VOL. 13May 2012

| Coldwell Banker 1608 Montana AvenueSanta Monica, CA 90403

310.395.1133Kate@SantaMonicaListings.com

www.SantaMonicaListings.com

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By KATE BRANSFIELD

One of Santa Monica's greatestassets is it's weather.

We are blessed with 300 days ofsunshine, cool ocean breezes andrainfall only occasionally dampens ourdays. Our city by the sea is an outdoorentertainer's paradise.

I find one of the first things on thewish list of the buyers I representinterested in living North of Montana isa space to gather with those close tothem and share all the splendor thatliving in this beautiful southerncalifornia neighborhood has to offer.Making a house a home here certainlyincludes creating the ideal outdoorsetting for a delightful soiree.

Here are some of the must-haves for any homeowner serious aboutplaying host:

Something’s cooking

First on the list has to be an outdoorkitchen. Not just a place to park your grill,but something more.

The cornerstone should be a built-in grillwith a dedicated gas line. Propane can becumbersome and expensive. A side smokerthat burns wood and charcoal would be anice touch for those going the extra mile fora perfect steak.

With the built-in grill should comeample counter space for food preparation.Counters could be tiled or you could evenopt for cement, which is poured on the spotfor a custom finish.

As with any kitchen, there should be a refrigerator. One small enough to hideunderneath the counter is usually the best bet.

The last essential would be a sink. Itmakes cleanup that much easier.

Hanging outIf you’re going to have an outdoor

kitchen, why not a living room?A place to put your feet up in the

great outdoors should begin under foot.Depending on the backyard and yourpreference, it could begin with a woodendeck or something made of stone.

Some successful outdoor living spaces integrate grass and stones or pavers to create a welcoming space ready for company.

Durable patio furniture should come

next. Styles may differ, but always considerhow many people you’re interested inentertaining. You want ample seatingwithout overcrowding the space. A nice mix of couches, chairs and lounges should be in the mix.

Also, don’t forget about creating shade.You can opt for portable umbrellas,retractable awnings or go as far as to build apergola over your living space that allowsthe light to pass through, but still providesample shade to keep your guestscomfortable when the sun is out.

If you plan on having sit-down meals, adinner table should be on your list. It has towithstand the elements and still be sleekenough to be the center of a dinner party.

Considering that the North of Montananeighborhood is close to the beach, you’llneed heaters to keep things cozy when thesun goes down.

There are both gas- and propane-fed

models depending on your choice. Heaters should be strategically placed to

maximize their warming power. For the ambitious, an outdoor fire

feature could do the job of heaters. Youcould be elaborate and build a fire place cladin stone or even just a fire pit. These can beas decorative as they are effective atwarming things up.

Indoors outSometimes the party is just too big to

keep it either indoors or out. The best wayto blend the two environments together is to have a family room that opens to the back yard.

A deck or patio immediately outside thedoors can feel like you’re doubling theamount of space for company. To tie the twoareas together, a bank of French doorsvisually connects both areas and brings light into the house.

About this publicationThis publication was produced by local Realtor Kate Bransfield to keep the North of Montana neighborhood

up to date on some of the more interesting happenings in this unique corner of Santa Monica. As a Santa Monican for over 23 years, Kate takes pride in being a part of this vibrant community.

| Coldwell Banker | 1608 Montana Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90403

310.395.1133 | Kate@SantaMonicaListings.com | www.SantaMonicaListings.com

North of MontanaSingle Family Homes Sold February through April - 2011 Compared To 2012

From ALL agents in ALL companies

Enterentertaining

526 Palisades Avenue

$4,200,000

Over 17,000 Square Foot Lot

West of 7th Street

On Goose Egg Park

In Escrow

619 Euclid Street

$2,899,999

North of Montana Gem!

Wonderful Location!

In Escrow

Wants & Needs

I represent Solid Buyers who are looking for the following Single Family Homes :

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Single-story home, walking distance to Montana Ave, Brentwood Village or Palisades Village - up to 2,600,000

Raw land or tear-down, North of Montana & West of 7th (or possibly West of 10th) - up to $4,500,000

Minimum 4 bedroom home North of Montana & West of 17th - up to $5,300,000

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If you or a neighbor are contemplating selling, please contact me

Estates DirectorSociety of ExcellencePreviews Properties Specialist

310.395.1133

Proud Sponsor Of:

North of Montanaschool calendarLincoln Middle School1501 California Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-4305(310) 393-9227www.lincoln.smmusd.org

May 28School closed

May 31Choral Concert7 p.m.Come hear the students make sweet music.

June 1PTSA Staff Appreciation LunchCall for timesThe school community comes together to give thanks to the school’s staff.

June 6Fifth Grade Parent Evening8 p.m.Parents of incoming students will be givenan orientation on what to expect when their children begin middle school. The event will be held in the auditorium.

June 7Coffee with the Principal8:25 p.m.Get to know the principal during this regular event. This is yourlast chance of the school year.

May 15Eighth Grade PromotionCall for timesGive this year’s graduates a hand as they head to high school.

Roosevelt Elementary School801 Montana Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-1591(310) 395-1472www.roosevelt.smmusd.org

May 28School closed

May 29Walk to School TuesdayDitch the car and walk it to campus for the good of the environment.

May 30Kindergarten Open HouseCall for timesFind out what your kids have been accomplishing during their first year of school.

June 2Summer Carnival11 a.m. — 4 p.m.Organizers are promising amusement for allduring this special event. There will be abounce house, express train, swing chair,laser tag and food trucks. There will also bea raffle for a new iPad.

June 6Lincoln Middle School Tour6 p.m.Held in Lincoln’s auditorium, this specialnight is designed to help parents and theirchildren learn all they can about what toexpect next year in middle school. Lincoln islocated at 14th Street and California Avenue.

June 14Fifth Grade Culmination8:45 a.m.Send your kids off to middle school in style.Remember to bring a camera.

June 15Last day of school

Franklin Elementary School2400 Montana Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-2199(310) 828-2814www.franklin.smmusd.org

May 28School closed

June 7PTA Meeting8:30 a.m.Join teachers and parents to discuss what’snew on campus. This is a great way tointeract with your school community.

June 8End of Year PicnicGather with classmates to celebrate another successful year.

June 14Fifth Grade ConfirmationCall for timesIt’s that time of year when we sendgraduates on to middle school.

June 15Last day of schoolKindergarten lets out at 11:30 a.m. Grades first through fifth at 1:30 p.m.

Montana Library events

The Montana Branch Library is somuch more than just a library.

It offers free Internet access and is a meeting place for the North of Montana neighborhood. The library is located at 1704 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, Ca., 90403. For more information, call (310) 458-8682.

Below are some of the more interestinghappenings going on at the library inMay and June:

May 28Library closed

May 30Baby Time10:15 a.m. — 10:35 a.m.Story time for babies up to 17 months. There is a second story time at 11:15 a.m.

May 31Toddler Story Time10 a.m. — 10:20 a.m.Story time for toddlers 18-35 months.

June 7Preschool Story Time11:15 a.m. — 11:45 a.m.Stories for kids ages 3-5 every Thursday morning.

June 9Writing the Short Story: Workshop1 p.m. — 2 p.m.Learn some basic rules, participate inwriting exercises, and explore a creative andlively approach to developing your storyideas in an interactive group. InstructorAnna Stramese has years of professional andacademic experience in L.A., NYC and Paris.

June 12In Case You Missed It Summer Film Series:‘Beginners’6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.Screening of the comedy “Beginners.” In hisOscar-winning role, Christopher Plummercomes out of the closet at age 75.

June 13Mystery Book Group: ‘A Great Deliverance’7 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.Discussion of Elizabeth George's “A Great Deliverance.” Scotland Yardinspectors are dispatched to elucidate amurder in which the disdained Roberta Teysis found beside her father's headless corpse,wearing her best dress with an axe in her lap.

June 14Toddler Story Time10 a.m. — 10:20 a.m.Story time for toddlers 18-35 months.

June 16Lego Club3 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.Come have fun with Legos and buildsomething amazing. Ages 4 and up.

June 19In Case You Missed It Summer Film Series:‘The Ides of March’6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.This political thriller from 2011 has an all-star cast, including Ryan Gosling andGeorge Clooney.

DRE # 01218699