By: Sherry Robbin

The year was 1959 and John M. Stiegler’s dream of having a family automobile business came true.  Auto-Stiegler was born, and for 47 years, it was a household name in the Encino community for those customers seeking courteous service delivered by a professional staff and an uncompromising devotion to integrity and traditional values.

In August of 2006, the dealership was sold and a new name emerged…Mercedes-Benz of Encino.  Steve Zubeta is the new General Manager and Partner with over 29 years of experience in the automotive industry, and his mission is to make this dealership the “pride of the community.”

Currently, there are plans for a multi-million dollar expansion in what was formerly the Chevy’s restaurant space with a projected completion date sometime in the Summer of 2011.  Mercedes-Benz of Encino offers a Demo Program for those higher end business executives coming off of their leases and  interested in pursuing and  test driving a new E class for a 24 hour period.  There is also a pre-owned vehicle department, with “certified” cars featuring a warranty up to 100,000 miles.

Mercedes-Benz of Encino also has an eye towards the “green movement”.  The ML Hybrid was released in the Spring of ’09 and the S400 was launched in April of ’09, being the first mass produced vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery.  Plans are in the works to bring a zero-emission fuel cell vehicle to the market between 2012 and 2015.

For further information, please contact Shayla Reed, Executive Assistant and personal vehicle Concierge, at  818-399-2988 or sreed@mbencino.com.

Stop in today to test drive any one of these spectacular luxury vehicles  at 16721 Ventura Blvd., just east of Balboa Blvd. in the heart of Encino.

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.

Encino Commons

A true entertainment and retail destination

By: Sherry Robbin

The illuminated archway that stands between Amestoy Avenue to the east and Louise Avenue to the west in the heart of Encino, bears the words, “Encino Commons, The Valley’s Miracle Mile.”  It is a testament to the efforts of the Business Improvement District (BID) created in August of 2000 and comprised of 75 property owners and 300 plus businesses stretching from Balboa Boulevard to White Oak Avenue in Encino.  Their mission is to beautify and enhance the quality of life to those who reside and work in this great town.  In addition to various streetscape improvements this year, the BID has constructed 2 landscaped medians and planted in excess of 200 trees as part of its Greening Project.   It should be noted that such projects are funded by self-assessments provided by the BID’s 75 property owners.

Encino Commons is an assemblage of restaurants, specialty stores and exercise studios and also includes the well renowned Laemmle Theatre, which showcases highly rated independent and foreign films.  It is considered by many to be a true entertainment and retail destination.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:
LAPD West Valley Community Police Station                                    818-374-7611
LA Fire Dept., Fire Station 83                                                          866-4-LA-CITY
West Valley Alliance, Graffiti Removal                                              818-227-9722
LA Bureau of Sanitation                                                                   800-773-2489
Citywide Services, including streetlight outage,                              3-1-1
pothole repair and bulky item pick up

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.

A Star That Shines Brightly

Lanai Road Elementary

By: Sherry Robbin

It was approximately fifteen years ago when “friends of Lanai”, currently known as FOLB (Friends of Lanai Boosters), was born.  Parents in the community immediately surrounding the school rallied together for a single purpose, to bring Lanai Road Elementary School back to life and give it the illustrious reputation it had once enjoyed.

On a recent Friday afternoon, I returned to what was, in fact, my own alma mater several years ago to experience this success story firsthand.  I was warmly greeted by Nancy Abrams, the Corporate Sponsor Chair for FOLB who shared with me the following:

>Today, Lanai Road is over 500 students strong, primarily consisting of “neighborhood kids”.  Space permitting, children outside its boundaries may enter a lottery system for permits.

>The school is a parent/community/corporate sponsored and funded program.  There is a suggested donation of $700 per student.

>There is a full fledged music program complete with music teacher and orchestra.

>A science program and lab are overseen by a science instructor.

>The Garden Program provides a hands-on garden experience that relates to math, science and social studies in the classroom.  Lanai has its very own “master gardener” and solar hand washing station.

>A P.E. program with a credentialed P.E. teacher started in 2005 was directly responsible for an increase in test scores and grades due to the correlation between a healthy and fit student and a better, more focused and academic one.

>Computer lab and computer teacher

>Fully accredited upper grade math teacher

>Teachers aides in most classrooms

>Full time nurse

>Recycling site established by the California Dept. of Conservation

>Numerous corporate sponsored events, including “Spooktacular”, an annual Halloween celebration, and a Live Auction Event Gala

>California Distinguished School” designation

Lanai Road Elementary School is a diverse, connected community.  It is a public school with  private school  ambitions, on a mission to give the “neighborhood kids” what they deserve, a well rounded quality education in a warm, friendly and enthusiastic learning environment.

It is proof that you CAN go home again.

For more information, please visit LanaiRoad.org

Additional support through new business sponsorship is welcomed and greatly appreciated.

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.

The Supermarket in Encino

Gelson's

By: Sherry Robbin

Having grown up in Encino and residing here most of my life, I have been an enthusiastic and committed Gelson’s shopper (you might say a “regular”) for as long as I can remember.  While other stores have come and gone (Piggily Wiggily, the Continental, and Jurgensen’s, to name a few), Gelson’s lives on and continues to be one of the premier supermarket chains in Southern California.  The reason?  Gelson’s staff makes the whole shopping experience feel like a family affair. In fact, many of the checkers are on a first name basis with the customers.  Dave, who has been with the store for over 21 years, never fails to greet with a smile on his face and possesses a sincere interest in how your day is going.

The Encino branch opened their doors on March 16, 1960 and is the chain’s oldest existing store.  Bernie Gelson, one of the market’s co-founders, could always be found in the store welcoming his customers.  Some locals even worked at the store as their first job.  Several regular celebrity shoppers, including the Jackson family, have been making Gelson’s their shopping destination for over 30 years.

Gelson’s was one of the first supermarkets in California to present fully cooked, ready to eat food.  In addition to the Service Deli, there is a self-service salad bar, a Wolfgang Puck Express Unit, a Sushi concession, and a Carving Cart, consisting of fresh carved turkey and prime rib.  As an added attraction, there is a “Simply Delicious” collection of holiday meals for your holiday needs.  Gelson’s superior Meat Department is staffed by professional meat cutters who are happy to handle “on-the-spot” requests and suggest cooking tips and recipes.  There is a fully equipped liquor section offering a fine array of wines, some of which are featured as “wines of the week” at specially discounted prices.  Don’t forget to ask for Ken.  Viktor Benes European Bakery is a favorite destination of mine.  They bake a popular Challah bread for Rosh Hashanah and are known for their great assortment of birthday cakes.  Don’t miss the Gelato area  adjoining the bakery!

If quality and exceptional service is what you are looking for in a happy, family oriented environment, Gelson’s should be at the top of your list.

HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Gelson’s Encino branch is located at the southeast corner of Hayvenhurst Ave. and Ventura Blvd.  For more information and additional locations, visit Gelson’s at www.gelsons.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.

By: Sherry  Robbin

The storied history of this spectacular estate, positioned in one of the finest neighborhoods in Encino known as Rancho Estates, is, like the community in which it lies, rich in tradition.  Originally built in 1937, the home was designed as a combination of Storybook and Tudor styles.

During the Golden Age of Hollywood, this prestigious neighborhood was home to, among others, Clark Gable, John Wayne and Walt Disney.  In later years, music industry notables Aretha Franklin, Tom Petty and Graham Nash took residence.  In the 1970’s, it is believed that movie producer Irwin Allen (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Towering Inferno and Lost in Space) owned the property and hosted many parties where fellow celebrities could unwind and enjoy the privacy of the estate’s apx. ¾ acre of lushly landscaped, oak studded grounds.  It is rumored that actress Shelley Winters practiced her diving techniques for The Poseidon Adventure  at the home’s pool and would subsequently retire to the adjacent pool house with a pitcher of martinis to limber up for the role.  Still other neighbors remember concerts held by Fleetwood Mac on the majestic rolling lawns.

In the 1980’s, Mark Taper, philanthropist and financier (Mark Taper Forum), purchased the property, who, during that time, converted the home into an elegant office complex to suit his business needs. Although the property was used in this manner for about 17 years, the current owners have returned the estate to its original glory, enlarging and extensively remodeling the home to blend the character and charm of yesterday with the stylish and modern convenience of today.

Even now, current residents from the world of music, television and cinema are inexplicably drawn to the serenity and magic that is Rancho Estates.

For a complete tour of this stellar property, please visit my website at www.Ranchoestate.net

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.

Congratulations to Oak Park’s Santos FC Academy soccer club
on a terrific season and recognition by Soccer Nation

By: Steve Tipp

In honor of the Santos FC Academy Club, headed by JR Lobo, I wanted to point out a recent article that was written on this great young team.

“The Academy has one team which is composed of players from various teams ranging from silver to gold.  The team entered the CSL 2010 Spring League where they took first place. The team’s success continued as they then took on the CSL Spring Cup where they also earned the titled of champions. The team then finished in first place in the 2010 CVU Tournament of Champions.

During regular league play, the team got off to a slow start, still working on positioning, and lost their first two games. The dedicated players returned to the soccer fields to win seven straight and a total of ten of the last twelve games to clinch first place honors in the final match. The soccer players worked very hard to pull together as a team.  They lived out their coach’s philosophy which is; ‘hard work and team play’.

Coach Lobo believes in letting the kids play, and play a lot, creating the fluid style of soccer Brazilians are known for and fostering creativity.  Each game begins with the cheer “What wins games?  Hard work.  What wins games?  Team.”

The team consists of sixteen players including one girl.  As Media Representative Eric Newberg told SN, the team has probably one of the few girls to ever to play BU14 silver elite, next year.

According to Newberg, “The team is very diverse, with kids from Africa, Europe, Israel, Latin America, and home grown Angelinos. We invite individuals and teams of all levels and areas to come play or practice with us.”

“We just want the kids to play and have fun as much as possible, whether it’s a tournament or pick-up games, just enjoy and be creative, the success will come,” says Newberg.

Newberg suggests that we all viisit them at www.santosfcacademy.com – SN did and we liked what we saw! Congratulations Santos FC for following your championship path to success.

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.

Tipp’s Top Picks of the Year

By: Steve Tipp

Despite what felt like a really great year for music, it might have been a better time for songs than for albums as I could only come up with 7 albums that I really liked. Probably the statement here is that the album length format is on its way out and shorter formats of music may well could and should become the norm.  Let’s not get started about the woes of the music biz and let’s take it straight to the top 10’s…

Top Albums:

·         The XX – XX – this is such a cool minimalist album.  Simple, beautiful, conceptual.  (Resourceful music seekers may want to find the Biggie vs. Tupac vs. The xx song Runnin With The xx; actually lots of bands even ‘80’s electronic popsters OMD are covering the xx).  Top 2010 Single Contender: Crystalized

·         The Black Keys – Brothers – this is another album that feels conceptual in its design and execution.  My first exposure to this group, rockin’, contemporary & BLUESY…

·         LCD Soundsystem – Early in the year this was clearly my #1 and I was completely convinced Dance Yrself Clean was going to be a hit at alternative radio.  I still love this adventurous electronic album but my prediction for radio-hit-dom, not so accurate. (You might also want to dig up an earlier nugget Daft Punk Is Playing At My House, it seriously reminds me of the parties we would throw at my parent’s house long, long ago).

·         Broken Bells – Broken Bells; this collaboration of producer Dangermouse and Shins James Mercer is another one of the few beautiful indie pop albums this year I never tired of.  Light, melodic and hook-ey.  Top 2010 Single Contenders: The High Road & Ghost Inside

·         Fitz & The Tantrums – Pickin’ Up The Pieces – This is a contemporary, blue eyed soul group from Los Angeles (and the hip/successful LA indie label Dangerbird Records).  Rockin’ new millennium Hall & Oates.  This is the kind of artist I would get passionate about getting on the radio because I believed it would stand out and make a positive difference for the station and the audience would really respond to it.  Ah I am getting nostalgic again… Top 2010 Single Contenders: Money Grabber, frankly nearly every song on this album is a winner!

·         Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy -  Who is nutty as a fruit cake and yet made one of the great albums of the year?  These are strange times indeed.  But if he can use King Crimson’s 21st Century Schizoid Man and make it work in a hip hop hit, he has got talent hidden beneath his batsh!t persona.  Really an eclectic listenable record from end to end. Single Contenders: Power, Gorgeous

·         Arcade Fire – The Suburbs – It was support an indie record shop day this summer and I was drawn to Albums on the Hill in Boulder Colorado and I picked this up.  An independent album release debuting at #1 on Billboard is a big deal in any decade.  This might not be everyone cup of tea but it is super, quirky, English, indie rock.  Their appearance on SNL was polarizing but I love the album their awkward performance reminded me of one of my favorite indie UK artists: New Order.  The real estate themes work for me too!  Top 2010 Single Contenders: Sprawl II, Ready To Start, We Used To Wait

Other Top 2010 Single Contenders: Mark Ronson – Bang Bang Bang; Jason Derulo – Ridin’ Solo, Alicia Keys/Jay Z – Empire State Of Mind, Avett Brothers  – Head Full Of Doubt, The Decemberists – Down By The Water

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.

Billy, Wendy & Hannah Tipp, Pamela Hayes, Morey Spellman, (from left to right)

Run/Walk at Woodley

By: Steve Tipp

With the help of chair member Armie Hammer, co-star of the recent movie “The Social Network,” the Stop Cancer 5K run at Woodley Park was a great success. Billy Tipp, my 14 year old son, placed first in the race with a time of 18:11. Billy is a 14 year old freshman at CHS and a member of the Track and Cross Country Teams and a former member of the Calabasas Cheetah’s track club. Second place went to Morey Spellman and for further results can be found here: http://www.y-events.com/10stop5k.htm

There were over 700 people that joined the Stop Cancer race on December 5th. The day was complete with live entertainment, exciting give-aways, a special Krav Maga Worldwide self defense demonstration & kids’ obstacle course, and the opportunity to get hair extensions by an I.C.O.N. hair specialist.

The Stop Cancer run was a high energy day promoting a commendable cause. Next years should be even bigger.  If you would like to donate, visit their website at http://www.active.com/donate/stopcancer5k2010

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.

Famous Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and his benevolent cause

By: Steve Tipp

Dr. Frank Ryan, perhaps best known for his 10 cosmetic surgeries on reality TV star Heidi Montag, is often times forgotten for his philanthropic endeavors. Ryan founded The Bony Pony Ranch Foundation, a “non-profit organization focused on helping underprivileged and at-risk youth excel beyond their current situations. The Foundation has created an atmosphere where young people can maximize their talents and achieve new goals in life by being exposed to new role models and mentors who can provide a positive influence.” The Bony Pony Foundation accomplishes such goals in a few ways. They remove gang-related tattoos, birthmarks and scarring. They provide leadership and life training workshops and seminars as well as offer day and overnight camps at Malibu’s 26 acre Bony Pony Ranch.

Dr. Frank Ryan was a talented plastic surgeon and nice man. He recently passed in August, after his Jeep veered off PCH and landed in the rocks. The day after, a candle light ceremony was held at Zuma Beach in Malibu. Guests allegedly include Janice Dickinson, Melissa Rivers, Gary Busey, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Jason Davis and Dennis Haskins. Despite his passing, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched.

If you’d like to learn more about the foundation, go to Bony Pony.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mJXNysse24&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

His three spectacular properties, Bony Pony Ranch, Casa Ryan, Camp Bony Pony, are now for sale. Click each link to learn more.

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.

The 1992 establishment has expanded!

By: Steve Tipp

Jinky’s Coffee shop is known for it’s creative recipes and quality cuisine. The American, Southwest style recipes make things much more interesting than just the typical bacon and eggs. All their locations contain full coffee bars and outside patios for the warm LA mornings. They make fabulous cappucinos and banana nut pancakes. Their most recent project is Agoura Hills next to the new Trader Joes.

Stop by 28941 Canwood St. at “The Shops” at Oak Creek shopping center – just north of
the 101. You’ll be able to see it as you exit the freeway at Kanan Road.

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.