By: Gary Krieger

How do you work with the professionals whose job it is to help you, counsel you, or guide you?  Do you have a trusted advisor who listens to you and really understands you?  After all, if you are not heard accurately, how can your advisor truly help you?  Stephen Covey, the highly acclaimed author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People says, “As you learn to listen deeply to other people, you will discover tremendous differences in perception.  You will also begin to appreciate the impact that these differences can have as people try to work together in interdependent situations”.

If you are interested in purchasing or selling real estate in Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana or Woodland Hills, call me to discuss your needs.  I assure you I will listen attentively so that I will truly HEAR you.  I will continuously check my perceptions with you, and thereby confirm I understand what you mean.  What you say will become my mantra and as a result, your goals will be fulfilled.

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.

Gary Krieger

Gary Krieger, Estate Agent at Ewing & Associates Sotheby's International Realty in Sherman Oaks, is a seasoned business executive and author who devotes his full time to the business of real estate.

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This week’s course of the week is Lost Canyons Golf Club…

By: Kyle Gulock

… located at 3301 Lost Canyons Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93063. Lost Canyons Golf Club is the only 36 hole public facility in Ventura County.  Lost Canyons Golf Club was designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye with consulting help from Masters Champion Fred Couples. There are 2 courses at this spectacular facility, The Sky Course and The Shadow Course. The Sky Course is a par 72, plays 7,285 yards from the back tees and was recognized as a Top 10 New Course by Golf Magazine in 2001. The Shadow Course is also a par 72, plays 7,005 yards from the back tees, and was recognized as a Top 10 New Course by Golf Magazine in 2002.

Lost Canyons is truly a unique golf experience. The views while playing a round at this course are simply breathtaking. A month back I had the opportunity to play The Sky Course with a few friends of mine that work for Intel Corporation. It was a picture perfect day out, fresh cut grass, birds chirping but this course was extremely difficult from the back tees. Almost every hole seemed to play substantially up hill, or down hill. It was almost impossible to find a perfectly flat lie even in the center of the fairway, which I passed while driving the cart to my ball in the rough. The scores were high that day, but it was a great place to get out and spend part of a day with old friends. If you are looking for a challenging course that will get you out of the city life, check out Lost Canyons Golf Club in Simi Valley. Click on the link below to check out their website and make a tee time…. http://www.lostcanyons.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.

Kyle Gulock

Born into a Real Estate family, Kyle has had an interest in Real Estate from an early age. Prior to his Real Estate career, Kyle earned his Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning & Development from Michigan State University. With a constant eye on future trends and a flair for the unconventional, Kyle has a passion for leading innovative marketing methods.

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Kyle Gulock’s Golf Course of the Week

Phil Michelson

By: Kyle Gulock

The annual Northern Trust Open is taking place in our backyard this weekend. The host site will be Riviera Country Club, which is located in Pacific Palisades, CA. Riviera Country Club has been the host site for the Los Angeles PGA Tour stop since 1927. The course will be set up as a par 71 and will play 7,325 yards from the back tees. The purse for this year’s event is $6,400,000.

Once again, the field in this tournament is strong and comprised of 4 players that are ranked in the top 10 according to the world golf rankings. The favorite is Phil Michelson who won the last 2 Northern Trust Opens at Riviera Country Club. Last week Phil drew criticism from Scott McCarron for using wedges that don’t conform to the new standards set by the PGA tour. After an hour long meeting with tour officials on Tuesday night at Riviera Country Club, McCarron has since apologized to Phil for making those comments.

The tournament starts tomorrow, Thursday February 4^th and the final round will take place Sunday February 7^th.  The weekend outlook includes a little bit of rain over the next few days, but the rain should be gone by Sunday’s final round. Tickets are $35 in advance of $50 at the gate. You can purchase tickets by clicking on the link below…Northern Trust Open

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.

Kyle Gulock

Born into a Real Estate family, Kyle has had an interest in Real Estate from an early age. Prior to his Real Estate career, Kyle earned his Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning & Development from Michigan State University. With a constant eye on future trends and a flair for the unconventional, Kyle has a passion for leading innovative marketing methods.

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A few tips to keep in mind this holiday season

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Being that it’s the holiday season everyone’s pulling their Credit and ATM Cards out left and right to make purchases. This leaves you very susceptible to getting your information stolen and for thieves to obtain this information to buy themselves gifts with your money. There is a new technique crooks have been using which is known as “skimming”. Believe it or not it is actually “legal” to buy a small gadget called a skimmer on the internet for around $20.00 that will obtain all credit information with one swipe of a card. This is known to have happened many times at restaurants when the server takes your card to pay your bill. Earlier this year at a Redondo Beach Gas Station, a suspected employee may have used a handheld skimmer on the counter or installed a skimming device in the outside machine which obtained credit information and ATM pin numbers of over 1,000 gas station customers. This information was transferred to fake cards which removed more than $200,000 from the victims’ accounts. http://www.dailybreeze.com These are only a couple of examples, there are many ways that you can become a victim. Everyone should take extra precautions this holiday season. Here are a few tips:

1. When using a card if given the option always use “Credit” rather than “ATM”

2. Keep close attention to your card when a customer service representative handles it

3. Review all charges on monthly Bank and Credit Card Statements

4. Cash is always a great alternative

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.

Shelley Rizzotti

Our very own Toluca Lake Christmas Tree Lighting

By: Erika Kaufmann

Tree Lighting in Toluca Lake

If you attended Toluca Lake’s Christmas Tree lighting last Friday night you saw Burbank’s honorary Mayor Fritz Coleman from Channel 4, NBC, lighting the Christmas tree.

Many people came from near and far to see the beautifully decorated and holiday-lit stores, and to listen to the music. People were tasting the wonderful food samples from all over the world and tasted the various beverages, champagne, wine and cider!

It was an evening to remember, a moment from long ago when people still took time to leisurely walk – not drive –around the neighborhood and enjoy an old-fashioned holiday season.

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

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

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Burbank’s Light Festival

By: Shelley Rizzotti

The 14th Annual Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Griffith Park Light Festival is a great way to celebrate the holiday season in Los Angeles! Each year, millions of lights exhibit sites you may recognize, such as the Staples Center, Los Angeles Zoo, a salute to the Los Angeles Fire Department, Venice Boardwalk, Los Angeles City Hall as well as many other themes are displayed.

The light festival is held from December 4th thru 30th with Light Display Hours from 5pm-10 pm each night. Cars are welcome to drive through the one mile section of Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park or people can walk it. From past experience it’s much easier to park in the Los Angeles Zoo parking lot and walk from one end to the other for the full experience. If you do enter from the Zoo parking area you can also pick up hot cocoa or coffee to warm up as you stroll along the pedestrian walkway. Holiday music hums in the background throughout the stretch of colorful lights which makes this a great experience! For more information on the LAWP Light festival please go to http://www.dwplightfestival.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.

Shelley Rizzotti

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

An off beat coffee shop in Burbank

Simply Coffee in Burbank

By: Shelley Rizzotti

One of my friends was recently telling me about a quaint little coffee and gift shop in Burbank where you can enjoy fabulous quiche in an eclectic atmosphere.  I realized that I had seen the sign before and some cool antiqued furniture outside the store front, but I was surpised that I didn’t know about the quiche.  Simply Coffee is owned by a true Frenchman who makes fresh quiche for his patrons…you know the kind where the crust is so flaky and buttery it melts in your mouth?  That is what you will find here.

Simply Coffee and gift boutique has been around for many years, but is a coveted spot frequented by Magnolia Park regulars.  It is located on a side street, off the main beat, making the atmosphere feel more like a European adventure than a trendy California coffee house.  Simply Coffee is located at 940 N Lima Street.  Great place to take a “mini mental vacation.”

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.

Shelley Rizzotti

Toluca Lake’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Every year Toluca Lake blocks off the long stretch of Riverside Drive for local businesses to open their doors to the public. On December 4th from 6-9 pm, Toluca Lake Village is filled with people touring the streets, sampling food, sweets or stopping for hot cider. At 5:30 Toluca Lake’s 10th Annual Tree Lighting takes place. Carolers stroll among the crowds adding that extra holiday feel, with merchant giveaways and street performers too. For more information go to: http://www.tolucalakechamber.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.

Shelley Rizzotti

A Burbank tradition

By: Shelley Rizzotti

One of Burbank’s annual traditions is the 12 Days of Holiday Cheer. The City of Burbank, Burbank Town Center, Burbank Community YMCA, Downtown Burbank Partnership, and Radio Disney all join together to make it a success every winter. Day one kicks off the holiday spirit on December 1st at 6pm where the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place at City Hall. The City Council will be attending as well as Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and many others. These first 12 days of December are always packed with exciting activities for the family. For detailed information on this community event go to: http://www.downtown-burbank.org/events.php

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.

Shelley Rizzotti