By: Cindy Libonati

Shared by the KCM blog

John R. Talbott, previously a Goldman Sachs investment banker, is a bestselling author and economic consultant. When it comes to the housing market he is also a prophet. When housing prices started to skyrocket in 2003, he published The Coming Crash in the Housing Market correctly warning us that a real estate bubble was forming. Then in January 2006, he called the absolute peak of home prices in the US by releasing a new book, Sell Now! The End of the Housing Bubble.

Mr. Talbott, the person who accurately predicted the housing bubble and its bust, now has a new prediction – IT IS THE TIME TO BUY A HOME! In a recent article, Homes – Buy Now!, Talbott simply explains:

“I have been waiting for more than five years to offer this advice. It is now time in most cities across the country to buy a new home or refinance your existing home with thirty-year fixed rate mortgage debt.”
He goes on to explain that his conclusion is based on four different metrics, all of which favor buying today:

• Home Prices Relative to Peak Prices During the Bubble
• Home Prices Relative to Construction Costs or Replacement Costs
• Home Prices Relative to Incomes and Rents
• Home Prices in Real Terms, Not US Dollar Terms

Bottom Line
If the person who called the real estate bubble and its bust says now is the time to buy, we believe it is time to buy.

By: Karen Lee

Need something delivered to your house but don’t have time to get it? That’s what the Calabasas Delivery Service is for. Just give them a call and they will place any local order for roughly $11 and deliver it to your door. Owner Chad Krauland says they will deliver anything except for human cargo. At this point, they don’t have a license to transport children to and from school or sports events. <!–more–>

Chad got his start in Malibu where he began delivering to a tight group of customers. Today, the business does about 40 daily deliveries in Malibu and eight in Calabasas. They also deliver free to senior citizens if they need a prescription, one way the company gives back to the community.

To order from your favorite establishment that doesn’t deliver, call 818.457.6867 or check them out online at http://www.calabasasdeliveryservice.com/.

So you think you have an antique or piece of art that might be of value and you wish Antique Roadshow was in your neighborhood? John Moran Auctioneers is the answer. In business since 1969, this family owned business has walk in appraisal day on Wednesdays from 9-noon. (Call to verify) For no charge, their experts will give you a verbal estimate of value. If you are lucky enough to possess a true gem, they will take it on consignment for a reasonable commission for their next auction.

John Moran Auctioneers will also come in and give appraisals on estate possessions and offer them at auction. Auctions are open to the public.

Located at 735 W. Woodbury Rd. Altadena, 91001, their phone number is 626.793.1833.  Visit their website at www.JohnMoran.com.

Simi Valley Hosts the Blues and Cajun Festival

By: Karen Lee

The 22nd annual Cajun and Blues Music Festival in Simi Valley will be held this Memorial Day weekend, May 28th & 29th. 2011 promises. The Cajun and Blues festival will continue its tradition of bringing nonstop music, spicy food and activities to keep the kids going all day.

Stage one will have 9 hours of continuous music each day with international and award winning Cajun, Creole and Zydeco music acts. The second stage will be pumping with Delta Groove All-Star Blues Revue on Saturday and world-class blues and roots acts on Sunday.

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.

Haircut Haven

By: Tammy Sue Roberts

We all need haircuts so why not let your haircut benefit a local girl in need? Isabella, a 3 year old, was recently hospitalized for 8 months as she received 6 consecutive rounds of chemotherapy to treat AML leukemia.

To support the Talbert foundation, Blush Salon will be offering ALL haircuts for $20 haircuts from 11am – 3pm. Haircuts are by appointment only so please call 818.225.1709.

100% of the proceeds go to Isabella and her family. For more information about Isabella: go to http://ewingsir.com/tag/the-talbert-family-foundation/.

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.

Back at Wing’s Over Wendy’s

Elmo Maiden at Wings over Wendy's

By: Cindy Libonati

This weeks meeting kick off with Elmo Maiden, one of WWII most decorated veterans, announcing a group activity coming up and as always, benefitting the community. This old group of Veterans still give their time at local schools to relay their stories to our youth and other venues.

Last week, for example, this group led by Gen. Leo Keligian and volunteer Michele Croson, assembled approximately 600 volunteers to pack boxes at Operation Gratitude last week!

These ladies and gentlemen make any of us proud to be an American. Come out and see them as they participate in the Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade. Wave and cheer as their Float passes by. We owe these Veterans a debt of gratitude.

For veteran resources, download the pdf.

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.

Topanga Westfield supports breast cancer donations

By: Karen Lee

Westfield Topanga shopping center teams up with Susan G. Komen to host a “Buy it for Breast Cancer,” fundraising event going on now through May 15th. Receive 20% discounts at participating stores when you donate $50 to Susan G. Komen. The kickoff, Friday, May 6 from 4 – 6pm at the Westfield, will honor five breast cancer survivors by hosting a “Celebration of Life” event. The five survivors will be treated to a pampered day at Carlton Hair International, The Body Shop, Napoleon Perdis and Ziba Beauty.

All donations made will be matched by Westfield Topanga. Participating retailers offer the 20% discounts include: The Body Shop, California Pizza Kitchen, Charles David, Coach, GAP, Lucky Brand Jeans, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sketchers, and many more. For more information go to http://westfield.com/topanga/offers/.

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.

Wings over Wendy’s recognizes passing member

By: Cindy Libonati

I know it’s been a little while, but I finally visited my friends at Wings Over Wendy’s. In attendance was Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield who presented a proclamation to the family of a fallen Veteran, Chuck McClure, citing his service to our country. Chuck passed away this last week and his friends and fellow veterans honored him today. It was a touching event and testament to these great men of our community.

Blumenfield also presented a commendation to Wings Over Wendys for their community effort for our veterans.

As I spent more time at the meeting, I announced Marilyn Clancey of “Seniors in Transition” to give the Veterans in attendance information about “Veterans Aid and Assistance Benefit/Pension,” and how they can each apply for this help. This Improved Pension allows for Veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing, undressing, medication dosing, or taking care of the needs of nature to receive additional monetary benefits. It’s an opportunity they were all pleased to hear about.

If you have parents that deserve help, I can assist. There are many benefits available to our valued veterans.

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.

Local Teams to Participate in The 2011 Hard 9 National Classic Baseball Tournament April 18-21

By: Maggie Mayall

Three San Fernando Valley high schools are set to participate in The 2011 Hard 9 National Classic Baseball Tournament April 18-21 in Anaheim, CA. They are: Chaminade College Prep in West Hills, Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth and Bishop Alemany High School in Mission Hills.

My husband and I will be in attendance watching our 10th grade left fielder. This is our very first year attending and we are very excited to participate in watching this new level of play for our big guy.

The fun begins for the players on Saturday, April 16 at 3:00 p.m., with the annual Home Run Derby taking place at El Dorado High School field.

The 32-game tournament starts at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 18, at the home fields of the tournament co-hosts, Esperanza and El Dorado high schools. This High School Tournament features the #1 team in the country, Saint Francis High School from Mountain View, CA. Sixteen Teams from Arizona, California, Florida, Tennessee and Utah are set to compete, including 32 players who have committed to NCAA Division 1 programs.

All the teams will compete on the campuses of California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Esperanza High School and El Dorado High School. The semi-final and championship games will be played at Goodwin Field at CSUF.

Here’s a look at our three local schools in the San Fernando Valley that will be participating:

• Chaminade College Prep West Hills, CA (go Eagles!)

Head Coach Frank Mutz coaches Chaminade College Prep, ranked 13th in Southern California as of 4/11/2011, for his third-year. Chaminade is currently 6-1 in the tough Mission League. Included in these six wins is a sweep against another National Classic team, Bishop Alemany. The Eagles will enter the 2011 season with eight returning starters and 14 seniors. They have 7 players committed to NCAA Division 1 programs: RHP/C Mathew Troupe (U of Arizona), RHP Michael Dingilian (Cal Poly SLO), RHP Dalton Brown (Duke University), OF Brandon Rapoport (U of Washington), INF Dylan Delaney (U of Michigan), C/OF Jason D’Andrea (UCLA), and INF Tanner Reibenspies (San Diego State Univ). The Eagles were 27-7 overall in 2010, and advanced to the CIF-SS Division II Quarter Finals. They return most of last year’s starting line-up. Pitching and defense is their strength and they plan on manufacturing the runs to remain competitive in 2011.

• Chatsworth High School Chatsworth, CA

The Chatsworth Chancellors, ranked 4^th in Southern California as of 4/11/2011, have won 3 CIF City Championships in the past 4 years. The Chancellors return 5 All–League players, and are led by Seniors Aaron Brown (Pepperdine .368 BA, 5HR, 29 RBI), Steven Karkenny (.425 BA, 2 HR, 22 RBI), Brady Conlan (.349 BA, 1 HR, 22 RBI), Christian Lopez (7-1, 2.58 ERA), and Angel Rodriguez (6-2, 2.55 ERA). Chatsworth is making its second appearance in the National Classic.

• Bishop Alemany High School Mission Hills, CA

Bishop Alemany, not ranked in the top 25 as of 4/11/2011, is coming off a 19-8 season in 2010, and a second place finish in the tough Mission League (one game behind Crespi – the 2010 National Classic Champion). The Warriors, under Head Coach Randy Thompson, return almost their entire pitching staff from 2010. Junior Ryan Paramo, the Mission League Pitcher of the Year, returns after going 7-2 last season. Junior Cody Thompson posted a 2.14 era in 6 league starts last year, earning 1st team All-Mission League honors. The offense will look to Seniors Edgar Montes (CF) and Anthony Esparza (C), as well as Junior Peter Van Gansen (SS) to provide some spark. Van Gansen was an All-CIF selection last year, and Montes and Esparza are 3-year Varsity starters.

In a press release at pr.com, The National Classic quotes tournament director Marcus Jones: “The 2011 Hard 9 National Classic will showcase some of the best baseball talent in the country, including the top team in America. Since 1990, the National Classic has been recognized across the United States as the #1 high school baseball tournament in the nation, and that continues with this year’s field.”

Also reported is that more than 250 schools from 24 states have participated in the National Classic over the years. National Classic Alumni include Major League Baseball players Alex Rodriguez, Shawn Green, Brett Tomko, Shannon Stewart, AJ Hinch, Hank Blalock and Pat Burrell, just to name a few. In its’ history, more than 300 players that participated in the National Classic have been drafted and 42 players have played in the Big Leagues.

Our first game is at 10 a.m. Monday morning against Valley Christian from San Jose, CA. They are currently 10-6 and recently beat #1 ranked St. Francis on March 22. But we have a great team and anything can happen. This “Baseball Mom” will be wearing our team colors and shouting “Way to stay alive!” “Great wheels, kid!” and “You got this!”

If we win that, we might go on to play IMG Academy, which, my son says, “is basically a school that breeds baseball players. No joke, mom.”

Whatever happens, it’s all good. I’m a baseball lover and I can’t wait for the fun to begin! I love watching those kids play. We are expecting great weather, too. Put on the sunscreen! Wear a cap!

And let’s play ball!

For ticket and schedule information, visit: www.national-classic.com.

A complete list of teams participating:

• El Dorado High School Placentia, Ca
• Esperanza High School Anaheim, CA
• IMG Pendleton Academy Bradenton, FL
• Chaminade College Prep West Hills, CA
• Christian Brothers High School Memphis, TN
• Valley Christian High School San Jose, CA
• Bishop Amat High School La Puente, CA
• Sunrise Mountain High School Peoria, AZ
• Chatsworth High School Chatsworth, CA
• Bingham High School South Jordan, UT
• Notre Dame Prep Scottsdale, AZ
• Saint Francis High School Mountain View, CA
• Cypress High School Cypress, CA
• Clovis West High School Clovis, CA
• Bishop Alemany High School Mission Hills, CA
• El Capitan High School Lakeside, CA

For a list of Southern California High School Baseball rankings, go to http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0411-high-school-baseball-20110411,0,1337099.story. Updates every Monday.

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.

Hoping to draw as many as 1,200 people

By: Karen Lee

The Parks, Recreation and Education Commission voted 3-1 on Monday to recommend a Summer concert at Juan Batista De Anza Park. Planned to kickoff June 18th, the event will feature a wine garden and video game tournament.

The two brains behind the project, Voilinist Noel Webb and Mike Patterson said they wanted to feature a family event that included everyone. Webb has already lined up signer Bobby Caldwell, the well known smooth jazz artist. Thus far, the event is being called, “An Evening Under the Stars.”

For the kids who aren’t so impressed by the great Caldwell, Tournament Legacy, a video game tournament organization, will set up consoles at the park’s clubhouse to simulate a tournament like setting.

Tentatively mark your calendars Calabasas residents, this one should be fun.

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.