A great new cafe in Westlake Village

By: Sher Hann

To be sure, the Conejo Valley has its share of excellent French and Italian cuisine. But now, as the anemic economy nibbles into the everyday budget, comes some lighter fare with European flair: Europa.

Located in the North Ranch Shopping Center, in Westlake Village, Europa is owned by Jorge Gruener, a professional chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, NY. “Good coffee is my passion,” he explains. “I wanted a European-style coffee house where you could get a great cup of coffee with light, healthy food.”

Indeed, the coffee and teas (all loose leaf) are organic and certified fair trade. Gruener orders the coffee on one day, and the next morning it is roasted and delivered in the afternoon. Each cup of espresso is made with a Rancilio espresso machine – Italian and the best in the world, Gruener says – and served in a biodegradable cup. The panini is made on the premises with La Brea bread, and the pastries come from a boutique bakery.

Outdoor seating and soon-to-come wireless Internet service complete the café. Europa is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and perhaps later on weekends.

Europa Cafe, 3945 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite A, Westlake Village 805.494.1089

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

Celebrity Nicole Johnson from Westlake Village

By: Karen Crystal

The 2010 nominee for Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson is in training. Since her nomination last November, the golden state representative has been on a strict regime. Eating 5 low calorie, high protein meals per day, Johnson is in great shape. She also works with coaches on hair, makeup and interview techniques.

“People think pageant girls are snotty, cutthroat, self absorbed,” she said. “Everybody I meet in the industry is so kind, giving and they are some of the most amazing women I’ve met.”

Johnson, who graduated from USC with an honors degree in communication, recently visited Medea Creek middle school in Oak Park, where her mother teaches seventh-grade science. She educated students in the library during lunch about motivation and focus in school.

Johnson’s dedication to philanthropy and children have gained her a strong reputation in our community. Good luck as you move forward Jessica. You have our support.

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.

Karen Crystal

Karen Crystal, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in estate properties. She brings a unique blend of efficiency, honesty, integrity and business-savvy to her clients.

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Bindi Su. Jake. Teddy. Willow. Trevor. Bianca, Buddy. Peaches. Frankie. Lucas.

By: Sher Hann

What do these names have in common?

At one time all were shelter pets. They have since been adopted and are now the poster children for a new series of stamps that will go on sale on 4/30/2010. The new 44-cent was designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, D,C., with photography by Sally Andersen-Bruce. Bindi Su, Jake Teddy and the other models are from the photographer’s home in New Milford, CT. All have found homes. With these 10 stamp designs, the U.S. Postal Service hopes to raise awareness of the need to adopt shelter pets.

During the campaign, Stamps to the Rescue, along with Conejo Valley property owner Ellen DeGeneres and Halo: Purely for Pets, will give shelter pets around the country a “First-Class Meal,” donating a million meals to animal shelters around the country. (DeGeneres is a co-owner of Halo).

To pre-order your stamps, visit your local post office next week, or preorder now. To find adorable pets like the authors, go to your local animal shelter.

About the authors: Walter Landen wa adopted from Life Animal Rescue, Agoura Hills.

Tang-Tang came from the animal shelter in Agoura 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.

sherhann1

By: Kathy Bernal

There are a lot of yogurt places that have opened in Southern
California over the past few years but Pinkberry is by far my
favorite. The Pinkberry that I go to most frequently is located at
3835 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard Westlake Village, CA 91362.

There are a lot of choices and combinations that you can create when
eating at Pinkberry. I always get the original and pomegranate swirl
and then various fruit toppings. Every time I go to Pinkberry
Westlake, I am leave wanting more. Make sure to stop by Pinkberry in
Westlake and get your daily dose of swirly goodness.

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.

Kathy Bernal

Kathy Bernal is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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By: Karen Crystal

The Oaks Christian Annual Auction dinner entertained more than 900 people and earned more than $700,000 for their financial aid program. With the help of singer, songwriter and producer, Lionel Richie performed 5 of his most popular songs at the event. As a parent at Oaks Christian, Richie was generous enough to donate his time which generated funds that aid 40% of Oaks Christian students.

The evening’s live show kicked off with magician Jason Latimer as Fred Roggin of NBC sports acted as master of ceremonies. Bid items from Eric Clapton signed guitars and tickets to the Teen Choice Awards were sold at exceeding prices.

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.

Karen Crystal

Karen Crystal, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in estate properties. She brings a unique blend of efficiency, honesty, integrity and business-savvy to her clients.

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Your Best Thousand Oaks Steakhouse

By: Kathy Bernal

Mastro's Steakhouse in thousand oaks

Mastro’s Steakhouse is a nationally recognized high end steakhouse and is located at 2087 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. Mastro’s Steak house is run by Mastro’s Restaurants, LLC which is a collection of sophisticated, classic steakhouses and sumptuous fish houses. This LLC was founded in 1999 and has restaurants in California, Arizona, and Nevada. The mission of Maestro’s Steakhouse is to create the finest experience for our guests by combining the highest quality steaks and seafood with exceptional service in a cosmopolitan and entertaining atmosphere.

When I am looking for the best steak in town, I head over to Mastro’s. Not only do they have the highest quality food in an upscale environment, but their service is some of the best around. Dinning at Mastro’s is an all around good time.

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.

Kathy Bernal

Kathy Bernal is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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North Ranch POA Asked to Vote on New CC&Rs and By-Laws

By: Sher Hann

Earlier this month the 462 property owners within the North Ranch Property Owners’ Association received a packet via mail  containing the proposed new CC&Rs and By-Laws. Within the week another smaller package arrived in the mailbox via hand delivery, this one asking for a vote to disapprove the CC&Rs and By-Laws.

The letter accompanying the first package explained that the current CC&Rs, being more than 30 years old, predate California state statutes governing all homeowner associations.  New documents, the letter explained, are  needed for the association to be in compliance with state law. Furthermore, the current documents are sometimes ambiguous and not “user-friendly,” the cover letter stated.

The bone of contention prompting the second letter focuses on the storage of recreational vehicles.  The proposed new documents would allow for such storage provided RVs are not visible.  The 14 property owners who issued the vote-to-disapprove  letter argue that commercial storage is available for recreational vehicles and therefore no RVs should be allowed within the neighborhood.

Another issued posed by the concerned 14, which includes two current Board members, is the power Board members would gain in the new documents to create new rules without a vote of the property owners. In addition, the proposed By-Laws state there shall be one vote per lot, and that for election of Board members, owners may cast one vote for each open position but may not cumulate their votes for any one candidate.

In as letter to all property owners dated March 16, 2010, attorney Glen Kulik, whose law firm participated heavily in the development of the new documents, issued a rebuttal. In a nutshell, he indicated homeowners can disapprove just the items they dislike without disapproving the entire document, that banning RVs would be held illegal if challenged, and that other concerns would violate California Civil Code.

While this may be turgid stuff, if you are a North Ranch property owner, be sure to review the proposed package and subsequent letters, and then cast your vote – yeah or nay, no later than May 1.

If you are hoping for the CliffNotes on the significant changes, you won’t find them.  There are too many changes to itemize them, according to North Ranch Center staff. For other questions, call the North Ranch Center at 805.373.3725 between 1:00 and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

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

Kathy Bernal’s Restaurant pick of the week

By: Kathy Bernal

The Grill On The Alley that I like to attend is located at 120 E. Promenade Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, here it is known as “The Grill”. The original Grill in the alley is located in Beverly Hills on Dayton Way, which is near the famous Rodeo Drive. Since then The Grill On The Alley has expanded to locations in four states, California, Texas, Florida and Illinois. Under the current leadership of CEO Philip Gay, The Grill today continues its legendary traditions in major United States cities by offering an extensive selection of superior quality classic American food served by dedicated professionals in a sophisticated, yet warm and unpretentious atmosphere according to their website.

The Grill On The Alley is a definite must eat place and one of my personal favorite spots. Next time you are near one, make it a point to try out “The Grill”, you won’t be let down. For more information on The Grill On The Alley visit their website by clicking on the link below:

The Grill Website

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.

Kathy Bernal

Kathy Bernal is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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You be the judge. Which logo is the new one?

The power of branding

By: Sher Hann

Nowadays, we hear a lot about branding – not of cattle but of companies, service providers and the like. Now Thousand Oaks is buying a new brand for its publications and website.

The new look is not without controversy, primarily because it has cost money from public funds. After the City Council rejected an $89,000 bid from a Nashville firm, which included extensive community research about updating the city’s visual brand, the public information office decided to allot funds from its own budget. At a trimmed down cost of $25,000, a local company, Mustang Marketing, designed a new logo for the city’s publications, signs and website.

The city plans to start using its new look in April.

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

Axing Oaks in Thousand Oaks just got easier

By: Karen Crystal

Thousand Oaks probably won’t have to change its name, but it’s now easier for property owners to chop down some of the namesake trees. And homeowners may even be more willing to plant oak trees now that they don’t have to worry about government interference with future landscaping of the trees. More…

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.

Karen Crystal

Karen Crystal, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, specializes in estate properties. She brings a unique blend of efficiency, honesty, integrity and business-savvy to her clients.

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