Keep Your Family Safe From Rattlesnakes

By: Karen Lee

Over the past few weeks, animal control workers in the Conejo Valley have noticed a large increase in the population of baby rattlesnakes. Owner of a snake catching business and self proclaimed “Rattlesnake Wrangler”, Bo Slyapich stated that ninety percent of his company’s call in the past few weeks have been in regards to rattlesnakes. In one week, Slypich removed 25 rattlesnakes from homes throughout the area. He warns residents to be conscious of these snakes as the weather warms because they are drawn to heat.

There are several ways you can protect your family against rattlesnakes. Slypich advises homeowners to keep garage and house doors closed as well as insure that plants in your yard are trimmed down to 6 inches in order to spot snakes. Residents should also clear any clutter near their house that snakes could easily hide in. Lastly, keep your dogs inside to prevent rattlesnake attacks.

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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Join Your Neighborhood in Promoting Your Local Economy

By: Barbara Lipkin

With the economy beginning to recover, it is essential that we understand small businesses are a vital part of the recovery. Having just returned from the British Isles where we saw store after store that we have here in Westfield Topanga Plaza, I yearned to go into a store that was unique. Small and unique businesses were difficult to find in the British Isles because of the impact of the economic downturn. Now, more than ever, it is important to emphasize supporting small businesses. Of course it is difficult to support a local business on one’s own, so lately people have become creative in the way they are aiding small businesses. One of these ideas has formed into a phenomen called, “Cash Mobs”.

The other morning, I caught a segment on one of the morning shows about Cash Mobs. I had never heard of them. What are they? Per Wikipedia, “A cash mob is a group of people who assemble at a local business and all buy items from that business. The purpose of these mobs is to support both the local businesses and the overall community. They may also serve a secondary purpose in providing social opportunities. They were inspired by flash mobs. The cash mob is related to the carrotmob, which supports companies for ethical, mainly pro-environmental actions.”

Cash mobs have spread across Southern California in the name of helping local economies. There are websites and groups on the Internet that organize cash mob events for citizens to join. Recently, there have been residents in the Malibu area coming together to create their own cash mob for the “Preserve Malibu” movement.

What a great idea! We should bring this to Calabasas, Hidden Hills and surrounding areas to promote our local economies.

Barbara Lipkin

Knowledgeable, caring and successful are words that best describe Barbara Lipkin, a Hidden Hills resident and top producing realtor with over 28 years experience. Barbara combines personal concern for her clients with professional expertise to achieve outstanding results in her field.

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Preventing Unwanted Text Messages

By: Barbara Lipkin

I hate scams and spams. Now we not only have to contend with internet scams and phishing (there is a whole new vocabulary out there), but also text scams. Receiving a text in the middle of the night was beyond annoying but when it turned out to be a text meant to swindle me, it was worse. I don’t recall how much the gift card was for but I know that I do not shop at that store. The biggest clue was the number. Now we are getting 5, 6 & 10 digit numbers. This scam is called “SMiShing“. If you receive one you can forward the text to the shortcode 7726 which spells SPAM. You should receive an automated message from your wireless carrier asking you to enter the phone number from which the spam text was sent. This allows wirelss carriers to investigate and block senders.

Don’t believe you won a $50 Starbucks card or will win a free IPad if you are one of the first 1000 responses. If something is too good to be true, it is too good to be true.

Verizon, my wireless carrier, even filed suit against another type of text fraud through which companies set up websites to rope in unwitting customers to fraudulent premium third-party SMS text messaging services, which can make lots of money off the unwitting.

These spam text messages are illegal under the 2003 “Can Spam” Act. The FCC recommends to reply STOP, but there’s a theory that replying could just indicate to the spammer that you have a working number that can be resold.

Customers Affected by Text Messaging Fraud Can Visit www.premiumsmsrefunds.com for Information on Filing Claim for Refund.

Barbara Lipkin

Knowledgeable, caring and successful are words that best describe Barbara Lipkin, a Hidden Hills resident and top producing realtor with over 28 years experience. Barbara combines personal concern for her clients with professional expertise to achieve outstanding results in her field.

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Rattlesnake Bite Nearly Kills Boy in Hidden Hills

By: Barbara Lipkin

It is wonderful when you hear about heroes but little heroes are the best.  Mikah Kainine, age 7 of Hidden Hills was recently bit by a rattlesnake in his backyard when he tried to protect his 2 year old brother Joseph and his dog Luna.  When I read about how he stepped between the snake and his brother, it confirmed my belief in mankind’s good deeds and the wonderful parenting he is receiving.  When I think of seven year old boys, I don’t think of heroes.  Most would be busy playing and not be aware of nearby danger.

After being bitten, he had the maturity to call out to his mother so she could protect his brother and save his dog. He has been in the hospital four days and will have to undergo physical therapy after his release so he can walk again.

What a brave little hero.

Fire captain, Ed Loney, advised snake bit victims to call 911 even if you are going to the hospital as it can take up to 30 minutes to mix the anti-venom. With the weather warming, we should all be aware of rattlesnakes.  Be careful when you are working in the garden, walking on the trails or even walking on the street.

Barbara Lipkin

Knowledgeable, caring and successful are words that best describe Barbara Lipkin, a Hidden Hills resident and top producing realtor with over 28 years experience. Barbara combines personal concern for her clients with professional expertise to achieve outstanding results in her field.

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Run Along California’s Coast this November

By: Serena Scott Thomas

Malibu will play host to a full and half marathon this November. The event, nicknamed, “The Run to Paradise”, promises cool weather for the run as well as a flat and scenic course along the Pacific Coast Highway. Along with the race, there will be a pasta dinner and a Health and Fitness Expo for the participants. Training for the race is available from Speed Fleet and Diaz Human Performance.  The training program can be specifically geared towards beginning, intermediate and advance runners for the marathon.  If interested, participants are able to run for a cause of their choice by submitting a fundraising letter and target to the Malibu International Marathon Association.

The event will take place on Sunday, November 12, 2012 over a holiday weekend so runners have travel time to get to and from Malibu. Registration is currently available on the website www.malibuintmarathon.com. Fees for the full marathon registration are $109 until June 15th then increase to $145 and fees for the half marathon are $65 until June 15 then increase to $90. A BIB, medal, medical care, fluid and fuel stations, finish line food and drinks, transportation as well as entrance to the Food and FItness Expo are all included in the price. Check out the official race countdown on the event website.

Serena Scott Thomas

The Supersize Me of Real Estate

By: Lori Einhorn

With the recent financial crisis, many home buyers have been turning to untraditional avenues in order to finance a home. One of these options is a 50 year mortgage. This concept was introduced to California a few years ago as a means to decrease monthly payments for new homeowners. Like the name states, these loans are set up to be paid off over the course of half a century. There is a set introductory interest rate for the first five years and for the remainder of the loan, the interest rate will be determined by the London Interbank Offered Rate.

The majority of loans in California range from 30 to 40 years which makes the lower payments on this loan particularly enticing but don’t jump too soon. When comparing a 30 year loan and 50 year loan side by side, the total payment is much higher because the homeowner is paying for two decades longer. According to calculations done by Bankrate.com, interest paid on a 50 year mortgage versus a 30 year is nearly double. Dave Ramsey, author of “The Total Money Makeover,” and host of a nationally syndicated radio show on finances commented that “The family is still not building net worth,” he says. “It’s still just keeping the family in debt.” This mortgage may seem appealing up front, but as with all finances, it is important to keep the bottom line in mind.

Lori Einhorn

Organized, focused, excellent communicator, motivated, persistent: are only a few of the positive words used by clients and other real estate professionals to describe Lori's business style.

For Anyone You Call Mom

By: Lori Einhorn

For Mom.
You were always the one.
Who helped me dry my tears.
Who chased away my fears.
The one who was always on my side.
You taught me to fight for what was right.
<!– Your bravery flows through me.
You never let me need.
Not for anything.
Your love will always be my strength.
With you, I am truly blessed.
Mom, you will always be the best.
And I thank you, on this Mother’s Day

Lori Einhorn

Organized, focused, excellent communicator, motivated, persistent: are only a few of the positive words used by clients and other real estate professionals to describe Lori's business style.

Tomino’s Place Honored by Gourmet Magazine

By: Karen Lee

There are very few places in the US that capture the essence of good Italian food. It is that mouth watering sensation of feeling as though you could be sitting in a restaurant in Milan or wandering the streets of Venice. The sheer impossibility of this task can be daunting to some but Tonino’s restaurant does just that, conquers the impossible and transports you to another place. Recently voted, “The Best Crust in America” by Gourmet Magazine, Tonino’s Place in Woodland Hills is an Italian wonder. Reviews from Yelp boast “this is the real deal” and “still in love with this place”. Previous patrons also commend the restaurant for its amazing staff and customer service.

Tonino’s Place is run by two Toninos, Tonino “Toto” Morra and Tonino Boniovanni who both add their own special recipes to the menu. Morra is known for his homemade thin pizza crust, hand tossed Napolitana style. Boniovanni has not only added his “Roman-style” dishes but also brought his wife and son into the business. Son, Jonathon Lakatos created a low-carb section of the menu that includes items such as grilled chicken and Insalata di Pollo, a delectable salad full of veggies and chicken breast. Boniovanni’s wife, Linda is well known for her incredible customer service whether it be on the phone or in the restaurant.

The restaurant is located in El Camino Shopping Center, at 23351 Mulholland Drive, Woodland Hills. Call (818) 591-0600 to make a reservation, order take-out or ask for delivery. Tonino’s delicious menu can be found online at their website: http://www.toninosplacepizzeria.com/

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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Four Seasons Spa Package Giveaway

By: Lori Einhorn

This year, the Four Seasons in Westlake Village is giving moms around the country a way to celebrate Mother’s Day in absolute relaxation. The hotel spa is offering a multitude of giveaways that include a grand prize valued at over $2,700 and two smaller gifts valued around $400. Mother’s who win the second place prize will be given a gift basket full of Episencial goodies such as body butter, sunscreen, a hydrating mask, body scrub and much more. For the lucky winner of the grand prize, she will be awarded a two night’s stay for two adults and two children, a deluxe Episencial amenities basket, a Farmer’s Market breakfast, a spa treatment and up to $500.00 in airfare. There are also daily giveaways of the spa’s brand of sunscreen as well as a French Lavender Handbag Essential Trio by Epicuren valued at $50.

The Four Seasons Westlake Spa prides itself on the ability to provide a relaxing retreat for all of its guests and was voted one of the top spas by Conde Nast Traveler. CEO of the spa, Kim Walls discussed her reasoning for the giveaway, “Mother’s Day is that one special opportunity every year to honor the work of motherhood. Being a mom with a young family myself, I was immediately attracted by the serenity and sumptuousness of the Four Seasons Westlake. It is an experience I want other new and expecting moms’ to have.” The sweepstakes will be open for entry through May 13. Moms may enter the sweepstakes on the Episencial Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/Episencial where all rules and prize details are listed.

Lori Einhorn

Organized, focused, excellent communicator, motivated, persistent: are only a few of the positive words used by clients and other real estate professionals to describe Lori's business style.

Landscape Runoff Elimination Program

By: Dana Olmes

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) recently passed a program titled, “Mow No Mow” that will give incentives for local home owners to re-landscape their property. Residents in Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Hidden Hills and Westlake are all able to receive a rebate of up to $2,500 for participating in the program. In order to qualify, residents must be living in a single family home and pre-apply to the program. The LVMWD sees this as beneficial for both the homeowner and environment because it saves money and water.

Full details of the program are listed on the LVMWD website: http://www.lvmwd.com/index.aspx . Along with the details, there is also a landscaping guide of “California Friendly” plants that are aesthetically pleasant and help reduce water use. Ideas for water conservation within the home such as checking for leaky faucets or purchasing water efficient laundry machines are also listed on the site.

Dana Olmes

Dana Olmes, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in representing residential real estate properties throughout the West San Fernando Valley and Conejo Valley areas. She has significant expertise working with various gated and equestrian communities in the area such as Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Bell Canyon, Agoura and Westlake Village.

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