Starting in July, Warner Center Park will host movies on the lawn every Saturday night of the summer.

By: Karen Lee

The Valley Cultural Center is launching its annual summer movie series at Warner Park on July 13. Every Saturday at 7 p.m. will feature a unique family movie, free for members of the community to enjoy on the lawn of Warner Park in Woodland Hills, near the Westfield Topanga Mall.

The summer line-up premieres July 13 with a special presentation of Annie, the Musical. Other notable features to look out for include: Cirque Du Soleil: World’s Away (July 20), Wreck-It Ralph (July 27), and The Amazing Spiderman (August 24). For a complete schedule and synopsis of each movie, see the Movies on the Green Schedule.

The summer Movies on the Green series is a great way to spend family time while enjoying the local community. The facility also includes a gated children’s playground and picnic tables. Warner Park is the choice venue for summer events like concerts, Fourth of July fireworks and food trucks/vendors. Follow ewingsir.com for updates on upcoming events in your community.

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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The latest trend in health and nutrition has resulted in new juice bars opening their doors to the fit and fabulous locale of Calabasas, Woodland Hills and neighboring communities.

By: Karen Lee

According to nutrition expert Dove Rose-Grennan, organic juices are an easy way to get your daily servings of fruits and vegetables, plus vitamins. Most juiceries offer to-go and delivery options, as well as three and five-day cleanses.

In many cases, juices and fitness goals go hand-in-hand. A “green” juice is the perfect complement to a yoga session, such as Juicy Ladies‘ All-Green Juice made with all organic celery, cucumber and your choice of 2 greens (parsley, dandelion, kale, spinach, lettuce or cilantro). Located in Woodland Hills, Juicy Ladies also offers juices for specific health benefits, such as juices that promote healthy function of the brain, heart, liver, kidney and colon. The juice bar supplements its juice options with wellness shots, detox plans and a selection of organic vegan food.

For a convenient juice fix, grab a smoothie from Whole Foods in Woodland Hills while picking up your groceries. The Whole Foods in-store juice bar caters to all tastes, using fresh fruits and vegetables to create delectable drinks that pack as much nutrition as they do flavor.

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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The Anza, opening June 2013, will be the first hotel of its kind in Calabasas

By: Karen Lee

After a $6 million renovation, The Anza — A Calabasas Hotel will open to the public in June as the city’s first independent boutique hotel. Formerly Carlson’s Country Inn and Suites, the property was purchased last July by Channel West Group and Arris Investments LLC, affiliates of Evolution Hospitality, according to Calabasas Patch.

The renovation encompasses the addition of amenities including a new business center, a fitness room and a marketplace for snacks and sundries. In addition, the pool area was upgraded with new cabanas, fire pits, furniture and a trellis. The Anza’s restaurant, the Graze Bistro & Bar, will feature gourmet farm-to-table food, which maintains the hotel’s contemporary vibe. All renovations were made with energy efficiency in mind, such as the property’s new lighting and plumbing.

Evolution Hospitality describes the renovation as an “entirely new hotel experience” that is “casual but timeless, modern but comfortable.” The chic contemporary and casual atmosphere was not too trendy for the taste of City Planner Tom Bartlett, who approved the renovation in January. The Historic Preservation Commission found the plans for The Anza to suit the character of Old Town Calabasas and the Old Town Master Plan, according to Calabasas Patch.

The Anza is also proud to welcome all members of the family. The hotel’s pet friendly policy allows up to two small to medium sized dogs (under 50 pounds) per guest. Pet amenities feature a clean pet bed in the right size for your pet, “Welcome to Calabasas” dog treats and a personal paw shake from the hotel manager.

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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Memorial Day Weekend, May 25-26

By: Karen Lee

It’s that time of year again, The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise is hosting its annual Cajun Blues & Music Festival this weekend! Join everyone in celebrating Cajun heritage through food, music, and dance. Originally a clam bake fundraiser, this event has evolved since its humble beginnings in 1988. Within two years of holding this event, the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise decided to adopt the Cajun theme and have kept the popular theme ever since.

23 years later, with “live Cajun, Creole, Zydeco and Blues entertainment on multiple stages, offering more than 150 food, beverage, craft and sponsor booths, and attracting approximately 15,000 attendees”, this event is not to be missed. Come with family or friends because there is something for everyone. In the past few years, the “Cajun & Blue Kids” area has taken off so they’re bring it back again. Kids can enjoy “bouncers, rock walls, specialty acts, crafts and talent shows.”

Tickets are $20 for the general public, $15 for kids and all 5 year old and unders have free entry. They can be purchased here.

Looking forward to jamming out and seeing you all there!

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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Author of Eat, Pray, Love and More

By: Karen Lee

The recently opened, Malibu Library has been hosting a library speaker series featuring authors of renowned novels such as Eat, Pray, Love and The Art of Racing in the Rain. The series began on March 15th but will extend through July. Each month, the library will bring in a new author to give a presentation and reading of their book.

Here is the full lineup:

• Monday, March 18 at 7pm: Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain [PASSED]
• Wednesday, April 17th at 7pm: Kerry Max Cook, author of Chasing Justice 
• Thursday, May 16 at 7pm: Anne Lamott, author of Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers
• Sunday, June 23: Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love

Make sure to click on each book title for reviews, summaries and purchase options of the novel.

For seating reservations, please contact the Malibu Public Library at (310) 456-6438.

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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Satisfy that Sweet Tooth without all the Sugar

By: Karen Lee

Tired of searching for allergy friendly products? Gluten-free, carb-free, sugar-free – you name it – Sugar Free Markets has it. Originally an online only, specialty store, Sugarfreemarkets.com opened a location in Woodland Hills at 23164 Ventura Blvd.

Sugar Free Markets boasts is vast selection of baked goods and in-store bakery. The bakery sells gluten-free, sugar-free and even carb-free products that range from cakes, to bread and cinnamon rolls. Shop owner, Frida Grushkowsky maintains a fully stocked store but offers free shipping from their online store to anyone in the area. She is also open to suggestions. If there is a product that a consumer would like but isn’t available through Sugar Free Markets, she is more than happy to order it.

In an interview with Patch.com Grushkowsky stated “We created Sugar Free Markets as we saw a big need for them. Our goal is to provide you with high quality products at the best possible price to fill all your Sugar Free, Gluten Free and Low Carb needs.”

Interested in learning more about the store?  Call (818) 538-5181 or visit sugarfreemarkets.com for a full list of their products.

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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“You Write The Rules” 2013 World Tour

By: Karen Lee

Ask any adult and you will find that they at some point in their life saw the Harlem Globetrotters. I remember seeing them while I was in High School – long before I became interested in basketball. They never fail to entertain the crowd through their incredible athleticism and humor. There is nothing like watching red, white and blue clad players run around the court dunking two basketballs at once, flipping before making a shot or even jumping over one another to score a basket.

On February 17, you have the opportunity to see the Harlem Globetrotters live in downtown Los Angeles at the Staples Center. They will be performing a show entitled, “You Write The Rules” where the audience literally, writes the rules. You can vote for your favorite rule at the Harlem Globetrotter’s website and choose from options such as playing with two basketballs, holding a penalty box or even adding a 35-foot point shot.

Before the game, the Globetrotters are offering a once in a lifetime chance to meet and greet the team. Purchasing a “Magic Pass” will allow each holder to meet the team one-on-one before the game and see a 30 minute pre-show.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to see them yet, tickets are on sale here or at the Staples Center. Tickets start as low as twenty dollars, so take a look! What a great treat to take your kids, grandkids, or parents for a nostalgic experience.

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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“Eat Pub” to Replace the Former Casa de Carlos

By: Karen Lee

This February expect a new hot spot to open its doors in Woodland Hills. After experiencing success in downtown Sherman Oaks, “The Local Peasant” owners  Mario Guddemi, Sal Aurora and Karl Makinen decided to expand. According to Makinen, the new location ”will be very similar to the Sherman Oaks location except they will feature 27 craft tap beers and a glass walk-in keg cooler in the middle of the restaurant.”

They will maintain their emphasis on local ingredients for their bar bites in both restaurants. The Woodland Hills menu will offer salads, burgers, and main dishes such as ribs, chicken and stew. The current location features delectable dishes like Pan Roasted Atlantic Salmon and a Portobello mushroom burger. Along with the dinner menu, Sherman Oaks also offers brunch at their location with a large variety of menu items. The new location will vary in terms of food offered but will feature the most popular items from Sherman Oaks. 

Cocktails offered at the Woodland Hills location will have a “prohibition” theme that includes side cars, Negornis as well as Moscow Mules. This pub will be a great spot come this February and I’m looking forward to trying it out. For more information check out their website www.thelocalpeasant.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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“Eat Pub” to Replace the Former Casa de Carlos

By: Karen Lee

This February expect a new hot spot to open its doors in Woodland Hills. After experiencing success in downtown Sherman Oaks, “The Local Peasant” owners  Mario Guddemi, Sal Aurora and Karl Makinen decided to expand. According to Makinen, the new location ”will be very similar to the Sherman Oaks location except they will feature 27 craft tap beers and a glass walk-in keg cooler in the middle of the restaurant.”

They will maintain their emphasis on local ingredients for their bar bites in both restaurants. The Woodland Hills menu will offer salads, burgers, and main dishes such as ribs, chicken and stew. The current location features delectable dishes like Pan Roasted Atlantic Salmon and a Portobello mushroom burger. Along with the dinner menu, Sherman Oaks also offers brunch at their location with a large variety of menu items. The new location will vary in terms of food offered but will feature the most popular items from Sherman Oaks. 

Cocktails offered at the Woodland Hills location will have a “prohibition” theme that includes side cars, Negornis as well as Moscow Mules. This pub will be a great spot come this February and I’m looking forward to trying it out. For more information check out their website www.thelocalpeasant.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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Spooky Happenings in Los Angeles

By: Karen Lee

The number of rabid bats in L.A. county have been at a record high over the past year. Thus far, there have been 45 cases of rabid bats whereas the average in past years has been 10. There is no known reason for this increase but health officials want residents to be conscious of the issue at hand.

The majority of these bats have been found near homes so health officials warn home owners to be watchful for bats or wild animals near their property. In both animals and humans, bat bites are typically hard to spot because of their small size. If you are aware of either you or a pet encountering a bat, it is best that you seek medical attention immediately.

Despite the uptick in rabid bats, LA citizens don’t need to worry too much in regards to their safety.  The last case of death in the county due to human rabies was over 50 years ago. With the medical advancements and vaccines to date, Director of Public Health Dr. Jonathan Fielding states that there is very effective post treatment for any case of human rabies.

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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