The Best Golf Resorts in California

As many of you know, California presents some of the world’s finest luxury golf resorts for a varied experience of challenging golf, fine amenities, and recreational opportunities. Here are 3 top resorts for golfing that Honda of El Cerrito suggests you won’t want to miss in California!

Pebble Beach

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus said, “If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach.” The legendary Pebble Beach is one of the world’s most favored resorts. You’ll want to create your own golf memories here. The gripping challenge of the courses and the spectacular ocean view is a winning combination. Moreover, the resort’s accommodations and amenities are so expansive, you will never want or need to step off the property for anything.

Choose the Lodge at Pebble Beach for elegant and refined oceanfront enjoyment. You can also enjoy the Inn at Spanish Bay with a private patio looking out on pine forests, green fairways, or the Pacific. Finally, relax by your fireplace at the romantic Casa Palmero, an exclusive 24-room Mediterranean-style estate with luxurious living areas, handsome bar and lounge, heated pool, and lush landscaping. You’ll enjoy an entirely customized stay with a personal coordinator who will arrange breakfast delivery, fresh flowers, spa services and more. The entire Pebble Beach enclave blends superb tennis and golf (four courses to choose from), beaches and boardwalks, spa services, impressive shopping choices, and a variety of world-class dining options. All of this luxury is provided with absolute attention to service and hospitality.

Half Moon Bay Golf Links

Just 30 miles from San Francisco, the Half Moon Bay Golf Links and the Ritz-Carlton offer an unparalleled golf resort experience. Poised like a palace on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the Ritz-Carlton delivers legendary personal service, a world-class spa, oceanfront dining, and 22 spacious suites among the 261 guest rooms. Named by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay,” the hotel rounds out your visit with horseback riding, wine tasting tours, tennis, a swimming pool, Segway tours, and amazing whale watching.

As for championship golf, the Half Moon Golf Links provide a variety of golf challenges on two award-winning courses. Guests enjoy fireside dining in the clubhouse Mullins Bar & Grill or delightful California cuisine in the oceanfront Navio restaurant. Add select California wines to some of the area’s finest seasonal bounty like Marin cheeses, artichokes, and asparagus, and dining will rank high among the many memories you will make at this prestigious resort.

Carmel Valley Ranch

Beyond the coastal fog belt, the Carmel Valley Ranch is poised in a beautiful setting amid some 500 acres of quiet woodland and lovely landscaped gardens. On-site recreation can be enjoyed year round including championship golf, an excellent tennis program, full-service Spa Aiyana, large outdoor pool, infinity hot tub, and cabanas. The resort lodge is the handsome centerpiece of the ranch, where contemporary style and California casual deliver a restful vacation experience. Spacious suites include private terraces, cathedral ceilings, and intimate fireplaces. Every aspect radiates relaxed and refined comfort. Lodge dining combines excellent local produce with artisan chef touches to create a pleasant California taste. Pool patio dining is also a favorite for views of the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

While this sampling of choices by no means exhausts California’s excellent golf resorts, the profiled properties underscore the excellence and diversity in style and service you can experience during your California golf getaway.

Honda of El Cerrito wants to know: what are your favorite golf resorts in California? Post your answers in the comments.

Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella Basil and Pesto Panini Recipe

Tired of eating the same boring sandwich for lunch every day? Try Honda of El Cerrito's tasty recipe for our Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Pesto Panini. For a truly Mediterranean feel, try serving it with a salad of fresh tomato, cucumber, kalamata olives, and arugula.

Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, and Pesto Panini

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 3 to 5 minutes

Serves one

Ingredients

2 1-inch thick slices of bread
1 large tomato
2 tablespoons of your favorite pesto
3 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon chopped basil leaves plus extra for garnish
Salt and black pepper

Directions

Sandwich presses are all different, and it may be necessary to preheat yours, prior to starting to assemble your panini.

Begin by spreading the pesto on your bread. You may not require the full two tablespoons but ensure each slice of bread is spread evenly, on one side only.

Slice your tomato as thinly as possible and lay it on the bottom slice of bread. Overlap the slices, each one covering about half of its predecessor, to ensure a thick and even distribution of flavor and texture.

It is important to use buffalo mozzarella or another type of fresh mozzarella that is soft and sold in brine. Slice the mozzarella finely and either lay it on top of the tomato, or intersperse slices of tomato and mozzarella for what the best effect--overlapping three quarters of the way over each previous slice. Season at this stage with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Scatter the basil over the tomato and mozzarella before placing the top on your panini and lightly pressing down. Place your panini in your sandwich press and cook for three to five minutes, as per your preference.

When your panini is done, remove it from the sandwich press to a plate. Scatter a little more fresh basil over the top as a garnish and serve hot with your chosen salad or other accompaniment.

What are Some Tips to Get Better Gas Mileage?

Meet Mel Santiago, a Journeyman Service Advisor here at Honda of El Cerrito. Mel hails from Richmond, California, and has been working with us for the past 12 years.

When it comes to working at Honda of El Cerrito, Mel loves the fact that he is able to work in a family-type environment; Mel works alongside his brother, Benito, and the two work hard to provide every client with an exceptional service experience.

When he isn't working, Mel enjoys camping, BBQs with friends and family, and watching the 49ers win games!

As gas prices continue to rise, we asked Mel for tips on getting the most gas mileage out of any vehicle.

Take it away, Mel!

1. Be sure that you are using the correct size tire for your vehicle. If you aren't sure, check the decal that's placed in the driver door jamb. The vehicle manufacturer will have posted the correct tire size and air pressure settings on this decal.

2. Once you have set your tire pressure to the manufacture specifications, be sure to check the tire pressure regularly.

3. Perform oil and filter services at the manufacture-recommended intervals and be sure to use a proper weight oil. If you aren't sure, check your owner's manual.

4. Inspect your vehicle's air filter at every oil change and replace it when necessary.

5. And, of course, schedule your service appointments at Honda of El Cerrito for all your service needs! Our service professionals will take care of your vehicle to maintain its peak performance and fuel economy.

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What is Honda Certified?

Honda has one of the most extensive used-car warranties in the business which means that every Honda Certified Used Car that you purchase from us at Honda of El Cerrito comes with peace of mind. The Honda Certified Used Car warranty covers major engine and transmission components, and Honda will repair or replace any covered part that is defective in material or workmanship under normal use.

The warranty has a $0 deductible and covers your engine, drive system, and transmission for seven years or 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). Your steering, suspension, electrical system, air conditioning, heating and cooling, fuel system, and many more systems are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles.

So why should you choose a Honda Certified Used Car from us? To be a Certified Used car, the vehicle must be well maintained, be less than six years old, and have a maximum of 80,000 miles. The certification process includes an exhaustive 150-point mechanical and appearance inspection, up-to-date scheduled maintenance services, and an inspection by service technicians of all major vehicle systems. Visit us today or browse the Honda of El Cerrito Honda Certified Used Car Inventory to find the car that’s right for you!

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Make the Most of the Last Days of Summer!

As summer winds to an end and thoughts turn to back-to-school plans, make the time to squeeze in a few more sun-drenched memories. It’s a great time to catch up with family and friends, and exchange summer vacation stories. Plus, it will be easier to transition to the school season if you feel like you’ve made the most of the last days of summer vacation.

Before summer ends, take the time to try out a few of these seasonal activities:

1.       Have friends over for a barbecue. — Nothing says summer like a late afternoon barbecue with family and friends. To save on costs, make the side dishes and ask everyone to bring their own hamburgers and hot dogs to throw on the grill. Be sure to stock up on s’mores supplies for dessert!

2.       Go to an outdoor concert or performance.  El Cerrito, San Francisco, and the rest of the Bay Area have lots of outdoor performing arts venues and summer theatres, and some even have free summer concert series! Take in one last show under the stars before summer ends.

3.       Lounge by the pool or at the beach. Whether you spent most of the summer poolside, or only managed sporadic trips, one last day at the pool or beach is a great way to relax. Set aside a good part of the day and enjoy the sunshine, but don’t forget the sunscreen!

 

We at Honda of El Cerrito hope you make the most of these last days of summer!

 

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Three Great Service Specials for August!

At Honda of El Cerrito, we work hard to ensure that you get the best deals year round, but we love to give you discounts to make these deals even sweeter. This month we have 3 great deals for all of your service needs!

• Come in for $10 off a Lube, Oil and Filter Change. For only $29.95, you will get up to 5 quarts of oil (additional charge for synthetic oil, hybrids not included) and a courtesy car wash. We will also provide a free multi-point inspection, top off your under-hood fluids, and reset your tire PSI.


• Summer is still going strong so be sure to take advantage of our “Beat the Heat A/C Service Special.” For only $149.95 (normally $179.95), we will get your air conditioning running in peak condition. This deal includes 2 pounds of Freon.


• With our Fluid Exchange Special, the more you buy the more you save! With this deal you will receive 5% off any single service, 10% off any 2 services, and 15% off any three combined services. Services include Brake, Power Steering, Coolant, and Transmission Fluid replacements.

 

All of these deals expire August 31^st, 2011. Be sure to print the coupons from the Honda of El Cerrito Newsletter website to receive these discounts!

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Meet Roy Owens and his Honda with 427,937 miles!

At Honda of El Cerrito, we pride ourselves on providing some of the best service in the area. Last month, Roy Owens of Oakland, California, chose Honda of El Cerrito as his new service home for his green 1992 Honda EX. And this Honda has an amazing 427,937 miles on it!

As you may have read in last month's newsletter, we recently hired Burt Gallegus as our new Fixed Operations Manager. Mr. Owens has known Burt since 1990 and has always depended on him whenever his car needed servicing. So, when Burt came to our dealership, Mr. Owens followed him.

Mr. Owens said, "I've known Burt for 21 years, and I trust him and the quality of his service, so when he left his old dealership for Honda of El Cerrito, I found out where he went and followed him. It's hard to find people who take care of your car the way they would their own car, but I definitely found that here."

As you can see, Mr. Owens' Honda still looks great! Mr. Owens and his girlfriend, Margaret, are also pictured here with Burt and Honda of El Cerrito General Manager Scott Bisbee.

Mr. Owens bought his 1992 Honda EX in 1996 when it had 60,000 miles on it. Over the years, he has racked up over 350,000 miles (or nearly 25,000 miles per year!). Most of the miles came from his 40-mile roundtrip commute to work and frequent visits to his sister Ilean in Sacramento, but he also ventured out on several road trips to Las Vegas, Texas, and Louisiana which added up the miles over the years.

When we asked Margaret how she liked the Honda, she replied, "I love it--I'm a Honda Girl! My first car was a Honda Prelude, and out of all the cars I've had, Honda has always been my favorite."

Despite the extra mileage, Mr. Owens says his Honda still runs as good as new.

"Well, I treat my car like I treat my body. If you take care of it, you'll get good service from it!," he said. This advice has clearly paid off, as Mr. Owens' Honda still has its original engine, transmission, and air-conditioning!

Mr. Owens also offered other advice to Honda owners: "I only take my Honda to authorized dealerships for service. At the authorized dealerships, they keep records of every single service they do. If someone ever wanted to purchase my Honda, they could go to the dealership and look at the records for all 400,000-plus miles on my vehicle. And they'd know everything ever done to it." However, please note that Mr. Owens has no intention of selling his Honda anytime soon.

"I'll come back to my car while I'm out shopping, and someone will have left a note on my car asking if I'm interested in selling my Honda." But, the answer is no.

Mr. Owens is a California native who has lived in the Bay Area his whole life. He graduated from Oakland High School and attended Heald Business College before joining the California Army National Guard during the Vietnam War. After he got out, he worked at AC Transit from 1971 until his retirement as a Supervisor in the Human Resources and Training Department in July 2010. Mr. Owens is an avid bowler (usually within the 180 to 190 range—though he recently bowled a 279!), an amateur photographer, a lover of fantasy football and the outdoors, and, of course, he is a big fan of driving around in his Honda.

"I trust Honda of El Cerrito," Mr. Owens said. "They make me feel special; they make me want to come back to have my car serviced. Other dealerships just don't provide the same experience. At Honda of El Cerrito, the first question is not 'how are you paying for this?', like it so often is at other dealerships or service centers. Instead, you walk in, and they have big smiles on their faces, and they ask you how you are. It's just a better experience overall."

Honda of El Cerrito feels incredibly lucky for the opportunity to take care of Mr. Roy Owens' Honda, and we thank him for putting his trust in our service department.

For more pictures of Roy Owens and his 1992 Honda EX, visit our Flickr page.

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We want your used car! It’s probably worth more than you think…

Value your trade online using our Black Book application, and you will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 Apple Store gift card. If more than 100 people enter we will give away TWO $500 Apple Store gift cards!

At Honda of El Cerrito we want to make sure you get the best value for your trade-in. Our partnership with Black Book, an independent service that dealers use to price trades, ensures that you will get the most for your trade-in.

Click here for the rules.

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Our Commitment to Custom Service Will Blow Your Mind!

Honda of El Cerrito has recently hired a new Fixed Operations Manager, Burt Gallegus. Burt has been working in the automotive industry for over 25 years, and his experience will be vital as Honda of El Cerrito takes its great customer service to a whole new level!

First and foremost, we've taken note of our customers' issues reaching their particular adviser on the phone. To ensure that every customer has direct access to their adviser, we've given each of our advisers a cell phone with a specific number. Now, we are instantly available to you, and we look forward to hearing for you.

In addition to this step, we are committed to taking the initiative to find ways to do our work better, smarter, and faster. We'd like to encourage our customers to contact us to discuss your experience at Honda of El Cerrito. Our job doesn't mean much if you're not satisfied. We genuinely desire our customers to know that we value and care about them. That is why we commit ourselves everyday to exceeding your expectations.

We look forward to the valuable changes and improvements that Burt will make here at Honda of El Cerrito. When Burt is not working hard at Honda of El Cerrito, he enjoys spending time with his family and watching movies (his favorite is “Caddyshack”). Burt drives a Dodge Viper and his favorite food is shrimp and crab scampi. Burt and his family still live in his hometown of Hayward, California.

We hope our customers will join us in welcoming Burt to Honda of El Cerrito! We’re glad to have him.