Agoura Hills Tifa Chocolate hosting free coffee day

By: Irma Haldane

Agoura Hills is known for it’s quaint charm, rolling hills and lack of nightlife. Luckily, it has Tifa Chocolate & Gelato to pick up the slack. Saturday, December 11th from 10 am – 2 pm, Agoura Hills Patch is joining with Tifa to offer a free coffee day and $1 espresso and hot chocolate. Go over to Tifa on 5013 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills near the Lady Face Alehouse to get your free cup.

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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A long days journey

By: Sher Hann

He walked a thousand miles on patrol, toting his pack on his back through terrain that can only be described as desolate. He is Stateside now, but not at home in the Conejo Valley. Rather, he is at a naval hospital undergoing treatment and observation for back injuries. He considers himself fortunate: he can stand upright.

This is just one of the thousands of stories emanating from Afghanistan and Iraq. Project Holiday Stockings, now in its eighth season, seeks to provide a bit of cheer at this time of year to our troops enduring brutal conditions, injuries, and death on our behalf.

The stockings are filled with items requested by our troops. The Project is a nonprofit organization, with  no salaries or expenses. Everyone involved donates their time and associated expenses.  To date the Project has shipped over 27,000 stockings to our troops.

To show your support, fill a holiday stocking not longer than 20 inches from top to heel with some of the items listed on the Project’s website. Be sure to include your personal holiday greeting and/or e-mail address, as well as a check for $10.70 to cover shipping for your stocking. Make checks payable to Denise Snavely.

All monies are deposited into a special account set up by the Westlake office of Merrill Lynch.  The checks drawn on that account are made payable to the United States Post Master of Thousand Oaks.

You can deliver your stocking to one of the local collection points listed on the website. The deadline is December 13.

This year Project Holiday Stockings is dedicated to U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Jordan “A.J.” Castro, who graduated from Westlake High School in 2008; he was killed August 28 in a land mine explosion in Afghanistan.

The photos above are courtesy of a serviceman from the Conejo Valley. His mother, who live in Westlake Village, asked that I not share his name.

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 the Malibu Food and Wine Festival

By: Deena Nissley

Let the Malibu Food and Wine Festival be your first party of the holidays. Winemakers from the California Coast will congregate to offer a high end tasting for guests with purchase of the $75 ticket. Enjoy Grizzly Wine Studio, Ladera Winery, and Star Lane Vineyard bring just a handful of the vintages you’ll get to sample with your $75 ticket.

You’ll also get to sink your teeth into a spread with bites from local Malibu restaurants including Moonshadows, Tra Di Noi, and the Stonefire Grill.

When you’re not enjoying the bluffside ocean view (complete with a soundtrack of live Cuban jazz), bid on deals at hotel rooms in New York and other food-centric cities in the live auction.

Malibu Food & Wine Festival 2010
Sunday, December 5
12-5p
24250 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu
malibufoodwinefestival.com

Tickets: $75 individual, $135 per couple
VIP: $225 per ticket ($400 per couple) grants you access to cooking demos, an exclusive wine tasting, and entrance to the after party hosted by SofitelLA and Tra di Noi.
Good cause: Proceeds go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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.

Deena Nissley

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The Fall play from the Theatre Arts Department

By: Cindy Nexon

The Agoura High School Theatre Arts Department is proud to present “You Can’t Take It With You” this December.

Starting on December 8th and ending on December 11th in the G Building at Agoura High, the Theatre Arts Department will perform the Kaufman and Hart three act play at 7 p.m. each night. There will be no matinee and tickets are $15 at the door, $10 for students with ASB.

“You Can’t Take It With You” relates the humorous encounter between a conservative family and the crazy household of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof. Grandpa’s family of idiosyncratic individuals amuse with their energetic physical antics and inspire with their wholehearted pursuit of happiness, Kaufman and Hart fill the stage with chaotic activity from beginning to end. Critics have admired the witty one-liners, the visual theatricalism, and the balanced construction of the play’s three acts.  Although “You Can’t Take It With You” is undeniably escapist theater which prompts immediate enjoyment rather than complex analysis, it has clearly influenced American comedy. The formula originated by Kaufman and Hart – a loveable family getting into scrapes and overcoming obstacles — has been adopted as a format by most of today’s television situation comedies.

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.

Cindy Nexon

Agoura Hills to start another Farmers Market

By: Roger Ewing

The Whizin’s Farmer’s Market is starting up December 7, 2010 at 3pm – 8 pm. Local farmers and artisans will congregate to offer the citizens of Agoura Hills the freshest products. This will likely be a hot spot for local chef’s from the nearby Blue Table and other surrounding restaurants. Every Tuesday this weekly farmers market will kick off at 3pm. The Whizin’s center welcomes you and says, “come on down to the farmer’s market & shake the hand that feeds you.”

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

Designer floral and rhinestone - encrusted sandals for dress-up by Nancy Li. Never worn, $2.

Good Buys from the Salvation Army

By: Kelly Sinclair

Penny Wise is dedicated to Penny Kissman, an inspiring, creative and brilliant woman who personified good taste and although she had the where-with-all to buy what she pleased, she made the point to never squander her money foolishly. She kept the money she made yet always bought what was needed, added her own personality/spin to it and enjoyed her “finds.” Her thriftiness was cool before anyone added to their vocabulary the now-standard words; “hideaway,” “understated,” “thrift store,” or “second-hand goods”.

I naturally gravitated to this contagious and smart behavior as a child and continue to seek such “coolness” every day in response to, “where did you get THAT?” Whether it’s discovering the yummiest dive restaurant in town, the hippest sofa one has even seen, a vintage piece of clothing that goes from garden attire to the ballroom event-of-the -year or the most unique but oh-so-relevant- gift for a friend or client, “cause I know them so well”…I’m in! Please learn from me, save your money for other extravagances and make your future stories say “that’s just “it”!!!…

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.

Kelly Sinclair

Kelly Beth Sinclair, Realtor at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty represents buyers and sellers throughout the San Fernando Valley. She specializes in equestrian properties in Calabasas, Agoura and Oak Park.

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Don’t pile your sheets any longer!

By: Irma Haldane

Those of us that don’t have our own shredders run into space issues from time to time. Most of us understand the risks of simply trashing bank documents and we hoard old documents in fear of others finding them. Well don’t do it any longer. This Saturday from 10am – 3pm at the Agoura Hills Recreation Center you can shred your materials for $10 a box. From 10am-3pm, at 30610 Thousand Oaks Blv. between Lake Lindero Dr. and Reyes Adobe, bring all your boxes and some cash to shred your highly confidential goods. The Agoura Valley Woman’s Club will be sponsoring the event, so be sure to thank them.

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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Help with horse properties in Conejo Valley

By: Lauren Rauschenberg

I was 10 years old when my parents gave me my first horse, a 16.3 American Saddlebred/Thoroughbred cross named Charlie. I lived in Huntington Harbour in Orange County and rode Charlie to the beach and back to his stable that my Father built behind my grammar school. That was only the beginning.

My horse trainer soon convinced my parents to buy a show horse so I could compete in the Hunters & Jumpers and Equitation divisions. With the help of my registered thoroughbred named “Diamonds are Forever,” my show career began. Horses became my passion.

Years later I moved to the Conejo Valley to ride in Hidden Valley at Blakiston Ranch. I still compete in the hunter and jumper division, though a lot has changed since the days of riding Charlie on the sand.  I am not as brave as I used to be but I still hold the same fervor for horses.

I have owned horse properties in the Conejo Valley and built a large horse property in the Wagon Road Ranchos in Agoura Hills. I have ridden and kept my horses in the San Fernando Valley, Somis, Santa Paula, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills (Barronsgate & Pegasus), Old Agoura, Wagon Road Ranchos, and Paramount Ranch. I currently board 3 of my show horses at Bell Canyon. My other two horses are kept and compete on the East Coast.

Currently, I manage and run my own horse breeding program and business. I also specialize in selling horse properties in Agoura, Old Agoura and Bell Canyon. Serious equine aficionados understand the nuances of buying a horse property. With my background, I am proud to say, I understand the nuances as well. If you need assistance locating the perfect home and or equestrian property, let me help you.

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.

Lauren Rauschenberg

Lauren Rauschenberg, Estate Broker at Ewing and Associates Sotheby's International Realty, is a practicing civil litigator and emerging Realtor. With nearly 10 years of experience in real estate law and as a title company manager, Lauren discovered a broader demand for her estate expertise.

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What’s my Oak Tree Worth?

By: Serena Scott Thomas

I recently went to a listing appointment for a large piece of property in Agoura.  The owner asked me what I thought the property was worth in this market, to which I responded ‘That depends.’  I didn’t say that to be difficult or to hedge my bets, I said it because I knew that,  in that area of Agoura and in many rural areas in Southern Ca, land value is dependent on many different factors. And some of them are rather surprising. I needed to walk the property first and take a really good look at the comps and the municipal codes.  The usual things that spring to mind are, of course, acreage, location, grade, zoning etc., but what I was worried about, in this case, was the oak trees that I had seen there when I first drove by the property.
One of the many things that I love about living in the West Valley is the staggering beauty of the open countryside here. I love to run in it.  I run for my heart and my sanity and the sight of those magnificent oak trees always fills my heart with a mixture of joyful anticipation and profound respect.  They have survived all the earthquakes, the fires and the landslides and have witnessed the desecration of so much of our most picturesque landscape and still they stand, ancient guardians of the golden rolling hills of California.  To me, they are magical, even mythical and I am glad that they are so heavily protected.  But why are they so rigidly protected?  I don’t disagree because I love trees.  In my mind, you can never have too many trees along with never being too skinny, too rich etc.  But why the oak trees, in particular, as opposed to any of the other many varieties of trees that we have here?   So I started looking into the Oak Tree Protection Ordinance of 1982 and here’s where I discovered an interesting paradox.  Oak trees can be both an asset AND a liability with regard to property value.

Most people know about the liability part.   Anyone who is looking to buy or sell land  for the purposes of building or development will tell you that the oaks are a nightmare.  In this particular case we talked about the idea of selling the lots separately.  After my walk through,  I discovered that this was a very bad idea, since two of the parcels were heavily populated with mature oak trees.  Given the difficulty and expense of obtaining the required permits for any trimming, moving or removing of these trees to clear space for construction or development, the value of those two lots sold separately, would be significantly reduced.  They were much more valuable as a natural and majestic gateway to the entire property.

But what I also discovered is this wonderful and, I think, little known fact : According to the Conservation District of The Santa Monica Mountains “ In the Santa Monica Mountains, homes having mature oaks typically sell for up to 30% more than homes without them.”  Why?  Because “Oak trees have value, based on the benefits they provide.  A study done by American Forests in 1985 found that each mature tree provided $275 worth of real economic benefits each year.  These benefits are avoided costs for storm water runoff control, groundwater infiltration, temperature moderation, air pollution reduction, and carbon sequestration. A mature tree located on the west side of a house significantly reduces summer air conditioning costs.”
So I learned something new and intriguing and for those of you who have oaks on your property, be happy! Your home is probably worth more than you thought!

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.

Serena Scott Thomas