Malibu and Coastal California Real Estate and News » Malibu Development

Duke’s restaurant in Malibu, California prepares to re-open after a rain deluge for the first time in 38 years.

kunisaki — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:13:25 +0000

Duke’s Restaurant is a landmark here in Malibu, California – oceanfront dining that is one of the Malibu “must-sees” to anyone visiting Malibu. The food is delicious, the ambience superb — what can I say, if you love Hawaii then you will love Duke’s.

On March 20th, 2011 – a memorable day for the annual Los Angeles Marathon -it become an indelible date in Duke’s history book too.

The Malibu Patch covers this story well – how all hell broke loose around 5:30 p.m. on that day as the rain deluged Malibu unexpectedly. Duke’s suffered flooding in the Barefoot Bar [never knew it was built with bullet proof windows], banquet rooms, and the restaurant dining area. Click on the Malibu Patch link and capture this well told adventure. The best part is Duke’s will be re-opening April 8th — time for a welcoming party!

If you are interested in leasing, purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Happy 20th Birthday Malibu

kunisaki — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:18:25 +0000

Malibu City

It is a special week of celebration for Malibu, California for its 20th anniversary as an incorporated city. Truly remarkable that Malibu maintains its rural standings — the clean ocean air, healthy natural foods, hiking, beach sports, horse back riding, fishing sports, relaxed lifestyle, etc. What are you waiting for?
In the midst of all the high tech hustle and bustle, it is a relief that one can come and refresh their inner beings and come to a sense of “the why we exist” state. Malibu has all the modern conveniences — the television- Verizon FIOS [super fast internet connection], most areas has water, electricity, phones, gas, internet and high technology available.

If one chooses a rest from high technology - Malibu offers a refuge to the tired soul. It is a perfect place to rest with no television or radio [it is still available but some people prefer to just enjoy conversation and scenery] – where people enjoy reading from hardcover books or paperbacks [fast becoming a thing of the past] and they enjoy doing things together [annual Chili-fest, annual Easter egg hunt for children, summer open air movies at Bluff Park]. Neighbors who care about each other — sometimes giving that helping hand whether it is a cup of sugar, couple eggs or that ride to go somewhere close by. This is not the country — but close enough and still go into the city within 20 minutes for shopping, movies, etc.

The Malibu Patch wrote an excellent article about the how and why this wonderful City came about – a link is provided so just click on the link titled “Malibu remains a Rural City”. Malibu remains a highly solvent city, excellent public school system, clean air and natural resources, land – ocean to enjoy, plus upscale markets and stores to supply anything you wish. Moreover -Malibu is close to Santa Monica, Calabasas and Westlake Village — what more can one want?

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Coastal Commission removes U2 The Edge project from its agenda – Proposed Development in Malibu, California

kunisaki — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:19:55 +0000

The Coastal Commission has abruptly removed the proposed development in Malibu, California by U2 – The Edge from tomorrow’s agenda. The Coastal Commission staff had recommended rejection on this development.

This breaking news was reported by the Malibu Patch on February 9, 2011 as of 2:47 pm. “The five proposed home range in size from 7,000 square feet to three that are more than 12,000 square feet. The Edge also wants to build a 1,600 foot access road which requires City approval. The City Council in 2009 chose to take no action on the road proposal until the Coastal Commission rules on the houses.”

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

U2 Malibu, California project hits a road block by the California Coastal Commission

kunisaki — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:59:25 +0000

The word was out on Friday – Jan 28^th, 2011 that “the California Coastal Commission staff says the project would violate state law by ruining a wild area and scarring hillsides visible from Pacific Coast Highway.”

U2 – band member – David Evans also known as “the Edge” is proposing a 5 estate development known as “Leaves in the Wind”. According to the coastal report, “the five homes would straddle a “significant ridgeline” visible from the pier and Malibu Lagoon, which are state parks, and from PCH, which is a state-protected scenic route where new development must be screened from view.”

The Coastal Commission will review it at the upcoming February 10^th meeting.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Come to Malibu, California for new shopping adventure.

kunisaki — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:25:04 +0000

Shopping in Malibu, California is a very cool adventure – where else can you find that perfect gift in a relaxed setting?

Where to shop in Malibu? Try the Malibu Lumber Yard, Malibu Colony Plaza Shops and the Malibu Country Mart/Cross Creek Shopping Center. Be sure to click on this blue link that will take you the Malibu Complete website. This website includes individual store link, description of what is being sold, store address and phone number. The Malibu Lumber Yard is the newest shopping center – developed with two large aquariums to enjoy a shopping break.

When you are ready to eat – you are surrounded by so many delectable choices –

Malibu Lumber Yard offers Café Habana, Chocolate Box Café, and Crumbs Bake Shop.

Malibu Country Mart offers Tra Di Noi, John’s Garden, Howdy’s, Nobu’s, and Coffee Bean.

Cross Creek Shopping Center offers the Malibu Kitchen, Marmalade, Guido’s, Starbucks.

Malibu Colony Plaza Shops offers Coogie’s, Sushi Bui, Subway’s, Malibu Yogurt, Starbucks, Ralph’s hot deli/salad bar.

Malibu Pier offers the Beachcomber and Ruby’s [great hamburgers and thick shakes]

The other standard restaurants include Moonshadows [on the water], Dukes [on the water] and Geoffrey’s [on the water].

Shopping in Malibu, California should be an experience, not to be hurried. Any gift purchases will be enjoyed by the intended.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

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Planning Commission approves the restoration plans to re-open Rambla Pacifico road in Malibu,CA

kunisaki — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:25:07 +0000

Both the Malibu Surfside News and The Malibu Times reports on June 10, 2010 that the Planning commission approves a permit for the construction of a private road that “would re-establish a link between the northern and southern sections of Rambla Pacifico Road.”

The road that connects Pacific Coast Highway to the Rambla Pacifico neighbors had slid in 1984 and remains closed.

In the Malibu Surfside News, page 3 — Scott Dittrich who is the president of the Lower Rambla Pacifico Road Owners Association reports “the road design has been approved by the city geologist since it actually improves the stability of the hill that slid in 1984.” There are 72 members in this organization.

There will be a “construction of a 20 foot wide, 1800 linear feet long, private access road to re-establish a linkage between the northern and southern sections of Rambla Pacifico previously destroyed by a landslide.” It is not the intent to “create a private gated community. Only a section of the road approximately 155 feet in length that lies within the former slide area is to be gated.”

Most of this $3.2 million cost will be funded privately by member contribution – approximately $50,000 per household. The road will be maintained by the same association. Malibu Times further reports that “a five foot wide trail easement has been granted to allow for the re-establishment of the Malibu Pacific Trail. People will be able to access the trail through small entries located next to the vehicular gates on foot, bicycle or horse.”

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Older homes being demolished for a larger single family home in Malibu, CA

kunisaki — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:33:18 +0000

Reporter, Bill Koeneker for the Malibu Surfside News reports on page 3 in April 15, 2010 edition that he noticed a growing trend. He has noticed that “many new purchasers nowadays are tearing down the existing homes and replacing the older structure with usually larger residences.”

He cites several examples such as a Broad Beach owner who received planning commission approval to “demolish three adjacent houses totaling 10,356 square feet, merging the three contiguous properties in order to build an 11,210 square foot single family home with attached garage and greenhouse, 249 square feet of covered porches, paddle tennis court, swimming pool and spa.”

Another Broad Beach owner wants to tear down his existing home built over 3 lots and instead build a “new, two-story, 28-foot tall, 11,315-square-foot residence including an attached three car garage, 2,284 square feet of covered porches and decks.”

Another homeowner who lives along the 27000 area of Pacific Coast Highway seeks approval “for a demolition permit and construct a new, two-story, 28 –foot-tall, 8704-square-foot single family home with attached garage and 898-square-foot basement, a swimming pool and a sports court.”

There are benefits to the environment by “replacing or eliminating aging or possibly failing septic systems with state-of-the-art, mini-water-water packages.” It also reduces car trips per day by having fewer residences and increases water conservation landscaping and utilization of newer landscape irrigation system.

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Calabasas or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

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Malibu California Real Estate: 1960′s Tract Homes – Malibu West Featured in LA Times

kunisaki — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:45:21 +0000

Malibu tends to bring up mental images of beautiful beachfront mansions and beautiful bluff ranches, not 200 relatively modest tract homes.

Well, these tract homes are something different. Malibu West was featured in the LA Times for its design and functionality that is still current today – Constructed back in 1962 near the Pacific Coast Highway it is made up of traditional and modern units many of which are restored to their original design. Malibu West was designed by award winning architects who designed the homes with the future in mind – yes they may ooze retro, but, in all honesty the free flowing open floor plans and light filled design is as current today as half a century ago.

Situated on small lots of around 10,000 square foot many at the time were shocked at size. However to avoid a cookie cutter appearance there were several flood plans containing three, four and five bedroom homes. With the style and construction material of the units being varied throughout the development to avoid things looking to uniform.

Inside the modern units, indoor-outdoor living is the name of the game with double entry doors, an atrium, glass walls, flowing floorplans with original sale prices at $32,500 these were homes not to be missed!

The development also features a modern 6,500 square foot beach club for homeowners sitting on almost an acre on the Pacific Coast Highway. The homeowners association is very strong and careful in preventing certain types of development to maintain the spirit and feel of the neighborhood.

This is definitely a development to think about! After nearly 50 years its homes have stood the test of time!

If you are interested in purchasing a property or selling a property in Malibu, Pacific Palisades or the surrounding Beverly Hills/southern California area then please contact Judy Kunisaki for professional real estate advice in the Westside Los Angeles area, on 310-317-8396 or via her online contact form on her website.

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Malibu California Real Estate: Live Near The Santa Monica Mountains? – Prepare For Coyotes!

kunisaki — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:54:02 +0000

As reported by Malibu Surfside News – a coyote visit resulted in the dealth of a small dog in the Big Rock area of Malibu.

To ensure that you can minimize your chance of an encounter you need to get educated!

What is a coyotes? Well, they area a small wild canine weighing only 20-45lbs with thick fur making them look larger. They are fast – really fast, an can run at speeds of up to 40mph with a great ability to leap over tall structures – even 6 foot fences. Mating season is February and March with females giving birth in April and May. They are most active at dawn and dusk.

Make sure to check your crawl spaces and any outbuildings at the time of year as this is likely where they will nest.

Cover all garbage cans, compost piles, put away the pet food, clean the BBQ and of course make sure to lock the doggie door when your pet is not using it. Also, be prepared with your landscaping – a fence may not be much of a deterrant but it can help.

On the plus side, coyotes actually have a great benefit in an urban environment – they naturally keep the rodent population down, which keeps disease under control.

Do not think that you can kill one without penalty – they are protected as wild canines by state law with a $7000 fine for harming them. On the flip side do not purposefully feed them! This is also against the law.

All in all, with us encroaching on their natural habitat it is no wonder that sightings and encounters are becoming more common. However by taking some of these measures and preparing yourself then you can be ahead of the game!

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582

Malibu California Real Estate & Community: Malibu Library To Close For Green Renovations!

kunisaki — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:42:28 +0000

According to the LA Times on June 1st the library will close for a $5.7 million renovation in order to qualify for certification under the LEED rating system - the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design system developed by the US Green Building council.

The renovation will last until September 2011 and will be the first project in the city to meet the standards for sustainable design, construction and operation. HOWEVER! Do not panic! Library services will still be available through the internet and by a book mobile parked just outside the library.

In addition to the green renovations, there will be an new feature – an outdoor reading area and patio connected to Legacy Park. Approximately $5.2 million for the project was provided by the council from the library’s fees while the rest is to be raised by the Library Task Force.

Definitely exciting news for Malibu, the community and the Library!

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Judy Kunisaki – CA DRE license 00963582