Alive, Well and Growing

By: Sher Hann

Nestled behind the Westlake Inn, with 10 courts and a minuscule pro shop, Pacific Tennis Club  caters to young, old and “tweeners.”  Despite the current challenging economy, the club’s membership has actually increased about 3% over the past two years, according to club owner Bowie Hahn. This growth is all the more amazing given the fact the local population is – let’s be honest – aging.

What the club lacks in physical amenities (a club house and a private restroom would be nice), it makes up for in programming. I have seen kids so young they can’t tell their left from their right, as well as players we all refer to as “they must have been really good at one time” run, shuffle or hobble onto the courts.  In fact, there’s something for every age: ladies leagues, men’s leagues, clinics for all skill levels, programming for children and youth (it is just a few blocks from both Oaks Christian and Westlake High School), and social events.

Just recently PTC contracted with the City of Agoura Hills to run their tennis programs, with the primary site being Agoura High School.  A community-based club, allowing both members and non-members to participate in activities (non-members pay extra), PTC is also the lowest-priced tennis club in the area, according to Hahn – and perhaps the only club that is growing.

So don’t let the local aging trend stop you – or your skill level for that matter.  Come check out a racquet (for a small fee) if you don’t already have one, check out the pros (usually worthwhile), and enjoy your time on the courts.  If you have a business, service or just an interesting concept that you think your Conejo Valley neighbors might find of interest, e-mail me your idea (idea@SherHann.com).   It may see the light of electronic media here at www.EwingSIR.com.

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.

sherhann1

Try something different this Holiday in Agoura Hills

By: Michele Hren

Lobo Canyon

Are you wanting to do something for yourself, your family, or a group of friends this holiday season? Look no further than the LOBO CASTLE in Agoura. Lobo Castle is a bit of Europe nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu and Agoura Hills. The next event is the Holiday Wine Dinner Victorian Feast on December 5th @ 6pm. During your visit you will be given a tour of the castle by it’s owner and chef, Denise Antico-Donlon.

Go to www.lobocastle.com and reserve your seat. Seats are limited. The web site has testimonials and a multitude of specialties they provide, including cooking classes, photo shoots, weddings and more.

Happy Holidays to all.

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

After being in the hospital for 4 days with my daughter, I really started to think.

By: Denise Arledge

Why do parents send their children to school sick?  I just received a call from the Las Virgenes School District asking, or should I say  pleading parents not to send their children to school ill.  I know that at my daughters school alone, there is about 15% of the students with the flu.  I didn’t say H1N1, I said the flu.  We all have to do our part, here is the information that can keep our families healthy:

1.  Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications).

2.  “Hands-off-the-face” approach.  Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).

3.  *Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt).  *H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms.  Simple gargling prevents proliferation.

4.  Similar to 3 above, *clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.  *Not everybody may be good at using a Neti pot, but *blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.*

5.  *Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C.  *If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.

6.  *Drink as much of warm liquids (tea, coffee, etc) as you can.  *Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction.  They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomache here they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

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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There may be some stability in the near future

By: Rob Jordan

Several articles in both trade and consumer publications point to the stabilization of home prices, in particular in the low end, and even some very mild increases over the past few months. Year on year prices are still down significantly, but perhaps the worst is behind us. I’m a realtor, and even so it’s hard for me to know what the future holds. Over time, prices will certainly rise. But it’s going to be a slow, gradual rise, not a big bounce back up like the big fall over the last few years.

And, I believe the worst is likely over. However, there’s this nagging feeling that a lot more foreclosure properties are in the pipeline and ready to hit the market.  Unemployment is high, politics are feisty. But, on the positive side, interest rates are low and first time buyer’s tax credit is soon to be renewed and potentially expanded. So, what to do? If you need to sell, then sell! Nice properties sell quickly and for top dollar so long as you market them aggressively. If you’re a Buyer, it’s a no brainer. Prices are way down from their peak in 2006, and over time you’ll see appreciation. Talk to a Realtor.

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

Have you ever imagined Paradise?

Couples Retreat

By: Denise Arledge

What is the definition of the perfect get-away?  Is it you and your significant other without the kids, bills, work and chores?  Welcome to “Couples Retreat” starring Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, and Kristin Davis.  This endearing storyline focuses on four couples and their different views of paradise, and how sometimes though it may seem “greener” in paradise you find that your own backyard was what you wanted the whole time.

For me this movie was entertaining in many different ways.  The scenery was incredible and actually looked like it could only be “Hollywood” created but wasn’t.  Couple’s Retreat was filmed on Bora Bora and what you see is the real thing.  The cast was engaging and the storyline funny.  It’s about four couples, their different dynamics and just how far you will go to help a friend when you think there is a silver lining in it for yourself, when in fact that said silver lining might just rock the very foundation you thought you were happy with.  Entertaining movie, worth the ticket price and the smile it will put on your face.

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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Try Dave’s BBQ and spice up your taste buds

By: Rob Jordan

Famous Dave's BBQ

Famous Daves BBQ has opened in the restaurant space at Westlake and Thousand Oaks Blvd vacated by Applebees a while back, and it was packed the night we went in. Though new to this area, there are about 150 other Famous Dave restaurants across the country. The menu is varied and interesting, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable.

No remodeling was done to the space, so they will have the big bar in the middle,  surrounded by circular high top tables and just a couple of booths. Around the perimeter of the restaurant there are booths and tables galore for families and large parties. We had the appetizer combo, which featured ribs, wings, cheesesticks and more. There was a bunch of food and great for sharing. For dinner we had a rib combo plate, a brisket sandwich and pulled pork. All were yummy.
Famous Daves feels a bit like Wood Ranch, but they have a much broader menu. This is a winner.

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

In the spirit of Halloween, I’d like to offer a few creative Halloween decor ideas cordially presented by youtube.  Happy Halloween all!

By: Roger Ewing

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVcqYhlHd7E[/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.

Roger Ewing

Congrats to this years homecoming winners

Courtesy of The Acorn

By: Rob Jordan

Agoura High School Homecoming Queen Dani London and King Garrett Rosenblum celebrate an indelible moment during the halftime show at Charger Stadium last Friday.

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

Jeremy Goldberg, a marine biologist coordinating in American Samoa, documents his Tsunami story

Jeremy Goldberg

By: Sherri Karp

Living a life dedicated to ideals while pursuing new lands and cultures, Jeremy Goldberg lives to experience.  He is fueled by an adventurous, nomad lifestyle that leaches on to all things unique and interesting.  But unique and interesting is astonishingly relative as his latest experience was a Tsunami in American Samoa.

As a marine biologist for the Coral Reed Advisory Group, he knew the tell tale signs of a looming Tsunami.  After an 8.0 earthquake and a rapidly retreating ocean, Goldberg new that tragedy was over the horizon.  Running to high ground he escaped the brunt of the ravenous waves, but more than 30 locals weren’t as lucky.

Goldberg urges people to visit www.redcross.org to give to victims of the recent natural disaster.

For pictures and more insight, visit Jeremy’s personal blog at: www.chasingmylife.blogspot.com

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.

Sheri Karp

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Do You BOGOPOD™?

By: Sher Hann

In this age of tweeting, texting and chatting, there is a new verb in town: BOGOPOD. In a nutshell, BOGOPOD is a free service for consumers in Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles that provides bi-weekly alerts via e-mail and social media channels – Twitter, MySpace and Facebook – on deals and promotions from area merchants.

At BOGOPOD.com you can find hundreds of tempting offers from more than 125 local merchants. For example, at Bruegger’s Bagels in Agoura Hills you can receive three free bagels. “BOGOPODING” at Cosmos Grill in Calabasas will give you 50% off an entrée.

For local merchants and service providers, BOGOPOD provides feedback on the effectiveness of their promotions.  BOGOPOD’s patent-pending technology tracks how many customers have viewed, clicked, printed and redeemed merchants’ coupon offers, as well as where those customers are coming from. The cost to the merchants and service provides, according to Bay, is  around $150 to $200 a month.

BOGOPOD offers one additional benefit to merchants and consumers alike: It’s a “green” form of promotion.

The brainchild of longtime Oak Park resident David Bay and his business partner, Adam Leff, of Newbury Park, “Buy One Get One Plus Other Discounts” is primarily local. But the concept is transportable. “Our plans are to expand regionally and then nationally,” Bay says.  “Right now our hands are full with Ventura County, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and Portland. We will be entering Seattle in the next month.”

So the next time you step out the door, step up to your computer first and print out your BOGOPOD coupons to help stretch your dollar and your shopping experience.

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.

sherhann1