By: Karen Lee

Join The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise in the 23rd Annual Cajun and Blues Music Festival. The event will take place over Memorial Day Weekend and benefit both Cajun people and residents of the Simi Valley. The Festival began in 1988 when it started as a Clambake to fundraise for the Rotary Club. After two years of a New England themed festival, the Cajun concept was adopted and has continued ever since. From 1988 onward, the festival has raised over $1,500,000 in donations.

This year’s festival will feature four different types of music, Cajun, Creole, Zydeco, and Blues across multiple stages during the event. Along with the music, there will be over 150 booths providing food, music and crafts. Each day, visitors are encouraged to join the Mardi Gras Parade with festival performers who will be sporting stilts or other Cajun inspired costumers. During music breaks, Cajun and Zydeco dance lessons will be taught by AJ Gibbs; something are great for the whole family to partake in.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the box office between 9am-6pm during the Festival. They may also be bought online at TicketWeb. General Admission is $20, Kids (5-12 years old) are $15 and Kids 5 years old and under are free. Tickets are currently available online and will be sold through May 25th. After the 25th, all other tickets will be sold at the box office during the festival.

I attended this event last year and had a blast. I highly recommend going!

By: Karen Lee

Over the past few weeks, animal control workers in the Conejo Valley have noticed a large increase in the population of baby rattlesnakes. Owner of a snake catching business and self proclaimed “Rattlesnake Wrangler”, Bo Slyapich stated that ninety percent of his company’s call in the past few weeks have been in regards to rattlesnakes. In one week, Slypich removed 25 rattlesnakes from homes throughout the area. He warns residents to be conscious of these snakes as the weather warms because they are drawn to heat.

There are several ways you can protect your family against rattlesnakes. Slypich advises homeowners to keep garage and house doors closed as well as insure that plants in your yard are trimmed down to 6 inches in order to spot snakes. Residents should also clear any clutter near their house that snakes could easily hide in. Lastly, keep your dogs inside to prevent rattlesnake attacks.

There are very few places in the US that capture the essence of good Italian food. It is that mouth watering sensation of feeling as though you could be sitting in a restaurant in Milan or wandering the streets of Venice. The sheer impossibility of this task can be daunting to some but Tonino’s restaurant does just that, conquers the impossible and transports you to another place. Recently voted, “The Best Crust in America” by Gourmet Magazine, Tonino’s Place in Woodland Hills is an Italian wonder. Reviews from Yelp boast “this is the real deal” and “still in love with this place”. Previous patrons also commend the restaurant for its amazing staff and customer service.

Tonino’s Place is run by two Toninos, Tonino “Toto” Morra and Tonino Boniovanni who both add their own special recipes to the menu. Morra is known for his homemade thin pizza crust, hand tossed Napolitana style. Boniovanni has not only added his “Roman-style” dishes but also brought his wife and son into the business. Son, Jonathon Lakatos created a low-carb section of the menu that includes items such as grilled chicken and Insalata di Pollo, a delectable salad full of veggies and chicken breast. Boniovanni’s wife, Linda is well known for her incredible customer service whether it be on the phone or in the restaurant.

The restaurant is located in El Camino Shopping Center, at 23351 Mulholland Drive, Woodland Hills. Call (818) 591-0600 to make a reservation, order take-out or ask for delivery. Tonino’s delicious menu can be found online at their website: http://www.toninosplacepizzeria.com/

Modern DST was first proposed in 1895 by George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist. Since it’s origin, it has been adopted in much of the world. However, adding daylight to afternoons benefits retailing, sports, and other activities that exploit sunlight after working hours but causes problems for farming, evening entertainment and other occupations tied to the sun.

Whether it’s a good thing for our economy is debatable, however, one thing is sure. On March 11th at 2am, we will move the time one hour forward. Make sure to change your clocks and go to bed an hour early so you’re alarm doesn’t startle you too much in the morning. I know an hour less of sleep may be unpleasant but just remember, it means that summer is near!

By: Karen Lee

Before you get too excited, to qualify, you must be over 62 and make no more than $41,400 annually. But, if you qualify, you’ll be in for quite a treat.

The 75-unit affordable housing complex, at 4803 El Canon Ave., will begin moving in as early as Oct. 17, according to a housing official. This 52,825-square-foot property, owned by Thomas Safran & Associates, have units that vary from 550 to 650 square feet. Residents at Canyon Creek Calabasas include a spa, a jacuzzi, a community room, a gym and underground parking.

The housing complex is located in the heart of Old Town Calabasas and was designed with an “old west” theme in keeping with the neighborhood.

By: Karen Lee

Le Pain Quotidien or, “the daily bread,” is a Belgian café-bakery chain with more than 160 locations worldwide. Lucky for us, their doors just opened a new eatery Monday at the Commons in Calabasas.

Le Pain Quotidien in Calabasas will, I assume, quickly become a hotspot for locals. With freshly baked organic goods, soups, salads, sandwiches and the tartine, this bakery has the perfect blend of European themes and local appeal.

Founded in 1990 by Alain Coumont in Brussels, Belgium, Alain still manages and directs the company’s commitment to organic ingredients and green building. Worldwide, the company has many locations in Los Angeles, New York City, Canada, Mexico, France, Russia and Kuwait.

Le Pain Quotidien will certainly receive the attention it deserves in the tightly knit Calabasas community.

Fire Precaution in Calabasas

By: Karen Lee

The recent brush fire on Alizia Canyon in Calabasas should be a good reminder that fire season is upon us. Hot temperatures, dry brush and upcoming Santa Ana winds make the perfect fuel for this extreme danger.

Make sure that brush around your house is cleared, and that trees are trimmed away from the roof.

Have a plan for evacuation-what to take-important documents should be in a metal fire resistant box that can be grabbed in a moments notice. Prescriptions and family photos should be at the top of the list. Last minute decisions can be disastrous. A few years ago when a fire threatened Bell Canyon, Valley Circle Estates, and Hidden Hills, I remember loading shoes in a laundry basket to take! That would have been a waste compared to other, irreplaceable items.

By: Karen Lee

As reported on patch.com

If you know a teen who is making a difference or inspiring the community in a particular way, they could qualify for a trip to the London Olympics. Beginning today you can help showcase an inspirational teen’s achievements by nominating him/her for a once in a lifetime experience from Coca-Cola – the honor of carrying the Olympic Flame next July during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Coca-Cola will be selecting 10 teenagers who inspire others through their dedication to living positively and effecting meaningful change to participate in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The 10 selected torchbearers will have the opportunity to share their passion with the world when they carry the Olympic Flame in and around the historic town of Oxford, England, July 9-11, 2012, as it makes its way to London for the Opening Ceremony on July 27, 2012.

Go to LivePositively.com for a chance to win.

For more information go to: http://calabasas.patch.com

Proud to be udderless

By: Karen Lee

Follow @ewingsir

Recently opened in Woodland Hills by Trisha Lobefaro, No Udder features non dairy, vegan desserts. Her mission stems from the practice of balancing the decadence of dessert with the mindfulness of animals. Special Occasion, Wedding and Birthday cakes can be ordered but bite sized cakes can be purchased for tasty treats. And you must try the turnovers, cookies and organic coffee once your inside.

Stop by No Udder at 20839 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills. Located next to Precision Escrow and across from the Allen Edwards Salon.

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.

Angry Birds and the Mighty Eagle

By: Karen Lee

So I was at the airport with an hour before the flight and about 20 people, men and women, were playing the number 1 iphone/ipad app-Angry Birds. Here I am, waiting in a room with 80 or so people and 1/4th of them are playing the same game. Grown men in suits, moms, teenagers, kids you name it.

It’s really a game of strategy, figuring out how to knock out the target piggies. Very addictive. At 4 am this morning I finally figured out 14-14!  For those who cannot pass a level after multiple, multiple tries, you can download mighty eagle app – $.99 and use it(only once per hour) to wipe out that level and move on. From what I understand, they will be adding more levels, and, once you finish all levels you can start over to achieve 3 stars on all games. Don’t start unless you’re willing to go the distance! This game is not for the faint of heart. Extremely addictive and fun.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4P3ueF4CxY&NR=1&feature=fvwp[/youtube]

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.