Joshua Barre Broker/Owner Westside Properties

Housing starts measure initial construction of residential units (single-family and multi-family) each month. According to EAS, it plunged by 15.5% in December to a record low of 550K. This was their lowest level since record keeping began in 1959. Housing starts have declined by 45% over in 2008 following a nearly 40% decline in 2007. Starts are now 75.8% below their January 2006 peak level.

Single-family starts are 48.9% below their year ago level after falling by 37.6% in 2007 and now 78.2% below their January 2006 peak level. Substantial declines in single family starts over the past 2 years have helped more builders bring down inventories of unsold new homes significantly. With declining sales, weak credit market and tight lending standards, single family housing starts will remain low for an extended period of time. The silver lining is that with housing starts now off more than 75% from their peak, housing construction should be getting close to a bottom.

If you need real estate advice, feel free to contact me or visit www.wsprops.com.

The salmonella outbreak has led to 474 reported illnesses and may have caused six deaths. Federal health officials say the salmonella recall now involves about 31 million pounds of peanut butter and peanut paste.

The following is the list of Peanut Butter Recall product. Please take your time to review the list. If you have purchased the following product, please take it back to the store. Most companies will offer refunds for recalled items, but you will need to contact them directly and should have your product handy for its identification code. For Kellogg's, call (877) 869-5633, and for Little Debbie, call (800) 522-4499

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/peanutbutterrecall/index.cfm

Candy Product Recalls
Blanton's
Hy-Vee
Landies
South Bend Chocolate Company
Wegmans Swiss Recipe

Cookie Product Recalls
Best Brands Corp.
Classic Breaks
Cub Foods
Evening Rise
Famous Amos
Food Lion Bake Shop
Hy-Vee
Keebler
Lofthouse
Parco Foods Chuck's Chunky
Pastries Plus
WalMart Bakery

Cracker Product Recalls
Austin Quality Foods
Keebler
Little Debbie
Meijer
Weis Quality

Fruit and Vegetable Product Recalls
Eating Right
H-E-Buddy
Ready Pac Cool Cuts
Trader Joe's

Ice Cream Product Recalls
Meijer
Perry's
Private Selection
Shurfine
Wegman's

Peanut Butter Product Recalls
GRANDE GOURMET
King Nut
POCO PAC
Parnell's Pride
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride
Unbranded for further distribution

Peanut Paste Product Recalls
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride

Pet Food Product Recalls
Grreat Choice

Pet Food Peanut Paste Product Recalls
Peanut Corporation of America or Parnell's Pride

Pre-Packaged Meals Prodcut Recalls
Dinners Ready

Snack Bar Product Recalls
CLIF BAR
Evening Rise
Health Valley
JamFrakas
LUNA
LÄRABAR
MOJO
NutriPals
NutriSystem
Optimum Energy Bars
TITAN
TWISTED
ZonePerfect

Noah's Ark Weekend Workshops

A Creature Celebration

Sun, Jan 25, 10 am-1 pm or 1-4 pm - Skirball Cultural Center

Come celebrate the New Year with a Chinese spin. Explore Noah's Ark for animals that relate to the Chinese Zodiac calendar, like the monkey and rat. Then return to the studio to create a take-home animal puppet. Ticket required.

Chinese New Year of the Ox 4707

110th Annual Golden Dragon Parade

Sat, Jan 31, 2 pm - Chinatown, Starting on Hill Street (See Map)

Without a doubt, the Golden Dragon Parade is the highlight of the Chinese New Year in Southern California. Purchase grandstand seats for the parade! Only $27, call the CCCLA Office, for more info.(213) 617-0396 x10.

La Cañada Flintridge

SoCal Camellia Society Show & Sale
Camellia Festival 2009

Jan 31-Feb 1, Sat 1-4 pm/Sun 9 am-4 pm - Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive

Did you know, Descanso Gardens is home to the largest camellia collection in North America and consists of more than 34,000 plants? Descanso's Camellia Forest has both rare and familiar camellias and has been designated a Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society.

Huntington Library's Children's Workshop:

The Unseen World of Trees

Sat, Jan 31, 9-11:30 am - The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino

How do trees breathe? What do they "eat?" What tiny microorganisms live in their leaves and bark? Scientist Tara Gomez will help kids take a closer look at trees, revealing all their hidden secrets with the power of microscopes. Ages 7 and up with one accompanying adult. Cost: Members $20, Non-members $25. Registration: (626) 405-2128.

The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

Chinese New Year Festival

Sun, Feb 1, 11 am - 4 pm - The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

Celebrate the lunar new year in The Huntington's Chinese garden, as the Year of the Ox gets under way. Festivities will include lion dancers, Chinese musicians, folk dancers, martial arts demonstrations, and children's activities. East West Bank is the sole corporate sponsor of this event. General admission $6-$20.

Pasadena Certified Farmers' Market - Saturdays, 8:30-12:30 pm, Victory Park
N. Sierra Madre Blvd. & Paloma, Pasadena

Farm-fresh produce all year 'round.

Pasadena Certified Farmers' Market - Tuesdays, 9 am-1 pm, Villa Parke Community Center
East Villa & North Garfield Ave., Pasadena

Fresh produce at reasonable prices for community residents.

Winter 2009 Story Times at Malibu Library

Starting the week of January 12, 2009
Session will run 9 weeks ending March 12, 2009

Tuesdays 10:45 am - Baby Story Time A lap-sit program of stories, rhymes, bounces, music and movement for infants ages birth-18 mos. One adult per baby, please!
Tuesdays 10:00 am - Toddler Storytime - Stories, rhymes, bounces, and movement for ages 19-36 mos.
Thursdays 4 pm - Preschool Storytime - Books, rhymes, movement and art activities for ages 3-5.
No registration is needed. All story times are free.

NCAA Men's Basketball

The Pepperdine Waves vs. The Gonzaga Bulldogs

Thu, Jan 22, 6 pm - Pepperdine University,
Firestone Fieldhouse, 24255 PCH

Experience NCAA Division I Basketball locally. Come out and bring the family to cheer on Pepperdine's Men's Basketball when they take on the Bulldogs of Gonzaga in a conference match-up. Tickets: $10-$15, children $5.

Attention

Malibu Community Pool

CLOSED UNTIL JAN 23

The Malibu Community Pool, located at Malibu High School, will be closed due to repairs needed on the pump system. We anticipate the repairs to be complete by Thursday, January 22 and the pool to be open again for public use on Friday, January 23.

Smothers Theater Presents

Forbidden Broadway

Fri, Jan. 23, 8 pm - Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy

From Annie to Phantom to Wicked, this fall-down-funny send-up of over 30 Broadway hits features outrageous costumes, hysterical song spoofs, and zany impressions by a talented quartet of comic chameleons. Tickets $45 call (310) 506-4522. (not recommended for children under 7)

Hosted by Palisades-Malibu YMCA

Big Bear Snow Day

Sat, Jan 24, 6 am-7 pm - Palisades-Malibu YMCA
821 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades

Join the Palisades-Malibu YMCA on a family one-day adventure! You will have the opportunity to enjoy Snow Tubing and Skiing. **Families: Pay for 3, 4th goes FREE! (Applies to immediate family only.)** For more information, call Nicole Rosenloecher (310) 454-5591 or contact via e-mail below. Sign up today, the deadline is January 20.

Malibu Star Gazing

Winter Sky Nature Hikes

Sat, Jan 24, 5:30 pm - Charmlee Wilderness Park
25577 S. Encinal Canyon Rd

Come out to Charmlee Wilderness Park and view the Milky Way's millions of stars and other heavenly bodies. Telescope provided but feel free to bring your own or even binoculars. For more info, call (310)456-2489 ext. 337.

Walking On The Razor's Edge: A Tour of The King Gillette Ranch

Sat, Jan 24, 10-11:30 am - King Gillette Ranch

What do a razor mogul, a famous movie director, and one of the largest Chumash Villages hav in common? Sharpen your knowledge on this historic walking tour. Parking fee $5. Brought to you by the National Park Service

Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area

Welcome to Malibu Creek

Sat, Jan 24, 10 am-12 noon - Malibu State Creek State Park

On this walk, enjoy nature and learn about cinematic plus historical sites. Meet at lower parking lot. All are welcome.

Santa Monica Bay Audubon Society

Malibu Lagoon Bird Walk

Sun, Jan 25, Adult walk - 8:30 am; Children's walk - 10 am
Malibu Lagoon, 3950 Cross Creek Road

Join other bird enthusiast for the Audubon Bird Walk at the Malibu Lagoon. The adult walk for beginners to experienced bird-watchers starts at 8:30 am and last two hours. At 10 am, there will be a one-hour children and parent walk. Binoculars will be provided for children. The event is free but parking is $10 at the lot. For more information call 310-395-6235.

Sponsored By The California Native Plant Society

Bluffs Ramble To The Sea

Sun, Jan 25, 10 am-Noon - Malibu Bluffs Park
24250 Pacific Coast Hwy

On this 2-mile walk, enjoy great views; dip your toes into the bay, look for dolphins and sea lions, plus observe native plant recovery after the 2007 wildfire. More info, call (818) 348-5910.

Imago Theatre Presents the Award-winning

Frogz

Sun, Jan 25, 2 pm - Smothers Theatre
Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy

Start with fantastical costumes, mix in mime, add a smidgen of acrobatics, and you get the weird, wacky, wonderful world inhabited by Frogz. And lizards (cavorting), and penguins (playing musical chairs), and a cat (rustling about in a giant paper bag), and other creatures that simply defy description! Youth 17 and under $20 and $35 for Adults.

Malibu Chamber of Commerce

62nd Annual Board Intstallation Dinner

Tue. Jan 27, 6 pm - The Beach Comber Cafe on the Pier
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

With the 2009 theme of "Malibu... a Valuable Destination,' the Malibu Chamber of Commerce will showcase the benefits of Malibu and service to the community at the 62nd Board Installation & Member Appreciation Dinner. For more information and reservations call (310) 456-9025.

Pepperdine Student Production

The Road to Home

Tue - Fri, Jan 27 - 30, 7:30 pm; Sat, Jan 31, 2 pm & 7:30
Helen E. Lindhurst Theatre, Pepperdine, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy

From the pen of Pulitzer Prize-winning Horton Foote comes this wistful trilogy of interwoven stories set in 1920s Texas. "...Just when the audience is set to relax into an elegiac reverie that might resemble nostalgia, [Foote] finds a way to make his characters' inner turmoil so ferociously vivid it leaps beyond their specific time and place to become our own" Tickets $15

Malibu Little League

Tryouts for Softball and Hardball

Fri, Jan 27, 3 pm - Bluffs Park

Make-up tryouts will be your last chance to participate in the 2009 seasons.

Men's Volleyball

Pepperdine Waves vs. USC Trojans

Fri, Jan 30, 7 pm - Pepperdine University
Firestone Fieldhouse, 24255 PCH

Ranked 3rd in the Nation, Pepperdine's Men's Volleyball team take on the USC Trojans in a conference match-up. Tickets: $8, $5 (students w/ID).

Improv Show & Discussion

"Locked up in Malibu"

Sat, Jan 31, 2 - 5 pm - Malibu Methodist Church
30128 Morning View Drive, Malibu

Join Malibu Obama for change chapter as they join "Locked Up in Malibu" to present a special improv show and discussion on this crucial issue. The troupe of 14 to18-year-old young men from the L.A. County Probation Department's Camp Vernon Kilpatrick, will join attendees in a 45-minute discussion on gangs. FREE but donation of non-perishable food item is requested. For more info call (310) 457-0730.

Frederick R Weisman Museum of Art Presents

Robert Dowd: Pop Art Money

Now through Apr 5 - Weisman Museum of Art
Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

Robert Dowd (1936-1995) was an American artist best known for his imaginative, whimsical paintings of money and stamps. This exhibition is the first in-depth examination of the currency paintings and related work by this seminal Los Angeles modernist. FREE

Palisades-Malibu YMCA

Adult Flag Football

January 31-March 21, Saturdays, 2-4 pm - Calvary Sports Field
Pacific Palisades

Don't let your football season come to an end. Sign-up now for flag football fun! Space is limited. Cost: Facility Member $35, Program Member $75. Come in today to sign up (821 Via de la Paz).

Pepperdine Center for the Arts

The Brillaner Duo

Sun, Feb 1, 2 pm - Pepperdine University
Raitt Recital Hall, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy

The exhilarating, soaring quality of music written for clarinet and piano has never been expressed more joyfully than by this pair of prizewinning young Israeli artists. Ticket $25

Girls Grades 1 - 6

Girl's Lacrosse

Tue & Thu, 3:30-5 pm - February 2-March 5

Come learn the fundamentals of this new game to hit the West Coast. Instructed by the Pepperdine Lacrosse Team. No experience necessary. $185 includes instruction, lacrosse stick, eye mask, jersey and shorts.

Young Actors Project

Acting & Theatre Workshops

Saturdays, Starting Feb. 7, 11am - 12 noon,
Wedenesdays, 3 - 4pm,
Malibu Stage Company, 29243 Pacific Coast Highway

Young YAP, Ages 5-7, acting and theater workshops. Theatre games and beginning acting techniques for young actors. Students will gain audition & performance experience, all taught in a loving, positive environment. For more informaion please call (310) 447-8245.

Batter Up

T-Ball Registration

Fri, Feb 27, Registration Deadline - Bluffs Park
Sat, Feb 28 & Sun, Mar 1, 10 am-1 pm - Mandatory Player Evaluations
Malibu High School, Upper Field

Each player will receive a MLB uniform, MLB hat, baseball pants, picture package and trophy. All players must attend a Mandatory Player Evaluation session so that we can evaluate the athlete and create balanced teams-approximately 20 min. For more information or sponsorship, call Katie at (310) 456-2489. Fee $120

Sneak Preview with Ken Burns and his new series

The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Thu, Mar 19, 5:30 pm, Paramount Ranch, 2813 Cornell Road

KCET would like to invite you and a guest to join them in celebrating the nationwide premiere of Ken Burns' The National Parks: America's Best Idea. In addition to an exclusive preview screening of segments of the 6-part series, the event will include: Q&A session with Ken Burns, moderated by KCET's Hewell Howser, Reception with Hor D'oeuvres and Beverages.

Local Education

Kehillat Israel Early Childhood Center: Parent Panel

Thu, Jan 29, 7 pm - Kehillat Israel
16019 W. Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades

A panel of our current parents will answer questions posed by potential parents about our preschool program and community. Please RSVP to diane@kehillatisrael.org by Jan 27.

***Applications now being accepted for the 2009-10 school year for the ECC. Enrollment of new students begins on Mon, Feb 2.

***The winter session of our Infant/Toddler program at Kehillat Israel still has spaces available in our Mon or Wed classes for parents and their children ages 4-22 mos.

Children's Nature Institute Presents

Tykes on Trails

Wed, Jan 21, & 28, 10 am-12 pm - Temescal Canyon
15601 Sunset Boulevard, Pacific Palisades

Join Tykes on Trails for children 2-4 years old and their parents. Enjoy hands-on discovery, stories, crafts, and walks. Children will learn about local flora and fauna while practicing early language, math and science skills. This month's themes includes: Wiggly Worms, Spiders, Diggin Dirt & Nature's Noises. The workshops are designed to nurture children's curiosity about nature. $20 a class, discount for siblings.

Theatre Palisades Begins Its 46th Season!

Lost In Yonkers

January 9-February 15 - Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 2 pm
Pierson Playhouse, 941 Temescal Canyon Rd., Pacific Palisades

By Neil Simon. Directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Martha Hunter and Pat Perkins. Tickets: $14-$18. Subscribe now and save up to 34% on your tickets! Six shows for the price of five! For reservations, call (310) 454-1970.

Kehillat Israel Movie Night: Spirit of the Marathon - Thu, Jan 22, 6:30-9:30 pm, Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Synagogue, 16019 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades

'Spirit of the Marathon' is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Introducing the film and answering questions after the screening will be Gwendolen Twist, the producer of the film. FREE to the community.

Pacific Palisades Community Council Meeting - Thu, Jan 22, 7 pm, Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real

All are welcome to attend the Council's Board meetings and make your voice heard in the discussions of community issues.

Hosted by Palisades-Malibu YMCA

Big Bear Snow Day

Sat, Jan 24, 6 am-7 pm - Palisades-Malibu YMCA
821 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades

Join the Palisades-Malibu YMCA on a family one-day adventure! You will have the opportunity to enjoy Snow Tubing and Skiing. **Families: Pay for 3, 4th goes FREE! (Applies to immediate family only.)** For more information, call Nicole Rosenloecher (310) 454-5591 or contact via e-mail below. Sign up today, the deadline is January 20.

Music Lessons for All Ages

Yuliyard Aesthetic Center

1515 Palisades Dr. Suite L, Palisades Highlands / (310) 454-9697

3-4 y.o. Little MOZARTS
An introductory class with a focus on music fundamentals
5 y.o. (and older) VIRTUOSI
Beginning piano and violin instruction
10 y.o. MAESTRI
Join a chamber ensemble or a piano duet class

Presented By Coastwalk

History & Nature

Sat, Jan 24, 9:30 am-2 pm - Santa Monica Mountains

A 7-mile, 1800' gain hike through the canyons and caves of Malibu Nature Preserve. Lunch by the pond at Nicholas Flat. Meet in parking lot at 33905 PCH. Bring 2 quarts of water, lunch and lugsoles. Rain cancels. For more information, call (310) 394-2799.

Sponsored By The California State Parks

Tidepool Hikes

Sat & Sun, Jan 24 & 25, 2-3 pm - Leo Carrillo State Park

Come and explore the tidepools. Rain cancels. Meet at entrance station. For more information, call (805) 488-1827, ext. 106, e-mail below.

By The Topanga Canyon Docents

Winter Adventure Walk

Sun, Jan 25, 1 pm - Topanga State Park
20825 Entrada Road, Topanga

Join a docent naturalist on a stroll through chaparral and oak woodlands to view emerging wildflowers and other signs of seasonal flora. For more information, call (310) 455-1696.

Chamber Music Palisades Concert - Tue, Jan 27, 8 pm, St. Matthew's Parish, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades

For more information, call (310) 454-2177 or log on to www.cmpalisades.org.

Author Nancy Spiller Discusses & Signs 'Entertaining Disasters: A Novel" - Thu, Jan 29, 7:30-9 pm, Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Ave.

The nameless food writer who narrates this funny, satirical novel exhibits all the worst tendencies of her profession. Vain, self-absorbed, and oblivious to agendas other than her own, she begins to organize her first dinner party in a decade. Each chapter includes a recipe, some utterly hilarious and undoable.

Chatham Baroque With Guests Bauguess & Wiggins - Fri, Jan 30, 8 pm, St. Matthew's Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades

World Class Music Close To Home. Admission: $25 or inquire about a season pass.

Palisades-Malibu YMCA

Adult Flag Football

January 31-March 21, Saturdays, 2-4 pm - Calvary Sports Field
Pacific Palisades

Don't let your football season come to an end. Sign-up now for flag football fun! Space is limited. Cost: Facility Member $35, Program Member $75. Come in today to sign up (821 Via de la Paz).

Pacific Palisades Farmers' Market - Sundays, 8 am-1 pm, Swarthmore Ave. & Sunset Blvd.
(1037 Swarthmore Ave.)