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Archive for the 'Three Springs' Category

Lindero Canyon Middle School Renovation

Phase I Completed

By: Sheri Karp

Lindero Canyon Middle School is completing phase I of a $30million capital construction project. Phase I is schedule to be completed by June 2010. The New Media Center and Science Building is underway as well as a new administration building. There’s a disproportionate investment into the science classrooms and the media centers, intentionally. The classrooms are a bit bigger than before but they are fairly vanilla. The 2 story building housing the state of the art science classrooms along with dozens of new classrooms and an exceptional library media center.

The construction project is scheduled to be completed in 2011. The Lindero Canyon Middle School campus was the last school in Las Virgenes that hasn’t been renovated.  It is a 40 year old campus and was in dire need of expansions and renovation. They have been an award winning school before these renovations now there will be a new sense of pride from parents, teachers and students.

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.

Tags: Lindero Canyon Middle School, Sheri Karp

The Freshest Yo in Westlake Village

By: Kathy Bernal

There are a lot of yogurt places that have opened in Southern
California over the past few years but Pinkberry is by far my
favorite. The Pinkberry that I go to most frequently is located at
3835 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard Westlake Village, CA 91362.

There are a lot of choices and combinations that you can create when
eating at Pinkberry. I always get the original and pomegranate swirl
and then various fruit toppings. Every time I go to Pinkberry
Westlake, I am leave wanting more. Make sure to stop by Pinkberry in
Westlake and get your daily dose of swirly goodness.

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.

Tags: frozen yogurt westlake village, Kathy Bernal, Pinkberry, westlake village homes

North Ranch POA

North Ranch POA Asked to Vote on New CC&Rs and By-Laws

By: Sher Hann

Earlier this month the 462 property owners within the North Ranch Property Owners’ Association received a packet via mail  containing the proposed new CC&Rs and By-Laws. Within the week another smaller package arrived in the mailbox via hand delivery, this one asking for a vote to disapprove the CC&Rs and By-Laws.

The letter accompanying the first package explained that the current CC&Rs, being more than 30 years old, predate California state statutes governing all homeowner associations.  New documents, the letter explained, are  needed for the association to be in compliance with state law. Furthermore, the current documents are sometimes ambiguous and not “user-friendly,” the cover letter stated.

The bone of contention prompting the second letter focuses on the storage of recreational vehicles.  The proposed new documents would allow for such storage provided RVs are not visible.  The 14 property owners who issued the vote-to-disapprove  letter argue that commercial storage is available for recreational vehicles and therefore no RVs should be allowed within the neighborhood.

Another issued posed by the concerned 14, which includes two current Board members, is the power Board members would gain in the new documents to create new rules without a vote of the property owners. In addition, the proposed By-Laws state there shall be one vote per lot, and that for election of Board members, owners may cast one vote for each open position but may not cumulate their votes for any one candidate.

In as letter to all property owners dated March 16, 2010, attorney Glen Kulik, whose law firm participated heavily in the development of the new documents, issued a rebuttal. In a nutshell, he indicated homeowners can disapprove just the items they dislike without disapproving the entire document, that banning RVs would be held illegal if challenged, and that other concerns would violate California Civil Code.

While this may be turgid stuff, if you are a North Ranch property owner, be sure to review the proposed package and subsequent letters, and then cast your vote – yeah or nay, no later than May 1.

If you are hoping for the CliffNotes on the significant changes, you won’t find them.  There are too many changes to itemize them, according to North Ranch Center staff. For other questions, call the North Ranch Center at 805.373.3725 between 1:00 and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

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.

Tags: CC&Rs and By-Laws north ranch, laws in north ranch cc&r's, north ranch homes for sale, north ranch laws

The Grill on The Alley

Kathy Bernal’s Restaurant pick of the week

By: Kathy Bernal

The Grill On The Alley that I like to attend is located at 120 E. Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, here it is known as “The Grill”. The original Grill in the alley is located in Beverly Hills on Dayton Way, which is near the famous Rodeo Drive. Since then The Grill On The Alley has expanded to locations in four states, California, Texas, Florida and Illinois. Under the current leadership of CEO Philip Gay, The Grill today continues its legendary traditions in major United States cities by offering an extensive selection of superior quality classic American food served by dedicated professionals in a sophisticated, yet warm and unpretentious atmosphere according to their website.

The Grill On The Alley is a definite must eat place and one of my personal favorite spots. Next time you are near one, make it a point to try out “The Grill”, you won’t be let down. For more information on The Grill On The Alley visit their website by clicking on the link below:

The Grill Website

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.

Tags: Kathy Bernal, Restaurants in thousand oaks, The Grill On The Alley

Open Your Doors to an Energy Tax Credit

This energy tax credit could be just what you need

By: Sher Hann

So it rained and rained and rained. And my Cal Classic French door, installed after the 1994 earthquake, leaked and leaked and leaked. We hadn’t planned on replacing it soon, but Mother Nature intervened. Within a few weeks we will be the proud owners of two new Energy Star French doors.

Yes, two doors, because the Cal Classic in the kitchen is dog-ravaged. The only silver lining here, other than having nice new doors, is that a federal tax credit is available on our purchase (not installation and finishing though).

With the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009, homeowners  who purchase “qualifying products” are eligible for a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the product cost. Installation is not included. For windows, doors and skylights, homeowners must obtain a manufacturer certification statement to be for the tax credit; the maximum tax credit for the current year for all improvements combined is $1,500  (including roofing, insulation, HVAC, and water heaters).

Remember: A tax credit is generally more valuable than a tax deduction or tax allowance of the same amount because a tax credit reduces tax directly, whereas a deduction or allowance only reduces taxable income.

For more information, visit  www.Energarstar.gov,  the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder, www.MyEnergyTax.com or a recent blog by my colleague, Rob Jordan – “Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems.”

By the time our days are sunny and warm, with nary a cloud in the sky, our new doors should arrive. Meanwhile, let the old doors leak away and be scratching post for our dogs. And since the  tax credit on the two new doors doesn’t quite add up to $1,500, let’s see what else we could fix ….

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.

Tags: Energy Star, Energy Tax Credit, oak park homes for sale, Sher Hann

Agoura Hills Amphicar

By: Irma Haldane

Pam D’ Ambrosio, from the Ewing & Assoc. Sotheby’s Agoura Office and her husband, Alan Woodcock, enjoy an adventure on the lake in their restored Amphicar.  Many hours went into the restoration of this unique amphibious car/boat and they do get many curious stares when they are out on the lake.  Their friends enjoy going along for the ride too.

The Amphian was built in Germany in the 60’s and has a Triumph Herald engine.  It is referred to as the Model 770 – 7 knots on the water and 70 miles on the road. The car is put into gear (a stick shift gear) when going down the boat ramp and that switches it to the propellers and you are “going swimming” in the lake.

When in the water, the car gets many lookers and as well as questions.  Pam and Alan have fun with the car and will at time tell other boaters “We’re lost, do you know where the freeway is?”.

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.  Irma Haldane Real Estate Agent, Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Tags: Ewing & Sotheby's Agoura, ewing and sotheby's, Irma Haldane, Pam D' Ambrosio, Real Estate Agent

Movie Theaters Coming to the Lakes?

The Lakes may soon offer a movie theater

By: Rob Jordan

The City of Thousand Oaks is looking at the possibility of adding a movie/entertainment complex to bolster the financial performance of the Lakes shopping center adjacent to the Civic Arts Plaza. The 2-stage project was always planned to include an entertainment component, but only the first phase of shops and restaurants has been completed to date. An outside study concluded that more parking and a cinema would make the center more appealing and accessible. A more formal tie-in with the neighboring Civic Arts Plaza might also boost activity. Nate and Al’s delicatessen is the newest tenant to open at the Lakes. Drop by for a scrumptious meal!

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.

Tags: The Lakes in Thousand Oaks, Thousand Oaks Movie Theatres, Thousand Oaks Real Estate

It’s A Dog’s Life in Westlake Village

Do you own an unruly pooch and  are looking for your 30 minutes of fame?

Cesar Millan

By: Rob Jordan

Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan is looking in the Westlake Village area for dogs needing doggy rehabilitation. If you have a problem pooch, grab your video camera and shoot a 5-7 minute video highlighting your pet’s canine transgressions… bad behaviour, quirky, fearful… and send it in to the show’s producers (National Geograhic.)  If you’re selected, there’s an in-person audition on November 24. Be sure to be on your best (I mean worst) behaviour! For additional information, contact Contact bethearley@msn.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.

Tags: ewing & associates, ewing and associates, ewing and associates sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewing sothebys, ewingsir, ewingsir.com, sotheby's calabasas

Google’s 411 service

This is something we all should know about.  Try this free, efficient service Google now offers

By: Roger Ewing

Tags: ewing & associates, ewing and associates, ewing and associates sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewing sothebys, ewingsir, ewingsir.com, sotheby's calabasas

Pacific Tennis Club in Westlake Village

Alive, Well and Growing

By: Sher Hann

Nestled behind the Westlake Inn, with 10 courts and a minuscule pro shop, Pacific Tennis Club  caters to young, old and “tweeners.”  Despite the current challenging economy, the club’s membership has actually increased about 3% over the past two years, according to club owner Bowie Hahn. This growth is all the more amazing given the fact the local population is – let’s be honest – aging.

What the club lacks in physical amenities (a club house and a private restroom would be nice), it makes up for in programming. I have seen kids so young they can’t tell their left from their right, as well as players we all refer to as “they must have been really good at one time” run, shuffle or hobble onto the courts.  In fact, there’s something for every age: ladies leagues, men’s leagues, clinics for all skill levels, programming for children and youth (it is just a few blocks from both Oaks Christian and Westlake High School), and social events.

Just recently PTC contracted with the City of Agoura Hills to run their tennis programs, with the primary site being Agoura High School.  A community-based club, allowing both members and non-members to participate in activities (non-members pay extra), PTC is also the lowest-priced tennis club in the area, according to Hahn – and perhaps the only club that is growing.

So don’t let the local aging trend stop you – or your skill level for that matter.  Come check out a racquet (for a small fee) if you don’t already have one, check out the pros (usually worthwhile), and enjoy your time on the courts.  If you have a business, service or just an interesting concept that you think your Conejo Valley neighbors might find of interest, e-mail me your idea (idea@SherHann.com).   It may see the light of electronic media here at www.EwingSIR.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.

Tags: ewing and sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewingsir, pacific tennis club, sotheby's