18 Billion in Cuts

By: Michele Hren

Based on the sentiments expressed in the March 10th Acorn, the public is fine with $18 billion in cuts being made to our schools. That’s $18,000,000,000.00.

I admire the letter from Tina, in the 3/24/11 Acorn, a mother with 3 children who has the opportunity to see more than we can imagine. Her kids are getting and education in the CVUSD where PTA’s see the necessity to help supply amenities and programs to their students while Tina teaches in a less fortunate school in Oxnard that has no extra funding for the students, and unfortunately, but not surprisingly has a lower graduation rate than in Thousand Oaks.
My kids are in college but I still hope to be paying taxes to schools when the present babies and kindergarteners start running the world. However, it’ll be a travesty if fewer and fewer kids graduate or don’t experience what is their right to get an education because of a poorly run government that made selfish cuts to eliminate such things as new books, enough teachers to successfully teach students or after school programs that unite and excite. We don’t want students to lose interest in their dreams and resort to just hanging out in the streets. Let’s not crush their dreams and potential to someone who can make a positive impact in their family, community or worldwide.

When it comes to the future, let’s do for children as if they were our own. Taxes to help schools thrive should be like feeding our kids. It’s a top priority. They are the generations that will make the decisions when we’re retired or in poor health. We want them educated and thankful to the generations that came before them.

Here’s a little advice from my experience in this recession: If you don’t think you can afford funding schools look at what you have in your cart the next time you go shopping at the grocery store of the mall. If you’re honest with yourself I bet you will find more than a few items you can live without. See the big picture.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Michele Hren

Big Brand Saves you money

By: Denise Arledge

When my Prius needed a new touch screen system, I took it to the Toyota dealership and received a quote for over $1,590 including labor. A bit suspicious, I went online to find the part for substantially cheaper. I purchased the part and went over to the Big Brand Tire Shop in Thousand Oaks to see what they could do the job for. With parts and labor, a $1590 job was done for about $350!

This auto shop in Thousand Oaks is managed by Matt who consistently does my auto repair for roughly 1/3rd the cost of the dealerships. It’s been family owned and operated for 35 years for a reason – they are honest, hardworking, and aim to offer value to their customers. Don’t pay dealer prices, go to Matt the manager at Big Brand Tire shop in Thousand Oaks (click for map).

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

denisearledge

Denise has over 19 years experience in real estate. She is a consistent top producer & has won numerous awards for her sales, listings & service. She is a resident of the Conejo Valley for over 22 years & specializes in fine homes and estates throughout the San Fernando & Conejo Valleys.

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Who Pays?

By: Michele Hren

I didn’t get a cozy feeling when I read the March 10^th Acorn article by Michelle Knight about the No-shows and last minute cancellations that cost Dial-A-Ride and Americans with Disabilities Act Transit programs an average of $150,000 a year, according to the city records. My discomfort is not about the money lost when the city pays $22 whether the rider shows up or not. This is a generous service to our seniors at $1.50 each way that is surely appreciated by the riders.  $3.2 million is spent annually helping seniors with many errands and important doctor and hospital visits. But, as I read the article I felt the burden of lost revenue, solely landing on the riders, is gravely misrepresented.

Unlike most transit agencies, Thousand Oaks was without adopted policies for no-show and late to cancel riders until this past February, where upon the city approved a new policy that would establish consequences for riders who are frequently no-shows and late to cancel. However, in my opinion, I feel the council is putting too much emphasis, as I interpret them to say, by cracking down on the 4%, or 3,200 seniors and disabled riders who don’t follow the rules. The new policies may suspend riding privileges for 2 weeks if after 90 days of phone reminders and written notices the pattern persists. Did anyone take responsibility and acknowledge what the transportation companies could have done to help these dependent citizens before? Did the transportation companies call the scheduled seniors, over 62, and the disabled riders to confirm their ride just as, for instance, Super Shuttle does? I wanted to know, so I called Dial-A Ride.

I asked the scheduler, “How much notice do you need from me when scheduling a pickup?” Answer: two hours. OK, great. Then I asked, “How far in advance can I make a reservation?” I read that standing reservations can be made up to 6 months but she didn’t give me that option. Her answer was 2 weeks. I said, “Wow, I’d probably forget about it, that far back. Do you call me to confirm?” She answered, “Oh, no, no, no, no. It’s up to the rider to call us to confirm that we have it scheduled.” Hmm.

If those riders in need can schedule a ride within 2 hours of a pickup, why can’t Dial-A-Ride and the ADA make the call to scheduled riders 2.5 hours before pickup. These are seniors and disabled people who still want to live life as fully as possible but may be forgetful at times. Aren’t we all? They would appreciative getting a reminder call and it could alleviate the $22 cost. If the schedulers are too busy, hire someone part time who just makes those calls and it would more than pay for the extra employee’s salary. 3200 no shows etc. x $22 per trip = $70,400 lost revenue.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Michele Hren

The Story of Melissa Matthews

By: Denise Arledge

A good friend of mine, Melissa Matthews, recently partnered with a few dermatologists. These dermatologists happened to be the creators of Proactiv. This is what Melissa recently said:

I never thought of myself as the entrepreneurial type of person until I was given the opportunity to join a business in its beginning stages. A good friend of mine shared with me an opportunity to partner with the dermatologists that created Proactiv. What doctors Katie Rodan and Kathy Fields have done for the acne market they are now doing for anti-aging market through independent business ownership.

Aside from a phenomenal business opportunity; the award winning, clinically proven skin care products will give you the best skin of your life… guaranteed! Rodan + Fields has brought dermatological solutions for common skin concerns to the masses, there is something for everyone.

I was an Oak Park resident just about my whole life before I met and married my husband, Eric. We are now thrilled to be happy homeowners raising our family in Westlake Village. When I found out I was pregnant with our first child my husband and I started preparing for me to stay home with our children. We faced the ultimate question – “how will we live on one income?” Rodan + Fields has been a helpful solution to that question. I am thoroughly enjoying the discovery of personal & professional life balance and am more than happy to discuss the opportunity with anyone to see if it is right for them.

For information about products visit https://blushbrush.myrandf.com/
For information about how to join my team visit https://blushbrush.myrandf.biz/
To learn more about our cornerstone product visit http://www.bestspentminute.com/
To contact me by email

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

denisearledge

Denise has over 19 years experience in real estate. She is a consistent top producer & has won numerous awards for her sales, listings & service. She is a resident of the Conejo Valley for over 22 years & specializes in fine homes and estates throughout the San Fernando & Conejo Valleys.

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Don’t Pass Up The Fixer Homes…

By: Rob Jordan

The FHA 203k loan is an often overlooked option for buying a home that needs some work, or for refurbishing your existing home. Here’s how it works.

Let’s say you find a house you love, but it needs some work. You’ve saved the money for the down payment, but you don’t have the extra $10,000 or $20,000 or $50,000 or $100,000 that is required for repairs and rehabilitation. Or let’s say your existing house needs some work, and you want to remodel and refinance. Well, you can borrow the repair money from the FHA, and roll it all into one regular home loan!

The FHA 203k loan program is specifically for homeowners who want to buy a property that needs some rehabilitation and repair, and they want to borrow the money for the repairs with the home loan. It’s basically a home improvement loan rolled into your typical home loan.

This program can be used to accomplish rehabilitation and/or improvement of an existing home in a couple of ways:

• You can purchase a home that needs some work and rehabilitate it.

• You can refinance your existing home and build in repair and rehabilitation funds into the loan!

For example, suppose you find a nice house listed for $500,000, but it needs some work. A new roof, new flooring, new appliances, new kitchen cabinets (or a whole new kitchen), new bathrooms. You can use the money for just about anything except a luxury item like a pool. You estimate the repairs at $50,000. The value of the home when fixed up is $600,000, based on comparable homes in the neighborhood.

The FHA will loan you the whole $550,000, and work with you and your contractors to help get the work done. They help you find the contractor, itemize the repairs, develop a schedule, and release funds to pay the contractor, tradesman and material providers as the work is done.

For improvements or repairs LESS than $35,000 – called a streamlined rehab – it’s even easier. The money is advanced to you up front, without a progressive release schedule.

Is the house so bad you can’t move in for a bit? Well, you can even finance the first few months payments to cover the time period during which you’re doing the work. So you’re not making payments on a house you’re not living in.

The program is similar for existing homeowners who want to fix up their homes, but haven’t saved up the necessary funds.

And, you can even do some of the work yourself if you are capable.

FHA rates and qualifying criteria are very competitive, and you won’t be paying a big, over market premium for these loans.

So when searching for a home (or want to fix up your existing house) don’t pass up on the ones located in great neighborhoods which “are in bad shape but have great potential”, just because you don’t have the extra funds to pay for repairs. Maybe the FHA 203k loan is just the thing for you!

For additional information, contact Rob Jordan, of Sotheby’s International Realty/Ewing & Associates. Rob specializes in Agoura, Oak Park and Westlake Village homes. He can be reached at 818.237.4425.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Rob Jordan

“Bash” Mendes makes his mark

By: Denise Arledge

Sebastian Mendes, Agoura Hills surf star, is only 8 years old. But that hasn’t stopped the 60 pound surf rat from attaining a slue of famed sponsors like DVS, ValSurf, Matix and Body Glove. I’ve been watching this young star rip since he was 5 years old as I am close friends with the Mendes family. His father Anthony is the owner of Winner’s New York Pizza in Agoura Hills, one of Sebastian’s favorite restaurants.

Sebastian and the family visit the North Shore many times per year to expose Sebastian to some of the best waves in the world. He has spent time around Kelly Slater and other numerous surf legends. Sebastian is currently leading the under-9 championship for the Western Surfing Association. He leads by 2,752 points, a nearly insurmountable lead. I wish Sebastian luck in the years to come. He will undoubtedly be a successful surfer.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

denisearledge

Denise has over 19 years experience in real estate. She is a consistent top producer & has won numerous awards for her sales, listings & service. She is a resident of the Conejo Valley for over 22 years & specializes in fine homes and estates throughout the San Fernando & Conejo Valleys.

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St. Patricks Day in Calabasas

By: Tammy Sue Roberts

This St. Patrick’s Day don’t forget about the 5th annual Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center Celebration and open house. The Claddagh School of Irish Dancers and the Tribal Caravan of Belly Dancers will perform some rockin’ moves while live Irish music will be played by Innisfree. Don’t forget face painting, rock climbing, a moon bounce, photo shoots and free usage of the Community Center for the entire day.

Taking place on Saturday March, 12th from 11am to 3pm, the community center will also offer food, activities, contests, games and drawings. The Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center is located at 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

tammysueroberts

The Napa Grill
101 S Westlake Blvd
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(805) 497-4911
www.thenapagrill.com

By: Rob Jordan

Some restaurants you walk into and just feel like it’s going to be good! The newish Napa Grill in Westlake Village was one of those.

As we walked in, we were greeted by handsome young men in jackets and ties, eager to welcome us and show us to a table. The tone wasn’t stuffy or formal; more like upscale, very nice service.

We passed a large, attractive bar on our way to our table. Lots of wines, plus appetizers if you’re the happy hour crowd.

The style of the restaurant is quite nice with a rich (again, not formal) feel. There’s a wonderful patio out back, complete with firepit and couches, which we’ll definitely want to sample when the weather warms.

Our waitress was informed and friendly. Bus service was excellent, and our water glasses and bread baskets were never empty. Those jacketed hosts, plus one or two 3 piece maitre d’s were available, should we have needed them, which we didn’t.

Our drinks were just fine, and we noticed a flight of wines on the menu, which is often a fun adventure. We shared a salad and had two fish entrees, both of which were tasty if not spectacular. We were there on Wednesday (date night for the past 20 years) and every table was full, so word is out!

I noticed pizza on the menu! This might be quite the option for parents looking for upscale, with kids in tow looking for something simpler, quite the model of our family actually!

I’ve heard that some feel that the food is a bit bland. OK, the chef can kick it up a notch. Portions seemed just fine to us. We dropped a C note that night for sure, but the food, ambiance and service made it an enjoyable evening.

Will the Napa Grill mature into a challenger for Tuscany, Leilas, the Grill? Possibly. It’s a bigger operation than any of those three. Maybe it needs to work through a few growing pains. The owner also operates Roxies Deli in Thousand Oaks? (Unconfirmed.) Well that’s a big operation too. We heard the head chef at Napa Grill came down from North Ranch Country Club.

Bottom line? Napa Grill is worth a try in our book!

Rob Jordan is a realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty/Ewing & Associates. He specializes in Agoura, Oak Park and Westlake Village. He can be reached at 818 237 4425.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Rob Jordan

BB King in Agoura Hills

By: Irma Haldane

Every so often we get the treat of an old classic right here at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc4ktIFl7ww[/youtube]

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Irma Haldane

Irma Haldane, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, represents buyers and sellers throughout the West San Fernando, Conejo and Simi Valleys with specialization in Agoura, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Camarillo and Westlake Village.

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Westlake Village and Agoura Hills Groupon Deals

By: Denise Arledge

Usually, I go to Umi Sushi a couple times per week. Last week I popped in for some routine Sushi and the owner informed me that on this particular day there was a substantial groupon.com deal happening. So good, in fact, that my sushi was near half price. After hearing of the groupon deal, I immediately purchased some coupons myself. Who knew my favorite Agoura Hills Umi Sushi had such deals. There numerous other groupon deals throughout Westlake and Agoura Hills, just sign on to groupon.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

denisearledge

Denise has over 19 years experience in real estate. She is a consistent top producer & has won numerous awards for her sales, listings & service. She is a resident of the Conejo Valley for over 22 years & specializes in fine homes and estates throughout the San Fernando & Conejo Valleys.

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