For Carlos and Shannon, community service is not merely a side project or a corporate responsibility; it is the core of their business philosophy, rooted in the belief that a business should serve the people around it rather than just operating within them.

Carlos’s dedication to East County is seen through a wide range of impactful initiatives that address both immediate crises and long-term community needs. Together with his partner Shannon Harris, they have notably led the restoration of the Grossmont High School band trailer, ensuring local students have the resources necessary to pursue their musical talents. His commitment to environmental stewardship is equally impressive, spanning from organized East County cleanups to a convenient annual Christmas tree pickup service. Furthermore, his ongoing partnership as a trash sponsor for the Coldwell Banker West Foundation ensures that local charitable efforts remain clean, organized, and effective.

Beyond logistical support, Carlos has proven to be a pillar of strength during San Diego’s most challenging moments. Following the 2020 La Mesa riots, he stepped up to provide vital crisis response, helping the community navigate the path toward recovery and rebuilding. This spirit of care extends into his work with the Junk Medics Community Food Pantry, where he provides a consistent safety net for residents facing food insecurity. To Carlos and Shannon, these projects are deeply personal and serve as a way to give back to the community that helped shape his own journey. His tireless work serves as a powerful testament to the positive impact one individual can have on the well-being of an entire region.

Carlos "CJ" Granados

Shannon Harris

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Nada Benny exemplifies the spirit of advocacy by her deep-rooted commitment to East County and her passion for educational equity. For Nada, community service is a personal mission inspired by her own journey as an El Cajon Valley High School alumna. Living by the philosophy that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” she has dedicated herself to ensuring that the next generation of leaders has the support they need to succeed without the crushing burden of debt.

Eight years ago, Nada turned a personal promise into a reality by founding the Nada Benny Scholarship at El Cajon Valley High School. What began as a small initiative has flourished into a significant community pillar, having provided financial assistance to 52 sensational students to date. Nada’s motivation stems from a desire to see young people pursue higher education whether to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers without compromising their future financial stability or their ability to eventually achieve the dream of homeownership. She is also proud of her scholars who have gone to trade school route and have been doing excellently. By easing the weight of student loans, she is helping her scholars build a foundation for lifelong success.

Beyond the financial support, Nada’s advocacy is rooted in a deep admiration for the resilience of her scholarship recipients. Many of these students serve as translators for their parents or parental figures for their younger siblings, all while maintaining high academic standards and participating in extracurricular activities. Her heart for the community extends even further through her ongoing efforts to collect food and clothing for low-income families, addressing the immediate needs of East County residents. By showing up for her community in both grand gestures and quiet, consistent acts of service, Nada has inspired colleagues and friends to follow her lead, proving that one person’s commitment to "paying it forward" can create a lasting ripple effect of hope.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Mike Anderson serves as a premier example of a decades-long track record of volunteerism that has woven him into the very fabric of the East County community. For Mike, volunteering isn't just an occasional commitment; it is a way of life. He operates on the principle that the most dedicated volunteers will always find a way to show up and help, regardless of how busy their professional lives may be.

Mike’s most visible impact can be seen through his 30-year tenure as the Chairman of Oktoberfest in El Cajon for the German American Societies of San Diego. Under his leadership, the event has grown into one of the largest and most beloved family-friendly traditions in East County, recently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Through Oktoberfest, Mike has fostered a long-standing partnership with St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, providing them with financial support and a public platform to showcase their artists, while also personally volunteering his time to support their annual Artwalk event.

His influence is equally profound in the business and civic sectors of Lakeside. Having served nearly 30 years as a member, Director, and two-time President of the Lakeside Chamber of Commerce, Mike has been instrumental in organizing cornerstone community events like the Western Days Parade, the Spirit of Christmas, and Touch-a-Truck. His commitment to civic health also included four years as an elected member of the Lakeside Community Planning Group and extensive advocacy work within the REALTOR® community. Whether he is hosting monthly mixers to connect local business owners or volunteering at the Lakeside Optimist Club’s Bulls Only Rodeo, Mike’s 25-plus years of service represent a tireless investment in the people and prosperity of San Diego.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

Calling for Nominations!!!

Do you know a fantastic PSAR REALTOR^®, Broker/Office Manager, or Affiliate? Now is the time to give them the recognition they deserve.  Award Recipients will be announced at the REAL Awards on February 27th, 2026.

Nominations must be received by Friday, February 2nd, 5 pm.
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PSAR shall recognize a REALTOR^®, Broker, and Affiliate who fulfill the following criteria: 

REALTOR® of the Year award criteria

• Outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement and success of the Association and the Real Estate Profession through attendance at meetings and services on committees, either as a member or chairperson.
• Committee participation should be heavily weighted.
• Conduct of Candidates’ real estate business and practices, in the judgment of candidates’ colleagues, in the most ethical manner at all times, representing the professional image, and true spirit of REALTORS®.
• Promotion and practice of the Real Estate Code of Ethics and Standard of Practices.
• Participation in Association-sponsored activities.
• Participation in civic and community activities.
• Participation in CAR and NAR.
• The past recipient of the REALTOR® of the Year may be asked to present the award to the new recipient.
• The immediate President shall not be considered for the REALTOR® of the Year award.

Broker/ Office Manager of the Year award criteria

• Outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession.
• Must exemplify the REALTOR® image and have an enviable record of service to the real estate profession and to the association.
• Must demonstrate skill, expertise, and productivity in the role of a residential qualifying broker or manager, as well as a high rate of ethical conduct and professionalism.
• The past recipient of the Broker Manager of the Year award shall present the award to the new recipient.
• Special Recognition: The Board of Directors and or Executive Committee will also honor and recognize members who have demonstrated excellence in their commitment to the Association and/or the real estate profession.

Affiliate of the Year award criteria

• Outstanding loyalty and devotion to the advancement of the Association and the Real Estate Profession.
• Attendance at meetings and service on committees.
• Conduct of candidates’ real estate-related business and practices.
• Participation in Association-sponsored activities.
• Participation in civic and community activities.
• The past recipient of the Affiliate of the Year award shall present the award to the new recipient.

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PSAR's Mission is to empower Real Estate Professionals

Since 1928, the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® has played a significant role in shaping the history, growth, and development of the Real Estate industry in San Diego County.

California’s Department of Real Estate (DRE) is urging consumers to stay alert for an increase in real estate and mortgage scams targeting homebuyers, homeowners, and investors across the state.

Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, including email hacks, forged deeds, and mortgage fraud, to exploit the complexity of real estate transactions and California’s high property values. Even honest individuals can unknowingly become involved in these crimes if they fail to recognize warning signs.

The DRE outlines nine of the most common scams and provides clear steps to help consumers protect themselves. Homebuyers and property owners are encouraged to verify credentials, stay cautious during transactions, and report suspicious activity immediately.

San Diego County residents can also take an extra step to safeguard their property. The County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk provides a free Owner Alert program that notifies property owners of any changes to property records.  It is an effective way to detect potential deed or title fraud early. Learn more and register here: Owner Alert

Read the full article from the DRE to learn how to protect yourself and your clients: Link to California DRE article

The Paragon Connect app is now available for all CRMLS users.

Here’s a quick guide to help you get started. 
First, download the Paragon Connect app via the App Store or Google Play.

From there, you will be prompted to select your organization. Select California Regional MLS, then click the Get Started button. You’ll then be redirected to the REcore login page, where you can enter your MLS credentials. Click Login to continue.

The Home Page
Once you’ve signed in, you’ll have access to Paragon Connect’s full capabilities and features. From the home page, you gain immediate access to the Power Search. This enables quick and easy searching, as well as a summary of any buyer activity.

To access all other Paragon Connect features, click on the hamburger menu in the top left corner to open the quick menu.

From there, you’ll see all the same features available on the desktop version of Paragon Connect. If applicable, click Paragon Professional to open the full Paragon Professional site in your mobile browser.

Here is an intro to the Paragon Connect App

Other new features in Paragon Connect...

Customized Search Criteria with RUG (Room, Unit, Green) Fields

You can now leverage the new RUG (Room, Unit, Green) fields in Paragon Connect to refine your property searches by room features, unit types, and green attributes. To activate these search options, navigate to Systems Search and select the gear icon. On the Customize Fields page, scroll to locate and enable the toggles for Room, Unit, and Green Search categories. Be sure to click Save in the top-right corner to apply your changes.

Listing Tools Widgets

Add the new Listing Tools widget to your Paragon Connect Inventory Dashboard to quickly access third-party applications. Start by clicking the Customize Dashboard button, then select Add Widget. On the next page, click the Add Widget button again and save your changes to see it on your dashboard.

Read Paragon's Knowledgebase article for a full list of recent updates

CRMLS offers a variety of resources to educate you on our products and services. Click above to visit the CRMLS training center.

If you need MLS support, please click above or call (800) 925-1525

Your listing data is safe, clean, and accurate. Click above to chat live with a CRMLS Compliance representative.

Read Paragon's Knowledgebase article for a full list of updates.

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) has released its Summer 2025 Bulletin, and it’s packed with updates that every REALTOR® should see firsthand. If you think you can skip it, here are five reasons why opening the Bulletin is worth your time.

1. Mentorship Opportunities That Build Careers

The Bulletin highlights how mentorship is changing the way new agents enter the business. Want to know how a Sacramento mentorship program helps students close their first deal within months? The details are in the Bulletin.

2. Compliance Citations You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Minor mistakes—like a missing license disclosure or failing to report an address change—can now lead to fines of up to $2,500. The Bulletin explains exactly what triggers a citation and how to avoid one.

3. Trust Fund Account Rules Clarified

Who can sign on a trust account? Can property owners be added? The Bulletin clears up common misunderstandings that could expose brokers to liability.

4. Mortgage Loan Reporting Deadlines

If you handle mortgage loans, the DRE has new reminders on how and when to file your Business Activity Report. The Bulletin also explains how to troubleshoot filing issues.

5. A New Voice in Enforcement

Meet Shannan West, the new Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement. She lays out her vision for compliance and what REALTORS® can expect moving forward.

Why You Should Read the Full Bulletin

This blog only scratches the surface. The full Summer 2025 DRE Bulletin includes compliance guidance, reminders, and updates directly from the Commissioner’s desk. Reading it now could help you:

• Avoid costly fines and violations

• Protect your license and your business

• Stay ahead of industry changes that affect REALTORS® every day

Read the full Summer 2025 DRE Bulletin here.

Don’t wait until a citation or compliance issue forces you to catch up. Stay informed, stay compliant, and stay ahead by reading the Bulletin today.

Kenny Patrick has spent most of their life in San Diego and can't imagine living and thriving anywhere else. Driven by a deep-rooted sense of community, Kenny engages in various ways to give back. Connection to community, paired with a commitment to service, has earned Kenny the right to be known as a standout Good Neighbor Award finalist for the first quarter of 2025. Kenny’s involvement knows few bounds and stretches across organizations and neighborhoods, always striving to make life better for others.

When the Youth Assistance Coalition was launched (YACSD.org is an organization supporting homeless youth in San Diego), Kenny was among the first to step in. Through volunteering, donating personally, and procuring outside donations, Kenny helped extend vital services to an underserved and vulnerable population. In the iconic Normal Heights neighborhood (where Kenny lives), you'll find Kenny being of service as a board member on the Normal Heights Community Planning Group, working to ensure that local voices are represented. This commitment evolved into the role of Chairperson of the (not yet open) Normal Heights Community Garden. You'll often find Kenny walking door-to-door, sharing important community information with residents who can’t always attend meetings. Kenny is also a board member with a preschool called Includ(Ed) - serving non-neurotypical and neurotypical children. Growing IncludEdSD.org into a self-sustaining preschool is one of the most rewarding and challenging things Kenny will ever do.

Kenny Patrick is more than a neighbor - you'll experience Kenny as a connector, an advocate, and a steady presence in civic spaces that shape the future of San Diego communities. Employing thoughtful local leadership skills ensures that diverse perspectives are placed squarely in front of elected San Diego officials. Vulnerable community members of San Diego will always have a voice because of Kenny and many others with similar passions for civic equity. By modeling inclusive, proactive involvement, Kenny reminds us that being a good neighbor means showing up, speaking out, and helping everyone feel like they belong.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE

The Alpine Woman’s Club stands as a cornerstone of Alpine's community spirit, dedicated to fostering social, civic, educational, and cultural advancement. At its heart beats the Historic Town Hall, a cherished symbol of heritage and unity, meticulously preserved through the tireless efforts of volunteers like Amy Saflar.

Since 2012, Amy Saflar has been at the forefront of the Alpine Woman’s Club's mission, serving as Grant Administrator and Secretary with unwavering dedication. Her pivotal role has not only expanded the club’s membership and fundraising prowess but has also raised over $140,000 in vital funds. Amy’s commitment extends far beyond administrative duties; she actively participates in fundraisers, monthly activities, and chairs luncheons, all while spearheading initiatives that have significantly bolstered the club's impact in the community.

Amy’s influence transcends financial contributions; she embodies the spirit of community through her generosity and hands-on support. From providing cash donations to supplying food for events and donating household goods, Amy's contributions have ensured the success of numerous endeavors, including the Annual High Tea and Attic Treasures Sale.

Central to Amy's impact is her proficiency in securing crucial funding through grant writing initiatives. Her strategic approach has facilitated essential maintenance of the Historic Town Hall and enabled necessary upgrades to ensure accessibility and aesthetic appeal for all visitors.

Beyond her organizational prowess, Amy's inclusive leadership has fostered a culture of engagement within the club, encouraging diversity and community involvement. Her efforts have strengthened the bonds among members and preserved the Historic Town Hall as a vital hub for community gatherings and celebrations.

Amy Saflar's steadfast commitment to the Alpine Woman’s Club and the preservation of the Historic Town Hall exemplifies the power of individual initiative in enhancing community life. Her contributions ensure that Alpine remains a place where heritage thrives and community spirit flourishes.

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE