The ongoing debate over organically, versus locally grown food, is not likely to produce a winner anytime soon, but right here in our lovely community, you can find the best of both worlds at the ONEgeneration Encino Farmers Market. It runs year-round on Sundays, from 8 a.m. -1 p.m. at 17400 Victory Blvd. (between White Oak and Balboa). It truly is a weekly destination where neighbors and families can get together, grab a bite from any of the prepared offerings such as omelets, gourmet tamales, warm lattes or smoothies, all while planning your shopping excursion. Once you're full, perusing the abundance of fresh seasonal produce can take all afternoon, but is a great way to work off your hearty breakfast. At its peak, around 40 farms participate, with about one third of them operating a... 11/18/2008

In this day and age, it is entirely likely that you will come across a financially distressed property during your home-buying adventure. There are some different terms and guidelines for these homes, and if you're in the market, it might be a good idea to familiarize yourself with them.    Short Sale, or pre-foreclosure: This is the first step when a buyer is facing problems with their lenders. In this case, a borrower is in default of their mortgage and the lender is accepting reduced offers, in lieu of undergoing the foreclosure process. It saves the lender time and in turn, money, to get a qualified buyer into the home in place of the delinquent owner. It can also benefit the buyer, because the lender will often accept a reduced price in order to avoid foreclosure. One big disadvant... 10/30/2008

Although discovering beautiful neighborhoods where you imagine raising your family is the most exciting part of buying a new home, it is not the most important thing you do when beginning your new home adventure. There are professionals in the mortgage and real-estate industry who are trained and highly qualified to help get you exactly what you want, for the best market price available, and it is important to consult us both before you begin. It's very important to speak with a trusted mortgage officer before you start looking for a home. Use referrals from friends, family and your real estate agent as a resource when shopping for one. Not only will they help you determine what your taste can afford, but they can also have everything prepared for when you do find the home of your dream... 10/30/2008

The Sepulveda Basin Dog Park is a great way to spend a day in Los Angeles! SEPULVEDA BASIN OFF-LEASH DOG PARK   17550 Victory BoulevardEncino,CA 91406 DRIVING DIRECTIONSPhone: (818) 756-7667Fax: (818) 908-9786   Facility Hours Of Operation:   Monday - Friday: Dawn to Dusk Note: The park is closed until 11:00 a.m. on Friday mornings for ground maintenance. Saturday: Dawn to Dusk Sunday: Dawn to Dusk       Facility Features: PICNIC TABLES     Special Features: 0.5 ACRE SMALL DOG AREA6.5 ACRES OF OFF LEASH DOG PARKON-LEASH PICNIC AREAPARKING FOR 100PUBLIC PHONES     Additional Facilities: SEPULVEDA BASIN RECREATION AREA17017 Burbank BoulevardEncino, CA 91316(818) 756-8060      Pawspot Website This post is supported by James90210 on Active Rain, Localism and all other blogs. 10/29/2008

Are you living the dream? To live in the sunny San Fernando Valley of Southern California is to realize a dream that the rest of the world can only imagine. Not only do we have perfect weather and lush landscapes to enjoy virtually year round, but we also have some of the most world-renowned attractions just a jaunt away.   Termed "the Valley of the Stars," San Fernando Valley is home to Universal Studios and most of the other big studio production lots like Disney and NBC, all of which offer year round tours. Cities such at Sherman Oaks, Reseda, Burbank, Studio City, Calabasas and Encino are contained within our community, putting us right in the mix of silver-screen central. Also located within our beautiful area are the Los Angeles Zoo, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor, ... 10/23/2008

As a certified architectural specialist I am always on the lookout for properties with a unique character that don't conform to normal standards, like the children's game - which one of these things just doesn't belong. These homes are obviously not for everyone, but for that special someone who likes to stand out in a crowd, and desires a home that reflects that sensibility.  In my cache of listings, I currently feature one of those homes. Truly a diamond in the rough, it is just waiting for the right person to come along and polish it up to reveal an architectural gem. The Swift residence was constructed in 1966 by William Laffin, understudy to A. Quincy Jones and is a single-level, mid-century modern in Tarzana, with 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, 2,962 square feet, and offered at $799,00... 10/23/2008

Living in Encino affords residents the chance to enjoy all the lovely perks that Hollywood and its production companies have to offer, like studio tours, audience participation on your favorite shows, celebrity sightings and of course, Universal Studios. Located right off the 101 freeway, it's a convenient and fun way to entertain the whole family.   The highlight of Universal Studios is the rides. They are spectacularly produced and action-packed, just like the movies they embody. Some of the classics are Terminator 2: 3D, Jurassic Park The Ride, featuring a 50-foot T-Rex, and an 84-foot plunge, and Backdraft which blasts visitors with 10,000 degrees of entertainment. New rides include the highly-acclaimed Simpsons Ride and The Adventures of Curious George which are sure to blow the ki... 10/23/2008

The Valley is bustling with events this time of year but one of the local favorites is the Halloween Harvest Festival at Pierce College because there truly is something for everyone, from families, to teenagers, to grownups on a romantic date. Activities abound for children including live shows, a pumpkin patch where you pick out your own pumpkin, a giant slide, bounce houses, train ride, carousel, petting zoo, hay rides, rock climbing, bungee bounce, pony rides, bumper boats, haunted house and corn maze. If you manage to make it through all that with your little troopers, you can count on an early bedtime - you may even want to pack their PJs in the car!  For the big kids, things get a little spookier after sunset. The festival turns into the Fright Fair Screampark featuring the Factor... 10/15/2008

 Farmers' Market Information for Encino    Day: Sunday Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: Victory Blvd & White Oak City: Encino County: Los Angeles Manager: Stan Lubitsch Office Address: 17400 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406 Phone: 818-708-6611 Web Site: http://www.onegeneration.org/farmer_market.asp         Encino Farmers Market is a fun way for every one in the family to spend time together for shopping, food and fun! The market is open year round on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 17400 Victory Blvd. (between White Oak and Balboa) with plenty of convenient parking. We are a certified farmers market, featuring a great variety of California grown fruits, vegetables, fresh flowers, eggs and chicken, honey, mushrooms, plants, and more! During the peak months between May ... 10/14/2008

Are you looking for the perfect home? Among the homes I currently have available, there is one that epitomizes what southern California style is all about - the magnificent 5,619 square foot, Hayvenhurst Estate.   This seven-year-old, gated, Mediterranean home features the lovely white stucco, tiled-roof look that dominates much of the skyline, but it is the attention to detail and luxurious touches inside that set this home apart. The entry way stuns with a curved, wrought-iron staircase and wide-plank, hard-wood floors. The living room includes a wet bar with granite counters and butler's pantry, with two-story windows that look out onto the private, perfectly manicured grounds and stone-edged pool. The kitchen features the latest in modern amenities, highlighted by stainless counter ... 10/10/2008

No matter where you live within Encino, there are a handful of benefits unique to its residents. For those who are considering a move to this area, you too, could be privileged to share in the wonderful amenities our community has to offer. Our location amongst greater Los Angeles makes it easy to navigate the area thanks to the 101 and the 405 freeways. We are in the San Fernando Valley, just moments from the Burbank Airport, between Glendale and Calabasas. Another advantage is the abundance of lush landscapes thanks to the main aquifer that runs directly below our community. This allows us to be close to the urban lifestyle of Los Angeles, while enjoying the outdoor benefits of green hills and foliage-filled parks. We are moments from Topanga State Park which contains 36 miles of hiki... 10/10/2008

Are you looking for Encino bank Owned Homes? Well you're at the right place. Don't waste time scouring the internet for resources and Information. Let a qualified Team of Local Neighborhood Experts cut thru the clutter and find you the Diamond in the Rough that you've been searching for. Below is a List of Encino Homes for Sale that Have been reduced in the past 2 weeks. There are a lot of bargains on the market if you know what to look for. If you are an investor, First Time Buyer or just looking to see what your home is worth call Our team of Neighborhood Experts for a Detailed free Analysis of your Homes Value. Call us direct for expert analysis and the most up to date information. (818) 584-1922 or Search The MLS here. Provided in REAL TIME right from the MLS   Type Address (map) Y... 10/06/2008

By Carol Wolfe I love this time of year.  There is still the warmth of summer but there is also a new breeze this time of year that picks up in the late afternoon. It whispers of the more moderate temperatures that will last all winter long.  For me this time of year is about home.  The kids are back in school, the holidays are still far enough away that it is time to just concentrate on home.   Home should be a place that welcomes and soothes.  For many right now home is a source of stress.  For some it is a result of an impending interest adjustment that is causing stress, for others it is a lack of space to accommodate a growing family.  What ever the reason, it is never a good idea to experience stress because of your home.  And now is a great time to be home shopping.  If you would... 10/02/2008

By Carol Wolfe If you or your spouse are 55 years or older and you are interested in selling your current home to move to or within Los Angeles you may be interested to know that there is legislation that could save you a considerable amount of money on your property taxes.  Propositions 60 and 90 were designed to create property tax relief for seniors wishing to buy replacement homes of equal or lesser value. There are significant qualifications that must be met in order to qualify for these programs but it is well work looking into.  If you are unsure whether you qualify for these benefits give me a call and I will be happy to look at your current situation and explain how this legislation can help you in these challenging economic times. I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better!     10/02/2008

By Carol Wolfe With so many things to see and do in our diverse and amazing corner of the world, it can be overwhelming picking a fun family location for a bit of fun.  I like to keep things simple.  With gas prices so high, why not stay close to home and enjoy all of the benefits of living in our modern day paradise?  One of my favorite destination spots year round is Lake Balboa.   Located in the Anthony C. Beilenson water recreation facility within the Sepulveda Flood Control Basin, Lake Balboa is a 27 acre fun filled lake.  Activities at the lake include fishing, boating, kayaking, jogging, walking and a remote control boating cove. There are barbeque pits, children's play areas, picnic tables, pedal boats and much more.  While there is no swimming there are plenty of other activiti... 10/02/2008

You need a local expert working for youWith my expert knowledge of the local real estate market, I know how to help you with your unique needs and protect your best interests through every aspect of a real estate transaction. I am focused on providing you with the most personal attention and best service available.   My Current Inventory of Featured listings is below, for the latest List of Lender owned properties in Encino CLICK HERE     Fill out my Wufoo form! 09/30/2008

by Carol Wolfe If you have never been to The Japanese Garden in Van Nuys it is time to plan a day trip.  We live in such a diverse and wonderful area that it is sometimes easy to overlook the most amazing places even if they are practically in our own back yard.  This is one of those amazing places. This 6 ½ acre authentic Japanese garden is open to the public Monday through Thursday from noon to 4pm and on Sundays from 10am to 3:30pm.  Visitors are not admitted after 3:15 pm as there would be insufficient time to stroll the grounds.  During the summer the gardens offer evening strolls on select Tuesdays and Thursdays.  They advise that you call before attending on any day to make sure that they are not closed for private events. Direct from their website, "...fashioned after "stroll ga... 09/16/2008

By Carol WolfeYou can tell a lot about a community by the services that it provides for both its citizens and their four legged friends.  By this gauge Encino measures up nicely. The Encino Dog Park is the showcase of the day. For those of you unfamiliar with this lovely park it is located at 17550 Victory Boulevard.  The park is open from dusk to dawn six days a week, on Friday mornings the park does not open until 11 am.  Parking is ample and there are three main areas to the park.  There is a picnic area where dogs must remain on leash, a small dog area  and a 5 acre off leash area guaranteed to give even the largest dog plenty of room for a healthy run.  The Encino Dog Park is a wonderful community gathering place for those who cherish their furry companions.     09/16/2008

by Carol Wolfe Encino is a beautiful place to live. Even its name represents its picturesque beauty.  Encino was named after the Rancho Los Encinos, literally translated as the Ranch of the Evergreens.  This was the name for the area which was given to the Gabielino Indians by the Spanish government after they left the California Missions in the early 1800s.  Established in 1845, Rancho Encino was a hub of activity.  Its rich water sources and springs made it a desirable place to live.  In the late 1800's the Encino Roadhouse was built and Encino became an important mail stop between Los Angeles and San Francisco.   In the early nineteen hundreds the community of Encino began to grow and diversify.  Today Encino continues to be hub of activity; it remains rich with green foliage and exc... 09/10/2008

by Carol Wolfe I am a big fan of new technology, whether it is the ability to email from my phone or the new fangled washing machines that use less water and detergent.  I enjoy the change that progress has made in our lives.  However, one thing I am old fashioned about is customer service.  Technology has yet to come up with anything as helpful as a real person at the other end of the phone line who cares about your business and genuinely wants to be helpful.   We all have horror stories of epically bad customer service. I heard one story from a close friend the other day that seemed to sum it all up.  After spending a sizable amount of money with a company, who shall remain nameless, and getting unbelievably bad service my friend called the customer service hot line.  Shockingly she d... 09/10/2008