“Dedicated to the Pure Enjoyment of Chocolate”

Owner Denise and able bodied super-barista Cory.

By: Roger Ewing

Tifa Chocolate and Gelato just relocated their store to a new location in the Whizzin’s shopping center, right across from The Canyon Club and easy walk from Wood Ranch and the other restaurants in the Whizzin center. They have outstanding gourmet chocolate and the home made gelato that is to die for. Not only that, but they make what I consider to be the finest coffee to be had in the Conejo Valley. Friendly service combined with outstanding products at a reasonable price. If you are a prior customer, or if you haven’t yet enjoyed the Tifa experience, you must visit their new store and sample some of their amazing gelato, chocolate and coffees.

The new store is spacious with much more indoor, and soon, outdoor seating than their prior location at Kanan and the Ventura freeway. With summer coming you will want to head to Tifa for ice cold gelato, and your favorite iced coffee concoctions. www.TifaChocolate.com

Tifa Chocolate and Gelato
28888 Roadside Drive
Agoura Hills, California

Roger Ewing

More Posts

The History of the Radio

By: Irma Haldane

With the introduction of CD players, AUX adapters and mp3 players in cars, the car radio seems like something of the past. Interesting enough though, the company who created the original car radio, is still very much relevant today.

In 1929, William Lear and Elmer Wavering sat in a car at a look out point with their girlfriends. One of the girls pointed out that it would be nice to enjoy music in the car. Thinking it was an interesting idea, Lear and Wavering pursued the concept. Having had both worked with radios previously, the two men finally made a model after tinkering with the electrical wiring in a car. They took the invention to a radio convention in Chicago where they met Paul Galvin, owner of Galvin Manufacturing Corporation. Thinking that the car radio was going to a big hit, Galvin invested in the product.

After Lear and Wavering perfected their first model, Galvin went to the bank to apply for a loan. Hoping that it would seal the deal, Galvin had Lear and Wavering install a radio in the banker’s car. Unfortunately, the banker’s car caught on fire shortly thereafter, and no, they did not receive the loan. Broke but with an unwavering spirit, Galvin headed down to Atlantic city for a Radio Manufacturers convention. Without enough money to purchase a booth, Galvin parked his car outside of the convention and blared the radio for goers to hear. His display worked and the radios were put into production.

The first car radio was called 5T71. Knowing that it wasn’t a very catchy name, Galvin decided to come up with something else. Then, many companies added “ola” to the ends of their names such as Radiola, Columbiola, and Victrola. Because the radio was intended for a motorized vehicle, Galvin came up with the name, Motorola – the very same name we recognize today.

Since the initial introduction of the car radio in the 1930′s, Motorola has been a leader in technological innovation. In the late 1940′s, they came out with one of the first affordable home televisions; the 1950′s, they released the first pager and in 1973, they were attributed to inventing the world’s first cell phone.

Having rounded on the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the cell phone, it is easy to forget a world without them. It is important to take the time to appreciate the impact a single company has had on our everyday lives. From the car radio, to pagers and now cell phones, I look forward to what Motorola has in store next.

Irma Haldane

Irma Haldane, estate agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty, represents buyers and sellers throughout the West San Fernando, Conejo and Simi Valleys with specialization in Agoura, Thousand Oaks, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Camarillo and Westlake Village.

More Posts - Website

“Be a rainbow in someone else’s world” – Maya Angelou

By: Roger Ewing

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of seeing renowned ukelele player, Jake Shimabukuro perform in Agoura Hills. I’ve always had a passion for music and recently took up guitar which made my appreciation for Shimbukuro’s talent all the much greater.

Shimbukuro has been a huge supporter of ChildFund International, an organization dedicated to helping both children and their family’s around the world. On his ukelele tour, ChildFund International has followed Shimbukuro around the US to promote awareness. While at his performance, I visited their booth and couldn’t help but feel compelled to help the cause. I decided to sign up as a sponsor for a child in need. By signing up, I received a small package describing the child I would be supporting. The young girl that I have the fortune of helping, is currently living in Cambodia wit hher grandparents because her parents work too far from home. There is more to her story, just as there is more to the story of many other children that need our help. For a very minimal amount per month, I am able to make the different a someone’s life who was not given the same opportunities that many in the US are afforded.

I strongly suggest looking into the ChildFund International organization. The organization states that “the well-being of the world’s children leads to the well-being of the world”. As globalization continues, it is incredibly important to maintain a global mindset. By helping a child in need, we are helping the world grow as a whole.

Roger Ewing

More Posts

Tips for Home Buyers During the Shopping Process

By: Roger Ewing

For anyone who has purchased a home, you know that there are a multitude of factors that go into the home buying process. From picking out the perfect location to staying within your budget, buying a home is much more strenuous than your average shopping transaction.

With the housing market burst in 2008, it is extremely important to be mindful of your financial behavior while looking for a home. Banks tend to err on the cautious end of things when offering home financing so for anyone looking for a home or thinking of doing so in the future, check out this list from Michelle Stanisch at Prospect Mortgage.

16 Things Not to Do While Obtaining Home Financing 

1. Leave an existing job for any reason
2. Open new bank accounts
3. Deposit funds over $300 into a bank account*
4. Buy new furniture, a car or make any other major purchase*
5. Allow your bank statements to go into a negative balance, even if you have overdraft protection
6. Stop paying credit card debt
7. Shop for furniture, a new car, or any major items, which may result in your credit being run
8. Transfer money between accounts, unless receiving complete documentation from your bank, itemizing all transfers
9. Apply for any new credit
10. Close existing bank accounts
11. Inquire about new credit or better rates on existing credit
12. Co-sign on any debt with a family member or anyone else
13. Pay a bill in collections. If about to pay a bill in collections from a collection agency, try to pay it at closing*
14. Stop paying any bills
15. Ask a tenant to move out, or give your landlord notice that you are moving out*
16. Have a friend or family member pay for anything else related to purchase of the home (appraisal, earnest money, down payment, etc), since gift are only allowed under certain guidelines

*For Real Estate Professional Use Only

Roger Ewing

More Posts

Iyla and Nila Milon are in Need of Our Help

By: Jeff Biebuyck

On September 26, 2012 the Milon family was involved in a tragic accident that took the lives of Mr. and Mrs Milon, the parents of daughters, Iyla and Nila. Since this accident, the two girls have been recovering in the hospital from very severe injuries. Both girls are in my son’s class at Alice C. Stelle Middle School so this particular incident is close to home. The letter below is addressed to the parents of the Middle School from the principal, Mary Sistrunk. She outlines the ways we can help these two girls through this awful tragedy. I strongly encourage you to donate what you can to their cause because this is something that should not befall upon anyone. I can’t fathom the struggles that these girls will face and I hope that the community will pull together to aid these girls during this difficult time. If you have any questions feel free to contact me or the school. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Parents,

I am sending this letter to update you regarding the recovery of Iyla and Nila Milon. As I am sure you are aware, the Milon family was involved in a tragic car accident on September 26, 2012. Sadly, Mr. and Mrs. Milon were killed in the accident and both Iyla and Nila have been in the hospital recovering from their injuries. Until now, I was requested by the family not to discuss the death of the parents with you or our students. Until last Tuesday, the girls were not told of their parent’s death. The family continues to ask that you not contact the hospital or the girls until they feel the girls are ready to see their friends. Last Friday, Mrs. White, Mrs. Shakiba and I went to visit the girls and it was very inspirational to see how excited they were to see us. They thanked us a thousand times for coming. They loved their cards, banners and gifts from the students and wanted us to pass on to everyone how much they love and thank you. The girls were told about their parents last Tuesday and Iyla was able to go home to Grandma’s house on Saturday. Nila will remain in the hospital for an undetermined amount of time. They both will be continuing with rehabilitation for a long time but it is so good to see the progress they have made. They are such sweet, kind and loving girls.

Both Iyla and Nila are going to need a lot of support from our community for years to come. The financial and emotional support needed is huge and we, the A.C. Stelle community, need to come together and help in whatever way possible. Over the past years we have come together to help with earthquake, tsunami and hurricane victims, etc., but this time we need to help our own. Please join us in doing whatever you can. The following are some of the ways you can help:

Starting Friday, we want our students to become involved with helping their classmates who are in need. We are asking each student to give cash towards a fund that we are collecting to buy each girl an iPad that they will be able to use while confined to their bed and wheelchair. This will open up all kinds of possibilities for the girls and we will load the iPads with books, games, songs, etc. We are asking each student to donate $5.00 but if you would like to send more you may. Any amount above the $5.00 cash can be in a check made out to the Talbert Foundation with Iyla and Nila written on the bottom of the check. We will donate any cash amount not needed for purchasing the iPads to the Talbert Foundation fund that has been set up for the girls. Also, if you have a connection to help us get discounts on the iPads, please call my office.

This will be something we can immediately do for the girls but they will be in need of so much more. Please consider donating to, and or participating in the following:

• Participate in the Calabasas Classic 5K, 10K (Jog-a-Thon) and get pledges from your friends and family to support the girls.
• If you cannot participate in the run there is a button that you can click on to donate directly to the Iyla and Nila Talbert Foundation. All proceeds from TEAM NILA & IYLA will go to the Iyla and Nila Talbert Family Foundation and The Talbert Family Foundation is donating 100% of the monies raised by this Jog-a-Thon to Nila and Iyla to help with their ongoing expenses. Please go to the following link for more info: www.calabasasclassic.com/Pages/Register.html Once at the link, scroll down and click on fundraising, then scroll to Run for Nila and Iyla to register for the run and or click on Donate Now to make a direct donation. Be sure and indicate that your donation is for Iyla and Nila.This community has always been so generous in helping those who need our support and I thank you in advance for anything you can do to help Iyla and Nila.

Sincerely,

Mary Sistrunk

Jeff Biebuyck

Jeffery Biebuyck, Branch Manager of the Sherman Oaks Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty Office, oversees all office operations, expansions, and new agent recruitment. Jeff thrives on using his talented and creative mind to help agents focus on their business and achieve success.

More Posts - Website

Kia Kaha!

By: Jeff Biebuyck

There’s no debating the fact that New Zealand Fitness (NZF) is by far Calabasas’s best kept hidden secret. They’re tucked away in a center right off of Parkway Calabasas at number 5038. NFZ boasts clientele such as Kevin Costner amongst other celebrities that regularly visit their facilities.

“The team at NZF lives by the term “Kia Kaha” meaning, Forever Strong. “The Maori people are a spiritual yet fierce group of tribes indigenous to New Zealand. They believed that Kia Kaha was more than just a saying; it was a way of life. NZF lives by this traditional philosophy. Kia Kaha not only focuses on being physically fit, but also focuses on mental, emotional and spiritual strength. It is an all-encompassing idea that promotes being Forever Strong in all facets of life.”

Recently, NFZ has addressed the unmet need in Calabasas for fitness classes. Currently many Calabasas residents are heading to Westlake or Woodland Hills to attend Zumba or dance oriented classes. Now, there is no reason to make the drive. NFZ recently opened up a newly renovated room specifically for classes such as zumba, sculpting, kiwi kardio kickboxing and dance fusion. After a rigorous interview process, NFZ hired a few well qualified instructors to lead these classes. For a full schedule of classes and online registration check out their class website at: www.nzfitnessclasses.com

I strongly encourage you to visit New Zealand Fitness. Each first class is free of charge but I guarantee you’ll be hooked.  Owner, Dean Buttar and manager, Jonny Oz are not only extremely skilled at what they do, but they clearly have a passion for their profession as well. Beyond their classes they also offer personal training sessions that they customize to your needs. I’ve personally been attending these with my son and we have both been getting into the best shape of our life.

For any questions call 818.216.8181 or visit their main website at: www.nzfitness.us

Jeff Biebuyck

Jeffery Biebuyck, Branch Manager of the Sherman Oaks Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty Office, oversees all office operations, expansions, and new agent recruitment. Jeff thrives on using his talented and creative mind to help agents focus on their business and achieve success.

More Posts - Website

“America’s Most Exclusive Gated Communities” – Forbes

By: Roger Ewing

As of late, suburbia has taken the spotlight in real estate. Trends in celebrity movement to these communities as well as buyer wars over the low inventory in the LA area have made the suburbs a hot topic. A recent article featured in Forbes highlights the mentality behind this trend by interviewing Ewing and Associates agents, Dana Olmes and Jeff Biebuyck.

One of the driving forces behind the trend is the intangibles that come along with buying a prestigious home in the suburbs. “‘Buyers are not only buying a home, they’re buying a lifestyle,’ said Dana Olmes, an agent with Ewing and Associates Sotheby’s International Realty in California. ‘I have clients who pick up their children on horseback.’” This type of mentality rings true to celebrities and the general public alike. Just like purchasing a new luxury car or brandname bag, the purchase extends beyond the object itself; buying a home in an exclusive and gated community enhances the lifestyle of the purchaser.

The Estates of the Oaks is one of the notable gated communities listed in the article that both Dana and Jeff are quite familiar with. This neighborhood is home to Justin Bieber, Kourtney Kardishian as well as members of Michael Jackson’s family. Dana and Jeff currently hold a listing in the neighborhood (25305 Prado De Los Suenos) that once housed Britney Spears. “All the properties (in the Oaks) are exclusive in some way, and offer what Jeffery Biebuyck, an estate agent with Ewing and Associates, calls the three P’s: privacy, protection and prestige.”

With the upward trend in housing prices throughout these communities as well as the low inventory, the exclusivity of these communities will continue to flourish.

Roger Ewing

More Posts