RFID, Radio frequency identification, is a term I have just learned about. Instead of bar codes, many of the communities in the area, including Hidden Hills are now using them for resident gate entrance. I was surprised that they are also being used in credit cards and passports.  Recently, I received an email from my son-in-law with a link to a video that astounded me. The video shows how someone can scan your cards even if they are in your wallet and purse by reading the radio frequency. It looks like a wireless icon on your cell phone or computer. If your credit card has one (about 1/3 of all cards do) a thief can scan your card and obtain the account number and expiration date.

A short time ago, I received a metal case from a friend. She said it protects her credit cards. Instead of carrying them in her wallet, she carries them in this case. Now I know what an appropriate gift that is.

We are all trying to protect our identities today. We use shredders, we call our credit card firms when we are going to be traveling and we watch our cards carefully. Technology is great but we have to be proactive in protecting ourselves.

With the economy beginning to recover, it is essential that we understand small businesses are a vital part of the recovery. Having just returned from the British Isles where we saw store after store that we have here in Westfield Topanga Plaza, I yearned to go into a store that was unique. Small and unique businesses were difficult to find in the British Isles because of the impact of the economic downturn. Now, more than ever, it is important to emphasize supporting small businesses. Of course it is difficult to support a local business on one’s own, so lately people have become creative in the way they are aiding small businesses. One of these ideas has formed into a phenomen called, “Cash Mobs”.

The other morning, I caught a segment on one of the morning shows about Cash Mobs. I had never heard of them. What are they? Per Wikipedia, “A cash mob is a group of people who assemble at a local business and all buy items from that business. The purpose of these mobs is to support both the local businesses and the overall community. They may also serve a secondary purpose in providing social opportunities. They were inspired by flash mobs. The cash mob is related to the carrotmob, which supports companies for ethical, mainly pro-environmental actions.”

Cash mobs have spread across Southern California in the name of helping local economies. There are websites and groups on the Internet that organize cash mob events for citizens to join. Recently, there have been residents in the Malibu area coming together to create their own cash mob for the “Preserve Malibu” movement.

What a great idea! We should bring this to Calabasas, Hidden Hills and surrounding areas to promote our local economies.

Preventing Unwanted Text Messages

I hate scams and spams. Now we not only have to contend with internet scams and phishing (there is a whole new vocabulary out there), but also text scams. Receiving a text in the middle of the night was beyond annoying but when it turned out to be a text meant to swindle me, it was worse. I don’t recall how much the gift card was for but I know that I do not shop at that store. The biggest clue was the number. Now we are getting 5, 6 & 10 digit numbers. This scam is called “SMiShing“. If you receive one you can forward the text to the shortcode 7726 which spells SPAM. You should receive an automated message from your wireless carrier asking you to enter the phone number from which the spam text was sent. This allows wirelss carriers to investigate and block senders.

Don’t believe you won a $50 Starbucks card or will win a free IPad if you are one of the first 1000 responses. If something is too good to be true, it is too good to be true.

Verizon, my wireless carrier, even filed suit against another type of text fraud through which companies set up websites to rope in unwitting customers to fraudulent premium third-party SMS text messaging services, which can make lots of money off the unwitting.

These spam text messages are illegal under the 2003 “Can Spam” Act. The FCC recommends to reply STOP, but there’s a theory that replying could just indicate to the spammer that you have a working number that can be resold.

Customers Affected by Text Messaging Fraud Can Visit www.premiumsmsrefunds.com for Information on Filing Claim for Refund.

It is wonderful when you hear about heroes but little heroes are the best.  Mikah Kainine, age 7 of Hidden Hills was recently bit by a rattlesnake in his backyard when he tried to protect his 2 year old brother Joseph and his dog Luna.  When I read about how he stepped between the snake and his brother, it confirmed my belief in mankind’s good deeds and the wonderful parenting he is receiving.  When I think of seven year old boys, I don’t think of heroes.  Most would be busy playing and not be aware of nearby danger.

After being bitten, he had the maturity to call out to his mother so she could protect his brother and save his dog. He has been in the hospital four days and will have to undergo physical therapy after his release so he can walk again.

What a brave little hero.

Fire captain, Ed Loney, advised snake bit victims to call 911 even if you are going to the hospital as it can take up to 30 minutes to mix the anti-venom. With the weather warming, we should all be aware of rattlesnakes.  Be careful when you are working in the garden, walking on the trails or even walking on the street.

By: Dana Olmes

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) recently passed a program titled, “Mow No Mow” that will give incentives for local home owners to re-landscape their property. Residents in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills and Westlake are all able to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for participating in the program. In order to qualify, residents must be living in a single family home and pre-apply to the program. The LVMWD sees this as beneficial for both the homeowner and environment because it saves money and water.

Full details of the program are listed on the LVMWD website: http://www.lvmwd.com/index.aspx . Along with the details, there is also a landscaping guide of “California Friendly” plants that are aesthetically pleasant and help reduce water use. Ideas for water conservation within the home such as checking for leaky faucets or purchasing water efficient laundry machines are also listed on the site.

Recently, the Leonis Adobe Museum in Calabasas began an initiative to encourage members of the community to visit local museums. The museum has created a “passport” that visitors can fill by going to selected museums in the area. The amount of stamps earned correlate to a certain prize. At 25 stamps, the passport holder receives one, get one free lunch or dinner at the Sagebrush Cantina and at 40 stamps, a free Sunday brunch for two at the Cantina. As of now, the prize for the full 50 stamps has yet to be announced.

A representative from Leonis Adobe stated, “this is a wonderful way for families and all residents to journey through California’s rich history.” Other employees at the museum expressed that the true prize for visiting the museums is learning more about the history of California. This initiative is a great activity for Calabasas residents to partake in while also enriching their cultural knowledge of the state. To see the full list of museums visit the official “Passport2History” website and pick up your passport at the Leonis Adobe Museum.

Sometimes we wonder how we may feel years from now when we review our life experiences or perhaps a moment in time. Having just lost a dear friend yesterday, I am having difficulty getting around the thought that a healthy 47 year old mother of four could die so suddenly. My thoughts are all over the place.

Low and behold, I found a web site that is extremely interesting. You write a letter to yourself now, and www.futureme.org will deliver it by email on a date you choose-in a day, a year, or many years. I am going to send myself an email with memories of her. When I receive my email, I am sure I will be glad to receive it.

Yesterday, the Calabasas Library revealed a mural in the Children’s Reading Room. Councilman, Fred Gaines once served on the Library Commission and was there for the Library opening in 2008. After the opening, he as well as other council members wanted to add something unique to the library. So in January, the City commissioned artist, Ricky Alvarez to paint a mural in order to add a “wow factor” to the Children’s Reading Room. Alvarez took a little over one month to create the awe inspiring art work.

The finished product has four tiers, each of which represents a different theme. The first layer depicts ocean and is filled with sea creatures and swimmers. The second layer’s theme is land accompanied by a painting of City Hall. The third tier is sky themed with a few birds and the last is of outer space featuring an astronaut. A mother from Agoura Hills said, “I think the depiction of City Hall and surrounding land is beautiful and amazing. My daughter loves it.” If you haven’t seen it yet, go check it out for yourself.

By: Tomer and Isidora Fridman

Yesterday Emma Watson was spotted filming for ‘Bling Ring’ in Calabasas. The actress is most well-known for her role in Harry Potter but has acted in a few other movies since the series ended last summer. This movie depicts the true story of a group of teenagers that burglarized the homes of several celebrities from 2008 to 2009. The group of six stole approximately $3million in cash and other items. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Rachel Bilson and Lindsay Lohan were all victims of the Bling Ring.

Director Sofia Coppola, known for ‘Lost in Translation’, stated. “I’m excited about the young cast we’re assembling and I’m looking forward to shooting on location here in Los Angeles.” Other actors who have signed on for the movie include Leslie Mann and Israel Broussard. The movie is rumored to be released in 2013.

By: Dana Olmes

Apple stores across the world today have been bombarded by excited fans in anticipation of the iPad 3, which was released at 8am this morning. Despite some controversy regarding Apple’s practices, the iPad 3 is expected to break sales records. Apple predicts that by the end of 2012, they will have sold 55 million of the new product which will add up to 100 million iPad sales in total.

Sales though, won’t be attributed to the average consumer only. Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak waited in line at a Los Angeles store for the iPad 3 with his wife. He stated, “I wanna be one of the real people, who line up and wait all night…Apple’s just that important to us.” Others around the world seem to share the same sentiment. Stores near you, such as Sherman Oaks and Thousand Oaks are selling the new iPad on a first come, first serve basis so if you haven’t purchased one yet, hurry over!