Santa Maria Area Referral Team

SMART Meeting 12-11-2018 Esther Acosta of New American Realty got her real estate license late in 2004 and started practicing in 2005. She works hard to listen carefully to buyers and sellers, helping them determine their individual needs and guiding and educating them as they move through the process of buying or selling their homes. She reminds them to be sure be sure to document any agreements made in emails or in writing so both parties are clear and agree. She likes to... help people solve problems, like one client who was having trouble getting approved in mobile home parks because they had a 45 pound pit bull. The procedure for mobile homes is different. The financing is handled by a specialized bank and she's very familiar with this process as well as that for purchasing a conventional home. If you know someone who's planning to purchase or sell a home and needs a knowledgeable, supportive realtor, refer them to Esther Acosta at New American Realty for all aspects of selling or buying! For more information: (805) 698-1904

SMARTMeeting... https://santabarbarafamilydentistry.com/ Located at 620 West Main Street in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara Family Dentistry was founded in 2004 by Dr. Hendrick Gonzalez, DDS. They moved to their current location in 2008, and have 15 operatories and 42 staff members. Karen Maldonado has been with SBFD for 7 years now. She will be moving from her PR position into Personnel soon. Monique, who also spoke last Tuesday, is a Public Relations Assistant. They debunked sev...eral myths about dental care. Here are some of the myths: It's impossible to brush too hard. Untrue, it is recommended to use soft bristles because medium to hard bristles can damage the gums, roots, and enamel. Flossing is no longer necessary. Nope. Brushing only gets 55% of the plaque so flossing is a must. Bleeding gums should be left alone. This is not true, one should get to the dentist if their gums are bleeding, especially if this has gone on for awhile. This could be gum disease and needs professional care. If you start flossing a few days before seeing the dentist, they won't be able to tell if you haven't been flossing regularly. "The gums never lie", recently flossed gums are easy to spot for the dentist. Don't play with your dental health, floss regularly! There's no need to see the dentist unless you're having pain. Again, wrong. Most dental issues are painless until they've become bad enough, and deep enough to be a much more complicated, expensive, and potentially painful problem. It's important to go every six months for a teeth cleaning to avoid developing dental disease. Thanks Karen and Monique for educating us about these myths! If you know anyone with bad breath, bleeding gums, who needs a dentist, or has any dental issues, refer them to the skilled staff at Santa Barbara Family Dentistry. They provide general and cosmetic dentistry with the latest in dental technology and equipment. See more

SMART Meeting 11-27-2018 http://www.charlesmotley.com/ Charles Motley has been with Geneva Financial for three years now and is very happy about it. Geneva allows him to practice his expertise as a loan officer while providing a broad line of products, like VA, FHA, and Non-QM loans.They also provide him with an excellent support system with useful tools and services. For example, an on-line service keeps a loan applicant informed about where their loan is in the process and... has a brief video explaining and educating them about each step of the process. Ryan Fruge, whose loan is through Charles, said the system worked well and the videos were really helpful. Applying for a loan can be very easy as well. The web site (designed by Tina Barnard of CenCal WebDesign) has a green button that says "Apply On Line". People using it find it helps them get the correct information ready for Charles so it's more efficient when they do get together. The application accepts on-line signatures which further streamlines matters. Charles stressed, however, that this easy application process makes it tempting to skip reading and fully understanding the information and the responsibility one is taking on. He still meets with people or talks on the phone and provides them with further education about what to expect with the process. There are also 2 minute videos on topics like why its not good to change your job when you're in the middle of buying a house, that he can refer people to. Getting a loan can be quick with this method. Interest rates are going up, it's been a tough year for many lenders, perhaps the worst since 2007 when Charles started in the business. However, it has been a good year at Geneva. It is still a sellers market. So if you know anyone needing a lender for a residential property, be sure to refer them to the team of experts with Charles Motley at Geneva Financial. They take good care of their clients

SMART Meeting 11-6-2018 http://apexautoglassonline.com/ Ryan Fruge of Apex Auto Glass talked at the 11/6 meeting about the residential and commercial window tinting that is one aspect of his business. A chief reason people get their residence windows tinted is the damage sun does to furnishings and art work. He demonstrated with tinted and untinted glass samples and had a SMART member read the Spectrum Detective Meter he uses to test for the level of solar rays present. Wind...ow tinting films contain microscopic metal particles that block or reduce harmful rays while allowing in visible light. The three most common solar spectrum rays, and their percentage in the solar light spectrum are: Ultra Violet (UV) light, 3% of the spectrum, penetrates skin and tissue causing burns and damaging furniture. Visible Light (VL) , 48% of the spectrum, it carries some heat rays. Infrared Light (IR), 40% of the spectrum, it carries most of the heat A Single pane of regular, clear glass allows in the following percentage of these solar rays: UV - 82% VL- 88% IR - 84% In other words, it doesn't block much of these solar rays. The application of a glass tint product Apex uses, High Light 70, reduces the amount of these solar rays significantly: UV- 0% VL - 72% IR - 15% This is a glass tint that is almost clear. It is possible to go darker but is not necessary for excellent Ultra Violet and Infra Red protection. While allowing visible light it blocks out the more harmful UV and IR rays. When asked about double pane windows, Ryan explained that they are designed to keep hot air in or out and don't deal with the solar rays without the addition of film. So if you know anyone who wants to reduce the amount of heat in summer, protect furnishings and valuables from sun damage , and block harmful UV light in a commercial or residential setting, Ryan Fruge of Apex Auto Glass is the expert to refer to!

SMART Meeting 10-29-2018 http://www.allensqualityplumbing.com/ David Allen of Allen"s Quality Plumbing enjoys the variety of his work, he'll be 3 or 4 feet down in a trench replacing sewer lines at one job, replacing a faucet at a refinery, or at a residence, or unclogging toilets and grinding roots down the line elsewhere. A plumber also has to be a problem solver. Contractors cut corners where they can to maximize profits. He showed a badly corroded copper drain pipe that o...nly took 7 years to fail. The lightest weight copper pipe had been used and condensate from the water ate through it. He suggested when remodeling, be sure to specify that the contractor use higher grade plumbing pipe. The same goes for fixtures as well. The ones sold to the public, like faucets for example, have more plastic parts in non-visable areas and fail after after a few years. A plumber gets quality parts from a distributor that contain brass inside parts and are repairable, where the cheaper ones are considered "throw away", not repairable. The good parts are more expensive but will last much longer and save money in the long run. David also uses PEX, a type of flexible pipe that is better in many applications than metal pipe. It is flexible, requires fewer fittings to fit into spaces, there's no soldering so no lead exposure, it does not corrode, and it maintains integrity in extreme cold and heat. It's also cheaper than copper pipe. If you know anyone with a plumbing emergency, doing a remodel, or any need that involves sewer, water, or gas, David Allen of Allen's Quality Pluming is the expert to refer! Whether using quality materials or high quality workmanship, quality is his middle name at Allen's Quality Plumbing! See more

SMART Meeting 10-23-18 http://healthyteethandgumsinsantamaria.com Message from Dr. Maria Silvera... I’m looking forward to meeting you personally. Santa Maria Periodontics provides comprehensive periodontal services including treatment of gum disease, cosmetic procedures, and dental implants. My staff and I are here to support you. We are committed to ensuring your comfort and successful treatment in a pleasant state-of-the-art practice. After a thorough review of your needs, goals and desires, I will discuss with you the diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, fees and estimated time required for your treatment. A little about me: I enjoy meeting new people, dancing to swing, salsa, merengue, etc. For adventure, I enjoy scuba diving, skiing and traveling. I also enjoy life’s simple pleasures like going to movies, dining out and taking walks.

SMART Meeting 10-16-2018 Erika Weber of VTC Enterprises talked about some of the many programs at VTC that support people with disabilities: The Quality of Life Services are for people with the greatest need, those in wheel chairs, with medical needs , with limited communication and other abilities. These services are designed to meet the client's individual needs, to aid communication, to provide sensory integration training to either increase or reduce stimulation, and if a...ble to do tasks like picking up papers or shredding. The Introduction to Work Program helps people with basic life skills like how to shop, ride the bus, use the bank, cook. They also work 10 hours a week with regular supervision, easing into both self-care and work skills. People in the Supported Employment program work in the community 20 to 30 hours a week in businesses like Del Taco, the Honda dealership, County Office of Education. They work flexible hours with less supervision. The Individual Placement program is for people who are able to work independently at sites like a nursery in Nipomo, Albertson's, or grounds maintenance at Vandenberg ,including around launch sites, where they use tractors and other heavy equipment. They may become employees of the business. They work with a job coach until they are ready to go on their own. The job coach can step in any time more training is needed, for instance if duties change. VTC provides critical services to people with disabilities in our communities, helping them learn to work, to live, and enjoy their lives to the best of their abilities! VTC has been mostly self supporting for years now and operates several businesses to keep it that way. One way to support VTC, is by sponsoring, donating to, or playing in the upcoming Henry M. Grennan Memorial Golf Tournament, Friday, October 27th at the Rancho Maria Golf Course. See Erica for details! https://www.vtc-sm.org/

SMART Meeting 10-8-2018 Dr. Ray Arensdorf of Arensdorf Chiropractic updated us on changes in his practice. He learned about chiropractic when he was in the dance program at Hancock College. In preparing for the major dance performances the dancers were in rehearsal and classes 6 to 8 hours a day. The company doctors were chiropractors. After watching with curiosity as they treated students, and asking lots of questions, he got treated himself. After college he completed c...hiropractic school in June, 2004, then took the National Boards, followed by the state licensing exam. He received his state license in September 9th of 2004. For the first year or so, he worked with a local chiropractor, and has had his own practice for the last 12 years. In April of this year, Dr. Robert Martinez, a local chiropractor for the past 30 years, who, according to his patients has been talking about retiring for years, announced he was leaving as of April 26th. He wanted his patients well cared for when he left. Dr. Ray and Dr. Martinez have shared some patients over the years and some of those patients encouraged the match. Dr. Ray liked the idea of practicing in a converted house. Due to a City ordnance that no residences remain on Main Street, this house became a chiropractic office when it was sold years ago. Dr. Ray still encounters patients who remember when it was a residence with a pool in the back and garage in front. Now, 912 East Main Street, is the new home of Arensdorf Chiropractic, with parking lots in front and in back! As we know, Dr. Ray has more than just our backs. If you or anyone you know needs help with moving better, you can refer them to Dr. Ray Arensdorf with full confidence that they will receive the best in skilled, effective, excellent chiropractic care. http://www.arensdorfchiropractic.com/

SMART Networking Meeting... Francisco Santos from Donna Randolph State Farm Insurance treated the group with a whole box of bakery donuts for a sweet start! He's been representing Donna Randolph State Farm at SMART for a few months now and shared his personal story with us. Much like Donna herself, while in high school, he was part of the Santa Barbara County Youth Work Force Program that places students part time in local businesses to gain work experience and skills whil...e they're in school. The oldest of four children, his parents work hard and sacrifice so the kids can have an education and bright future.He started with Donna when he was 16 and is 21 now. One important experience in high school was a competition he entered and won to visit Washington D.C. He had his first plane trip, met our then congressional representative Lois Capps, and found D.C. a beautiful and interesting city. He was really impressed that Lois Capps knew Donna when he told her where he worked. He was very shy in school but working at DRSF he's learned a lot and gained confidence and experience. He really likes working in the insurance industry, and has thrived with Donna's mentorship. He studied diligently for the insurance licensing exam, endured anxious times, but persevered, passing it the third time! The office threw him a party where there were tears and celebration. He's currently working on getting his life insurance and other insurance licenses and is breaking into the insurance industry. As part of the team at Donna Randolph State Farm, Francisco is an example of the motivated and knowledgeable people who provide top notch insurance service there. Let's keep Donna Randolph State Farm top of mind when we encounter anyone needing insurance. #DonnaRandolphStateFarmAgent https://www.donnarandolph.com/?cmpid=P0TM_BLM_0001 See more

SMART...May 7th Kevin Barker of Kevin's Computer Help conducted one of his computer knowledge contests. He alerts us to the most recent computer or phone scams and he led a brief discussion of some of the calls people have been getting from callers saying they're from the IRS or other government agencies or computer companies and reminded us that they never call and never, never give out any private information over the phone unless we initiated the call and know to whom we'...re speaking. The multiple choice contest included questions like what is the meaning of BIT = binary digit, information sent from one computer to another is uploading, and of these choices, RAM, DSL, USB, and LAN, only RAM relates to computer memory (we all got this one). Information travels on the mother board via BUS, not the BAYS, or the pathway. Of interest is that global market share for Apple Macs is 12.4%, and 82.5% for Windows operating systems. It was a fun contest and some of us learned something. We use computers daily but don't always know the correct names for the parts. There's no contest when it comes to home or business computer repair! If you know a business owner or home computer user who needs a reliable computer support person, who's available to come to the business or home, who's skilled, honest and reliable, be sure to refer them to Kevin Barker at Kevin's Computer Help! #kevinbarker http://www.kevinscomputerhelp.com/

SMART Meeting April 24, 2018 Collie Coburn of New York Life Insurance gave a 3-D, live demonstration of of what can happen when all the asset balls we juggle in life, like our income, investments, our homes, what ever assets we have in our lives are challenged by a deficit ball. Karen Maldonado got to hold an arm load of asset balls but when she had to reach for one more ball, a problematic ball like taxes due or unexpected disability, she couldn't help but start dropping ass...et balls. At New York Life, Collie's service provides a "wedge under our standard of living" so we are ready when that unexpected thing happens that upsets the balance of our lives. He helps us develop a plan for cash flow so we pay down debts so we can save rather than pay interest. Life Insurance, one of the asset balls, is a well known part of the service at New York Life. However, financial planning and wealth accumulation are services are also available. He can help us allocate risk with the proper balance in mutual funds, create college savings plans, set financial goals and boundaries and plan for retirement. If you know someone who'd like to have all their financial ducks in a row, and the peace of mind that brings, or someone who'd like to accumulate and protect wealth for the future, as well as have an appropriate life insurance policy, refer them to Collie Coburn of New York Life Insurance. He'll take good care of them and their future! #colliecoburn See more

Let the FUNdraising begin! www.vtcrodeoqueen.com

SMART Networking Tuesday April 3rd! Maria Estella Rodriguez of Estela's Cleaning Service treated us to some insight into her cleaning business. She and her crew provide cleaning services for residential and commercial customers on an as needed or regularly scheduled basis. She says a trend she's noticing is homeowners switching floor coverings from carpet to laminate or other hard surface flooring. She said the products needed are different for each type of floor and she's ...prepared with the proper products. She also passed around some great mop head covers that were some kind of furry microfiber that she says pick up anything and do a great job for sheet goods flooring and another for wood floors. She says best for ceramic tile is a lot of warm water, and really best is hands and knees with a scrub brush. She discussed natural cleaners versus commercial cleaners. She says more people are requesting natural solutions and she has them! She says that while commercial cleaners are effective, they contain lots of chemicals like ammonia and bleach. Discussion ensued about not mixing these together! They are not good to breathe and can have other adverse health effects. Natural cleaners are often very expensive but are better for our health. She perfect solution is a product she's developed herself. She has studied the healing benefits of plants and her cleaner is plant based. She gave a demonstration using a commercial cleaner on a small pane of glass. She then used her cleaner which did as good a job as the commercial one cleaning and drying the glass. It's good for windows, mirrors, tile, stainless steel and even silver. And its inexpensive! Good all around! If you know someone looking for expert cleaning services, whether at project or a regularly scheduled cleaning for a commercial or residential setting, refer them to Maria Estela Rodriguez, owner of Estela's Cleaning Service. David Allen can't say enough about the good work she and her crew do for him!