Author Archive
June 18th, 2010
Taking a Walk on the Bark Side
How a walk in the dog park turned into a walk on the wild side.
By: Sher Hann
The new Oak Canyon Dog Park, in Oak Park, has been the bark of the town, at least in canine circles. Friends have commented on how lovely it is, waxing so eloquently it would seem John Muir himself had scripted the comments.
Alas, a recent Sunday trip had to be aborted. The walk to the park is about 200 yards, uphill and down. Our aging Aussie, Murphy, couldn’t even get to the park! His back legs collapsed, and he lay immobile – his Ghandi routine. There is handicapped access parking, but is it for disable dogs?
For a second outing to the park, I arranged to have my son stay with Murphy so his feelings wouldn’t be hurt while I took Walter to meet his friend Prada. The scenery there as we emerged from the wooded path is truly spectacular – a great bowl of green lawn set against a backdrop of dark hills.
Little “Waltman” was very excited by the time we reached the entrance. So, it seemed, was a small black lab just inside the park. The two immediately set upon each other, attracting other dogs to the fray.
When we were finally able to extract our respective pooches, I carried my shaken 29-pound “Schnauchshund,” a rescue dog in more ways than one, out of the park and sat on a bench while he regained his composure. He looks defeated, said one passer-by as we ambled back to the car. That was an understatement! In fact, he is ok, just one small puncture wound.
Perhaps this weekend I’ll go to the park on my own, sans dogs, and enjoy the scenery.
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on June 18th, 2010
June 8th, 2010
A Walk on the Wild Side: Wild Gardens
If green is the new black, then wild is the “au courant” look in gardens.
By: Sher Hann
So goes the ecological wisdom.
In fact, the concept of “wild gardens” is not new, dating back to the 1860’s when it was pioneered in England by William Robinson. It has evolved to what we commonly call today the English Cottage Garden. Robinson, taking his cue from the Arts and Crafts movement, strove for the practical, more natural, less formal garden that harmonized with the surrounding landscape. Wild gardens were to contain a large variety of plants, including edibles and natives all mixed together in a free design.
In eco-conscious Southern California, wild gardens showcase those plants that thrive in our dry environment. Some wild gardens also seek to attract wildlife. In the wild garden in the photo, surrounding a home in Wood Ranch, owner Agnes Faughnan says, “We focused on the abundance of birds in the area, putting in not only plants but also a water feature that would attract them. Definitely, this has been a success story.”
To maintain the pastoral environment, Faughnan’s garden uses natural stone for the patio, walkways and small retaining walls. The resulting setting, says Faughnan, is eco-friendly, with low-water-using plants irrigated by micro irrigation sprinklers. It offers variety, with an abundance of native plants, perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees, including lemon, lime, tangerines, blood orange, pear, Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranate, fig and black walnut, as well as many herbs and, of course, lavender.
“Our wild garden is also practical,” says Faughnan, “because of its low requirements for both water and maintenance. Like nature,” she says, “our garden is a work in progress.”
For more images of this tranquil paradise, see Starbright Gardens.
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on June 8th, 2010
May 28th, 2010
A Gift that Keeps on Giving: The Carpenter Family Theatre
The Carpenters: Top of the World
By: Sher Hann
When my son, now 20, was in middle school at Ascension Lutheran School, in Thousand Oaks, he came home one day after practice for the school production of “Charlie Brown” and in exasperation exclaimed, “It’s not going well. Mr. Carpenter says we’re not ready, and he’s a professional!” And then it dawned on me: Traci Carpenter was one of David’s classmates. Mr. Carpenter was Richard Carpenter, of the famed duo The Carpenters.
Richard and his wife, Mary, of Westlake Village, have long been supporters of the arts in the Conejo Valley. Now, their latest donation bears their name at Westlake High School: The Carpenter Family Theatre.
In a gala celebration last evening, a sold-out crowd thrilled to performances by students from the high school Drama Department, the Symphony Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Choir and, of course, members of the Carpenter family, including Richard himself.
The new theater features improved site lines and state-of-the art audio, lighting and video capabilities, plus enhanced acoustics and all-new interior surfaces and finishes. Other improvements in the new theater include the elimination of the multi-tiered cafeteria floor, which is the entry chamber to the theater, while excavating the old theater room to accommodate the new seating.
Outclassed by performing arts centers constructed at Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park High Schools in the late 90s, the 1970s-era black-box theater at Westlake High School was long overdue for a theatrical facelift. Richard and Mary Carpenter approached the staff at Westlake High School and the school district about expanding and renovating the theater, and offered a substantial contribution to jumpstart the project.
With a $4 million budget, construction began in June 2009, using the Carpenters’ donation and funds from the CVUSD Measure R Bond and the State Modernization Grant. The Carpenters’ donation came through the Conejo Schools Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising arm for school district.
Introducing the final number last evening, “Top of the World,” as a continual royalty maker, Richard Carpenter called the song “the gift that keeps on giving.” And so his family’s generous gift to Westlake High School will keep on giving for generations to come. He is, after all, “a professional” in the true spirit of the word.
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on May 28th, 2010
May 10th, 2010
Cafe Europa in Westlake Village
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on May 10th, 2010
April 21st, 2010
Life Animal Rescue in Agoura Hills
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on April 21st, 2010
April 2nd, 2010
Do You Have Unclaimed Property?
Since taking office on 2007…
By: Sher Hann
State Controller John Chiang has made returning property to rightful owners has been one of his top priorities, according to his web site. In fact, the State of California is currently holding more than $5.7 billion in unclaimed property belonging to some 11.6 million individuals and organizations.
California acquires unclaimed property through California’s Unclaimed Property Law, which requires “holders” such as corporations, business associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies to annually report and deliver property to the Controller’s Office after there has been no customer contact for three years. Often the owner forgets that the account exists, or moves and does not leave a forwarding address or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.
To check if you might have an unexpected windfall, go to http://scoweb.sco.ca.gov/UCP/Default.aspx.
My thanks to Courtney Kittner for this profitable tidbit.
And this just in: A colleague went to this site today and found $500!
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on April 2nd, 2010
January 21st, 2010
Confessions of a Print-aholic
There is something about holding a paper
Even my little dog, Walter, prefers reading a book to reading online. He is shown hear at story time with a friend
By: Sher Hann
It has been raining all day, and I am finally at home, sitting in front of the fire, a glass a wine in hand, reading, of all things, the newspaper. Ink on the fingers, for many years a bane, is now a badge of honor.
I use a computer all day long: reading e-mail, check the MLS, surfing the net, visiting Facebook, reading the headlines on my Google homepage. And I’ll admit that many a morning begins still in bed, with a cup of coffee and my Blackberry in hand, as I scan CNN headlines on my phone. Yet, before I dash out, I am not happy if I cannot hold the Wall Street Journal and, at the very least, read the front-page capsules. A tech column Walter Mossberg, for example, would be a special treat, and I want to read about in the paper, not peruse the Wall Street Journal online.
There is something about holding a newspaper, book or magazine that a screen cannot satisfy. A screen does not bend to the touch. It doesn’t flutter closed as I jump up to pull my little dog, Walter, from the edge of the fire (where he looks like just another log on the hearth) and holding a laptop is not comfortable when I lounge on the sofa. Not even a Nook can do this (although I do admire the Kate Spade Nook covers at Barnes & Noble).
Tomorrow I will most likely succumb to the urge to buy a book, I am sure. Two things drive me to read a book: bad weather or being sick. I will brave the rain to check into Barnes & Noble, where I will buy a cappuccino, peruse the latest mysteries and select some very cheap entertainment: a book, to be touched, read, savored and remembered in a way that instant articles never can be. I will take my new book home, enjoy a warm fire, pluck little Walter from its edge, and read … and read … and read.
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on January 21st, 2010
November 6th, 2009
Pacific Tennis Club in Westlake Village
Alive, Well and Growing
By: Sher Hann
Nestled behind the Westlake Inn, with 10 courts and a minuscule pro shop, Pacific Tennis Club caters to young, old and “tweeners.” Despite the current challenging economy, the club’s membership has actually increased about 3% over the past two years, according to club owner Bowie Hahn. This growth is all the more amazing given the fact the local population is – let’s be honest – aging.
What the club lacks in physical amenities (a club house and a private restroom would be nice), it makes up for in programming. I have seen kids so young they can’t tell their left from their right, as well as players we all refer to as “they must have been really good at one time” run, shuffle or hobble onto the courts. In fact, there’s something for every age: ladies leagues, men’s leagues, clinics for all skill levels, programming for children and youth (it is just a few blocks from both Oaks Christian and Westlake High School), and social events.
Just recently PTC contracted with the City of Agoura Hills to run their tennis programs, with the primary site being Agoura High School. A community-based club, allowing both members and non-members to participate in activities (non-members pay extra), PTC is also the lowest-priced tennis club in the area, according to Hahn – and perhaps the only club that is growing.
So don’t let the local aging trend stop you – or your skill level for that matter. Come check out a racquet (for a small fee) if you don’t already have one, check out the pros (usually worthwhile), and enjoy your time on the courts. If you have a business, service or just an interesting concept that you think your Conejo Valley neighbors might find of interest, e-mail me your idea (idea@SherHann.com). It may see the light of electronic media here at www.EwingSIR.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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on November 6th, 2009
October 16th, 2009
BOGOPOD: A Green Way for Ventura County and San Fernando Valley residents to save
Do You BOGOPOD™?
By: Sher Hann
In this age of tweeting, texting and chatting, there is a new verb in town: BOGOPOD. In a nutshell, BOGOPOD is a free service for consumers in Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles that provides bi-weekly alerts via e-mail and social media channels – Twitter, MySpace and Facebook – on deals and promotions from area merchants.
At BOGOPOD.com you can find hundreds of tempting offers from more than 125 local merchants. For example, at Bruegger’s Bagels in Agoura Hills you can receive three free bagels. “BOGOPODING” at Cosmos Grill in Calabasas will give you 50% off an entrée.
For local merchants and service providers, BOGOPOD provides feedback on the effectiveness of their promotions. BOGOPOD’s patent-pending technology tracks how many customers have viewed, clicked, printed and redeemed merchants’ coupon offers, as well as where those customers are coming from. The cost to the merchants and service provides, according to Bay, is around $150 to $200 a month.
BOGOPOD offers one additional benefit to merchants and consumers alike: It’s a “green” form of promotion.
The brainchild of longtime Oak Park resident David Bay and his business partner, Adam Leff, of Newbury Park, “Buy One Get One Plus Other Discounts” is primarily local. But the concept is transportable. “Our plans are to expand regionally and then nationally,” Bay says. “Right now our hands are full with Ventura County, San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles and Portland. We will be entering Seattle in the next month.”
So the next time you step out the door, step up to your computer first and print out your BOGOPOD coupons to help stretch your dollar and your shopping experience.
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.
- Sher Hann
- Web Site
- " . $name . "
Posted by Sher Hann on October 16th, 2009
