By: Kyle Gulock

Who doesn’t want to save gas and burn fat in the process? A friend of mine, Vinnie Tortorich, has created a website where people can go to learn about how to save gas and burn fat in the process, www.savegasburnfat.com. Vinnie been a personal trainer for over 27 years in Los Angeles County, and has been an ultra cyclist since the early 90′s.

Savegasburnfat is a website that is dedicated to helping people lose weight, save money, and go green in the process. In 1983 Vinnie played football at Tulane and weighed 250 pounds, which is good size for a linebacker. After Vinnie’s football career was over, he ballooned up to 270 pounds. At this point, Vinnie had decided that enough was enough and health became Vinnie’s number one concern. Vinnie’s new diet consisted of him eating half of what he did before and ridding his bike everywhere. After this simple diet was put into place, Vinnie was able to drop his weight from 270 to 180 in around a year’s time.

Currently, Vinnie rides his bike an average of 13,000 miles a year and has even been recorded riding 17,000 miles one year. There aren’t any miracle drugs involved, but just pure hard work. For more information on Vinnie’s story, how to save gas and burn fat, click on the link below: www.savegasburnfat.com.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD3yI5cVO94&feature=player_embedded[/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.

Kyle Gulock

Born into a Real Estate family, Kyle has had an interest in Real Estate from an early age. Prior to his Real Estate career, Kyle earned his Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning & Development from Michigan State University. With a constant eye on future trends and a flair for the unconventional, Kyle has a passion for leading innovative marketing methods.

Website - More Posts

Hyman tells his story…

By: Sheri Karp

Rick Hyman

Artist and Historian Rick Hyman and his wife Ronda presented paintings, slide show and a book of Hyman’s heritage which includes slaves and landowners. Thanks to seventh grade teacher, Gila Brook, students received the pleasure of listening to Hyman.

Hyman’s work has been showcased in several museum exhibits and on USPS commemorative envelops and postcards. He recently helped 150 families express their family history through art.

His novel, “My Texas Family: An Uncommon Journey to Prosperity,” documents his ancestral heritage and photographs that his family took from 1912 – 1927.  Hyman plans to paint depictions based on 300 photographs. He has painted 36 since 1996 with the help of his creative adviser, his wife.

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

Courtesy of the Acorn

Some of the locals may have noticed our brilliant American flag perched atop Ladyface Mountain. Well, at least I have. My curiosity, however, is settled. The editor of The Acorn allegedly climbed to the top of the 1,200 foot peak to scope out the scene.  What he found was a shabby old flag, standing up tall by a makeshift pool.

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 90 day project began January 31

Agoura Hills Crane

By: Rob Jordan

Just another follow up on the soil settlement project occurring on the Reyes adobe interchange on the 101.  You’ve certainly noticed the massive crane looming above Agoura and the traffic during the evening hours.  Well here’s the official scoop: from 9pm – 6am motorists can expect this project to be in progress until April 31st.

For more info visit: http://www.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.

Rob Jordan

New Laws for 2010

California Car Buyers’ Protection Act

By: Irma Haldane

As we’ve been discussing the move over law and understanding the potential implications for failing to comply with the law, I’ve come across a couple other laws that could be important for our readers. Here’s this weeks law according to the DMV:

“This new law requires a vehicle dealer to pay off the outstanding loan or lease balance on any vehicle accepted in trade within 21 calendar days of taking the vehicle in trade. Additionally, it prohibits a dealer from selling, consigning for sale, or transferring a vehicle accepted in trade before the outstanding loan or lease balance has been paid. This law also raises fees for dealer licenses.”

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.

Irma Haldane

Irma Haldane, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, represents buyers and sellers throughout the West San Fernando, Conejo and Simi Valleys with specialization in Agoura, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Camarillo and Westlake Village.

Website - More Posts

These credits will soon disappear…

By:  Rob Jordan

First time buyers are entitled to received a tax credit of up to $8,000 if they purchase a home prior to June 30, 2010. But the window of opportunity is closing. The home must be in escrow by April 30, 2010.

This is a true cash credit you can deduct right off your taxes. And if you don’t owe $8,000 in taxes, you even get the money back from the IRS!

The rules are simple:

1. Be a first time buyer.
2. Buy a new home.
3. Meet the income requirements (up to $145,000 individual; $245,000 couple).
4. Get the credit!

For first time, low to mid range buyers, this is great opportunity. Say you’re buying a home for $400,000, using FHA financing (3.5% down). Your down payment is $14,000. But you get the $8,000 back on your taxes. So your net out of pocket is only $6,000! Wow! In the Agoura, Oak Park and Westlake Village areas, there are lots of wonderful homes in all price ranges that are terrific candidates for first time buyers.

There is a similar credit for move-up buyers, to a maximum of $6,500. So even if you sell they buy, you may be entitled to a tax credit. Consult your tax advisor to see how this program affects your individual situation.

Information provided by Rob Jordan, Estate Agent at Ewing and Associates/Sotheby’s International Realty. Specializing in Agoura/Oak Park/Westake Villae sales and leases. Contact Rob at 818.237.4425,or email to rob@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

Flowin’

Joey Lefitz

By: Sheri Karp

Agoura High School graduate Joey Lefitz is one of 14 students chosen to enter the inaugural Berkley Jazz Institute class. Designed to enhance musical creativity and social activism, the group will be mentored by Grammy winning jazz artists Danilo Perez and Joe Lovano. Traveling to U.S. and international cities, the group hopes to teach children the power of music through performances in hopes of affecting social change.

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

Drop, Cover, and Hold On

By: Irma Haldane

Federal, state, and local emergency management experts in the United States, the Red Cross, and other official preparedness organizations all agree that “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” is the appropriate action to reduce injury and death during earthquakes. This fact sheet contains important information that may save your life in the next earthquake.

The “Drop, Cover and Hold On” protocol, when performed correctly with an awareness of your surroundings, remains the most effective single piece of advice that you can follow when an earthquake occurs. More detailed information about what to do during an earthquake can be found at www.earthquakecountry.info/roots/step5.html.

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.

Irma Haldane

Irma Haldane, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, represents buyers and sellers throughout the West San Fernando, Conejo and Simi Valleys with specialization in Agoura, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Camarillo and Westlake Village.

Website - More Posts

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

By: Sheri Karp

I grew up in the Beverly Hills/Westside area, graduating from Hamilton High School, Palms Jr. High and Canfield (and a bit of Castleheights) elementary school.  I was a west side girl!!!  Never did I think I would move “all the way out there” to Agoura.  Where the heck is Agoura?  When I was 13, like many of my peers, I went away to sleep away camp.  We decided on Hidden Trails, I don’t know why but I think my friends thought that camp must have the cutest boys.  Hidden Trails was located in Agoura, way, way, way far away.  I don’t think the 101 freeway went all the way through yet.  I remember getting car sick on the long, long ride out there going over the mountains. On the south side of the road, high in the hills you can see the water tank with a huge HT painted on it.  I had the best time of my life.  I always remembered Agoura being beautiful with the best weather.  It was summer and it was warm but beautiful. The evenings were really cool so we could sit around a camp fire. No smog, no fog, beautiful mountains, magnificent bright blue skies with such white clouds.  You can see the rolling mountains and we were just 15 minutes from Malibu.  We went on horseback (probably the last time I was on a horse!) into “town.”  We rode down the mountain into Whizins where there was a “diner” and we took a spoon as a souvenir.  I always felt bad about that.  What a beautiful area.

Years later, after going to college in Washington D.C. and after I was married and had 2 children, we were searching for a house.  The Westside was price prohibited for us.  I never thought I would leave my beloved Westside.  I was not a lover of the valley and I was feeling beaten up looking for a house. One Sunday morning, I decided to take a drive, off the 101 freeway I saw the sign for Agoura. It didn’t seem so far away this time. Driving a little further, I looked to the South side of the freeway and way up high, in the mountains was a huge water tank with an HT painted on it. It was awesome bringing back wonderful memories.  And of course the weather was beautiful that day. I got off the freeway and saw a sign for model homes.  I drove around and then went inside to see the homes.  I met some people in the model home office and they were talking about how phenomenal the Las Virgenes Schools were.  I was thinking, well it’s not private school like my children are in.  They said that they were finding the schools better than the private school.  The community looked so friendly.  People were out walking, riding their bikes, skating & skateboarding.  The children had freedom and it looked like “Leave it to Beaver” lived there. I bought a house!!!  Now I had to go home and tell my husband. I guess that was the beginning of my interest in real estate!  I loved Agoura.  We would tell everyone how happy we were. My children walked to school!!!!  They played out front!!  The birthday parties and play dates were just blocks away not miles away. What a life style.

Now yesterday my baby turned 30.  He is in real estate with me.   My children loved growing up here and now we are still selling the beauty and the wonderful things that Agoura has to offer to many, many families.  How lucky we are to have experienced Agoura.

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