La Costa Mission, an Exciting New Malibu Restaurant

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu is a terrific city . We have the Pacific, great beaches, fresh air and recently, more user-friendly amenities like a hardware store.  What we are still missing in our little hamlet is a real deli, a fantastic Chinese and until this week, a real Mexican restaurant.

When I first moved to Malibu in the ’80s, we had the Baja Cantina which was located in the space currently occupied by Tony’s Taverna.  The Cantina was a fun restaurant with consistent quality, friendly staff and “Lobster Night” every Tuesday. The Cantina was replaced by the short-lived, celebrity owned Malibu Adobe which served the latest food craze, Tex-Mex.  Many years later,  Casa Escobar opened near the Malibu theatre, only to burn down soon after in a weekend fire started in the adjacent beauty supply shop. Lastly and deservedly so, there is the Corral Cantina at Zuma where the food bares little resemblance to food, let alone Mexican fare. The Cantina has been around forever, but is kept alive by Happy Hour Margaritas not its food, which is avoided by most locals.

So imagine my excitement when I passed by the La Costa Mission with its large blue “Now Open” banners flapping in the Santa Ana Winds! The Mission is located in the former home of Terra Restaurant, adjacent to the old Malibu courthouse and jail.

The charming Spanish mini-hacienda with patio and indoor dining is located in east Malibu at  21377 Pacific Coast Highway.  I stopped in to check out the menu  and was pleasantly surprised to find a great variety of appetizing items. There are tasty gems like Tostaditas de Ceviche made with lime marinated yellowtail , as well as classics like Carne Asada made with filet mignon and marinated in red chile. The restaurant has a great bar and is anticipating the arrival of their liquor license in the next week or two. The bar specialities will include 17 different types of Margaritas!!  Muchas gracias to the proprietors (who also own the Beech Street Cafe in Pacific Palisades) for bringing a true Mexican restaurant to Malibu.  I am looking forward to my first Margarita at La Costa Mission . Check out their website for a full menu and dining hours.

By: Dana Olmes

Mayor James Bozajian will present the 14th annual State of the City Speech on February 9, 2012 at 7pm at the Founder’s Hall in the Calabasas Library. The speech will review the city’s accomplishments of the past year as well as goals for the future. Mayor Bozajian plans on placing an emphasis on city finances, public safety, environmental responsibilities, and community services. All resident’s are encouraged to come and reflect upon the achievements of Calabasas during 2011. After the speech, there will be a reception hosted by the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce where residents can meet with Chamber Business Members and City officials. For anyone unable to attend the State of the Speech Address it will be taped and replayed February 12, 2012 on CTV as well as on-demand at cityofcalabasas.com.

Attention Calabasas Homeowners

By: Barbara Lipkin

Time flies. It is almost February 1st as we enjoy incredible California sunshine-another day in paradise. Fortunately, Lew Sichelman reporting in this Sunday’s LA Times, has reminded us that tax relief on mortgage debt forgiveness ends in 2013. The Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 allows taxpayers to “exclude from income the discharge of debt on their principal residence”. Although, homeowners have until the end of 2012, it may very well take up to 11 months to persuade banks to foreclose or sell homes for a lesser value than they are worth. With short sales taking months, it is time to remind our short sale sellers to get their properties on the market if they want to take advantage of “the most important tax-relief provisions enacted by Congress during the housing crisis to help financially strapped homeowners” per Mr. Sichelman. Definitely something to consider.

By: Gracee Arthur

Nature is the world’s only true artist. Malibu in autumn and winter is natures perfect canvas. Courtesy of my high resolution iPhone camera and the fabulous vistas from my mid-century ocean view dwelling I present to you a bit of life’s beauty:

[Show as slideshow]

All aboard

By: Sher Hann

This Sunday, January 29, the Hyatt Westlake Plaza will host a travel show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Michael’s Travel Centre, the show is offering free admission and door prizes. Some 40 travel suppliers – cruise lines and major tour operators throughout the world – will be on hand, offering discounts and specials for those in attendance. Come one, come all, to begin your 2012 travel adventure. “Anchors aweigh!”

This news comes from my friend, Susan Raffler, at Michael’s Travel Centre

From humble beginnings to a successful hair-care empire

By: Barbara Lipkin

At this time of year, we all think back about what we can do to improve our lives- health, business, family. I was inspired this weekend by an interview in last Sunday’s Los Angeles Times written by Ronald D. White. He wrote about John Paul DeJoria, co-founded and CEO of John Paul Mitchell Systems. It was educational to  learn about his life. Each time he was fired, he tried something else. In one case, it was because he made more money the first year than the owner of the company. He lived in his car at one time. I laughed when he said one should pick a friendly street when you live in your car. His persistence was inspiring. Among his advice:

• Keep trying
• Don’t give up
• Like your work

What an amazing person with great advice this time of year!

To read the full story go to: http://articles.latimes.com/2012/jan/22/business/la-fi-himi-dejoria-20120122

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: Gracee Arthur

Malibu has seen its worst real estate market in history this past few years. The recent market downturn makes the early to mid 1990s look like a dream market. I know since I have been selling real estate in this popular beach town since 1991.

The silver lining in the current downturn is Malibu is now more affordable for buyers and unlike past difficult markets, the interest rates are at record lows!

The most noticeable improvement in recent months has been the sale of properties in the $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 price range, as well some condo sales over $1,000,000. This segment of the market has been slow to heat up  because it is a move up and second home market. The large institutional lenders have been very slow to get back into the normal routine of jumbo mortgages which has also held this market segment back. The Malibu market usually goes down a bit later and up a bit later than most Los Angeles area real estate markets. We were still strong through mid 2006 and just in the last few months have begun to pick up some steam. The lenders, although still difficult, are now more willing to participate in financing jumbo loans.

So if you have been waiting to buy Malibu, this may be your best chance to purchase a home for a great price while still getting the best interest rates ever!

There are some wonderful homes (standard sales) offered in Malibu on both the beach and landside of town. The center and east end of Malibu has some great new restaurants under construction, as well two recently remodeled shopping centers and the relative newcomer The Lumber Yard with Cafe Habana and great boutiques. The west end of Malibu has a new market under construction at Trancas where a new restaurant is also expected near the existing Starbucks. The air is fresh, outdoor activities abound and the local schools are good. So if you have been out there window shopping Malibu, this is a good time to actually purchase your vacation home or relocate full time to the ‘Bu.

www.graceearthur.com www.31240abailardroad.com

By: Regina Cordell

On Sunday, January 29th, 2012, come by the Wood Ranch Country Club for the event of the year.

Learn how to plan, taste and see your perfect wedding day at the Wedding Wonderland event. This year will showcase various vendors that can accommodate all budgets with creative ideas to make your wedding day perfect.

There will be goodie bags, door prizes, special discounted rates or booking the day of, and a special Grand Prize drawing valued at $2,000!

To reserve your space, RSVP to Jennifer Diehl at tel:805.527.9663 ext: 207 or email catering@woodranchgc.com.

Wedding Wonderland
at Wood Ranch Golf Club
Sunday, January 29, 2012
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Who can we trust?

By: Michele Hren

How can we be safe in this Trillion dollar industry?

Are there illegal drugs in our Supplements?  YES. Even recalled drugs can still be found on shelves all over our nation. “Natural” means nothing if it’s made in an illegal factory and 50 Million people in America are taking these spiked products.

Dr. Oz‘s show on January 17^th was quite compelling and focused on, not all supplements, but, Weight Loss products. James Neal-Kababick. His title, a Dangerous Supplement Researcher who tested many products in an independent study and found that 9 out of 10 samples, 90%, had been altered. He said, “It has become an epidemic,” and went on to say there is no quality control. A factory can make one batch of prescription drugs and then without sterilizing the system, blend weight loss products. “It’s out of control.” In several cases ingredients to treat anthrax poisoning was in supplements.

Here’s an example of potentially deadly ingredients in the product Que She, found by Dr. Oz in New York City.

#1-  Sibutramine, banned in this country for causing  heart attacks, strokes and seizures.

#2 – Fenfluramine, (Fen Fen) a dangerous stimulant that was pulled off the market years ago.

#3 – Ephedrine, that causes high blood pressure.

#4 – Propranolol, masking the ingredients in the other harmful prescription drugs, sometimes 6 times the suggested dose.

Also, Herbal products can have Anti-Depressants, Diuretics, and something new called Drug Analogues that are insidious to hide the dangerous drugs. More Analogues are discovered in research labs on a monthly basis. The gullible and carless consumers are in danger. They have become human Ginney pigs for companies that don’t care about their products, only the bottom line. Pieter Cohen, MD wants help from congress to change the laws to demonstrate the safety to the FDA prior to, not after, products going on the shelves.

HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES?

#1 Avoid anything that claims to be an alternative to a prescription drug, or claims to speeding up your metabolism to lose a lot of weight within hours.

#2-  Avoid products that are in a foreign language or from countries such as China, India and New Zealand. Still be aware of what you find in the USA, too.

#3 – Don’t purchase something without a label showing the ingredients, has no instructions, no address, website or phone #. That’s just plain stupid. Here is a real ingredient label that can be found in our country:

Ingredients: Instant Coffee, Lingzhi Spore Powder, Rose Powder, Semen Cassiae, Dietary Fiher, and so on.

Truly, folks, I did not make this up or misspell Fiber, I won’t venture into the Semen, and what in heaven are we to make of…. and SO ON.

Who can we trust 100% of the time? Who has safe products in every locker room in the NFL and endorsed by hundreds of Athletes. Who has a Science and Medical board to oversee production and products tested each month by Informed Choice, www.informed-choice.org. Who has a money back guarantee?

One great answer is ADVOCARE. Advocare is an 18 year company, never in the red, offering the very best in Weight Loss, Energy, Performance supplements and Leadership. www.Advocare.com/111014711.

For more information, contact Michele Hren .  I’ll show you how to be safe, happy, healthy and more.

We Don’t Take – We Give

We Don’t Sell – We Teach

We don’t “Close” – We Open Business Relationships

Commit2Advocare@yahoo.com

Michele Hren direct: (805)432-6708