FABULOUS PASADENA CONDO

SEE THE VIRTUAL TOUR

ASKING PRICE: $429,00

2 BEDROOMS/2 FULL BATHS

156 S OAK KNOLL AVENUE #201, PASADENA

Spectacular end unit condo located in the highly desired area known as the South Lake District. Beautifully renovated, it exhibits elements of sophisticated living at its finest. The open living and dining areas make this perfect for entertaining.


The adjacent kitchen features black galaxy granite countertops, breakfast bar and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy your private retreat in the master bedroom with a full bathroom, two spacious closets, and its large private balcony.

Additional features and amenities include hardwood floors, two large balconies, central air/heat, in unit washer/dryer, two parking spaces, and an internet based security system. All centrally located to South Lake shops and restaurants, Trader Joes, the Playhouse district, Paseo Colorado and entertainment. See more photos of this Fabulous Pasadena Condo for Sale.

PHOTO BLOG: LA ZOO PART 1

LOS ANGELES ZOO, PHOTO BLOG
The Los Angeles Zoo is sanctuary to many amazing animals from all around the world. This is Part 1 of a series of LA Zoo Photo Blogs. Photography by Ramiro Rivas.

MEERKAT
The meerkat or suricate Suricata suricatta is a small mammal and a member of the mongoose family. It inhabits all parts of the Kalahari Desert in Botswana and South Africa. A group of meerkats is called a "mob", "gang" or "clan". A meerkat clan often contains about 20 meerkats at a time, but some superfamilies have had 50 or more. Meerkats have an average life span of 12–14 years.

KOALA
The koala is found in coastal regions of eastern and southern Australia, from near Adelaide to the southern part of Cape York Peninsula. Populations also extend for considerable distances inland in regions with enough moisture to support suitable woodlands. The koalas of South Australia were largely exterminated during the early part of the 20th century, but the state has since been repopulated with Victorian stock. The koala is not found in Tasmania or Western Australia

Nubian Ibex

The Nubian Ibex (Capra ibex nubiana) is a rocky desert dwelling goat antelope found in mountainous areas of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt and Sudan. It is generally considered to be a subspecies of Alpine Ibex, but is sometimes considered specifically distinct (Capra nubiana). Nubian Ibex stand around 60 centimetres (24 in) tall at the shoulder and weigh around 50 kilograms (110 lb).

PASADENA FORECLOSURES: BANK OWNED LISTING OF THE WEEK

$728,000As one of the new Pasadena foreclosures on the market, this updated English style home features a new kitchen, updated bathrooms, hardwood floors, and crown moldings. This bank owned property is located in one of Pasadena's most prized neighborhoods.

2 Bed/2 Bath

Built in 1927

6273 square foot lot

1422 square foot structure

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

PASADENA FORECLOSURE OF THE WEEK

Listed at $367,00010 Bedrooms/4 Baths

Yes, I said 10 bedrooms! Among this week of Pasadena foreclosures that have come onto the market, I had to highlight this one. It was built to serve as a boarding house, a purpose that it has served for years. The city of Pasadena has declared the property for residential use only and no longer can be used as a boarding house. This has given a first time homebuyer the opportunity to buy a boarding house sized "starter home" for only $367,000.

Lot size: 7179 sq. ft.

Structure: 2752 sq. ft.

Built in 1906

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

Erica@RivasEstates.com

PASADENA REAL ESTATE: FORECLOSURE OF THE WEEK

Asking Price: $349,900

This Pasadena foreclosure is one of the Spanish bungalows located on a small, quaint section of Woodbury. It's on a portion of East Woodbury that only extends from Holliston to N Sierra Bonita so the street doesn't have much through traffic. The cozy 986 sq foot bank owned home sits on a large 10,000 sq. foot lot.

• 2 Bed/ 1 Bath
• Built in 1925
• Hardwood floors

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

Erica@RivasEstates.com

Crazy Little Kids! Parents Hide Your Keys!

This kid is crazy! What are your thoughts?

RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES

http://www.soldbyramiro.com/

Ramiro@RivasEstates.com

Photo Blog: La Canada Descanso Gardens Part 1

Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge

Photo Blog

On a recent visit to Descanso Gardens with Erica Swanson, we were amazed by its beauty! This is the first part of a series of photo blogs showcasing on of La Canada's best retreats.

Here Fishy, Fishy

Aside from beautiful Koi fish swimming in the pond, it has an fabulous water feature that shoots water about 10 feet in the air. Fun for the kids (and adults too)!

Look Up

There is this small bamboo forest as you approach the Japanese Tea House. I highly recommend going inside, but watch you step due to broken bamboo. Look to the sky and enjoy!

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Penelope's Cafe, Books & Gallery

1029 Foothill Boulevard, La Canada Flintridge, CA 91011

Penelope's La Canada is a garden cafe, book store and gallery that has been in business since 2001. Providing a homey setting, you can lunch in their beautifully landscaped garden, or take a seat by one of their inviting fireplaces and browse through their inventory of books they have for sale. Penelope’s Cafe features both new and used hardcovers and paperbacks, as well as a small selection of used magazines.

Bring your kids Saturday mornings at 10:15 for childrens' story time, and browse among their interesting and eclectic selections of visual art, wood carvings, jewelry, ceramics, specialty foods, and skin care products, just to name a few. Those of you who were patrons of La Canada’s former Tudor Cottage will feel right at home at Penelope's.

Penelope's Cafe features live entertainment every Saturday, as well as the occasional Friday, from 11:45 am to 2:45 pm. Its large indoor and outdoor dining areas provide the perfect atmosphere for that bridal, baby, or wedding shower.

Hours: Tue-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. www.PenelopesCafe.com (818) 790-4386

RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.LIVINGLACANADA.COM

Taylor's Steakhouse in La Canada

La Canada restaurants seems like a rarity within the residential city, but at least La Canada’s residents do have a high caliber restaurant to choose from, the infamous Taylor’s Steakhouse.

The history of Taylor’s goes back to 1953 when “Tex” and Margie Taylor opened their first restaurant location on the corner of Olympic Blvd. and Western Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, which was relocated a few blocks away to it’s present location at 8th Street and Ardmore. “Tex” and Margie’s son, Bruce, took over the family business in the late 70’s, and eventually decided to open a second restaurant location in the Foothills where he and his family lived.

In 1996 La Canada Taylor’s Steakhouse was opened. Taylor’s Steakhouse was the only business that remained when groundbreaking took place to make way for the new La Canada Town Center-Sport Chalet complex. During the construction of the Town Center Taylor’s got a “new face”, remodeling the exterior and interior of the restaurant. Although recently updated the restaurant retained it’s old fashioned, warm, low-lit atmosphere.

Taylor’s takes pride in serving steaks that are selected from USDA eastern prime or certified Angus corn-fed beef exclusively. They also have a variety of fresh fish items, Australian lamb and free range chicken. Taylor’s also has a renovated bar that typically offers only standing room, particularly when patrons go for pre-dinner cocktails.

Taylor's Lunch Menu ~ Taylor's Dinner Menu

Taylor's Steakhouse. 901 Foothill Boulevard, La Canada, Ca 91011 (818) 790-7668

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RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.LIVINGLACANADA.COM

Pasadena Photos: Funny Google Maps Street View Photos

Funny Pasadena Photos
Google Maps - Street View

The search engine Google, like many other popular engines use satellites for aerial mapping of the world and its neighborhoods. Google decided to one up everyone with it's Google Street Views feature.

Recently, I was checking out a neighborhood for one of my Pasadena home buyers and I cam across the funniest thing. This Pasadena Foreclosure located at 1216 E. Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, 91104 priced at $479,900 has a hilarious image on Michigan Avenue.

Siesta Time

Reminds me of of a bad hangover!

Quick and easy instructions for Google Street Views

1) Go to: www.Google.com

2) Select: Maps

3) Enter the address you want to view in the search bar and click "Search Maps" button.

4) Select "Street Views" on the pop-up address bubble.

5) Click on the arrows and enjoy seeing the world through a voyeur window via www.Google.com

***Extra tip: use the four directional arrows at the top left to change your POV (Point of View)

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PASADENA RESTAURANT: SITAR INDIAN CUISINE

"Authentic Indian Cuisine with a modern touch."
If you are seeking Indian cuisine in the Crown City, Sitar Indian cuisine is a great Pasadena Indian restaurant to go to dine, featuring authentic Northern Indian dishes. With an affordable lunch and dinner menu, Sitar offers a weekly lunch buffet Monday-Friday from 11:00am-4:30pm and a Champagne brunch on Saturdays and Sundays that are also from 11-4:30pm.

Sitar Indian Cuisine offers a richly-varied menu of fresh, natural ingredients, traditional, whole-some sauces and flavorful spices. In a vibrant setting, it is one of the Pasadena restaurants that serves food that is natural and freshly-prepared daily on the premises with no additives or preservatives.

If you are looking for Pasadena banquet halls, Sitar also offers a full service banquet facilty that seats approximately 250 guests. The hall, which is adjacent to the restaurant, accomodates events such as wedding receptions, birthday parties, business conferences, etc. If needed Sitar provides full, extensive planning options to personalize any event, from valet parking, to in-house lighting, djs, red carpet set up, dance performances, live music, furniture rentals, and much more.

Sitar Indian Cuisine. 618 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA (626) 449-5954
www.sitarindiancuisine.com Hours: Sunday-Thurs. 11am-10pm. Fri & Sat. 11am-11pm.


RAMIRO RIVAS & ASSOCIATES
WWW.SOLDBYRAMIRO.COM

Pasadena Photos: Pasadena City Hall

Aside from selling Pasadena Real Estate, one of my favorite past times is photography. Thankfully I get to shoot from condos to estates in my line of work. This blog will be the first of my Pasadena photo blogs.

Enjoy,

Ramiro Rivas, Pasadena Realtor

Pasadena City Hall

After leaving Pasadena King Taco, I was amazed by the amazing presence of Pasadena City Hall. This historic icon is what Pasadena is all about. I highly recommend taking a late night stroll to feel it's romantic architecture.

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Search Pasadena Homes For Sale

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY VS. THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY

A home in North Hollywood with a decorative lighthouse tower in the front yard.

A three-story tower in Pasadena that people live in! This was actually a water tower that was converted into a house by a renowned architect in 1924. It was a foreclosure home that was just recently on the market for sale. The current owner's bought it in February '09 for $320,000.

The 405 Freeway in Van Nuys.

Angeles Crest Highway in La Canada.

A lion statue at a residence in Northridge that needs light to see.

You wouldn't want to be near this statue in the dark. A scuplture in the Chinese Garden at Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, San Marino.

All in good fun. Both are great places to live. Click the logo to search for homes in the SGV AND the SFV:

QUICK LAUGH, DAVID AFTER DENTIST

This is hilarious, and a good reason to keep a video camera handy to capture priceless moments!

WATCHMEN MOVIE REVIEW: NOT FOR KIDS OR TEENS

The stake of the world is in the hands of the Watchmen, a group of vigilantes/super heroes. The best way to describe them is if you got Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, etc... and gave them a couple DNA strands of evil.

The movie is very long, but it is the only way to get into each of the characters personalities. In addition, it's their conflicting personalities that makes them a wild bunch.

Now if you have children or teens, don't think that it's Rated "R" due to its violence. It has the following elements which should give it a NC-17 rating:
-A lot of gore/violence (expected).
-rape scene.
-murder of a elementary aged girl (not shown, but insinuated) by a pedophile
-Soft-core porn scene (super hero sex in costumes).
-FORGOT TO MENTION... Mr. Manhattan's enormous blue penis that is displayed on the big screen over a dozen times.

Don't get me wrong about it's content, because it was necessary for the movie. It's clearly Rated R for the reasons above and like many other Rated R movies. This is just an FYI in case you or someone you know plans to take their kids for movie night.

The cinematography and killer sound effects plus soundtrack make this one to see at the theaters.