Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter

I am a huge believer and practioner of the Law of Attraction. Simply put, what you focus your attention and energies on, expands. As such, I try not to spend much time thinking about crime in my neighborhood.

With a lot of online buzz lately about a string of burglaries in neighboring Playa del Rey, however, it’s hard to ignore the discussion. One interesting tidbit that I’ve picked up from the conversation is that LAPD offers a very cool, interactive map showing crime events for an address or area for up to the last seven days.

You can check out the site at www.lapdcrimemaps.org. You can enter an address or a zip code, a date range (up to 7 days) and check off your crimes of choice. To see a sample map of all crimes committed in the last seven days for 90045, check this out: Westchester 90045 Crime Map.

Pretty nifty, if you’re into that crime thing.

From the LAPD Crime Maps site, you can also register for LAPD’s e-Policing program. The mission of the program, according to the site, is this:

Through E-Policing we aim to provide important law enforcement information to you. We hope that you will partner with the LAPD by providing law and crime information to us that is relevant to your neighborhood.

Like I said before, I don’t like to focus on crime, but I’m an Internet fanatic and I’m absolutely fascinated with what LAPD is up to in its war on crime.

Here’s another interesting tidbit I picked up from the crime map — our house is located almost exactly in the middle of the 90045 area. I guess I was meant to write for this website long before the idea occurred to me. =-)

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See you around the neighborhood!

I’m a big fan of win-win situations. If you like ice cream, here’s a big win-win for you.

Cold Stone Creamery here in Westchester 90045 has seen a big slump in business as a result of the construction on Sepulveda Boulevard and the fencing off of the Cal Fed parking lot. To remind us that the store is still there and selling yummy frozen treats, Cold Stone Creamery is running an all you can eat ice cream social tomorrow night for $5.

Ten signature premade ice cream combinations will be offered. Five dollars gets you a wristband. You get one scoop at a time, but you can come back for more as many times as you want from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Cold Stone Creamery
8732 S. Sepulveda Blvd
Across from Mervyn’s
Parking in the back
310-410-4655

If we want to keep an ice cream store in our neighborhood, this guy needs our help. Come out and meet me and Zoe. We’re ice cream fanatics and you can bet we’re going to be there.

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Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

Ninety-one homes are on the market in Westchester 90045 this week and 34 of them are being held open on Sunday afternoon (08 17 08) according TheMLS.com. If you have questions about any of these properties, email us.

As always, we are happy to share our thoughts and opinions about living in Westchester and buying, selling and/or investing in Westchester properties. We can also introduce you to excellent Westchester real estate agents.

$589,900, 7431 MIDFIELD AVE (2 bedrooms/1 bathroom) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$599,000, 8800 BLERIOT AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$599,950, 5419 W 76TH ST (2/1) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm) (price dropped significantly in recent weeks)

$645,000, 8836 CROYDON AVE (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $40,000 in recent weeks)

$649,000, 7728 DENROCK (2/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $30,000 in recent weeks)

$649,000, 7612 FLIGHT AVE (3/1) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$649,000, 6660 W 87TH ST (3/1.5) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$659,000, 7631 GODDARD AVE (4/2) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$669,500, 7513 MIDFIELD AVE (4/1.75) (1:50 pm - 4:30 pm) (price dropped $5,400 in recent weeks)

$675,000, 6500 W 87TH PL (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$679,000, 6431 W 85TH ST (2/1.75) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$696,000, 8519 BELFORD AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$699,000, 6720 W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$699,000, 7501 NAYLOR AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$715,000, 7932 FLIGHT AVE (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $14,000 in recent weeks)

$738,000, 6344 W 80TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$749,000, 8201 STEWART AVE (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$749,000, 6446 W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$759,000, 7928 CHASE AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$759,000, 7830 MCCONNELL AVE (2/2) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$765,000, 5851 W 78TH PL (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$785,000, 8100 BLERIOT AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$798,000, 7201 W 90TH ST (3/2) (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm) (price dropped $37,000 in recent weeks)

$799,000, 7930 DENROCK AVE (3/2) (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm)

$815,000, 7623 ALVERSTONE AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $20,000 in recent weeks)

$829,000, 7700 ANISE AVE (3/1.5) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$859,000, 8130 STEWART AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$859,000, 5836 W 77TH PL (4/3) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$989,000, 6916 W 85TH PL (3/2.5) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,225,000, 8128 REGIS WAY (5/2.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,285,000 7917 WESTLAWN AVE (5/3) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,300,000, 7536 W 88TH PL (4/3) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$1,795,000, 7425 OGELSBY (5/3) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$2,150,00, 8006 BELL CREST DR (5/5) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

We make every effort to provide accurate data in this report. Please contact us or refer to TheMLS.com for additional details on these and other properties available for sale in Westchester.

Do you have a buyer’s agent yet? Don’t let the seller’s agent tell you that he or she can represent both of you. Dual representation by a realtor is usually not in your best interest.

Let us introduce you to competent, skilled, knowlegeable Westchester realtors who can keep your best interests front and center without having to keep his or her seller happy at the same time. Contact us for more information and an introduction.

_____________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this article, be sure and share it with a friend by clicking the “ShareThis” link below. To make sure you don’t miss any of our Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter, be sure and subscribe for updates.

Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

Ninety-two homes are on the market in Westchester this week and 28 of them are being held open on Sunday afternoon (08 10 08) according TheMLS.com. We’re seeing a lot more open houses this weekend at the high range of our market.

If you have questions about any of these properties, email us. As always, we are happy to share our thoughts and opinions about living in Westchester and buying, selling and/or investing in Westchester properties. We can also introduce you to excellent Westchester real estate agents.

$515,000, 7912 OSAGE AVE (2 bedrooms/1 bathroom) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$589,900, 7431 MIDFIELD AVE (2/1) (12:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$599,950, 5419 W 76TH ST (2/1) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm) (price dropped significantly in recent weeks)

$645,000, 8836 CROYDON AVE (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $30,000 in addition to a $10,000 drop three weeks ago)

$649,000, 7728 DENROCK (2/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $30,000 two weeks ago)

$659,000, 6447 W 85TH ST (3/1) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$669,000, 8325 COLEGIO DR (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$669,500, 7513 MIDFIELD AVE (4/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm) (price dropped $5,400 two weeks ago)

$675,000, 6500 W 87TH PL (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$699,000, 6720 W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$699,000, 6906 W 84TH PL (3/1) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$699,000, 6720 W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$715,000, 7932 FLIGHT AVE (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $14,000 since last week)

$725,000, 6645 W 83RD ST (4/3) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$739,000, 6660 W 85TH PL (4/1.75) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$749,000, 8201 STEWART AVE (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$759,000, 7928 CHASE AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$759,000, 7830 MCCONNELL AVE (2/2) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$798,000, 7201 W 90TH ST (3/2) (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm) (price dropped $37,000 since last week)

$815,000, 7623 ALVERSTONE AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $20,000 since last week)

$869,000, 7828 EL MANOR AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$879,000, 8365 WESTLAWN AVE (4/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm) (price dropped $20,000 recently)

$939,000, 7715 HOSFORD AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$999,000, 7826 AIRPORT BLVD (4/3.75) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$1,225,000, 8128 REGIS WAY (5/2.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,285,000 7917 WESTLAWN AVE (5/3) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,300,000, 7536 W 88TH PL (4/3) (2:00 - 5:00)

$1,795,000, 7425 OGELSBY (5/3) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,835,000, 7906 NARDIAN WAY (5/5) (2:00 - 5:00)

$2,090,00, 7438 W 80TH ST (5/5) (2:00 - 5:00)

We make every effort to provide accurate data in this report. Please contact us or refer to TheMLS.com for additional details on these and other properties available for sale in Westchester.

Do you have a buyer’s agent yet? Don’t let the seller’s agent tell you that he or she can represent both of you. Dual representation by a realtor is usually not in your best interest.

Let us introduce you to competent, skilled, knowlegeable Westchester realtors who can keep your best interests front and center without having to keep his or her seller happy at the same time. Contact us for more information and an introduction.

_____________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this article, be sure and share it with a friend by clicking the “ShareThis” link below. To make sure you don’t miss any of our Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter, be sure and subscribe for updates.

Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office reports that she is visiting LA later this month and will speak at the August 19th meeting of the LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting is a luncheon at the Westin Los Angeles Airport at 5400 West Century Blvd., and is open to the public, subject to space availability.

Tickets are $45/person and reservations can be made by calling the Chamber office at 310.645.5151.

According to the Chamber’s website, Senator Feinstein will speak on housing issues, global warming, gas prices, transportation and LAX aviation issues.

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Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

There’s been a lot of chatter again on the Westchester neighborhood yahoo groups about LMU party houses.

We’re pretty lucky on our street. We’ve got the teenage boy who thinks he’s a rock star playing electric guitar at top volume on Sunday afternoons, but none of those party houses rocking out until all hours.

If you’re not so lucky, I picked up some information from the yahoo groups that you might find helpful.

Reportedly, the City of LA has a very strict set of Loud Party Ordinances on the books (Municipal Code §§41.57 and 41.58).

If the codes are enforced, this is how they work:

• The police are called (1-800-ASK-LAPD)
• The police respond, identify the responsible party and issue a written warning which explains the consequences of a second police response
• The responding officer calls the station and places the responsible party’s name on a Loud Party Violation Log kept by the Watch Commander
• If the loud party persists and a second call is made to police, the following is supposed to occur:
  • Officers respond with a Supervisor, find the responsible party from the first visit and issue a misdemeanor citation
  • The officers request back-up, including a helicopter if necessary, to close down the party
  • A bill for costs is generated and sent to the city attorney to add to the misdemeanor fine

Sounds perfectly simple and low cost for the city, doesn’t it?

Apparently this is all theoretical and the practical matter is that the LAPD doesn’t have the resources to respond to these calls. But isn’t it nice to know you have a muni code to quote when you make your call?

Hey, how about this for a solution? Pick one good party, organize the neighbors to lean on the LAPD and make sure one hefty bill gets generated for a student. You can bet that story would spread like electronic wildfire. In fact, I’d spend my lottery allowance to bet that by Monday morning, the amount of the fine would’ve grown to urban legend proportions. Now, that should put a stop to those noisy student parties.

Hat tip to “Andre’ from Croydon” for the municipal code information on the WPDRNENews Yahoo Group.

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Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

According to information provided by one of our favorite Westchester real estate experts, Diana Hobson, this is how real estate values are holding up in our 90045 neighborhood since May:

• 50 listings sold (note this is 50 listings over three months and there are currently 92 homes listed on the market in Westchester 90045)
• Average days on market are 48
• Average price per square foot of home is $482 (list price) and $464 (sold price)
• Average price per square foot of lot is $119 (list price) and $114 (sold price)
• Homes are selling at approximately 96% of list price

What does all this mean? Homes for sale in Westchester 90045 are taking almost two months to sell (and don’t forget to factor in another 30-60 days to close escrow), and sellers are taking offers slightly below their asking price. I have to guess also (since I haven’t reviewed more than three months of data) that these numbers are trending toward a longer period of time on the market, judging from the fact that only 50 houses moved in three months, yet over 90 are currently on the market.

Are you thinking about buying or selling real estate in Westchester 90045? Let us introduce you to competent, skilled, knowledgeable Westchester real estate experts. We make it our business to follow real estate trends in 90045, and to know who the best Westchester realtors are. Contact us for more information and an introduction.

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If you enjoyed this article, be sure and share it with a friend by clicking the “ShareThis” link below. To make sure you don’t miss any of our Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter, be sure and subscribe for updates.

Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

Ninety-two homes are on the market in Westchester this week and 25 of them are being held open on Sunday afternoon (08 03 08) according TheMLS.com. If you have questions about any of these properties, email us. As always, we are happy to share our thoughts and opinions about living in Westchester and buying, selling and/or investing in Westchester properties. We can also introduce you to excellent Westchester real estate agents.

$599,000, 8800 BLERIOT AVE (2 bedrooms/1 bathroom) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$599,950, 5419 W 76TH ST (2/1) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm) (price dropped another $29,050 since last week, in addition to a $29,050 drop the previous week)

$645,000, 8944 KITTYHAWK AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$649,000, 7728 DENROCK (2/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $30,000 two weeks ago)

$669,500, 7513 MIDFIELD AVE (4/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $5,400 since last week)

$675,000, 8836 CROYDON AVE (3/1.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $10,000 two weeks ago)

$675,000, 6500 W 87TH PL (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$679,000, 6431 W 85TH ST (3/2) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm) (price dropped $20,000 since last week)

$696,000 8519 BELFORD AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$699,000, 6906 W. 84TH PL (3/1) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$699,000, 6720 W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$699,000, 7823 KENYON AVE (2/1) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$699,000, 6720 W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$719,000, 7501 NAYLOR AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$729,000, 7631 KITTYHAWK AVE (4/3) (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm)

$729,000, 7932 FLIGHT AVE (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$749,000, 8036 REGIS WAY (3/2) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$749,000, 8201 STEWART AVE (3/1.75) (2:30 pm - 5:00 pm)

$749,000, W 85TH PL (3/1.5) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$759,000, 7830 MCCONNELL AVE (2/2) (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm)

$785,000, 8100 BLERIOT AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$835,000, 7623 ALVERSTONE AVE (3/2) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$835,000, 7201 W 90TH ST (3/2) (1:00 pm - 4:30 pm)

$899,000, 7427 W 85TH ST (3/1.75) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$939,000, 7715 HOSFORD AVE (3/2) (2:00 pm - 5:00 pm)

$1,225,000, 8128 REGIS WAY (5/2.75) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

$1,795,000, 7425 OGELSBY (5/3) (1:30 pm - 4:00 pm)

We make every effort to provide accurate data in this report. Please contact us or refer to TheMLS.com for additional details on these and other properties available for sale in Westchester.

Do you have a buyer’s agent yet? Don’t let the seller’s agent tell you that he or she can represent both of you. Dual representation by a realtor is usually not in your best interest.

Let us introduce you to competent, skilled, knowlegeable Westchester realtors who can keep your best interests front and center without having to keep his or her seller happy at the same time. Contact us for more information and an introduction.

_____________________________________________________

If you enjoyed this article, be sure and share it with a friend by clicking the “ShareThis” link below. To make sure you don’t miss any of our Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter, be sure and subscribe for updates.

Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

The Westchester Neighbors Association (WNA) is meeting tomorrow, Monday, August 4th, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The meeting is located at the La Tijera United Methodist Church at 7400 Osage Avenue.

Community safety will be discussed by LAPD Senior Lead Officers Ruben Garcia and Tony Ramos, and Cyndi Hench will discuss Community Emergency Response Training (”CERT”).

Local development issues on the agenda include:

• 300 foot tower at Howard Huges
• Apartment development at Gerald’s Parking Lot
• Js Spot Nightclub
• Fast food at Chevron on La Tijera
• LAX update

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If you enjoyed this article, be sure and share it with a friend by clicking the “ShareThis” link below. To make sure you don’t miss any of our Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter, be sure and subscribe for updates.

Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!

This cutie pie is named “Miracle” and was found by my friend, Hilary. As much as Hilary has fallen in love with Miracle, Miracle needs to find a “forever home.”

Miracle has her own website! Check it out: Miracle’s Website.

If you want more information about adopting Miracle, please call Hilary at 323. 766.8034, or drop us a note on our Living90045 Contact Page.

She’s not coming to our house. We’ve got three rescued cats already and a hamster. We have to draw the line some place, right?

Let your friends know! Cute kitten, nursed back from the brink of death, needs a loving home.

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If you enjoyed this article, be sure and share it with a friend by clicking the “ShareThis” link below. To make sure you don’t miss any of our Westchester News, Views, Tips & Chatter, be sure and subscribe for updates.

Did you know that we offer a Westchester Events Calendar and that you can set up email reminders for favorite events? Check it out!

See you around the neighborhood!