December 31, 2025

Final Thoughts Before the New Year

Greetings,

As we wrap up the year, I wanted to share a few final reflections:

A Quote: I recently encountered a post that brought me peace, and I hope it resonates with you as well. In the words of Anthony Scaramucci, and I'm paraphrasing: "Stay in the game. Laugh at yourself. Even if you are (or were) a big shot, be comfortable with your irrelevance. 10,000 years from now, no one will remember any of us; no one will give a shit about any of us. In the famous words of Mel Brooks, none of us are getting out alive. So, embrace it, have fun, and stay in the game." I find these words strangely motivating, comforting and inspiring.

An End of Year Deal: We are assisting a well-established investor in identifying commercial real estate investment(s) up to $15M. They are engaging in a 1031 Exchange and need to identify their next property or properties by early next year (January, February). Our focus is on coastal retail properties or mixed-use developments, ideally in Laguna Beach, Dana Point, CDM, or nearby markets. On-market or Off-market - I'm all ears!

A Glimpse into Next Year: I will be on the air in 2 days - this Friday (1/2/26) at KXFM 104.7 on Coastal Living in Laguna Beach with Tom Bak from 1 PM to 2 PM - the first show of the New Year - discussing significant trends that impacted Laguna in 2025 and looking ahead to 2026. Laguna Beach needs a strong vision for the future, and I invite you to listen as we explore these important topics.

Lastly, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy New Year and a 2026 filled with prosperity and health for you and your family.

Warmest regards,

Ken

PS - Check out the photo below from yesterday. Laguna Beach is seeing some of the flattest conditions ever. Great for tide pool viewing. Enjoy.