There are some things that never change.  Thank goodness for that.  Since the 1970's Castle Park in Sherman Oaks has been providing family fun and entertainment to San Fernando Valley residents.  Located at 4989 Sepulveda Blvd., Castle Park offers miniature golf on a beautifully manicured 18 hole course that is reminiscent of a castle and grounds.  For those who want to brush up on their baseball game there are baseball and softball batting cages offering speeds of up to 80 miles per hour. If arcade fun is what you are looking for Castle Park has a wide variety of games to satisfy everyone in the family. Tokens can be purchased one at a time or there are discounts for buying larger quantities.   If you're hungry the Castle Park Concession offers pizza, burgers, sandwiches, fries and sal... 08/19/2009

Summer is here and you're trying to find fun, educational and economical things to do with your children.  Have you considered taking them to your local fire station?  Here in Encino we are fortunate to have some of the finest fire fighters in the world serving us at Fire Station #83.  These brave individuals are devoted to keeping us all safe and sound on a daily basis.  But when there are no immediate emergencies they are almost always willing to educate our children about fire safety.  If you want to take your children for a tour of your local fire station call ahead and ask if you can come over, and make sure to tell them how many people are in your group.  You have to be flexible because if there is an emergency, the fire fighters will, of course, have to cancel your outing.  But i... 08/19/2009

Did you ever dream about being a rock ‘n roll star?  What about your kids do they have dreams of one day being a super star?  Both of your dreams have gotten a little closer this summer as Camp Jam is offering its first summer session in California.  Previously, Camp Jam only offered its program in Cleveland Ohio, the location of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  This summer classes will also be offered in Orange County and right here in Encino!  Camp Jam's motto is "No canoes, lots of rock."  They offer full day instruction for kids ages 7-10 and ages 11-17.  Children must have at least 6 months of singing or musical instrument experience before registering.  Course topics include everything from stage presence to the history of rock n'roll.  Instructors include some pretty heavy hitter... 07/30/2009

Until the late 1800's the main gathering place in the San Fernando Valley was the current site of the Los Encinos Historic State Park.  A five acre park located on Balboa and Ventura in Encino, The Los Encinos Historic Park is centered around a still active natural spring that currently feeds a duck pond. For centuries that spring attracted humans and animals from near and far making it a center of activity.  According to history the land changed hands many times.  Several Native American Tribes made the site their home and at one time the site was used as a mission. Today the park is a historical site that is open to the public free of charge Wednesday through Sunday from 10-5pm.  There are self guided tours available when ever the park is open and Docent guided tours are available on ... 07/28/2009

The Encino Commons, otherwise known as The Valley's Miracle Mile, is a premier shopping and entertainment center located in the heart of Encino.  With over 300 businesses The Encino Commons has something to offer everyone.  Whether you want to see a movie at the great Laemmle's Art House Theatre, or enjoy a great meal at Yamato or Hooked on Fish, you'll find the right mix of fun, food and shopping at the Encino Commons.  On a side note, if you visit Laemmle's you will notice that I am a sponsor and advertiser at the theatre! The Encino Commons is an example of all that is right in Encino.  9 years ago a group of businesses and business owners got together and conceived this project as a Business Improvement District.  Their recent Green Project has added more than 200 trees, expanded pe... 07/28/2009

One of the great things about living in Encino is its family friendly environment. There is so much to do and experience for the whole family both in and around Encino. Art Beat Center for the Arts is one Encino business that is devoted to bringing art and art enrichment programs to the entire family. Located at 16545 Ventura Blvd Suite, Art Beat offers a wide variety of classes and camps for children, teenagers and adults. Classes in Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking and Mixed Media are offered in a variety of times and settings to fit anyone's schedule. They even offer a class designed for new parents that is in a child proof room so small children can play while Mom or Dad get a chance to explore their creative side. There are also programs designed for small children to exper... 07/28/2009

By Carol Wolfe The Ahmanson Theatre regularly presents Broadway touring musicals and this summer will be no exception as Monty Python's Spamalot makes its Los Angeles debut starting July 7 and running through September 6th. Spamalot won three Tony Awards in 2005 including Best Musical and Best Director. Monty Python's Spamalot recounts the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail, featuring a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits, and an armless and legless knight. Monty Python is famous for its British comedy Monty Python's Flying Circus which led to several successful films. John  O'Hurley, best known as J. Peterman on  Seinfeld, and dancing his way to the championships of ABC's Dancing ... 07/07/2009

By Carol Wolfe This 4th of July there are many fireworks to choose from including some of my favorites: 1. July 4th Fireworks Hollywood Bowl Spectacular - this year the featured guest is John Fogerty with a special fireworks display afterward2. The Rose Bowl - AmericaFest 2009This marks the 83rd annual Rose Bowl July 4th celebration. In addition to spectacular fireworks there will be a performance from the California Philharmonic Orchestra.3. Marina del Rey July 4 Fireworks ExtravaganzaHead down to Marina Del Rey for a beautiful day by the beach. The event will be simulcast on KXLU, 88.9 FM.4. 10th Annual Fireworks Festival - Journey Through TimeThe Studio City Chamber of Commerce hosts this bash on the CBS lot. Great party, family friendly. 07/07/2009

By Carol Wolfe Let's face it; we could all use a little laugh now and then.  The LA Connection has been providing first rate comic improv to Los Angeles since 1977. Founded by Kent Skov, the LA Connection provides training opportunities for young up and coming comedians as well as children and teens. Improvisational Comedy made famous by the hit television show Whose Line is it Anyway? features actors who improvise around a set of circumstances provided by the audience.  Hilarity usually ensues. A wide range of improv shows are offered on a weekly basis, everything from children to teens. The LA Connection is available for special events and birthday parties. To order tickets, book a party, or sign up your child for comic improv classes call 818.710.1320 ext. 2 07/07/2009

By Carol Wolfe The Griffith Observatory is one of the most famous landmarks in Los Angeles, made famous by the hit James Dean movie Rebel Without a Cause. With the newly refurbished dome, star projector and theater, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium is without a doubt the finest planetarium in the world. Currently the planetarium features three different shows guaranteed to transport visitors on a journey through cosmic space.  The first show Centered in the Universe addresses man's deepest questions about where we come from and how we came to be, starting with The Big Bang. The second show, Water is Life takes visitors on a journey through space looking for signs of life and water on other planets.  The newest show First Light: The Telescope Changed Everything explores the night sky and ho... 06/29/2009

By Carol Wolfe The Hollywood Bowl is the largest outdoor amphitheatre in the United States and a  major Hollywood Icon.   It is a place where the world's finest musicians come to play on an outdoor stage for a crowd that is happy to enjoy the music, ambience and twinkling stars hung on the LA skyline. The Hollywood Bowl is the summer home of the LA Philharmonic but the music doesn't end there.  The best in Jazz, Classical, Broadway and world music find their way to The Hollywood Bowl each summer. There are three types of seating at the Hollywood bowl, box seats, chairs and benches, seat cushions are available for a small charge. There is no such thing as a bad seat at the Hollywood Bowl as large video screens project what is happening on stage.  Food and Beverages are sold on the premis... 06/23/2009

By Carol Wolfe Tennis anyone?  This lovely secluded estate lies nestled behind electric gates and a hedged wall.  The circular drive leads the way to leaded glass double doors and an enormous foyer and a generous sized living room. Marble flooring leads to the library with custom bookcases and a desk. Living room and formal dining room lead to a remarkable chef's kitchen with a tremendous center island, custom maple cabinets, granite countertops and top of the line Viking and Sub-Zero appliances.  A sumptuous family room and five bedrooms finish the existing rooms. The master suite boasts etched glass windows, and an elegant bathroom with spa tub and an oversized shower.  French doors open out to verdant lawns, a swimming pool, barbecue area, and north-south tennis court. This home has ... 06/23/2009

By Carol Wolfe The Los Angeles Film Festival is an annual event where, for ten days, some of the best of independent film, both American and International is showcased. Each year over 100,000 people attend the festival and over 175 films are shown.  This year the festival will begin on June 18th opening with a touching film entitled Paperman which stars Jeff Daniels as a man who regularly speaks to a super hero inside his head (played by Ryan Reynolds) The festival will also feature the US premiere of the new Transformer movie.  For the complete schedule and information on how and where to obtain tickets please visit: http://www.lafilmfest.com/index.php I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better. 06/23/2009

By Carol Wolfe Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are the words that spring to mind in this spectacular new two story Tuscan Villa in Amestoy Estates. A stone paved circular drive leads the way to this stunning property which is set back from the street and rests on a half acre of impressive park like grounds.   The two story foyer delivers a dramatic curved wrought iron staircase and beautiful travertine flooring all lit by wrought iron chandeliers and clerestory windows against a beautiful domed ceiling. There are 6 En-suite Bedrooms, including maid's quarters and 6.5 Bathrooms. The main level boasts a home theater, banquet sized formal dining room, hardwood floors edged with stone, and wood beamed ceilings. The step down living room features travertine floors with a borde... 06/23/2009

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to jump out of an airplane, but the thought of careening toward the earth gives you weak knees? Well now you can get the entire sensation of sky diving while never going near an airplane.  Only in Los Angeles!     SkyVenture is an innovative company that has created a vertical wind tunnel that simulates skydiving indoors.  iFLY Hollywood gives you the opportunity to experience the rush and thrill of flying within a safe environment.  Located on Universal Studios City Walk in Los Angeles, iFLY is housed in a clear tube allowing you to see and be seen as you practice your flying maneuvers with the help of a skilled instructor. This is a great activity to do as a family or as a corporate bonding activity.  It makes a great gift for graduations, ... 06/12/2009

There are so many things to do in the Los Angeles area, so many museums, cultural events, festivals and celebrations, that you can easily overlook some of the gems that are available.  The Skirball Cultural Center is definitely a gem that should not be overlooked! Quoted in the The New York Times as "a lesson on how to connect the eye to heart and mind," the Skirball Cultural Center offers a wide range of exhibits to entertain the entire family.  Right now the Center has several exhibits and events focusing on the theme of comic book heroes.  And of course the acclaimed Noah's Arc exhibit continues to reside at the Center. Located at 2701 North Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles, admission to the Skirball Cultural Center is $10 for adults, $7.50 for Seniors and Students, $5 for children 2-1... 06/12/2009

If Whales are your thing, Los Angeles is definitely the place to be in May.  The whale watching season is short and by May most of the grey whales have migrated making it difficult although not impossible to see them from a chartered boat. But if you want a guaranteed view take a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.    This is a great day trip that is full of wonder and educational to boot!   The Aquarium of the Pacific features an interactive experience for all ages and features more than 500 species of sea life within 19 different habitats. Its 32 focus exhibits make the Aquarium of the Pacific one of the largest aquariums in the United States.  And right now there are two different exhibits featuring Whales! The Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily from 9am- 6pm, they ... 06/12/2009

The Encino Chamber of Commerce will be hosting The Sweet Evening of Wine and Jazz on June 4 th from 5pm to 9pm at the Hilton Woodland Hills, 6360 Canoga Avenue in Woodland Hills. Featured at the event will be a selection of fine wines, micro brews, appetizers and an array of desserts. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and community members, enjoy delectable delicacies, good company and raise money for some very worthy charities.  Tickets are $50 per person and $85 per couple. A portion of the proceeds from this delightful event will benefit: Ability First, California Family, The Cal Fam Counseling Center, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Parkinson's Resource Center. I hope I see you there!  For more information on this event visit the Encino Chamber of Comm... 05/29/2009

If you are a classical music fan; or if you watch 60 Minutes religiously then you have heard of Gustavo Dudamel.  If you have not heard of him you are in for a treat.  Later this year this exciting and talented young conductor will become the Music Director of the Los Angles Philharmonic. Born in 1981 in Venezuela, Dudamel was raised within the Venezuelan music system, a much lauded program that places a musical instrument into any willing child's hands and offers free after school lessons.  By the age of 14, Dudamel was an award winning violinist and had begun to study conducting.  His passion for music is unparalleled and having come from a system that encourages children to learn and play music, Dudamel has pledged to bring that level of commitment and educational opportunity to the ... 05/29/2009

Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are the words that spring to mind in this spectacular new two story Tuscan Villa in Amestoy Estates.   A stone paved circular drive leads the way to this stunning property which is set back from the street and rests on a half acre of impressive park like grounds. The two story foyer delivers a dramatic curved wrought iron staircase and beautiful travertine flooring all lit by wrought iron chandeliers and clerestory windows against a beautiful domed ceiling. There are 6 En-suite Bedrooms, including maid's quarters and 6.5 Bathrooms. The main level boasts a home theater, banquet sized formal dining room, hardwood floors edged with stone, and wood beamed ceilings. The step down living room features travertine floors with a border of mosaic til... 05/20/2009