benefits to staying put in retirement: You already know your way around town, you don’t need to make new friends unless you want to, and you now have time to rediscover all the weekday happenings you missed while you were working.

Ernst & Haas Management Co. has an immediate opening for a Property Supervisor.

Ernst & Haas Management Co. is currently looking to hire a Property Supervisor to join our team.

The position will oversee and coordinate daily operations of the maintenance department and staff; maintains all  buildings and properties in proper condition. The Property Supervisor will be assigned a portfolio of properties from 30-80 depending on the unit count. This position is responsible for communicating with the property owners on a regular basis; make recommendations/assess/oversee/approve all work and expenses; point person for any problems related to the property; responsible for resolving any issues that may arise with owners and residents. The candidate must have prior experience in basic maintenance terms and concepts, strong communication and customer service skills. Must own a vehicle and be licensed to drive. A high school diploma or equivalent is required. We provide a challenging and friendly work environment, as well as competitive compensation and benefits.

If interested, please fax resume to (562) 989-9166, or email to employment@ernstandhaas.com, or mail to Ernst & Haas Management Co., 4000 Long Beach Blvd. Ste. 105, Long Beach, CA 90807, Attention: Annette Martin.

Valentine’s Day is exactly a week away and while there’s a plethora of stuffed animals, boxed chocolates, and long-stemmed roses to purchase, consider spending this year’s day of love out on the town! Below is an extensive list of places to go, and great food to eat, this Valentine’s Day:

Valentine’s Day Dinner Special @ Panorama Grill & Lounge

February 10 – February 14

Dinner Special includes choice of soup or salad, entree, dessert, and beverage

Panorama Grill & Lounge is located at the Holiday Inn Airport, 2640 N. Lakewood Blvd. in Long Beach

For reservations, call (562) 597-4401, ext. 2390

Day of Love Jazz Concert

February 11 @ 7 p.m.

Tickets range from $40-$125

Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach

For more information, call (562) 436-3661

Sweetheart Sunday Brunch @ Fuego @ The Maya

February 12, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Dr. in Long Beach

For more information, call (562) 435-7676

Valentine’s Weekend 2012 @ Sevilla

February 12 – February 14

Valentine’s menu will be featured for $49 per person, in addition to live music and Flamenco dance shows

Sevilla Restaurant, Tapas Bar & Club, 140 Pine Ave. in Long Beach

For more information, call (562) 495-1111

Queensview Steakhouse Valentine’s Day Special

February 14

Four-course dinner for $85 per person, in addition to live jazz music

Queensview Steakhouse,  435 Shoreline Village Dr. in Long Beach

For reservations, call (562) 432-6500

Parkers’ Lighthouse Valentine’s Day Special

February 14

Three-course dinner and shared dessert for $60 per person

Parkers’ Lighthouse,  435 Shoreline Village Dr. in Long Beach

For reservations, call (562) 432-6500

Valentine’s Day @ The Aquarium of the Pacific

February 14 @ 7:30 p.m.

Four-course meal and exhibits for $52 (adult member) and $42 (child member); and $62 (adult non-member) and $52 (child non-member)

The Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way in Long Beach

For more information, call (562) 590-3100

Valentine’s Day @ The Laugh Factory

February 14 @ 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.

Sweethearts package includes 2 VIP admission tickets, VIP entry, chocolates, a bottle of Veuve Cliquout, and $200 in Laugh Factory gift certificates

The Laugh Factory, 151 S. Pine Ave. in Long Beach

For more information, call (562) 495-2244, ext. 1

Whether you take in the views from a penthouse restaurant, or laugh the night away at a comedy club, we hope your Valentine’s day is spent with those you love most!

Filed under: Uncategorized ]]> http://ernstandhaasblog.com/2012/02/07/all-we-need-is-love/feed/ 0 ernstandhaas valentines-day-dinner Ernst&HaasLogo Email & Blog http://ernstandhaasblog.com/2012/02/02/the-most-over-looked-tax-deductions/ http://ernstandhaasblog.com/2012/02/02/the-most-over-looked-tax-deductions/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:05:18 +0000 ernstandhaas http://ernstandhaasblog.com/?p=1653 ]]>

Children aren't the only tax deductions these days! Check out the list below of the most commonly overlooked tax deductions.

Every year, the IRS dutifully reports the most common blunders that taxpayers make on their returns. And every year, at or near the top of the “oops” list is forgetting to enter their Social Security number at the top of the tax form – or making a mistake when entering those nine digits.

But think about it for  a minute: Do you think that’s the most common mistake…or simply the easiest to notice?

One thing we know for sure is that the opportunity to make mistakes is almost unlimited, and missed deductions can be the most costly.

Yes, friends, tax time is a dangerous time. It’s all too easy to miss a trick and pay too much. The IRS estimates that millions of taxpayers overpay their taxes every year by overlooking just one of the money-savers listed below (provided by www.kiplinger.com):

1. State Sales Tax – Although all taxpayers have a shot at this write-off, it makes sense primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state and local income taxes or state and local sales taxes. For most citizens of income-tax states, the income tax is a bigger burden than the sales tax, so the income-tax deduction is a better deal. The IRS has tables that show how much residents of various states can deduct, based on their income and state and local sales tax rates. But the tables aren’t the last word. If you purchased a vehicle, boat or airplane, you get to add the sales tax you paid to the amount shown in the IRS table for your state.

2. Reinvested Dividends – This isn’t really a tax deduction, but it is an important subtraction that can save you a bundle. If , like most investors, your mutual fund dividends are automatically used to buy extra shares, remember that each reinvestment increases your tax basis in the fund. That, in turn, reduces the taxable capital gain (or increases the tax-saving loss) when you redeem shares. Forgetting to include the reinvested dividends in your basis results in double taxation of the dividends – once when they are paid out and immediately reinvested in more shares and later when they’re included in the proceeds of the sale. Don’t make that costly mistake!

3. Out-Of-Pocket Charitable Contributions – It’s hard to overlook the big charitable gifts you made during the year, by check or payroll deduction (check your December pay stub). But the little things add up, too, and you can write off out-of-pocket costs incurred while doing work for a charity. For example, ingredients for casseroles you prepare for a nonprofit organization’s soup kitchen and stamps you buy for your school’s fundraising mailing count as a charitable contribution. Keep your receipts and if your contribution totals more than $250, you’ll need an acknowledgement from the charity documenting the services you provided. If you drove your car for charity in 2011, remember to deduct 14 cents per mile plus parking and tolls paid in your philanthropic journeys.

4. Student-Loan Interest Paid by Mom and Dad – Generally, you can only deduct mortgage or student-loan interest if you are legally required to repay the debt. But if parents pay back a child’s student loans, the IRS treats the money as if it was given to the child, who then paid the debt. So, a child who’s not claimed as a dependent can qualify to deduct up to $2,500 of student-loan interest paid by mom and dad.

5. Job-Hunting Costs – If you’re among the millions of the unemployed Americans who were looking for a job in 2011, we hope you kept track of your job-search expenses…or can reconstruct them. If you’re looking for a position in the same line of work, you can deduct job-hunting costs as miscellaneous expenses if you itemize. Such expenses can be written off only to the extent that your total miscellaneous expenses exceed 2% of your adjusted gross income. Job-hunting expenses incurred while looking for your first job don’t qualify.  Deductible job-search costs include, but aren’t limited to (1) food, lodging and transportation if your search takes you away from home overnight; (2) cab fares; (3) employment agency fees; and (4) costs of printing resumes, business cards, postage, and advertising.

6. The Cost of Moving for Your First Job – Although job-hunting expenses are not deductible when looking for your first job, moving expenses to get to that job are. And you get this write-off even if you don’t itemize. To qualify, your first job must be at least 50 miles away from your old home. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of getting yourself and your household goods to the new area. If you drove your own car, your mileage write-off depends on when during 2011 you moved. For moves from January 1 through the end of June, the standard mileage rate is 19 cents a mile; for moves during the second half of the year, a 23.5 cents a mile rate applies. IN either case, boost your deduction by any amount you paid for parking and tolls.

7. Military Reservists’ Travel Expenses – Members of the National Guard or military  reserve may tap a deduction for travel expenses to drills or meetings. To qualify, you must travel more than 100 miles from home and be away from home overnight. If you qualify, you can deduct the cost of lodging and half the cost of your meals, plus an allowance for driving your own car to get to and from drills. For qualifying trips during January through June, 2011, the standard mileage rate is 51 cents a mile; for driving during the second half of the year, the rate is 55.5 cents a mile. In any event, add parking fees and tolls.

8. Deduction of Medicare Premiums for the Self-Employed – Folks who continue to run their own businesses after qualifying for Medicare can deduct the premiums they pay for Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D and the cost of supplemental Medicare (medigap) policies. This deduction is available whether or not you itemize and is not subject to the 7.5% of AGI test that applies to itemized medical expenses. One caveat: You can’t claim this deduction if you are eligible to be covered under an employer-subsidized health plan offered by your employer (if you have a job as well as your business) of your spouse’s employer.

9. Child-Care Credit – A credit is so much better than a deduction; it reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar. So missing one is even more painful than missing a deduction that simply reduces the amount of income that’s subject to tax. You can qualify for a tax credit worth between 20% and 35% of what you pay for child care while you work. But if your boss offers a child care reimbursement account – which allows you to pay for the child care with pre-tax dollars – that might be a better deal. If you qualify for a 20% credit but are in the 25% tax bracket, for example, the reimbursement plan is the way to go. In any case, only expenses for the care of children under age 13 count.

10. Estate Tax on Income in Respect of a Decedent – This sounds complicated, but it can save you a lot of money if you inherited an IRA from someone whose estate was big enough to be subject to the federal estate tax. Basically, you get an income-tax deduction for the amount of estate tax paid on the IRA assets you received. Let’s say you inherited a $100,000 IRA, and the fact that the money was included in your benefactor’s estate added $45,000 to the estate-tax bill. You get to deduct that $45,000 on your tax returns as you withdraw the money from the IRA. If you withdraw $50,000 in one year, for example, you get to claim a $22,500 itemized deduction on Schedule A. That would save you $6,300 in the 28% bracket.

11. State Tax Paid Last Spring – Did you owe tax when you filed your 2010 state income tax return in the spring of 2011? Then, for goodness’ sake, remember to include that amount in your state-tax deduction on your 2011 federal return, along with state income taxes withheld from your paychecks or paid via quarterly estimated payments.

12. Refinancing Points – When you buy a house, you get to deduct in one fell swoop the points paid to get your mortgage. When you refinance, though, you have to deduct the points on the new loan over the life of that loan. That means you can deduct 1/30th of the points a year if it’s a 30-year mortgage. That’s $33 a year for each $1,000 of point you paid – not much, maybe, but don’t throw it away.

13. Jury Pay Turned Over to Your Employer – Many employers continue to pay employees’ full salary while they serve on jury duty, and some impose a quid pro quo: the employees have to turn over their jury pay to the company coffers. The only problem is that the IRS demands that you report those jury fees as taxable income. To even things out, you get to deduct the amount you give to your employer.

14. American Opportunity Credit – This tax credit is available for up to $2,500 of college tuition and related expenses paid during the year. The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less ($160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return). The credit phased out for taxpayers with incomes above those levels. This credit is juicier than the old Hope credit – it has higher income limits and bigger tax breaks, and it covers all four years of college. And if the credit exceeds your tax liability, it can trigger a refund.

15. Deduct Those Blasted Baggage Fees – In recent years airlines have been driving passengers batty with extra fees for baggage and for making changes in their travel plans. All together, such fees add up to billions of dollars each year. If you get burned, maybe Uncle Sam will help ease the pain. If you’re self-employed and traveling on business, be sure to add those costs to your deductible travel expenses.

16. Credit for Energy-Saving Home Improvements – Although this credit has been scaled back, it still exists and might save you some money if you made energy-saving home improvements during 2011. The credit is worth 10% of the cost of qualifying energy savers including new windows and insulation. The maximum credit is $500 and, if you claimed this credit in the past, you’re probably out of luck now. That $500 is the maximum credit allowed on all tax returns from 2006-2011.

17. Additional Bonus Depreciation – Business owners can write off 100% of the cost of qualified assets placed in service during 2011. This break applies only to new assets with recovery periods of 20 years or less, such as computers, machinery, equipment, land improvements and farm buildings. So don’t miss out on this big tax benefit if you placed business assets in service during 2011.

18. Break on the Sale of Demutualized Stock – Taxpayers won an important court battle with the IRS over the issue of demutualized stock. That’s stock that a life insurance policyholder receives when the insurer switches from being a mutual company owned by policyholders to a stock company owned by stockholders. The IRS‘s longstanding position was that such stock had no tax basis, so that when the shares were sold, the taxpayer owed tax on 100% of the proceeds of the sale. But after a long legal struggle, a federal court ruled in 2009 that the IRS was wrong. The court didn’t say what the basis of the stock should be, but many experts think it’s whatever the shares were worth when they were distributed to policyholders. If you sold stock in 2011 that you received in a demutualization, be sure to claim a basis to hold down your tax bill.

19. Home-Buyer Credit – Most people think this credit expired in 2010…and it did for most homeowners. But, there’s a special rule for members of the uniformed armed services, the foreign service, or the intelligence community who were on extended duty outside the United States at least 90 days during the period after December 31, 2008, and ending before May 1, 2010. If you qualify and you bought a home before May 1, 2011, you may qualify for a tax credit worth $8,000 (for home buyers who didn’t own a home in the three years leading up to the purchase of a new home) or $6,500 (for longtime homeowners who continuously owned a home for at least five of the eight years leading up to the purchase of a new home).

So as you prepare to file your taxes this year, look over this list for any possible deductions you may have. After all, any deduction is better than none!

Textbooks are just one of many items that can be rented instead of purchased!

When it comes to renting versus buying, the first thing that usually comes to mind is real estate – renting a home versus buying one. But apparently there are more options out there in regards to renting versus buying. It may be a buyer’s market when it comes to real estate, but there are still many things you’re often better off renting. Of course, there’s no substitute for ownership if you truly need an item for repeated use, but if you’re only going to use something once in a while, why pay full price when you can borrow it for a lot less? Provided by Kristin Colella of Yahoo! Finance, here are 10 things you should rent instead of buy:

1. Designer Dresses: Designer gowns and dresses were once out of reach to most of us, affordable only to glitzy celebrities and those with a healthy cushion of disposable income. Now thanks to some hip rental companies, women with more modest means can wear red-carpet-worthy pieces for a fraction of the retail price. Wear Today Gone Tomorrow, for example, rents out dresses and accessories by top designers, many for 90% off the retail price, such as a Kay Unger strapless silk ruched dress for $57 for a 7-day rental (retails for $570). Just keep in mind that the company tacks on a $10 cleaning fee for all dresses. Rent the Runway also lends out dresses by more than 100 designers, including Vera Wang, Missoni, and Diane von Furstenberg, plus accessories such as jewelry and shawls. Both companies send the rental dress of your choice of mail, and Rent the Runway throws in a second size for free just in case the first one doesn’t fit.

2. Tools: While everyone should probably own a basic toolbox, when it comes to bigger power tools that you may only need for a special project, you can save money by renting. The Home Depot rents out a variety of tools for the occasional home repair or maintenance project. For instance, you can rent a 20-inch gas chainsaw from your local Home Depot for $63 a day – a good value, considering that buying one from the store can cost anywhere from $200-$570, according to homedepot.com.  You can also rent a carpet cleaner from most Home Depot locations for $18 for 4 hours, or $24.97 for the day. According to homedepot.com, most carpet cleaners at the store cost $150 or more to purchase.

3. Handbags: Like dresses, you can rent designer handbags for a considerable amount less than the retail price. Bag Borrow or Steal rents out handbags by hot designers like Tory Burch, Prada, Michael Kors, and Fendi on a weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis. Another service is Handbag Envy, which rents bags for the week or month by designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci.

4. Caskets: The only thing spookier than a funeral is the price tag that comes along with it. Purchasing a casket alone can cost an arm and a leg, with the average metal casket priced at $2,295 and the average wooden casket costing $2,865, according to the National Funeral Directors Association. Believe it or not, though, buying a casket isn’t your only option – many funeral homes actually offer casket rentals for the funeral services, which can save you a good amount of money. Rental caskets look like any other to the casual observer, but inside they contain an insert where the body is placed that is removed after the services.

5. Textbooks: As if college tuition fees aren’t high enough these days, the cost of books can also make a dent in your savings. According to the College Board, books and other course materials at a 4-year public college cost students $1,168 on average for the 2011-2012 academic year. One way to save money is by borrowing textbooks by services such as campusbookrentals.com, which rents new and gently used textbooks for a good amount less than the cost of buying the book new and, in many cases, used. For instance, the Longman Anthology of British Literature, Volumes 1A, 1B and 1C rents fro $23.12 for the semester – about a third of its list price of $66.67. Other sites that offer book rentals include half.com and chegg.com.

6. Camping Gear: Ahh, the great outdoors. Many of us daydream about spending more time with Mother Nature, but few of us get around to actually going on regular camping trips. For those who can only go camping once or twice a year, it’s probably best to rent your equipment. The popular sporting goods store REI offers rentals for a variety of camping essentials, including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, paddling gear, and camping stoves. At most REI locations, for instance, you can rent a 4-person tent for $45 the first day and $10 for every additional day – which equals $55 for a weekend. Meanwhile, most 4-person tents on rei.com cost in the $200 and $300 range.

7. Trucks: When it comes to that occasional home improvement project that requires you to transport a heavy load, it’s probably not worth it to buy your own pickup truck – and you certainly don’t want to risk damaging the car you already own. The Home Depot lets you rent a pickup truck for $19 for the first 75 minutes, or $69 for a day, which is available at most of its retail locations. All you’ll need is a driver’s license, a valid vehicle insurance card, and a major credit card.

8. Parking Spots: One of the most frustrating things about driving is finding a place to park, especially in a busy city city or a congested town square. Luckily, there are a variety of services out there that allow you to rent spots, often at a rate significantly lower than commercial car parks or on-street meters. You can book a spot with the click of a mouse through sites such as parkatmyhouse.com and craigslist.org – whether you need a spot on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

9. Bikes: If you only go biking once in a while, or are an avid cyclist but don’t feel like transporting your bike every time you travel, renting could be a good option. You can rent bikes at low rates from services such as rentabikenow.com, which partners with more than 250 bike shops around the country to help people find a bike near their current location.

10. Furniture: If you’re decorating a house you plan on living in for years to come, we won’t argue with you if you choose to buy your furniture. But if you are hosting a special event at your home that requires some additional seating and tables, are living somewhere temporarily, or are selling and want to stage your home with fresh pieces, renting might make the most sense. Cort provides a host of stylish choices, including sofas, accent chairs, dining tables and rugs, as well as complete sets for your living room, bedroom and dining room. The living room set, for instance, includes a sofa, accent chair, cocktail table, end table, and silver tear-drop table lamp for $265 per month.

Wikipedia is one of numerous web sites to go black today in protest of SOPA and PIPA.

You may have already noticed by now, but some of our favorite Web sites such as Wikipedia, Craigslist, and Google have gone black today, protesting the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). There’s a lot to be said about both bills, and surely a lot more to protest. Lifehacker.com couldn’t have said it better:

SOPA and PIPA are two bills that sound like they have a mildly positive aim but, in reality, have serious potential to negatively change the internet as we know it. Both SOPA and PIPA put power in the hands of the entertainment industry to censor sites that allegedly ‘engage in, enable or facilitate’ copyright infringement. This language is vague enough to target sites you use every day, like Facebook and Google, making these bills a serious problem.

The idea behind these bills sounds reasonable. They came about in order to try and snuff out piracy online, as the entertainment industry is obviously not excited that many people are downloading their products without payment or permission. The issue is, however, that it doesn’t really matter whether you’re in support of piracy, against it, or just don’t care. The methods are ineffective. Here’s what they are and why they’re problematic:

1. SOPA and PIPA were initially designed to make it possible for companies to block the domain names of web sites that are simply capable of, or seem to encourage copyright infringement. This would have been bad for everyone because such a measure doesn’t actually prevent piracy. The reason that blocking a domain name isn’t effective is because any blocked site can still be accessed via its numeric IP address. In fact, before the bills were even supposed to come to a vote, tools were created to automatically route domain names to their IP addresses to completely render this measure of SOPA and PIPA useless. As a result, the IP-blocking provisions have been removed from both bills.

2. The other, still-active measure present in the SOPA and PIPA bills would allow rights holders to cut the source of funding of any potential infringing web site. This means any other companies doing business with this site would have to stop. Whether that means advertising, links in search engines, or any other listings would have to be removed.

While the Obama administration has come out against SOPA, effectively shelving it indefinitely, the very similar PIPA bill is still alive and well.

As stated before, there’s a ton of information out there in regards to SOPA and PIPA. The best way to protest these bills is to become informed and to contact your congressperson via phone or mail. Let your voice be heard and help keep the internet free!