If you are interested in entering this event: Click on the following link:

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=82845

Online entry instructions:

1) Click on red writing that says: Click here to register online

2) Enter your USTA # and you’re on your way.

Friday matches will not start until 5:30 pm with some matches starting at 8:00 PM

You may not have to start play on Friday, depending on how many entries there are in your division.

Divisions: Men’s & Women’s Singles, Doubles and Mixed.

Level: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5

Times: Saturday & Sunday matches start as early as 11:00 AM

Matches may be scheduled as late as 6:00 PM

Entry Fee: $41.35 per player per Singles, $28.00 per player per doubles

We learned about it through word of mouth – the location is quiet and unassuming.  Upon entering the restaurant, you will encounter a long interesting menu of specials and a soothing dark sumptuous décor.  Some of the entrees can sound a bit intimidating (beef cheeks, for example – yes, the actual cheek) but are ultimately delicious.  My personal favorite is a dish of venison chops served with a Bordelaise berry sauce.  The wine selection is mostly French, of course, and reasonably priced (for us winos, allowing an opportunity to broaden knowledge of non-California wines).  One Wednesday a month there is a multiple-course wine tasting dinner, with the bonus that if you love a wine they will keep pouring it for you.

But the real appeal of this place is the fact that the owner, Gilles, and his attentive staff will remember your name every time you come, as well as your preferences.  This is one of those intimate restaurants where you receive individualized attention that can be so rare, especially in these days of chain restaurants.   There was one dinner we attended where one of our party asked for French Onion Soup – with no onions and no cheese (she was serious about this).  We burst out laughing when Gilles took down the order without even blinking.  At times, Gilles will sit down with you and chat, and will often offer you a bit of Porteau at the end of the evening.  Watch out, though, if he breaks out the Armagnac!  

Le Sanglier offers an authentic French dining experience that is unforgettable!  Visit it online at http://www.lesanglierrestaurant.com/ and Bon Appetit!

Here’s a video of Le Sanglier celebrating their 40th anniversary:

The ranch is extremely relaxing and peaceful   This park has so much to offer, including horseback riding lessons, ranch house tours, guided trail rides and an amazing moderate 3-mile hike to Inspiration Point where you can enjoy a full view of the ocean.

Take a quick look at the video bellow and feel free to leave any comments.

Philippe Rodrigue is a community expert for Pacific Palisades, and can be followed on http://twitter.com/philrodrigue

Guest how many listings are currently active on the market? If we look at the Market Analysis report from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), there are currently 22 homes actively for sale on the market, one in escrow and 8 homes that have been sold in the last 3 months. 

From those 8 homes sold, the average days on the market are 116 and the median price is $3,375,000.  The average price in the Riviera is currently $4,504,000 with an average price per square foot of $935. If we comparing those numbers to 3 years ago, there is a decline of 20%. That was in 2007, at the peak of the market. The average homes used to go for $1,159 per square foot. 

So, do you think now might be a great time to buy?I’d love to know your thoughts.

I have to say: I had no idea what to expect, but found it to be quite original and fun. You can watch jousting in full armor, falconry shows, old tradition dances, and lots more.

I would say my biggest mistake this year was that I didn’t dress up for the occasion. I was probably one of the few without a costume and wow, did I feel out of place. Next year, I’m going all out — you might not even recognize me.

Also, make sure to bring some old shoes or boots as there is a lot of dirt and occasionally mud — they didn’t have asphalt back in the 1200s. Also, plan on bringing plenty of water, although they do sell pretty much all sorts of modern refreshments like pop, water, wine and beer. But the real treats that the Renaissance Faire is well known for are their original foods such as the giant pickle on a stick that I have never encountered before. And let’s not forget about those giant turkey legs, which you can see in the video below.

The original Renaissance Pleasure Faire that I have been to is located at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, California. While this particular event has finished for the season, there are other Faires located throughout California – and the rest of the country – so take a look and see where the next one is taking place nearest to you and have an adventure.

Please share some stories if you have been to a Renaissance Faire in the comments below.

Photo courtesy of rachelcoyne’s Flickr photostream

I only picked 5 cities in the valley including Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Tarzana and Woodland Hills. For the Westside, I chose Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica.

If we look at the statistics of what’s been sold in the last 2 months in the valley: We have 370 homes sold, average days on the market is 70, average price is $800,000 and the average price per square foot is $330. If we compare those numbers to the Westside we have 156 homes sold, average days on the market is 70 as well, average price is $2,400,000 which is triple the price of what you can get in the valley and the average price per square foot is $725.

Once again this is general information but useful to know. For 15 minutes more of driving, you can get twice as much as you would on the Westside.

The Junior Summer Tennis Camp is starting this Monday, June 14, 2010.

They offer 3 great programs for you to choose from.

Junior Tennis Camp for kids ages 5-12 

Monday- Friday from 11:00am-3:45pm.
Play tennis, swim and of course, collect “BRAEMAR BUCKS” .

Competitive Camp for kids ages 8-13
competing in Team Tennis and Tournaments
Monday- Friday from 11:00am-3:45pm.
Drill as well as match play.

Afternoon Summer Junior Program
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Times and days will depend on the “STAR” Level.

Bright Star    6-week session

This program is for children ages 4 to 6.

The focus will be on a variety of skills, such as balance,

movement, agility, coordination, throwing, catching and hitting.

Thursday: 4:30-5:15 pm (45 min), 

Saturday: 10:30-11:15 am (45 min)

Member Price  1x week $87 / 2x week $150 

Non member/Social Member Price  1x week $117 / 2x week $210 

 One Star    6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons

The One Star Program is for children 7-8 years of age or older who have had little or no tennis exposure.

Thursday: 5:00-6:00 pm (1 hour), 

Saturday: 9:30-10:30 am (1 hour)

Member Price 1x week $152 / 2x week $236*   (*No additional private lessons)

Non member/Social Member Price  1x week $183 / 2x week $297*(*No additional private lessons)

 Two Star    6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons

The Two Star Program is for those who are skilled enough to hit forehands and backhands over the net from the baseline and maintain a rally of 2-3 shots crosscourt and down the line. Introduction to serve and volley.

Wednesday, 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour)

Friday, 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour) or

Saturday Only, 10:30-11:30 am (1 hour)

Member Price  1x week $204 / 2x week $327* / 3x week $387* (*No additional private lessons)

Nonmember/Social Member Price  1x week $233 / 2x week $386* / 3x week $476*

(*No additional private lessons)

Member Price Saturday Only 1x week $152

Non member/Social Member Saturday Only 1x week $183

 Three Star    6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons

The Three Star Program is for those children who have achieved the goals of the Two Star Program and are ready for more challenging practices.

Four Star    6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons

The Four Star Program is for those children who are competing in Junior Team Tennis, Novice or Satellite level tournaments.

Five Star  6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons

The Five Star Program is for those children who are getting ready to play in open tournaments or on junior high/high school tennis teams.

Wednesday 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour

Friday, 5:00-6:30 pm (1.5 hour)

Member Price  1x week $204 / 2x week $327*  (*No additional private lessons)

Non member/Social Member  1x week $233 / 2x week $386*  (*No additional private lessons)

 Teen Tennis   6-week session with two free half-hour private lessons

For children ages 13-17 of all levels.

Thursday, 5:00-6:00 pm and Saturday, 11:30-12:30 pm

Member 1x week $152 / 2x week $236* (*No additional private member price lessons)

Non member/Social Member  1x week $183 / 2x week $297*  (*No additional private lessons)

Beginning Tennis 6 week session with two free half- hour private lessons   

For children ages 9-12 that are just learning the fundamental of tennis

Thursday 5:00-6:00pm

Member 1x week $152   Non member/Social Member  1x week $183

 For STAR Level 1-4

2010 Star Junior Program Policies

Payment is required at the beginning of each 6-week session. Drop-in, single-class rates are offered on a space-available basis.

 Missed Classes: 

Missed classes must be made up during the 6-week session on another day.

Please call ahead to schedule a make-up class. Class session may be prorated in advance

to accommodate your vacation schedule.

 Private Lessons:

The two private, half-hour lessons must be used within the 6-week session or they will expire.

Please call the Pro Shop at 818-345-3230 to schedule these lessons.

Graduating to higher levels:

In order to move to a higher level, juniors must pass the on-court test.

Cancellation policy:

A 24-hour notice is required for all cancellations of the private lessons.

 Dress code:

Please remember our dress code. No shorts below the knee and only T-shirts with a tennis theme are allowed. No jeans or school uniforms are allowed. Black sole running shoes are prohibited.

Your child may be prohibited from playing without proper attire.

For more info, contact:

Susan Pendo
Head Tennis Professional/Assistant Director of Tennis
Braemar Country Club
4001 Reseda Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91357

818 345-3230 ext 177