One of the most important decisions when buying a home is to have a home inspection.  Too often, buyers don’t want to spend the extra money for an inspection, particularly in new construction.  This three to five hundred dollar (generally) expense, is the best money you can spend when investing in any new home.  Sellers are not always aware of any defects, or safety issues in their own home, so by bringing in a third party, you can insure a neutral eye on the property.  I just sold a client of mine a condominium that was new construction.  It was the second escrow for her as the first property on which she wrote an offer had some defects in the construction.  We brought in our inspector who looked over the property and while he deemed it safe, he felt that there were some issues and some shoddy workmanship.  My buyer wisely cancelled the deal and we moved on.  The next property was also new construction, and although the listing agent thought she was wasting her money bringing in an inspector, my client, knowing the value of that inspector, hired him once again to inspect the second property.  That property had superior workmanship and we successfully closed the escrow with peace of mind about her investment. To read more go to: Cindy Nexon’s blog

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.

Well, we’re doing it again!  We took a year off (except for Cathy who soldiered on last year), but we’re back, and with a team name and everything!  This year, Nicola, our very bossy team captain, has come up with some wonderful fundraising ideas teamed up with some local businesses.  And, we are looking for me ways to not only raise money, but have fun and give a little something back to our always generous benefactors who pony up every year for us.  So, visit the website at www.Avonwalk.org and click on the Donate Now button.  There, you can donate to us as individuals or as a team “Pink Warriors” Santa Barbara.  If you go to the “Pink Warriors” website, there you will find all the fundraising plans thus far that you can participate in.  More to come!  As soon as I figure out how to link it to this blog, I will!  Meantime, keep checking in as we train, we will blog!

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.

By: Cindy Nexon

EARLY PLANS—An artist’s rendering places the new Calabasas water park next to the existing roller hockey rink (the large light blue square to the left) at De Anza Park. El Encanto homes are across the street. A hillside in the foreground would need grading. The Calabasas City Council has taken the first step in developing a water park at De Anza Park on the west side of town, although some members were disappointed with the initial design and said it looked like a “Las Vegas resort.”

In 2003, when the city’s community services department was updating its parks and recreation master plan, a survey was sent to residents soliciting their ideas.

“The consistent theme that came back was an aquatics complex on the west side of Calabasas,” said Jeff Rubin, the city’s community services director.

The master plan, adopted by the City Council, called for an approximately $8-million water park.

Rubin said that last year Mayor Jonathon Wolfson approached him to discuss the water complex, and after meetings with Dan Huncke, recreation services manager, and Tony Coroalles, city manager, the planning for the project began taking shape.

Conceptual designs depict a water park complete with water slides, splash pool and a miniature river shaded by large palm trees. Also proposed are an eight-lane swimming pool, locker rooms, an office complex and a concession stand. Initial layouts show parking at the corner of Las Virgenes and Lost Hills roads.

“I’m a little concerned with the visual aspect,” Councilmember James Bozajian said at last week’s City Council meeting. “I’d prefer it not look like a resort. I’d like it to blend more. I would hate it to be an eyesore. . . . It looks like a Las Vegas hotel rather than what it should look like, which is a natural area.”

“I share Councilmember Bozajian’s concerns about the landscaping and the look,” Councilmember Mary Sue Maurer said. “It does look like Las Vegas.”

“These are just conceptual drawings to kind of bat around what it might look like,” Coroalles said. “We didn’t spend a lot of money on this. Before we went much further (we wanted to see) if there was council consensus, to see if this might be an idea worth pursuing.”

Mayor Wolfson agreed.

“I think these were meant more to show pieces of the project, not how it would be laid out,” he said. “There are things we can do and still retain all these great features. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t look like it belongs in Calabasas.

“I think that we definitely need to make sure whoever works on the design understands that we don’t want it to look like a standard water park,” Wolfson said.

Rubin said he met with Coroalles and the city’s chief financial officer Gary Lysik and the three were able to reduce the cost estimate to less than $7 million.

“I’m very concerned with the affordability concept,” Bozajian said. “I didn’t see any maintenance costs included (in the estimate), and that would influence my decision.”

Bozajian said he wants to see the cost of maintaining the area, refilling the pool and hiring security guards. He was also worried about noise and lighting factors and other wear and tear on the park.

“Citizen input is very important to me,” Bozajian said. “I distinctly remember proposing a skate park and opposition came out. There may not be opposition, but I think if you showed this to the community it would draw some concerns. I’d be supportive, but I’d have to see some alterations here.”

After the updated designs are created, community meetings and public hearings will be held to gauge community feedback. City staff will also look at similar facilities and study pricing structures to determine how much the park might cost to operate.

“I’m conflicted. . . . I use this park almost every weekend,” Maurer said. “And what I’m looking at is the removal of the baseball field and the largest grassy area, where I’ve flown kites and thrown paper airplanes and really enjoyed that wide open expanse. It’s such a dramatic change for me.

“But for the community, I think there could be great value here. This could really be the family center for the community.”

Maurer also suggested putting a teen center at the facility.

Rubin said he expects updated designs to be ready by next month.

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 Summit in Calabasas

I am looking forward to this opening!  Finally, more choices for restaurants in the immediate area, walking distance to Liberty Canyon.   This will be a great meet and greet place to hang out with neighbors and friends.  A little mini “town center” for Malibu and Liberty Canyons.  Even though the Village where Albertson’s is great, there are no real “sit down” restaurants for an evening out.  What fun!

Here’s an update on the tenants for “The Summit”

Pacific Coast Greens (natural/organic market based in Malibu)

Senor Fred (full service, sit down Mexican/tapas restaurant with full bar)

Wolf Creek Brewery (American grill menu with micro-brewed specialty beers)

Jersey Mikes Subs

An upscale “green” stationary/gift boutique

BCBC Nail Salon

A full service “green” dry cleaner

Take out pizza place

A gourmet coffee/tea place

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.

By Jeff Biebuyck

We are now seeing confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus in various schools. We need your assistance in preventing the spread of this new virus. If your child exhibits flu-like symptoms, such as fever with sudden onset of cough, runny nose or sore throat, it is imperative that the child not be sent to school. Keeping the child home, until they are fever free for 24 hours, is essential in preventing the spread of any illness.

When reporting to the school your child’s absence, please include the symptoms the child is experiencing. This will assist us in tracking how many students are absent due to flu-like-illness versus other reasons.

Seasonal Flu Shots are now available at various locations in the community. The H1N1 Flu Shot is expected to be available in October.

Today the LVUSD website information was updated, including information on who should receive the flu shot. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website is also an excellent source of information.

We commend our parents, faculty, staff and administrators for assisting us as we address the challenges in dealing with this new virus. Parents are advised to develop contingency plans should their children become sick and need to stay home. Your cooperation in following the recommended measures to prevent the spread of illness will provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.

We will continue to keep you updated. Thank 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.

By: The Zago Group

Recently, Jessica Simpson had her precious Malti-Poo Daisy was taken by a coyote in front of her very own eyes.  Daisy was given to her by her ex-husband Nick Lachey. The singer posted on Twitter the following statement “My heart is broken because a coyote took my precious Daisy right in front of our eyes. HORROR!”

The area that we call home is one that we share with coyotes. Homeowners in suburban areas such as Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and throughout LA County areas have noticed the coyotes have become increasingly bold over the recent years. They have injured or killed pets, as have bit children and adults. The abundance of food, water and shelter available in suburban environments draws the wily animals into residential neighborhoods, where they soon learn that most humans are not a threat.  Once comfortable in suburbia, some coyotes become proficient in attacking domestic cats and small dogs as prey.

Here are some prevention tips to share with your family friends and neighbors:

1. Keep small pets (cats, small dogs and other pets) indoors from dusk until dawn.   Or keep pets in a coyote-proof yard, area or cage from dusk until dawn.
2. Install a fence or convert your fence to prevent coyotes from entering your yard.
3. Feed your pets indoors.  Or if you feed them outdoors do so during the day and never leave pet food out at night.
4. Make sure trash is not left outside in bags and that all trash cans have secure lids with locking mechanisms.  Secure the cans to a fence or wall with rope or elastic cord so the trash cannot be tipped over.
5. Install motion sensitive lights in your back yard and around your house.
6. Don’t leave fruit, berries or compost on the ground or uncovered.
7. Don’t overflow bird-feeders. Hang them high or in areas that are not accessible to coyotes.
8. NEVER feed coyotes.
9. You can install one or more 7 foot or higher posts with a platform at the top for cats to use as an escape from coyotes.  The posts need to be made of a material that the cats can climb.  When being chased by a predator a cat can climb the post and sit on the platform until it is safe to descend and the coyote is gone.
10. Clear brush and vegetation to remove habitat for small animals that may attract coyotes and to remove areas where coyotes can hide while stalking their prey.
11. Always keep pets on a leash when walking in parks, forest areas or in residential areas.

By The Zago Group

Fins Creekside in Calabasas is the spot that you are looking for! Fins Creekside in Calabasas, or Fins to us locals is located at 23504 Calabasas Road in Calabasas.

According to Fins website, www.finsinc.com, “Fins uses the freshest fish, meat and poultry available. All soups, sauces, and dressings are made in house (from scratch) with no preservatives”.

Fins lunch and dinner menus include fresh seafood, pasta and steak. Some of the favorite plates of  The Zago Group include penne pasta with oak roasted salmon, macadamia halibut, and the reigning champ of the menu is the filet mignon served with some of the best mashed potatoes that you will ever eat.  Fins also hosts a weekly Sunday brunch with a specialty brunch menu that consist of great tasting breakfast favorites. Great food and a comfortable, relaxing environment, makes Fins a great place to dine for any occasion.

By Tomer and Isidora Fridman

2009 Pumpkin Festival Chair Elena Yasno and Co-Chair Stephanie Warren of Ewing & Assoc. Sotheby's Intl. Realty

The Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the City of Calabasas and the Calabasas Arts Council to present a weekend of family fun.“There will be an abundance of pumpkins and plentiful activities for the whole family,” says Elena Yasno, Chair of the Pumpkin Festival.

For more information on Sponsorship Opportunities, participating in the Business Expo and to Volunteer your time you may visit

www.calabasaspumpkinfestival.com

I recently visited the new Agoura Farmers Market

By Cindy Nexon

So, my friend and I dropped by the new Farmer’s Market today in  the Agoura City Mall.  It’s by Agoura’s Famous Deli.  It’s small, but lots of fresh flowers, organic fruits and vegetables and of course the requisite jewelry booth.  Who doesn’t need new pearls on a Sunday morning eh?

I’m sure it will get bigger and more diverse, but it’s very promising and a great way to say hey to your neighbors and pick up some really fresh strawberries which are my family’s reason for living.

A couple of notes, parking wasn’t too bad, and you can spill into the Ralph’s lot, but they have a big fat NO DOGS ALLOWED sign, which is disappointing to those of us who have been to other farmers markets where that is not a problem.  Each Sunday 10 until 2.

Certainly worth checking out…let me know what you think!