Encino, CA

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.

By Carol Wolfe

The Ahmanson Theatre regularly presents Broadway touring musicals and this summer will be no exception as Monty Python's Spamalot makes its Los Angeles debut starting July 7 and running through September 6th.

Spamalot won three Tony Awards in 2005 including Best Musical and Best Director.

Monty Python's Spamalot recounts the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail, featuring a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits, and an armless and legless knight.

Monty Python is famous for its British comedy Monty Python's Flying Circus which led to several successful films.

John O'Hurley, best known as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, and dancing his way to the championships of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, will star as King Arthur.

By Carol Wolfe

This 4th of July there are many fireworks to choose from including some of my favorites:

1. July 4th Fireworks Hollywood Bowl Spectacular - this year the featured guest is John Fogerty with a special fireworks display afterward
2. The Rose Bowl - AmericaFest 2009
This marks the 83rd annual Rose Bowl July 4th celebration. In addition to spectacular fireworks there will be a performance from the California Philharmonic Orchestra.
3. Marina del Rey July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza
Head down to Marina Del Rey for a beautiful day by the beach. The event will be simulcast on KXLU, 88.9 FM.
4. 10th Annual Fireworks Festival - Journey Through Time
The Studio City Chamber of Commerce hosts this bash on the CBS lot. Great party, family friendly.

By Carol Wolfe

Let's face it; we could all use a little laugh now and then.

The LA Connection has been providing first rate comic improv to Los Angeles since 1977. Founded by Kent Skov, the LA Connection provides training opportunities for young up and coming comedians as well as children and teens. Improvisational Comedy made famous by the hit television show Whose Line is it Anyway? features actors who improvise around a set of circumstances provided by the audience. Hilarity usually ensues.

A wide range of improv shows are offered on a weekly basis, everything from children to teens. The LA Connection is available for special events and birthday parties. To order tickets, book a party, or sign up your child for comic improv classes call 818.710.1320 ext. 2