By: Steve Tipp

My Tipp’s Tip this week is Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work.”  If you are a fan, follower or foe of American Idol, this week big Mike pretty much destroyed with his version of this beautiful, heart rendering song.  People are most likely familiar with “This Woman’s Work” as it was covered by neo-soulster Maxwell who released it as a single in 2001 and had performed it on MTV’s unplugged in 1997.  When I was at Columbia records we released Kate Bush’s “The Sensual World” album (1989) and it went on to become her biggest selling US album.  Kate came to NY and did press and radio interviews and she was one of the most gracious artists I ever worked with; she signed a photo to me “My Dear Steve” and I tell you that was my experience with Kate Bush in a nutshell.  Lovely, sincere, warm, she walked it like she sang it all the way.

So on American Idol big Mike really rocked his version of “This Woman’s Work” but what was equally remarkable to me were the judge’s responses.  Randy Jackson was effusive as ever and said “Maxwell move over”.  (Hey Randy weren’t you a Columbia a&r guy when Kate’s version came out? And maybe, for Maxwell’s too!)  But Kara DioGuardi broke into tears and when I watched Kate’s version on You Tube just now I nearly broke into tears myself.  It’s just that good a song and it truly touches your heart.

Steve Tipp
Sotheby’s Calabasas
w: 818.657.4455
c: 818.384.7961

www.SteveTipp.com
twitter: @stevetipp
blog: www.woodlandhillsnewz.com

Oh by the way, I love working with terrific new clients.  Please give me a call if there is someone you know who can use my services.  Specializing in great clients, short sales and REO’s!

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.

Pikeys in Agoura

There is a new bar in town…

By: Misty Smoke and Regina Cordell

This new restaurant and pub is all things Irish, right in our own backyard.  Stop by for a pint of Guinness and new experience at Pikeys.

Also a great local idea for St. Patricks day.

Pikeys Pub in Agoura Pikeys Pub
30315 Canwood Street
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
info@pikeyspub.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.

By: Mickey Nathans

What is now the “Sagebrush Cantina” was originally a group of small stores built in the early 1920’s.  The parking lot was once a local jail.  Outside was the famous hanging tree, dead, but still standing today.

Lack of water in the Calabasas area was always a major concern. When the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District was founded in 1958, was water supply was assured and the area began its development boom.

The first subdivision in Calabasas was called Park Moderne and was built in 1928.  It was located in what is now Mulwood near Calabasas High School.  It was a retreat for artists, craftsmen and writers.

The first Calabasas high school was built in 1880 on the south side on Calabasas Road.  A second school, built on the same site in 1924-1925, was a one-teacher school for the area until 1948, when it joined with Liberty, Cornell, and Las Virgenes to form the Las Virgenes Unified School District

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.

Attend informative sessions on Thursday, March 25th with representatives from:  University of California, Cal State University, Private Colleges, Community Colleges, Financial Aid, College Transitions, College Entrance Exams, Essay Writing, Career Coaching, Gap Year and Summer Programs.  Students and Parents from all local high schools are welcome!  The program begins at 6:30 pm in the OPHS Pavilion at Oak Park High School located at 899 N. Kanan Road.

To view the survey click here

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.

Your Audition’s Secret Weapon

By: Deena Nissley

Today we’re here to help you with the quintessential Los Angeles experience.

No, we don’t mean spotting Jason Priestley in line with soy milk at Ralphs—we mean totally nailing your lines at your next big audition. (And even if you don’t have a next big audition, you may want to land one after you see this app.)

Introducing Rehearsal, helping you get from the callback to the set, now available.

Basically, it’s a little like having Stella Adler in your pocket (or at least the housekeeper you normally run lines with). When your agent sends over your sides, just import them into the app and start breaking down your character, wherever you are. You can highlight your lines, black them out to see if you remember all of them, and record yourself and play it back until you get the inflection/smoldering intensity just how you want it.

And if there’s something you want to use for motivation at a particular turn—a lazing palm tree, a plastic bag dancing in the wind, a mirror—you can capture a quick photo or video, and attach it to the relevant bit of dialogue.

We’d say you’re a lock for Pedestrian #3.

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.

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.

By: Ron Viola

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Where:

Ben & Jerry

Find a Ben and Jerry Near You
Los Angeles, CA

How:

Official 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.

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.