The brightest Los Angeles lights

By: Deena Nissley

Newport Beach: Christmas Boat Parade
After 102 years, Newport has this holiday boat cruise down. Watch as 75 or so boats and million dollar yachts kick off the five night cruise tomorrow. After, stop at the nearby Zimmerman house, a single home adorned with more than 25,000 lights.
Wed-Sun 6:30-9p. Parade starts at Bay Island, but watch it from anywhere along the harbor. Zimmerman House: 327 Sapphire Ave., Balboa Island

Oxnard: Christmas Tree Lane
Forget tasteful. This entire neighborhood pays homage to the holiday season by cranking up home decoration to eleven. Ride through on a trolley for $10 until Thursday. Otherwise, we recommend walking.
6-10p nightly thru December 26. F & G Streets between 5th and Palm, Oxnard (805-385-7545).

Riverside: Mission Inn’s Festival of Lights
The city-block sized landmark hotel is covered in a staggering, see-it-from-space overload of 3.5 million lights. As an extra draw, holiday room specials allow you to take your significant other to relax at their spa and get her mind off any last-minute shopping.
Thru January 2nd. The Mission Inn Hotel, 3649 Mission Inn Ave., Riverside (951-784-0300).

Altadena: Christmas Tree Lane II
Since 1920, Altadena has been stringing lights around the 150 cedars that line this 1/4 mile stretch of road, but the most impressive spectacle in the vicinity is actually the Balian House at 1960 Mendocino Lane.
Thru Jan 7, dusk until 10p. Santa Rosa Ave. between Woodbury Ave. and Altadena Dr., Altadena (626-403-1123)

Venice: Local Spirits
The residents of the canals have decorated not only their homes, but also most of the bridges within the small community. The best way to see everything is walk, so park on Ocean, Venice, or Washington and stroll through. The candy cane corner house at Carroll Ct. and Eastern Ct. with its animatronic displays and dazzling array of lights is the highlight.
Until at least New Year’s. Throughout the Venice Canals, Venice

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.

Deena Nissley

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Be prepared for our next quake

By: Tina Stern

If you’re like most people, after every California earthquake you tell yourself, “I’m going to get prepared for the next one.” Then you don’t do a thing about it.

Well, now you can do something about it. Just by reading this page, doing what it says and saving it. Many earthquake experts in Southern California recommend the following tips to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake.

1. Put together a kit of basic emergency supplies. Include a portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and handbook, wrenches to turn off gas and water valves, and food, water and medication for every member of your family for at least one week.
2. Secure your hot water heater. If your hot water heater falls over during an earthquake, the gas line can rupture and create sparks which can lead to a fire or explosion.
3. Know where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to shut them off.
4. Secure your tall and heavy furniture. Bookcases, entertainment centers and china cabinets can easily fall over during an earthquake.
5. Put some extra nails in heavy objects that are off the floor such as shelves, mirrors and large picture frames.
6. Hunt for hazard areas in your home. Teach your children to stay away from windows, mirrors and tall furniture.
7. Search for safe places in your home. Show your children how to take cover under a table, desk, or against inside walls.
8. Have a plan to reunite your family after an earthquake. Travel may be difficult and phone lines may be down, so don’t drive or call anyone unless it’s a real emergency.
9. Check for injury or damage after the shaking stops.
10. Above all, do not panic.

Practicing earthquake drills with your entire family and being prepared with the above instructions will put you in a safer position during any ground motion. Stop rumbling about how you’re going to get ready for “the next one.” Prepare for it today. The County of Los Angeles has an Earthquake Survival Program (ESP) with easy monthly preparedness steps.

For more information, call the Office of Emergency Management at (213) 974-1166 or visit the ESP website at www.espfocus.org

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.

Tina Stern

Help identify lost possessions in case of disaster

By: Tina Stern

Photographing the interior of your home is a great way to document your belongings & most valued possessions, just in case disaster strikes. While it is never convenient for theft, natural disaster, or fire to damage your property, unfortunate things do happen and being prepared can give you a great head start in rebuilding your life.

To create a digital inventory of your home and possessions, simply use a digital camera to take shots of each room at varying angles, while making sure to include all valuable objects. These digital images can later be used to identify your exact losses.

Photos should be stored on a flash drive or CD-R and kept in the safe or safe deposit box, and this digital inventory should be updated every few years.

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.

Tina Stern

Courtesy of LA Park and Rec

By: Michelle Tepper

Ever had the feeling that you’ve installed your car seat incorrectly? Maybe you’re not confident in the car seat you’ve used for ever? This Saturday, November 13th, from 9am – 1pm, certified and trained staff will be checking for recalls, defects, and proper installation. Bring the instruction manual for your safety seat along with the automobile owner manual.

Reservations are required prior to the event. Call 818.995.1690

Go to www.laparks.org/dos/ereg/facility/encino.htm

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.

Michelle Tepper

Get it started this Halloween

By: Michelle Tepper

Ingredients

Black decorating sugar, for the glass
Juice of 1 lime, plus 1 lime wedge
1/4 cup dark rum
1/4 cup ginger beer or all-natural ginger ale
1 black gummy spider
Directions

Spread out the black sugar on a small plate. Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass; dip the glass in the black sugar, then fill with ice.

Combine the rum and lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice and shake well. Carefully strain into the glass, minding the sugar on the rim. Top the drink with ginger beer and add the gummy spider.

Recipe from Food Network.com
Photograph by Kate Mathis

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.

Michelle Tepper

Cash for Computers! Help us reach our $10,000 goal!

By: Michelle Tepper

Encino Elementary School, located at 16941 Addison Street across from Encino Park, will have a booth at the Taste of Encino event on October 9th at St. Cyril’s at Ventura and Haskell Ave. We will be face painting and applying tattoos to kids hands and invite you to our booth to learn more about our wonderful school with API test score of 916 for the 2009/2010 school year. We are requesting donations for the support of our Computer Lab, P.E., Art, and Science programs and instructors that LAUSD does not pay for. Our parents and the community support these programs which enhance our children’s educational experience at Encino Elementary, not only to pass tests, but to become well-rounded, confident citizens as they approach their early teens. Thank you for your support and we hope to see you at our booth. Our goal is to raise $10,000 in one day!

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.

Michelle Tepper

My listing mentioned on the LA Times “Hot Properties” list

By: Michelle Tepper

“A home owned by the family of the late Albert Heschong, the Emmy-winning production designer for television, film and theater who headed the art department at CBS for more than two decades, is for sale in Encino at $1.15 million.

Heschong designed and fabricated the custom woodwork in the interiors including coffered ceilings, moldings and built-in cabinets and bookcases.”

For more go to:

http://www.latimes.com/classified/realestate/la-hm-hotprop-albert-heschong-20100818,0,178243.story

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKKJg03uEzU[/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.

Michelle Tepper

I recently found this alarming news in the LA Times:

By: Michelle Tepper

Mosquitoes collected in Encino have tested positive for West Nile virus, county officials said. The mosquitoes are the first this year to test positive for the potentially deadly disease in the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District. Two dead birds were collected in. the district earlier this year. Because the disease is transmitted from birds to humans through a mosquito bite, officials advised residents to use insect repellent while outdoors, and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Residents were also asked to eliminate stagnant pools of water, where mosquitoes often breed. Overwatering your lawn at night and leaving bowls of water outside for pets, kiddie pools and bird baths can also breed mosquitos at night.

Copyright 2010 – Los Angeles Daily News

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.

Michelle Tepper

Don’t miss their change of locations

By: Michelle Tepper

Encino’s infamous ‘A Taste of Encino’ will be moving locations. The Encino Chamber of Commerce has decided to relocate the even to St. Cyril’s due to city budget cuts. Keeping the event on Ventura Blv would have been a costly option for the Chamber as the city would have charged for the closure of streets.

To learn more or sign up for this years event go to http://www.tasteofencino.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.

Michelle Tepper

Amestoy Estates water shortage

By: Michelle Tepper

After an engineer’s report linked Los Angeles’ yard watering rules to water main breaks, the city may impose new rules this summer. Amid a statewide water shortage, Los Angeles tightened watering restrictions last summer. Homeowners may run yard sprinklers two days a week for no more than 15 minutes before 9 in the morning and after 4 in the afternoon, but after several water main breaks, a USC engineering team investigated and found that those rules worsened pressure on aging pipes.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has backed a fix. DWP’s plan would divide four watering days among even- and odd-numbered street addresses. But the L.A. City Council voted instead to recommend spreading yard watering guidelines over even more days. Councilman Greig Smith has advocated allowing homeowners to water their yards three days a week for shorter periods of time. The council has sent that recommendation back to water and power commissioners. The commission and the council will have to okay the new watering rules; that could take until the end of this month.

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.

Michelle Tepper