Studio City: (818) 766-4437
12036 Ventura Blvd.

By: Tina Stern

Since 1938, Dupar’s has been is the only real landmark left on this part of Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

With no preservatives in their food and everything cooked fresh, Du-Par’s Restaurant and bakery makes some fabulous pies.  With a huge assortment of whole pies that are baked everyday, this is just the spot to grab a pie 24 hours a day. They also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner so drop by to your local Du-Par’s in Studio City when you have a hankering.

Dupars Restaurant

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

Tree People Planting

Tree People

By: Michelle Tepper

Saturday, February 6th
Join us planting 29 trees Jacaranda and Crepe Myrtle and other trees donated by the Tree People & City of LA on Otsego, Genesta, &
Magnolia Ave- Saturday, February 6th starting 9 am.
We are replacing trees that have fallen & need your help replanting and beautifying our neighborhood!
Come out and meet your neighbors. We’ll provide gloves, tools and drinks. All we need is YOU!
Date & Time: Saturday, February 6th -9 am
Meet Location: Julia & Bob Stein home 5101 Genesta Avenue
Encino, Ca 91316

RSVP Both: Tree People: www.treepeople.org/plant-trees-O
Steins: 818.905.1638

Thank you lunch sponsored by Organically Grown at Stein’s home after planting.
Hope you can make it!

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

By: Tina Stern

Wilacre Park or Fryman Canyon are Interchangable Names for the Area

If you’re looking for a light hike in Fryman Canyon, here’s a suitable option.  A brief 3 miles loop in the Hollywood Hills will allow some fire roads and trail paths with plenty of vista points and benches.  You have access to Tree Peoples’ Coldwater Canyon Pavilion.  Although it is an urban trail, it’s not crowded.

The Basics:
- Distance: Just under 3 miles round trip.
- Elevation Gain: 463 feet
- Time: An easy 90 minutes.
- Trail Condition: Excellent. Well-maintained fire road for the majority of the trail, with clear signs and landmarks. The use-trails that parallel the fire road are not marked or maintained, but are heavily traveled and easy to spot.

Directions: From the Valley, head south on Laurel Canyon Blvd. from Studio City. 0.8 miles south of Ventura Blvd., turn right onto Fryman Road. The parking area is immediately visible. From the south, at Laurel Canyon (Crescent Heights) and Sunset in West Hollywood, head north on Laurel Canyon for 3.5 miles. Take a left onto Fryman Road and park in the lot. There is a $1 fee for parking.

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

By: Michelle Tepper

Famous Aldea Avenue Oak Tree

During last weeks torrential downpour, booming thunder, hail and shocking lightening, we lost a longtime friend in our community. The Amestoy Estates oak tree on Aldea Avenue – literally ON Aldea has been a famous landmark for over 400 years some residents claim. The residents on Aldea have always referred to the beautiful strong oak as a reference point as to which part of Aldea they live on…”Oh, I live by the tree” or “I live north of the tree”. Now they will unfortunately be referring to a giant hole.

Recently, the entire street was repaved and some residents wonder if the shaving of the roots and the hot tar have something to contribute to the tree’s demise last night. The roots were a nightmare to drive over and if you just so happened to be driving over 10 miles per hour and forgot that the roots were creating an organic speed bump, well it would only take your car flying into the air and the underbody being dented for you to remember to slow down in our neighborhood. I wonder what is next for Aldea? A new tree? A plaque in remembrance of our old shade tree, home to many? Hopefully not just another blob of hot tar.

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

THREE TIMES GOOD NEWS!

By: Erika Kaufmann

As you are aware, the first-time homebuyer credit was extended until July 1, 2010 (binding contracts must be entered into on or before April 30, 2010). The credit remains at $8000. This is the FIRST GOOD NEWS! The SECOND is that the phaseout starts at $125,000 (up from $75,000), and $225,000 for Married filing jointly (up from $125,000). Maximum purchase price is $800,000.

The THIRD GOOD NEWS is that individuals who have owned and used the same residence as a principal residence for five consecutive years out of the last eight years can purchase a new principal residence are treated as first-time homebuyers!
The maximum FTHC for these individuals is $6,500 ($3,250 for married taxpayers filing seperately). These homebuyers have to live in the new residence for 3 years. They can keep the previous residence — does not matter what they do with it — rent it out or sell it!

Let’s spread this good news and perhaps help the market rebound a little.

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.

Erika Kaufman

Erika Kaufman is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

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The Sherman Oaks Galleria hosts Urban Home

Urban Homes in Sherman Oaks

By: Erika Kaufmann

Yesterday, while Christmas shopping, I stepped into Urban Home in the Sherman Oaks Galleria and had the surprise of my life! What a beautiful store with an array of carefully selected items from around the world! In this troubling economy it is nice to find reasonably priced items to furnish or decorate your home. And, last but not least, it is a great place to find your Christmas gifts. Who would not like new kitchen gadgets or a new unusual set of candles for the living room? Even the most difficult person to buy for (the one who has everything) there is something new.

What about the Pullman Chair and Ottoman? Or the Sanctuary Café Chaise? Or a piece of art? Or some accessories? There is something for everybody! Go and check it out. And, I just found out that they will be opening a store in Valencia, close to Stephenson Ranch, early next year.

www.shopurbanhome.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. Erika Kaufmann Real estate Ewing and Sothebys. Sherman Oaks Homes for sale.

Erika Kaufman

Erika Kaufman is a real estate agent with Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty.

Website - More Posts

Beware of burn areas as 2 major storms are on tap for Southern California

By: Roger Ewing

This is a friendly reminder to pay special attention during this week.  2 major storms will hit, the first on Monday, December 7th and the second, more impressive storm, will begin late on Wednesday, December 9th. Forecasters predict the 2 storms will cause widespread power outages and flooding in burn areas.  Also, be sure to keep an eye on your home.  Beware of clogged rain gutters and leaky roofs.   It’s also a great time to shut the sprinklers off and save a few extra bucks on your next water bill.  Drive safe and have a good week.

To view the rain and snow forecast go to Snow and rain levels.

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

Did you know that there is an official Encino Neighborhood Watch?

Encino Crime

By: Michelle Tepper

Well there is.  Learn more about it at www.EncinoWatch.com or attend the next meeting.

Here is an update on our Local Crime Activity.

Garage doors are being left open, and has become an invitation for thefts. A most recent occurrence took place on the 4800 block of Louise on 11/30 between 6:45 and 7:00 p.m.  Unlocked vehicles have resulted in thefts from cars on the 16800 block of Encino Hills Drive, on Westfall, and Margate at Newcastle. Items left in the cars were wallets, gift cards, cash, and a large flat screen TV.

Cars are being broken into on the 17400 block of Ventura. Patrons, while visiting a local health club, are leaving items in their cars that is resulting in numerous break-ins.

Three local teenagers (surrounding area) were arrested after breaking into five cars in the Newcastle/Zelzah area. Also arrested for breaking into cars were two gang members from the Westside.

Please do not leave anything in your car in plain sight and remember to lock your vehicles. In addition, close your garage door as soon as you enter or leave. There seems to be those out there just waiting for an opportunity and it only takes a moment.

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

Hand Me Ups

Hand Me Ups is a new children’s consignment store that just opened 3 months ago on Ventura Blvd. in the Amestoy Estates neighborhood.

By: Michelle Tepper

The three moms who own the store have based the store’s image on one of Eco-Prosperty – the notion that the store helps the community by allowing families to generate a few bucks by selling new and almost new items.  The items that don’t sell are donated to a charitable organization.  The store not only provides income for the owners, but for the building owners as well and at the same time, keeping Ventura Blvd. looking upbeat by filling up the empty store fronts. Eco-Prosperity works for everyone today.

This tidy and appealing second hand store definitely has first hand appeal.  The gently (or perhaps, never) used children’s clothing is neatly hung on racks – by size – yep, you heard me, by size!   Infant/Toddler sizes are displayed on the walls along with colorful accessories and toys.  From Juicy Couture and Flowers by Zoe to Gap and Gymboree, the selection is vast, but not overwhelming.  In addition to the consignment items, Hand Me Ups also sells 4 custom new lines of hand-made items, including clothing knit and crocheted by residents of the Jewish Home For the Aging.  Hand Me Ups is the perfect place to give your child some money and allow them to have their own shopping experience while doing “good” for our community.

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

Here is your market update for Amestoy Estates

By: Michelle Tepper

Days on Market continue to rise in the top quartiles while the third quartile seems to be the hottest market with 170 DOM.  This strong buyers market suggests that if sellers offer their house at the right price, it will sell quickly.  The 90 day market action index currently sits at 19.08.

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