Encino, CA

Summer is here and you're trying to find fun, educational and economical things to do with your children. Have you considered taking them to your local fire station? Here in Encino we are fortunate to have some of the finest fire fighters in the world serving us at Fire Station #83. These brave individuals are devoted to keeping us all safe and sound on a daily basis. But when there are no immediate emergencies they are almost always willing to educate our children about fire safety.

If you want to take your children for a tour of your local fire station call ahead and ask if you can come over, and make sure to tell them how many people are in your group. You have to be flexible because if there is an emergency, the fire fighters will, of course, have to cancel your outing. But if you are willing to be flexible you will find that your kids will have a great time visiting a functional fire station and meeting the men and women who keep it running. Make sure that you bring your camera with you. It's not unusual for the fire fighters to let your children don the entire garb of a firefighter and that is a photo op you won't want to miss.

In Los Angeles you can contact your local fire station for non-emergencies by dialing 3-1-1. A morning or afternoon at your local fire station can be fun and informative and it's absolutely free. If you visit fire station #83, tell them Carol Wolfe sends her best because nobody does it better than our local firefighters!

Did you ever dream about being a rock ‘n roll star? What about your kids do they have dreams of one day being a super star? Both of your dreams have gotten a little closer this summer as Camp Jam is offering its first summer session in California. Previously, Camp Jam only offered its program in Cleveland Ohio, the location of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This summer classes will also be offered in Orange County and right here in Encino!

Camp Jam's motto is "No canoes, lots of rock." They offer full day instruction for kids ages 7-10 and ages 11-17. Children must have at least 6 months of singing or musical instrument experience before registering. Course topics include everything from stage presence to the history of rock n'roll. Instructors include some pretty heavy hitters from the music industry including musicians, song writers and industry reps.

Sounds great for the kids, but what about your dream? Camp Rock offers an Ultimate Rock ‘N Roll Get-A-Way for Adults in Cleveland and will give parents a $500 discount on tuition to that camp for having a child attend Camp Jam this Summer. Visit their website for more details. www.campjam.com

I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

Until the late 1800's the main gathering place in the San Fernando Valley was the current site of the Los Encinos Historic State Park. A five acre park located on Balboa and Ventura in Encino, The Los Encinos Historic Park is centered around a still active natural spring that currently feeds a duck pond.

For centuries that spring attracted humans and animals from near and far making it a center of activity. According to history the land changed hands many times. Several Native American Tribes made the site their home and at one time the site was used as a mission.

Today the park is a historical site that is open to the public free of charge Wednesday through Sunday from 10-5pm. There are self guided tours available when ever the park is open and Docent guided tours are available on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm, or by reservation.

The Los Encinos Historical State Park is a great place for a picnic, party or a wedding. For more information about the park visit: www.los-encinos.org

I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

The Encino Commons, otherwise known as The Valley's Miracle Mile, is a premier shopping and entertainment center located in the heart of Encino. With over 300 businesses The Encino Commons has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to see a movie at the great Laemmle's Art House Theatre, or enjoy a great meal at Yamato or Hooked on Fish, you'll find the right mix of fun, food and shopping at the Encino Commons. On a side note, if you visit Laemmle's you will notice that I am a sponsor and advertiser at the theatre!

The Encino Commons is an example of all that is right in Encino. 9 years ago a group of businesses and business owners got together and conceived this project as a Business Improvement District. Their recent Green Project has added more than 200 trees, expanded pedestrian walkways, as well as adding medians and planters to this remarkable shopping destination. They have even installed beautiful new benches and chairs for those who would like to sit and enjoy the ambience. The total result is a beautiful and green showplace for all of our citizens to enjoy.

Encino is wonderful place to call home and The Encino Commons is just one more reason to be proud of living in Encino. I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

One of the great things about living in Encino is its family friendly environment. There is so much to do and experience for the whole family both in and around Encino. Art Beat Center for the Arts is one Encino business that is devoted to bringing art and art enrichment programs to the entire family.

Located at 16545 Ventura Blvd Suite, Art Beat offers a wide variety of classes and camps for children, teenagers and adults. Classes in Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking and Mixed Media are offered in a variety of times and settings to fit anyone's schedule. They even offer a class designed for new parents that is in a child proof room so small children can play while Mom or Dad get a chance to explore their creative side. There are also programs designed for small children to experience art with their parents. For children age four and up Art Beat offers camps and classes that are tailored to enrich, encourage and enlighten.

Camp Themes offered this summer are everything from Mixed Media to sewing and fashion! For more information on this exciting family oriented center right here in Encino visit their website : http://www.artbeatcenter.org. I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.