By: Roger Ewing

Our three Ewing & Associates offices have again placed Toys for Tots collection boxes in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Sherman Oaks.  The collection boxes will remain in place through December 22, 2011. Toys of all monetary value will be distributed to needy children. Often, there are few gifts for children over the age of 10 so a special consideration for these children is always appreciated.

To find our offices, visit the links below:

Agoura Hills Office
Calabasas Office
Sherman Oaks Office

By: Sher Hann

Historic McCrea Ranch, located at the base of the Norwegian Grade, was home to legendary film actor and western movie hero Joel McCrea. Originally purchased in 1933, the ranch has a long tradition of dry land farming. Joel and his wife of 57 years, movie star Frances Dee, raised their three sons here, living a simple lifestyle and actively participating in the community. The family, along with hired hands, farmed and ranched the land, raised feed crops for animals, and ran an average 150 head of cattle. In 1995, the McCree: family donated 225 acres of the ranch, including the family home, to the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD).

The new 1,400 square foot Visitor Center, which includes an exhibit/display area, meeting room, restrooms, and an expansive deck, will offer a variety of interpretive, educational and programming opportunities. The Visitor Center vividly portrays family ranch life during the 1930s -1950s.

The Joel and Frances McCrea Ranch Foundation exists to honor and preserve the legacy of Joel and Frances McCrea by raising and managing funds to support the restoration and preservation of McCrea Ranch.

Public access to the McCrea Ranch Visitor Center will initially be managed through scheduled programs with CRPD. As the trained docent and volunteer base expands, and funds are available, hours of operation will be established allowing the Visitor Center, as well as other parts of the ranch, to be open to the general public.

For the visitors center, call 805.495.2163.

By: Lauren Rauschenberg

Most riders have a dominant side, one that is stronger than the other and bears more of the rider’s weight in the saddle to compensate for the weaker side; however, many aren’t aware that they have straightness issues. Elizabeth Hanson developed Equestrian Pilates, a fitness program featuring three routines, to help riders become aware of and fix common posture, balance and flexibility issues while strengthening the areas of the body that are most important for proper riding. Here, excerpts from Hanson’s “Equestrian Pilates” e-book provide insight about one-sided weaknesses and exercises to remedy this common problem.

Understanding One-Sidedness

The muscles of the stronger side are shorter, causing the rider to lean to that side. Straightening the rider’s posture requires stretching the muscles of the dominant side and strengthening the muscles on the weaker side. Riders who are stronger on their right side should stretch their lower back and both the right and the left leg, focusing more on the right side. The left leg and abdominal muscles need to be strengthened so riders can support themselves with their core to be able to open the hips and use the legs as aids instead of using them to stay in the saddle.

To read further about equestrian Pilates, go to: http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-exclusives/equestrian-pilates.aspx

By: Lori Einhorn

If you want to have a wonderful dining experience and enjoy the atmosphere at the same time, take a ride to Jinkey’s Cafe in Agoura Hills. This casual restaurant offers great food choices including healthy alternatives along with amazing chili and mouth watering omelets. They are known for their hearty south of the border option like the Santa Fe Scramble, Yucatan Quesadilla, Huevos Rancheros and the Desperado. They also serve a great lunch and dinner, but be prepared to wait. It is worth it!

Saving our local schools in Calabasas

By: Karen Lee

Roughly $200,000 in donations is needed to rescind 80 percent of notices of potential layoff issued for the Las Virgenes School district. That’s why about 15 volunteer parents spent Tuesday night calling families throughout the Las Virgenes Unified School District, asking for donations to help 51 teachers and counselors keep their jobs.

Phone banks were set up at our own offices Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in Calabasas and the Farmers Insurance in Agoura Hills, and will continue from the same locations through this Thursday.

The fundraising campaign, dubbed Save Our Schools, kicked off in February and has so far raised $291,000, said Karen Kimmel, the district’s chief business official.

Reaching Save Our Schools’ initial goal of $1 million would help all of those employees stay on staff, Kimmel said.

Keep up the hard work! Let’s make this happen.

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.

18 Billion in Cuts

By: Michele Hren

Based on the sentiments expressed in the March 10th Acorn, the public is fine with $18 billion in cuts being made to our schools. That’s $18,000,000,000.00.

I admire the letter from Tina, in the 3/24/11 Acorn, a mother with 3 children who has the opportunity to see more than we can imagine. Her kids are getting and education in the CVUSD where PTA’s see the necessity to help supply amenities and programs to their students while Tina teaches in a less fortunate school in Oxnard that has no extra funding for the students, and unfortunately, but not surprisingly has a lower graduation rate than in Thousand Oaks.
My kids are in college but I still hope to be paying taxes to schools when the present babies and kindergarteners start running the world. However, it’ll be a travesty if fewer and fewer kids graduate or don’t experience what is their right to get an education because of a poorly run government that made selfish cuts to eliminate such things as new books, enough teachers to successfully teach students or after school programs that unite and excite. We don’t want students to lose interest in their dreams and resort to just hanging out in the streets. Let’s not crush their dreams and potential to someone who can make a positive impact in their family, community or worldwide.

When it comes to the future, let’s do for children as if they were our own. Taxes to help schools thrive should be like feeding our kids. It’s a top priority. They are the generations that will make the decisions when we’re retired or in poor health. We want them educated and thankful to the generations that came before them.

Here’s a little advice from my experience in this recession: If you don’t think you can afford funding schools look at what you have in your cart the next time you go shopping at the grocery store of the mall. If you’re honest with yourself I bet you will find more than a few items you can live without. See the big picture.

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.

Big Brand Saves you money

By: Denise Arledge

When my Prius needed a new touch screen system, I took it to the Toyota dealership and received a quote for over $1,590 including labor. A bit suspicious, I went online to find the part for substantially cheaper. I purchased the part and went over to the Big Brand Tire Shop in Thousand Oaks to see what they could do the job for. With parts and labor, a $1590 job was done for about $350!

This auto shop in Thousand Oaks is managed by Matt who consistently does my auto repair for roughly 1/3rd the cost of the dealerships. It’s been family owned and operated for 35 years for a reason – they are honest, hardworking, and aim to offer value to their customers. Don’t pay dealer prices, go to Matt the manager at Big Brand Tire shop in Thousand Oaks (click for map).

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.

The signs of a stroke – now a 4th indicator

By: Sheri Karp

This is story that’s been floating around and it’s so important, it just may save someones life.

During a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall – she assured  everyone that she was fine (they offered to call  paramedics) she said she had just tripped over  a brick because of her new shoes.

They  got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of  food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying herself the rest of the  evening

Jane’s husband called later  telling everyone that his wife had been taken to  the hospital -
(at 6:00  pm  Jane passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the  signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with  us today. Some don’t die. They end up in a  helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It  only takes a minute to read this…

A  neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke  victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the  effects of a stroke…totally. He said  the trick was getting a stroke recognized,  diagnosed, and then getting the patient  medically cared for within 3 hours, which is  tough…

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank  God for the sense to remember the ’3′ steps, STR  . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a  stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately,  the lack of awareness spells disaster. The  stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage  when people nearby fail to recognize the  symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a  bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three  simple questions:

S  *Ask  the individual to SMILE.
T  *Ask  the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE  (Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out  today.)
R  *Ask  him or her to RAISE BOTH  ARMS.  If  he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these  tasks, call emergency number immediately  and describe the symptoms to the  dispatcher.

New  Sign of a Stroke ——– Stick out Your  Tongue

NOTE:  Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the  person to ‘stick’ out his tongue.. If the tongue  is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the  other,   that is  also an indication of a  stroke.

A  cardiologist says if everyone who gets this  e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that  at least one life will be saved.

I  have done my part. Will  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.

5 Great Events in Agoura Hills and Calabasas

By: Karen Lee

What’s going on in Calabasas this weekend? Wouldn’t all the families love a few ideas on how to entertain the kids? Here are a few ideas on what’s going on in Calabasas March 25th-28th.

1. The Dole Great Race of Agoura Kick Off

• Where/When: Thursday and Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center
• Why go: The Great Race Sports and Fitness Expo is a great way to kick-off the weekend.  Entertainment, vendor booths, an indoor rock wall and last chance registration are just a few of the activities you and your family will enjoy.
• Pricing: Free!
• Ideal for: Families with kids of all ages.

2. The Dole Great Race of Agoura Hills

• Where/When: Saturday starting at 7 a.m. at Chumash Park in Agoura Hills.
• Why go: The Great Race celebrates running and has events for all levels and ages.  The first race begins at 7:30 a.m. and events will continue throughout the day until 3 p.m. when the Run Party starts.  Enjoy live music, vendor booths, food, kids activities and more.  Grab your running shoes and the kids and enjoy this awesome annual event!
• Pricing: $40-$90 per race.  Registration is required to run, call 1-877-GR8-RACE for more information or visit their website.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/gr8rc[/youtube]

3.  Food Truck Festival

• Where/When: Saturday from 2-9 p.m., Calabasas High School.
• Why go: Over a dozen food trucks serving up tasty fare, live entertainment and a boutique. Need we say more?  Don’t miss this deliciously entertaining event!
• Pricing: Free for kids under 3; students with I.D.,$3; and adults, $5.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.

4. Get To Know Some Animals Up Close

• Where/When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College.
• Why go: Help the Moorpark Zoo raise funds for their amazing zoo program and take advantage of VIP tours, food and craft vendors, animal shows and a kids’ zone.
• Pricing: $5 for kids and seniors, $10 for adults.
• Ideal for: Families with children of all ages.

5. Get That Carseat & Stroller Cleaned

• Where/When: Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Pump Station in Westlake Village.
• Why go: Go because you’ve probably never washed your carseat or stroller, and let’s face it, kids can be pretty messy!  CleanBeeBaby is celebrating the launch of their mobile cleaning service by visiting local stores and cleaning your baby gear.  You’ll be in and out in 30 minutes.
• Pricing: Free
• Ideal for: Families who still use carseats or strollers.

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.

Who Pays?

By: Michele Hren

I didn’t get a cozy feeling when I read the March 10^th Acorn article by Michelle Knight about the No-shows and last minute cancellations that cost Dial-A-Ride and Americans with Disabilities Act Transit programs an average of $150,000 a year, according to the city records. My discomfort is not about the money lost when the city pays $22 whether the rider shows up or not. This is a generous service to our seniors at $1.50 each way that is surely appreciated by the riders.  $3.2 million is spent annually helping seniors with many errands and important doctor and hospital visits. But, as I read the article I felt the burden of lost revenue, solely landing on the riders, is gravely misrepresented.

Unlike most transit agencies, Thousand Oaks was without adopted policies for no-show and late to cancel riders until this past February, where upon the city approved a new policy that would establish consequences for riders who are frequently no-shows and late to cancel. However, in my opinion, I feel the council is putting too much emphasis, as I interpret them to say, by cracking down on the 4%, or 3,200 seniors and disabled riders who don’t follow the rules. The new policies may suspend riding privileges for 2 weeks if after 90 days of phone reminders and written notices the pattern persists. Did anyone take responsibility and acknowledge what the transportation companies could have done to help these dependent citizens before? Did the transportation companies call the scheduled seniors, over 62, and the disabled riders to confirm their ride just as, for instance, Super Shuttle does? I wanted to know, so I called Dial-A Ride.

I asked the scheduler, “How much notice do you need from me when scheduling a pickup?” Answer: two hours. OK, great. Then I asked, “How far in advance can I make a reservation?” I read that standing reservations can be made up to 6 months but she didn’t give me that option. Her answer was 2 weeks. I said, “Wow, I’d probably forget about it, that far back. Do you call me to confirm?” She answered, “Oh, no, no, no, no. It’s up to the rider to call us to confirm that we have it scheduled.” Hmm.

If those riders in need can schedule a ride within 2 hours of a pickup, why can’t Dial-A-Ride and the ADA make the call to scheduled riders 2.5 hours before pickup. These are seniors and disabled people who still want to live life as fully as possible but may be forgetful at times. Aren’t we all? They would appreciative getting a reminder call and it could alleviate the $22 cost. If the schedulers are too busy, hire someone part time who just makes those calls and it would more than pay for the extra employee’s salary. 3200 no shows etc. x $22 per trip = $70,400 lost revenue.

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.