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West Hollywood, CA Real Estate News

By Danny Mahelka
(Coldwell Banker)
By Danny Mahelka  I am a little bit of a history buff.  I especially love knowing about the history of the area we live in.  I recently wrote a blog about Carthay Center Elementary, and one of my clients commented that it used to sit directly opposite The Carthay Circle Theatre. In fact the neighborhood was actually named after the theatre.  It was one of those facts that I knew at one time, but must have forgotten and the more I started thinking about it the more intrigued I became.  So I did a little research. The Carthay Circle Theatre opened its doors in 1926. It was considered one of the "Jewels" in the Fox theatre empire.  It was the chosen theatre for a number of huge Hollywood movie premieres. Among the famous films premiered there, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia and ...
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By Robert Leighton
(Sotheby's International Realty)
The City of West Hollywood will be celebrating Veterans Day with a Veterans Day ceremony to recognize the men and women who have served and are currently serving our military.  The ceremony will be at Holloway Park and Veterans Memorial at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Holloway Drive at 11:00 a.m. There will be special guest speakers including members of the West Hollywood City Council, Assembly member Mike Feuer, and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Shatynski.  A U.S. Air Force jet fly by salute will be held.  Refreshments will also be served at the event.  The event is free and open to all West Hollywood residents and visitors.  Public parking can be found at 8383 Santa Monica Boulevard at the Kings Road parking structure. I hope you are able to take the time to join the ceremony in ...
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By Coco Clayman-Cook
(LA Condo Lifestyles)
By Coco Clayman-Cook Recently I represented a client who was selling their luxury condo.  Ultimately, the condo sold very quickly to a large corporation based in downtown Los Angeles.  More and more companies are charging their HR departments with the authority to look for and acquire luxury condo properties for company assets. When you stop to consider how much it costs to house visiting executives in luxury hotels it's easy to see why corporations are now buying luxury condominiums. Real Estate is a strong investment.  If you have the opportunity to build equity instead of throwing money away, it is always better whether you are an individual, a family or a corporation.
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
"Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never - in nothing, great or small, large or petty - never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense" - Winston Churchill The final result of Proposition 8 has not been confirmed as yet. Thousands of concerned citizens are displaying their extreme disappointment with the very close vote by attending community gatherings all over California. "Never before in California's history has a group, who currently enjoys a basic right, been singled out and then had those rights ripped from them by a vote of their fellow citizens. This decision is so radical and so egregious that every voice must first be heard, no matter how unlikely a changed outcome might be." "The struggle for equality is not over" - Geoff Kors, Executive Director...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Another sign of the difficult financial times we're experiencing was evident by an email I received from Bunky's Buddies, a local pet sitting service in West Hollywood. "It is with great sadness that we must inform you that Bunky's Buddies Pet Sitting and Home Concierge will be closing its business as of December 1st, 2008.  Due financial difficulties, it is no longer profitable to operate Bunky's." The email explains that effective January 2009 their business will change to an online service called "The Pet Sitters Network". This could be good business move for the owners of Bunky's as they will still be able to refer client's to the trusted sitters who used to work at Bunky's. It really didn't make sense for them to keep an office since all their work could be done online. I wish them...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Today marks a great day in the history of America - we have an exciting new president elect who can not only set our country back on the right track, bt also restore America's dignity in the International Community. However, today also marks a sad day as California strips gays of the right to marry. This is really troubling as California is usually a leader in change with one of the most liberal and foreward thinking electorate. So what went wrong that Proposition 8 will amend the constitution? There was an overwhelming amount of non-Californian financial contributions to supoort Prop 8, but this in itself isn't what's most troubling - the majority of Californians (albeit a slim majority) voted to support Prop 8. What can the gay community and anyone else who believe is equality for all...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Today is a proud day for America. We have a new president elect and have every reason to move forward with renewed energy, optimism and excitement. Change is happening. We have the opportunity to restore America's status as a work leader and an inspiration to the world. It's the responsibility of each and every once of us to reach out to each other and heal the divisiveness caused by the extended and hotly contested presidential campaigns. Barack Obama delivered an inspiring and poignant speech last night, and John McCain, despite his obvious disappointment, gave a graceful concession speech. It's time to move beyond party diffferences and allow the healing process begin. There is no place for further negativity. Instead we need to shift our minds and focus on positive energy. Obama sa...
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By Robert Leighton
(Sotheby's International Realty)
Whether starting a new business or relocating a business,  West Hollywood , California is one of the best places to do it. Here are a few of those good reasons: Business tax rates - West Hollywood sports one of the lowest business tax rates in the region.  When compared to local cities, West Hollywood 's annual rates were lower than those surrounding cities.  West Hollywood's annual business tax averages out to be twice as low as Santa Monica, three times lower than Los Angeles, seven times lower than Beverly Hills and almost ninety percent lower than Culver City.  West Hollywood doesn't charge for utility or parking tax, and the city provides business tax credits to new businesses.  New businesses are only required to file an initial tax certificate application and pay a $25 one-time f...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
The Pacific Design Center (also referred to as the PDC), set on 14-acres at the corner of Melrose Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard, opened in 1975 with the Blue Building. In 1988 the Green Building was constructed, adding 450,000 sq ft to the original 750,000 center. The Center is a multi-use facility and home to over 130 showrooms with over 2,100 interior product lines. The Pacific Design Center also serves the needs of the design, entertainment and arts communities by providing dramatic public and private spaces for screenings, exhibitions, lectures, meetings, special events and receptions.  Construction is well under way for a third building. The new 400,000 sq ft structure will have a red-clad facade and will accordingly be named The Red Building. At a cost of $195 Million, there w...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
There are some excellent sites that provide up to date information on the election with interactive content as well. For starters I recommend you check out Google Voter Info: This site offers an easy way to find your polling place. Type in your home address, and you'll get an interactive map in seconds. Then take a look at idashboard - an oustanding resource with real time information. And remember, "Republicans are the best reason to vote for Democrats". (Inspired by Will Rogers)
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Stewart Penn | Penn Properties | 310.866.1818 850 N Kings Rd, West Hollywood, CA Stylish & sophisticated 2 Bed 2 Bath Condo 2BR/2BA Condo offered at $765,000 Year Built 1965 Sq Footage 1,317 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $435 per month DESCRIPTION Location, location, location - Private, stylish & sophisticated. Sought-after mid-century building. Third floor, 2 Bed 2 Bath condo, walls of glass with sliders opening onto 200 sq ft tiled patio with views to the Hollywood Hills. Smooth ceilings & Bamboo floors throughout. Remodeled kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances & access to fitted bar. Great pool and spa set in a lush courtyard. 2 side-by-side parking spaces. Walk to restaurants & stores on Melrose & Santa ...
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By Danny Mahelka
(Coldwell Banker)
By Danny Mahelka In order for the world to shop at The Grove, the world must also be able to eat at The Grove. The world, however, has standards. Now is not the time to expect another fast food Chinese restaurant next to a sandwich shop. This is Los Angeles! If you're in the market to wine and dine your business clients, your upper-class guests, or to impress your everyday friends, The Grove is ready for you! Maggiano's Little Italy will entice you with a classy Italian meal for lunch or dinner. You can also look for something more exciting in The Whisper Lounge, a new turn on Old Hollywood style. Not everyone is looking for black tie and heels, however, and this is where my personal favorites enter the picture. You can take your family anywhere from the Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill for dow...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Taste on Melrose is a great neighborhood restaurant. It's friendly and relaxed, yet still has an elegant feel about it. Taste is situated in the heart of the trendy and sophisticated stretch of Melrose - at 8454 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. They have a moderately priced wine list and they've recently obtained a full bar license. For starters I always recommend one of their Pizzettas. My favorite is the pear & caramelized onion pizzetta with walnuts, gorgonzola and arugula. For the main course you definitely should try the braised short ribs in a red wine reduction, with gremolta, onions, carrots and a delicious papardelle pasta. Another great dish is the grilled wild Alaskan salmon with dill fingerling potato salad, cucumber slaw & lemon-yogurt sauce.  For dessert I recommend the ...
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By Danny Mahelka
(Coldwell Banker)
By Danny Mahelka One of my favorite parts about shopping at The Grove is the sheer variety offered with every step. Regardless of age, gender, or disposable income, The Grove is available to meet every shopping need. The most obvious customers are women. The most obvious need? Clothes. Now you can go to just about any mall in America and find Forever 21 or the GAP, but only in West Hollywood are you going to find these stores just a few hundred feet from something as high-end as a Michael Kors store. Looking for a ten dollar cotton skirt? Check! This season's must-have leather hobo bag and sandal heels retailing for no less than five hundred dollars? Check and check! The Grove doesn't just limit itself to the obvious female shopper. It is equally prepared to cater to men and children. ...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Enough of the rhetoric and lies about Obama's Tax Plan. The Obama Campaign has released an online calculator. Do the exercise for yourself and see how Obama's plan will impact you: The Obama-Biden Tax Calculator. For those that remain skeptical, you can also run the exercise using a calculator released by "The Tax Policy Center" - an independent, non-partisan group.
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Over the last few years I've experienced unbearable frustration when dealing with American Airlines, but this weekend I experienced the worst, the rudest and the most unfriendly service from this airline that I have ever had the misfortune of experiencing. If American Airline dare request a bailout from taxpayer money I will campaign hard and do whatever I can to ensure they receive no such assistance ... this company deserves what they get! I wanted to fly from Los Angeles to New York - so I thought why not fly American Airlines (AA) and upgrade my coach tickets to First Class using the huge number of Advantage Miles that I've earned. I called AA and asked which flight I should book that had an available allocation of upgradable seats. The representative told me the flight number, sugg...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Today I received a letter from Countrywide. It was a warning that a Countrywide employee (now former), may have sold client's personal information to a third party. The urgent security notification warns that customer information involved includes names, addresses, social security numbers, mortgage loan numbers and "various other loan and application information". Countrywide "deeply regrets this incident and takes responsibility to safeguard information .... and they will continue to work with law enforcement authorities as appropriate." According to the letter they have arranged for complimentary credit monitoring to be provided by a Countrywide vendor at no cost to me for the next two years. I haven't been a customer at Countrywide for over two years now, so I'm curious as to how far...
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By James Engel
(KW Commercial Beverly Hills)
West Hollywood's Farmers' Market is the place to go for all your fresh fruits and veggies! Make sure to check out the fun every week!           Name: West Hollywood Monday Farmers' Market Day: Monday Hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Location: Plummer Park - N. Vista and Fountain Ave City: West Hollywood County: Los Angeles Manager: Shirley Berry Office Address: 8300 Santa Monica Blvd, W. Hollywood, CA 90069 Phone: 323-848-6502 Web Site: Click Here to open Warp Speed Pumpkin Butter Ingredients 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 cup water 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon clove 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling mix) Directions Combine everything except the canned pumpkin in a microwaveable...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
Los Angeles has a huge number of restaurants and steakhouses - but BOA must rank as one of the best in the City. To be more precise, I'm talking about BOA on Sunset Blvd, currently situated in the trendy Grafton Hotel at 8462 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, California. It's been described as offering the best quality steaks surrounded in a sexy decor. BOA is part of the IDG Dining Group, which also owns Katana & Sushi Roku. There are two other BOA locations - Santa Monica and Las Vegas. BOA's Menu has something for everyone, but my favorite starter is the Caesar Salad which is freshly made table side. Extra crispy Romaine lettuce with a tailor made dressing including freshly crushed anchovies and a touch of Tabasco. The Petit Fillet with the peppercorn rub is always perfectly delicious. De...
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By COMPASS PALM SPRINGS | Stewart Penn, COMPASS Palm Springs - Broker Associate
(COMPASS)
WOW - Today I noticed a new listing on the Los Angeles MLS for 8 acres of land in Bel Air. The price tag? A mind-boggling $65,000,000 ($65 Million). The property is described as a total of 8 acres - with 4 acres being flat. It is situated at 11101 Chalon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90049 - just above the Bel Air Country Club. Subdivision is possible. I'm curious as to who would be buying such a parcel of land, so I'll keep my eyes and ears open on this one. There are no direct comps for this property since it's absolutely unique. The listing is held by Hilton & Hyland of Beverly Hills and as per the MLS remarks,  the property will be "Shown to qualified buyers by appointment only". Is that to keep the line of Buyers at bay?
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