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Rick Hyman Visits Lindero Canyon

Hyman tells his story…

By: Sheri Karp

Artist and Historian Rick Hyman and his wife Ronda presented paintings, slide show and a book of Hyman’s heritage which includes slaves and landowners. Thanks to seventh grade teacher, Gila Brook, students received the pleasure of listening to Hyman.

Hyman’s work has been showcased in several museum exhibits and on USPS commemorative envelops and postcards. He recently helped 150 families express their family history through art.

His novel, “My Texas Family: An Uncommon Journey to Prosperity,” documents his ancestral heritage and photographs that his family took from 1912 – 1927.  Hyman plans to paint depictions based on 300 photographs. He has painted 36 since 1996 with the help of his creative adviser, his wife.

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: Lindero Canyon, My Texas Family: An Uncommon Journey to Prosperity, Rick Hyman

Joey Lefitz Choosen for Berklee Global Jazz Institute

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.

Tags: Berklee Global Jazz Institute, Joey Lefitz

Why I Moved to Agoura from the Westside

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.

Tags: Beverly Hills, Sheri Karp, Westside area

Snow at Born Learners Preschool in Agoura Hills

By: Sheri Karp

On this Friday morning, when many of us are driving to our respective work places, kindergartners at Born Learners in Agoura are enjoying a snow day.  Parents and children gathered to spend an hour in the snow, something that appeared to make the children ecstatic.  Kudos to the administration at Born Learners for getting the young ones out and giving them their own snow in sunny southern California.  Visit Born Learners Website here.

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: Born Learners Preschool, ewing and sotheby's, Sheri Karp Real Estate

Sip Cielo Wine Bar in Agoura Hills

A new wine bar in Agoura Hills

By: Sheri Karp

Sip Wine Bar, on Kanan and Sierra Creek Rd is a newly introduced Agoura Hills establishment.  Near Troutdale and the Rustic Canyon Grocery and Grill, Sip Cielo features a tasting room and mellow outdoor area with scattered fire pits in an enclosed area protected by low hanging trees.  Wander inside and choose from a variety of different flights or check out the menu here.  Friday and Saturday, the quaint venue features live music and tends to be the busier nights.  Head over to Sip Cielo for a refreshing atmosphere in the unexpected, Agoura Hills.

Don’t forget to ask for some cheese and crackers!

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 Real Estate Agent Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Tags: Cielo Agoura Hills, Sheri Karp Real Estate Agent Ewing and Sotheby's, Sip Cielo Wine Bar, Sip in Agoura Hills

Westlake Dog Saved from Coyote

English Bull dog not meant to die

By: Lisa Stanley

Another miracle on the vicious Westlake Village front.  After hearing a “strange” noise, Jamie Andrew of Westlake Village began approaching the commotion.  What she saw was rather unpleasant.  3 ravenous coyotes were choking an English bull dog and dragging the dog up the hillside.  With a little craft in the form of waving her hand, Andrews scared away the coyotes and the dog was uninjured.

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. Lisa Stanley Real Estate Agent Sotheby’s.  Agoura Hills Homes for sale.

Tags: Agoura Hills Homes for sale, Coyote attacks dog, english bull dog, ewing sothebys, Lisa Stanley Real Estate Agent, Westlake Dog saved

Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Renovation

Thousand Oaks Auto Mall to see some construction changes

By: Sheri Karp

The Thousand Oaks City Council voted unanimously to increase parking spaces and create an ad hoc committee to take a look at revitalizing the exterior of what was once called the world’s largest Auto Mall. The proposed plan will cost $8.5 million and provide 364 more parking spaces and a widening of public street.

The recommended parking improvement plan will cost $8.5 million and provide 364 more parking spaces. It will also widen the public streets and add angled parking and speed bumps to slow traffic. Phase I will cost $5 million and create 190 new parking spaces.

The Auto Mall is the largest single source of city sales tax and generates 25 percent of the city’s general fund.

Stay tuned for more information as this develops.

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 Auto Mall, Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Construction, Thousand Oaks Auto Mall parking, Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Renevation

Agoura Hills Mayor Bill Koehler

The Agoura Hills City Council appoints Bill Koehler mayor

By: Sheri Karp

The Agoura Hills City Council selected William Koehler for mayor.  He will replace Denis Weber who is now serving his fifth term in office.  Perhaps his most worthy statement dealt with the recent economic downturn.  He said Agoura Hills suffers from subsequent budget issues that effect redevelopment funds, money for affordable housing and a decline in property tax revenue because of the depressed real estate market.

This aside, however, Koehler was excited to express his desire to establish Agoura’s cultural identity through the arts.  Residents remain excited to see Koehler’s efforts as mayor.

Learn more at The Acorn

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 City Council, Agoura Hills Mayor, Bill Koehler mayor, Mayor Bill Koehler

New Agoura Hills Librarian

Our very own Agoura Hills Librarian

Courtesy of the Acorn

By: Sheri Karp

Just weeks ago I wrote a blog on the resignation of our well seasoned librarian, Raya Sagi(Librarian). It’s now time to introduce our newly hired librarian, Elaine Adler.

A 34 year veteran with the public library system, Adler is the regional use services coordinator for 14 libraries and four bookmobiles.  “I love it,” Adler said.  “The City is very pro-library – it’s a very nice place to be.”  Please welcome Elaine next time your in.

“I must say that I find television very educational.
The minute somebody turns it on, I go to the library and read a book.”
~ Groucho Marx  ~

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: ewing & associates, ewing and associates, ewing and associates sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewing sothebys, ewingsir, ewingsir.com, New Agoura Hills Librarian, sotheby's calabasas

Marlene Williams of Agoura Hills

Not your average Agoura Hills granny

By: Sherri Karp

The word grandmother usual conjures up gray hair, rickety bones, shaky hands and a wrinkled face.  Well, mostly.  And although 69 year old Marlene Williams may have similar characteristics, her age didn’t stop her from getting her black belt in Tae Kwon Do last September.

Williams was first introduced to Tigon Martial Arts school by her daughter, Heather Carrillo, and  began attending the morning “mommy class.” She never quit.  “I love the challenge,” Williams exclaims.  “I’m committed to starting something and finishing something.  I don’t throw in the towel.”

Williams classmates say she is surprisingly strong.  “She kicked my butt,” said one.  “She didn’t get her black belt for free.”

This is one grandma you don’t want to mess with.  To read more about Marlene’s story visit The Acorn.

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, ewing and sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewingsir, Marlene Williams, sotheby's, Tigon Martial Arts