I stopped by the recently renovated Malibu library and got my library card this week. My goal was to take some pictures of the lovely new decor of ocean blues and greens which decorate the new seating areas and children’s reading section. There is a great surfing poster and terrific, comfortable new furnishings along with the computer stations for the new state of the art library. Unfortunately, the staff is a bit over zealous and since their supervisor was at lunch, they would not allow me to photograph the interior of the library! I guess that should make all Malibuites feel safe (at least from me photographing them) when they are using the library (something I strongly encourage).

Here are some terrific upcoming events to introduce your children to the joys of reading and spending time at the Malibu library:

On May 26th Jim Gamble and Puppet Productions present “Peter and the Wolf”. The target audience is children ages 3-10. The event takes place on Saturday May 26 at noon. “Peter and the Wolf ” was always one of my favorite stories when I was a child and it is always fun to introduce your children to classic tales.

On May 29th the Los Angeles Opera present “Opera Tales”. The presentation may be enjoyed by children and adults on Tuesday, May 29th beginning at 3:30.

The Library also presents story times for toddlers and preschoolers from May 1st through June 6. Toddler story times for one and 2 year olds is held on Tuesdays at 11AM with Preschool story times, ages 3-4, held on Wednesdays at 11 AM.

The Malibu Library is located at 23519 Civic Center Way 310 456-6438. www.colapublib.org Here is a link to the Library’s grand opening festivities: http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/04/30/video/1-lgomt050.txt

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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My friends Hans and Mary Lou had a lovely dinner party a couple of weeks ago at their new home above the beach at Point Dume. I sold them the property with a charming cottage on it back in 2002 and now we all got to celebrate its completion with a fabulous dinner and some good wine. My friend Jodi, who recently moved into the charming Hampton’s style home I found her on Broad Beach, was awed by the beautiful views from the eco-friendly contemporary craftsman; a true work of art. While enjoying our drinks and homemade humus I spotted a whale out in the ocean. Being near-sighted I got a confirmation from Hans.  Then we watched the show from the cozy comfort of the living room as we sipped some great Malbec and sampled our appetizers.

After dinner, we all headed to The Malibu Stage Company where “The Oldest Living Graduate” was having its  preview performance. The Malibu Stage Company is our terrific community theatre which stages 4 productions every year. The professional quality sets, costumes, direction, performances and musical scores are always impressive in the charming little theatre. This is an up close and personal house where refreshments are served and all profits go toward the productions. The building in which the theatre resides is on the market for sale and the hope is for the Company to be able to buy the theatre with the help of donations from the community.  Tickets are $25 each  ($15 for Seniors.) but series tickets are a true bargain at $90 for 4 plays. The wine and refreshments served also provide proceeds for the theatre.

The current production of the “Oldest Living Graduate” runs through May 20th and start times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 5 PM. The cast stars Howard Ferguson-Woitzman as the Graduate, with Tom Sean Foley as his son,  Collette Kilroy as his daughter-in-law, and a scene stealing performance by Katherine Everett.   Ferguson does a great job as the cranky, wheelchair bound Colonel  J.C. Kincade who is scheduled to receive an award as the oldest living graduate of the Mirebeau B Lamar Military Academy  class of 1906. The costumes and scenery are authentic 1960′s Texas which help (along with the music) to transport you back to that pre tech era. The play was written by Preston Jones and the original cast included Henry Fonda as the Colonel.  The play has a timeless concept in a retro setting and although a bit long, it is an entertaining piece.  I highly recommend  supporting our local theatre and businesses.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Malibu should be warm and sunny this weekend as it joins the world in celebrating Earth Day on Sunday, April 22nd.  The day begins with the grand opening and dedication of the new Malibu Library (11AM-3PM). All residents are invited to tour the eco-friendly LEED-designed library where there will be children’s activities, art projects, story time and more.

Malibu’s Legacy Park , which is conveniently located across from the Farmers Market, is having an Eco Fair from (12PM-3PM). The fair offers environmental education booths on various topics, including recycling, composting and water quality. There will be an educational hike and Hawaiian shaved iced to help you cool down.  The California Recycles Van will be at the Country Mart near K . Chocolatier, and will accept all electronic items, fluorescent light bulbs, DVDs, CDs , VHS tapes and large appliances (no household batteries). However, if you are near a Staples you may drop off your household batteries there for recycle.

The Malibu Country Mart Green Initiative is sponsoring an event in the new “green zone certified “grass play area. The dedication of the new zone is in collaboration with The Greenstation and takes place from 1PM- 1:30 PM. The speakers include Dan Mabe, President of the Greenstation, June Loupes, environmental advocate and author, Michael Koss Partner in the Mart and Julie Labin, Country Mart’s Director of Sustainability. The Country Mart offers fine and casual dining, gelato, and many terrific retail shops, as well as a terrific outdoor play area for children and pets. All venues are within walking distance of each other and the Malibu Village shopping center so it is a great day to car pool, park the car and spend the day in the fresh ocean air.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu is a beautiful spot to celebrate your spirit during the Easter and Passover rituals. There are a variety of restaurants serving Easter brunch , as well as several venues and caterers for those who wish to celebrate Passover without cooking the feast. Here are some of the terrific choices Malibu has to offer this year:

Passover , Saturday April 7

Rabbi Judith Halevy and Cantor Marcelo Gindlin celebrate the Malibu Synagogue’s 2nd Passover seder catered by Tarte Catering. Reservations only (4/2 deadline) Adults $45, Children under 14 $18. 310-456-2178

Easter , Sunday April 8

Kristy’s has a terrific Easter brunch menu this year featuring shrimp cocktail, applewood smoked bacon, a carving station serving, ham, lamb and prime rib of beef and a kids pizza bar and assorted desserts. Price is $64 for adults (includes champagne) and $32.00 for children. Reservations recommended. 310-457-2602 www.kristysmalibu.com

Other restaurants offering Easter fare are: Savory / Brunch and Early dinner www.savorymalibu.com Reservations recommended 310-589-8997

Beaurivage Restaurant 310-456-5733

Saddle Peak Lodge Brunch 10:30-3:00 three course prix fixe. Menu on web site www.saddlepeaklodge.com Reservations 818-222-3888

Happy Holidays and please drive safely!

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Margaritas and More!

By: Gracee Arthur

A couple of weeks ago Stephen (who posts my blogs and photos for me) and I were lucky enough to be lunch guests at the fabulous new Malibu restaurant “La Costa Mission”. Gustavo, the hard working manager, and one of the restaurants owners Tom, delighted us with  2 large delicious and potent Margaritas to prepare us for the feast to follow!  We began with a large bowl of crispy chips with salsa verde and tasty  fresh guacamole . The restaurant was very busy since it was Friday and they had just opened their bar where they serve 17 types of Margaritas! The wait staff is still getting its “sea legs” so we enjoyed our chips and ordered an appetizer “taquitos de pollo”. The taquitos were tasty with a great tomatillo salsa and not at all greasy. Then we ordered our main courses which we chose from the 14 entrees which are house specialties. I chose the Halibut en tomatillo which was so moist ,and delicious in a fabulous spicy sauce and Stephen had the Camerons (Florida pink shrimp) en verde mole which was outstanding. The menu is filled with tempting entrees like borrego en mole negra (rack of lamb) and cordonices en chileajo (grilled quail stuffed with ground beef and spicy red chileajo). The service was a bit chaotic but the beautiful old Spanish decor and great food was a fun way to start the weekend.

This Tuesday I returned (on my own dime) to introduce a friend of mine to La Costa Mission.  When We arrived around 6:30 the room was quiet with only a few people at the bar but within an hour the number of diners multiplied to fill the room (pretty impressive for Malibu on a Tuesday). The service is still a bit slow but friendly, Gustavo is hard at work coordinating his staff and the food was still a delight.  The Margaritas are still the best in Malibu, the chips crispy,  and the enchiladas we ordered yummy. Though there did not seem to be room for it, we order dessert anyway and managed to easily polished it off!  The pineapple upside down ginger cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberries was not too sweet but very gingery, which I love.

Executive chef Geno Bahena deserves applause for the terrific cuisine he has brought to Malibu.  I expect the dining experience at La Costa Mission will just keep getting better.  A bit of music would be a good addition but the menu is perfect.

Reservations recommended for the weekends 310-317-0110 21337 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu. For a complete menu go to www.lacostamission.com

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Coming soon to West Malibu!

By: Gracee Arthur

The original Trancas market opened in Malibu in 1953 to serve what was then a sparsely populated western Malibu neighborhood. By the year 2000 when Hows purchased the market, west Malibu was a thriving rural beach community.

Sadly for the community, Hows’ Trancas Market closed in 2011 leaving west Malibu at a loss not filled by the generic Point Dume Pavilions. Malibu is 27 miles long and with gas prices at a premium it is more important than ever to be able to shop locally in our various spread out neighborhoods. I now have the pleasure of introducing you to the Trancas Country Mart as designed by local architect Doug Burdge!

“Trancas Country Market will be the ultimate reflection of western Malibu’s unpretentious lifestyle, show- casing mostly local retail stores, an open-air commons, cafes, charming farm-to-table restaurants, along with the much loved local garden nursery. Set on a 17 acre natural sanctuary amongst century old sycamores groves and adjacent to one of the finest beaches in California, the design warmly re- flects the timeless country vision of Malibu. Each barn-style building will be clad in antique barn wood and rustic metal roofing, and will have working barn doors with pocket sliders, allowing for great inside-outside retail activity.”

The current roster of tenants are Starbuck’s (which is expanding), Sea Lily, Trancas Nursery, Postal Annex, and the dry cleaners. Leases are currently being negotiated with new tenants , including a market , as well as a new restaurant La Spiaggia from the owners of the popular Tra Di Noi. The center across from Broad Beach Road offers expanded parking, and is also within walking and biking distance of Zuma beach, Malibu West and Malibu Park. The architect and owners of the center have worked with the community to preserve local businesses and maintain the open rural environment of west Malibu. Projected finish is late 2012.

Click here to see more

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

By: Gracee Arthur

Good news for Scotty and Melly, two of the terrific cats featured in my recent blog on Spunky’s Rescue Ranch. The two calicos have found a home together and will be picked up by their new owner on Saturday. Elena, the 3 year old Norwegian Forest cat is still looking for a home, as are Decker, Elizabeth Taylor and Pandora and Rain. These beautiful creatures will make terrific additions to a loving home.

Here are their photos and bios:

Elena, a beautiful 3 year old Norwegian Forest cat is still waiting patiently for a home. Forest cats are loyal and a bit dog like. Decker, a 2 year old fully vetted Siamese bi-color (look at those blue eyes) loves being adored and is a laid back fellow. Decker prefers to be the only object of adoration at home. Elizabeth Taylor, a 3 year old Maine Coon, is a diva lap cat, who prefers undivided attention and loves to be groomed. Pandora, 1 year, is a medium-haired, fully vetted female. She is playful and full of life and fun. Then there is Rain who was saved from the shelter last year and had to have some surgery on her injured tail. She is about 1 year, playful, sweet and loves people and other cats.

Spunky’s, located at 33173 Mulholland Hwy in Malibu, is a fun place to visit and spend time playing with the cats and kittens available for adoption. The adoption process is simple with only a basic form to fill out. The only criteria is to agree to return the cat or kitten if it is not a good fit for your family. There may be a small fee depending on what shots etc. Spunky’s paid for prior to adoption. Medical and shelter records are also shared when available. Appointments are recommended since MaryDee has a vocation 916-253-3606/916-704-6057 or email mdrickards@aol.com.  Mary Dee could also use some volunteers to just pet and give love to all her feline tenants.

[Show as slideshow]

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

By: Gracee Arthur

Scotty

All my pets have been adopted from rescue organizations. Currently I am owned by Minnie a 6 year old Tabby/ Bengal mix and baby Harry, a Maine Coon. When my cat William passed away at age 16, I decided to rescue another cat so Minnie would have a friend. I discovered a site called Petfinder which led me to Spunky’s Rescue Ranch in Malibu.

Melly

Spunky’s has a fabulous set up with a kitten room, cat house and confined outdoor area for play. MaryDee rescues cats from various situations, including kill shelters , which is where Harry was found on his way to death row. Many of the cats have been spayed or neutered or come with certificates for such and also have been dewormed, flea treated and given some shots. The current crop of critters includes purebreds, as well as mix and match beauties like the ones pictured here.

Elena

Spunky’s , located at 33173 Mulholland Hwy in Malibu, is a fun place to visit and spend time playing with the cats and kittens available for adoption. The adoption process is simple with only a basic form to fill out. The only criteria is to agree to return the cat or kitten if it is not a good fit for your family. There may be a small fee depending on what shots, etc. Spunky’s has paid for prior to adoption. Medical and shelter records are also shared when available. Appointments are recommended since MaryDee has a vocation 916-253-3606/916-704-6057 or email mdrickards@aol.com. Mary Dee could also use some volunteers to just pet and give love to all her feline tenants.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu has seen its worst real estate market in history this past few years. The recent market downturn makes the early to mid 1990s look like a dream market. I know since I have been selling real estate in this popular beach town since 1991.

The silver lining in the current downturn is Malibu is now more affordable for buyers and unlike past difficult markets, the interest rates are at record lows!

The most noticeable improvement in recent months has been the sale of properties in the $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 price range, as well some condo sales over $1,000,000. This segment of the market has been slow to heat up  because it is a move up and second home market. The large institutional lenders have been very slow to get back into the normal routine of jumbo mortgages which has also held this market segment back. The Malibu market usually goes down a bit later and up a bit later than most Los Angeles area real estate markets. We were still strong through mid 2006 and just in the last few months have begun to pick up some steam. The lenders, although still difficult, are now more willing to participate in financing jumbo loans.

So if you have been waiting to buy Malibu, this may be your best chance to purchase a home for a great price while still getting the best interest rates ever!

There are some wonderful homes (standard sales) offered in Malibu on both the beach and landside of town. The center and east end of Malibu has some great new restaurants under construction, as well two recently remodeled shopping centers and the relative newcomer The Lumber Yard with Cafe Habana and great boutiques. The west end of Malibu has a new market under construction at Trancas where a new restaurant is also expected near the existing Starbucks. The air is fresh, outdoor activities abound and the local schools are good. So if you have been out there window shopping Malibu, this is a good time to actually purchase your vacation home or relocate full time to the ‘Bu.

www.graceearthur.com www.31240abailardroad.com

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts

By: Gracee Arthur

Nature is the world’s only true artist. Malibu in autumn and winter is natures perfect canvas. Courtesy of my high resolution iPhone camera and the fabulous vistas from my mid-century ocean view dwelling I present to you a bit of life’s beauty:

[Show as slideshow]

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

Website - More Posts