Did you know California has a “Lemon Law” that protects new car owners whose vehicles have serious defects? Watch this video to learn more. Read more

Here are some helpful tips for getting more mileage out of your gas tank. Read more

Big changes are coming to sunscreen labels. Watch this video to find out what they are. Read more

When my Black Labrador got up in years, she would occasionally have accidents inside the house on the wall-to-wall carpeting. Don’t procrastinate when your pet accidentally urinates on your carpets—the crystals in the urine can create an alkaline stain, which can give off a bad odor, discolor your carpets and even damage your hardwood floors.

Here’s what to do: Blot up the urine contamination with a wet terry cloth towel until all the yellow comes up (you can also use paper towels). You don’t want it to spread further, so remember to blot, not rub. A 20/80 mixture of white vinegar and water can be applied to break up the urine crystals and absorb more of the stain. Read more

Here are some tips for dealing with unwanted critters around your house. Read more

When taking on a major remodel, think about how to bring in the natural light and color from the outside and increase your living space. Consider creating a natural and relaxed feeling in your home, inside and out. Some of the possibilities include patio additions, sun rooms, glass doors, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, skylights and even water features.

If you live in a tight space without a yard (like a condo or small house), you can add skylights, atrium rooms or a bay window. Another idea for the kitchen is to pop out the window behind your sink and add shelves for potted herbs. In addition to improved lighting, you’ll have fresh herbs for dinner! Read more

By Carolyn Pimentel, Vice President of Pimentel Paving, Inc.

It’s hard to believe that only 30 years ago, my uncle built houses based on a hand shake—he did the work as desired and got paid when his clients were happy. Unfortunately, those days are over. We live in a time when business ethics and morality are things of the past. We think we protect ourselves by asking for references, looking at past work, getting three or more estimates and checking with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), but that’s still not enough in many cases.

What if you discovered that the references your contractor provided were actually family members posing as past clients? Read more