Food Fight!!!! Could this Happen at AC STelle? Probably..

Oh these kids today. Food fights in cafeteria??? At least the principal of the food fighting middle school made the culprits foot the bill.

Bluto would approve.

Cloud Appreciation Society

If you love clouds check out the beauties on the above site.

The Cloud Appreciation Societywill leave you amazed at natures beauty.

Calabasas Anti Smoking Law Makes Us Look Wacky

It's nice to see the Calabasas Chronicle is not alone when it comes to the new anti smoking ordinance passed this week in our fair city.

The story has made national headlines. Our very own Acorn newspaper has printed some of the letters from around the countryin this week's edition. Needless to say, we're glad the Calabasas Chronicle is not alone when assessing this ridiculous law. Validation is very comforting.

Porn Stars, Sex Toys and Yale

So, you work hard, move to a great neighborhood with a top notch school district like Las Virgenes. You make sure your kids are exposed to good books, art, museums. You put them in dance, music and sports. You supply tutors when needed. You pray they get in GATE in 2nd grade, honors and AP classes in high school. You hire college counselors to help your child through the college admissions process. You send them to SAT prep classes, or even better pay for a private tutor. You make sure they do their community service and then some. You hope for perfect SAT's and a 4.35 GPA, along with captain of some sports team at least. All this so that can go to college. Of course the ultimate brass ring of colleges is an Ivy League.

If they go to Yale, they can learn about choosing a proper condom, how to strip, and the proper use of sex toys. Thank goodness. Because learning about the life or porn stars is really important to a well rounded education. At Sex Week at Yale, all the hard works pays off as your six figure tuition fees finally teaches your kids something important and meaningful.

Sophia: A Life Lost

We are so saddened and disheartened to hear today about the death of Sophia Ahmed. Sophia was a junior at Calabasas High, who passed away Thursday, February 16th. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sophia's family, friends and teachers. We encourage everyone to hug your kids tonight, tell them you love them and thank God for their lives.

Sophia Ahmed

1989-2006

Is The Danger of Second Hand Smoke Hype?

Not everyone agrees with the science behind the dangers of second hand smoke. For every study that charges dire consequences another says the harm is mini minimal if not non existent.

According to Dr. Richard Doll,, the scientist who first linked active smoking to lung cancer, said in a 2001 radio interview, "The effects of other people smoking in my presence is so small it doesn't worry me."

Ignoring the Smoking Ban?

Seems those rebels in Minnesota are smoking whether the city of Minneapolis wants them to or not. People in the city are ignoring the smoking ban.

Could this happen in Calabasas or are we too PC?

Cheerleader Gets the Boot, Threatens Lawsuit

The CHS cheer squad is competing in Florida this weekend in a real life "Bring it On' competition. Not everyone is attending however as semester grades eliminated a few members of the team. Unfortunately the $700 cost of the Florida competition has a no refund policy. One former cheer member didn't make the grade, yet instead of getting a job after school to pay back the money owed her parents, said parents threatened that old stand by "We're gonna sue!!!". The administration caved and reimbursed the "non refundable" cash, but stood their ground on the grade and the expulsion from the Cheer Squad.

I'm sure the kid involved learned a lot from this lesson, such as, get a good attorney, agreements are dumb, and my parents will fix it.

The New Minority on Campus? Men

Seems boys can't catch a break. If they're not being medicated in elementary school by the time they get to college, they're just done with school. According to . SF Gate, the newest minority group on college campuses today is men.

Would You Let Your 5th Grader Date?

Back in May I wrote this article for Associated Contents. After reading the previous postings regarding our kids and the problems facing them, I thought it would be good to dust this off. Would You Let Your Fifth Grader Date?

Cash Rich Mayor

In case you were wondering how the coffers of the Mayor are doing in his bid for the Assembly seat in district 41, he seems to have cash in hand, with nearly $400,000, he's beating out his cloest opponents, Julia Brownley and Kelly Hayes-Raitt by a couple of K.

Primary elections will be held in June 2006 and it safe to say that Fran Pavley's old seat will go to a Democrat.

10% of all 10 year Old Boys on ADHD Meds

Not only are they now discovering side effects and that these drugs are oversubscribed, but just check out the profits Novartis makes from the sale of Ritalin.

Novartis Profits

Sales of drugs for treating ADHD rose to $3.62 billion last year, from $3.1 billion in 2004, according to figures from IMS Health Inc.

``There's been increasing use of the drugs by both adults and children,'' said Mosholder, a medical officer in the FDA's division of drug-risk evaluation.

The stimulant drugs include amphetamine, sold as Adderall; and methylphenidate, which has been used for more than 50 years and is sold as Ritalin and in generic versions. Other drugs of the types under review include Johnson & Johnson's Concerta, Novartis's Focalin, and Mallinckrodt Inc. and Alliant Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Methylin.

Check outThe Los Angeles Times Story written by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar dated 2.6.06.

Warning Urged for ADHD Drugs> WASHINGTON-An FDA panel cites heart risks in its advisory on Ritalin and similar medications.

Sheehan no Feinstein Spoiler

Peace activist Cindy Sheehan announce Thursday that she will not run for the California Senate seat held by Dianne Feinstein, declaring that she is more effective working outside the system than from within. The Daily Breeze reports.

Is Childhood Falling Out of Fashion?

Marc Porter Zasada writes in The Survival of Childhood, "Most children now dress in identical clothing, wear identical hairstyles, listen to identical music, watch identical programming, and play identical games as adults. Child entertainers slink sexily onto our stages. On situation comedies, children speak precociously in the same brash and insulting manner as their goggle-eyed parents."

Kids shouldn't be fashion statements. Is it possible to screen our kids from peer and media influences? Perhaps we need to take a closer look at ourselves to better understand why our kids want to grow up so fast.

Brains and a Nice Guy Too

Local students, including one from Calabasas High have made the cut for the Presidential Scholar Award.

Our personal favorite smarty is Bret Bummerts of Calabasas High School. (we happen to employ his tutoring services). The kid had perfect SAT's, combined with a 4.23 GPA, is the captain of the school soccer team, tutors children and refs youth soccer. How annoying is this? The worst part is....he's a really decent kid. Bummerts's "Jeff Spicolli" act never really fooled us anyway. We knew beneath that hair and laid back manner beat the heart of a scholar! Congrats to Bret and all the other high achieving students in the area who made the grade.

Too Much Money/Not Enough Sense

The latest news on the Gretsky/Jones scandal is not looking good for the former hockey great. Looks like he knew what was going on after all. Initially he denied any involvement, but it seems Gretsky has now come clean. The money in involved in the case is no small change.

From the Star-Ledger of Newark

According to The Star-Ledger of Newark, citing unidentified law enforcement sources, first reported of a wiretap involving Gretzky in Thursday's newspapers. The newspaper also reported that Jones bet $500,000 during the investigation, including $75,000 on the Super Bowl. "My love for her (Jones) is deeper than anything. The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved. Am I concerned for both of them? Sure there's concern from me. I'm more worried about them than me. I'm like you guys, I'm trying to figure it all out," Gretzky said Tuesday. Isn't it annoying that people like this have their hands on that kind of money? I mean, didn't someone at some point think, 'you know, we're rich, why risk everything for a measly 500 grand. So we don't get the matching Bently's this year. We'll survive.'

I guess athletic ability is not synonymous with wisdom.

We Say Donate Cheesecake to All Cali-B Residents

It looks like the Cheesecake Factory had a banner year with record profits!

As a way to forge good relations with the community we say Cheesecake for All!!!

On a more serious note: Congrats to the the company who calls Calabasas home. Visit them in person or on line at The Cheesecake Factory.

Fire in Malibu/Calabasas Area

A quick moving fire is happening this moment in Malibu/Calabasas.

The area burning is about three miles north of Pepperdine. No homes are being evacuated at this point. The firefighters are working hard to contain the fire before the temperatures rise today. For the latest info check out the ABC News Local News.

Grad Night for Ten Grand?

Grad Night at Calabasas High is not what it used to be. No longer content with a night at Disneyland, high school seniors expect more.....much more. Senior parents are already bracing everyone for the inevitable donation drive. According to the CHS newsletter, donations will pay for "entertainment, grad night senior gifts, security and miscellaneous expenses." What is a "senior gift" anyway? How about a diploma and a gift card from grandma?

Wonder how that would fly? We think it might not fly at all as no one wants to be the one to say "enough" to their kid's class. And so, it keeps escalating. -Starting with the cost of the yearbook, PFC membership, classroom supplies and books, not to mention any sort of extra curricular activity kids are involved with.

Our advice to middle school parents? Start saving now. Sending your kid to public school for four years will cost at least as much as a semester of tuition at UC or Cal State. However, it's still cheaper than Viewpoint!

Why We Love Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster and her mom are regulars at the Blue Table, in Calabasas. Not only is Ms. Foster an incredible actress, she's a nice person. Want proof? Jodie gives back.

The Newlywed House Sold to Reese

This is old news (one whole month!), but worth mentioning. Nick and Jess will no longer be seen at the Commons and shopping at Vons. *sigh* Seeing Nick in his black Maserati/Ferrari or some such fast car was always a thrill for us here at the Cali-B.

But never fear, young actor and mini real estate mogul, Justin Berfield has purchased the house for a whopping 3.75 mil!

Justin was living in the Bird Streets but apparently had trouble with a stalker. We're happy JB will be living safe behind gates and we wish him the best.

As for Jessica, it's too bad. Malibu has it's token blonde in Britney, it's not fair Calabasas is down one grey matter challenged celeb. Who knows, maybe Paris or Nicole will find the charms of Cali-B irresistible.

Gretsky's Wife In Trouble?

Local former actress/celebrity/wife of famous athlete, Janet Jones Gretsky has been implicated in a bust of a nationwide gambling ring with alleged mob connections. Bad judgement or something more sinister? You decide, but we're sure as more information comes to light, it will be clear if Mrs. Gretsky was seriously involved or just a fan having some fun

Chaparral Blood Drive

Chaparral Elementary School is sponsoring a blood drive in partnership with the Red Cross. Click here for more information. After the hurricanes the Red Cross could really use the help.

Method Fest Is Back in Calabasas

The 8th annual Method Fest is all set for Calabasas once again. Our very own independent film festival. How artsy can we get? Check it out. To all you future Capra's and Spielberg's the absolutely lastest day to submit an entry is February 9,2006. Here is the entry form.Go forth and create great cinema! After a viewing of Big Mamma's House you'll agree: we need it!

Calabasas Press Release RE:Smoking Ordinance

The City released this press release, yesterday February 2,2006. It looks like we're in the minority on this one.

In the words of Mr. Benjamin Franklin, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Our New Hero

The Cali-B Buzz has a new favorite person. A Mr. Jerry Cutler from Calabasas. expresses our sentiments exactly. Read on at this week's Letters to the Editor section of the Acorn

Thanks Jerry!

First Smoking, Next Soda?

It's only a matter of time before Calabasas bans Coke and Pepsi. Hey, it could happen. In connection with the slippery slope of the smoking ban posted earlier, this latest lawsuit trend is making it's debut.

The Los Angeles Times>

What is Up With the Bark Park?

For over a year now, the city has been refurbishing the Calabasas Bark Park. Problem is, it's never finished. Half of the small park is alternately restricted so the grass can grow strong on one side. The park is already tiny by most dog park standards. The dogs and owners can only access half of a small space.

It's time to open the entire park and let the grass sink or swim!

For more info check out the Bark Park

Calabasas to Go Smoke Free?

Calabasas is the latest city to consider a ban on smoking in public. The city council is expected to pass an ordinance in March making it against the law to smoke in any outside area in Calabasas. No more smoking at the Commons, Gelson's outdoor tables, hotels, the Bark Park or even sidewalks.

It is so good here in Calabasas that we need to find problems. Never fear, our own mayor Barry Groveman has come to the rescue keeping us safe from the evils of second hand smoke. Thank God we have the government looking out for us. Just what we need; another law.

We are now done with the sarcasm overload. We value freedom however over the over-hyped risk of second hand smoke.

It seems we here at Cali-BBuzz are not alone in our opinion, but not many are willing to take a stand at council meetings, letters to the editor, or calls to the powers that be, to defend what is kind of 'yucky'. Who likes smoke? It's horrible. But this issue isn't about smoking. It's about liberty.

Read on at The Acorn>

Hello, Welcome and Comment Please!

Welcome to the new Calabasas blog. Updates on the comings and goings of our community and the people that make it so special. Any and all comments, thoughts and ideas are welcome. Enjoy!