Issuu

S E P TE M B E R 2 02 1

ENTERTAINMENT O U T O N T H E T OWN TR AV E L AVELO AI RL I N ES A R T S + C U LT U R E

Carpe Diem!

CAL I FO RN IA M USEU M O F AR T T H O US AN D OAKS HOME + DESIGN L A H O M E C O NS T RU C T I O N

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN WEALTH ADVISORS I welcome the opportunity to learn about your unique goals and needs. Together we can create a strategy designed to help guide you along the path toward financial well-being. Call to schedule a consultation today.

Jennifer Strong

Wealth Advisor CA Insurance #0F86692 770 Paseo Camarillo, Suite 120 Camarillo, CA 93010 (805) 564-7386 Office jstrong@mbtadvisors.com Not FDIC Insured

Not Bank Guaranteed

Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency

Located at Montecito Bank & Trust • montecito.bank

May Lose Value Not a Bank Deposit

Jennifer Strong is a registered representative with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Montecito Bank & Trust and MB&T Advisors are not registered brokers/dealers nor affiliates of LPL Financial.

Are you thinking about selling your home? Let Rosemary use her proven expertise to help you get the highest sales price! Rosemary can give you advice on improvements that will highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers. Although the structure itself is often the deciding factor, many steps must be taken to enhance your home’s features and increase the likelihood of it selling faster. Innately understanding the finer points of caring for clients with high net worth, and even higher expectations, Rosemary utilizes multimedia print and digital internet advertising to masterfully unite sellers of the finest homes in Ventura County with quality buyers from across the globe.

Named “Woman of the year 2020” by the California Legislative Woman's Caucus, awarded by the California Senate and Assembly

With over $100,000,000 in sales in the last 12 months, call on Rosemary to use her proven expertise to help you get the highest sales price

805.479.7653

rosemaryallison@aol.com callrosemary.com CalRE #00545184

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Voted “Best” Ventura County Agent for 2020 Daily News Readers Choice

Recognized. Respected. Recommended

Westlake Village Foxmoor Glen Estate

1655 Strandway Court | 5 beds | 2.5 baths | Westlake Village | Reduced to $1,399,000 | 1655Strandway.com Foxmoor Glen sensational 5 bedroom picture perfect two story home remodeled with updated kitchen and appliances. This large home provides 5 bedrooms (or 4 plus office) 2.5 bathrooms, expansive windows - huge lot. Walking distance to Blue Ribbon elementary school. Dual pane windows, smooth ceilings. Family room has cozy fireplace with fire glass and lava rock, wet bar. Master bedroom suite with dual closets and dual bathroom sinks. All bedrooms are good sized Garage with hybrid polymer flooring, storage cabinets and electric car charging station, Newly constructed driveway and patio cover. Reduced to $1,499,000

805.479.7653 | rosemaryallison@aol.com | www.callrosemary.com | CalRE #00545184

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification.Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Immaculate single-story home with endless amenities and must see to take in all of the many features!

Immaculate single-story home with endless amenities

12985 Sunny Ln

Immaculate single-story home with endless amenities and must see to take in all of the many features! Step into the entry that leads you to the formal dining room and living room with fireplace. The gourmet kitchen, which opens to the family room with another cozy fireplace, features granite countertops, upgraded kitchen appliances; Bosch dishwasher, Viking 6 burner plus griddle range with downdraft vent; GE Monogram refrigerator, Decor oven, microwave and warming drawer. Custom kitchen cabinets with soft close hinges and drawer slides. The master suite provides a great space to unwind with an attached bath with full marble slabs in shower, tub and dual vanities, beautiful walk-in shower, and walk-in closet. The guest bedrooms are all spacious in size and feature updated bathrooms. The garage is complete with epoxy flooring, enclosed attic space with pull down ladder, storage and workbench. Travertine flooring, and recessed lighting throughout. Outside to the side yard you will find the RV parking. The backyard feels like your own private resort with a spacious covered patio, fire-pit, beautiful landscaping and walking trails, Wifi enabled pool equipment controller for the pool and spa, putting green and Zen pottery fountain. BBQ. Other amenities of this property include fruit trees, side yard shed with 20’ x 20’ observation deck. This home is a must see!

805.479.7653 | rosemaryallison@aol.com | www.callrosemary.com | CalRE #00545184

On a Clear Day you can see forever with 180 degree panoramic views

On a Clear Day you can see forever with 180 degree panoramic views. Evoking the simplicity and elegance of mid-Century modern design, this outstanding residence perched on the highest ridge in Santa Rosa Valley provides indoor and outdoor spaces that integrate seamlessly through expansive windows. There are 4 bedrooms, 3 and ½ bathrooms. Dramatic open kitchen with stainless steel appliances, extensive built-ins including peninsula island and dining table. Custom details abound including slate flooring in the 1,000 square foot living room with breathtaking views. The master suite features open concept with large fabulous marble soaking tub, and shower. Downstairs there is a large approximate 800 square foot potential guest quarters with fireplace, separate bedroom, full bath and potential kitchen. The area downstairs can also be utilized as an office space, workout area. There are two fireplaces. Located in the sought-after Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School district.

805.479.7653 | rosemaryallison@aol.com | www.callrosemary.com | CalRE #00545184

Views! Views! Stunning Santa Rosa Valley view estate on a gorgeous pinnacle view lot!

Stunning Santa Rosa Valley view estate on a gorgeous pinnacle view lot! 11450 Highridge Ct

Views! Views! Stunning Santa Rosa Valley view estate on a gorgeous pinnacle view lot! Magnificently detailed home offering the best of Santa Rosa Valley. Drive up to a beautiful private oasis. Situated on 1.1 lush acres and never ending views. Over $150,000+ in upgrades including all 6 Bathrooms, New Carpeting, Kitchen Update, Original wood floors completely refinished and sealed to new in the Living, Dining, Kitchen and Morning Rooms. Office has an an amazing new floor. Exterior and Interior freshly painted. Newer A/C, Heaters, Hot Water Heater and Pool Equipment. This home Boosts 6 bedrooms, 5.5 Bathrooms, Office w/ built ins, Living, Dining, Indoor Storage Room, Large Light and Bright Morning, an oversized wood beamed family room. And views from every room in the house. The backyard is an entertainers paradise. Sitting patio for quaint entertaining, a huge 2 level pool and patio followed by a level grass area that is surrounded by beautiful mature trees and plants. Make your appointment today! The pictures only give you a glimpse come see Highridge Court and ‘Stop Looking and Start Living the Santa Rosa Valley Dream

805.479.7653 | rosemaryallison@aol.com | www.callrosemary.com | CalRE #00545184

LIFESTYLE LETTER

SEPTEMBER 2021 PUBLISHERS

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@lifestylepubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@lifestylepubs.com

Let’s Enjoy Life Again SO, WE HAVE BEEN “LET OUT.” We can dine out, travel and see family and friends

EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@lifestylepubs.com INTERN

Brianna Oard

who we have desperately missed all of these months.

AD DESIGNER

YES!! It’s time to do things and buy stuff that will make life enjoyable again.

L AYO UT DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

Jayme Emery

+ Luxuries like jewelry—what the heck, now you have a reason to wear it! Get it and flaunt it. You deserve it. + Buy a new car if you can find one (there is a shortage). + Visit a winery or a brew pub and listen to music and talk with your friends for hours. Robin and I love NABU Wines. She enjoys the music and I enjoy the wine. + Dine out at all the restaurants you missed going to (amazingly enough they are almost

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Blaker, Sue Baldani, Melissa Curtin, Alicia Doyle, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Brianna Oard, Kim Pagano, Jill Stowell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joey Carman, Melissa Curtin, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Trinity Wheeler Photography, Eugene Yankevich

all still there). Darn, that Crispy Duck in a cherry sauce at Rustico was delicious! We have also driven up to Montecito just to dine at our favorite French restaurant, Stella Mare—a long drive but worth it. I love genuine French cuisine and I missed theirs. + Plan a trip to visit a favorite place or maybe a new one you read about during the lockdown. There is a new discount carrier, Avelo Airlines, that flies out of Burbank to some great and unusual destinations like Sonoma County and Medford, Oregon, just hours from Crater Lake and the Rogue River in Oregon. Read about them in this issue. + Get rid of the skuzzies you have been lounging around in for over a year. Burning

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

some of mine in a “cleansing ceremony” seems like a good idea. Buy some new

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

threads! During the last week I have made some major contributions to the bottom

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

line of the Polo Store at the Camarillo Outlet Mall. I think women will apply about

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

10 times the energy to this as I ever could. They deserve it for having to put up with

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

guys like me during lockdown.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

However, please be careful. We all know the virus is not really over. Follow whatever guidelines are in place. Have respect for others. When masks are required, wear one. Getting vaccinated and not catching or spreading the Delta variant might be a really good idea. Unlike Cain, be your brother’s or your sister’s keeper.

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Ben Malkin, Publisher

ON THE COVER Awe-inspiring Crater Lake in Oregon is the deepest lake in the U.S.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN 8

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

Proverbs 3:5-6 Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Conejo Valley areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE SEPTEMBER 2021

FEATURES 20 Carpe Diem! Venturing Out on the Town

26 Easy Exploring Jet Set to Unique Destinations with Avelo Airlines

32 Food & Fun Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival Goes Live

32 20

48 Community Efforts Keeping the Arts Alive

48 DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

32 Giving Back 36 Local’s Choice 40 Renovate & Refine 42 Artist’s Palette 46 Page Turners 48 Local Limelight 54 Locals Only 56 Locally Owned 58 Lifestyle Calendar 62 Parting Thoughts

GOOD TIMES

Golfers Hit the Links to Raise Money for Casa Pacifica The 29th Annual Care for Kids Golf Classic hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Camarillo at Spanish Hills Country Club raised funds for Casa Pacifica's programs that serve foster and at-risk youth, along with other Rotary Foundation charities. Advanced Motion Controls returned as the tournament Title Sponsor and its owners, Daniel and Felicia Schoenewald, were the tournament honorees.

Illuminate Who You Are &Who You Can Be!

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Individual, Couples, Family & Group Therapy

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

Luminous.clarity.inc@gmail.com Teletherapy Available (Skype, Phone)

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AROUND TOWN

MEET THE HANDS THAT FEED YOU After a year-long hiatus, Farm Day is back! Hosted

Students

for

Eco-Education

Agriculture (SEEAG), the 3rd Annual Santa Barbara County Farm Day features in-person farm tours on Saturday, September 18, in Santa Barbara County. More than 10 Santa Barbara County farms, ranches and agricultural organizations will open their doors and invite the public to experience a day full of agricultural activities and tours. Plan your farm day with SEEAG’s farm day trail map at SantaBarbaraCountyFarmDay.com. Save the date for SEEAG’s Farm Day in Ventura County on November 6, featuring tours and talks with members of the county’s diverse agricultural community at over 20 different locations. VenturaCountyFarmDay.com

“IMAGINE” BENEFITS YMCA “Imagine,”

the

Southeast

Ventura

County

YMCA’s 4th Annual Gala on Saturday, September 18, at The Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village features cocktails, entertainment, a four-course dinner, live and silent auctions, and an after-party. Longtime Simi Valley residents and supporters of the organization Chuck and Melinda Carmichael will be honored as will volunteers who have given of themselves for the betterment of others and the community. Proceeds benefit YMCA classes and programs. For tickets ($350/person; $650/per cou-

Dr. Cristina Markiewicz Cosmetic and Family Dentist

(805) 498-0400 www.newburyparkdentalarts.com 400 S. Reino Road Ste 100 Newbury Park, CA 91320

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

ple): Virtual.SEVYMCA.org/Gala

FASHION FORWARD Southern California native and Ventura entrepreneur Catherine Henricksen recently launched Catherine's Fashion Finds, an online destination for unique, contemporary and vintage-fun clothing. Exclusively hand-picked with the goal of fun in mind. Catherine’s Fashion Finds features beautiful new and vintage clothing for every style and budget. Frequently updated, the site is a tribute to Catherine's dedication to repurposing and re-loving beautiful items and sharing them with others. CatherinesFashionFinds.com

GEARING UP FOR ROTARY’S STREET FAIR The Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks invites residents to come and celebrate the love and strength of the entire community at the Thousand Oaks

Future Focus

HER

OUR

Rotary Street Fair next month, on Sunday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Moorpark Road (between Hillcrest and Wilber). Admission is free and vendors will provide a variety of street fair food to enjoy at the event and at home. The event features more

FOSTERING TODAY’S GIRLS TO BECOME TOMORROW’S LEADERS SINCE 1964

than 250 craft and household vendors displaying their merchandise for attendees to browse and purchase (think early holiday shopping!). Event proceeds benefit community members who were severely affected by COVID-19. TOStreetFair.com

80% of girls from girls’ schools hold leadership positions after high school A third of female corporate board members of Fortune 500 companies are girls’ school graduates Girls who attend a girls’ school are more than twice as likely to earn a doctoral degree

Visit

LEARN MORE ON HOW LA REINA CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY! Tuesday Tours Begin • September 14 Applications Open 2022-23 • October 1 Regent for a Day Begin • October 18 Fall Open House • November 7 Freshman for a Day • November 17

La Reina High School & Middle School Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle. com/ConejoValley using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

A Catholic College Preparatory School for young women grades 6-12 sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame since 1964

For more information: LaReina.com • 805.495.6494, ext. 1008 106 W. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Accredited by WCEA/WASC La Reina admits students of any creed, race, color, national and/or ethnic group to all rights, privileges, programs and activities at the school.

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

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Affirmative Escrow is a member of the American Escrow Association, Escrow Institute of California, California Escrow Association and Ventura County Escrow Association and is licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under license No. 96-DFPI-36193. Affirmative Escrow offers competitive prices and superior service.

CARPE DIEM! GET OUT & LIVE A LITTLE! AFTER SPENDING SO MUCH TIME IN ISOLATION DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, PEOPLE ARE GETTING OUT AGAIN TO TAKE PLEASURE IN A VARIETY OF “NEW NORMAL” ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS VISITING ART GALLERIES, GOING TO THE SPA, ATTENDING LIVE MUSIC EVENTS—AND OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY THIS TIME OUT IN THE WORLD AGAIN. While the future remains uncertain with the onset of the Delta variant of the Coronavirus, many venues, restaurants and other businesses are doing their best to provide ways for people to indulge, celebrate and take care of themselves. It’s important to keep in mind that things are constantly changing with the pandemic, so event information and details could shift at any moment. The New West Symphony views this new normal as an opportunity to celebrate humanity’s diverse musical palette and contribute to our beautiful way of life in Southern California, says Michael Christie, artistic and music director of the largest fully professional symphony orchestra serving Ventura County and the Conejo Valley region. “In the flurry of life’s activities, music is one of the few things we share completely with other human beings no matter the time in history or place in the world,” Christie says. “It transcends political stripes, level of education, cultural background and our human complexity.”

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

CARPE DIEM ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE

New West Symphony continues to offer its Global Sounds, Local

Cultures online season through its Virtual Concert Hall on demand. The series explores how western classical music and music from

around the world have inspired and influenced each other for centuries. As far as the future is concerned, “we are looking forward to presenting a tour of performances in mid-October to reenter concert settings,” Christie says. “Performances will be just over

"Car Culture" CMATO Photo

an hour, presented in venues throughout Ventura County and be a fun blend of music across many genres.” Above all, “I want concertgoers to be proud of our professional musicians who share their talents with us… My main goal is to build audiences and create community pride for the human experience of creating.” Live music also takes the stage at NABU Wines in Westlake Village with wine tasting on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m., and cover bands that showcase Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Heart, Led Zeppelin and more. If you’re looking to store your wine, Cellar Masters in Newbury Park is a fully licensed

"Mamma Mia" 5-Star Theatricals Photo

and bonded contractor, and their sole business is the design, construction and installation of climate-controlled custom wine cellars and wine storage solutions. Restaurants are also serving up in-person dining. Try Mastro’s Steakhouse in Thousand Oaks, named a Top 10 steakhouse in the United States, and The Grill on the Alley at The Promenade in Westlake Village, a classic steakhouse featuring acclaimed prime beef and seafood. "Karen Sikie" CMATO Photo

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

GALLERIES CARPE DIEM! GET OUT & LIVE A LITTLE! (CONTINUED)

You can also dine outdoors lakeside at The Landing

“our 25-minute treatments not only help you lose that unwanted

in Westlake Village, including Boccaccio’s, Zin Bistro

Covid fat, but also bring your stress levels down and increase

Americana and The Landing Grill & Sushi Bar. Shopping

your serotonin levels that help us cope,” Dr. Lalena says.

at several boutiques in the same location include Tres Chic

“We also do treatments for pain—red light therapy will help

and the Bonibi Store and Coffee Bar. Down the street in

with pain and inflammation on any part of the body,” she

Agoura Hills, check out the RELM Lifestyle Boutique at

notes. “We do arthritis, brain trauma, stroke, back or neck pain,

Whizin Market Hall. And Splendid Iris in Westlake Village

fibromyalgia or just plain old pain from soreness.”

sells affordable jewelry, accessories and clothing to make women of all ages feel fabulous.

Westlake Body Contouring currently has a $59 introductory offer for the first full body treatment, and “we are offering 10%

For those who gained weight during isolation, “we can

off all package deals if you mention you read this in Conejo

help with that,” says Dr. Dianne Lalena, DC, owner of

Valley Lifestyle magazine,” she adds. “When your stress levels

Westlake Body Contouring, which is known for its contour light system that reduces unwanted fat on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and chin. Additionally, “we have the famous 42-day, doctor-supervised Chirothin Weight Loss Program, which is sure to get you back to your pre-Covid weight in just 42 days.” If you need an increase in serotonin, or a decrease in the cortisol levels that make people gain weight from stress,

Photo Credit: Eugene Yankevich

are down and you lose a few inches of unwanted fat, you will feel better in your clothes and feel better overall. We can help you do that at Westlake Body Contouring.” You can also pamper yourself at the Four Seasons Spa in Westlake Village, which offers a variety of massages, including Thai, Shiatsu and reflexology, as well as sports, maternity and couples massage. Post-pampering, take your relaxed and shiny self out on the town to soak up the local arts scene. The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks features free general admission and rotating temporary exhibitions, 22

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

This month, The Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks is hosting several amazing artists, including Chris Isaak and Boz Scaggs, as well as Chris Hillman, who will perform along with Herb

LIVE MUSIC

Pedersen and John Jorgenson.

“If things continue to go in the right direction, on

Sept. 22 we will have our very first full house with no social distance requirements in place,” says Niki

Chopra Richardson, associate director of TOArts, which is the fundraising and presenting partner

of the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks.

She further emphasizes that “we follow the public health guidelines of the state and county,

so it all depends on that. If all goes well, we will have Chris Isaak (on Sept. 22) and a big welcome back to our patrons and audience complete with "Zara Feeney" CMATO Photo

complimentary champagne.”

Ticket sales so far indicate people “are ready to get back out,” she adds. “We have masks for unvaccinated people, but we’re not policing that, so we’re expecting

people to protect themselves and we’re not checking vaccinations because we don’t feel that’s our position. It’s a performance venue and you’re coming here voluntarily, so we’re hoping people will do what’s right for themselves and their community.”

At 5-Star Theatricals in Thousand Oaks, “we

hope that we can offer an optimistic, safe place to

gather with our neighbors, enrich our souls with song and the story told on stage,” says Executive Director Cindy Murray. artist lectures and educational and family programs that foster participation in, and an appreciation for, the visual arts.

For instance, “Mamma Mia,” opening in October, “has fun, upbeat music that will have people

The values we support today will determine what we have

dancing in the aisles and hopefully lift their spirits as we

when the pandemic is over, says Roya Alt, CMATO director.

celebrate what a wonderful community we live in,”

“This is a time to value the arts—art makes a difference in how

Murray says. “This cast has been in place since the

we live our lives,” Alt says. “It allows us to communicate from

beginning of 2020 and they cannot wait to sing and

afar, generating positivity and hope.”

dance with the audience.”

During

these

uncertain

times,

“art

matters,”

Alt

5-Star Theatricals “can offer everyone the gift of

emphasizes. “We saw an increased interest in the arts

song as we gather together once again,” she adds.

early on in the pandemic; globally, people turned to art

“We have always had hope and we never gave up

engagement as a source of comfort and strength. This has

performing for our community.”

been the driving force behind our reopening.” CMATO has an important role to play in confronting the challenges of COVID-19: “to remain a place for you to find refuge, seek solace and enjoy art when life feels uncertain. Now more than ever, we need humanity, expression and the community that the arts create.”

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

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Getting to Know the West with

Avelo Airlines ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY MELISSA CURTIN

ITCHING TO TRAVEL AND EXPLORE SOMEWHERE NEW? Not

recommend a stay at Sunriver Resort. On

eager to visit a big city or overcrowded tourist destination? Brand

your way to Medford, witness Crater Lake

new Avelo Airlines offers flights out of Burbank Airport to 10 exciting

National Park, drive to the coast or soak in

alternative destinations across the Western U.S.

southern Oregon’s steaming hot springs.

With rates as low as $39 one way, it’s time to start planning your

For a self-guided adventure to diverse

next adventure. Nonstop flights from Burbank include California

farms, artisans and restaurants in Southern

destinations like Eureka, Redding and Santa Rosa along with three

Oregon, download the Rogue Valley Food

stops in Oregon—Eugene, Medford and Bend. Also, nonstop flights

Trail brochure to plot your themed route.

can be booked to Pasco, Washington; Phoenix/Mesa, Arizona; Ogden, Utah; and Bozeman, Montana.

the

sunshine-soaked

heart

Washington State, Pasco boasts riverfront

Avelo Airlines has opened up new travel possibilities. Consider

parks and miles of paved pedestrian trails.

getting to know California more by flying to Eureka with its towering

Traverse this part of America by biking or

old-growth redwoods and the new Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia

walking the 23-mile Sacagawea Heritage

Park Zoo. Stroll the historic old town or cruise along on the early

Trail or taking a jetboat tour of Hanford

1900’s Madakat ferry to take in the sights, seals and birdlife of

Reach. In Ogden, Utah, you are not far from

Humboldt Bay. Fly into Redding and marvel at the Sundial Bridge

Salt Lake City. Rivers teem with trout and

and hike Lassen Volcanic National Park, a must for thermal won-

salmon. Stay awhile for a First Friday Art

ders with less crowds than Yosemite. In nearby Mount Shasta, learn

Stroll while endless hiking and mountain

about Gold Rush history or climb into the Lake Shasta caverns.

bike trails await!

Visit Oregon to explore profound changes in landscape. You could

Forget driving over eight hours to get to

fly into one location and out of another. Bend is filled with every

Sonoma’s wine country for a long weekend.

imaginable outdoor adventure and also renowned for its breweries.

In about an hour, land in Santa Rosa on

Mountain bike, hike around Lava Lands or waterfalls, climb inside a

Avelo’s Next Generation Boeing 737 aircraft.

lava tube, and ski or dog sled at Mt. Bachelor in winter. We highly

About half the plane was booked each way

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

GETTING TO KNOW THE WEST WITH AVELO AIRLINES

(CONTINUED)

Photo Credit: Tracy Marcynzsyn

out of 189 seats available. The friendly flight staff served bottled

bread infused with cheddar and jalapeno and melt in your mouth

water and packaged cookies. Here’s how we took advantage of two

whole branzino—paired with a juicy red Random Ridge Cabernet, of

nights and three days in Sonoma County.

course. After feeling so cooped up from a year of stay-at-home life,

First, we pre-booked a rental car on the app Turo to get around

dining here was like being transported to Europe!

easily which also made sense since no car rental agencies are open

Checking into the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa at

after 5 p.m. in the small airport. The car was waiting for us when we

night felt like we stepped into a Wes Anderson film as the fountain

arrived. Before the hotel, my husband and I stopped in the charming

and pinkish façade sparkled in perfect symmetry. The crisp forest air

village of Glen Ellen, home to less than a thousand residents, to dine

was the first reminder we were no longer in L.A. Guests sat around

at the renowned Glen Ellen Star. A counter seat allowed us to watch

fire pits while we eagerly sank into comfort with our in-room fire-

the chef multi-task exquisite dishes as we gorged ourselves on sum-

place, wine and calming fountain just outside our hotel room patio.

mer salad with peaches and feta then duck confit pasta mixed with

The biggest treat is the hotel’s Willow Stream Spa that sits atop

crunchy haricot verts and roasted grapes. We ogled more courses

an ancient thermal mineral spring flowing from 1,100 feet below the

like roasted veggies in skillets, such as Brussels with brown sugar

surface. The 98-degree mineral pool comes with music under the

bacon and Mexican-style corn with cotija cheese, as they were

water perfect for a relaxing Zen float.

pulled from the wood-fired oven. People raved about the tomato

The next day we passed numerous bucolic vineyards and spiraled

cream pie pizza but we settled happily on the house-made focaccia

up a narrow road past a few gates to a lush paradise spread out

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

before us. At first glance, I wondered if we had arrived at

tanks, and each paired with Michelin-worthy bites. The

Monet’s Garden, the American version. We gazed agape

green hillside sprawled in front of us complete with a

as flowers in every color gently moved in the wind and

dripping water feature cascading the length of our dining

a naturally dyed lake below was accented by an arched

table. It was hard to leave.

bridge and stunning hillsides. Atop the rocky slopes of

On our last day we sipped vino at Kunde Family

Bennett Mountain, vineyards wrapped around the archi-

Winery, a 5th generation 1,850-acre estate in the heart

tecturally modern tasting room. A thousand feet above

of Sonoma Valley with a lengthy list of wines. We ven-

sea level Coursey Graves Bennett Valley Estate felt

tured into their 32,000-square-foot cave where the 2008

like stepping into a painting. We had the entire place

movie “Bottle Shock” was filmed atop with a boxing

to ourselves as we savored a wine tasting with tomato

ring. The comedy was based on a 1976 wine competition

cucumber salad and thinly sliced prosciutto and burrata.

where California wine defeated French wine in a blind

As part of the pre-booked Estate Vertical Experience, a

taste test.

private tour inside the mountaintop wine cave showed

What pairs well with a morning wine tasting?

off vino aged in terracotta vessels brought from Italy.

Doughnuts, of course. Decadent Johnny Doughnuts in

The cool weather here and rocky soils mimic Bordeaux

Santa Rosa satiated us with varieties like citrus rosemary

conditions, producing highly concentrated fruit, and the

and apple Cinnabon-style. Farther down the road in

wine is outstanding!

Sebastopol we meandered upon an interesting Sunday

Our next reservation was an extraordinary wine and

maker’s market at The Barlow with local products, cul-

food pairing at Hamel Family Wines, a fully estate-

minating with a leisurely lunch outside pup-friendly Blue

grown biodynamic vineyard located in a rare region

Ridge Kitchen known for its farmhouse-style wood grill

favorable for Cabernet. After a cave tour, our taste buds

dishes. Truly a satisfying way to round out our culinary

were tantalized by wine sips from $200 bottles of vino,

venture. It is impossible not to fall in love with Sonoma.

some aged in stainless steel, French oak and concrete

And now it’s easier than ever to get there. CONTINUED >

“NONSTOP FLIGHTS FROM BURBANK INCLUDE CALIFORNIA

DESTINATIONS LIKE EUREKA, REDDING AND SANTA ROSA ALONG

WITH THREE STOPS IN OREGON—EUGENE, MEDFORD AND BEND.”

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

GETTING TO KNOW THE WEST WITH AVELO AIRLINES

Pro

Tips When booking with Avelo Airlines book your checked bag ($10) or carry-on ($35) in advance or it will cost an additional $10 at the airport. Since rows can be tight, book an emergency exit row or ask for a seat change upon check-in for more leg room. Arrange a rental car in advance and double check the hours of operation, as some flights land after rental car companies have closed for the day.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

(CONTINUED)

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ARTICLE BRIANNA OARD

THE

28TH

ANNUAL

CASA

PACIFICA ANGELS WINE, FOOD & BREW FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE THIS MONTH ON SEPTEMBER 26

CALIFORNIA

STATE

UNIVERSITY CHANNEL ISLANDS. Featuring more than 150 vendors of food, wine, brews and specialty items plus all-day entertainment, the event helps fill the annual gap between revenue and actual costs of the nonprofit’s programs. “The goal of the festival is to raise substantial funding to support Casa Pacifica’s programs and services, but another important impact of the festival is in its role of building awareness of Casa Pacifica and its important mission in the community— and then fostering community support,” says Chief Development Officer Carrie Hughes, who has worked with the organization since 1999. “People are introduced to Casa Pacifica at a great, fun-filled community event … It brings together so many disparate elements of our community for one goal, one purpose, one intent—to

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

C A S A PA C I F I C A A N G E L S W I N E , F O O D & B R E W F E S T I VA L G O E S L I V E

GIVING BACK

Photo Credit: Joey Carman

Photo Credit: Trinity Wheeler Photography

raise funds to support the most vulnerable and deserving youth

These and other fundraising events help

and make a huge difference in their lives through the vital services

support Casa Pacifica’s assessment, trauma

Casa Pacifica provides. This collaborative effort [of hundreds of

care, medical and educational services to more

volunteers] is the real story of the festival, which would not be

than 1,700 minors each year. As Ventura County’s

possible without them,” says Hughes.

largest nonprofit provider of children’s men-

Driven by the nonprofit’s mission to “restore hope, enhance

tal health services, Casa Pacifica Centers

resilience and strengthen community connections for children,

for Children and Families is a crisis-care and

young adults and families at the most challenging points of their

residential treatment facility that aims to support

lives,” Hughes takes pride in helping the organization achieve its

growth and development for foster and at-risk

annual fundraising goals.

children and their families in Ventura and Santa

“In my 22-year tenure with Casa Pacifica, over $70 million has

Barbara Counties through a broad range of

been raised by the Development Team ... an amazing feat which has

high-quality diagnostic, educational, treatment

benefited the lives of well over 4,000 youth and their families—I am

and research programs, as well as active collabo-

proud to have been a part of ensuring our programs/staff have been

ration between public and private sectors.

there to help those who are in the greatest need,” says Hughes.

Casa

Pacifica’s

evidence-based,

cut-

Casa Pacifica’s Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival has become

ting-edge solutions positively alter the trajec-

the premier wine and food event in Ventura County and was named

tory of these vulnerable youths’ lives toward

by VC Reporter as the “Best Charity Event” and “Best Food & Drink

hopeful futures as productive, contributing

Festival” in Ventura County for the past nine years. The event is

members of society.

preceded by the 8th Annual Yummie Top Chef Dinner at California

To learn more about Casa Pacifica and

State University Channel Islands, featuring a seven-course meal

the Angels Wine, Food & Brew Festival, visit

prepared by previous Yummie Culinary Competition winners.

CasaPacifica.org. CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

AFTER WORKING AS A CONTRACTOR FOR OTHERS

wants to make a commission. The feedback I’m getting

FOR 10 YEARS, MIRON MOALEM WANTED TO START

from my customers is that they have more confidence when

HIS OWN BUSINESS IN ORDER TO HAVE CONTROL

they meet with the owner.”

OVER THE QUALITY OF HIS WORK AND TO PROVIDE

Moalem’s office is located in its Design Center in West

THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE. So, last June, he opened

Hollywood. “There’s a lot of design involved with my proj-

LA Home Construction, and even though there were some

ects, so I work with a lot of designers. But I also personally

challenges due to COVID, the company is flourishing.

help people choose materials by taking them to showrooms,

“More people than ever are now working on their homes,”

which most contractors don’t do.”

Moalem says. “Being home all the time, they start to notice

He is also willing to take on everything from a small job in

things that they want to change. They’ve also been home to

a 500-square-foot condo in West Hollywood to a large one

supervise the projects.”

in a 7,000-square-foot Malibu home.

And to make sure his customers feel comfortable,

“I met with a client whose budget was about $1,500, and

Moalem and the people he works with are vaccinated and

she told me that the other contractors she called had turned

they show their vaccination cards before entering a home.

her down because the job was too small,” says Moalem.

They also wear masks. LA Home Construction offers many services, including

LA Home Construction is also in demand by architects to handle projects, some of which are very challenging.

bathroom and kitchen remodeling, tile and flooring installa-

“I like it,” he says. “It’s always interesting.”

tion, and deck construction. It also does a lot of wood siding

Services areas include the South Bay area, Beverly

using cedar and other beautiful, durable woods. As the owner, and with his reputation on the line, Moalem is careful about the designers and other people he hires to work with him. He’s also very involved in every project. “The business is me,” he says. “I go to client meetings with a lot of energy, with a lot of knowledge. But I’m not a salesperson. I don’t like to say, ‘I sold a kitchen.’ You sell a car; you sell a chair. A kitchen remodel is more like a work of art. “When customers meet with me, they get a totally dif-

Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, West Hollywood and other nearby towns. “I try to stay within a manageable radius since it’s important for me to visit my jobs.” Moalem is proud of his business model, and also gives some of the credit for his success to his wife, Tatyana. “You know what they say, behind every successful man is a great woman.” To find out more, go to LAHomeConstruction.com.

ferent feel than when meeting with a salesperson who just

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

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C u sto m i z e Yo u r Ya r d w i t h C a l C u sto m S c a p e s : Unique D e s i g n s B u i lt to I m p r e s s ARTICLE SUE BALDANI

attending a year of med school, that passion kept drawing him back. So, he started dabbling in building and design, and although he never expected to do it full time, the demand for his talent kept growing. “It really took off and I kept getting requests, so I figured I’d go head first into it,” says Kopicki. Today, he’s the owner of Cal CustomScapes, offering custom fire pits, lighting, artistic water features, grill enclosures, custom planters and more. Covering mostly Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Cal CustomScapes focuses on providing unique custom designs. “People generally come to me when they’re looking for something different,” says Kopicki. “I never really install anything that’s fabricated, so people know they’re getting something that is unique for their space.” When he first meets with a client, Kopicki usually asks them about their wish list. Afterwards, he and the homeowner discuss what’s possible in terms of budget, design and space. “I always consider the architectural style of the exterior of the home,” he says. “That’s the fun part about custom work; I can blend things in and match them to many different architectural styles so there’s something very unique in each backyard.” Another aspect that makes Kopicki somewhat different from other landscape designers is that he’s very aware of how things will look from the inside of the house. “Sightlines from inside the house out to the space is something that tends to be overlooked. I can make a customer’s yard look completely different from the inside of the house,” he says. Also very much in demand right now is lighting. “Lighting design is something that can make a huge difference in a yard,” says Kopicki. “There are a lot of different types of fixtures, and I can design custom fixtures to blend into anything, from mission arts and crafts to contemporary styles. I’m also big on hiding fixtures and having unobtrusive lighting. The right lighting allows people to use the space anytime they want.” Cal CustomScapes has also been busy installing a lot of irrigated planter walls and planting spaces, as well as fire and water elements. One of Kopicki’s favorite recent projects is a hexagonal fire pit. “It was a Spanish revival style with Malibu tile. The client didn’t want anything square or round, but rather something with a softer look.” For homeowners looking to add a water feature, there are many options, and most are low maintenance. “I can tuck water features into a corner,

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

CMATO’s “Gifted”

Historical High School

Art Collection Chronicles Creative Journey OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, IN 1919, AN EXTRAORDINARY ART COLLECTION WAS BORN. At the recommendation of their principal, the senior class of Gardena High School gifted the school with an original landscape painting by Ralph Davison Miller, beginning what was to become a unique, annual tradition. For nearly 40 years, until 1956, each senior class selected, purchased and donated works of art to the school, ultimately amassing an exceptional permanent collection of paintings in the Impressionist, figurative and landscape genres. Today, the Gardena High School Art Collection is widely acknowledged as one of the nation’s outstanding collections of early 20th century California art, with works by

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

some of the state’s most celebrated artists. Through more than 50 paintings, “Gifted” traces the history of Southern California art in the early 20th century, when plein-air painting and the arts and crafts movement were flourishing, and chronicles the school’s ambitious efforts within the wider cultural scene of Los Angeles at that time. This month, on September 10, the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks proudly presents the Ventura County debut of this remarkable and timely exhibition, on view through January 9, 2022. An exhibition often cited as comprising one of the greatest collections of early California art, “GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956” is organized by the GHS Art Collection, Inc., in association with the Gardena High School Student Body, and curated by Susan M. Anderson. The selection of nearly 50 paintings from the GHS Art collection, including Impressionist works by notable artists such as William Wendt, Edgar Payne, Jean Mannheim, Franz Bischoff and Agnes Pelton and later works by Maynard Dixon, Emil Kosa, Jr., Loren Barton and Francis de Erdely, reflect the influence of the American Scene movement, popular during the Depression era, as well as the dramatic shifts in style characteristic of art of the post-war period.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED) The exhibition chronicles the history of a lesson in art appreciation

In 2013, GHS alumni created the nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable

for a Southern California high school that would mature into what is

organization GHS Art Collection, Inc. for the protection and pres-

widely acknowledged as one of the most outstanding collections of

ervation of the works of art owned by the Gardena High School

early California Impressionism in the nation.

Student Body.

“'Gifted' is an inspirational exhibition that will educate CMATO’s

“The exercise in collecting and organizing an art exhibition

visitors about the documentary ability of art as well as the creative

exposed the students and the wider community to lessons in

journey of evolving artistic styles throughout time,” says CMATO

art appreciation, as well as in good citizenship, collaboration

Senior Curator Lynn Farrand. “What was considered contemporary

and debate. The collection still ties generations of students and

art in the early 20th century is now a historical style that is rarely

community members together in the Gardena Valley,” says Bruce

practiced but revered as a style that is enjoyed by many. Inspiration

Dalrymple, an alumnus of the high school and board president of

lies in the paintings’ ability to portray humankind’s history of strug-

the GHS Art Collection, Inc.

gle, triumph and stoic resilience through challenging times—themes that are so pertinent and relevant to our present lives.”

“GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School” originated with a centennial exhibition at the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange, California, in 2019

HISTORY GHS senior classes carefully selected and purchased each

before traveling to the Fresno Art Museum and the Oceanside Museum of Art in 2020.

painting from an artist of note, often reflecting historical content

As part of the exhibition’s run, CMATO will feature lectures and

from that year. The high level of sophistication demonstrated by

art-related programming for the community to engage with the

the students’ choices was the result of the aesthetic discourse

works on view. Anderson, who curated the 100-year celebratory

and collaboration nurtured by the school. Over the years, artists,

exhibition in 2019, will present a lecture about the collection at

federal art projects and other individuals and organizations also

CMATO on Thursday, September 30 at 6 p.m. Additional program

made gifts of art to the collection.

information will be posted on CMATO.org.

“Gardena High School helped to start an interest in art appreciation and art collecting among high schools regionally and nation-

The exhibition will feature a Spanish language handout for non-English speakers.

ally. The high quality of its collection speaks to the enthusiasm and embrace of the program, not just by the students and educators,

CMATO is open to the public Friday through Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.

but by the entire Southern California art community,” says Anderson.

General admission is free; a $6 donation is suggested.

Today, the GHS Art Collection remains an enduring example of the power of art to rally a community and to shape people’s lives. “During the years in which the collection was being formed, GHS

The California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO) is a cul-

students suffered through WWI, the 1918 flu pandemic, the Great

tural institution dedicated to engaging, educating and uplifting the

Depression, and then WWII, when a third of the student body was

human spirit through the palette of art. Established in 2008, the

sent to internment camps. These momentous events are all reflected

museum showcases established and emerging contemporary art-

in the works the students collected,” says Anderson.

ists, with a unique focus on participatory art. As part of its mission

For decades, the collection and the effort to preserve its legacy

to connect people to creativity, ideas and to each other, CMATO fea-

made the high school the center of the community. When Gardena

tures rotating temporary exhibitions, artist lectures and educational

High School moved to a new campus in 1956, the program ended.

programs that foster discussion, participation and an appreciation

The collection was quietly locked away on campus, unavailable for

for the visual arts.

viewing by the student body or the public. However, the collection has continued to tie together diverse generations of students and citizens in the city of Gardena and the South Bay area of Los Angeles.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

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PAGE TURNERS

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER

Library Card Sign-up M o n t h : A B a c k-t o School Essential WHAT'S THE MOST ESSENTIAL SCHOOL SUPPLY OF ALL? "A

Computer & Internet use – Nearly all libraries offer free com-

library card," says the American Library Association (ALA). September

puter access for Internet browsing and research. You'll also

is Library Card Sign-up Month. The observation began in 1987 when

likely have access to basic word processing programs, Excel,

U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett urged a national cam-

PowerPoint and more.

paign for all kids to obtain and use a library card.

Inter-library loan – If you can't find a book or item you're

Today's libraries offer a broad array of free materials, services and

looking for, most libraries have inter-library and reciprocal loan

activities for kids and adults alike. Here are just a few great reasons

programs. Just ask your library if it can request the material

to make the library an integral part of your and your child’s life.

from another library for you. Some library systems also have

Movies & films – Today’s libraries offer a great selection of mainstream movies and television series as well as educational, independent and foreign films on DVD for kids and adults alike.

arrangements so you can use your library card at libraries in nearby communities. Online catalog – Most libraries have a website with access to

Music CDs – Music is the universal language. You'll find a large

their complete catalog. You can browse or search for materials from

selection of pop, rock and country music CDs at the library. You can

home to determine their availability before you head out. If an item

even introduce your kids to classical, jazz, blues, international music

you want isn't available, you can usually reserve it or request an

and more.

inter-library loan right from your computer.

Computer software & games – If your kids are into video games,

Special events – A wide array of programs, events and activi-

the library has an array of children’s educational software and video

ties are found at libraries throughout the year. These may include

games. You can also find teen and adult video games, instructional

children's storytimes, computer classes, enrichment programs, book

and reference software, and productivity software ranging from

discussion groups, used-book sales, author events, children's and

Microsoft programs to graphic design.

teen movies, craft activities and more.

Periodicals – Newspapers, magazines and niche periodicals are available for both in-library use and check out. Books, audiobooks and ebooks – In addition to vast collections of print fiction, nonfiction and reference books, libraries offer audiobooks on CD, including unabridged editions. Many libraries also provide ebooks in multiple formats.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

Kimberly Blaker is a freelance family and lifestyle writer and the founder and director of KB Creative Digital Services, an SEO and content agency, at kbcreativedigital.com.

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Silver Linings: Ke e p in g t h e Arts Alive ARTICLE TRACY MARCYNZSYN

LOCAL LEADERS SHARE SURVIVAL STRATEGIES & SUCCESSES

“IF YOU GIVE PEOPLE THE SPACE TO COME UP

ways of being. Rather than cease to exist, the arts evolved

WITH NEW AND CREATIVE WAYS TO DO THINGS,

and adapted with the times.

THEY DO!” noted Jonathan Serret of the Bank of America

Dancing in the dirt, on basketball courts, poolside and at

Performing Arts Center during the Second Annual State

the ocean, Pacific Festival Ballet dancers were willing to do

of the Performing Arts Zoom conference, hosted by Niki

anything to practice their craft, says PFB’s Artistic Director and

Richardson, associate director of TOArts.

Founder Kim Maselli. As theaters were closed, “we expanded

When the pandemic shut down our community, performers and arts organizations scrambled to find new

TO Arts

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

our horizons. … It became our new thumbprint” to go out in the community and dance wherever we could, notes Maselli.

During the pandemic, PFB dancers presented an Olympics trib-

SILVER LININGS & SLEEP BUSTERS

ute (shared in the meeting) featuring outdoor ballet performances

Despite the countless sleepless nights fueled by his efforts to keep

throughout the community in a heartfelt display of dedication, talent

current with the “constantly changing COVID regulations,” Conejo

and love of dance.

Recreation and Park District’s Cultural Programs Supervisor Scott

“It was remarkable for all the dancers,” says Maselli, adding that

Buchanan points to the bright side of the pandemic.

“we found people in our organization who were editors, knew special

“We not only went outside the box, we built boxes, we stuck kids

effects, filmmakers and we launched a whole new platform.” PFB

inside boxes outside, and filmed them… if anyone needs the use of a

also created and performed a full-length outdoor ballet, “A Holiday

Black Magic 8 television studio, we now own one!” says Buchanan,

Angel” in place of the traditional “Nutcracker” performance when

who oversees operations at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. “We’ve

theatres were closed during the holidays.

managed to keep things going and we’re looking forward to getting

PFB’s efforts to keep the arts alive are shared by a multitude of

back to normal,” he says.

local arts organizations who know firsthand the vital role the arts

SciartRUs’s Dr. Ranjini Ramachander agrees that the pandemic

play in the community. Reflecting on the challenges of the past year,

“made us think outside the box,” noting that the organization fea-

they shared about the “silver linings” of lessons learned and the

tured artists from around the world in cross-county concerts and

things that kept them up at night during the past year and a half…

online collaborations that they intend to continue to offer in addition

and counting.

to live performances.

"Las Cafeteras" Frenchy Peace Photo Credit: JP, TO Arts

"Matilda" 5-Star Theatricals

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

LOCAL LIMELIGHT (CONTINUED)

New West Symphony Photo Credit: Eugene Yankevich

“We’re looking forward to the fall and wondering what’s coming next!” The pause on performances allowed 5-Star Theatricals Cindy

“…they really had no place to go, other than their kitchens and

Murray the opportunity to “learn a lot about the business that I didn’t

living rooms, and we had a 10,000-square-foot facility that was

know and a chance to see what else 5-Star could do in the commu-

sitting empty for months on end, so we had artists and alumni

nity other than putting on musicals on stage,” notes Murray, adding

from Broadway, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet,

that “We kept busy,” presenting five car concerts, a park concert, a

Kansas City Ballet, Cleveland, and from all across the country

virtual fundraiser and a musical theatre community competition, plus

home—I found it a beautiful thing to let them one at a time in the

summer classes.

studio to work out,” says Maselli. “They found a second home in

“We are excited about the new season that starts in October,” says

the studio; it became a safe haven for these artists to connect

Murray. “Mamma Mia” opens October 15 and runs through October 24.

with their craft and connect with their dance community; it was

Pacific Festival Ballet’s Kim Maselli said the pandemic presented

nice to bring everybody back in.”

a silver living in the form of a unique opportunity for dancers. As the

And while paying the rent proved challenging, she notes that

economy shut down due to Covid, many PFB alumni returned home

compassionate landlords, PPP loans and fundraising efforts, plus

to the area.

tremendous community support, “really helped us along the way.”

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

For Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra’s Alex Tseitlin, “The thought of the missed opportunities for students really kept me up at night,” but thankfully, “we found ways to mitigate that” and placed a “renewed focus on what’s really important. … We are strong as an organization, and we are looking forward to the coming year.” New West Symphony’s Natalia Staneva points to “learning new skills” as a silver lining of the pandemic.

“We’re looking forward to the fall and wondering what’s coming next!” When shuttered venues prevented live performances, New West Symphony found a way to become relevant on a global scale. Looking at the larger role of the arts in society, New West’s Staneva notes that “arts organizations are all talking right now about diversity, equity, inclusion… We created ‘Global Sounds, Local Cultures,’ almost 16 months ago, and we basically used

“We have become a media company … learning stuff like how to

our artistic voice to contribute to the national dialogue on the

write a script, how to market,” she says, adding that after the learning

topic. … We had a tour of Japan, a tour of India, Iran, China, and

curve of the past 18 months, now, “I can probably teach a course on

America the Melting Pot,” she says. These livestream perfor-

it!” New West Symphony has continued teaching online and the new

mances with artist activists and trailblazers represented a “huge

format has allowed instructors to really get to know students and

breakthrough—our tour of Iran was watched in 66 countries!

their families—"you get to see the person as a whole” when they

That’s beyond T.O., that’s beyond Ventura County. We see our

“show up” for a lesson from their home.

role as telling the story, telling about important events in our

Staneva says the organization is grateful for community support, but she worries about bridging the gap in support if experts’ predictions that it will take two years to reach full capacity prove true. “Will the community support us? Will we be able to meet that gap?” she wonders.

society, in our community. “We were relevant, and we found our voice,” Staneva adds. “We’re thinking about ‘what is our mark?’ We don’t have all the answers, but we definitely have a lot of questions.” Helping to ease the transition from virtual to in-person performances is a big focus for the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra, says Tseitlin.

THE NEW NORMAL Relaxed restrictions have allowed the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic to begin holding concerts again, says Paul Graham. “We feel blessed and we are very well supported by our constituents,” says Graham, who is hopeful the organization will “return to

“A major goal is rebuilding the confidence of our members and audience,” he says, noting, the organization is “moving forward with consideration and care” while also maintaining their new livestream presence that allows for online fundraising and sharing concerts and performances with family and friends around the world.

our past normal,” including holding three concerts annually. During

As organizations prepare for increased in-person perfor-

the pandemic, says Graham, soloists performed pieces and filmed

mances, while continuing to offer an online presence to expand

them in their homes and put them on their website for the public. The

their reach, they emphasize that audience participation is

future is “an unknown for us; we may have parents in the audience

essential to their success.

and that’s it,” he says. The key to thriving in the future, says Beverly Ward of Ventura’s Rubicon Theatre, lies in being “able to be flexible and nimble and

“The community supported us; they held ‘Mamma Mia’ tickets since 2020,” says Murray of 5-Star Theatricals. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our resilience and our community.”

fearless—I see how that helped us survive and I’m certain it’s true

Commending the arts groups for the passion they bring to

of every other arts organization in the world that survived the pan-

providing arts, culture and education to the community, BAPAC’s

demic: that willingness to be imaginative helped us to survive,” says

John Serret encourages the public to show their support when-

Ward. “We all learned so much,” she added, and “we can’t wait to get

ever possible.

back in the building!” Ward credits the community with supporting the theatre’s efforts and looks to the government to help fund arts programs in the coming years. “The pandemic exposed how vulnerable we are as arts organiza-

“The arts do matter, and they matter a lot,” he says. “Support them. Buy two tickets and bring a friend. The arts have a significant impact on our lives and on our economy.” Local performers are also passionate about getting back on stage, says Murray.

tions and the pandemic heightened that when we get government

“When we did our virtual concerts, one of the performers broke

support, it makes a difference,” says Ward. “We [the arts] are a huge

down crying because she hasn’t sung for a year and a half—these

economic driver; I want to see the new normal being a future where

creative people cannot wait to get back on stage! Please come to all

we make certain we’re working with Americans for the Arts and to

of our events!” Murray urges.

continue to get support to weather the storms… this will not be the last; there will be another crisis.”

Optimistic about the future, PFB’s Kim Maselli believes audiences are ready to fully embrace the arts.

Ventura Music Festival’s Susan Scott discussed the challenges

“There is a magic in the air like when the Civic Arts Plaza first

presented by a lack of venues available for performances due to the

opened—there was such a hunger for it,” says Maselli. “Now I feel a

pandemic. Still, “We’re hopeful,” says Scott, noting that VMF plans to

resurgence, an excitement in our community and a feeling of joy and

present scaled down concerts in Oxnard for 100% vaccinated guests.

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A School Year Like No Other... 3 STEPS TO HELP STUDENTS CATCH UP FROM LOST LEARNING

ARTICLE JILL STOWELL, M.S.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

DESPITE

THE

TEACHERS

HEROIC

AND

EFFORTS

PARENTS,

MANY

ARE VIEWING 2020 AS A YEAR OF LOST LEARNING. But the loss wasn’t just academic. Experts

What’s your plan for getting your homework done and your bag packed?” This triggers your child’s brain to visualize the future in time and space, a critical factor in planning and executive function.

indicate that the biggest hit may be in executive

#3 Problem Solve Together Together, identify

function, as the management of time, materi-

the problem. Brainstorm every solution you can

als and attention that occurs incidentally in a

think of—even silly ones. Visualize and talk through

classroom were limited with distance learning.

each solution to determine the best option.

Many parents have noticed a drop in motiva-

Commit to trying it. At the end of the day or week,

tion, attention and completion of schoolwork. Here are three keys to helping students of all ages build their executive function skills.

reconvene to evaluate and modify as needed. This kind of joint problem solving takes time, but it’s time well-spent. It can be applied to

#1 “Continuum of Arousal” In the neurosci-

almost anything and it allows the student to

ence world, stress and attention are viewed as

repeatedly practice the very essence of what

a continuum of arousal: too high and you’re in

executive function does.

“fight or flight”; too low and you’re “zonked.”

Build the Critical Underlying Skills

The ideal place for learning and rational

The best guidance and strategies in the

thought is in the middle, or the “Zone,” where

world will not work if the student doesn’t have

the person has calm, focused alertness. Being

the skills to do the job. Distance learning may

aware of where the child is on the Continuum

have made it abundantly clear that your child

of Arousal at any moment will help parents pick

is struggling with some aspects of learning.

the right time to offer support or try to build new

Regardless of how it may look, this is almost

habits around homework.

never the result of laziness, lack of motivation,

Helping students to recognize their own level

poor parenting or poor teaching.

of stress or arousal and giving them tools for

When students with average to above average

either increasing or decreasing it builds their

intelligence struggle in school it is almost always

ability to monitor and manage their own atten-

because there are weak or inefficient underly-

tion and behavior.

ing learning or processing skills that are not

Quick tip: Too agitated? Have your child step outdoors. This will immediately down-regulate the nervous system. Energy too low? Have them move their body for five minutes!

supporting them well enough and causing them to have to work harder or longer than expected. Just as executive function skills can be developed with practice, struggles with dyslexia, auditory processing, attention and learning can

#2 Build, Don’t Be their Executive Function

be permanently eliminated through targeted

It’s easy to slip into the habit of micromanaging

brain training so students can become inde-

everything about your child’s day. When par-

pendent learners and thrive in school.

ents do that, it’s actually the parents' executive function that’s doing the work. Instead of telling

Jill Stowell, M.S., is the bestselling author of At

students what to do, help them develop fore-

Wit’s End A Parent’s Guide to Ending the Strug-

thought by asking about their plan.

gle Tears, and Turmoil of Learning Disabilities,

Rather than saying, “You have soccer prac-

and is the Founder and Executive Director of

tice today so come home and do your home-

Stowell Learning Centers in Thousand Oaks.

work right after school and then pack your bag,”

Learn more about Stowell Learning Center at

try saying, “You have soccer practice today.

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SEPTEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

ELVIS TRIBUTE

VENTURA ART AND STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL

FBI EXHIBIT LUNCH AND TOUR

Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker

Drive, Simi Valley

The Pleasant Valley Recreation &

Drive, Ventura

The Ronald Reagan Library will host

Park District Summer Concert Series

The Ventura Art and Street Painting

a FBI Lunch and Tour with guest

features Raymond Michael as Elvis.

Festival combines a variety of art-

speaker former FBI Agent Bobby

The free concert takes place from 5

ists showing and selling their work

Chacon, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

to 7 p.m.. Food trucks will be on site.

and street painters creating colorful

Guests will be able to self-tour the

chalk pastel murals on the harbor’s

"FBI: From Al Capone to Al Qaeda"

sidewalks. The free event takes place

exhibition. $64

Constitution Park, 601 Carmen Drive, Camarillo

BOB DYLAN TRIBUTE

Conejo Community Park, 1175 Hendrix Avenue, Thousand Oaks

The Conejo Recreation & Park District Summer Concerts Series concludes on Labor Day with a Bob

Ronald Reagan Library, 40 Presidential

September 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. VenturaArtFestival.com

17 BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE BY BRUNO AND THE HOOLIGANS

23 CELEBRATION OF HOPE “CHEERS TO 30 YEARS”

Join the Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa

Barbara

for

The Canyon, 8912 Roadside Drive,

their annual fundraiser. The vir-

of Hearts Band. The concert takes

Agoura Hills

tual

place from 5 to 7 p.m. Food trucks

BRUNO

HOOLIGANS

nity talent show, online auction,

will be on site and outside food and

perform a complete Bruno Mars

music and mixology, plus spe-

beverage is permitted.

concert production that will exceed

cial guest Cristina Ferrare. Free.

your expectations! Doors open at

CancerSupportVVSB.org

Dylan Tribute performed by The Jack

and

The

event

features

commu-

6 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. with Circle The Earth performing the opening set. CONTINUED >

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

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25 FALL HARVEST ON THE FARM

SEPTEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

Underwood Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark

Bring the kids to the gigantic pumpkin patch and Pick Your Own Experience! Fall Harvest begins on September 25 and runs through October 31, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

26 CASA PACIFICA ANGELS WINE, FOOD & BREW FESTIVAL

CSU Channel Islands, 1 University Drive, Camarillo

The 28th Annual CASA Pacifica Angels Wine, Food &

Brew Festival includes an afternoon tasting sweet and savory treats from the finest restaurants, bakeries,

caterers and specialty shops from Santa Barbara to

Conejo Valley while sipping on craft brews and highend wines. CPWineFoodBrewfest.com

26 BILLY BOB THORNTON AND THE BOXMASTERS The Canyon, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills

Academy Award-winning Actor Billy Bob Thornton shows off his musical prowess with his band The Boxmasters in a must-see concert. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the band performing at 8 p.m. Dinner available starting at 7 p.m.

29 LATINX HERITAGE FIESTA

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

Kingsmen Park, California Lutheran University, 60 West Olsen Drive, Thousand Oaks

The Latinx Heritage Fiesta takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at Kingsmen Park. Enjoy delicious food, music and entertainment.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/ ConejoValley using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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PARTING THOUGHTS

Life Is Precious & Today Is Your Day!! HAVEN’T LEFT THE HOUSE LATELY? Living in sweats and pandemic hair? Well, life and the world around us are opening up! It’s time to thrive and not just survive. Friends, life is precious, as all of us have found out during these past few years. Go to dinner, use your silver, buy the shoes. Call family and friends that you haven’t seen for too long. Tell your kids, parents, and husbands and wives that you love them. Call the people who mean the most to you and tell them you appreciate them. Don’t wait for that rainy day— that day is today!! If something or someone makes you mad, don’t let it affect your day or hijack your life. We’ve all heard of a bucket list—forget that and move it to your today list and start doing those things. What have you been dreaming of doing and buying? Today is the day to do it! Go and live your life to the fullest! Most of us are living on autopilot, so if you’re back to driving to work, go a different way and leave a few minutes earlier. If you take a walk, take a different route. Talk to people on the way and make eye contact. We need connection and it is not healthy to be isolated. Be cautious but have fun and make your own adventures within your comfort zone and stretch those boundaries! If you are not feeling well, reach out to an appropriate person so you can get the help you need and deserve to live your best life so you can thrive and not just survive. Tune in to the brighter side of life on Saturdays 7 to 8 a.m. PST at KVTA.com, or download Kim’s podcast and take her with you to brighten up your day!!

ARTICLE KIM PAGANO 62

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | September 2021

Named “Woman of the year 2020” by the California Legislative Woman's Caucus, awarded by the California Senate and Assembly

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