Westlake’s Premier Tennis Pro

By: Sher Hann

Perhaps the most qualified tennis pro in the area, Nico Riego de Dios is head pro at Pacific Tennis Club in Westlake Village. In charge of both the junior and adult programs, De Dios also coaches several top-ranked area young players, including Kareena Manji, Jack Sanford , Hank Workman and Isaiah Volk.

De Dios’s tennis career began when he was four, serving as a ball boy for his father in Olongapo City. Both his parents play tennis and instilled in him great technique and a passion for the sport. He played throughout his high school years there and competed in pro circuits.

A world-class player, Dios has represented the Philippines in numerous tournaments in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Brunei, Vietnam and South Korea. He also manned the number 1 position for Eastern Washington University, a well-known Division I school.

De Dios is also working to become a physical therapist, completing several PT internships. He can be reached at 805.444.2183.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=44505318

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.

sherhann1

Part III

By: Michele Hren

Do the auto dealers feel their BIG SIGN is something the council is beholding to them for the dealer’s past contributions to 4 of the 5 council members’ reelection campaigns? Caroyn Guillot, from Thousand Oaks wrote, “Mayor Fox…… went from acknowledging that he’s heard the residence loud and clear to bending over backwards for the auto mall.” Irwin and Glancy appear to agree with the public, however, Irwin says she doesn’t mind a large sign equivalent to the Civic Arts Center but she’s against general advertising. As of the last meeting dealers were still proposing a larger sign that contains an electronic advertising board. They are definitely ignoring the public’s disapproval and let’s not forget the city code and General Plan, too. Are the dealers trying to wear us residents down? WHAT’S THAT SMELL?

Are council member’s afraid of losing their seats if they don’t appease the auto dealers?

If I were on the council, I’d be afraid I’d lose my seat if I DIDN’T go with the wishes of the people.

But here’s the kicker. Added to the stink of political tactics and influence lives an elderly lady who apparently owns the land upon which the new sign would be built. The city and the auto mall still haven’t received her permission and are now working behind the scenes to obtain her property.

I hope she’s a tough cookie who doesn’t need the money and will not break with the pressure that will surely be put on her by the buyers.  If so, she will be the people’s hero.

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.

Michele Hren

And the proposals continue

By: Michele Hren

This is just a start…

We’ve probably all seen the enormous auto mall signs in Oxnard and Ventura. The Thousand Oaks Auto association recently proposed erecting a 35 foot-tall monument sign with a 12 foot by 21  foot LED screen. To be honest, it doesn’t feel right to me. The 1st thing I think about is TO becoming Pottersville, one sign at a time. Luckily, as I continued to read the article in the Acorn, the public is vigorously sending letters to the council opposing this idea.

Mayor Pro Tem Jacqui Irwin definitely sounded like she was siding with the “No” votes. I doubt if the 1st proposed monster of all monster signs will come up again, but why are they asking for more proposals for something smaller [than 35 feet]. What’s wrong with the one that’s already there?

Here’s what’s on my mind. When I pass the auto mall, it’s pretty apparent what it is and I’m not going to decide on my next car from a few seconds of my eyes off the road. I think about all of the people who will take their eyes off the road to read an LED advertisement flashing colorful photos of cars all the time while my kids are beginning to break from the start of the Moorpark Rd/ 23 freeway slug that happens at the Auto mall during rush hour.

Ok, I’m a mom and that’s what I thought of 1st. But, bottom line, regardless of who’s for or against any type of new sign that wont be as good as really shopping for a car or seeing it over and over on TV, isn’t there anything else the city can spend our money on that is more beneficial for those really in need of our help?

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.

Michele Hren

The Napa Grill
101 S Westlake Blvd
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(805) 497-4911
www.thenapagrill.com

By: Rob Jordan

Some restaurants you walk into and just feel like it’s going to be good! The newish Napa Grill in Westlake Village was one of those.

As we walked in, we were greeted by handsome young men in jackets and ties, eager to welcome us and show us to a table. The tone wasn’t stuffy or formal; more like upscale, very nice service.

We passed a large, attractive bar on our way to our table. Lots of wines, plus appetizers if you’re the happy hour crowd.

The style of the restaurant is quite nice with a rich (again, not formal) feel. There’s a wonderful patio out back, complete with firepit and couches, which we’ll definitely want to sample when the weather warms.

Our waitress was informed and friendly. Bus service was excellent, and our water glasses and bread baskets were never empty. Those jacketed hosts, plus one or two 3 piece maitre d’s were available, should we have needed them, which we didn’t.

Our drinks were just fine, and we noticed a flight of wines on the menu, which is often a fun adventure. We shared a salad and had two fish entrees, both of which were tasty if not spectacular. We were there on Wednesday (date night for the past 20 years) and every table was full, so word is out!

I noticed pizza on the menu! This might be quite the option for parents looking for upscale, with kids in tow looking for something simpler, quite the model of our family actually!

I’ve heard that some feel that the food is a bit bland. OK, the chef can kick it up a notch. Portions seemed just fine to us. We dropped a C note that night for sure, but the food, ambiance and service made it an enjoyable evening.

Will the Napa Grill mature into a challenger for Tuscany, Leilas, the Grill? Possibly. It’s a bigger operation than any of those three. Maybe it needs to work through a few growing pains. The owner also operates Roxies Deli in Thousand Oaks? (Unconfirmed.) Well that’s a big operation too. We heard the head chef at Napa Grill came down from North Ranch Country Club.

Bottom line? Napa Grill is worth a try in our book!

Rob Jordan is a realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty/Ewing & Associates. He specializes in Agoura, Oak Park and Westlake Village. He can be reached at 818 237 4425.

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

Westlake Village and Agoura Hills Groupon Deals

By: Denise Arledge

Usually, I go to Umi Sushi a couple times per week. Last week I popped in for some routine Sushi and the owner informed me that on this particular day there was a substantial groupon.com deal happening. So good, in fact, that my sushi was near half price. After hearing of the groupon deal, I immediately purchased some coupons myself. Who knew my favorite Agoura Hills Umi Sushi had such deals. There numerous other groupon deals throughout Westlake and Agoura Hills, just sign on to groupon.

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.

denisearledge

Denise has over 19 years experience in real estate. She is a consistent top producer & has won numerous awards for her sales, listings & service. She is a resident of the Conejo Valley for over 22 years & specializes in fine homes and estates throughout the San Fernando & Conejo Valleys.

Website - More Posts

Guillermo’s Collection of Horror Iconography in Westlake Village

By: Irma Haldane

Film maker, Guillermo del Tora, whose films include “Hellboy” and “Pan’s Labyrinth,” has been featured in the New Yorker Magazine of February 7, 2011.  He is of local interest because he resides in the Westlake Village area of Ventura County, some 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.  Of particular interest is the home he has transformed into a museum for monsters and numerous ghoulish type artifacts he has collected.

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

Some good news for Westlake and Agoura Hills

By: Sher Hann

If you want to follow the trends, just follow the headlines. In the past two weeks we have seen headlines pointing to a more positive real estate market. From the Huffington Post and other news outlets, 30-Year Mortgage Rates Top 5%. Why is this positive? As interest rates creep up, sooner or later home buyers begin to notice. The sentiment that there is no hurry, that an even better deal will be there tomorrow, begins to slip away. As this article points out, if interest rates rise from 5% to 6% and the price of a home drops from $500,000 to $450,000, the actual cost of the home over 30 years will be $90,000 higher.

From the LA Times, California Luxury Home Sales Jump 21% (even the wealthy like a bargain). And the Wall Street Journal, Cash Buyers Lift Housing, cites data from the National Associations of Realtors indicating 28% of home sales last year were all-cash deals – double the rate in 2008.

Finally, from the LA Times again, Now May Be the Time to Buy a Home. Says the usually pessimistic economist Christopher Thornberg, principal with Beacon Economics in Los Angeles, “Certainly, we’re pretty sure we’re at the bottom” for home prices, as quoted in the luxury home sales article.

What does it all mean? If you are a home buyer, it may be time to step up to the plate. Stories of homes selling in multiple offers are not uncommon. This means you could soon find yourself paying both a higher interest rate for your mortgage and a higher price for your home.

If you are a seller who is buying up, now may be the time to pick up that dream home. And if you are selling because of a personal or financial situation, don’t wait for prices to rise dramatically unless you have a lot of time. During the 1990s, in the LA area,it took 9.5 years for home prices to regain their 1990 peak.

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.

sherhann1

All About The Fountainwood Tract of Homes in Agoura Hills, California

By: Rob Jordan

Looking for a mid priced home in Agoura Hills? Take a look at Fountainwood!

Fountainwood is an established neighborhood in Agoura Hills, located on the east side of Kanan Road between Thousand Oaks Boulevard and the LA/Ventura County Line. The tract is approximately 1 mile north of the Ventura Freeway at the Kanan exit.

There are approximately 700 homes in Fountainwood. Many homes back to open space in the nearby hills. Fountainwood is home to Sumac Elementary School and Sumac Park, and is within walking distance of Agoura High School. Two major shopping centers are close by, featuring a Vons, Ralphs, several restaurants, four banks, two drug stores and a host of other retail stores.  Fountainwood homes were built between 1972 and 1981.

Homes in Fountainwood range in size from approximately 1500 square feet to 2300 square feet, with a few custom and larger homes (in particular on Michelle Street at the top of the tract.) Lot sizes are average and many are large enough for well landscaped back yards and pools. Some homes have views. Fountainwood homes are typically 3, 4 and 5 bedroom models, with 2 or 3 baths.

Fountainwood homes are currently priced in the $500,000 and $600,000 range. Approximately 18 homes sold in Fountainwood in 2010. Nearby neighborhoods which are less expensive than Fountainwood included Oak Valley, Hillrise, and some parts of Oak Park. Neighborhoods which are more expensive than Fountainwood include Morrison Ranch, directly west of Fountainwood.

For additional information on Fountainwood, or any neighborhoods in Agoura Hills, Oak Park or Westlake Village, contact Rob Jordan, Sotheby’s International Realty, at 818.237.4425.

(This is one in a continuing series of articles about real estate neighborhoods in Agoura Hills, California. Rob Jordan, Sotheby’s International Realty/Ewing and Associates. 818 237-4425)

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

King Couture brings SNÖ to North America

By: Sher Hann

Since SNÖ arrived in North America in 2009, SNÖ has been featured in VIE magazine as a top gift pic by The Film   Festival,  NBC and also sponsoring Miss Universe in 2010. SNÖ of Sweden is a leading jewelery maker since 2002 and recently won the beautiful business award, as well as 2010′s exporter of the year award. With representation in over 1600 retailer locations, Kingo Couture has finally brought this coveted jewelery line to North America. SNÖ of Sweden originated in northern Sweden. Founder, Lena Jonsson Näslund designs the simply made Scandinavian style Jewelery. Nature’s own materials and coors are woven into a design with a stylish touch. SNÖ of Swedens works almost exclusively with semi-precious stones such as onyx, rose quartz, cherry quartz, jade, clear rock crystal, smoked crystals and cultivated freshwater pearls. The materials are linked by chains of coated silver & titanium plated copper and/or iron base which is non-tarnished. All jewelry is nickle tested.

SNÖ of Sweden releases 4 new collections per year, which makes each collection highly desirable since it’s only available for a few months. Check out some of their stuff at www.kingo.ca.

And soon, Westlake Village will have a venue at well. Wood Ranch resident Annette Manninen will represent the line. She can be contacted at anette@kingo.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.

sherhann1

Valentine’s in Westlake Village

By: Sher Hann

Gentlemen, it’s February and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. What to do? Remember the old adage, Diamonds are a girl’s best friend? Or, in the current economy, let’s say, Jewelry is a girl’s best friend. So here’s an idea for you: Stella & Dot. Enter Jessica Dreyfus, Stella & Dot stylist in Thousand Oaks. Stella & Dot is sold primarily through in-home parties – groups of friends enjoying a glass of wine, munchies and, of course, jewelry. You can also purtchase it directly from Dreyfus (see contact info below). According to Dreyfus, more than half the line sells for less than $50 – a great price point for the quality. For the little Valentine princess in your life, a little girls’ line debuted last year. Says Dreyfus, “I love the versatility of Stella & Dot. I can find one piece that works at the park with my son, out with the girls, and at a spring wedding.” So, gentlemen, perhaps you can get by this Valentine’s Day with only one purchase for less than $50! Contact Jessica Dreyfus (310.351.9652) to make your selection!

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.

sherhann1