Encino, CA

If Whales are your thing, Los Angeles is definitely the place to be in May. The whale watching season is short and by May most of the grey whales have migrated making it difficult although not impossible to see them from a chartered boat. But if you want a guaranteed view take a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

This is a great day trip that is full of wonder and educational to boot! The Aquarium of the Pacific features an interactive experience for all ages and features more than 500 species of sea life within 19 different habitats. Its 32 focus exhibits make the Aquarium of the Pacific one of the largest aquariums in the United States. And right now there are two different exhibits featuring Whales!

The Aquarium of the Pacific is open daily from 9am- 6pm, they encourage you to visit in off peak hours, either during the week or early on weekend days as the aquarium is a popular attraction and crowds are heavy on weekend afternoons.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, CA 90802
Tickets for adults are $23.95, children ages 3-11 are $11.95 and Seniors are $20.95.

The Encino Chamber of Commerce will be hosting The Sweet Evening of Wine and Jazz on June 4 th from 5pm to 9pm at the Hilton Woodland Hills, 6360 Canoga Avenue in Woodland Hills.

Featured at the event will be a selection of fine wines, micro brews, appetizers and an array of desserts. This is a wonderful opportunity to gather with friends and community members, enjoy delectable delicacies, good company and raise money for some very worthy charities.

Tickets are $50 per person and $85 per couple. A portion of the proceeds from this delightful event will benefit: Ability First, California Family, The Cal Fam Counseling Center, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and The Parkinson's Resource Center.

I hope I see you there! For more information on this event visit the Encino Chamber of Commerce. I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

If you are a classical music fan; or if you watch 60 Minutes religiously then you have heard of Gustavo Dudamel. If you have not heard of him you are in for a treat. Later this year this exciting and talented young conductor will become the Music Director of the Los Angles Philharmonic.

Born in 1981 in Venezuela, Dudamel was raised within the Venezuelan music system, a much lauded program that places a musical instrument into any willing child's hands and offers free after school lessons. By the age of 14, Dudamel was an award winning violinist and had begun to study conducting. His passion for music is unparalleled and having come from a system that encourages children to learn and play music, Dudamel has pledged to bring that level of commitment and educational opportunity to the Los Angeles area.

For the last year Dudamel has been performing periodically as a guest director of the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This summer he is also slated to conduct at the Hollywood Bowl. Once you see this spirited conductor in action you will know what all of the fuss is about. Join all of Los Angeles as we welcome this exciting artist to our home and look forward to the music that he will bring to the next generation!
I'm Carol Wolfe and in the world of classical music nobody does it better than Gustavo Dudamel!

Quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are the words that spring to mind in this spectacular new two story Tuscan Villa in Amestoy Estates.

A stone paved circular drive leads the way to this stunning property which is set back from the street and rests on a half acre of impressive park like grounds.

The two story foyer delivers a dramatic curved wrought iron staircase and beautiful travertine flooring all lit by wrought iron chandeliers and clerestory windows against a beautiful domed ceiling.

There are 6 En-suite Bedrooms, including maid's quarters and 6.5 Bathrooms. The main level boasts a home theater, banquet sized formal dining room, hardwood floors edged with stone, and wood beamed ceilings. The step down living room features travertine floors with a border of mosaic tiles, vaulted ceilings and a spectacular cast stone fireplace.

The Cook's kitchen delights with granite counter tops, a center island with marble top and top-of-the-line appliances including a Wolf 6 burner range and a glass front SubZero refrigerator. Completing the main level is a family room with a granite wet bar and another cast stone fireplace.

The second level features four spacious en-suite bedrooms as well as a divinely luxurious master suite complete with retreat area, stone fireplace, wet bar and balcony. The master bath boasts a spa tub, dressing table, oversized shower with curved glass and multiple shower heads. Additionally there is an upstairs open landing ideal for studying with built-in bookcases and a desk.

This home also features dual staircases, a temperature controlled wine cellar, an indoor and outdoor speaker system with room controls, custom lighting throughout, crown moldings, four zone HVAC, a security system and a three car garage.

To view more photos visite www.otsegoestate.com. To view this divine property or other homes of distinction in the Encino area please contact me. I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.

Stunning is too mild a word to describe this remarkable Country English estate with sprawling frontage. Situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac this estate offers elegance and privacy. From the wide brick pathway bordered by roses and flowers that welcomes you to a front door with leaded glass and side lights, this home has it all.

The two story foyer features hardwood floors that flow throughout the main entertainingrooms, lit by a beautiful crystal chandelier above the main staircase. The step down formal living room delights with vaulted beamed ceilings and a beautiful stone fireplace.

A formal dining room features leaded and stained glass windows, crown moldings, wainscoting, a window seat, and an Italian porcelain chandelier. The chef's kitchen boasts a Viking 6-burner range plus griddle, Sub Zero refrigerator, granite counters, butcher block center island, a copper-faced dishwasher, and maple cabinets. Completing the main wing are a family room with brick fireplace, vaulted beamed ceilings and built-in bookcases, a sunny breakfast room with French doors that open to a lovely al fresco dining patio and maid's quarters.

A separate wing of the home features a game/billiard room, gym, and Honduran mahogany paneled library with granite fireplace, coffered ceiling and rotunda.

Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms including a spacious master suite, replete with a brick fireplace retreat, a tiled balcony, and two walk-in closets. The spectacular master bathroom features marble counters and floors, a spa tub and bidet.

This charming estate features numerous custom upgrades including lath and plaster walls, abundant storage areas, numerous leaded, beveled, etched, and stained glass windows, a copper turret, and several window seats.

The expansive tree-studded grounds include citrus trees, verdant lawns, as well as rose gardens and lush plantings. The mosaic tiled pool and spa and vine-covered gazebo add to the atmosphere of English elegance. To view more pictures of this home visit www.calvinestate.com or to view the actual estate please contact my office, I'm Carol Wolfe and nobody does it better.