Cash for Computers! Help us reach our $10,000 goal!

By: Michelle Tepper

Encino Elementary School, located at 16941 Addison Street across from Encino Park, will have a booth at the Taste of Encino event on October 9th at St. Cyril’s at Ventura and Haskell Ave. We will be face painting and applying tattoos to kids hands and invite you to our booth to learn more about our wonderful school with API test score of 916 for the 2009/2010 school year. We are requesting donations for the support of our Computer Lab, P.E., Art, and Science programs and instructors that LAUSD does not pay for. Our parents and the community support these programs which enhance our children’s educational experience at Encino Elementary, not only to pass tests, but to become well-rounded, confident citizens as they approach their early teens. Thank you for your support and we hope to see you at our booth. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in one day!

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.

Michelle Tepper

The top 3 spots you must keep a secret

By: Deena Nissley

Malibu: The Old Place
Tough guys like Steve McQueen came to this rustic, country store-turned restaurant for a hearty meal of steak, clam, and potatoes. And that’s exactly what you’ll get, because the menu hasn’t really changed in more than 100 years. Stop by the Cornell Winery Tasting Room next door and pick a bottle to bring in with you. (Make reservations — they only take them for three seatings.)
29983 Mulholland Hwy. (818-706-9001)

Downtown: The Bootleg Theater
“Pay what you can” pricing is typical for indie rock shows and film screenings at this Depression-era warehouse. Get back in touch with your artistic side (the one you forgot about after you got tired of eating Top Ramen six nights a week) at this unpretentious, d-bag attitude-free hang for young directors, photographers, and musicians.
2220 Beverly Blvd. (213-389-3856)

Hollywood: The Hungry Cat
The best raw bar selections in LA are at a signless spot hidden away at this modern seafood haunt in the back of the Sunset & Vine complex (it’s across from the north entrance to Borders). Order up straight-from-the-ocean shellfish, from the Pacific and the Atlantic. Don’t like fish? Covered with bacon, blue cheese, and avocado, the Pug Burger is the only thing on the menu that can’t swim. High-concept cocktails mean you’re cabbing it home.
1535 Vine St. (323-462-2155)

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.

Deena Nissley

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"Space and Joy"

Artwork in North Hollywood

By: Linda Cardoso

My friends and neighbors, Candee Corliss and Gary Wilson, are showcasing their art at the Eclectic Wine Bar and Grille in the NoHo Arts district. If you missed their show at the Judith Kaufman Gallery at El Portal Theater earlier this year please stop by The Eclectic in NoHo to see Candee and Gary’s work. Grab a bite to eat and instead of desert do something REALLY decadent – buy an original piece of art – there’s little that I find quite as exciting and it’s a…thrill that lasts – longer than Louboutin’s and in L.A … longer than love.

The artwork just went up this month and no decision has been made as to when it will be replaced. Visit the Eclectic Wine Bar and Grill on 5156 Lankershim Boulevard for an evening of fine wine, food and art!

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.

Linda Cardoso

Linda Cardoso, Estate Agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing single family and condominiums residences in the $500,000 - $3,000,000 price range throughout Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village, Toluca Lake, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz and Burbank.

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Despite extremely low interest rates, housing sales remain anemic

By: Cynthia Sparagna

Although home sales still remain subpar, there is a some good news in today’s real estate market. Existing home sales rose in August 2010 following a substantial correction in July, said the National Association of Realtors. Completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 7.6% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.13 million in August. Sales, however, still remain 19% below the 5.10 milllion-unit pace in August 2009.

Freddie Mac recently reported that the average commitment rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.43% in August, down from 5.19% in August 2009. The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $178,600 in August, up 0.8% from a year ago. Distressed homes rose to 34% of sales in August from 32% in July; they were 31% in August 2009.

Overall, NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, sympathizes with consumers. “People understand the good affordability conditions with stable home prices in most areas, but they’re concerned about the economy and speculation on Wall Street,” she said. “We need to stick with the facts about the long-term value of home ownership and avoid unrealistic assessments. Tight credit and slow short sales are ongoing problems—expediting short sales will help the market recover more quickly.”

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.

Cynthia Sparagna

Cynthia Sparagna, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in representing buyers and sellers throughout the San Fernando Valley. Cynthia was raised on the East Coast and was the middle of seven children.

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Hosted by Maximilians Restaurant

By: Tina Stern

Adjacent to Valley Village and Studio City, the increasingly hip NoHo is home to one of my favorite restaurants in LA, Maximilians. On September 19th from 11am – 5pm, Maximilians will host the 1st annual Hungarian Fest. This family friendly event will host authentic Hungarian food, folklore dances, merchants, pastries, art show and a raffle. First place will receive a $300 gift certificate and second will go home with a large gourmet Hungarian gift basket.

Actor and winemaker Bela Lugosi Jr. along with Emmy winner Cynthia P. Romo will host the event to help this first year become a success. All you have to do is show up at Maximilians Rose Garden on September 19th and pay $5. Don’t miss it.

Maximilians Restaurant Rose Garden and Lot
5270 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood, 91601
818.760.1300

View Google Map

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.

Tina Stern

For a mere $150 Million

By: Kenny Melcombe

Few manor’s world wide compare to the Spelling residence in Los Angeles. Beautifully positioned on nearly five acres of rare flat land, the Manor blends visionary design, passionate consideration to detail, and unique artistic touches. A winding drive leads to a splendid circular motor court with a fountain and space for 100 cars. Italian limestone enwraps the sumptuous living spaces. A magnificent entry with double staircase begin with dramatic 30-foot ceilings and walls adorned with French silk. In addition to 7 BR suites, there is a step-down formal living room, a projection room, bar, family room, an oak-panelled library, an office, a service wing, billiards room, game room, two lane bowling alley, wine cellar and tasting room, catering kitchen, gym and beauty salon. This 56,000+ square ft home will likely squeeze a small family of four. I said, likely.

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.

Kenny Melcombe

Kenneth Melcombe, estate agent and licensed broker at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty represents buyers and sellers. He specializes in representing residential real estate properties throughout the San Fernando Valley and beyond.

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Relax at the Encino Spa

By: Karen Lee

First opened in Los Feliz, the dtox Day Spa opened its second location in the Encino Courtyard. Owners Kenneth King and Cary Mock opened this expansive spa to create the feel of a “stay-vacation.” The luxury Encino spa allows you to relax for as long as you wish on an outdoor shaded sundeck with pollwed chairs and pods. Sip complimentary fruit infused water, fresh fruit and baked goodies – it’s a perfect treat.

Dtox Day Spa is currently offering a special promotion for My Daily Find readers through the end of September. Book a 50 minute service and receive 25% off.

There’s a wide variety of unique  eco-friendly facials, massages, body treatments and tub treatments,  as well as packages for singles and couples. Products used and sold are all natural and organic without parabens, oils and metals.

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.

Karen Lee

Karen Lee, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing estate properties throughout the Greater West Valley area including Woodland Hills, Calabasas, West Hills, Agoura and Tarzana.

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Bing offers taxi fare’s

By: Deena Nissley

Bing Maps is adding a Taxi Fare search. Just like a map search, you can plug in 2 address and find the fare of the taxi. The app determines the cost of the cab by factoring best routes and publicly available rates. The initial cost is displayed and the distance estimated waiting times as well.

Plug in your location and destination — just like on Google Maps — and the app determines how much a cab will cost, by factoring best routes and publicly available rates.

Bing Maps requires Silverlight (another add-on, like Flash), so anyone not on a Mac or PC is SOL.

Other cool selections from the King of Bing Maps include a roadside attraction finder and a gas price list, making for a crucial roadtrip tool.

Here’s an example: bing taxi fare

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.

Deena Nissley

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I recently found this alarming news in the LA Times:

By: Michelle Tepper

Mosquitoes collected in Encino have tested positive for West Nile virus, county officials said. The mosquitoes are the first this year to test positive for the potentially deadly disease in the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. Two dead birds were collected in. the district earlier this year. Because the disease is transmitted from birds to humans through a mosquito bite, officials advised residents to use insect repellent while outdoors, and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Residents were also asked to eliminate stagnant pools of water, where mosquitoes often breed. Overwatering your lawn at night and leaving bowls of water outside for pets, kiddie pools and bird baths can also breed mosquitos at night.

Copyright 2010 – Los Angeles Daily News

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.

Michelle Tepper

Robots that clean

By: Deena Nissley

Quite possibly the best gift for a college student, Roboscooper will lift beer cans, magazines and any other medium weight items. While Roomba scurries around sucking up dirt off your carpet, Roboscooper uses his hands to lift stuff out of the way. The robot runs on six AAA batteries which means it can’t pick up heavy items but it does have an infrared sensor to detect if the object is too big.

Like the Star Wars duo, they’ll be able to work in tandem when Roboscooper lands on Earth (it ships in a few weeks).

Roboscooper
wowwee.com
$70.
Ships at end of 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.

Deena Nissley

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