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Don’t miss their change of locations

By: Michelle Tepper

Encino’s infamous ‘A Taste of Encino’ will be moving locations. The Encino Chamber of Commerce has decided to relocate the even to St. Cyril’s due to city budget cuts. Keeping the event on Ventura Blv would have been a costly option for the Chamber as the city would have charged for the closure of streets.

To learn more or sign up for this years event go to http://www.tasteofencino.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.

Posted by Michelle Tepper on July 23rd, 2010

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Amestoy Estates water shortage

By: Michelle Tepper

After an engineer’s report linked Los Angeles’ yard watering rules to water main breaks, the city may impose new rules this summer. Amid a statewide water shortage, Los Angeles tightened watering restrictions last summer. Homeowners may run yard sprinklers two days a week for no more than 15 minutes before 9 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon, but after several water main breaks, a USC engineering team investigated and found that those rules worsened pressure on aging pipes.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has backed a fix. DWP’s plan would divide four watering days among even- and odd-numbered street addresses. But the L.A. City Council voted instead to recommend spreading yard watering guidelines over even more days. Councilman Greig Smith has advocated allowing homeowners to water their yards three days a week for shorter periods of time. The council has sent that recommendation back to water and power commissioners. The commission and the council will have to okay the new watering rules; that could take until the end of this month.

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.

Posted by Michelle Tepper on July 14th, 2010

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By: Michelle Tepper

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.

Posted by Michelle Tepper on July 12th, 2010

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Amestoy Estates Residents

By: Michelle Tepper

If you have an extra ream of paper please donate it to Encino Elementary School, located at 16941 Addison Street, Encino CA 91316. LAUSD is not supplying enough paper to the schools and we are in need of copy paper for next year. Thank you so much for your donations. Please email Michelle Tepper at michelle.tepper@sothebysrealty.com with questions. Thanks again!

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.

Posted by Michelle Tepper on June 11th, 2010

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How many times have you looked back on life and wished that you had started investing earlier?

By: Tina Stern

Talk to your children or grandchildren about the value of saving money for specific purposes. Simple lesson: if you want something, you have to save your money for it.
Once they’ve learned to save to achieve their goals, it’s time to teach them how to earn money through interest accumulation. Learning the benefits of compound interest will help to encourage them to invest their money in income producing instruments.

It’s important to stay involved with them as they learn to build a secure financial future. Most children consider a parent or grandparent a primary source of financial information.

Be a good role model by demonstrating good financial habits yourself.

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.

Posted by Tina Stern on May 28th, 2010

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It may be your responsibility…

By: Charise Mitchell

Whether it’s another attempt to pick the lining out of our already empty pockets, or just the city cracking down, Los Angeles is proposing to remove themselves from the responsibility of repairing broken sidewalks. If this passes, it will soon be the responsibility of the property owner to repair faulty sidewalks. In short, this could increase your property insurance and create higher risk of liability if someone injures themselves.It will also mean routine inspections on your property by city representatives. And sellers, don’t even think about closing escrow before the problem is fixed.

So what should we do?

Well, first you ought to contact your local city council members and demand that the Bureau of Street Services conduct a comprehensive outreach effort to ALL Neighborhood Councils in each of the seven City Planning areas. Second, we should demand that the City of Los Angeles conduct analysis to determine the insurance liability and affordability as both insurance questions relate to property owners and City alike.

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.

Posted by Charise Mitchell on May 19th, 2010

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By: Michelle Tepper

If you happen to live in Encino, then you may have noticed a new nightclub in the old El Torito Restaurant space that had been abandoned for over a year. A Gentlemen’s club called Mermaids Gentlemen’s club has recently opened without regard to the community outburst. If you are opposed to belligerent drunk men stumbling from the “cafe” into the park where our children play and not to mention, the pre-school at the park, scantily dressed women hanging around the exterior of the bar at all hours, then please voice your opinion to Paul Koretz’s office at:

Shawn Bayliss
Planning Deputy
Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
(818) 971-3088; Fax: (818) 788-9210
Email: Shawn.Bayliss@lacity.org

Here is the latest information from the Encino Neighborhood Council regarding the action being taken against the club:

To: Members of Homeowners of Encino
and Encino Residents

From: Gerald A. Silver,
Pres. Homeowners of Encino

#333 ENCINO COMMUNITY UPDATE

UPDATE ON THE MERMAIDS CAFE/ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE    Atlantis Mermaids Gentleman’s Club Examiner Hearing

The hearing for the Atlantis Mermaids Gentleman’s Club has been scheduled to be heard before the HEARING EXAMINER on:

Monday May 10th at 9AM.Police Administration Building, Board Room100 West First Street, LA

NO PUBLIC TESTIMONY WILL BE TAKEN.

The attorneys involved will have a forum to hear testimony from police, code enforcement etc. and to take cross-examination testimony.

THE PUBLIC WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE HEARING TO OBSERVE THE PROCEEDINGS.

NO COMMENT OR DISRUPTION WILL BE ALLOWED.

Shawn Bayliss
Planning Deputy
Office of Councilmember Paul Koretz
(818) 971-3088; Fax: (818) 788-9210
Email: Shawn.Bayliss@lacity.org

****

Tuesday, April 27, 2010 11:56 AM

Jeffrey Ebenstein <jeffrey.ebenstein@lacity.org> (Councilman Paul Koretz)

Friday, Apr 23, 2010

ENDING A NEIGHBORHOOD NUISANCE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Hi , I hope you are doing well. I just want to update on Mermaids. The Councilman, Shawn and myself attended and spoke at the hearing re: Mermaids. Below, I have provided a synopsis of what transpired:

Mermaids is the latest in a series of clubs affiliated with the same owner-operator and located on an Encino site that was once home to the original El Torito family restaurant. There have been many reports of nuisances disturbing and afflicting the local neighborhood: past violations included service of alcohol without a license and service of alcohol past 2:00 a.m.

A recent undercover investigation by LAPD Vice Officers and Building & Safety found a multitude of alleged violations and serious concerns, echoing the angry complaints of people living in the area. Issues raised have included possible public intoxication, scantily clad employees giving lap dances, late night partying and patrons littering and urinating on surrounding properties upon leaving the club.This undercover investigation was conducted at the instigation and urging of Councilmember Koretz.

Councilmember Koretz, local residents and neighborhood groups attended the Police Panel hearing and called for action against Mermaids.

The Panel seemed very receptive to the Councilmember and the community. Because the City Attorney requires a few weeks to complete all the necessary legal paperwork, the Panel agreed to take legal action at a subsequent hearing. At the request of Councilmember Koretz, the Panel will hold that hearing at the very beginning of next month, which is much sooner than would normally occur.

Councilmember Koretz explained, “We are doing everything in our power to protect this community by getting rid of a neighborhood nuisance as quickly as possible.”

****

Los Angeles Daily News – 04/26/2010

Posted by Michelle Tepper on May 17th, 2010

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Time to “Get Your Hat On”!

By: Michelle Tepper

Hats are not just for the sun! Sure they offer some protection, but most of us are in the habit of wearing sunscreen on a daily basis to the point where we have let the stylish twist that a hat can offer go by the wayside.  Sick of wearing the same old pair of jeans and tank for summer?  Try adding a large brimmed hat with a flower attached!  Even if your white summer pants are feeling a little dingy, a denim bucket hat adds the perfect touch of style to any summer outfit.  Need to save $150 of highlights?  A sensible hat for $40 will save you a week on those roots that are coming in.  Hats also enhance your eyes and smile!  Amy Ward, a photographer and make-up artist who owns her own studio (Award Studio) in Burbank, CA has launched her latest venture http://awardmillinerydesign.com/.  Amy creates beautiful and deliciously playful, yet stylish hats from antique wooden block forms.  Her current favorite is a take on a mad hatter style and she dresses it up with a generous ribbon of thule and a flower – the perfect accessory for a summer dress!

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.

Posted by Michelle Tepper on May 10th, 2010

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Local Retailers help stop childhood hunger

By: Linda Cardoso

Saturday, April 17th join the fight to end childhood hunger by joining TWO Tomatoes Boutique and M Street Coffee for their 2nd annual Great American Bake Sale.

If you aren’t familiar with the TWO TOMATOES BOUTIQUE it’s one block east of Fulton on Longridge just off Moorpark Street in Sherman Oaks. The TWO TOMATOES is one of my favorite “go-to” spot for unique gifts for every budget, occasion and age group.

The goodies for this fundraiser will be presented by Sherman Oaks Baby Bakers.

Help fight hunger, grab a great cup of coffee at M Street and buy someone the perfect gift – sounds like a perfect day to me!

100% of the proceeds will go to help stop childhood hunger through Share Our Strength.

The Bake Sale will run from 8:00 AM till 11:00 AM.

Click here to learn more about Share our Strength.

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.

Posted by Linda Cardoso on April 14th, 2010

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18,000 in COMBINED homebuyer tax credits for a limited time

By: Cynthia Sparagna

Californians have a brief window of opportunity to receive up to $18,000 in combined federal and state homebuyer tax credits.

To take advantage of both tax credits, a first-time homebuyer must enter into a purchase contract for a principal residence before May 1, 2010, and close escrow between May 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010, inclusive.  Buyers who are not first-time homebuyers may use the same time frames to receive up to $16,500 in combined tax credits if they are long-time residents of their existing homes as permitted under federal law, and they purchase properties that have never been previously occupied as provided under California law. (Basically, new construction, not previously occupied)

Under the federal law slated to soon expire, a first-time homebuyer may receive up to $8,000 in tax credits, and a long-time resident may receive up to $6,500, for certain purchase contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 that close escrow by June 30, 2010.  Additionally, under a newly enacted California law, a homebuyer may receive up to $10,000 in tax credits as a first-time homebuyer or buyer of a property that has never been occupied.  The new California law applies to certain purchases that close escrow on or after May 1, 2010 (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(a)(4)).  California law generally allows buyers of never-occupied properties to reserve their credits before closing escrow, but buyers seeking to combine the federal and state tax credits will not be able to satisfy the timing requirements for such reservations (see Cal. Rev. & Tax Code section 17059.1(c)(1)(A)).  Other terms and restrictions apply to both tax credits.

It is advisable to contact your Tax adviser for further facts to your personal situation.

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.

Posted by Cynthia Sparagna on April 5th, 2010

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