Scheduled for Saturday, March 27th

By: Rob Jordan

The Great Race of Agoura

Originally planned as a fund raiser for local schools, the Great Race of Agoura has grown into a one of the most popular running events in Los Angeles, and continues to raise money for 8 local Oak Park and Agoura schools. The event will take place rain or shine on Saturday, March 27th. There’s a 10K, 5K, 1 Mile, and Family Fun Run. Check in at Chumash Park starting at 6 am. You can pre-register at www.greatraceofacoura.com. No paper registration is offered (it’s all online and easy as tying your shoes), as the event went “green” this year and no trees were harmed in the planning and running of this race. Less waste in the landfill, more oxygen in the air, probably faster running times too due to all that freshness!

So what do I think about this event? It’s fantastic! With 2 school age children (Sumac to AE Wright to Agoura High School), my wife and I are big supporters of public schools, and we participate in this and other school and fund raising “activities.” We’ve bought wrapping by the mile, and magazines by the truckload. But the Great Race is a really fun event. We’ve done it with our kids (in the Fun Run) and also on our own in the 5K. I don’t think I could make it the whole 10K! You get a cool t-shirt and goody bag, and there’s lots to do after the race, what with all the vendors and booths there. We live in Fountainwood, and the race route comes right by our house, where we’ve passed out water to the racers!

So even if you’re not a world class runner, I recommend you give this one a shot. It’s easy and fun!

Information provided by Rob Jordan, energetic real estate agent with Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty. www.robjordanhomes.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.

Rob Jordan

The federal government undertakes a formal census every 10 years, and 2010 is the year.

By: Rob Jordan

Over the next weeks and months, the Census Bureau will be collecting information by mail, phone and in person. The purpose of the census is simple: figure out how many people live in the United States, where they live, and a bit about them. The data is used for a variety of purposes, including how to dole out the millions and billions of dollars the government sends to states and localities based on population. But scams abound.

The ONLY information you are required to give is: the number of people living in your house, their gender, and their race, their name, their age, do you own or rent the home you’re living in, your phone number (in case they have questions).

You should NOT give any other personal information, such as Social Security numbers or bank account information. A legitimate census worker will NEVER ask to come inside your house. For more information, visit the government website: Census Gov. Information provided by Rob Jordan, energetic real estate agent with Ewing and Associations/Sotheby’s International Realty. www.robjordanhomes.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.

Rob Jordan

The 2010 Amgen Tour

By: Rob Jordan

Amgen Tour

On May 23, 2010, the  final leg of the 750 miles Amgen Tour of California bike race will occur in and around Agoura, Westlake and Thousand Oaks. Lance Armstrong is expected to be one of the top contenders on a 25 mile long course that will take the riders from the city of Agoura, out onto Mulholland Highway and Decker Canyon, and back to Westlake Boulevard. Multiple spectator locations, many along Agoura Road, will be planned to give local residents the opportunity to cheer for their favorite riders.

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.

Rob Jordan

The Agoura Hills Bank of America was robbed … again

Deputies at bank robbers home (Courtesy of The Acorn)

By: Rob Jordan

Now here is strange one for you.  Jerry Carr allegedly walks into the Agoura Bank of America at 10 am on a bright crispy day, threatens the teller who finally gives into the pitiful plea for funds, and then strolls back to his condo just down the street.  Although no firearm was displayed, Carr was arrested for felony bank robbery.

This is the 5th robbery at the Agoura Hills B of A since 1998.  It leaves law enforcement to wonder what it is about this location.  “Law enforcement mentioned close proximity to freeways can be a variable,” Bank of America spokesperson Coleen Haggerty said.

Naturally the robbery raises the suspicion of economic issues contributing to this desperate act.  All in all, there were no injuries and Carr is currently on $100,000 bail.

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.

Rob Jordan

Eliminating preventable blindness

Lisa Rotenstein

By: Rob Jordan

Lisa Rotenstein, an ’07 graduate of Oak Park High School and now a Harvard student, will travel to Ghana in January to help locals with rampant eye diseases where  roughly 800,00 people are visually impaired and 200,000 are blind.

Rotenstein will work with a team of doctors, volunteers and public health professionals.  She intends to bring eye glasses and donations with her.

“They are ostracized,” Rotenstein said. “They can’t work, and their families are impoverished.  The $50 cataract surgery dramatically improves their standard of living.”

Rotenstein says she will pay for her travels on her own dime but seeks funding for medical supplies and surgeries for the communities. If you can monetarily support her, please visit Eye Site Help

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.

Rob Jordan

There may be some stability in the near future

By: Rob Jordan

Several articles in both trade and consumer publications point to the stabilization of home prices, in particular in the low end, and even some very mild increases over the past few months. Year on year prices are still down significantly, but perhaps the worst is behind us. I’m a realtor, and even so it’s hard for me to know what the future holds. Over time, prices will certainly rise. But it’s going to be a slow, gradual rise, not a big bounce back up like the big fall over the last few years.

And, I believe the worst is likely over. However, there’s this nagging feeling that a lot more foreclosure properties are in the pipeline and ready to hit the market.  Unemployment is high, politics are feisty. But, on the positive side, interest rates are low and first time buyer’s tax credit is soon to be renewed and potentially expanded. So, what to do? If you need to sell, then sell! Nice properties sell quickly and for top dollar so long as you market them aggressively. If you’re a Buyer, it’s a no brainer. Prices are way down from their peak in 2006, and over time you’ll see appreciation. Talk to a Realtor.

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.

Rob Jordan

Try Dave’s BBQ and spice up your taste buds

By: Rob Jordan

Famous Dave's BBQ

Famous Daves BBQ has opened in the restaurant space at Westlake and Thousand Oaks Blvd vacated by Applebees a while back, and it was packed the night we went in. Though new to this area, there are about 150 other Famous Dave restaurants across the country. The menu is varied and interesting, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable.

No remodeling was done to the space, so they will have the big bar in the middle,  surrounded by circular high top tables and just a couple of booths. Around the perimeter of the restaurant there are booths and tables galore for families and large parties. We had the appetizer combo, which featured ribs, wings, cheesesticks and more. There was a bunch of food and great for sharing. For dinner we had a rib combo plate, a brisket sandwich and pulled pork. All were yummy.
Famous Daves feels a bit like Wood Ranch, but they have a much broader menu. This is a winner.

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.

Rob Jordan

Congrats to this years homecoming winners

Courtesy of The Acorn

By: Rob Jordan

Agoura High School Homecoming Queen Dani London and King Garrett Rosenblum celebrate an indelible moment during the halftime show at Charger Stadium last Friday.

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.

Rob Jordan

At only 15, Abby plans to sail around the world

Abby Sunderland. Courtesy of LA Times.

By: Rob Jordan

Wasn’t it just a few months ago that Zac Sunderland of Thousand Oaks became the youngest person (17) to sail solo around the world? Now his younger sister Abby wants to break his record!

Abby doesn’t have a driver’s license yet, and can’t drive to the mall, but she can sail around the world on her own? Sounds crazy. She’s picked a “safer” route around Cape Horn at the tip of  South America, and thinks she can avoid pirates on her journey which will take six or seven months if she does not stop.

But this is all depends on her landing a major sponsor and securing an Open 40 sailboat designed for fast cruising.  If that happens in a timely manner, she will begin in November.  She turns 16 on Oct. 19 and plans a nonstop, unassisted voyage that’s expected to last about six months.

Let’s keep her in our thoughts and prayers!

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.

Rob Jordan

An easy way to dispose of hazardous electronics (E Waste)

By: Rob Jordan

Did you know that you can schedule a curbside pickup of your hazardous (paint, oil, etc.) and electronic (old  computers, TVs, etc.)? If you live in most of Agoura, it’s free and convenient.

It insures that your waste doesn’t end up in a landfill but is instead recycled properly. The service  occurs 4 times each year, and the last pickup month for 2009 is December. To schedule a pickup, call Curbside  Inc. (800 449 7587) or email them at hotline@Curbside.Inc.com. Tell them  what you’ve got, and when you would like it picked up. Next year’s collections  will be in April, August and December.  For more information click here Agoura Hazardous Waste Disposal

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.

Rob Jordan