Courtesy of the Acorn

Some of the locals may have noticed our brilliant American flag perched atop Ladyface Mountain. Well, at least I have. My curiosity, however, is settled. The editor of The Acorn allegedly climbed to the top of the 1,200 foot peak to scope out the scene.  What he found was a shabby old flag, standing up tall by a makeshift pool.

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

The 90 day project began January 31

Agoura Hills Crane

By: Rob Jordan

Just another follow up on the soil settlement project occurring on the Reyes adobe interchange on the 101.  You’ve certainly noticed the massive crane looming above Agoura and the traffic during the evening hours.  Well here’s the official scoop: from 9pm – 6am motorists can expect this project to be in progress until April 31st.

For more info visit: http://www.ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/

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

New Laws for 2010

California Car Buyers’ Protection Act

By: Irma Haldane

As we’ve been discussing the move over law and understanding the potential implications for failing to comply with the law, I’ve come across a couple other laws that could be important for our readers. Here’s this weeks law according to the DMV:

“This new law requires a vehicle dealer to pay off the outstanding loan or lease balance on any vehicle accepted in trade within 21 calendar days of taking the vehicle in trade. Additionally, it prohibits a dealer from selling, consigning for sale, or transferring a vehicle accepted in trade before the outstanding loan or lease balance has been paid. This law also raises fees for dealer licenses.”

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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These credits will soon disappear…

By:  Rob Jordan

First time buyers are entitled to received a tax credit of up to $8,000 if they purchase a home prior to June 30, 2010. But the window of opportunity is closing. The home must be in escrow by April 30, 2010.

This is a true cash credit you can deduct right off your taxes. And if you don’t owe $8,000 in taxes, you even get the money back from the IRS!

The rules are simple:

1. Be a first time buyer.
2. Buy a new home.
3. Meet the income requirements (up to $145,000 individual; $245,000 couple).
4. Get the credit!

For first time, low to mid range buyers, this is great opportunity. Say you’re buying a home for $400,000, using FHA financing (3.5% down). Your down payment is $14,000. But you get the $8,000 back on your taxes. So your net out of pocket is only $6,000! Wow! In the Agoura, Oak Park and Westlake Village areas, there are lots of wonderful homes in all price ranges that are terrific candidates for first time buyers.

There is a similar credit for move-up buyers, to a maximum of $6,500. So even if you sell they buy, you may be entitled to a tax credit. Consult your tax advisor to see how this program affects your individual situation.

Information provided by Rob Jordan, Estate Agent at Ewing and Associates/Sotheby’s International Realty. Specializing in Agoura/Oak Park/Westake Villae sales and leases. Contact Rob at 818.237.4425,or email to rob@robjordanhomes.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.

Rob Jordan

Flowin’

Joey Lefitz

By: Sheri Karp

Agoura High School graduate Joey Lefitz is one of 14 students chosen to enter the inaugural Berkley Jazz Institute class. Designed to enhance musical creativity and social activism, the group will be mentored by Grammy winning jazz artists Danilo Perez and Joe Lovano. Traveling to U.S. and international cities, the group hopes to teach children the power of music through performances in hopes of affecting social change.

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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Drop, Cover, and Hold On

By: Irma Haldane

Federal, state, and local emergency management experts in the United States, the Red Cross, and other official preparedness organizations all agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. This fact sheet contains important information that may save your life in the next earthquake.

The “Drop, Cover and Hold On” protocol, when performed correctly with an awareness of your surroundings, remains the most effective single piece of advice that you can follow when an earthquake occurs. More detailed information about what to do during an earthquake can be found at www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/step5.html.

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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Scheduled for Saturday, March 27th

By: Rob Jordan

The Great Race of Agoura

Originally planned as a fund raiser for local schools, the Great Race of Agoura has grown into a one of the most popular running events in Los Angeles, and continues to raise money for 8 local Oak Park and Agoura schools. The event will take place rain or shine on Saturday, March 27th. There’s a 10K, 5K, 1 Mile, and Family Fun Run. Check in at Chumash Park starting at 6 am. You can pre-register at www.greatraceofacoura.com. No paper registration is offered (it’s all online and easy as tying your shoes), as the event went “green” this year and no trees were harmed in the planning and running of this race. Less waste in the landfill, more oxygen in the air, probably faster running times too due to all that freshness!

So what do I think about this event? It’s fantastic! With 2 school age children (Sumac to AE Wright to Agoura High School), my wife and I are big supporters of public schools, and we participate in this and other school and fund raising “activities.” We’ve bought wrapping by the mile, and magazines by the truckload. But the Great Race is a really fun event. We’ve done it with our kids (in the Fun Run) and also on our own in the 5K. I don’t think I could make it the whole 10K! You get a cool t-shirt and goody bag, and there’s lots to do after the race, what with all the vendors and booths there. We live in Fountainwood, and the race route comes right by our house, where we’ve passed out water to the racers!

So even if you’re not a world class runner, I recommend you give this one a shot. It’s easy and fun!

Information provided by Rob Jordan, energetic real estate agent with Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. www.robjordanhomes.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.

Rob Jordan

By: Sheri Karp

I grew up in the Beverly Hills/Westside area, graduating from Hamilton High School, Palms Jr. High and Canfield (and a bit of Castleheights) elementary school.  I was a west side girl!!!  Never did I think I would move “all the way out there” to Agoura.  Where the heck is Agoura?  When I was 13, like many of my peers, I went away to sleep away camp.  We decided on Hidden Trails, I don’t know why but I think my friends thought that camp must have the cutest boys.  Hidden Trails was located in Agoura, way, way, way far away.  I don’t think the 101 freeway went all the way through yet.  I remember getting car sick on the long, long ride out there going over the mountains. On the south side of the road, high in the hills you can see the water tank with a huge HT painted on it.  I had the best time of my life.  I always remembered Agoura being beautiful with the best weather.  It was summer and it was warm but beautiful. The evenings were really cool so we could sit around a camp fire. No smog, no fog, beautiful mountains, magnificent bright blue skies with such white clouds.  You can see the rolling mountains and we were just 15 minutes from Malibu.  We went on horseback (probably the last time I was on a horse!) into “town.”  We rode down the mountain into Whizins where there was a “diner” and we took a spoon as a souvenir.  I always felt bad about that.  What a beautiful area.

Years later, after going to college in Washington D.C. and after I was married and had 2 children, we were searching for a house.  The Westside was price prohibited for us.  I never thought I would leave my beloved Westside.  I was not a lover of the valley and I was feeling beaten up looking for a house. One Sunday morning, I decided to take a drive, off the 101 freeway I saw the sign for Agoura. It didn’t seem so far away this time. Driving a little further, I looked to the South side of the freeway and way up high, in the mountains was a huge water tank with an HT painted on it. It was awesome bringing back wonderful memories.  And of course the weather was beautiful that day. I got off the freeway and saw a sign for model homes.  I drove around and then went inside to see the homes.  I met some people in the model home office and they were talking about how phenomenal the Las Virgenes Schools were.  I was thinking, well it’s not private school like my children are in.  They said that they were finding the schools better than the private school.  The community looked so friendly.  People were out walking, riding their bikes, skating & skateboarding.  The children had freedom and it looked like “Leave it to Beaver” lived there. I bought a house!!!  Now I had to go home and tell my husband. I guess that was the beginning of my interest in real estate!  I loved Agoura.  We would tell everyone how happy we were. My children walked to school!!!!  They played out front!!  The birthday parties and play dates were just blocks away not miles away. What a life style.

Now yesterday my baby turned 30.  He is in real estate with me.   My children loved growing up here and now we are still selling the beauty and the wonderful things that Agoura has to offer to many, many families.  How lucky we are to have experienced Agoura.

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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In California, the “Move-over” law become operative on January 1, 2010.

By: Irma Haldane

The Law holds that motorists in California could be fined for failing to slow down or move over when passing parked emergency vehicles.

Move Over!

I recently found this story regarding the Move-over Law:

I wanted to let my Medlock Bridge neighbors know about the move over law. My son got a ticket on Pleasant Hill coming back from Wal-Mart. A Duluth police car (turned out it was 2 police cars) was on the side of the road giving a ticket to someone else. My son slowed down to pass but did not move into the other lane. The second police car immediately pulled him over and gave him a ticket. My son and I had never heard of the law. It is a fairly new law that states if any emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, if you are able, you are to move into the next lane or slow down to 20 miles below the posted Speed limit.

As the cost of the ticket was $754, with 3 points on your license and a mandatory court appearance, it seems like an important law to share.  Beware people!

Visit: http://www.moveoveramerica.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.

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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There is something about holding a paper

Even my little dog, Walter, prefers reading a book to reading online. He is shown hear at story time with a friend

By: Sher Hann

It has been raining all day, and I am finally at home, sitting in front of the fire, a glass a wine in hand, reading, of all things, the newspaper.  Ink on the fingers, for many years a bane, is now a badge of honor.

I use a computer all day long: reading e-mail, check the MLS, surfing the net, visiting Facebook, reading the headlines on my Google homepage. And I’ll admit that many a morning begins still in bed, with a cup of coffee and my Blackberry in hand, as I scan CNN headlines on my phone. Yet, before I dash out, I am not happy if I cannot hold the Wall Street Journal and, at the very least, read the front-page capsules. A tech column Walter Mossberg, for example, would be a special treat, and I want to read about in the paper, not peruse the Wall Street Journal online.

There is something about holding a newspaper, book or magazine that a screen cannot satisfy. A screen does not bend to the touch. It doesn’t flutter closed as I jump up to pull my little dog, Walter, from the edge of the fire (where he looks like just another log on the hearth) and holding a laptop is not comfortable when I lounge on the sofa.  Not even a Nook can do this (although I do admire the Kate Spade Nook covers at Barnes & Noble).

Tomorrow I will most likely succumb to the urge to buy a book, I am sure. Two things drive me to read a book: bad weather or being sick. I will brave the rain to check into Barnes & Noble, where I will buy a cappuccino, peruse the latest mysteries and select some very cheap entertainment: a book, to be touched, read, savored and remembered in a way that instant articles never can be.  I will take my new book home, enjoy a warm fire, pluck little Walter from its edge, and read … and read … and read.

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