Cal Pet helps pet owners honor the passing of beloved companions.

Life without our furry, little (or big) companions is difficult to imagine. As they effortlessly assume roles such as protector, provider and loyal friend, they become a special part of the family. Therefore, the passing of such an integral member of the family should be handled with nothing less than a tremendous amount of love, care and understanding.

For over sixty years, Cal Pet Crematory, a family-owned and operated business, has helped pet owners by providing support and services following the loss of a beloved pet. When Al Carveth and his wife Lela started Cal Pet Crematory in 1947, they, understanding the special place that our dear friends have and our unfailing love and goal to always keep their best interest at heart, wanted to provide a “dignified farewell” appropriately honoring the loss of their own beloved pets that had become like children to them with the same level of care that any member of the family would receive. Continuing with the same sentiment since 1991, Mark Stine, along with partner Paul, brother Jim, sister Linda and her husband John, as well as their two sons Craig and Brian, provide the same level of compassion, understanding and care as his uncle did over sixty years ago. Completing the knowledgeable and supportive staff are brothers Fred and Paul Caines along with brother-in-law Will Hemphill, Gelsa Paladino.

Services at Cal Pet are offered for dogs and cats of all sizes, as well as rabbits, birds and other pets. Arrangements can be made personally or through animal hospitals, clinics and other veterinary facilities. Complimentary pick-up is available from many veterinarians and animal hospitals in addition to home pick-ups for a minimal charge. All cremations are individually scheduled and pet owners are provided the opportunity to be present. Cremains are returned in a complimentary urn, or a personally selected decorative urn or memorial stone from Cal Pet’s catalogue. Cremains may be personally retrieved or returned to your veterinarian. Special requests for remains to be scattered are also accommodated.

Cal Pet Crematory is located at 9595 Glenoaks Blvd. in Sun Valley. They can be reached by phone at (818) 983-2313 or (323) 875-0633. Cal Pet is open Monday through Friday from 8am- 4pm and Saturdays from 8-11am. For more information, visit www.calpet.com.

The team at Coldwell Banker. L-R: Lena Ohanessian, Sandra Cusick, Barry Dantagnan, and Angie Simpson.

A tumultuous economy whose ups and downs were most heavily felt within the real estate market left many wondering if it would ever recover. Buyers concerned about restrictions in lending and sellers concerned with declining market values and buyer interest. Fortunately both sides can take comfort in knowing that our local market is stabilizing.

Though improvements in the real estate market provide hope for both sides, it doesn’t change the fact that the expertise of the agents involved remains an essential component of the process. When working with a Coldwell Banker agent buyers/sellers are getting a realtor that not only knows the market thoroughly thanks to on-going seminars, training and certification but also knows how to exceed client expectations.

Coldwell’s unsurpassed Team Burbank/Toluca Lake agents include: Southern California native and long time Burbank homeowner, Sandra Cusick (sandracus@yahoo.com – 818 489-8861) specializes in sales in the Media District (areas closely surrounding studios such and Warner Brothers, Disney and NBC) as well as the Rancho area. Barry Dantagnan (callbarrynow@aol.com – 818-314-2988), also a native of Southern California who has lived in Burbank thirty years, oversees home sales in the Magnolia Park area and Toluca Woods East. Lena Ohanessian (lena.ohanessian@gmail.com- 818-403-LENA [5362]), who has grown up in the San Fernando Valley, manages both single family and condominium listings in Toluca Lake and Toluca Woods West. Angie Simpson (agsimca@earthlink.net – 818 795-5590), Southern California resident for over twenty five years covers the Burbank Foothills and above.

Each rooted in the communities in which they serve brings exceptional knowledge of navigating the market to meet their client’s needs. No longer just a “buyer’s market” those interested in selling their home should take comfort in the stabilization of the market. Sandra Cusick’s listing on Orchard Dr. proves that multiple offers are still occurring. The three bedroom two bath home approx 1500 square feet listed at $574,900 received four offers within a few weeks and is currently in escrow above the asking price. Working with in-house lenders such as Bruce Nangle of First Capital Mortgage (818-528-3033) offering favorable interest rates as low as 4.25 to 4.35% APR and 4.5%/4.72 APR to $729,000 for thirty year fixed mortgages, sellers are getting offers and buyers are getting homes. Team Burbank/Toluca Lake are the agents to call for all your realty needs. For more information on the buying or selling process contact any one of the agents listed above.

Bruce Nangle at First Capital is a direct lender but also can broker to other lenders allowing clients more options.

Brand New Upscale, Luxury Condos - Toluca Lake’s Whipple Gardens.

Anyone who has purchased a home, or is just beginning the quest to find the right home knows that it is a rite of passage that can only be achieved under the guidance of the right realtor.

Deciding on the type of home to purchase, be it a single family versus a townhouse or condominium, is one of the biggest factors to consider before buying a home. Often what makes this decision so difficult is what clients are willing to sacrifice—square footage, ambience, and location. Though each component is important, prospective buyers usually find themselves feeling as if the only way toward homeownership is through compromise.

But what if it is possible to have it all? Under the guidance of Tammy Jerome, Coldwell Banker’s top 1% nationwide, it is more than possible, it is reality!

For over twenty years, Tammy has continued to redefine the art of realty. Her commitment to every client’s needs has enabled her to unite homebuyers with homes in a way that makes them feel that the property purchased was custom built just for their wants and needs. With a wealth of homes she represents, Tammy’s most recent listing on Whipple Street, where Studio City, Toluca Lake and Universal City meet, is a brand new building featuring 31 condominiums embodying the true meaning of home.

Stepping into an atrium comprised of beautiful stonework reminiscent of Rome, each condo envelopes prospective buyers with a sense of upscale comfort. The quality of materials rises far above any that is currently available in the area. Impeccable architectural details include crown moldings, custom bronze and brushed nickel… and that is only the beginning. Special attention to details such as curvature of entry arches and round walls, gorgeous hardwood and stone floors, granite and travertine throughout, and mainly: phenomenal floor plans and room placement, adding to the million dollar views from upper units, will leave anyone speechless. Even those opposed to condos will certainly want to reconsider as these units are filled with attention to details that buyers love.

Open houses for these new construction condos are weekends (1-4 p.m.) and on weekdays. For more information on Tammy’s listings visit her website at www.tammyjerome.com. She’s always available to help sellers and prospective buyers at any stage of buying or selling, with sound and experienced advice. Tammy can be reached at (818) 509-1610 or via email at tammyjerome@msn.com.

Casting director Bill Dance.

Imagine the heights to which our success would soar if we could tap into the unbridled passion that exists within us. Our productivity would be endless. Our level of living, thinking and doing limitless. Inhibitions preventing us from seizing opportunities and squandering time would diminish. Fear that used to conquer would be repressed and what would be left in its place would be universal passion yielding talents differing with the individual. But how could we tap into such life changing zeal? How do we surrender the plethora of inhibitions that swallows us in fear that results in regrets and missed opportunities? The answer lies in one inspiring seminar, led by seasoned industry professional Bill Dance that provides a platform that “breathes life” into the individual.

A natural entertainer since the tender age of three, Bill Dance has worn many hats within the entertainment industry. Graduating cum laude from UCLA with a B.A. in Theatre Arts, Dance has found success as an actor, a dancer, and currently a renowned casting director and owner of Bill Dance Casting. Early on in his career as a casting director, Dance inadvertently birthed the foundation that would become the framework of his inspiring seminar before a room full of nearly two thousand people during an open casting call for the acclaimed 1989 hit Steel Magnolias in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Moved by the script, Dance drew auditioners into the emotions of the script by embodying the epitome of sense memory, a powerful technique that elicits an emotional response so real that the factuality of the source ceases to matter. Realizing the power behind imagination and the passion it draws has helped Dance understand its broad applicability. From this he has been able to inspire and motivate an array of people from homemakers and educators to doctors and business owners he explains that “our stories are all different but really the same.”

Artists within the industry that have been lucky enough to attend Dance’s sold out seminars have found it to be “mind stretching” and “riveting” while people outside of the arts have found the seminar to show how much more there is to “learn and experience“ about themselves as individuals.

Dance’s next seminar will be held on July 10th from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Sam Christiansen Studio located at 10440 Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood. For more information and to RSVP call (818) 754-6634. Tickets are $25.

J. Luis Ruiz DDS & Associates Inc. Dental TeamFrom Left to right: Crystal Hunter, Yolanda Madrigal, Claire Andrew, J. Luis Ruiz, D.D.S., Maya Johar, D.D.S., Nick Bell, Casey Dunlap

With so few dental offices conjuring pleasant memories, many have relinquished all hope of finding a place where they are more than just a dollar sign and their teeth impersonal numbers to be cleaned, drilled and filed. But at the office of Dr. J. Luis Ruiz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D. & Associates Inc, nestled near the heart of downtown Burbank, dentistry is nothing less than a vital, yet affordable, contribution to the health and beauty of every patient. And thanks to the spa-like atmosphere of the welcoming Mexican hacienda style office, embodying the epitome of old world charm, patient comfort is a top priority. Continually redefining the art of dentistry through the use of cutting edge technology and equipment that drastically reduces patient exposure to common hazards such as radiation, Dr. Ruiz and his staff are able to fully maximize health benefits.

Nationally recognized as one of the most esteemed clinicians, lecturers and professors in the field of esthetics, Dr. Ruiz remains at the forefront of the latest changes in dentistry.

Practicing preventative and restorative methods has allowed patients of varying needs to keep and maintain “as much of their teeth as possible” states Dr. Ruiz. Newer porcelains, for example in the construction of veneers and onlays, are much thinner than years past allowing for less (39% compared to the traditional 74%) of the patient’s tooth to be removed. These thinner porcelains are also stronger enabling greater durability and comfort.

Dr. Ruiz and his team start with a comprehensive diagnosis and then carefully explain the patient’s needs in detail, ensuring patient satisfaction.

Tasks such as the construction of crowns, onlays and veneers, typically outsourced to labs as far as China, are all done on site. This allows for improved quality control of the customized restorations and provides the convenience of eliminating multiple visits and wearing temporary crowns, onlays and veneers. Thanks to technological advancements with Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) the construction of permanent crowns, onlays and veneers can be done in one visit. The added benefit of the array of services from routine preventative care to invisible braces and the convenience of mini-implants eliminates the need to refer patients elsewhere. And with Dr Ruiz’s focus on minimally invasive dentistry and esthetics (or natural looking dentistry) the results are healthy teeth that look like nature.

Like Dr. Ruiz, staff members remain current on ever-changing trends in dentistry. Taking seminars and attending continuing education events have ensured that patients receive the highest quality and care on every facet.

Dr. Ruiz and Associates is located at 1226 West Olive Avenue in Burbank. They can be reached by phone at (818) 558-4332 or through email via their website (www.drruiz.com). Office hours are Monday through Thursdays 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Fridays 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with selected evening appointments available Wednesdays and Saturdays. Most insurance providers are accepted, and interest-free and low-interest financing is available for those with limited to no insurance. On site parking is available at no charge.

For over sixty years, Cal Pet Crematory, a family-owned and operated business, has helped pet owners by providing support and services following the loss of a beloved pet. When Al Carveth and his wife Lela started Cal Pet Crematory in 1947, they, understanding the special place that our dear friends have and our unfailing love and goal to always keep their best interest at heart, wanted to provide a “dignified farewell” appropriately honoring the loss of their own beloved pets that had become like children to them with the same level of care that any member of the family would receive. Continuing with the same sentiment since 1991, Mark Stine, along with partner Paul, brother Jim, sister Linda and her husband John, as well as their two sons Craig and Brian, provide the same level of compassion, understanding and care as his uncle did over sixty years ago. Completing the knowledgeable and supportive staff are brothers Fred and Paul Caines along with brother-in-law Will Hemphill, Gelsa Paladino and newest members Fhane Crone and Tom Bridegroom.

Services at Cal Pet are offered for dogs and cats of all sizes, as well as rabbits, birds and other pets. Arrangements can be made personally or through animal hospitals, clinics and other veterinary facilities. Complimentary pick-up is available from many veterinarians and animal hospitals in addition to home pick-ups for a minimal charge. All cremations are individually scheduled and pet owners are provided the opportunity to be present. Cremains are returned in a complimentary urn, or a personally selected decorative urn or memorial stone from Cal Pet’s catalogue. Cremains may be personally retrieved or returned to your veterinarian. Special requests for remains to be scattered are also accommodated.

Cal Pet Crematory is located at 9595 Glenoaks Blvd. in Sun Valley. They can be reached by phone at (818) 983-2313 or (323) 875-0633. Cal Pet is open Monday through Friday from 8am- 4pm and Saturdays from 8-11am. For more information, visit www.calpet.com.

Pad Thai.

Ask anyone what they love most about Chinese or Thai food and it would undoubtedly be the fresh flavor of deliciously savory sauces uniting a diverse orchestra of ingredients from coconuts and peanuts to garlic and ginger. Of course, not every Thai-Chinese restaurant can boast the use of high quality ingredients coupled with the ability to unfailingly create authentic mouth watering dishes, for which every food lover craves.
Craving a notable part of culinary history in Los Angeles Arunee’s House Thai-Chinese Cuisine, opened since 1972 is widely known as “some of the best food in Los Angeles.” Featuring a select number of Chinese and Thai inspired appetizers, entrees, de-sserts and beverages, including specialty teas and imported beers, there is something to tantalize all five senses. Family owned and operated, all recipes are passed down and refined with each generation. Though hard to choose among the menu, any one dish that captures the essence of Arunee House’s several popular menu items include Pad Woonsen, and curry fried rice, although it’s thought that they never fail to produce a great Lard Nar, a noodle dish tossed with broccoli topped with choice of beef, chicken or pork sautéed with a soy sauce based dressing. Traditional chop suey, coconut soup and the house favorite cream cheese wontons round out menu favorites among patrons. For those enamored with all things curry, Arunee House’s line of dishes with an array of traditional Thai curries will love the range of options.

The dining room of Arunee House.

While food is crucial to the success of any dining experience so is atmosphere, which happens to be an endearing quality at Arunee House. For those that love a little character where they dine the plethora of welcoming Thai and Chinese styled bric-a-bracs will round out a pleasurable dining experience. A variety of seating arrangements are available. Thanks to the availability of private booth seating indoors and quaint curbside seating outdoors, guests can relax solo or in good company comfortably. Prompt and attentive service is yet another example of customers getting nothing less than the best. All menu items are reasonably priced (all entrée dishes under $15.00) and generous in size giving patrons the chance to dine fine on a budget guilt free.

Arunee House is located at 10140 Riverside Drive in Toluca Lake (next door to Trader Joe’s). They are open seven days a week from 11:00am until 10:30pm. All menu items are available for catering, pick-up or delivery, which is free within a three mile radius. Orders can be made by phone, (818) 760-9074 fax, (818) 766-1881, in person or online (minimum order $15). For more information visit www.aruneethai.com.

Ana Franklin, employee, and guest at Sunday’s Diamond Gold Party—she is receiving cash for selling her gold to us!

Lucrative “cash for gold” advertisements promising big payouts to be gained by anyone with practically any amount of gold to sell may seem promising. But deciphering the fine print of newspaper ads or the bottom screen of thirty-second commercials tells otherwise. And with buyers out for big payouts themselves, inexperienced sellers are often duped. Though hard to find an experienced buyer that cares just as much about the seller’s gain as his own, it is not impossible, thanks to Nick, owner and manager of L.A. Cash for Gold and Diamano Fine Jewelry (both based in Los Angeles). Putting himself in the seller’s place by researching extensively what many buyers are offering, or rather not offering, has helped Nick create a successful niche for himself. “I felt this was a major opportunity for me to create an honest company,” he explains. According to Nick, two of the reasons why many unsuspecting sellers looking for monetary exchange are usually worse off is because they are unaware of the value of their gold, and typically never shop around for the highest return. And misleading buyers refusing to provide accurate quotes or breakdowns of what they pay further creates unnecessary confusion. By offering breakdowns of pricing per gram of a specific karat of gold, Nick is able to let sellers know in person, or over the phone, exactly how much to expect to get for their items through understandable price charts and online cash for gold calculators he created exclusively through his Web site.
Those interested in sending in precious metals for appraisal have the option of sending in their items through FedEx with insurance starting at one thousand dollars. Paying 70% of the New York Stock Exchange, one of the highest rates for precious metals, many customers leave his store nothing less than ecstatic. In addition to offering one of the highest returns to sellers and educating them on how to determine the value of their items, Nick also provides exceptional service by treating all of his clients like family.
Coupled with his expertise as buyer, Nick is also well versed in the intricacies of processing gold which include melting, pouring, and casting. As a third generation jeweler who got his start in the jewelry industry nineteen years ago, Nick has attained a level of mastery that crosses many fields. As a designer himself, Nick uses his appreciation for jewelry to create one-of-a-kind pieces. Understanding the multitude of tastes that vary from woman to woman has enabled Nick to continually create breathtaking pieces. Whether basic everyday jewelry to extravagant show pieces, all of Nick’s creations have an element of comfort and long-term wearability.
Taking the process of selling gold, silver, platinum, and diamond jewelry to a new simplified level, Nick offers clients the option to host their own “diamond gold party” where those interested in selling can host a party event at their home or office by simply inviting their friends, family, and co-workers—earning 15% commission based on the amount of gold purchased at each event.

For more information on diamond gold parties, pricing, upcoming jewelry collections, and current merchandise, visit www.cashforgoldlosangeles.com and www.diamondgoldparty.com, or call (213) 623-3032. Toluca Lake residents will receive an additional 10% when they visit L.A. Cash for Gold, in Downtown Los Angeles, and sell their gold for cash.

(L-R): Jim Stine with Paris, Linda Stine with Tess, and Mark Stine with Dolly.

Life without our furry, little (or big) companions is difficult to imagine. As they effortlessly assume roles such as protector, provider and loyal friend, they become a special part of the family. Therefore, the passing of such an integral member of the family should be handled with nothing less than a tremendous amount of love, care and understanding.
For over sixty years, Cal Pet Crematory, a family-owned and operated business, has helped pet owners by providing support and services following the loss of a beloved pet. When Al Carveth and his wife Lela started Cal Pet Crematory in 1947, they, understanding the special place that our dear friends have and our unfailing love and goal to always keep their best interest at heart, wanted to provide a “dignified farewell” appropriately honoring the loss of their own beloved pets, who had become like children to them, with the same level of care that any member of the family would receive.

Mark’s girls: Paris, Tess and Dolly.

Continuing with the same sentiment since 1991, Mark Stine, along with partner Paul, brother Jim, sister Linda and her husband John, as well as their two sons Craig and Brian, provide the same level of compassion, understanding and care as his uncle did over sixty years ago. Completing the knowledgeable and supportive staff are brothers Fred and Paul Caines along with brother-in-law Will Hemphill, and newest members Shane Crone and Tom Bridegroom.
Services at Cal Pet are offered for dogs and cats of all sizes, as well as rabbits, birds and other pets. Arrangements can be made personally or through animal hospitals, clinics and other veterinary facilities. Complimentary pick-up is available from many veterinarians and animal hospitals in addition to home pick-ups for a minimal charge. All cremations are individually scheduled and pet owners are provided the opportunity to be present. Cremains are returned in a complimentary urn or a personally selected decorative urn and memorial stone from Cal Pet’s catalogue. Cremains may be personally retrieved or returned to your veterinarian. Special requests for remains to be scattered are also accommodated.

Cal Pet Crematory is located at 9595 Glenoaks Blvd. in Sun Valley. They can be reached by phone at (818) 983-2313 or (323) 875-0633. Cal Pet is open Monday through Friday from 8am- 4pm and Saturdays from 8-11am. For more information, visit www.calpet.com.

Bar One Beer and Wine Parlour.

Whoever thought that the quest to find one of the hottest, trendiest, yet unpretentiously inviting, bars in Southern California did not begin in the Valley was clearly misinformed. For the past two years, Bar One Beer and Wine Parlour in North Hollywood has been a cozy home away from home for beer and wine aficionados alike, which is exactly what managing owners Arelene and Sean Heitkemper had in mind when they first opened their doors in 2007. Named after a nickname for Sean’s grandfather Sebastiano “Bill” Barone, Bar One has managed to meet the needs of every diverse individual that enters. A place to relax solo or with company after work, before dinner, after dinner or a comfortable gathering place for birthdays and other celebrations, Bar One has it all.
Aside from unrivaled service in a fun charismatic atmosphere, Bar One has managed to deliver an affordable yet fine selection of quality beers and wines rarely found elsewhere. Their menus, regularly rotated monthly or bimonthly depending on the season, as well as frequent beer and wine tastings allow patrons to try a variety of flavors. Thanks to close relationships with brewers and distributors as well as extensive knowledge and appreciation for delicious beers and wines, Arelene and Sean have been able to feature Weihenstephaner Fest Bier, a unique beer hailing from one of the oldest breweries in the world, located in Southern Germany, since the year 1040. Other popular draft beers include Chimay Triple and Woodchuck Granny Smith Apple Cider. Bottled beers such as Napa Smith, Cucpa Obscura and Lost Coast Winter Braun, among others, rounds out a fantastic selection. Equally impressive is the list of wines like Lander Jenkins Cab, Bitch Grenache, Mountain View Chardonnay and White Knight Viognier. Traditional beers and wines like Guinness and California Pinot Noir are also available.
In addition to being one of the best bars in town, Bar One is well known for regularly hosting fun and entertaining events most nights of the week. Weekly hits include: Monday Night’s $3 Mystery Beer; Tuesdays Loteria with Herman of Los Creepers and fun games of Mexican bingo; Ladies Night Wednesdays featuring their famed sangria ($2 all night long); and DJ hosted spin offs Thursdays and Fridays pack an exciting punch paired with special events like kick ball and Beer Fest.

Bar One Beer and Wine Parlour is located at 12518 Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood. For more information about events and menu items or to join their mailing list, visit them online at www.bar1noho.com. They are open daily from 7am-2pm (happy hour from 7-9pm). They can be reached by phone at (818) 509-1938 during business hours or by email at info@bar1noho.com. Accommodations are available for private events such as mixers and meetings on virtually any budget.