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  • Recipe of the Month- The BEST Cheeseball

    Last year for our neighborhood's Halloween Block Party we, and by “we”, we mean Amanda, made a cheese ball that was shaped into a severed foot- we love on theme party snacks! It was a big hit, with many requesting the recipe. This cheese ball has great flavor and whips up in minutes, making it a great option for all the holiday parties that are just around the corner. INGREDIENTS 16 oz Cream Cheese, softened 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded. Do NOT use pre-shredded cheese! 2 Green Onions, chopped 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce 1 Teaspoon Hot Pepper Sauce 1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley  1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano Dash of Black Pepper 2/3 Cups Pecans, finely chopped *optional DIRECTIONS 1.Beat Cream Cheese until smooth. Add everything but the pecans and mix well. 2. Gather mixture into a ball using a spatula.  3. Roll  ball in chopped Pecans. You may need to push some into the ball for full coverage. 4. Cover Cheeseball and allow it to firm in fridge for at least 1 hour.  5. Serve with crackers, and if you're feeling extra, your favorite charcuterie meats and accutroments, and enjoy! This recipe originally comes from the blog Tastes Better From Scratch, you can view their copy here . Want to get fancy with your cheeseball and decorate it? Simply shape the cheese chunk into your desired shape and let it firm in the fridge. Take additional softened cream cheese and beat it, adding a little bit of milk until it reaches a consistency that is easy to spread. Add any necessary food coloring, then let your imagination go wild! Themed Cheeseballs Parties where the food matches the theme are just better, it's a proven fact. Amanda once turned a cheeseball into a football for a Superbowl party, complete with green "grass" piped out of cake tip. Decorative cheeseballs are a fun and easy way to impress guests and kick a party up a notch or two. Let your imagination run wild! But here are some fun ideas to get the inspiration flowing: How to make the Igloo cheeseball with penguins How to make a turkey cheeseball for Thanksgiving How to make a pumpkin cheeseball. Another variation How to make a Christmas tree cheeseball. Or an ornament cheeseball Step up your Superbowl party with this cheeseball Have fun, and let us know what you turn your cheeseball into! Brought to you by:   Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com

  • Fall Festivities

    It’s time for pumpkin spice, and and everything nice! While the weather may not have received the memo quite yet, fall is upon us, and that means pumpkin patches and haunted houses! Here are our top picks to put you in the fall mood: PUMPKIN PATCHES Bennett’s Best Pumpkin Patches - on the corner of Agoura & Kanan and a 2nd location in the parking lot at DIY. Each patch offers free popcorn to patrons, and snacks and drinks are only $1. An $8 wristband gives you unlimited goes on the inflatables, making these patches easily the most affordable. Hours are Mon-Thurs 10am to 8pm, Fri-Sat 9am to 9pm, and Sun 10am to 8pm.  Lombard St. and Hodencamp - several inflatables and several simple carnival rides make this patch ideal for younger kiddos. Instagramable photo ops abound, making this patch a great place to visit and document the experience!  Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest - With themed weekends complete with activities and of course pumpkin picking, there’s something for everyone here. $26 per person,  children  under 2  are free. 11am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays through October 29th. EVENTS Nights of the Jack at King Gillette Ranch, now through November 2nd. Buy tickets in advance online. Reign of Terror Haunted House  is at Janss Marketplace. Pricing and times vary,  now through November 2nd.  Santa Paula Ghostwalks  run Oct. 11th-27th on weekend nights. Pricing and times vary, so it’s best to purchase ahead. Boo at the Zoo Oct. 19-20th & 26-27th from 11am to 4:30pm at Moorpark College. Prices range from free to $12, depending on age. October 18th - St.Paschal Baylon Conejo Fall Fest in TO. 18th, 19th, and 20th. Hours vary, admission & parking is free! October 19th - Harvest Festival at Stagecoach Inn from 1 to 4pm. Prices vary. - Archaeology Day at King Gillette Ranch. 9am-2pm. Fun for the whole family, free! - Halloween Haunted Trail at the TO Community Center. Sells out, buy tickets ASAP! October 20th - Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair on Moorpark Road. 9am to 4pm. Free admission!  - Calabasas Pumpkin Festival at De Anza Park. 10am to 5pm. $10 online, $15 at door. October 25th - Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Festival at Malibu Bluffs Park. 2-7pm. $10 per kid October 26th - Kids Fun Zone at Janss 12-2pm. Free! Character Dress-up fun.  - Downtown Ventura Costume Contest and Trick or Treating 3-7pm.  October 31st - Halloween Carnival at Oak Park Community Center 4-7pm. Pisces Street Block Party! Starts at 5:15. Bring a treat to share and mingle  with  neighbors  while  the kids trick or treat. Want to hand out candy but don’t live close? Feel free to bring a chair and hand out candy from the sidewalk. These streets receive a lot of trick or treaters. We’ll see you all there! Brought to you by:   Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com

  • Restaurant of the Month- Malibu Boba

    Rejoice, boba tea lovers, Agoura officially has its own boba spot! Malibu Boba opened its doors this past July 15th, and it has already quickly become a favorite of ours. Family owned and operated, Malibu Boba was brought to life when Chevelle Le Blanc and her two daughters noticed the need for a local boba joint. Together they drew up a concept and a menu, then made their dream a reality! With its clean, laybacked island-esque vibe, Malibu Boba is the perfect spot to meet up with friends for a casual afternoon chat sesh, and it is sure to become the new go-to after school spot for the local high schoolers. It features indoor and outdoor seating, ensuring there is plenty of space for all. Malibu Boba has an array of offerings. They carry milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, matcha, green teas, black teas, and coffees... honestly, the possibilities are endless, and all are delicious! You can view the full menu here on their website. They also sell enticing chocolate chip cookies by Lily’s Baked Goods. Malibu Boba is located at 5013 Kanan Rd (behind IHOP) and is open: Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 7 pm Friday & Saturday 11:30 am to 8pm.  You can visit their Instagram by clicking here . Brought to you by:   Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com

  • Realtor Q & A: Proposition 19

    QUESTION: WHAT IS PROPOSITION 19, AND DO I QUALIFY FOR IT? ANSWER: Proposition 19 allows qualified homeowners to transfer their existing tax base to a new residence. Here's who qualifies: Individuals 55+ or older at time of sale. They may do this up to 3 times. Homeowners who are severely and permanently disabled. They too are able to do this up to 3 times. Qualifying victims of wildfire or other natural disasters. Property must have sustained more than 50% damage, and you are allowed a new replacement up to once per disaster. Proposition 19 even extends to those who inherit property from a parent or grandparent, providing the home is used as a primary residence. "The replacement property can be located anywhere in California, and the market value of the replacement property is not limited. However, any amount that the replacement property's market value exceeds the original property's market value is added to the transferred value." Last month we helped a senior client relocate from her single family home in West Hills to a 55+ community in northern California to be closer to family. Utilizing Prop 19 saved her thousands of dollars, and made this big life transition just a little bit easier on her.  Every penny counts when making a move, especially a major one like this! Some stipulations do apply to Prop 19. If you have any questions regarding it, or any other real estate related questions, we’d love to chat with you! Give us a call at 818-590-4246.  Here is information from the California State Board of Equalization regarding Proposition 19. Brought to you by:   Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • We Need to Talk About the Fountainwood Signs

    First impressions matter, and those impressions can begin long before someone arrives at your home. Since the 1970s the “Fountainwood” entrance signs have greeted residents and beckoned passerby’s to our neighborhood. Over the years patchwork and paint have kept them looking sharp, but time is a formidable foe, and they are now in need of extensive repair. But whose responsibility are they? The builders of Fountainwood installed our entrance signs, but left the ongoing maintenance to be cared for by who, exactly? The city of Agoura Hills is not responsible for these signs, and while the walls technically belong to the homeowners of the lots in which they sit, it seems absurd to expect these few individuals to foot the bill and responsibility of something that represents us all. So. What is a community to do when common areas need repair? Fountainwood Homeowners Association Started over 35 years ago, the Fountainwood Homeowners Association (FHA) is a registered non-profit group of volunteer neighbors who in the past collected a yearly donation from participating households and then used those funds to maintain the Fountainwood signs and area around them. Left over money was either saved for the next repair, or used for a neighborhood picnic. Over the years many members have moved away, or entered retirement years. Today just a handful remain, and it has been quite some time since they last collected dues. Only $1,500 remains in the account, which will hardly be enough to cover these much needed repairs. Recently, a member of FHA applied for a grant from the city with hopes this could be the answer to our sign woes. Unfortunately that proposal was rejected, which leads us to this article, and our hopeful solution.  This is an up close look at just some of the damage found on the Laro Drive wall. This entrance is a main hub for visitors to our neighborhood, as it provides direct access to Sumac Park, and is the most direct entrance to Sumac Elementary school. It also sits directly across the street from another neighborhood entrance wall... Bids & Donations  While we are not members, the FHA has reached out to us in hopes we can help promote their cause. They are in the process of receiving bids from contractors; with prices ranging from the $5,600 range for patchwork and basic repair, to $44,000 for an extensive rehaul of the walls' structure. The bids they currently have in hand are available for you to view at the bottom of this article. To afford this project, they are once again collecting donations from all willing residents. They ask households to donate whatever amount they feel comfortable contributing. Every dollar helps and will go directly into restoring the signs. With all our 702 homes banding together, we can easily achieve this goal!  How to Donate Zelle: Use the email info@fountainwoodhoa.org to electronically submit your donation. You can also send check or money orders to: Fountainwood Homeowners Association  PO Box 338  Agoura Hills, CA 91301 For questions about the project, or if you’d like to get involved with the FHA, you can email them at info@fountainwoodhoa.org or call/text Suresh at 818-636-6686. We are not involved with the details of this project, we are simply the messenger, so it will be best to contact them. The current members of the FHA are eager to welcome the next generation of proactive neighbors into the association. If you are interested in getting involved, they would love to hear from you! Thank you to the FHA for spearheading this effort, we appreciate the work you are doing to beautify our neighborhood! Want to review the Fountainwood CC & R's? Click here . These were found on the city's website and may not be a comprehensive list. Bids The third bid was received by us after the newsletter had been printed, hence why it was not mentioned. Bid # 1 __________________________________________________________________________________ Bid # 2 __________________________________________________________________________________ Bid # 3 Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Yard of the Month

    Feel the zen as you gaze upon our yard of the month!  It's amazing the power a well-designed yard can have over our emotions, and this yard is no exception. Purposefully landscaped to exude peace and tranquility, this yard truly has the power to transport you and has long been a favorite of ours. It was important to homeowners Warren and Guyla Glennemeier that their home be a place of harmony. A true mix of yin and yang, the clean lines and sharp edges of the home and hardscape evoke a sense of strength and structure, while gardens lush with vibrant shades of green and subtle pops of color emanate a sense of nature's own unyielding power. Balance is often a fine line, but this yard manages to tip toe it beautifully. Lining the home and juxtaposed against it's smooth, grey stucco walls, grows a menagerie of plants and flowers. Man Ferns and Birds of Paradise grow tall, creating a wild, jungle like aura, while Spider Plants, Coleus, African Iris, Texas Sage, Ivy, and Begonias compliment the look, their various heights providing depth. As you walk along the path to the front door a serene trickle of water can be heard, its source nearly hidden by the dense fauna. Pygmy Palms stretch along the courtyard wall, while a singular Silver Birch grows tall and proud in the very front of the yard. We mentioned the use of clean lines before, and we would be remiss to not elaborate. Viewing the entirety of the home you will see this aesthetic repeated, most notably on the mailbox, driveway, garage door, side gate, and front door. Even the crisp concrete edges of the retaining wall and walkway stairs add to the cohesiveness. Truly, no detail was overlooked in the design of this home! Thank you to the Glennemeier's for allowing us to feature your stunning home! Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Realtor Q & A: What Repairs Do I Need to Make Before I Sell My Home?

    Question: What Repairs Do I Need to Make Before I Sell My Home? Answer: None! That being said, addressing certain issues can help your home sell faster and at a better price. Focus on repairs that buyers might see as red flags; things like fixing leaks, addressing structural problems, or repairing broken fixtures. Even small fixes, such as patching holes in walls or painting the front door, can drastically improve your home’s appeal. While making some repairs can help your home sell faster and at a better price, there’s also a strong market for homes that are complete fixers or simply in need of a little TLC. We have seen many people undervalue their home due to it "needing work", and they are often shocked when they learn the actual market value. We take an individualized approach to each sale and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you are thinking about making a move and are curious how to get the most "bang for your buck", give us a call. Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Restaurant of the Month- Sunrose California Eatery

    If brunch is your favorite meal of the day, you MUST visit the newest restaurant in Whizin Market Square, Sunrose California Eatery. This eatery has it all- good vibes, good eats, and an extensive drink menu. As you enter, the decor sets the tone straight away. Clean lines and warm, minimalistic,  touches create a cozy and inviting  atmosphere. Savor a Matcha Latte and a book while curled up on a couch in the “coffee house” nook,  meet up with friends at the bar for lunch cocktails, or take the family out for a casual Saturday morning brunch. Whatever your dining need may be, Sunrose has a vibe for that! Just as tasty as it is trendy, much of the menu is made fresh in-house daily, including their pastries and dressings. However, their unique touches to common dishes is what really sets them apart from other establishments. Take their breakfast sandwich, for instance (one of our favorites!). The addition of garlic aioli and avocado takes your basic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich and elevates it to a new level. You’ll find every dish on the menu has been given these tasty little twists. Trust us, one bite and you’ll want to try everything on the menu! Sunrose is located at 5046 Cornell Road and is open daily. Market and Cafe hours are 7 am to 3pm and Restaurant and Bar hours are 8 am to 3 pm. For more information and to view their menu, visit their website here. Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Protect Your Home From Fire, Apply to the Agoura Hills Home Hardening Grant Program

    The city of Agoura Hills is offering a one-time $1,000 grant to incentivize home owners to participate in the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCD) Home Ignition Zone Evaluation Program (HIZEP). Before applying to receive a grant, homeowners must first complete the HIZEP. Once awarded a grant, those funds must then be used to address issues that came up in the evaluation. The program will run for as long as there are available funds, and it is on a first come, first served basis, so don't delay and apply today! The following information comes straight from The City of Agoura Hills Website. Click on this link if you wish to read the information straight from the source. We always write these stories using our own words, but given the specifics of this topic, we thought it best to directly quote the source material. Per the City of Agoura Hills Website: Grant Eligibility: You must be the legal property owner on record Property is located within the City limits Must have participated in the RCD's HIZEP and received a report Be in compliance with all applicable health, building, zoning, subdivision, licensing history preservation, environmental, planning and land use laws, and regulations Be currant on all taxes and fees owed to the City of Agoura Hills Have no liens connected to the property The Requirements to Participate in the Grant Program: Participation in the RCD's HIZEP Possession of a RCD HIZEP report An estimate of either a home hardening technology/product installation or service Completion of the City of Agoura Hills Home Hardening Wildfire Resiliency Incentive Grant Application Execute the City of Agoura Hills Home Hardening Wildfire Resiliency Incentive Grant Program Grant Agreement Grant agreements will require the property owner to keep and maintain the home hardening technology for five years from the City's grant agreement termination period, June 30, 2025 *Grant applicants may not begin identified improvement or technology installation until a notice to proceed is given by the City. The Home Hardening Technologies the City Grant Program Will Allow Are: Home Hardening Technologies- Fire Resistant Vents Rain Gutter Covers Plant Removal (Fire ignitable vegetation) Home Hardening Technologies- Fire Wise Landscape Plant Materials Home Hardening Services- Fire Wise Landscape Design Services Home Hardening Services- Fire Wise Landscape Installation (MUST be installed by a professional) Fence Replacement (Noncombustible materials) How To Apply: Complete and submit the City of Agoura Hills Home Hardening Wildfire Resiliency Incentive Grant Application Possess and submit a RCD HIZEP report with your grant application Present with your application documentation showing an estimate of either a home hardening technology/product installation or service application. Click on this link to see how to submit the application and documents to the city. When will I receive my grant? Grants will be provided on a reimbursement basis after all documents and agreements are fully executed, and the home hardening technology installation or service has been verified. Again, funding for this program is limited. Once the money is gone, it is gone. So if this program is of interest to you, don't hesitate to start the process! Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Business of the Month

    Do you love summer? Do you hate mosquitos? Do you wish you could enjoy your summer nights minus the presence of said mosquitos? Well read on then, friend! Our Fountainwood neighbors Gali and Celine are on a mission to make our neighborhood a mosquito free zone, one stick of Frank's Skeeter Sticks incense at a time. There are few things Gali loves more in this world than spending warm summer evenings outside with her family. There's just one problem: mosquitos. Those little terrors sure do know how to ruin an evening, you don't need us to tell you how bad they can get here. In an effort to reclaim her yard, Gali gave all the "get rid of mosquitos" hacks a go, and she found the only thing that seemed to keep them at bay was smoke. And with that, an idea and a dream was born. Teaming up with Celine, these friends and neighbors got to work and created Frank's Skeeter Sticks, the all-natural way to defend your yard and body from skeeter attacks! Frank's Skeeter Sticks are DEET-free and are infused with potent essential oils that are known mosquito repellants. Oils such as Rosemary, Peppermint, Citronella, and Lemongrass are used to deter these little homewreckers. Bonus: they smell great, too. Each extra large stick can burn for up to 8 hours and creates a 12 foot radius of skeeter free safety for you and your family. Interested? Visit FranksSkeeterSticks.com to order! Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Up For Adoption- Oliver!

    Rollover, Beethoven ! Oliver needs a home! Topping the scales at nearly 130 lbs, this big boi is everything you'd expect a St. Bernard to be. There is nothing Oliver loves more than being loved on, and he is more than happy to return the favor with his furry snuggles. At 7 years old, Oliver just wants an owner who will let him live out his golden years in peace and quiet, with lots of cuddles. He did previously live with a cat, but would prefer to be the sole recipient of ALL your attention. He first arrived at the Center with some concerning medical issues that have since been addressed thanks to Healthcare For Homeless Animals . After being treated for skin and ear infections it was discovered that he had mild globulin elevation in his lab work. It is unclear if this was due to the infections, or is a possible chronic inflammation. The situation is being monitored, but it is considered a minor issue. Oliver, and many others, are waiting for you at the Agoura Animal Care Center . They are open 11am to 5pm Monday through Saturday. Brought to you by:  Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419  l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com   "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

  • Up For Adoption- Mr. Snuggles

    Are you ready for love to hop into your life? Snuggles, or Mr. Snuggles, if you're fancy, is an all black, male short haired rabbit who is ready to burrow his way straight into your heart. At just barely over a year old this young 'un has lots of years ahead of him and he'd like to spend them with you. There's no need to fear he'll live up to any rabbit stereotypes- he is neutered, so no grand bunnies in this lifetime! Snuggles has been patiently waiting at the Agoura Animal Care Center for nearly 2 months now. You can view his profile here. If you are interested in giving him, or any other resident, a forever home you can visit the facility Monday through Saturday from 11am to 5 pm. They are closed Sundays and Holidays. Brought to you by: Jessica Carter l DRE #01490419 l 818.590.4246 l JessicaCarterHomes@gmail.com www.JessicaCarterHomes.com "Your Fountainwood neighbor and local area specialist"

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