Camarillo

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Camarillo High School, Adolfo Road and Mission Oaks Boulevard.

Admission: $2; 12 and under free. Tickets are available at City Hall, 601 Carmen Drive; the Chamber of Commerce, 2400 E. Ventura Blvd.; and the Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District office, 1605 E. Burnley St.

Parking: At the school's upper lots; free shuttles will run from the Metrolink station and along Mission Oaks Boulevard. More information: 388-5396.

Fillmore

When: Dusk.

Where: Fillmore High School, 555 Central Ave.

Admission: Free.

More information: http://www.fillmoreca.com.

Moorpark

When: 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Where: Arroyo Vista Community Park, 4550 Tierra Rejada Road.

Admission: $2.

More information: http://www.ci.moorpark.ca.us.

Ojai

When: 9:15 p.m.

Where: Ojai Community Stadium on the Nordhoff High School campus, 1401 Maricopa Highway.

Admission: $10 for adults and $5 for children at the gate; or $8 and $4 in advance at the Ojai Recreation Department, Scotty's Liquor, Tottenham Court or Attitude Adjustment center. More information: 646-4295 or http://www.ojai4th.org.

Oxnard

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Channel Islands Harbor, Channel Islands Boulevard and Victoria Avenue.

Admission: Free.

More information: 985-4852 or http://www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Santa Paula

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Harding Park, Harvard Boulevard and 13th Street.

Admission: Free.

More information: 933-4226.

Simi Valley

When: 9:20 p.m.

Where: Rancho Santa Susana Community Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave.

Admission: Free.

More information: http://www.simivalleyrotary.org.

Thousand Oaks

When: 9 p.m.

Where: On the hill behind The Oaks shopping center, 222 W. Hillcrest Drive. Best spots are at The Oaks and Janss Marketplace. RVs will not be allowed to park at either site. 

Admission: Free. 

More information: 495-4662, 381-2747 or http://www.toaks.org.

Ventura

When: 9 p.m.

Where: Ventura College's athletic field, 4667 Telegraph Road.

Admission: $8 for general admission and $4 for children 4 to 12; available at Vons and McDonald's in Ventura. Tickets at the gate will cost $10 and $5. Admission is free for children younger than 3.

More information: 654-6400.

 

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

 

Why do some folks like new homes, and other's like "well worn" homes?  This question occurred to me yesterday during a marathon showing session with a couple and their children that were being transferred to the area this summer. 

A few days before, we refined our list of homes and were careful to make sure the homes were in safe neighborhoods with good schools.  On the day of showing, about 8 homes in, we turned in to a neighborhood that looked different from the previous neighborhoods.  All the tree's were young, the yards were all perfectly manicured.  The homes were different shades of stucco, and all the roofs were the much sought after tile type.  We turned on the 3rd cul de sac and stopped in front of a two story, just short of 3000 square foot stucco home with a 3 car garage and a cute little hybrid car in the driveway.  We got out of the car pretty hurriedly and headed to the front door.  Once inside, I glanced over at my client.  It was evident that she was impressed, much more than any other houses we had seen so far.  This home had 20 plus foot ceilings in the formal living room and dining room, which was just to the right of the entry.  Directly in front of the entry was a huge, grand staircase.  I'm sure you can picture the layout, especially if you've been in a home that was built in the last 10 years or so.  Afer admiring those high ceilings, we came around the corner to a huge kitchen with granite counters and, yes, stainless steel appliances.  Decided to check my clients "impress meter" again and yes, it was starting to skyrocket!  Just beyond the glam kitchen was a huge family room with a fireplace and flat screen tv installed directly above.  Hardwood floors, too......gleaming, dark wood.  Yes, of course it had a guest bedroom and full bath on the bottom floor.....huge master suite too....with soaking tub, two sinks, and his and hers walk in closets!

My brain was impressed.....who could ask for more (unless you just won the lotto - then you can ask for more)?  But, personally, I could never live here.  My family, with teenagers, grade schoolers, 3 dogs, 2 birds, a fish, and a bunny would not feel "at home" in this perfect home, in a perfect neighborhood, with great schools, and convienent new shopping centers close by.  Why?

I find myself sitting in the backyard of my 45 year old home with cracked patios and overgrown shrubs alternating thoughts of all the projects I really need to find time for, and admiring the hydranga that is blooming for 5th summer in a row.  I remember all the clients I've had in the past that would not look at even one newer home.  Why?

Maybe it's because old homes "feel" warm, lived in, comfortable, and really cozy with thier 9 foot ceilings!  There's something so comforting and familiar about making dinner in my kitchen with wood floors that have seen their better days.....tile counters that remind me of a "swiss miss" dress.....and some good old fashion, white appliances.  One thing is for sure, my kitchen doesn't remind me of any other kitchen I've seen - and I see a lot of kitchens!  Remember your grandma's kitchen?  Everyone always gathered there.  It probably could have used a little updating, but she never felt she needed her kitchen to be a showplace. 

Two of my dogs just came out to join me on the patio.  They came through a broken screen door that I should have fixed 3 years ago when the youngest was a pup and ran full board thorugh it.  Since then, it's just a flap that the dogs, kids, and even us grown ups use to get to the backyard.  Imperfections in our homes are like the imperfections that make each of us unique.....they strengthen our bonds and pull us closer. 

That said, I totally get why some of us love brand spanking new houses.  Who wants to spend their Sundays fixing leaky hose bibs and patching that pesky crack in the ceiling that keeps coming back about every dang 6 months?  Really!  Who wants to hire a guy to remove popcorn ceilings, re-texture, prime, and paint....after you've moved every belonging in your home to the garage.......and move it back after he finishes?  But, as I sit here finishing my morning coffee, thinking about what kind of counters I want to put in my kitchen someday.........I think I'm solidly on the "old house" team.  I guess I'm just one of those people that needs something to look forward to!

www.VenturaRealEstate.org

Do you know someone suffering from the tough economic times and having a hard time keeping their pets fed?  The Pet Pantry offer's free food for owner's and their pets that are in need.  Dog and Cat food, both dry and canned are offered.  The pantry is in Camarillo and open on Sundays from 10am to Noon.

Located at the Ventura County Animal Shelter's horse barn, 600 Aviation Drive.

For more information contact (805) 388-4341.

 

www.HopeGoss.com

10524 N. Dale Oak View, CA 93022 3.5% Down! Great location for this starter home in quiet Oak View neighborhood. 4th bedroom is currently a den off the living area. Easily converted back to 4th bedroom, or, it would make a great office! Price: $375000 Type: Single Family Residential for Sale Floors: Single Parking/Garage: 2 Bedrooms: 4 Baths:2 Square Feet: 1407 Year Built: 1973 MLS #: 10003972 www.hopegoss.com For more information contact: Hope Goss Ventura Real Estate Consultant Phone: (805)320-HOPE Hope@HopeGoss.com www.hopegoss.com Copyright © 2010 Hope Goss. All rights reserved.

7724 El Dorado Ventura, CA 93004 Large East End Ventura Home Premier east end neighborhood! This spacious home has a total of 5 large bedrooms with the master suite downstairs, 2.5 baths, a family room with fireplace, and a combined formal living/dining area. Interior Features: Family Room, Walk-In Closet, Forced Air, Fireplace, Main Floor Bathroom, Main Floor Bedroom. Exterior Features: Shed/Barn, Fenced Yard, Spa/Hot Tub, Landscaping, Deck/Patio. Price: $569,900 Type: Single Family Residential for Sale Floors: Multiple Parking/Garage: 2 Bedrooms: 5 Baths:2 Half Baths:1 www.hopegoss.com For more information contact: Hope Goss Ventura Real Estate Consultant Phone: (805)320-HOPE Hope@HopeGoss.com www.hopegoss.com Copyright © 2010 Hope Goss. All rights reserved.

Great News for California Homebuyers
$10,000 New Home and First-Time Buyer Tax Credits Available May 1

There's good news for California home buyers who want to purchase a home this year, but are unable to get under contract before the April 30th deadline for the Federal Government's $8,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit program. In late March, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation that will provide a state tax credit of up to $10,000 to Californians who are buying their first home or purchasing a brand new home.

Here are important details to know about this tax credit:

Dates: These tax credits are available for taxpayers who purchase a qualified principal residence on or after May 1, 2010, and before January 1, 2011. The purchase date is defined as the date escrow closes. The tax credit will be applied in equal amounts over three years.

For both the New Home Tax Credit and First-Time Buyer Credit: A qualified principal residence must:

• Be a single family residence, either detached or attached;
• Be eligible for the California property tax homeowner's exemption, and
• Be occupied by the taxpayer as their principal residence for a minimum of 2 years immediately following the purchase.

In addition, for buyers to be eligible for the New Home Tax Credit, sellers must certify that the property has never been occupied. For purposes of the First-Time Buyer Credit, a first-time buyer is any individual who has not owned a home in the three years prior to purchase.

Eligibility: Taxpayers will not be eligible for either tax credit if the taxpayer (1) was allowed a 2009 New Home Credit, (2) is under 18 years old, (3) is related to the seller (or if the taxpayer's spouse is related), or (4) is a dependent.

This tax credit is available to buyers on a first-come, first-serve basis! The 2009 California Homebuyer Tax Credit ran out after just four months! For California residents planning to purchase a home in 2010, acting sooner rather than later could make a big difference in your wallet!

For more information, visit http://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/New_Home_Credit.shtml.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

 

Bombay Bar & Grill

www.bombaybarandgrill.com

Nicholby's

Borderline www.borderlinebarandgrill.com

 

Canyon Club

www.canyonclub.net

Golden China Restaurant

www.goldenchinarestaurant.com/karoake

 

ENJOY A MOVIE

 

Edwards Cinema 12

860 Ventura Boulevard in Camarillo

www.regmovies.com

Century 10 Movies

555 East Main Street in Ventura

www.cinemark.com

Muvico Theaters
166 West Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks
www.muvico.com

 

 

And for your own local Farmers Market click here: www.vccfarmersmarkets.com

 

 

WINE TASTING

  

Bevmo Wine Tasting

www.bevmo.com

Bariloche Restaurant Wine Tasting

www.mybariloche.com

The Wine Rack 

14 S. California Street in Downtown Ventura

  

The Wineyard

Happy Hour Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 4pm-7pm  

$5 a glass from the Happy Hour Wine Menu

Oyster Bay Wine Tasting

Thursday, February 4th from 5pm-8pm

Tasting Fee is $10

Wine Blending & Bourassa Wine Tasting

Wednesday, February 10th 6pm-8pm

$25 Reservation Required

1948 Thousand Oaks Blvd. In Thousand Oaks

805-230-2773

  

Wine Tasting at Cafe Firenze

Ongoing till March 31st

Every Wednesday Night from 6 -9pm

Tickets are $10

563 W. Los Angeles Ave. Moorpark, Ca 93021

805-532-0048

 

 

 

WEEKEND HAPPENINGS

  

Live Blues & Jazz

Friday, January 29th from 8pm to 11pm

Saturday, January 30th from 8pm to 11pm

In the Neff Lounge of the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

905 Country Club Road in Ojai

805-640-2100

www.ojairesort.com

  

Peace Pole Dedication

Friday, January 29th starting at 10am

CLU will dedicate a peace pole, one of 200,000 throughout the world, with a public ceremony of prayer and music.

Samuelson Chapel at CLU

60 W. Olsen Drive in Thousand Oaks

805-493-3323

www.callutheran.edu

  

Moon Meditation

Friday, January 29th starting 7:30pm

Meditation Mount will hold a full moon mediatation.

10340 Reeves Road in Ojai

805-646-5508

www.meditation.com

  

Fillmore & Western Railway Company Presents

Murder Mystery

"Viva Las Vegas"

Saturday, January 30th

Scenic Excursions

Every Saturday from noon to 4pm

351 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore

805-524-2546

www.frwy.com

  

Performer Sugar Ray

The Canyon Club

28912 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills

818-879-5016

www.canyonclub.net

  

New West Symphony

Friday, January 29th starting at 8pm

Oxnard performing Arts and Convention Center

800 Hobson Way in Oxnard

Saturday, January 30th starting at 8pm

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza

2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks

Sunday, January 31st starting at 4pm

Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall

601 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica

Tickets are $28 - $98

866-776-8400

www.newwestsymphony.com 

 

 

HAITI RELIEF EFFORTS

  

Helping Haiti

Sunday, January 31st from 11am to 6pm

Mama Rita's Cantina and Red Cross host an event that includes music, entertainment and family activities.  All proceeds benefit Red Cross.

Paraiso Town Center

350 Via Las Brisas in Newbury Park

www.helpinghaiti@mamaritas.com

  

Class Clown

A Benefit Comedy Show

Tuesday, February 2nd, Doors open at 6pm and show starts at 8pm
Tickets are $25, VIP Tickets are $45 (in groups of six)

Classic Rock & Karaoke Night

February 5th, starting at 9pm; Doors open at 6pm

Free Admission for a $10 donation to Red Cross

The Canyon Club

28912 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills

818-879-5016

www.canyonclub.net

 

 

ONGOING EVENTS

 

Channel Islands Harbor Whale Watching Excursions

December 26th- April 10th

www.channelislandsharbor.com

www.islandpackers.com

805-642-1393

  

RENT

Jonathon Larson's Pulitzer Prize rock musical

January 9- February 14th 8pm Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

3050 Los Angeles Ave. in Simi Valley

$20 general admission, $16 seniors and students
805-583-7900

www.simi-arts.org

  

Fashion Week Ventura

Fashion, music, and style event dubbed Angels and Saints: Seven Deadly Sins
Kick off Party

Thursday, February 4th at 7pm

Candlelight Kitchen and Bar

211 E. Santa Clara Street in Ventura

Main Event

Saturday, February 6th at 8pm

Elks Lodge

11 Ash Street in Ventura

Tickets are $15 general, $35 VIP Tickets

www.fashionweekventura.com

  

Art Gallery of Grace

Through February 7th

Sunday through Thursday from noon to 6pm

Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 9pm

Artist Union Gallery

330 S. California Street in Ventura

805-643-3012

www.venturartistunion.org

 

Search for Ventura Homes at www.VenturaRealEstate.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy beautiful sunsets from this single story Ventura Hillside home in the much sought after neighborhood of Ondualndo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The backyard pergola complete with built in BBQ and brick patio make a great setting for your next dinner party al Fresco!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did I mention the Fire Pit?  Imagine......star gazing, city lights views.....

 

 

 

 

 

Pretty nice kitchen, eh?  Custom cabinets, soapstone counter tops, professional stainless steel appliances, butcher block island...........You might be able to cook up a little something special in this kitchen!

 

OPEN HOUSE Sunday 1pm - 4pm

991 Via Ondulando Ventura, CA  93003

Offered at $725,000

More information and more pics too at:

www.HopeGoss.com

 

This post by an associate in my office hit "home" for me and I thought my readers might enjoy it too!