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

Lobo Castle Event Venue

Dining Room at Lobo Castle

By: Michele Hren

Denise Donlo is fascinated with all things medieval.  After a tour of Scotland’s castles, cathedrals and stone circle, Denise brought a new passion home and began dreaming of her own medieval abode.  Her castle in Lobo Canyon is the culmination of that dream. Old world charm and elegance collides with master craftsmanship and design.  The verdant hillside garden limns the Celtic stone towers as a water well bubbles in the center of the Tuscan style courtyard.

But it’s not just for her own pleasure.  She holds weddings, special events, and private dinners. This months wine dinner will beheld on October 17th and every other month throughout the year.

Nestled into the Santa Monica Mountains between Malibu and Agoura Hills at 31400 Lobo Canyon Road  Agoura, CA 91301.

For more information visit: www.lobocastle.com

Michele Hren

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

From tomatoes to tamales, pearls to persimmons, pomegranates to Pacific salmon – find it all in one place.  Where else but the farmers’ market?

By Sher Hann

OAK PARK – This is a small, intimate neighborhood affair, like an over-grown fruit stand really (but alas, no sales by the peck or bushel, as I remember from my youth in Adams County, PA). It is held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 until 1:00 in the parking lot of the shopping center housing Starbuck’s and Beau Image.

This past weekend, to the tune of a folk-rock singer remembering “Yesterday,” I easily filed my way through the two aisles to find my favorites – a quick 20-minute trip. This market is small enough that I can survey all the stalls first, then return for my four or five chosen items.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE recently opened its farmers’ market in the parking lot by Bauducco’s and Yozen Frogurt. Much larger than Oak Park’s market, this affair holds court from 10 until 2 on Sundays. With my husband in tow this past Sunday, I lingered over strawberries, gluten-free chocolate almond pastry, roses for $7 a dozen, tomatoes, ears of corn and red bell peppers. The orchids, which I resisted this time, were freckled and speckled and yellow and peach and orchid (of course) and purple and white – amazing specimens for amazingly low prices.

The proliferation of farmer’s markets in the Conejo echoes a national trend. According to the Farmers Market Coalition’s web site, there were approximately 1,755 farmers markets in the United States in 1994. In 2009 there are almost 4,900, attracting more than  3 million consumers and more than 60,000 farmer-merchants annually. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates these neighborhood markets generate $1.2 billion in consumer spending a year.

So the next time you’re in the mood for John Dory or jujubu, drop by your local farmer’s market in Oak Park or Westlake Village.  For more information visit, Best Farmer\’s Markets In LA

Sher Hann

Say goodby to Sushi Ko restaurant (we’ll miss you)  and say hello to Nate and Al’s.

By Rob Jordan

Beverly Hills deli (owned by the Mendelson family) ready to expand to it’s 2nd location. Their first restaurant has been in operation since 1945.

The city of Thousand Oaks is excited about the new arrival.   At the Lakes, there are some very popular restaurants: PF Changs, a big whopping ClaimJumper, and California Pizza Kitchen, plus a Brighton and other high end boutiques. My observation of late is there are lots of people sunning themselves in the Summer, and skating in the Winter, but not shopping up a storm in any season.

The Conejo Valley already has several big name delis: Agoura Famous Deli, Pickles, Brents, local haunt Jacks, and Roxy’s.  Lets hope Nate and Al get a very positive reception, they have a reputation that deserves it.

To learn more visit, Nate and Al\’s Deli

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

Raya Sagi. Courtesy of The Acorn.

After 28 years, she retires.

By: Sheri Karp

There is recent revival in American culture.  It is an idea revolving around the concept of ‘vocation.’  Unlike its Baby Boomer grandparent, Generation Y is brushing aside the idea of climbing the corporate ladder and striving for meaning in the workplace.  Maybe that’s why the recent story of our very own Agoura Hills librarian is so refreshing.

The story begins with a five-year old explaining a desire to be just one thing in life, a librarian.  Raya Sagi grew up in Israel, moved to New York to obtain a Masters of Library Science, and later started working at the Agoura Hills Library.  28 years later, Sagi is retiring.

She plans to take classes to “learn different things,” as well as spend her remaining years with her husband, and hopes to travel with her family.  But her library days aren’t completely over.  She plans to volunteer at the library and become a regular patron.

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.

Sheri Karp

The City of Agoura Hills Presents the 5th Annual Three Day Festival

By Sheri Karp

Get involved in the community and learn about the rich history of beautiful Agoura Hills.  There will be free children’s activities, food, The Art Scene, Reyes Adobe historical site tours and entertainment for the entire family.

The three day event starts Friday evening, October 2rd  and runs through Sunday October 4th.

Friday kicks off the three day event with Hay Fever a teen extravaganza for ages 10-15, featuring a live D.J.  The art galley opens at the Reyes Adobe barn complete with wine tasting and live music.

Saturday Grand Marshal Jerry Mathers leads the floats, bands, and classic cars through Agoura Hills.

Sunday festivities continue with a Fun Run 5K and a Gymkhana Horse Play Day at the Old Agoura Equestrian Center.

For a complete schedule and brochure, visit  ci.agoura-hills.ca.us

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.

Sheri Karp

“NEW FOX SPORTS GRILL… Not a Home Run yet, but at least a Triple!”

By: Rob Jordan

Wednesday night is date night. Has been for 17 years. Time for us to get away from work, the kids, homework, and the stress of the day.  So we go out for dinner and conversation.

On Wednesday, we tried the new Fox Sports Grill in Westlake. It’s a hit in the making.

We arrived about 6 and a smiling pair of hostesses greeted us and sat us in the bar area.

Right away you’ll notice the multitude of  flatscreens on the outside walls and 2 big overhead projection TVs which dominate the bar.  Our drink order was taken right away. They have enough specialty drinks to make it interesting, and a straight-forward beer and  wine selection. We were considering appetizers when a nice fellow sat  down at the table next to us and said “you gotta have the home-made fried chips, topped with blue cheese, tomatoes, bacon and secret sauce.” Sounded good to us!

This “guy” next to us turned out to be Gary Allen, one of the owners, and his wife Robin. What a nice couple! So for the next hour or so we chatted a bit with these two “financiers”, and got to know the place.

Business is booming! It’s standing room only on big game nights, and come early to get your favorite seat. Weekends are packed, and they’re going through cases of wine faster than the rep can deliver! There’s no recession in Westlake Village, at least when it  comes to dining out. The Fox Sports Grill appeals broadly. It’s not  an “over the top” sports bar,  with memorabilia all over  the place; it’s a nice bar and restaurant with a sports flavor. I think I heard some scuttlebutt about basketball greats Kevin Garnett and Shaq either coming, going, had been seen there, or something like that. So there is a buzz about the place. It’s possible that the local high school games will end up on  the big screens there. At a minimum Gary hopes that the restaurant will become a before or after the game hangout, for locals and visiting teams alike.

This place is a hit. You can come and hang out at the bar and watch your favorite team. Be prepared for noisy males yelling and cheering. But there are loads of tables for families, and the patio looks very inviting, with it’s own tables, sofas and cushy chairs and that cool fire thing. The menu is varied. The prices are reasonable. What’s not to like?

Fox Sport Grill. On Lindero Canyon, between the freeway and Costco.

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

District nurse from the Las Virgenes Unified School District Alice Garcia released the following information.

By Jeff Biebuyck

We are now seeing confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu virus in various schools. We need your assistance in preventing the spread of this new virus. If your child exhibits flu-like symptoms, such as fever with sudden onset of cough, runny nose or sore throat, it is imperative that the child not be sent to school. Keeping the child home, until they are fever free for 24 hours, is essential in preventing the spread of any illness.

When reporting to the school your child’s absence, please include the symptoms the child is experiencing. This will assist us in tracking how many students are absent due to flu-like-illness versus other reasons.

Seasonal Flu Shots are now available at various locations in the community. The H1N1 Flu Shot is expected to be available in October.

Today the LVUSD website information was updated, including information on who should receive the flu shot. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website is also an excellent source of information.

We commend our parents, faculty, staff and administrators for assisting us as we address the challenges in dealing with this new virus. Parents are advised to develop contingency plans should their children become sick and need to stay home. Your cooperation in following the recommended measures to prevent the spread of illness will provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.

We will continue to keep you updated. Thank you.

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.

Jeff Biebuyck

Jeffery Biebuyck, Branch Manager of the Sherman Oaks Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty Office, oversees all office operations, expansions, and new agent recruitment. Jeff thrives on using his talented and creative mind to help agents focus on their business and achieve success.

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Wine making: A lifestyle

By: Tom Geiser

Nestled in the renowned Santa Monica mountains lies a treasure that revolves around the seasons and vines.  Malibu Valley is  gently tucked between the 101 freeway and zuma beach, offering trailheads and parklands such at Peter Strauss Ranch, Malibu Creek State Park and the Santa Monica National Park.

If you want to cut the corporate life and jump into a growing industry, get rid of your house in suburbia and invest in something with a little more feeling.

And, in the meantime, tune up your winemaking skills, slow down a touch, implement scrupulous attention to detail, and, most importantly, learn to breath in the air.

Glance over the few innovators that are trying their hand at winemaking in the Malibu area.

www.rosenthalestatewines.com

www.malibufamilywines.com

www.malibuwine.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.

Tom Geiser