Hot new bar opening Friday, May 21st

By: Deena Nissley

If you were in New York, it would be time to start thinking about your Hamptons weekends right now.

You’re not.

So it’s about time to start thinking about your Hamptons weekends… in Hollywood.

Introducing Cahuenga’s hottest new Hamptons-themed nightclub—The Colony debuts Friday, and they brought the nautical vibe and the alcoholic popsicles.

Finally, you’ve got a sprawling den of indoor-outdoor debauchery from SBE (Mi-6, Industry) that feels somehow Kennedy-approved and Montauk-adjacent. From the wooden-plank entrance outside that looks like a lifeguard stand, you’ll enter into a blue-and-white deck with a hammock-covered pool and cabana-style seating.

That’s where you and your friends will want to start things off… with some alcoholic sushi. (Think Jell-O shot instead of tuna and rice paper instead of seaweed.) They’ve also got booze-filled popsicles, champagne-sorbet foams on mini-spoons—and olives skewered on pipettes filled with splashes of martini.

Now that you’ve had a healthy dinner, you’re ready for the open-air dance floor—it’s surrounded by wave-covered walls, tiers of tables with secret storage under the seat cushions and, by the back bar, a suspended turquoise kayak (the top has cushions, so it’s like a bench/swing).

And if anybody in your group needs to ditch her stilettos for some flip-flops, there’s a beachy retail kiosk on site—yes, in the middle of the club—with some VIP storage lockers at the ready.

Which is also good news for your seersucker blazer.

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

Website - More Posts

By: Michelle Tepper

If you happen to live in Encino, then you may have noticed a new nightclub in the old El Torito Restaurant space that had been abandoned for over a year. A Gentlemen’s club called Mermaids Gentlemen’s club has recently opened without regard to the community outburst. If you are opposed to belligerent drunk men stumbling from the “cafe” into the park where our children play and not to mention, the pre-school at the park, scantily dressed women hanging around the exterior of the bar at all hours, then please voice your opinion to Paul Koretz’s office at:

Shawn Bayliss
Planning Deputy
Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
(818) 971-3088; Fax: (818) 788-9210
Email: Shawn.Bayliss@lacity.org

Here is the latest information from the Encino Neighborhood Council regarding the action being taken against the club:

To: Members of Homeowners of Encino
and Encino Residents

From: Gerald A. Silver,
Pres. Homeowners of Encino

#333 ENCINO COMMUNITY UPDATE

UPDATE ON THE MERMAIDS CAFE/ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE    Atlantis Mermaids Gentleman’s Club Examiner Hearing

The hearing for the Atlantis Mermaids Gentleman’s Club has been scheduled to be heard before the HEARING EXAMINER on:

Monday May 10th at 9AM.Police Administration Building, Board Room100 West First Street, LA

NO PUBLIC TESTIMONY WILL BE TAKEN.

The attorneys involved will have a forum to hear testimony from police, code enforcement etc. and to take cross-examination testimony.

THE PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE HEARING TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS.

NO COMMENT OR DISRUPTION WILL BE ALLOWED.

Shawn Bayliss
Planning Deputy
Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
(818) 971-3088; Fax: (818) 788-9210
Email: Shawn.Bayliss@lacity.org

****

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 11:56 AM

Jeffrey Ebenstein <jeffrey.ebenstein@lacity.org> (Councilman Paul Koretz)

Friday, Apr 23, 2010

ENDING A NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Hi , I hope you are doing well. I just want to update on Mermaids. The Councilman, Shawn and myself attended and spoke at the hearing re: Mermaids. Below, I have provided a synopsis of what transpired:

Mermaids is the latest in a series of clubs affiliated with the same owner-operator and located on an Encino site that was once home to the original El Torito family restaurant. There have been many reports of nuisances disturbing and afflicting the local neighborhood: past violations included service of alcohol without a license and service of alcohol past 2:00 a.m.

A recent undercover investigation by LAPD Vice Officers and Building & Safety found a multitude of alleged violations and serious concerns, echoing the angry complaints of people living in the area. Issues raised have included possible public intoxication, scantily clad employees giving lap dances, late night partying and patrons littering and urinating on surrounding properties upon leaving the club.This undercover investigation was conducted at the instigation and urging of Councilmember Koretz.

Councilmember Koretz, local residents and neighborhood groups attended the Police Panel hearing and called for action against Mermaids.

The Panel seemed very receptive to the Councilmember and the community. Because the City Attorney requires a few weeks to complete all the necessary legal paperwork, the Panel agreed to take legal action at a subsequent hearing. At the request of Councilmember Koretz, the Panel will hold that hearing at the very beginning of next month, which is much sooner than would normally occur.

Councilmember Koretz explained, “We are doing everything in our power to protect this community by getting rid of a neighborhood nuisance as quickly as possible.”

****

Los Angeles Daily News – 04/26/2010

Michelle Tepper

Time to “Get Your Hat On”!

By: Michelle Tepper

Hats are not just for the sun! Sure they offer some protection, but most of us are in the habit of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis to the point where we have let the stylish twist that a hat can offer go by the wayside.  Sick of wearing the same old pair of jeans and tank for summer?  Try adding a large brimmed hat with a flower attached!  Even if your white summer pants are feeling a little dingy, a denim bucket hat adds the perfect touch of style to any summer outfit.  Need to save $150 of highlights?  A sensible hat for $40 will save you a week on those roots that are coming in.  Hats also enhance your eyes and smile!  Amy Ward, a photographer and make-up artist who owns her own studio (Award Studio) in Burbank, CA has launched her latest venture http://awardmillinerydesign.com/.  Amy creates beautiful and deliciously playful, yet stylish hats from antique wooden block forms.  Her current favorite is a take on a mad hatter style and she dresses it up with a generous ribbon of thule and a flower – the perfect accessory for a summer dress!

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

Our Los Angeles lifeguard towers are turning into a work of art

By: Deena Nissley

Feast your eyes upon The Lifeguard Tower Project, set to dominate more than 30 miles of beach this summer.

Basically, every lifeguard tower for miles in either direction—from north of Malibu to south of Hermosa—is about to get an extreme makeover of patterns and colors so bright you’ll see them from your next flight out of LAX. (They’re doing the roofs too.)

The rails were painted over the weekend, and by mid-May the new looks will be in place through September, all thanks to the civic-minded bunch at Portraits of Hope, the same group that brightened whole fleets of NYC taxis not so long ago.

In addition to giving you something noble to discuss with your favorite lifeguard in residence (the artists are kids and volunteers), this project finally grants you the long-awaited opportunity to go to the museum… by going to the beach.

Maybe now LACMA will take a second look at your beach chair.

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

Website - More Posts

Ear-marked
It Will Be in Your Head All Day…

By: Deena Nissley

Music is a powerful thing. Especially when it’s Whitesnake.

And we’ve got a website that’s rounded up the most powerful music of all—for when you just have to slyly send somebody “Here I Go Again” right now, so they’ll think of that and nothing else for the rest of the day.

Welcome to a mischievous website called earwurm, now online.

The execution is simple—find a song that sums up what you want to say to that special somebody (or your colleague who has it coming), and send them an Earwurm message via email, Facebook or Twitter. They’ll get a link that looks innocent enough, and when they follow it to Earwurm, they’ll have the chance to hear a few bars of something brilliantly annoying, like Bobby McFerrin.

If all goes according to plan, they’ll be playing that five-second clip over and over again in their head until next Tuesday.

The canon runs deep, from “Informer” to “Bye Bye Bye” to the immortal “Wannabe” by Spice Girls.

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

Website - More Posts

Delightful yet unexpected Mother’s Day brunches

By: Deena Nissley

Mother’s Day is May 9. Skip the usual suspects and take Mom somewhere unexpected for a prix-fixe brunch.

West Hollywood: Sunset Marquis
Soak up the sun while soaking in champagne and mimosas in this rocker hotel’s secluded garden. The mid-morning Mom’s Day feast starts with sushi and sashimi and ends with crème brulee, cheese spreads and a chocolate fountain. The main course: excessive buffet servings from salad, carving and pasta stations.
10a-2p. $65. 1200 Alta Loma Rd. (310-657-1333).

Malibu: Charlie’s
A scenic cruise up the coast sets the stage for this local favorite, just a stone’s throw from the water. Take Mom for a walk on the beach after filling up on pan-seared blue crab cakes, Southern-fried chicken and house-made country loaf French toast.
11a-3p. Charlie’s Malibu, 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy. (310-456-3132).

Downtown: The Standard
Watch the walkers of shame in the lobby or sit in the hotel’s 24/7 eatery, The Restaurant, for an organic, Mediterranean-flavored prix-fixe menu. Afterward, head up to the roof for a mid-day cocktail and spectacular view of downtown.
11a-5p. $40. The Standard, 550 S. Flower St. (213-892-8080).

Santa Monica: Wilshire
The restaurant’s first-ever Mother’s Day brunch kicks things off right with unlimited mimosas, bellinis and Bloody Marys. Select from either sweet (pannatone French toast, Belgium waffles) or savory (lobster benedict with Béarnaise and heirloom tomato, prime rib French dip au jus) on the prix-fixe menu.
11:30a-3p. $55. Wilshire Restaurant, 2454 Wilshire Blvd. (310-586-1707).

San Marino: The Huntington
After a tour of the gardens, the library and the art collection, settle in for al fresco dining (complete with roses and a harpist, lucky you). Herbed roast beef, orange-glazed duck, dill poached salmon, lemon and parsley marinated artichokes and sparkling wine complete Mom’s sophisticated garden party.
10:45a, 12:30p & 2:30p. $190 for 4 or more. The Huntington, 1151 Oxford Rd. (626-405-2249).

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

Website - More Posts

By: Cynthia Sparagna

Most of us are involved with networking in some way, shape or form as it has become a necessary tool in today’s business world.  For me, it has become as natural as breathing to be involved in a networking group. Your relationships evolve within the group and you can feel confident that you can give and receive referrals to credible, reliable professionals. Here is an interesting article, which I’ve condensed, that I would like to share with very good tips for networking:

Laser-Sharp Networking
3 Tips to Getting Precision Results from Your Networking Efforts
By Dr. Ivan Misner

Did you know that the energy put out by a normal light bulb is equal to the energy put out by a laser beam? A laser has a very tight beam and is very strong and concentrated. A light bulb, on the other hand, releases light in many directions, so the light is comparably weak and diffuse. The difference between the two allows the laser, with focused energy, to have the power to do very fine and delicate surgery, artistic etching and play the broad, full sounds of an orchestral overture.
Does that sound like the kind of precision you want from your networking activities? I’ve found that there are three ways to bring your networking efforts into laser-sharp focus to make it an even more powerful way to build your business:
1. When talking about what you do at networking groups, focus on one aspect of your business at each meeting. Remember, your goal in the networking process should be to train a sales force, not close a sale. Therefore, each time you have an opportunity, focus on a specific product or service you offer, then train people how to refer you in this area.
2. When asking for referrals from your networking partners, be very specific about what you want. Identify specific people to whom you wish to be introduced. Personal introductions can open doors for you that would’ve otherwise remained closed. If you don’t know the name of the manager of another business you wish to meet, find out – then ask specifically for a referral to that person.
3. Meet with each person in your networking circle one on one, away from the general networking session, to deepen the relationship and dial up the focus of your networking efforts.
I can’t stress enough the importance of deepening the relationships with your networking partners. To really maximize the energy of the partnership you’re forging with your referral sources, it’s critical to spend time with them. Just going to a social function or sitting side by side at some type of conference or networking event isn’t enough. You have to be face to face, talking and exploring commonalities and complimentary aspects of each of your businesses to be as powerful a referral source for each other as you can be.
In our increasingly fast-paced society and business climate, it’s important to take your time to get to know your referral sources and cultivate long-lasting and mutually profitable relationships. It’s true that “time is money,” but I also know that without investing a good chunk of your time in one-on-one relationships, you won’t have the kind of strong and deeply focused referral sources you need for successful word-of-mouth marketing.
By focusing your efforts like a laser beam, you’ll fine-tune your networking message and increase your results.
Called the “father of modern networking” by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is the Founder & Chairman of BNI, the world’s largest business networking organization.

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.

Website - More Posts

This Weekend

By: Deena Nissley

Beerfest is Saturday. Here’s what to do with the rest of your weekend.

Street Fair: Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate Japanese-American culture with sushi, song, and plenty of sake at the 45,000-strong festival.
Get a taste: Kabuki’s Master Sake Sommelier Yuji Matsumoto holds court in front of MOCA.
Sat 10:30a-6:30p; Sun 10:30a-5p. Entrance at 1st and Central (in front of the Japanese American National Museum), Little Tokyo. Free. Nearby: Redwood Bar & Grill; Tapas & Winebar C; Corkbar

Comedy Show: Groundlings Showcase Showdown
New revue-style sketch show from LA’s resident comedy geniuses features improv and — thankfully — very little audience participation.
Want to participate? Take classes at their school here.
Fri 8p; Sat 8 & 10p. Groundlings Theater, 7307 Melrose Ave. (323-934-4747). $17 here. Nearby: Osteria Mozza; Village Idiot; Foundry on Melrose.

Art Opening: TRASHed Coachella Exhibit
Check out recycling bins redesigned and repainted live by musicians and artists, before they get used and abused at Coachella.
For a cause: The show (and trash bins) raises awareness for Global Inheritance.
Fri 7-11p. POVevolving Gallery, 939 Chung King Rd. (310-594-3036). Free. Nearby: Hop Louie; Mountain Bar; Little Joy

Date Night: Michael Buble at Staples Center
Jazzy crooner brings his super-smooth stage show to the Staples Center.
Hamm & Buble: The singer showed his sense of humor in one of this season’s best SNL skits, with Mad Men’s Jon Hamm.
Fri 8p. Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St. $55-95 here. (213-742-7340). Nearby: Rivera; BottleRock; Seven Grand

Avian Attack: The Best/Worst Bird Attack Movie that isn\’t The Birds
Check our Twitter feed here for details.

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

Website - More Posts

18,000 in COMBINED homebuyer tax credits for a limited time

By: Cynthia Sparagna

Californians have a brief window of opportunity to receive up to $18,000 in combined federal and state homebuyer tax credits.

To take advantage of both tax credits, a first-time homebuyer must enter into a purchase contract for a principal residence before May 1, 2010, and close escrow between May 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010, inclusive.  Buyers who are not first-time homebuyers may use the same time frames to receive up to $16,500 in combined tax credits if they are long-time residents of their existing homes as permitted under federal law, and they purchase properties that have never been previously occupied as provided under California law. (Basically, new construction, not previously occupied)

Under the federal law slated to soon expire, a first-time homebuyer may receive up to $8,000 in tax credits, and a long-time resident may receive up to $6,500, for certain purchase contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 that close escrow by June 30, 2010.  Additionally, under a newly enacted California law, a homebuyer may receive up to $10,000 in tax credits as a first-time homebuyer or buyer of a property that has never been occupied.  The new California law applies to certain purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010 (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(a)(4)).  California law generally allows buyers of never-occupied properties to reserve their credits before closing escrow, but buyers seeking to combine the federal and state tax credits will not be able to satisfy the timing requirements for such reservations (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(c)(1)(A)).  Other terms and restrictions apply to both tax credits.

It is advisable to contact your Tax adviser for further facts to your personal situation.

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.

Website - More Posts

By: Tina Stern

Swiss bank UBS recently released its tri-annual Prices and Earnings report revealing which of the 73 surveyed cities in the world had the most purchasing power (in terms of the local costs of goods) after taxes were deducted from the average hourly pay. Forbes Magazine further analyzed the data and listed the top 100 highest-Paid cities in the world. While this data isn’t all that useful in practical terms, it’s always interesting to see the facts and figures and how we fit into the global picture. Here are the top ten cities according to this data.

1. Zurich, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $22.60 (Gross pay per hour: $30.30).
2. Geneva, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $20.40 (Gross pay per hour: $29.20).
3. New York City: Net pay per hour: $19 (Gross pay per hour: $26.10).
4. Dublin, Ireland: Net pay per hour: $18.70 (Gross pay per hour: $22).
5. Luxembourg City: Net pay per hour: $18.20 (Gross pay per hour: $22.40).
6. Copenhagen, Denmark: Net pay per hour: $17.70 (Gross pay per hour: $32.80).
7. Los Angeles: Net pay per hour: $17.40 (Gross pay per hour: $23.90).
8. Oslo, Norway: Net pay per hour: $15.80 (Gross pay per hour: $24.40).
9. Helsinki, Finland: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.30).
10. Miami: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.10).

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