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/

Tarzana Homes for sale by Tara Rose

By: Tara Rose

Behind private gates of 19333 Wells Drive, Tarzana, find this secluded traditional country estate perfectly centered on under an acre of flat land. Through grand double doors notice the spectacular entry way with soaring ceilings, highlighted by a dramatic winding staircase & elegant crystal chandeliers. Natural light accents the open floor plan hosting over 5000 sq ft of living space. Special attention given to custom extensive architectural wood work, crown molding, finished chair rails & windowed French doors that overlook the verdant grounds throughout. Meticulous quality & craftsmanship are evident in every room. Retreat to the family room w/numerous built-in book cases & fabulous bar; entertain guests on a grand scale in the gorgeous formal dining room or satisfying your creativity in the gourmet kitchen. Added utility on the main level includes a bedroom w/ full bathroom. Oversized master suite features a romantic fireplace, 2 separate luxurious master bathrooms, 2 walk-in closets & a private balcony that capture views of the lavish yard. Endless entertaining opportunities w/ outdoor amenities including lighted tennis court facing N/S, salt water pool/spa & an additional outdoor bathroom. This exquisite Tarzana estate (19333 Wells Drive, Tarzana) is a must see & offers complete luxury, privacy, comfort & charm.

Ron Viola kills it!

By: Kenny Melcombe

Billy and the Beaters performed live last weekend @ Harper’s Bar & Grill. It was simply fantastic to see a band from 80′s still sounding amazing. They are the same band from back in the day, including one of the fabulous saxophone players, Ron Viola, who is  also one of the fine Realtor-Associate’s I work with at Sotheby’s in Sherman Oaks.

They played all their hit oldies including the worldwide number 1 Hit…”At this Moment.” You know, it makes me wonder, what would I give at this moment?

They don’t miss a beat, these guys are fabulous. Another 5 star event.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nRaJvn0eow[/youtube]

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

Marge Young just listed this Tarzana home on Dorlon Drive. The virtual tour can be found at at http://19029dorlon.com/.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZrXoTRnZ2E[/youtube]

With 180-degree views of valley lights and mountains, situated on a cul-de-sac above the Braemar Golf Course, this custom gated, beautifully remodeled home offers tranquility, charm and sophistication. The 5,000+ square feet includes a master suite featuring a fireplace, sitting area, two balconies, large walk-in closet and a luxurious master bath. The chef’s kitchen is complete with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, granite counters, impressive cabinetry, oversized double ovens, warming drawer and spacious breakfast area. This special home offers an office, three fireplaces, coffered and artisan trayed ceilings, crown moldings, wood and travertine floors as well as custom designed art niches and architectural lighting. Walls of glass flood the home with light and stunning views. There is a fenced pool with waterfall and expansive lawn bordered by rose bushes, as well as several patios and decks. A truly special house.

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: Mary Pane

As we were gravely reminded with the Earthquake in Japan, natural disasters can happen all the time. Often, these emergencies can leave people without supplies for many days, forcing them to rely on their own instincts and personal stash of food and water.

Preparing for an emergency before it strikes is your surest path to survival. One key step is to assemble an Emergency Supplies Kit. By gathering emergency supplies in advance, your family will be much more prepared for an evacuation or extended stay at home.

Here are the steps to take when preparing your kit

1. Determine what type of container you’ll use to store your supplies. The container should be something that can be picked up or wheeled away in case of evacuation. Some examples include a large, covered trash container, a plastic storage container, or a backpack.

2. Determine where you’ll store your kit.

3. Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.

4. Keep a smaller version of Emergency Supplies Kit in the truck of your car.

The essential items of a kit include at least a three-day supply of food and water for each person, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, and emergency supplies and special items.

Review your kit every six months. Replace food and water and add necessary items as your family’s needs change.

Water

	Store one gallon of water per person (or pet) per day.
	Store water in plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that may break, such as glass bottles.

Food

Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Most importantly, select foods that you and your family like.

	Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
	Canned juices, milk, soup
	High energy foods, such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
	Special food for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
	Comfort food, such as cookies, candy, etc.

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

	Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes		Needle
	2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)		Moistened towelettes
	4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)		Antiseptic
	Hypoallergenic adhesive tape		Thermometer
	Triangular bandages (3)		Tongue depressor (2)
	2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)		Cleaning agent/soap
	3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)		Latex gloves (2 pair)
	Scissors		Sunscreen
	Petroleum jelly or other lubricant		Tweezers
	Assorted sizes of safety pins

Non-prescription drugs

	Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
	Anti-diarrhea medication
	Antiacid (for stomach upset)
	Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center
	Laxative
	Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
	Prescription medications

Pet Supplies

	Food		Tags
	Water		Litter Box
	Medications		Vaccination information
	Leash

Water

	Include at least one complete change of clothing and a sturdy pair of shoes
	Blankets or sleeping bags

Special Items

	Formula		Contact lenses and supplies
	Diapers		Extra eye glasses
	Bottles		Entertainment – games, books

Important family documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container

	Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
	Passports, social security cards, immunizations records
	Bank account numbers
	Credit card account numbers and companies
	Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
	Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

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.

Courtesy of My Daily Find

Brazilian style food in Tarzana

By: Karen Lee

Welcome to the Brazilian style buffet, sort of. Kravings World Fusion Steakhouse and BBQ is known for their hand carved meats. Fire roasted tri-tip, lamb chops, sausage, tequila lime chicken but perhaps most enticing is the Churrasco, not to be confused with Chorizo. Churrasco is a Portuguese and Spanish term referring to beef or grilled meat.It is a principle ingredient in the cuisines of Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, Uruguay and other Latin American countries.

Kravings World Fusion offers a great lunch bargain —for $9.95, you will enjoy an all you can eat salad bar. Over 30 items are freshly made including eggplant humus, sliced nova lox, sushi, peel and eat shrimp, barley mushroom soup, fire roasted garden vegetables, clams in white wine, make your own Caesar salad, and delicious homemade pita and potato chips. $16.95 will provide you with carved meats for your lunch. All-you-can eat Dinner costs $34.95 Sunday-Thursday and $39.95 Friday and Saturday (with meats) or $19.95 for the salad bar only.

Brunch is a whole different topic being served Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30am – 3:30pm. All-you-can eat for $19.95 gets you hand carved prime rib, an omelet station, BBQ ribs, Belgian waffles, the salad bar and up to 8 kinds of sizzling meat. For $6 more you can get endless champagne and soft drinks too.

Don’t be shy next time your in Tarzana looking for high quality food, stop in to Kravings World Fusions Steakhouse and BBQ.

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.

A few tips to help your  teenage drivers

By: Maggie Mayall

You’d think I’d be used to teaching a kid to drive, this being my third time through it (2 sons and a stepdaughter). But I recently learned that the best way for me to be in the car with my teen driver is to let my husband sit in the front seat, with me in the back. I have to promise to keep my head down and not look while we merge onto the freeway. Not that our teen driver is doing so bad, he’s actually doing quite well. The problem is me. I’m a worrier.

There is a lot to be concerned about, though. Car crashes are the number one killers of teens in the United States, so it’s important to know the facts and risks. I thought I’d pull together some resources to both bolster up my arsenal of helpful tools and to also share some tips with other parents of teens out there that are going through it too.

First of all, we have no problem turning over the lessons to a professional instructor and mining outside resources. I need all the help I can get, no matter how good a driver I may be. The good news about a professional is that they don’t have the emotional attachment that could add to the stress of the situation and they have the experience to teach this skill in a calm and efficient way.

But in between lessons and the driver’s license test, though, a lot of hours have to be logged behind the wheel so that we can prepare him to be a proficient driver for his lifetime.

DON’T’S:

• Don’t be negative, freak out or have a meltdown. (Sit in the back seat if you have to and have someone else be co-pilot!)
• Don’t use their time behind the wheel to nag them about other issues like their chores or homework!
• Don’t allow your teen to take his behind-the-wheel test too soon. It’s always better to wait. Sure, it will be convenient for your teen to have ability to drive themselves to the game practice or the store, but the more supervised experience they have under their belts before being on their own, the safer they will be. And safety should be our number one priority here, not convenience.

DO’S:

• Decide ahead of time what today’s lesson will be and outline it (like today we’ll be practicing left-hand turns around this specific route).
• Start small for their first lessons, like in an empty parking lot. Work up to the freeway!
• Use encouragement and positive reinforcement (point out what they are doing well).
• Calmly point out when mistakes are made, without shaming or freaking out.
• Make lots of opportunities to practice (like on errands and extra curricular activities)
• Set a good example when you are driving. Make conscious choices to remain calm, don’t run yellow lights, always make full stops, stick to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt, show respect to other drivers. It’s important that my teen driver listens as I explain what I’m doing and why, when I’m doing the driving.
• Use at least one lesson to go over emergency roadside situations, changing a tire, driving in inclement weather, checking the oil and coolant levels, filling with gas and jumpstarting a battery. And we need to have a plan about what to do if the car breaks down or if he’s involved in an accident.
• Draw up a safe-driving contract with your teen. This would include all your house rules about your car and all the state laws, like wearing a seat belt at all times, refraining from speeding, driving under the influence and talking on the phone or texting while driving. The Automobile Club of America has a great contract (it’s free), as well as other resources for parents of teen drivers. http://teendriving.aaa.com/CA/

The most important thing to remember with a teen driver is that we are preparing him or her to go out there in the world and use this 3,000 pound machine in get around in safely and responsibly. But it is not a “right,” it’s a privilege—and it’s important for us to help him understand that. As long as he is a minor, we will allow him to drive under the rules we have set down, after he has completed a driver’s training course and signed a contract with us. It is our job to make sure our teen driver develops an appreciation that driving is a highly complex task for which he needs maturity and judgment.

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.

Looking for Lunch in Tarzana?

By: Caitlin Lassen

The Tarzana Armenian Deli is said to have created the “first pita wrap sandwich” in Los Angeles, and I believe it – I’ve been getting them here for over 20 years. It’s the perfect sandwich in my opinion, made using Premium Boar’s Head meat, string cheese, and fresh veggies wrapped in pita bread that is freshly baked every day. I like to spice up the meal with one of their authentic sides such as babaganoush, hummus, or stewed eggplant. As a family run business, “Pops” operates the Tarzana location and his son-in-law runs the Studio City location. Both stores are conveniently located on Ventura Blvd. making a healthy, fast, affordable lunch possible during this busy holiday season. Visit their website for more info www.tagdeli.com.

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.

Lunch in Tarzana

By: Kenny Melcombe

There are many options for lunch in Tarzana. Restaurants, V.I.P.’s, Panda Express, great Italian places, steak places, veggie places and then Whole Foods Market. YES, and especially on Wednesdays when the buffet, the HUGE buffet is only $5.99/lbs (regularly $7.99). Choices of meat and potato’s, salads and an entire veggie/vegan bar.  So whomever you bring to this not so
secret place–they can choose something good to eat. Plenty of room to sit and eat include the typical table and chairs, community bar style seating, and couches to lounge. Easy parking.

Check it out and you may even see me there.

Whole Foods Market 18700 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana, just west of Reseda Blvd.

www.Wholefoods.com/Tarzana

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: Karen Lee

You don’t have to cross the US to get traditional New York hot dogs – just head over to the Loehmann’s shopping plaza in Reseda. Owner Joe Fabrocini, a 30 year restaurant veteran who opened the original Fabrocini restaurants in the 818, knows how to offer a variety of eclectic hot dogs with culinary ease. This particular Dog joint joins the authentic hot dog with an array of complex sauces inspired from locations all around the country.

Fab Hot Dogs also offer 100% angus burgers and garden burgers.

The restaurant recently relocated to 6747 Tampa Avenue, Reseda  (818) 344-4336 www.fabhotdogs.com

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.