Helping Children this Holiday Season

By: Roger Ewing

Our three Ewing & Associates offices have again placed Toys for Tots collection boxes in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Sherman Oaks.  The collection boxes will remain in place through December 22, 2011. Toys of all monetary value will be distributed to needy children. Often, there are few gifts for children over the age of 10 so a special consideration for these children is always appreciated.

To find our offices, visit the links below:

Agoura Hills Office
Calabasas Office
Sherman Oaks Office

Roger Ewing

New apartments in old town Calabasas

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.

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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The newest bakery in Calabasas

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.

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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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.

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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Rebirth: Breaking down to build up

By: Kamran Behroozi

Often times I reflect upon our earth. I look deep into the midnight sky and imagine it’s expanse. I imagine the life forms wandering about the earth, each writing a story of their own – a unique story that contributes to a larger book we call history. I think of the Monarch’s journey from Mexico to the arctic circle, and back again. I think of the elephants, wandering over the African continent, pursuing the receding water that slowly creeps away. But today, I think of the Eagle, a bird of grandeur, a bird that we might look upon and conceive its profound message, a bird that we may use as an allegory to our own lives.

The illustrious Eagle is classified as a Raptor, a creature who has inhabited the earth for millions of years. Throughout its long history, a well known story arose. At nearly 40 years of age, the Eagle must enter a period of rebirth. For 150 days, the eagle retreats to a mountain top where it harshly knocks off its beak, plucks out its talons and removes its feathers. After the iconic process, the eagle pushes off from high above the land and floats through the air, back to a life that glides through the changing trade winds and feasts off the fruit of the land.

In the human life, we encounter obvious crossroads, points that require drastic actions that are often rather unpleasant and painful. But it is the human who understands the story of the eagle, who speaks of its significance and who applies a similar paradigm to their own existence that will fly above the clouds and succeed in this life. Do not be afraid of pain and suffering, but consider it good fortune as your days of wealth and prosperity are surely ahead.

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.

kamranbehroozi

The succession of the star, the angle of the planets

By: Kamran Behroozi

Recently, I received an email from my friend Maurice Fernandez, an influential thinker and evolutionary astrologer. In short, he wrote a call to action based on his cyclical understanding of the stars. His call, shrouded by an astrological perspective, essentially encourages us make better use of our time on earth.

As Fernandez postulates, a multitude of planetary bodies began forming in rare alignment around the fall of 2008. Coincidentally, this was also the time of Obama’s election and the beginnings of a blaring economic crisis. In the months of January and February of this year, Saturn moved into what is referred to as the Cardinal sign of Libra, which consequently forms a most powerful angle to Pluto in Capricorn. The radical shift in astrological terms remains nearly inconsequential without the third and final stage, which would, in effect, align these somewhat skittish planets in a cross on very sensitive degrees. This rare event is highly curious from an astrological perspective, forcing them to question the very truths in which we operate.

In times of uncertainty the masses continually seem to propose the identical useless question, “is it good or bad?” As most of us know, the world rarely operates on such black and white terms but rather in shades of informal grays. Therefore, it appears the most accurate answer is it all depends, that is, how does one deal with these cataclysmic changes?

As terrestrial beings we must consider our overwhelmingly uncertain reality. Do not expect security, consistency, or predictability. Move with the flow and inhale the changes as fluid, natural beings.

Whether these ideas mean anything to you or not, I do believe it holds the potential to speak to the humanity within every reader. Analyzing this message at a great level will assert that these ideas are far superior to astrology or any other belief; we are proposing the belief in oneself as an encouragement to our species. It is a chance to take a risk, to venture toward new horizons, to transition, to support, to listen and create.

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.

kamranbehroozi

Senate Majority Leader Seeks Passage Of Child Nutrition Bill Before Recess

By: Deborah Cahill

Mike Lillis wrote in a blog for The Hill (7/28), “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) said this week that Democrats are hoping to pass a child nutrition bill before lawmakers leave town for the August recess. The $4.5 billion proposal, sponsored by Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.), would expand eligibility for school meal programs; establish nutrition standards for all foods sold in schools; and provide a 6-cent increase for each school lunch to help cafeterias serve healthier meals.”

As a secondary educator for over 25 years,  I can say unequivocally that the amount of overweight teens is appalling.  This is actually the first generation whose life expectancy is less than their parents!  The main reason for this is that there is a virtual plethora of unhealthy “fast foods” and so generation by generation we become more and more unhealthy.  The school cafeteria is a joke if you are looking for healthy, appealing choices.  One month of eating school lunches and I personally gained 10 lbs from all of the starches and other unhealthy choices.  That was enough for me.  I now stay away from most cafeteria food and substitute with fruits, salads and anything which is pasta or starches.  Schools are just now starting to take soda out of their vending machines and substitute with juices, water and other healthy choices.  We are seeing a rise of juvenile diabetes and other life threatening diseases.  Maybe this bill will finally begin to support the health of our youth.  Think about it;  if this can make a difference then not only will our children become healthier and live longer, but we will enjoy lower health insurance bills as well as medical bills.  Of course, this works best by example, and so we all need to change or at least improve what we buy and have in our homes, as well as limiting our childrens’ intake of fast food, junk food and anything in general which could contribute to childhood obesity or poor health.

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.

deborahcahill

Deborah Cahill is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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By: Deborah Cahill

Here’s another installment in the ‘Race to the Top’ feud.  Some states, including California, are being punished by withholding much needed funds because we do not buy into this much flawed program.  When are they going to realize that this is not an answer to the nation’s educational crisis.  The following articles actually came from AOL and I thought they were worth sharing.  Even if you have your child in private school, the plight of public schools is the plight of all us who live here.  As goes your school system, so goes your area real estate.

“The U.S. Dept. of Education “Race to the Top” program aims to improve public education by targeting four specific areas and thereby advancing reform. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is the mastermind behind this incentive program that rewards states that implement certain education measures and standards (usually standardized test scores in math and English), and punishes states that refuse to adhere to these reform measures.

Duncan is in charge of allocating $4.3 billion in education funds. States must participate in the “Race to the Top” competition if they want some of that money. For example, Tennessee and Delaware both agreed to be held to the testing standards outlined by the program, so they were awarded federal funds to help improve their public school systems. States that decline to be part of the program will not see any federal dollars for education.”

Fighting back

“On April 6, BAMN held a press conference on the “Mobilization Against ‘Race to the Top” at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. The press conference was attended by local educators and activists, as well as representatives from several of the contingents who plan to attend the April 10th March on Washington to Defend Public Education from California, Michigan, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

These five states share a serious crisis in their public school systems. Plagued by financial concerns, these states are leaders in teacher firings, the growth of charter schools, and the use of standardized test scores as the only measuring stick of a student’s potential. Stern says: “It is going to be the welfare zone of education. It will just be condemning; education used to be the great leveler, and now with privatization, the competition pits everyone against each other and destroys communities.”

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.

deborahcahill

Deborah Cahill is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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The Best Show in Town

By: Deborah Cahill

If you have not yet heard of them, or better yet seen them, VAUD AND THE VILLIANS put on the best show in town!  They are what I like to call “Dixie Land with a twist!”  They play everything from Blue, swing to Beatles in their very own style.  Now an 18 piece band, I guarantee they put on one of the most extraordinary shows you will ever experience.   See them now while you can in a smaller and more intimate venue.  Before the night is over you lwill be on your feet and clapping!  They play every other weekend locally at FAIS DO DO in Culver City.  Tickets only $20.  Now that’s a bargain you just can’t beat.  Here’s a video from an earlier performance when they were still an 18 piece band without their now established banjo player!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MhtGUZ4llI[/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.

deborahcahill

Deborah Cahill is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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There are of course, pros and cons to this program

By: Deborah Cahill

One possible bad “side-effect” might be that schools in school improvement might loose talented students who could potentially help the school get out of SI by raising the AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress).  With these students opting to get out early rather than stay in school, the school will no longer have these students scores.  It could be a great program and highly motivating, especially for those students who really don’t enjoy high school life.  It is too early in the program to tell how it will affect schools both positively or negatively.  California is one of the states that is testing this program. If your school is offering this, please consider carefully and get all the facts.  Not the least to consider is if your child is ready to leave high school early and take on college life (including other college students!).

Pilot Program To Encourage Students To Take More Difficult Courses.

Following a New York Times report on eight states that were chosen “to pilot test a rigorous new system, including board examinations,” Westport (CT) Now (2/18, Frahm) reports on Connecticut’s participation in the program, beginning in 2011. “Under the proposed system, students who volunteer to take the exam and pass it at the end of 10th grade would be eligible to enroll at any open admissions two-year or four-year college in their state.” These students “also could choose to remain in school and take an advanced upper division program preparing them for admission to selective colleges.” Marc Tucker, president of the National Center on Education and the Economy, said the program “is designed to encourage students to take tougher courses and work harder in order to be ready for college or the workforce.” The article notes, “The board exams and curriculum will be aligned with a series of new voluntary national standards.”

Experts Debate Benefits, Risks Of Fast-Track Approach. The editors of the New York Times (2/19) “Room For Debate” blog note yesterday’s story about the early college program, noting that “the fast-track approach, which is focused on ‘at risk’ students, is already in place at 71 North Carolina high schools, and is spreading in New York, California and Texas.” The editors ask, “What are the benefits of the fast-track approach recommended by the National Center on Education and the Economy? What are the problems and risks?” The blog carries the written arguments of eight experts.

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.

deborahcahill

Deborah Cahill is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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