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For an outstanding evening…

By: Tim McLaughlin

I had the pleasure of seeing the production of “the House of Besarab” at the Hollywood American Legion in Hollywood last week.  The play in two acts is adapted from Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” by Terance M. Duddy and Theodore Ott.  Directed by Terance M. Duddy.  It is an environmental production where the audience follows the various character and the show follows two plot tracks.  The Hollywood American Legion with its high ceilings and dark hallways add the feeling that you are in an 19th century castle and to the theatre experience.  The cast is solid, especially Michael Hegedus who plays Dracula.

If you are looking for a fun evening out, stop by the Hollywood American Legion on Highland Ave., just south of the Hollywood Bowl and visit the House of Besarab.  The shows running time is 2 hours and the show runs through December 20th.  Tickets are $55 and include parking.  Go to www.plays.com for more info.

• Tim Mclaughlin
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Posted by Tim Mclaughlin on November 19th, 2009

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Take advantage of fall’s cool, smog-free air to see the sights from the top of Mt. Hollywood, the highest peak in Griffith Park.

By: Deena Nissely

Where to?
Fresh air. Winding trails. James Dean. The hike from Fern Dell Drive up to Mt. Hollywood rewards even the most jaded Angeleno with a sprawling bird’s-eye view of the city.

The start
Park at the bottom of Fern Dell Dr. (just off of Los Feliz Blvd.) and hit the trail at the wooden “Ferndell” sign. This is the Fern Dell picnic area, complete with shady nooks, lush greenery and old bridges arched over running streams. As you pass the picnic area, head up and to the left towards the Observatory

Choose your destination
You’ll reach a fork in the path as you get closer to the domes of the Griffith Park Observatory (seen in Rebel Without A Cause). Stop by on your way up or back down for restrooms, a café, and endless solar system exhibits. Bear left to continue up Mt. Hollywood.
The Café at the End of the Universe @ Griffith Park Observatory, 2800 E. Observatory Ave. (213-473-0800)

Sign time
Hug the path as it winds and loops to the top, keeping your eyes peeled for the occasional celebrity working up a sweat. Take a break at Dante’s Peak (it’s marked by a wooden sign). Here you’ll find breathtaking views of the city below, shaded picnic benches and the only water fountain in the entire trail system.

Finishing up
Finish your ascent by following the path as it loops around the peak. You’ll soon see Burbank and the San Fernando Valley off to the side, and before you know it, you’ve spiraled all the way up to the highest point of Griffith Park. Whip out the camera and pat yourself on the back — you’re there. For the best views, go a day or two after it rains (not that it ever does)

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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• " . $name . "

Posted by Deena Nissley on November 12th, 2009

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A true entertainment and retail destination

By: Sherry Robbin

The illuminated archway that stands between Amestoy Avenue to the east and Louise Avenue to the west in the heart of Encino, bears the words, “Encino Commons, The Valley’s Miracle Mile.”  It is a testament to the efforts of the Business Improvement District (BID) created in August of 2000 and comprised of 75 property owners and 300 plus businesses stretching from Balboa Boulevard to White Oak Avenue in Encino.  Their mission is to beautify and enhance the quality of life to those who reside and work in this great town.  In addition to various streetscape improvements this year, the BID has constructed 2 landscaped medians and planted in excess of 200 trees as part of its Greening Project.   It should be noted that such projects are funded by self-assessments provided by the BID’s 75 property owners.

Encino Commons is an assemblage of restaurants, specialty stores and exercise studios and also includes the well renowned Laemmle Theatre, which showcases highly rated independent and foreign films.  It is considered by many to be a true entertainment and retail destination.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
LAPD West Valley Community Police Station                                    818-374-7611
LA Fire Dept., Fire Station 83                                                          866-4-LA-CITY
West Valley Alliance, Graffiti Removal                                              818-227-9722
LA Bureau of Sanitation                                                                   800-773-2489
Citywide Services, including streetlight outage,                              3-1-1
pothole repair and bulky item pick up

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.

• Sherry Robbin
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Sherry Robbin on November 11th, 2009

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I am excited to announce the launch of our new web site design, including new features.

By Roger Ewing

In a short time we will be launching our newly redesigned web site at ewingSIR.com.  It may take us a few days to get the kinks out and some of our links may temporarily not work as a result of the new theme installation.  Please be patient with us, we are doing our very best to make the transition as seamless as possible.

Over the coming weeks, we will also be updating our Community Blog sites as well.

We will be adding a new link to our Community Newz sites, where you can subscribe to receive current statistics for your community by zip code.

When our new site is launched, please let me know your thoughts and your feelings about the new design.  We greatly value your input and recommendations.

If you would like to see your community featured on our community blog list, or if you would like to become a Community Newz contributor for your neighborhood,  please let us know.

Best wishes,

Roger Ewing

• Roger Ewing
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• " . $name . "

Posted by Roger Ewing on October 25th, 2009

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Senate committee reviewing possibility of continuing tax credit.

by Tina Stern

On June 10, 2009, Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) introduced the “Home Buyer Tax Credit Act of 2009″ (S. 1230), which would increase the current credit which expires on November 30th, 2009 to up to $15,000, remove income eligibility limits, and expand it to include homebuyers purchasing homes other than their first. S. 1230 has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. This seems to be heating up and close to getting out of committee for a vote. If passed, it would probably remain in effect through the middle of 2010. Please contact your Congressmen and Senators and urge them to approve this bill if it comes up for a vote, it is a great buyer’s incentive which will further boost the housing market in our area. This new version of the bill would be open to everyone, not just first time purchasers!

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
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Tina Stern on September 21st, 2009

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$250 City Giveaway for Rainwater Conservation.

By Gary Krieger

The City of Los Angeles has a pilot program to conserve rainwater for residents and local businesses. The purpose of the program is to prevent water runoff and the contamination the runoff water carries with it to the drainage system. By recycling the rainwater for use in your gardens, it reduces the amount of runoff entering the storm drains and eventually the ocean.

The City is providing installation and equipment, the value of which is estimated to be $250 per household. If you’d like to sign up, or for more information, go to http://www.larainwaterharvesting.org/ or call 562-597-0205.

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.

• Gary Krieger
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Gary Krieger on September 19th, 2009

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Sept 20th-11524 Amanda Dr Studio City

By Tina Stern

11524 Amanda Drive, Studio City will be the featured “Home of the Week” in the Sunday Sept. 20th, 2009 edition. Click here to go to the property website: http://11524amanda.com/

There will be a public open house to coincide with this publication on Sunday September 20th, 2009 from 2 PM to 5 PM. This is particularly noteworthy as the Los Angeles Times only chooses one home per week to feature.

The estate is a prime example of the best of the California one story mid-century custom designed home. It offers the ultimate indoor/outdoor living experience. The house has been completely rebuilt from studs to ceiling. The sellers were very sensitive to maintaining the integrity of the original footprint while adding all of the latest amenities available. From the minute you open the front door, you will be awestruck with the open floor plan leading out to the beautiful and expansive views of the canyons. To find out more about this incredible estate, be sure to look for the article in the LA Times newspaper or at http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/news/la-fi-home20-2009sep20,0,1424667.story

• Tina Stern
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Tina Stern on September 16th, 2009

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The Vote Is Friday September 11

By Tina Stern

The California legislature is voting on Friday September 11, 2009 to renew the California $10,000 home buyer tax. It is widely believed that an extension will be approved. The credit applies to newly constructed, previously unoccupied homes. Condominium conversions also qualify. Californians do not need to be first-time home buyers to take advantage of the credit; nor do they need to meet income requirements.

Requirements For The Credit

1. The home must be a “qualified principal residence” as defined under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 17059(b)(1).   The home must:

• Be a single-family residence, whether detached or attached.
• Never have been previously occupied.
• Be occupied by the taxpayer for a minimum of two years.
• Be eligible for the property tax homeowner’s exemption under California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 218.

2. For over three successive taxable years, the total credit allocated among owners that occupy the home must not exceed $10,000. (Multiple qualified buyers that occupy the home will be allocated credit based on the amount paid and their percentage of ownership.)
3.  Any credit that reduced tax on a tax return must be repaid if the buyer does not occupy the home for at least two years immediately following the purchase date.

4.  FTB may request documentation to ensure buyers have complied with the requirements of the credit.

To learn more visit New_Home_Credit.shtml

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely 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
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Tina Stern on September 10th, 2009

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Is Anyone Home At Sherman Oaks’ Beloved Mazzarino’s Italian Restaurant?

By Linda Cardoso

I thought I saw lights on inside….I drove around the corner and did a second pass because I had to be sure….My eyes were not playing tricks there were really lights on inside! I could barely contain myself when I parked the car and got out for a peek inside. I saw tables, chairs, and yes, a stack of menus.

Residents of Hidden Woods, Sherman Village and No Moor Cold Tofu REJOICE! Our favorite neighborhood Italian restaurant, Mazzarino’s, is finally reopening more than two years after the fire that closed its doors back in 2007.

Ask anyone who has eaten there about the garlic bread and then brace yourself for a heartfelt, bordering on tearful description of mouth watering deliciousness. That’s just the beginning – the food is hearty and home style and never fails to remind me of my favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago. It’s cozy, fun and best of all, Mazzarino’s proprietress, Liz, her son John and the staff always make you feel like part of a big happy family.  My inside source tell me that Mazzarino’s will be open again in about two weeks or right around September 24. Mazzarino’s Italian restaurant is located at 12920 Riverside Drive in Sherman Oaks.
See you there!

• Linda Cardoso
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Linda Cardoso on September 9th, 2009

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Thinking of Volunteering?  Think TreePeople.

By Gary Kreiger

The nonprofit TreePeople organization was instituted to unite the power of trees, people and technology in order to grow a sustainable future for Los Angeles. Their work and their message is to help nature heal our cities. Check out their website at www.treepeople.org.

Located at the top of Coldwater Canyon, TreePeople is on the east side of the canyon where Coldwater Canyon, Mulholland Dr. and Franlkin Canyon intersect. Their mission is to “inspire, engage and support people to take personal responsibility for the urban environment, making it safe, healthy, fun and sustainable and to share the results as a model for the world”.  If you go to the TreePeople site, you’ll find an outdoor classroom, hiking trails and a beautiful park. TreePeople is a favorite of local residents in the Longridge Estates area of Sherman Oaks, the Dixie Canyon Estates area of Sherman Oaks and people throughout the Studio City, Sherman Oaks and surrounding communities.

Consider volunteering at TreePeople as they are always looking for help and support!

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.

• Gary Krieger
• Web Site
• " . $name . "

Posted by Gary Krieger on September 9th, 2009

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