By: Shelley Rizzotti

Family Promise

Family Promise will be hosting a dinner and silent auction at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Sunday, April 25th. Family Promise of the East San Fernando Valley is a nonprofit of over 150 networks across the country affiliated with Family Promise, a non-profit committed to helping low-income families nationwide to achieve lasting independence. Family Promise helps mobilize communities to provide safe shelter, meals, and support services for homeless families and through programs designed to redress the underlying causes of homelessness.

Dinner and Silent Auction
Sunday, April 25, 2010

Embassy Suites Hotel
800 N. Central Ave. • Glendale, CA 91203

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. for cocktails and silent auction
Program begins at 6:00 p.m.

Tickets $75 • Table of 10 for $650
RSVP by April 9, 2010

For more information, go here or  email us or call (818) 588-6723

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 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

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

It was only a few years back that the Chandler Boulevard railroad right-of-way was converted into the Chandler Bike Path.

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Families that live nearby to the area went from waking up in the early a.m. from the cargo trains rattling their homes to getting up for a peaceful early morning stroll. The Chandler Bike Path officially opened to the public on August 20, 2004. Covering a 2 mile stretch from Mariposa Street to the outer edge of Burbank at Clybourn Avenue it’s a very popular routine within the community. This has made a great difference in the health of many residents, making it easy to get out there and exercise. This is not only a bike path, you will see entire families walking, skating, pulling a wagon with the kids or taking the dogs on a walk. The path is also well lit and accompanied by benches. By going to their website, you’ll find rules of the bikeway along with safety tips and any events coming up in the near future at http://chandlerbikewayburbank.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

The revival of the Riverside Cafe

By: Shelley Rizzotti

Riverside Cafe

The Riverside Cafe, serving the Burbank Rancho Equestrian district neighborhood for 17 years, is a cozy restaurant, seating only about a dozen people inside and another dozen on the patio.  If you want a good place to people and horse watch, try the Riverside Cafe.  Recently, upon impending notice of the landlord not renewing  the lease, the owners and residents got busy raising money and raising noise to make sure this neighborhood gem stayed open.  The Riverside Cafe is located at 1221 W. Riverside Drive in Burbank (on the corner of Mariposa and Riverside, near the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.)

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

Located at the entrance to the Griffith Park Riding Trails…

By: Shelley Rizzotti

…at 914 South Mariposa Street – Burbank, CA 91506, the Mariposa Trading Post is a unique part of the Burbank Rancho.  I was thrilled to see it open a few years ago under Louie’s management.  He always waved to me as I passed by either in my car or walking the dogs.   Louie would always tell me that I needed to come relax a while on the front port of the shop and take time for a breather.  He was a kind man.  We miss him dearly – his life was cut too short.   I can’t think of anyone better to step into his shoes that Jim and Vicky Smith.  Vicky has a June Cleaverish type of elegant aura and is bringing some exciting clothing into the shop.  Jim has a youthful spirit and always has a smile for you.   A store like the Trading Post is such a rareity in our city, I hope everyone will continue to support Jim and Vicky on their new endeavor!  You can find more information on their site at http://mariposatradingpost.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