Conejo Valley and the Jungleland Days
September 2nd, 2010
Not to be outdone by my colleague Jeff Biebuyck, who found some great 1920s photos of Encino (http://ewingsir.com/historic-encino/), I’d like to present the early days of the Conejo Valley.
My favorite photo, shot by Thousand Oaks chronicler Ed Lawrence, is not in the public domain. Lawrence took it in the 1960s at the intersection of Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Moorpark Rd., right by the 101 freeway exchange. It shows shepherds together with their dogs, herding a mass of sheep (none of whom faced the camera). Lawrence’s collection – a 50-year chronicle called From Ranches to Residences – is private (as he one time said, if I were a rich man, I would donate it, but I’ll be working till I die).
However, I did find a trove of photos from the old Jungleland site, now the home of The Lakes shopping center, City Hall and the Civic Arts Plaza. These photos, actually dating to the 20s, can be found at http://stagecoachmuseum.org/jungleland_exhibit/jungleland_exhibit.htm.
Don’t remember Jungleland? Take a look!
There is also an archival video, a cross between Ronald Reagan’s General Electric Theater and Bonanza, at http://www.cosf.org/website/html/multimedia-video.html
Shrimp Risotto – from New York
September 1st, 2010
A week ago I reported on Facebook that, in an effort to make a home-cooked meal before my son left for study in Jordan, I searched the Internet for a simple recipe for shrimp risotto – one of David’s favorites. Here is what I found: Shrimp Risotto.
Only after assembling the ingredients did I read the history of the recipe: Forbes magazine, August 11, 1997, from an article by Daniel Roth, who learned how to make the dish from Michael Lomanaco. Chef Lomanaco was then executive chef of the World Trade Center. Lomanaco continues to dazzle diners in New York, but many of his staff perished on 911.
This recipe is both simple and delicious. And as it advises, don’t forget the saffron.
Letter from School – In Jordan
August 29th, 2010
This stret scene from Amman needs no translation.
This is the first email out of many that I hope to send. I arrived in Jordan two days ago and have so far been overwhelmed by all that I’ve seen/experienced. I don’t want to mislead you into thinking I’ve done a lot, since I haven’t. But just being in such a different locale is an experience in itself for one who has never been outside the United States.
My trip started out less than ideal when I used the ladies restroom by accident at the airport customs department, and being consequently directed out of the restroom by the maintenance crew, who no doubt were laughing at me in Arabic (I blame the jet lag and not my inability to understand the universal signs for male and female). From there things went a little more downhill. I spoke Arabic with my cab driver, whose cab was a modified truck with no visible taxi decals (not my best decision). My driver failed to understand what I said most of the time, and I failed to understand what he said in return. This I’ve read, from CIEE (the study abroad organization), is perfectly normal, since local Jordanians speak a fairly different version of Arabic than that spoken by business and government officials (what I’ve been learning). But, even though it is to be expected, it does put things in perspective. I have a long, long, long journey ahead of me that will most likely push me over the edge of my comfort zone, my greatest challenge.
My arrival coincides with Ramadan. This means that most businesses are closed during the day, or open for limited hours. I have been roaming around my neighborhood and have managed to find some places to buy food and water (pretty inexpensive for a huge bottle). I had Texas Chicken last night… yes, Texas Chicken.
Walking around Amman is different, to say the least. One moment I’ll be walking in a fairly nice area and then find myself in a section whose buildings could use a lot of renovation. I hope the attached slideshow will clarify what I mean. As I walk around Amman, I still find myself feeling like I’m walking in the US. I think it’s because I can still hardly believe that I am in Jordan and so far away from home. I still have to remind myself that I am in an environment like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
I still get nervous speaking Arabic with the locals, but it should pass with time as I learn more vocabulary and get used to hearing and speaking the language on a consistent basis (at least I hope it does).
I hope things are well with all of you back home.
Cheers,
David
7923 Ducor Ave., West Hills
August 26th, 2010
This charming ranch house is listed at $395,000. Contact me for more information.
Posted in Broker Tour Picks | 
Tags: West Hills, West Hills homes, West Hills homes for sale | 
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Three new homes released by Sherwood Homes and this vintage charmer topped the local broker caravan yesterday. Situated on a rare double lot, 2421 Stafford Road commands a wooded setting behind its own gates. The main house, all on one story, has wood flooring, an upgraded kitchen and an outdoor fireplace. The modern guesthouse features a great room with a pitched ceiling, a small bedroom and bath and a kitchenette. There is an infinity pool and spa.
Listed by Mark Tyoran and Kathy Bernal, Ewing & Associates Sotheby’s International Realty.
New construction on tour yesterday in Lake Sherwood included the one-story Amalfi, at $2,355,000, Le Fleur, at $2,395,000, and the Ashford, at $2,290,000. For more information on these homes, go to Listingbook and sign up for an account.
Listed by Samantha Withers and Moncia Grisolia, Sherwood Valley Realty, Inc.
A Dog’s Life
August 9th, 2010
My friend Jeannette Hartman has started a blog on ‘dogship.” Occasionally, owning a pet and owning a home have a common theme. Take a look at her latest post: Joey’s Red Dog Blog.
New Listing: West Hills Charmer
August 9th, 2010
7923 Ducor Ave., West Hills
This ranch house on a pretty tree-lined street has been updated with taste and sophistication. The kitchen features newer cabinets, slab-granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. The living room-kitchen area has tile flooring and a fireplace. Both baths have been updated too. A rear bonus room with sliding doors leads to a grassy yard and a pool. Additional amenities include newer windows and garage storage.
Listed at $395,000 by Sher Hann.
By Debbie Gleason, Manstreet Mortgage
Mortgage interest rates are the lowest we’ve seen in our lifetime! Combined with the lowest home prices in years, ownership is more affordable than ever. This is great news for both homebuyers and homowners who are in a postiion to refinance.
There are several great loan products available, and while qualifying is definitely requiring a lot of time and paperwork, for most people it is definitely worth it. I am locking 30 year fixed conforming loans (max $417,000) at 4.5-4.75% [apr 4.5-4.75%] with NO CLOSING COSTS………NONE; conforming jumbo loans (max $729,750) at 4.75-5% [apr 4.75-5%].
AND a few lenders are offering piggyback equity lines and fixed rate seconds again.
Many who think they cannot qualify, or do not have equity, are eligible for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refinance programs that allow as high as 125% loan to value. Those with FHA loans can get a streamline refinance which, in most cases, requires NO appraisal, income documentation, or asset documentation.
This is truly a great opportunity for homebuyers and home owners.
For more information, contact Debbie Gleason, DebbieG@MainstreetLoans.com (818.874.9900).
Open Today: 482 Via Merla (Dos Vientos)
July 18th, 2010
Please stop by between 2:00 and 5:00 today to see this exquisitely upgraded home. Refreshments will be served. I hope to see you there! Listed at $1,099,000.
New Video on Westlake Village and Beyond
July 16th, 2010
Welcome to my blog: Westlake Village Real Estate Blog: Real Estate, Life and Times in Westlake Village and Beyond! Here you will find snippets and tidbits about everything from the local real estate market and home loans to happenings and openings around our town.
If you know of anyone you could benefit from what’s here, please share it, become a follower on Facebook and/or subscribe to my RSS feed. If you have friends or employees who are relocating or thinking about a move, please pass on the information.
Now, enjoy this short YouTube video about Westlake Village and beyond!
