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Archive for the 'Malibu' Category

A Grown up Movie for Summer

By: Gracee Arthur

I attended the Hollywood Premiere of Taylor Hackford’s, “Love Ranch” on June 23rd at the Arc Light.  The crowd was stellar and eclectic from  Morgan Freeman to Kristin Stewart; along with the cast of the film. The fictional story of Grace and Charlie Bontempo is based on the real life story of  brothel owner Joe Conforte. I found the film to be the type of enjoyable adult entertainment that is so hard to come by in these days of Vampires and children’s cartoons.

The critics have been unfairly harsh on this film and its director Taylor Hackford because apparently adult movies with relationship stories are not favored among this new group of semi-literate “critics.” Gone are the days of Pauline Kael and Arthur Knight (with whom I studied) when critics opinions were written in prose that distinguished the writer and the written word, as well as the art of film. Films have been geared to the lowest common denominator in recent years and there is little to no motivation for grown ups to go to the movies! There seems to be little room in Hollywood for an actor’s movie where there are interactions between humans and a good story to tell.

I suggest, if you are a fan of Helen Mirren’s and Taylor Hackford’s bodies of work and enjoy a good story, great music, drama with a sense of humor and a love triangle, give “Love Ranch” a chance to entertain you!  This is a great date night film for adults since it has not only a love story, but an amazingly real boxing match and semi-clad gals for the guys! After you’ve seen the film let me know what you think. Critic’s opinions are not always right!

Go here for times at the Laemmle Theatre

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on July 12th, 2010

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By: Gracee Arthur

Check out this cool article by my friend, journalist Ann Brenoff:

“Franklin “Biff” Levy, a partner with law firm Duane Morris LLP and a novelist, has leased a 3,000-square-foot home in the so-called “Bird Streets” of the Hollywood Hills for $7,000 a month, according to the MLS.” For more, go here: LA Business Journal Chief Dwellings

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 30th, 2010

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From Florida to California “Say no to offshore drilling”!

By: Gracee Arthur

Join hands across America on Saturday June 26th at 11 AM on Surfrider Beach in Malibu to say “No” to off shore drilling and support clean energy alternatives. According to the Malibu Surfside News, thousands showed up on 80 Florida beaches earlier this year for the first “Hands Across the Sands Event”.  Apparently to no avail, since a judge this week overturned President Obama’s order for a moratorium on offshore drilling.

What more relevant moment than the present, in the face of the BP disaster destroying our beautiful Gulf of Mexico, to make our voices heard across the country and in Washington DC?

The White House Hotline number is 202-456-1111 and the mantra is “I’m calling to ask that you restore the federal moratorium on all new offshore oil and gas development and exploration”.

“If not now, when?”

For more information go www.malibusurfsidenews.com Publisher’s NOTEBOOK June 24, 2010

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 25th, 2010

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Films at the Bluffs

By: Gracee Arthur

This summer catch a few free flicks at the Bluffs Park in Malibu. Bring a picnic, a blanket and the whole family for some evening fun. Please refrain from bringing alcohol or smoking at the park since this is a family event.

Schedule for Summer 2010:
–> Saturday July 31st Free Willy: Escape From Pirate’s Cove (co-sponsored by the Malibu Public Library)

–> Saturday, August 28 – Seating and preshow begin at 7:00 pm with the movies beginning at dusk. More info at www.ci.malibu.ca.us.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 21st, 2010

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Remodel Delayed until Fall

By: Gracee Arthur

Good News for the children of Malibu! According to this week’s Malibu Surfside News (www.malibusurfsidenews.com) the Library facility will remain in its present location most likely through the end of August.  Malibu city officials just put out their request for contracting bids on the remodeling project, which has fallen behind schedule.

Events scheduled for the remainder of this month are: Summer Reading Club for all ages “Earn prizes by reading” ( sign-ups star June 21st); Summer Story Time (18mos.-5 yrs.)11:30 on the 22nd and 29th, Park Tales at the Bluffs Park on the 24th (18mos-5yrs) 11:30; Bubbles Galore Summer Reading Program (pre-6th) 1:00 PM; and Acoustic Matinee live music for all ages, the 26th, 1:00 PM.

The Summer Reading Program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays through July 29th. More information on the complete summer schedule can be found at www.colapublib.org or by phoning the Malibu Library at 310-456-6438. The library is located at 23519 Civic Center Way and the Bluffs Park at 24250 Pacific Coast Highway.

The Malibu Library is accepting donations for the “Malibu/Library Renewal Project” and is offering various forms of recognition for donors (see attached form).  For questions about the project phone 310-456-2489 Ext 335

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 18th, 2010

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Sunday Brunch

By: Gracee Arthur

A couple of Sundays ago I spent an enjoyable morning at the new Malibu Farmers Market with my friends Hans and Mary Lou. We explored all the vendors’ wares, stuffed our bags full of goodies and then headed to brunch at the charming Terra Restaurant. Our appetites whetted by all our delicious market finds, we were quite hungry when we arrived at Terra located at 213337 Pacific Coast Highway adjacent to the old Malibu court house.

Terra, which just recently started serving Sunday Brunch, is the creation of David Price who is also the chef. Terra offers locally grown organic fruits and vegetables, many from their own garden. They also serve wild or organically farmed sea food, free-range chicken and natural beef. Sunday Brunch is prepared by the restaurant’s Garmanger Danielle Larson.

We arrived around 11 AM and were greeted, as if old friends, by General manager Charlotte Robinson who promptly seated us and told us about Terra’s specialty Eggs Benedict.  Our server Jeff was delightful and immediately pointed out the “Free Flowing Mimosas” on the beverage list.  They also serve a spicy Bloody Mary and wine from their regular wine list. Mary Lou couldn’t resist the Mimosa and Hans chose the “Jillian’s Spicy Bloody Mary” hoping to also get a few tastes of that great “Free Flowing Mimosa” from Mary Lou!

I still had work to do so I stuck with a tasty Pinot Grigio. The reasonably priced menu has some terrific choices such as Crab Benedict, Eggs Florentine, and the English breakfast for the discerning egg eater, as well as salads, including a Caesar with smoked trout, sandwiches such as a Lamb Burger with cucumber-dill yogurt sauce, several pasta choices and an organic Irish King Salmon.

Mary Lou feasted on the fabulous Lamb Burger which came with mixed green salad, avocado and coleslaw and Hans had the Crab Benedict each of which was deemed to be supreme! I enjoyed the Ham and Gouda sandwich (have not had a ham sandwich since I was in Paris) tres magnifique!  The service was great, the room charming old California, with a splash of contemporary in the bar area; the perfect compliment to a terrific Sunday in Malibu.

Sunday Brunch is served from 11AM-2:30 PM phone 310 456-1221 for reservations. Terra also serves dinner Tuesday –Sunday 5PM-10PM.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 14th, 2010

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Cornucopia Foundation

By: Gracee Arthur

Last Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit the recently revived Malibu Farmers Market located in Malibu’s Civic Center presented by the Cornucopia Foundation.  Cornucopia founder Debra Bianco and Vice President Remy O’Neil persisted against various roadblocks set by the City and County to reestablish the organic market in Malibu, only to almost lose to a last minute applicant in 2009.  “All’s well that ends well,” as they say and this fabulous market was well worth the wait!

The market is truly a feast for the senses, each stand possessing not only aesthetic appeal but appetite whetting powers!  My first purchase was fantastic Afghan soft pita style bread stuffed with spinach and spices (yummy), then a stop at a Greek vendor sampling delicious dips and purchasing fabulous garlic baked pita chips. The produce stands had so many fabulous choices I made several trips through the market to choose my selections of fruits and veggies.  I ended up with some fantastic apricots, white nectarines and tangy blueberries, as well as the best broccoli I have ever tasted! I also indulged in a delicious homemade apricot/almond scone. I was very tempted by some of the beautiful, well priced floral bouquets but hesitated since my cat Minnie seems to find some flowers a dining opportunity!

The best thing about this market, which includes vendors like Rockenwagner (magnificent bakery) and food vendors such as Malibu Pies, is that it is truly an organic farmers market not a swap meet. I look forward to stopping by every weekend and stocking up on produce and the occasional but necessary indulgent sweet (great chocolate vendor). The Malibu Farmers market is a great way to start your Sunday!

Malibu Farmers Market 23519 Civic Center Way Malibu Sundays 10-3.

www.malibucopia.com www.malibufarmersmarket.net

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 10th, 2010

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Safety on the Pacific Coast Highway

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu is a community of approximately 13,000 people but the number often swells upwards to numbers like 400,000 and even more in the summer  (as it did this past Memorial Day weekend).  The main access through Malibu is the dangerous Pacific Coast Highway and the three canyon roads leading to it ; Topanga Canyon, Malibu Canyon and Kanan Road. There have been some horrendous accidents on the PCH through the years and this year there were 3 highway deaths in a period of 3 weeks between March and April ;culminating in the death of 13 year old Emily Shane over Easter weekend.

“We are mad as hell and we won’t take it anymore.”  Thursday , May 27th,  a grassroots group of Malibu residents had its first press conference at the Zuma Beach parking lot.  The group named ASPCH (A Safe Pacific Coast Highway)  was addressed by Maria Flora Smoller, one of the group’s founders.  Among the speakers was Michael Shane whose daughter Emily was struck by a car on the highway. Teri Love, whose son Tyler and his best friend Keith Naylor were also struck and killed by a car (making a illegal u-turn) on the highway, also spoke at the event which was attended by 3 members of the City Council, more than a dozen uniformed officers and members of the Malibu Public Safety Commission.

The Community, enraged by the needless loss of life and frustrated by Caltrans slow response to making safety improvements, is calling on the City Council to return the CHP enforcement officers to the dangerous highway. Traffic Sergeant Phil Brooks of the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station discussed the increased patrols, DUI checkpoints, additional decoy cars and patrols which that are in place for the summer.  The additional services are being funded by grant money received after the recent fatalities on the highway

More information on this meeting and those that preceded it may be found at www.malibutimes.com

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

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Posted by Gracee Arthur on June 4th, 2010

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Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci directed by Taylor Hackford

By: Gracee Arthur

In March of 2008 my friends Marty and Campbell Katz invited me to join them for a week in Albuquerque New Mexico. Marty was one of the producers (along with director Taylor Hackford) of the soon to be released “Love Ranch” (click for sneak preview) which was filming there. Albuquerque has become kind of a desert Hollywood with many of today’s hottest films being shot there.

I had a great time since I got to sit in a smoked filled stadium screaming and yelling (and looking totally ‘70s tacky) watching a hot Latin star Sergio Peris –Mancheta get pummled by his equally buff opponent (Bo Brown)! It was so exciting to watch Joe and Helen interact in the scene.  They have always been two of my most admired actors and Taylor is such a brilliant director. I am very excited about seeing the movie next month!

The story is based on a real life melodrama lived by Joe Conforte, owner of the Mustang Ranch in Nevada. The Love Ranch is a Nevada house of prostitution and Helen Mirren is the Madame (a queen of a different sort), Joe Pesci is her husband and owner of the establishment. The original screenplay is written by Mark Jacobson. The costume design by Melissa Brunning (who has been mentioned as a possible awards nominee) is so authentic ‘70’s  you wonder what were we thinking back then???

The film is getting terrific buzz in Hollywood and is scheduled to open in Los Angeles on June 30th.  Here are links to a preview of the film and the awesome poster for your pleasure. Also I suggest you all Google that interesting muse Joe Conforte and his wife Sally to get a feel for the period. Helen Mirren plus Joe Pesci plus Taylor Hackford = Academy Award nominations in my math book!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on May 27th, 2010

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“We support our local artists” Louie Torres

By: Gracee Arthur

I was planning on hanging a painting over my fireplace and was in need of some clips for the “invisible wires” on which the painting would hang. My art installer Erik Van Light suggested I pay a visit to his friend Louie at the Malibu Gallery to purchase clips for the painting. When I arrived at the gallery, Louie already had some clips put aside for me and although he did not normally sell them( since he used them for his own art display), he was kind enough to sell me a couple. As it turned out, I decided not to hang the painting, but discovering Louie and his great Gallery was true serendipity!

The Malibu Gallery opened in 1981. Louie Torres has been framing fine art there since 1993. Louie also is a big supporter of the local art scene and his gallery is a candy store of fine art by local artists. Faye Singer, Gay Summer Rick, Ron Hall, Nancy Faoro, Brighton Smith, Oralee Kewitt, and John Hildebrand among others. The colorful display makes the gallery a destination location for lovers of fine art. There is even an amazing decorative surf board!

The Malibu Gallery located at 22625 Pacific Coast Highway also carries a large selection of custom frames made of metal, leather, gold leaf and other fine materials, as well as a great selection of ready made frames. Another treat are the Barry Balin Malibu Archive prints and posters which would look terrific in any beach house. Among the services provided by Louie are pick up and delivery of your art for framing and installation of the art at your home or office.

www.malibugallery.com 310-456-5393

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

• Gracee Arthur
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Posted by Gracee Arthur on May 21st, 2010

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