What not to do as a real estate agent!

By: Barbara Lipkin

A newby real estate agent, licensed for about two weeks, is in trouble in New Zealand because he was apparently too eager to get a listing.  He was fined the equivalent of $1100 by real estate licensing officials & ordered to extend an ethics course after he had put his own “for sale” sign directly in front of the owners “for sale by owner sign.” The family whose home is in Otaki near Wellington filed a complaint. They do not live on the property and thought it odd that they stopped get phone calls about the house. The then found the agent’s sign in the yard. The agent thought the homeowners had agreed to list with him but they neglected to sign the listing agreement.

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.

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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Announcing the Most Exclusive Real Estate Brokerage in Calabasas

By: Roger Ewing

Welcoming all residents of Calabasas, Hidden Hills and the West San Fernando Valley, Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty is hosting a wine and cheese party Saturday, December 11th from 2pm – 5pm. We are excited about the recent opening of our corporate headquarters located in the Calabasas Court Yard at 23647 Calabasas Road. Please stop by for live music and plenty of wine.

Warm wishes and Happy Holidays!

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.

Roger Ewing

Welcoming friends and families of Calabasas

By: Dana Olmes

From November 19th – 29th, drop by the Calabasas Coffee bean in the Calabasas courtyard and tell them Bay Laurel Elementary sent you. Not only will you receive a small discount, but 10% of funds will go to Bay Laurel Elementary. Stop by the local Coffee Bean next to Ewing and Associates – just a skip away from Hidden Hills.

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.

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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Blessings and thanks to all this Thanksgiving

By: Barbara Lipkin

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year.  It allows me to say thanks for all my blessings and share the holiday with family & friends with no pressure of presents or hype.  I love the smell of roasting turkey & especially enjoy the leftovers.

This year the holiday has brought me almost to tears.  With so many people suffering in the economic downturn, I feel both blessed & depressed. During the year I participate in my local community drive for the food bank.  This year it seems that more is being done through various groups & businesses.  My office collected both food & money for the West Valley Food Pantry.  They provide over 220,000 meals to 24,000 people. http://www.popwh.org/newpop/min_food_pantry.html

It makes my heart glad to see businesses take part.  I just received an email from Unwind, a yarn store in Burbank.  Their innovative way to help is to solicit having food donations and in turn, offer discounts on purchases. www.unwindyarn.com All their food items will be given to the SOVA food pantry, which provides help to the needy throughout Southern California.

The number of people in need of food assistance has risen in the past few years, and every little bit we all do makes a huge difference.
As we sit enjoying our holiday meal, think of how much more thankful we will be if we each find a food bank & make a contribution.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, friends, and business acquaintances.

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.

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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Toureffile opens in place of Fins

By: Jeff Biebuyck

Say farewell to Fins and hello to the modestly priced Toureffile. Whether you believe the name to be clever or a bit obvious, the distinctly French food seems to be receiving high marks. They sell the classics from Salmon Tartare, Escargots, Black Cod and Oyster Champagne Sabayon while offering a few different tasting menu options. Chef Thibaut Decosse and pastry chef Remi Juanchich team up to feature fine French options right in our Calabasas and Hidden Hills backyard. It’s certainly one of the finer dining options we have in the area. Stop by for a taste on 23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas.

Happy hour is Monday – Saturday 4:00pm – 6pm

Lunch:
Mon-fri 11:00am – 2:30pm
Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 2:30pm

Dinner:
Mon-thurs 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Fri-Sun 6:00pm – 11:00pm

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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Watch for Zenyatta this weekend

By: Irma Haldane

No American-bred horse has ever won 20 consecutive races, let alone retire undefeated. Zenyatta has a chance to accomplish both feats with a second straight victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. This Friday and Saturday in Louisville, KY, the Breeders World Cup will kick off for a wild weekend. Last time the queen of California raced outside her state, she retained her most impressive win in terms of margin of victory, taking this year’s version by 4 1/4 lengths and the ’08 race by 4 1/2 lengths.

The pace is expected to be a fast to be quick keeping Quality Road honest on the first turns. But the horse to watch is the late charging Zenyatat. Blame is expected to be the only horse with the capability to hold her off. Blame has won 3 of 4 lifetime starts at Churchhill Down, including the Stephen Foster Handicap last June.

To hear about the Top Picks for Saturday and Sunday, visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/02/1904206/zenyatta-the-star-attraction-of.html#ixzz149qTPyj6

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.

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The Gyroscope Double Horse

By: Dana Olmes

This afternoon we had 2 spry gentleman enter our offices looking to make a sale. Although rather out of the ordinary, we welcomed Jordan Kirby and David Hernandez from Direct Marketing Services. They were selling helicopters. Remote control metal helicopters that perform 360 degree spins and move forward and backward. They have full police lights and charge through a USB. I admit, it was extremely hooky until I watched for a few minutes. Then I grew intrigued. People began to emerge from their offices at an alarming rate – we soon had a crowd of middle aged staffers standing around saying, “hey, that’s pretty cool.” Then Jordan hit the ceiling and the helicopter fell to the ground. Instead of showing a disturbed face, he seemed amused.

“These things are tough!” he shouted. “They are made of all metal so they basically don’t break.”

He continually crashed the copter just to make his point. We understood. It’s a good product. And kind of fun.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAR11VuYEww[/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.

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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The charming Carolyn Val-Schmidt’s is an extraordinary soprano

By: Dana Olmes

A piping soprano, social lite and voice coach, Carolyn Val-Schmidt assertively introduces herself as a “thespian.” I met Val-Schmidt by coincidence in the back quarters of our office – she overheard Erica Fields blurting her usual obscenities in the form of a song. Val-Schmidt, who maintains an astute musicians ear, immediately followed the resounding notes of the young Fields. To Val-Schmidt, Fields had the voice of a siren – a stunning enchantress with the ability to woo even the most lethargic of listeners.

“I heard your voice,” Val-Schmidt admitted. “Brilliant! You must have had training.”

“Well, a little,” said a flattered Fields. “I’ve dabbled.”

Val-Schmidt proceeded to explain her qualifications. A graduate from The Julliard School of Music and Director of Musical Theater & Opera Workshop at the Boulder Philharmonic Academy, Val-Schmidt recently moved to the California to continue teaching. She’s sung in 11 different languages and performed across the country but most of all she’s a conspicuous entertainer. Her captivating persona demands ample attention. She’s worth calling simply to hear her antics.

This video is called Happy Days are Here Again and is taken from her website:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvOh6QnwbHA&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Find your voice at: http://caroylnval-schmidt.com or on Facebook. Val-Schmidt will do private lessons in Hidden Hills, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, West Hills and most other local spots. Contact her at valvoice@yahoo.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.

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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October 23, 2010; Southern California’s Premiere Fundraiser Benefiting Children with Autism

By: Barbara Lipkin

I recently received this email from Daphne Plump, the event coordinator for the Hidden Hills Austism fundraiser:

“The Autism Care and Treatment event, held in Hidden Hills, is slated to raise thousands for children with autism.

ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization that provides grants and resources for children with autism, has announced it 5th Annual Denim and Diamonds premiere fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at a private estate located at 5839 Jed Smith Road in Hidden Hills, California. The red carpet event, sponsored by TWIW Insurance Services, will be held from 5pm – 11pm. It will be an evening of love, compassion and hope for children with autism.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fuM3nfUxGk[/youtube]

“This event will bring together Southern Californians who are on a mission to raise as much money as possible to help children with autism get the therapy, biomedical treatments, social skills groups and even helmets,” says ACT Today! Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson. “There are so many children in our community with autism, and even more whose families can’t afford the necessary tools for their child to reach their highest potential. We’re raising funds to ensure they do.”

The “denim and diamonds” charity event is expected to draw 500 supporters including community leaders, celebrities and world renowned autism expert/researcher Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh.

“When I began my career, the incidence rate of autism was 1 in 10,000.  Today, it’s 1 in 100 children,” says Dr. Granpeesheh. “This is clearly an epidemic. Many children would benefit from treatment, but they have zero access because of lack of funding.  This is not acceptable.  Autism is treatable.”

The 5th Annual Denim and Diamonds event is hosted by Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson and national Entertainment Reporter Jerry Penacoli.

The event will include an outdoor silent auction and cocktail reception with live entertainment, followed by a seated dinner buffet program, live auction, dancing and entertainment provided by Bruce Springsteen’s former front man of the Steel Mills band, Robbin Thompson. Individual tickets are $100. Table Sponsors are $1,500. For more information, please visit www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net.

About the ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment):
ACT Today! is a 501 (c) 3 organization that provides grant money for families that cannot afford or access the treatments their autistic children need. From protective helmets, to social skills groups, to ABA and biomedical treatments, ACT Today! does everything they can to help autistic children achieve their highest potential. Through direct donation, corporate sponsorship and community generosity, ACT Today! is changing the lives of children TODAY. For more information visit:  www.act-today.org.

Please join us – Oct 23 – www.denimanddiamondsforautism.net

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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Douglas Kmiec crashes on Mulholland Highway; Nun killed

By: Dana Olmes

The U.S. ambassador to Malta and law professor at Pepperdine University was involved in a fatal car crash that killed a nun and a injured a 94 year old pastor. 58 year old Kmiec was allegedly driving a 2009 Hyundai on Wednesday when he drifted into a dirt shoulder and hit a drainage ditch.

74 year old Sister Mary Campbell was declared dead at the scene and John Sheridan, 94, was injured.

There are many fatal accidents accidents on Mulholland due to it’s dark, windy road. Please, slow down, and be careful on these roads.

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.

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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