Tifa Chocolate and Gelato

“Dedicated to the Pure Enjoyment of Chocolate”

Tifa Chocolate has moved. Owner and Barista.

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

 

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Motorola: Then and Now

The History of the RadioHistory of the first car 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.

Ad for Motorola car radios, a company that leads in technology innovationThe 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.

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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.

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Upcoming Events in Calabasas

Mark Your Calendars!Calabasas will be holding an Earth Day Celebration and Canine Festival in April

By: Mickey Nathans

April is a jam packed month in the city of Calabasas. We have a lot to look forward to so get out your calendars and make note of the following events.

There will be an “Earth Day Festival” on Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 2pm-5pm at Las Virgenes Creek on Agoura Road.  Bring the family and learn about all the ways you can help the environment.  The admission is free.  There will be recycling art contests, learning booths and wildlife presentations.

On Sunday, April 21st, there will be a dog walk and festival “Canine Classic”.  Check-in 9:00 am, Walk start 10:00 am.  The walk will be through the rolling hills of Calabasas to raise funds for some amazing organizations.  Register online.  There is no fee to register.  Canines welcome.

The Festival will be from 10:30-2:30.   After the walk, enjoy the pet friendly festival at de Anza Park.  All dogs must be on leash. During the day, there will be dog adoption, dog agility play area, over 30 pet industry vendors, kids activity zone, food trucks, and much more.

Where:   Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 370l Lost Hills Road, Calabasas – Questions:  818-880-2993 – info@caineclassic,org – www.canineclassic.org

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Mickey Nathans

I’ve loved opening doors and making dreams come true since 1978. I am an experienced, consistent, top producer as well as a preview specialist. I am a certified relocation specialist. My clients benefit from my memberships on the Valley Board of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, and several other local organizations. I have experience in negotiating, expertise in working with appraisers, lenders, and title companies; and knowledgeable in all areas of real estate.

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Eggstravaganza

Calabasas’ Annual Egg Hunt

By: Mickey Nathans

The City of Calabasas is holding it’s annual Egg Hunt at Grape Arbor Park on Saturday, March 30th between 10:00am – 12pm. There are free egg hunts and prizes as well as a free petting zoo & games.

The Easter Bunny will be in attendance and the public can take a $5.00 picture with him. There will also be crafts, face painting and more!

There are four different egg hunts starting at 10:15 for age 2 and under and going until ll:45 for other age groups.

Grape Arbor Park is located at the corner of Canwood St. & Parkville Rd. Lost Hills Exit on the north side of the 101 freeway.

Bring your family and enjoy this special activity sponsored by the City of Calabasas.

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Mickey Nathans

I’ve loved opening doors and making dreams come true since 1978. I am an experienced, consistent, top producer as well as a preview specialist. I am a certified relocation specialist. My clients benefit from my memberships on the Valley Board of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, and several other local organizations. I have experience in negotiating, expertise in working with appraisers, lenders, and title companies; and knowledgeable in all areas of real estate.

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ChildFund International

“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.

 

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Proposed Senior Center for the City of Calabasas

Savvy Senior Program

By: Mickey Nathans

The Calabasas City Council has approved the formation of a task force to set priorities, research and assess appropriate sites for construction of a new Senior Center in Calabasas.

The proposed Senior Center is part of an ongoing effort by the City of Calabasas and its Savvy Senior Program. Currently, there are many programs available for seniors in the arts, fitness and nature. There is additionally a lecture series and excursion trips plus some hiking activities available.

Calabasas Founders Hall is the location used for many of the specialty programs and lectures. Calabasas is a City which has a lot to offer its senior population!

 

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Mickey Nathans

I’ve loved opening doors and making dreams come true since 1978. I am an experienced, consistent, top producer as well as a preview specialist. I am a certified relocation specialist. My clients benefit from my memberships on the Valley Board of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, and several other local organizations. I have experience in negotiating, expertise in working with appraisers, lenders, and title companies; and knowledgeable in all areas of real estate.

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16 Things Not to Do While Obtaining Home Financing

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

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