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Trancas Park Opens

A fun place for dogs and humans!

By: Gracee Arthur

After two years of wrangling among Malibu West residents over grading, traffic, and fire risk among other issues, the long awaited Malibu park is finally open! The park, which cost just under $4,000,000, is located on a 13.5 acre site which was donated to the City. The 6.7 acres of the park which are developed include a dog park, playground, multi-use sports field and picnic tables and parking. The neighborhood in which it is located, Malibu West, already has a members only Beach Club and tennis court .

Malibu West is a great neighborhood a short distance from Zuma Beach, shopping and Starbuck’s. Homes lease there for $4,000 and up, condos start at $2,900. The homes are primarily one story on tree lined streets that are child friendly with lots of speed bumps. Most homes have three or 4 bedrooms, two or three bathrooms. In this recent market decline there have been a few sales under a million but most homes are listed in the low to mid-ones with some listed over two million. The neighborhood is close to Juan Cabrillio elementary school and  Malibu Senior and Junior high schools. There is a fee for beach club membership.

An article in the Malibu Times, July 8^th edition details the history of the community dispute over the creation of the park. One of the major sticking points was the Malibu Township Council’s suit to prohibit league play on the sports field. The settlement required the City to place a deed restriction on the property prohibiting league sports play at the park. This rule cannot be changed by a future City Council without approval from the MTC. To read more about Trancas Park go to the Malibu 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: malibu homes, malibu west homes, trancas, trancas park

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

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 Treasures

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”

By: Gracee Arthur

Last week, while showing a charming lease above the sand on Malibu Road, I discovered a Malibu treasure.  In the living room of this updated home stood the original fireplace from the 1950’s, the chimney of which is made from stones, beach glass and drift wood collected by the family for generations. This beautiful work of natural and man-made art reminded me of the many treasures that can be found at the Adamson House which was built in 1930 for Rhoda Rindge and her husband Merritt Huntley Adamson. Rhoda Rindge is famous for keeping the railroad out of Malibu (but that is another story).

The Adamson House with its lovely gardens and the adjoining Malibu Lagoon Museum are open to the

public Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is $5.00 for adults (17 plus) and $2.00 for children. There are docents who conduct guided tours of the property.  The house features the amazing tile work produced by Malibu Potteries (1926-32).  One of the tile masterpieces is the “Persian-style rug” complete with fringed ends designed into the tile by William Handly of Malibu Potteries.  The Lagoon Museum features a collection of artifacts, rare photographs and documents depicting Malibu’s rich history.

The beachside property which is one of the most beautiful in Malibu is also available for weddings (310) 457-8185  If you would like to learn more about the Adamson House  go to www.adamsonhouse.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.

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Tracy Park Gallery in Malibu

By: Gracee Arthur

Actor Paul Sorvino, who impressed us all with his excellent performance as Paul Cicero in “Goodfellows,” now impresses us with his magnificent sculptures.  The Tracey Park Gallery in Malibu is exhibiting these fine works from October 9th – November 9th.  The gallery will be hosting the artist at a showing of his work on November 7th from 7PM to 10PM (See invitation at: Tracy Park Outline).

I had the pleasure of attending the reception for the previous exhibit of  whimsical “Alice in Wonderland” themed art by Grace Slick (yes that Grace Slick).  My favorite was her fantastic vision of the Cheshire Cat.”

The gallery is located in the Malibu Country Mart near the popular Taverna Tony’s Greek Restaurant.  The Malibu Country Mart is a great place to dine, shop and people watch on the weekends. Stop by to view the fine art at the Tracey Park Gallery and continue on to Tony’s for a glass of wine and a terrific Greek salad.
www.tracyparkgallery.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.

Tags: ewing and sotheby's, Ewing Sir, ewingsir, malibu art show, malibu homes, sotheby's, Tracey Park