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Letters from Jordan

My Son’s letter from Amman, Jordan

By: Sher Hann

For every parent of a child in school, this is a busy and sometimes emotional time of year. My son, now in college, has chosen an unusual place to go back to school: Amman, Jordan. He left early on August 25. Soon he will move in with a host family. Until then, he is ensconced in a hotel that offers intermittent Internet access. Here is his first letter from Amman, complete with slide show: Picture Show 1 from Jordan,

This is the first email out of many that I hope to send. I arrived in Jordan two days ago and have so far been overwhelmed by all that I’ve seen/experienced. I don’t want to mislead you into thinking I’ve done a lot, since I haven’t. But just being in such a different locale is an experience in itself for one who has never been outside the United States.

My trip started out less than ideal when I used the ladies restroom by accident at the airport customs department, and being consequently directed out of the restroom by the maintenance crew, who no doubt were laughing at me in Arabic (I blame the jet lag and not my inability to understand the universal signs for male and female). From there things went a little more downhill. I spoke Arabic with my cab driver, whose cab was a modified truck with no visible taxi decals (not my best decision). My driver failed to understand what I said most of the time, and I failed to understand what he said in return. This I’ve read, from CIEE (the study abroad organization), is perfectly normal, since local Jordanians speak a fairly different version of Arabic than that spoken by business and government officials (what I’ve been learning). But, even though it is to be expected, it does put things in perspective. I have a long, long, long journey ahead of me that will most likely push me over the edge of my comfort zone, my greatest challenge.

My arrival coincides with Ramadan. This means that most businesses are closed during the day, or open for limited hours. I have been roaming around my neighborhood and have managed to find some places to buy food and water (pretty inexpensive for a huge bottle). I had Texas Chicken last night… yes, Texas Chicken.

Walking around Amman is different, to say the least. One moment I’ll be walking in a fairly nice area and then find myself in a section whose buildings could use a lot of renovation. I hope the attached slideshow will clarify what I mean. As I walk around Amman, I still find myself feeling like I’m walking in the US. I think it’s because I can still hardly believe that I am in Jordan and so far away from home. I still have to remind myself that I am in an environment like nothing I’ve ever experienced.

I still get nervous speaking Arabic with the locals, but it should pass with time as I learn more vocabulary and get used to hearing and speaking the language on a consistent basis (at least I hope it does).

I hope things are well with all of you back home.

Cheers,

David

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.

Tags: letter from son, sher hann realtor, texas chicken in jordan

Historic Conejo Valley Photos

Conejo Valley and the Jungleland days

By: Sher Hann

Not to be outdone by my colleague Jeff Biebuyck, who found some great 1920s photos of Encino (http://ewingsir.com/historic-encino/), I’d like to present the early days of the Conejo Valley.

My favorite photo, shot by Thousand Oaks chronicler Ed Lawrence, is not in the public domain. It’s a photo from the 1960s that he took at the intersection for Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Moorpark Rd., right by the 101 freeway exchange. It shows shepherds together with their dogs, herding a mass of sheep (none of whom faced the camera). Lawrence’s collection – a 50-year chronicle called From Ranches to Residences – is private (as he one time said, if I were a rich man, I would donate it, but I’ll be working till I die).

However, I did find a trove of photos from the old Jungleland site, now the home of The Lakes shopping center, City Hall and the Civic Arts Plaza. These photos, actually dating to the 20s, can be found at http://stagecoachmuseum.org/jungleland_exhibit/jungleland_exhibit.htm. Don’t remember Jungleland? Take a look!

There is also an archival video, a cross between Ronald Reagan’s General Electric Theater and Bonanza, at http://www.cosf.org/website/html/multimedia-video.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.

Tags: Historic Conejo Valley Photos, old conejo valley photos, old Jungleland

The Conejo Valley

The beauty of Westlake Village

By: Sher Hann

As a Conejo Valley realtor, I thought it would be beneficial to share this short video on Westlake Village. Enjoy!

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.

Tags: conejo valley homes, westlake village homes

A New Grocery Store Sprouts to Life

New grocery store in Thousand Oaks

By: Sher Hann

If there’s something Thousand Oaks didn’t need, it’s another grocery store chain. At least that’s what I thought until I went to Sprouts.

The second specialty market brand developed by the Henry Boney family, who sold their Henry’s Farmers Markets in 1999,  Sprouts has sprouted onto the scene as an alternative food store of healthy, organic, local, fair-trade options (did I miss any buzz words?). Located at the site of the old Circuit City, in Thousand Oaks near The Oaks Mall, Sprouts is definitely a destination store – and it’s worth the trip. There are gluten free products, local produce at, believe it or not, local prices, fresh (really fresh) meats and fish. Oh, yes, there’s a selection of low-carb food too, as well as “bin” coffee and grains.

Prices are surprisingly modest. Some would say (although lately the charge is not entirely fair) that Sprouts is Whole Foods without the whole paycheck.

Take a check, check it out, and enjoy a fresh Sprouts meal tonight.

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.

Tags: grocery store sprouts, thousand oaks grocery stores, thousand oaks sprouts

Taking a Walk on the Bark Side

How a walk in the dog park turned into a walk on the wild side.

By: Sher Hann

The new Oak Canyon Dog Park, in Oak Park, has been the bark of the town, at least in canine circles. Friends have commented on how lovely it is, waxing so eloquently it would seem John Muir himself had scripted the comments.

Alas, a recent Sunday trip had to be aborted. The walk to the park is about 200 yards, uphill and down. Our aging Aussie, Murphy, couldn’t even get to the park! His back legs collapsed, and he lay immobile – his Ghandi routine. There is handicapped access parking, but is it for disable dogs?

For a second outing to the park, I arranged to have my son stay with Murphy so his feelings wouldn’t be hurt while I took Walter to meet his friend Prada. The scenery there as we emerged from the wooded path is truly spectacular – a great bowl of green lawn set against a backdrop of dark hills.

Little “Waltman” was very excited by the time we reached the entrance. So, it seemed, was a small black lab just inside the park. The two immediately set upon each other, attracting other dogs to the fray.

When we were finally able to extract our respective pooches, I carried my shaken 29-pound “Schnauchshund,” a rescue dog in more ways than one, out of the park and sat on a bench while he regained his composure. He looks defeated, said one passer-by as we ambled back to the car. That was an understatement! In fact, he is ok, just one small puncture wound.

Perhaps this weekend I’ll go to the park on my own, sans dogs, and enjoy the scenery.

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.

A Walk on the Wild Side: Wild Gardens

If green is the new black, then wild is the “au courant” look in gardens.

By: Sher Hann

So goes the ecological wisdom.

In fact, the concept of “wild gardens” is not new, dating back to the 1860’s when it was pioneered in England by William Robinson. It has evolved to what we commonly call today the English Cottage Garden. Robinson, taking his cue from the Arts and Crafts movement, strove for the practical, more natural, less formal garden that harmonized with the surrounding landscape. Wild gardens were to contain a large variety of plants, including edibles and natives all mixed together in a free design.

In eco-conscious Southern California, wild gardens showcase those plants that thrive in our dry environment. Some wild gardens also seek to attract wildlife. In the wild garden in the photo, surrounding a home in Wood Ranch, owner Agnes Faughnan says, “We focused on the abundance of birds in the area, putting in not only plants but also a water feature that would attract them. Definitely, this has been a success story.”

To maintain the pastoral environment, Faughnan’s garden uses natural stone for the patio, walkways and small retaining walls. The resulting setting, says Faughnan, is eco-friendly, with low-water-using plants irrigated by micro irrigation sprinklers. It offers variety, with an abundance of native plants, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees, including lemon, lime, tangerines, blood orange, pear, Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranate, fig and black walnut, as well as many herbs and, of course, lavender.

“Our wild garden is also practical,” says Faughnan, “because of its low requirements for both water and maintenance. Like nature,” she says, “our garden is a work in progress.”

For more images of this tranquil paradise, see Starbright Gardens.

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.

Tags: starbright gardens, wild gardens

A Gift that Keeps on Giving: The Carpenter Family Theatre

The Carpenters: Top of the World

By: Sher Hann

When my son, now 20, was in middle school at Ascension Lutheran School, in Thousand Oaks, he came home one day after practice for the school production of “Charlie Brown” and in exasperation exclaimed, “It’s not going well. Mr. Carpenter says we’re not ready, and he’s a professional!” And then it dawned on me: Traci Carpenter was one of David’s classmates. Mr. Carpenter was Richard Carpenter, of the famed duo The Carpenters.

Richard and his wife, Mary, of Westlake Village, have long been supporters of the arts in the Conejo Valley. Now, their latest donation bears their name at Westlake High School: The Carpenter Family Theatre.

In a gala celebration last evening, a sold-out crowd thrilled to performances by students from the high school Drama Department, the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Choir and, of course, members of the Carpenter family, including Richard himself.

The new theater features improved site lines and state-of-the art audio, lighting and video capabilities, plus enhanced acoustics and all-new interior surfaces and finishes. Other improvements in the new theater include the elimination of the multi-tiered cafeteria floor, which is the entry chamber to the theater, while excavating the old theater room to accommodate the new seating.

Outclassed by performing arts centers constructed at Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park High Schools in the late 90s, the 1970s-era black-box theater at Westlake High School was long overdue for a theatrical facelift. Richard and Mary Carpenter approached the staff at Westlake High School and the school district about expanding and renovating the theater, and offered a substantial contribution to jumpstart the project.

With a $4 million budget, construction began in June 2009, using the Carpenters’ donation and funds from the CVUSD Measure R Bond and the State Modernization Grant. The Carpenters’ donation came through the Conejo Schools Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for school district.

Introducing the final number last evening, “Top of the World,” as a continual royalty maker, Richard Carpenter called the song “the gift that keeps on giving.” And so his family’s generous gift to Westlake High School will keep on giving for generations to come. He is, after all, “a professional” in the true spirit of the word.

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.

Tags: Thousand Oaks

Prozac in the Dumps

What to do with unused medicine?

By: Sher Hann

Are unused medicines lurking in your medicine cabinet? If so, you are not alone. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, 80% of our country’s waterways contain trace amounts of pharmaceutical wastes. The effect on humans is just now under the microscope, but we know there’s a negative impact on wildlife. We also know that 40% of drugs abused by kids come from the home of a friend or relative.

Now residents of Thousand Oaks have a remedy. They can take their unused meds to the Thousand Oaks Police Department and place them in a bin located in the lobby. Just remember to remove any personal information from the containers, and place liquid medicines in a sealed plastic bag to avoid leaks. For those unable to get to the Police Station, the City will provide envelopes at www.toaks.org/GoGreen. These envelopes can them be mailed to the Police Station:

City of Thousand Oaks

2101 E. Olsen Rd.

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Note: The collection bin is not for needles! These should be placed in a the envelopes noted above and taken for disposal to Los Robles Hospital, to Los Robles Community Medical Group on Thousand Oaks Blvd. or to the City’s monthly Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.

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.

Tags: unused medicine, unused pills

Cafe Europa in Westlake Village

A great new cafe in Westlake Village

By: Sher Hann

To be sure, the Conejo Valley has its share of excellent French and Italian cuisine. But now, as the anemic economy nibbles into the everyday budget, comes some lighter fare with European flair: Europa.

Located in the North Ranch Shopping Center, in Westlake Village, Europa is owned by Jorge Gruener, a professional chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, NY. “Good coffee is my passion,” he explains. “I wanted a European-style coffee house where you could get a great cup of coffee with light, healthy food.”

Indeed, the coffee and teas (all loose leaf) are organic and certified fair trade. Gruener orders the coffee on one day, and the next morning it is roasted and delivered in the afternoon. Each cup of espresso is made with a Rancilio espresso machine – Italian and the best in the world, Gruener says – and served in a biodegradable cup. The panini is made on the premises with La Brea bread, and the pastries come from a boutique bakery.

Outdoor seating and soon-to-come wireless Internet service complete the café. Europa is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and perhaps later on weekends.

Europa Cafe, 3945 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite A, Westlake Village 805.494.1089

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.

Tags: cafes in westlake village

Life Animal Rescue in Agoura Hills

Bindi Su. Jake. Teddy. Willow. Trevor. Bianca, Buddy. Peaches. Frankie. Lucas.

By: Sher Hann

What do these names have in common?

At one time all were shelter pets. They have since been adopted and are now the poster children for a new series of stamps that will go on sale on 4/30/2010. The new 44-cent was designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D,C., with photography by Sally Andersen-Bruce. Bindi Su, Jake Teddy and the other models are from the photographer’s home in New Milford, CT. All have found homes. With these 10 stamp designs, the U.S. Postal Service hopes to raise awareness of the need to adopt shelter pets.

During the campaign, Stamps to the Rescue, along with Conejo Valley property owner Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets, will give shelter pets around the country a “First-Class Meal,” donating a million meals to animal shelters around the country. (DeGeneres is a co-owner of Halo).

To pre-order your stamps, visit your local post office next week, or preorder now. To find adorable pets like the authors, go to your local animal shelter.

About the authors: Walter Landen wa adopted from Life Animal Rescue, Agoura Hills.

Tang-Tang came from the animal shelter in Agoura Hills.

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.

Tags: Agoura Hills, LIfe animal rescue, Sher Hann