The site ranks the two metros as the best of the top 50 largest U.S. cities, with each scoring above 80 on a scale of 1 to 100. Scores are calculated, block by block, on how close homes are to schools, restaurants, grocery stores and other amenities, CEO Josh Herst said.

The agents tend to single out older homes, often taking up a relatively small portion of the parcel on which they sit, offering a cash purchase and a promise by the buyer to take care of normal closing costs, provided the homeowner does not broadcast their intent to sell.

Residents report notes left on their doors, direct mail bearing a picture of their own home and even direct phone calls soliciting sales.

That practice is called by many names, including off-market listing, pocket listing or quiet listing, and while it is completely legal, it often is a bad deal for sellers in hot markets like Santa Monica, said Don Faught, president of the California Association of Realtors.

The Metro Board of Directors has approved the names for the three Santa Monica stations part of the second phase of the Expo Line, according to Metro’s blog The Source.

The official station names are 26th Street/Bergamot, 17th Street/Santa Monica College, and Downtown Santa Monica.

The Santa Monica City Council voted on these three names at their first meeting of the year on Jan. 8.

The names were then conveyed to the Expo Construction Authority and Metro through a formal written request.

Prior to the Santa Monica City Council meeting, City staff worked with staff of both agencies through the necessary steps required for consideration by Metro for adoption.

City staff came up with the names as they identified the station by a cross street or by the district/major attraction that the station serves.

The Metro Board of Directors has approved the names for the three Santa Monica stations part of the second phase of the Expo Line, according to Metro’s blog The Source.

The official station names are 26th Street/Bergamot, 17th Street/Santa Monica College, and Downtown Santa Monica.

The Santa Monica City Council voted on these three names at their first meeting of the year on Jan. 8.

The names were then conveyed to the Expo Construction Authority and Metro through a formal written request.

Prior to the Santa Monica City Council meeting, City staff worked with staff of both agencies through the necessary steps required for consideration by Metro for adoption.

City staff came up with the names as they identified the station by a cross street or by the district/major attraction that the station serves.

The Metro Board of Directors has approved the names for the three Santa Monica stations part of the second phase of the Expo Line, according to Metro’s blog The Source.

The official station names are 26th Street/Bergamot, 17th Street/Santa Monica College, and Downtown Santa Monica.

The Santa Monica City Council voted on these three names at their first meeting of the year on Jan. 8.

The names were then conveyed to the Expo Construction Authority and Metro through a formal written request.

Prior to the Santa Monica City Council meeting, City staff worked with staff of both agencies through the necessary steps required for consideration by Metro for adoption.

City staff came up with the names as they identified the station by a cross street or by the district/major attraction that the station serves.

President Barack Obama will attend a fundraiser in Santa Monica to benefit the Democratic National Committee on Friday June 7, according to politicalpartytime.org.

The luncheon will be held at the Santa Monica home of Peter and Megan Chernin.

“Our Party, led by President Obama, is focused on building an economy that lasts – an economy that lifts up all Americans,” the invitation reads. “That’s why Democrats in all 50 states are working in neighborhoods and communities to advance issues like job creation, education, health care, and clean energy. But we need the resources to continue to move our country forward. Since we do not take money from special interests, corporate lobbyists, and political action committees, we must rely on dedicated Democrats like you.”

General luncheon tickets are $10,000 per person.

To be a luncheon VIP guest, the cost is $16,200 per person, which includes a photo with the president.

To be a luncheon co-chair, the cost is $32,400 per person, which includes special discussion with the president and a VIP photo with him.

Chernin is the Chairman and CEO of The Chernin Group which manages, operates and invests in businesses in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors.