EwingSIR | Calabasas Homes for sale | Sherman Oaks Homes | Agoura Homes | Hidden Hills Ca Homes

Hands Across the Sand

From Florida to California “Say no to offshore drilling”!

By: Gracee Arthur

Join hands across America on Saturday June 26th at 11 AM on Surfrider Beach in Malibu to say “No” to off shore drilling and support clean energy alternatives. According to the Malibu Surfside News, thousands showed up on 80 Florida beaches earlier this year for the first “Hands Across the Sands Event”.  Apparently to no avail, since a judge this week overturned President Obama’s order for a moratorium on offshore drilling.

What more relevant moment than the present, in the face of the BP disaster destroying our beautiful Gulf of Mexico, to make our voices heard across the country and in Washington DC?

The White House Hotline number is 202-456-1111 and the mantra is “I’m calling to ask that you restore the federal moratorium on all new offshore oil and gas development and exploration”.

“If not now, when?”

For more information go www.malibusurfsidenews.com Publisher’s NOTEBOOK June 24, 2010

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: Gracee Arthur, Hands Across the Sand, malibu surfrider

Malibu’s Terra Restaurant

Sunday Brunch

By: Gracee Arthur

A couple of Sundays ago I spent an enjoyable morning at the new Malibu Farmers Market with my friends Hans and Mary Lou. We explored all the vendors’ wares, stuffed our bags full of goodies and then headed to brunch at the charming Terra Restaurant. Our appetites whetted by all our delicious market finds, we were quite hungry when we arrived at Terra located at 213337 Pacific Coast Highway adjacent to the old Malibu court house.

Terra, which just recently started serving Sunday Brunch, is the creation of David Price who is also the chef. Terra offers locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, many from their own garden. They also serve wild or organically farmed sea food, free-range chicken and natural beef. Sunday Brunch is prepared by the restaurant’s Garmanger Danielle Larson.

We arrived around 11 AM and were greeted, as if old friends, by General manager Charlotte Robinson who promptly seated us and told us about Terra’s specialty Eggs Benedict.  Our server Jeff was delightful and immediately pointed out the “Free Flowing Mimosas” on the beverage list.  They also serve a spicy Bloody Mary and wine from their regular wine list. Mary Lou couldn’t resist the Mimosa and Hans chose the “Jillian’s Spicy Bloody Mary” hoping to also get a few tastes of that great “Free Flowing Mimosa” from Mary Lou!

I still had work to do so I stuck with a tasty Pinot Grigio. The reasonably priced menu has some terrific choices such as Crab Benedict, Eggs Florentine, and the English breakfast for the discerning egg eater, as well as salads, including a Caesar with smoked trout, sandwiches such as a Lamb Burger with cucumber-dill yogurt sauce, several pasta choices and an organic Irish King Salmon.

Mary Lou feasted on the fabulous Lamb Burger which came with mixed green salad, avocado and coleslaw and Hans had the Crab Benedict each of which was deemed to be supreme! I enjoyed the Ham and Gouda sandwich (have not had a ham sandwich since I was in Paris) tres magnifique!  The service was great, the room charming old California, with a splash of contemporary in the bar area; the perfect compliment to a terrific Sunday in Malibu.

Sunday Brunch is served from 11AM-2:30 PM phone 310 456-1221 for reservations. Terra also serves dinner Tuesday –Sunday 5PM-10PM.

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: Gracee Arthur, Malibu’s Terra Restaurant

Malibu Gallery Art and Framing

“We support our local artists” Louie Torres

By: Gracee Arthur

I was planning on hanging a painting over my fireplace and was in need of some clips for the “invisible wires” on which the painting would hang. My art installer Erik Van Light suggested I pay a visit to his friend Louie at the Malibu Gallery to purchase clips for the painting. When I arrived at the gallery, Louie already had some clips put aside for me and although he did not normally sell them( since he used them for his own art display), he was kind enough to sell me a couple. As it turned out, I decided not to hang the painting, but discovering Louie and his great Gallery was true serendipity!

The Malibu Gallery opened in 1981. Louie Torres has been framing fine art there since 1993. Louie also is a big supporter of the local art scene and his gallery is a candy store of fine art by local artists. Faye Singer, Gay Summer Rick, Ron Hall, Nancy Faoro, Brighton Smith, Oralee Kewitt, and John Hildebrand among others. The colorful display makes the gallery a destination location for lovers of fine art. There is even an amazing decorative surf board!

The Malibu Gallery located at 22625 Pacific Coast Highway also carries a large selection of custom frames made of metal, leather, gold leaf and other fine materials, as well as a great selection of ready made frames. Another treat are the Barry Balin Malibu Archive prints and posters which would look terrific in any beach house. Among the services provided by Louie are pick up and delivery of your art for framing and installation of the art at your home or office.

www.malibugallery.com 310-456-5393

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: Gracee Arthur, Louie Torres

Mike Silverman

“Realtor to the Stars”
By: Gracee Arthur

April 17, 2010 renowned realtor Mike Silverman died at the age of 90 in his home in Bellingham, Washington.  Mike spent much of his time at his home in the Malibu Colony and was a famous face at Malibu’s finest Restaurants, (especially Granita, which is also sadly no longer with us). Mike would always work the room going from table to table flirting with all the lovely women in the restaurant. One’s date would return from the men’s room only to find Mike seating beside her at the table whispering in her ear. He was a charmer. The dapper gentleman and real estate entrepreneur even took a wife for the first time when he was a babe of 79!

It was a long and exciting road for the son of a sweat shop tailor to the Cape Cod on “Billionaire’s Beach.”  Mike Silverman started in real estate during the post World War II real estate boom as a result of a chance meeting at a bar with a realtor who convinced him he could make a lot of money in real estate. The rest is history, as Mike became the darling of the Hollywood crowd escorting actresses like Joan Crawford and Zsa Zsa Gabor out on the town.  He represented Bill Cosby, Libarace, Debbie Reynolds, Frank Sinatara and the list goes on and on…

My personal early memory of Mike was when I was a student at USC making a short film about a couple who fall in love while watching a movie (a film within a film).  I tried to sneak in to the network affiliates event to get some celebrity footage with my crew and there was Mike near the door. He started up a conversation with me and I asked him if he could help me get in to shoot.

He winked at me and told me to just say Mr. Silverman said it was okay.  It worked like a charm (since Fred Silverman was then the head of the network)!  Mike was a funny guy.

The next time I saw Mike was in the ‘90s at Granita restaurant where he slipped in to my booth to sit next to me and across the table from my date.  My date actually was jealous that this charming old gentleman gave me a kiss on the cheek!!  Mike was always out and about in Malibu charming everyone with his terrific tales.

Mike will always be remembered as the handsome man poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel passing out water proof cards to the rich and famous with charm and panache!

Goodbye Mike, you will be missed by all of us!

La Time Article on Mike Silverman

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: Gracee Arthur, Mike Silverman

Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic

Benjamin Zander

“The Art of Possibility”

By: Gracee Arthur

The 2010 Sotheby’s International Realty “Global Networking Event” took place this month in the beautifully renovated city of San Diego.  I look forward to this event each year as an opportunity to connect with top estate agents from across the country and the world to exchange information on the current state of their real estate markets.  This year most markets are beginning to show signs of improvement and the mood was up beat.  The opening speaker for these 3 days of educational seminars was the renowned conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, Benjamin Zander the most extraordinary, infectious speaker who radiates joy, light and hope from every pore of his being.

The Conductor of the Philharmonic since 1979 Mr. Zander travels the world lecturing on leadership and encouraging musicians to find their inner muse.  Along with his wife Rosamund Zander he co-authored the best selling book “The Art of Possibilities.”  When he was just nine Benjamin Britten, England’s leading composer took him under his wing and invited Benjamin and his family to spend three summers at his home in Suffolk.  A cellist, Mr. Zander studied with the great Spanish cello Gaspar Cassado virtuoso for five years. Later he joined the faculty of the New England Conservatory where he still teaches interpretation class.  He also conducts the Youth Philharmonic orchestra.

Resume aside, the man is the most magnetic presence I have ever experienced, whether he is jumping enthusiastically around the room displaying his pure joy in life and music or sharing his insights into human nature, he is simultaneously intimate and larger than life.  The audience was captivated when he took some cultivated non- professional musicians and inspired new joy in their performances in a matter of moments. We all shared the “aha” moment as if it were our own!   More astonishingly we all left the auditorium bathed in the light, joy and ethereal vapors of Benjamin Zander which refuse to dissipate with time!

Watch Benjamin Zander’s featured interview on 60 minutes and capture the experience as it illuminates from the screen!

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: Benjamin Zander, Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, Gracee Arthur

The Malibu Public Library Homeless

Library renovations begin June 1, 2010

By: Gracee Arthur

Some of the happiest memories of my childhood are my trips to the public library to pick out my books for the week. Our library was housed in an old beautiful building on the top of a hilly street in a small city in Connecticut. Everything about the library was fascinating from the mountain of books, to the smell of the bindings and the hushed whispers. Okay in 2010 it sounds geeky but I love to read and the library had so many magnificent books! When I went to college the library was the place to do research for papers which were then  typed on those awful little portable manual typewriters (what is a typewriter—look it up at the library). What would life have been like without a library I do not wish to contemplate.

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Malibu Library to donate some books. There was a sign at the desk saying that in a few weeks they would not be accepting any further donations. When I inquired into the reason I was told the library would be closing June 1st for renovations. When I asked where their interim home would be the librarian told me they did not know if they would have one!

Here are some programs the library runs for children to stimulate their interest in reading:

- Story Time for Toddlers /Preschoolers on Tuesdays at 10AM
- Parks Tales at the Bluffs Park on Thurdays for the same age group; create an art project event such as Canadian Eskimo Art part of a series of cultural projects for children grade 1 and higher
- We the people American History series,” America’s Multicultural Music “ on May 20th at 4 PM
- “When the Animals Were People” May 27th at 4PM   and much more.

There are also many summer activities for children.

I was very concerned about the library not knowing its fate during the renovation period so I spoke with Malibu City Councilman Andy Stern, who told me the county had not yet determined where the library would be housed during the renovation period. My question is, with all the unoccupied, over-priced retail space here in Malibu, isn’t there a philanthropist who would like a tax deduction? Isn’t there someone out there who would like to do the Malibu community a good deed and give the library a temporary home during the renovations? The summer without a proper library facility offering  programs for children? It just does not sound right to me.

Please support the Malibu Library and find it an appropriate interim home.

The Friends of the Malibu Library will be hosting a Book Fair April17th from 10 AM to 4 PM, April 18th from 10 AM to 2PM. Prices start at .25 for children’s books and go to $5.00 and up for Special Books. Sunday is Bargain Day *Special Books discounted 50%. 23519 W. Civic Center Way, Malibu  310456-6438

www.colapublib.org

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: Gracee Arthur, malibu homes, malibu library

The Malibu Riviera

Après le demenagement

By: Gracee Arthur

After the move is completed, the unpacking begins and the stress slowly dissipates as I rearrange my possessions to compliment my new abode by the beach. This is the alternate universe in which I have resided for the past few weeks, dividing my hours between my work and the move-in- zone (which is far from the rest of life as we know it)!  Finally the art is hung, mon chats have reclaimed their possessions and I am home (la maison nouvelle)!!

The Zuma Bay Villas in Point Dume (where the beaches are named Riviera I, II and III) is a bit of paradise above Westward Beach.  The beautifully landscaped complex sits on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean and which is adjacent to the famous Zuma Beach. At the gated entry is the guard house where there is a guard on duty 24/7. After successfully passing through the gate (the guards are all courteous and helpful usually phoning up to let you know your guest has arrived) you drive up the lushly landscaped road, the ocean on your right and proceed to guest parking which is plentiful and scattered through out the complex.

There are 90 units in this complex of varying sizes and floor plans.  There are none listed on the MLS for sale at this time which is unusual in the current market.  In

2007 several of the larger ocean and greenbelt facing units sold for just under 3 million dollars. The prices range from the  $700,000’s  to a more a more average low – mid 1millions. There are multi-level units as well as some single story, which is unusual for Malibu. The larger units are around 1500-1600 square feet with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths.  There are also 2 bedroom and 2 plus a bonus room floor plans. The HOA dues are about $800 per month (The dues vary per unit partly because some of the units bought the land beneath them and some pay a monthly rental fee on their land). The facilities include a pool, tennis court, club house and private stairway to the public beach.

Now that I am settled in I feel like I am on vacation every day!  I can walk down to the beach where I run several days a week and even walk down the stairs to the Sunset restaurant for cocktails;  if I am feeling daring I may walk back up the steps to my home. This is definitely a place to consider for a long time purchase commitment if anything goes up for sale in the future.  Rentals vary from about $2800 to $7,000 although front row furnished could go for more and the minimum term is 3 months.

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: Gracee Arthur, Point Dume, The Malibu Riviera, Zuma Bay Villas

Moving

Life’s Stress Test

By: Gracee Arthur

As a realtor, two of my great pleasures are locating the ideal buyer for my seller’s property or finding my buyer their dream home.  But as the dream is fulfilled the nightmare begins…..MOVING DAY!

Now it is my turn to live the nightmare as I make an interim move while between houses.  This effort has been complicated by some sleepless nights fighting off mosquitoes (not very successfully) at my current rental where standing water has become a problem since the most recent rains and poor on site drainage.

There are few things in life more stressful than moving.  Whether you are relocating one mile away or cross country, the anxiety level and chaos are the same. When you also have an at home office and will be interrupting your work schedule things are additionally complicated and disruptive.  By now you are probably thinking, “Tell me something I do not know,” which I will do here in hopes of making your move, if not blissful at least manageable without prescription meds.

1.  This is the perfect time to part with the items you no longer use. Whether they are stored in the garage, attic or a costly storage facility this is the time to take inventory. Take advantage of the “trash to treasure” theory and have a garage sale. If a garage sale is not your thing then advertise on Craig’s List or your local paper to sell your most marketable items. Also remember that many charities are hurting right now and would welcome your donations (often picking them up at your door) for which you will receive a tax deduction. The bonus is the money you will save on moving or storing items which you no longer use.

2.   Arrange all your utility transfers well in advance of your move.  When you are moving phone, internet, cable etc. it can take as long as 3 weeks in advance to get a suitable appointment. Make sure to check out where all your outlets are in case you will need to add additional ones.

3.   If you do not have a mover that you like, get referrals from your realtor and friends who have recently moved.  Everyone has horror stories of the broken antique heirloom but only a few sing the praises of their moving company.  Whomever you choose, if you have a lot of valuable items insurance is a must.

4.    If you have painting, carpet cleaning etc. to be done having it done before you move in is a good idea.  If you are moving into a rental make sure your landlord plans to have the place professionally cleaned
prior to move- in as well as any needed repairs.

5.   Although the internet has decreased our need for the post office, you will still need to file for change of address (can now be done on line) at least 2 weeks prior to moving and notify any publications and vendors and the DMV separately for your driver’s license and auto registration (can be done on line) they will automatically change your voter registration if you do not change counties.  Additionally, your insurance, auto, health, home (prices may change if you move to a new county) and all professional such as doctors, dentist etc. with whom you have relationships, banks, credit card companies etc.

6.    Do yourself a favor if you can afford it, hire your movers to pack for you.  They are much better and faster at it than we are and do not pause for a nostalgic moment to admire old photos. The money spent
will be returned to you in time, efficiency and stress relief.

7.    Pets go last. If you cannot confine them to their kennel, a room or outside bring them to the vet or groomer for a bath.  Pets are happier when they are the last to arrive at home when the movers have left and
their favorite sofa is back in place.

8.    Most importantly, ”do unto others” whether you are a renter or a seller be considerate of the people moving into your home.  No matter how smoothly it goes, moving is difficult for everyone and there is nothing worse than arriving with your cherished belongings to find your new home a mess.  Yes, when the last box is loaded up all you want to do is close the door for the last time but please leave your house in the same condition you would like to find your new one!

Here are some links I hope will help with your move!  Good Luck and know “this to shall pass!”

DMV
USPS
Unique Mover
Marthastewart.com
Dino’s Moving and Storage – 323-467-3466

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: ewingsir, Gracee Arthur, malibu homes, moving in malibu

Malibu Beach Loses its Sand

Broad Beach Rescue Effort

By: Gracee Arthur

The LA Times  reporter Bob Poole explores the peril facing Broad Beach’s celebrity residents in his article “Malibu residents seek a narrow escape for Broad Beach” (February 2, 1010).

The full moon at its closest point to earth illuminated and exasperated the recent erosion of the coastline on Malibu beaches.  One of the most impacted beaches has been the celebrity inhabited Broad Beach (now a misnomer) which has lost so much sand it is posing a threat to multi-million dollar beach homes on its shore.   Yesterday, work began on a $4,000,000 sea wall which will be 4100 feet long to mitigate the damage until a long term project to dredge up sand restore the beach can be put in motion.  The project began by stockpiling the huge rocks at the west end of Zuma beach where the huge cranes have been housed.

City Councilman Andy Stern cited the pubic health hazard of erosion which can unearth septic systems as the reason for the rapid action to shore up the beach. The 8 foot high rock sea wall, when completed will protect the residents, Pierce Brosnan and Steve Spielberg among them, from the rising water threatening their beach front homes.

Read more about this story at LA Times

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: Broad Beach, Gracee Arthur, Malibu beaches

The Cornell Winery

Road Trip Part I

By: Gracee Arthur

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon there is no more visually stunning pleasure to experience than a drive through the now lush and green Santa Monica Mountains. What else could possibly bring more joy? As the old adage goes —“A day without wine is a day without sunshine!” Not to worry, there are more than 50 independent vineyards in these Mountains, just a scenic 10 mile drive from Malibu off of Kanan Dume Rd. (Highway N1). The vineyards vary in size from ½ acre backyards to 1,000 acre estates. One such estate on almost 37 acres is Rocky Oaks which not only has a large vineyard but a 9,000 square foot mansion as well, all of which can be yours for $65,000,000.

Luckily, for those of us who are unable to buy a vineyard, the Cornell Winery is a terrific place to taste the grapes!  Located at 29975 Mulholland Hwy in Agoura, Cornell is open 10AM to 9PM Thursday-Sunday and is also available for private parties and events.

The proprietors, Tim and Denise Skogstrom, who have 20 years experience in the wine industry, put together a fabulous collection of local boutique vintages for tasting, drinking and purchase. The comfortable, yet elegant back room is where the tasting of wines from vineyards like Rosenthal and Corral Canyon are enjoyed with delectables like the ‘cured meat and cheese plate” which is served on a plank of Mahogany. The featured art is by Douglas Tharalson who is also curator seeking out other original art works to adorn the walls of the wine shop and tasting room. Adjacent to the winery are the “new” Old Place restaurant, now reopened and serving fantastic food in an old West setting and antique dealer Charme D’Antan which specializes in French treasures.

So, if you are looking for a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon or an evening in wine country just hop in the car and be transported to a special, peaceful place just a short drive but a world away from the clatter of the city! The Cornell Winery 818-735-3542.  www.cornellwinery.com thataralart@aol.com

Coming Soon!  Road Trip part II “The Tasting”

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: Gracee Arthur, The Cornell Winery, Wineries in Malibu