By: Kenny Melcombe

Cal State University Northridge is just about to have the grand opening for the student rec center. The past friday I had the opportunity to attend the Pre-Opening Dress Rehearsal. In a few words, it was better then I had anticipated. It was amazing!

This is a state of the art center including a rock wall, basket ball courts,racquetball, indoor track, swimming pool, yoga studio, group exercise room, on top of the typical weight rooms, and fitness cardio rooms with eliptical, spin bikes, treadmills. Though typical is not the word to use… including 3 separate weight rooms and cardio equipment that can monitor your workout. Speaking of Technology–the SRC is striving for a LEED Gold Status and was designed to use the energy created by the bikes, treadmills, elipitical machines to power the entire building.

My friday workout consisted of climbing the rock wall, running the track and the treadmill, biking 12 miles, using the weight room, and ending with a swim in the beautiful pool. I can truly say this was the best time I have had working out and look forward to keeping in shape at the SRC.

The Grand Opening will be Thursday. Come get your memberships and get in shape. Or, by the way, If you join the Alumni Association you can get a significant discount on the membership. To join the Alumni Association click this link: https://www.csunalumni.com/default.aspx?page=Membership

The SRC features state-of–the-art weight and fitness zones, a rock wall, locker rooms, a 3-court gymnasium, a multi-activity court, fitness and group exercise studios, a racquetball court, an indoor track and recreational/lap swimming pool.

The SRC will have 3 different fitness zones that will be equipped with resources to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Inside the SRC will be 3 studios dedicated to Group Exercise and Fitness Training.

A multi-purpose studio where Zumba®, Step 360®, kickboxing, muscle conditioning, belly-dancing, hip-hop, boot-camp and many more group exercise classes will be held. This studio, when not being utilized for classes, will also be available for individual use and private training.

This studio will have specific equipment that will be utilized for classes such as; Spinning®, yoga, and pilates. Group and private mat, reformer and chair Pilates training will be available.

Determination Studio
A specialized studio equipped with TRX® and boxing equipment. This equipment and studio will be available during supervised open recreation times and scheduled classes.

INDOOR JOGGING TRACK

The SRC contains an indoor jogging track that is 1/8 mile long so you can enjoy your run in a climate-controlled environment, protected from the San Fernando Valley sun. The track’s superior biomechanical design allows for consistent traction with a cushioned surface providing greater safety and comfort.

Come test your limits and see if you’ve got what it takes to make it to the top of the 44-foot Ridge — Rock Climbing Wall!

The SRC has two pools available for your aquatic adventures. The Rec Pool is located at the SRC and the Plaza Pool is located adjacent to Subway in the University Student Union Plaza. The Rec Pool is available for both recreational and lap swimming. A large deck with furniture is also available for those that would like to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The Plaza Pool is programmed for lap swimming and special events but also has deck chairs available for those that would like to kick back in the sun for a bit. Please click the link below for pool hours. https://www.csunalumni.com/default.aspx?page=Membership

Information taken from http://src.csun.edu/

By: Tim McLaughlin

Dracula Drool: This vile vial gets bonus gross-out points for its graphic name. It’s not just blood, it’s hemoglobin-stained saliva that dripped off the Count’s slobbering fangs.

Vampire Hair: Candy hair would have made this list on its own; so would candy vampires. The combination in a flossy candy that explodes on your tongue puts it at No. 2. Also noteworthy is the revelation that Marge Simpson is indeed a vampire.

Toxic Waste: There’s a classic trope of hazardous waste turning people into heinous mutants. This version turns kids into people who enjoy sucking on unpleasant, intensely sour candy. According to the barrel’s chart, keeping one of these in your mouth for a minute makes you a full toxie head. If you last only 45 seconds you’re just a toxie wannabe.

Blood Energy Potion: This sugary maroon liquid claims to have “similar nutritional content to natural blood.” A serving does provide 55% of recommended daily iron value and 880mg of amino acids. It even tastes like blood, but only Franken Berry’s blood. An impressive Web tie-in poses it as a synthetic blood substitute for vampires, an alternative to feasting on humans. With its microwave instructions to heat to 98.6°F and transfusion bag packaging, we give this an A(Rh)+ for commitment.

Body Parts Sushi: There’s something about eyeballs, fingers, and ears topping seaweed-wrapped rice that gives us an extra kick of queasiness. Associating hacked body parts with customary fare legitimizes cannibalism in a way that puts us ill at ease. Also, the list of ingredients includes the word “pork.” Wretch. Comes with chopsticks.

By: Cynthia Sparagna

The New York Times

Triggers for rejection
Last year, more than two million people were turned down for homes, according to federal data, often because the applicants didn’t meet certain lender requirements or because their applications were incomplete or otherwise problematic.  With lenders’ underwriting criteria becoming more rigorous in recent years, it’s important buyers know the most common triggers for mortgage-loan rejection.

Making sense of the story:

• Insufficient income: Lenders want to be sure borrowers can afford to make the mortgage payments.  Lenders typically look for at least a two-year track record of income, which could hurt those who have changed jobs recently.
• Cloudy financial picture: Generally, total debt payments, including the mortgage, cannot exceed 45 to 50 percent of a borrower’s adjusted gross monthly income.  Overtime and bonuses are included only if the borrower has worked for the same employer at least two years, and has a history of receiving them.
• Poor credit: Lenders typically reject applicants with FICO scores below 620.
• Low appraisal: One of the predominant reasons buyers are turned down for home loans is because the appraisal on the property is too low.  A buyer may think he or she is purchasing a house worth $800,000, but if the appraisal comes in less than that, the lender will not loan the borrower the money.
• Property problems: Sometimes issues turn up within a house, like a major repair or safety issue that needs to be addressed, before an application can be approved.
• Information mix-ups: Approximately 12 percent of new mortgage applications were denied because of unverifiable information or incomplete credit applications, according to the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

4 changes to upcoming FHA loans

By: Charise Mitchell

Tips taken from CAR

As you may know, unless Congress extends the expiration deadline, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limits set in 2008 will drop significantly beginning October 1. Congress raised the loan limit amount in response to the housing crisis to help spur the homebuying market. FHA loans offer borrowers very competitive rates and terms, and they only require a 3.5% down payment. Allowable debt ratios are higher than the typical debt-ratio limits imposed for conventional loans, and there are no income limit qualifications, so more people can qualify for them.

If the loan limit drops on October 1, many California homebuyers will face higher down payments, higher mortgage rates and stricter loan qualification requirements. Borrowers seeking larger mortgages will have to apply for conventional loans or jumbo loans, which may be subject to higher interest rates and down payments. Here are four things you should know to help your clients now.

1. LOWER LOAN LIMITS. The conforming loan limit determines the maximum mortgage amount that FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can buy or guarantee. If your client wants to stay under the current loan limits, then encourage them to purchase now and close by September 30th.

2. DROPS BY COUNTY. Under the new FHA loan limits, some counties will see significant drops in their loan limits. San Diego County will experience a $151,250 drop, Sonoma County a $141,550 reduction, while Orange and Los Angeles Counties will drop by $104,250. To see a full, county-by-county list of changes, click here.

3. JUMBO LOANS. The current FHA loan limit is $729,750. After October 1, that limit may drop to $625,500. Mortgage loans higher than that amount will be considered non-conforming jumbo loans, which typically have rates that are 0.875% to 1.5% higher than conforming rates, depending on the loan product, and require higher down payments.

4. MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS. FHA loan requirements may allow for lower credit scores. So an applicant with a lower FICO score can still qualify for an FHA loan, even if they can’t for a conventional loan. Your clients may be able to obtain an FHA loan three years after defaulting or having a loan foreclosed.

By: Tina Stern

My listing of 114 Hollister Ranch, Gaviota, California was featured in the Business Section of the Sunday Los Angeles Times on 9.4.2011 as their choice for “Home of the Week” (view here). This 108 acre property with 5 structures is nothing short of magnificent. To view the property, see the YouTube video below or view the property website at www.114hollister.com

The legendary Hollister Ranch. Full parcel Listing. Inaccessible to the public, guard gated 24 hours a day. The 14,400 acre Ranch has 8 ½ miles of private pristine beach frontage for the exclusive use of homeowners. Property includes 2 complete houses, 1 guest house, 1 barn-game room and 1 secluded hilltop hideaway. Located approx. 30 minutes up the coast from Southern California’s most charming city, Santa Barbara. Ranch consists of 136 one hundred acre, or larger parcels. Parcel 114 is nestled in its own private valley. Its approx. 108 acres lie on a private road winding through 100 year old oaks, spring-fed creeks & vistas from rolling hills to pastures & the Pacific Ocean. It offers privacy, security & beauty only minutes to the beach. Whether seeking solitude or staging a grand getaway for family & friends, this is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a virtually unspoiled piece of the California dream right on the most protected coastline in Southern California

By: Sharon Haims

Join other runners and walkers in the First Annual 5K Run/Walk in honor of Conor Lynch, the Notre Dame cross country runner who lost his life last year crossing Woodman Ave. in Sherman Oaks.

The event will take place Sunday, October 16th at the Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Park, 14230 Magnolia Blvd.  Pre-register by October 1st on active.com.  Entry fees: $30 (pre-registration) $40 (day of event).

Funds will benefit programs that raise awareness and promote the safety of pedestrians, runners, cyclists and young drivers.

Come out and participate in a fun event for a great cause!

By: Cynthia Sparagna

Taken from NAR

To help develop policies that will stabilize the nation’s housing market and support an economic recovery, the National Association of REALTORS® urges the White House to host a summit of policy makers, industry leaders and government stake holders focused on revitalizing the nation’s housing.

“As the leading advocate for housing issues, REALTORS® know that homeownership supports our nation’s economy,” says NAR President Ron Phipps. “Housing and homeownership issues affect all Americans, which is why we need strong policies that will help stabilize the housing market and lead the way out of today’s economic struggles.”

A housing recovery is key to America’s economic strength, and NAR wants to make sure that proposed legislation and regulatory rules or changes to current programs and incentives don’t further exacerbate problems within fragile real estate markets across the country.

A broad discussion among all stakeholders about what needs to be done to put the housing market and economy on a path to recovery could provide valuable recommendations and solutions to promote responsible, sustainable homeownership and stabilize and revitalize the housing industry and economy.

“REALTORS® look forward to coming together and working with President Obama and his administration as well as our industry partners to design a housing recovery plan that will serve our nation, its 75 million homeowners and indeed all Americans today and into the future,” says Phipps.

Information about NAR is available at www.realtor.org.

Information provided by Paul Krekorian (Councilmember, Second District)

“Today, at long last, I am pleased to announce the opening of the Colfax Avenue Bridge. As of Thursday morning, cars will be free to drive over the bridge and Colfax Avenue will be open again, as the two-year project to widen and modernize the overpass comes to a completion.

I know how frustrating this process has been for businesses, drivers and residents; as one who drives near the bridge each day, it was frustrating for me as well. For that, please accept my gratitude for your patience and know that this project will help Studio City for years to come.

As you may know, this retrofitting project is part of a long-term program to renovate bridges throughout Los Angeles. In 2001, the city set aside $307 million for a bridge improvement program to rehabilitate and r eplace up to 83 city-owned bridges. Currently, there are 430 vehicular bridges in the city’s bridge inventory and the 83 prioritized bridges have been identified as being structurally deficient, functionally obsolete and/or seismically vulnerable.

One of those safety priorities was the Colfax bridge. The project has outfitted the bridge with a wider concrete arched base to meet the latest CalTrans seismic requirements. The new base is about 28 feet wider than the old bridge and will allow sufficient room beneath its surface for a bike path on both sides of the concrete-lined river channel. Additionally, the old pedestrian connection between the street level and the pedestrian bridge will be replaced with a stairway and ramp at the southeast corner of the new bridge.

In addition to solving serious safety concerns, the new bridge allows for new amenities that will add considerably to our quality of life and encourage non-motorized mobility. New bike paths, walkin g paths, ADA-accessible ramps and new landscaping will be finished within the next couple of months.

These are exciting developments for Studio City and they could not have been done without the help of many in the community, including the Studio City Neighborhood Council, the Studio City Residents Association, the Studio City Beautification Association and all the local businesses, residents and others involved. I want to thank them all – and you – for dealing with the great inconvenience of this closure, which has led to the great improvements produced by this project. I hope everyone enjoys the new and improved Colfax Bridge.”

The Secret Table Food trucks. Pop-up restaurants. The four-star kitchen in the back of your Prius.

It can all get a little… mobile. Sometimes you just want to go get some dinner at a stationary spot.

And if it happens to go down at a lush, funky design studio, all the better.

Welcome to The Secret Table, a roving supper club that’s stopped with all the roving, now operating out of a covert Venice studio called Big Red Sun and taking reservations for dinner on Friday night.

So, yes, this is an underground dinner situation from an esteemed catering company—the kind where you’ll sign up on a website to stay informed about discreet, leisurely feasts at an undisclosed location. This time out it’s Spiced Roasted Chickpeas, Béchamel Lasagne and lots of Italian wines. Buy a couple tickets and voilà: you’ve got a memorable dinner date.

Only now, the location is very much disclosed: for the foreseeable future, you’ll be dining on the grounds of a succulent-heavy design space, surrounded by concrete, candles and cacti. It’s like you opened up Dwell and jumped in for dinner.

And if you have such a good time that you want to relive it in a few weeks, you can—the next dinner’s right here, too.

Dwell always makes you hungry for chickpeas.

By: Tina Stern

As the listing agent of 11524 Amanda Dr., I recently sold this 5 bedroom, 7 bath home to Miley Cirus in Studio City. This home was featured by the Los Angeles Times as Home of the Week and the NBC show Open House LA. Take a look at this fabulous property below:

Drive up this quiet country lane and discover a one-of-a-kind rare offering nestled atop the hills of Studio City. This astonishingly beautiful setting with lush canyon vistas creates a unique opportunity to toast the sunset with breathtaking unobstructed panoramic views.

The Mid-century modern single story gated and walled compound has been re-imagined from studs to ceiling with meticulous attention to style and design. It combines the ultimate California indoor/outdoor living experience for entertaining and is the perfect celebrity hideaway.

Situated on a private promontory of approximately 1.15 level and useable acres, the home has been beautifully landscaped and features approximately 5173 square feet. An abundance of light floods the open and smart floor plan encompassing the living room, formal dining room and expansive family/media room and kitchen with walls of windows, rich dark stained oak floors and three fireplaces. Additional features include dual zoned HVAC, a 5.1 surround sound family room, iPod docking stations, security alarm system with multiple cameras and phone and data cable. There are speakers located throughout the interior and exterior of the home.

The huge spa inspired master wing includes a sitting room, fireplace, sky light, dual walk in closets, private viewing patio and luxury bath. Enjoy a steam shower, or relax in the Jacuzzi tub while enjoying complete privacy and the peaceful green canyon view.

The expansive professional style state of the art kitchen utilizes top of the line appliances including an imported Bertazzoni range, Rohr faucets, Walker Zanger tiles and Cesar Stone counter tops. The center island topped with exotic wood and the integrated dining peninsula are perfect for grand entertaining or an intimate dinner for two.

Enjoy your workout in the gym while looking out at commanding valley views and the serene saltwater solar heated pool and luxurious pavilion for al fresco dining.

A separate guest unit, 3 car garage and gated motor court with room for approximately 10 cars complete the property.

Close to many sought after schools and minutes from Mulholland, Universal and Warner Brothers Studios with easy access to the west side.

View Floorplan (click on the image to enlarge)

Sold at: $3.9 million