Malibu Coast, CA July 2023

TRAVEL

AMAWATERWAYS

CALIFORNIA STAYCATION

HOME + DESIGN

CELLAR MASTERS

LIFE + CULTURE

WILDLIFE CROSSING JULY

European romance mingled with California magic in this incomparable Solano Estate home spanning over 3600 square feet found within the city limits of Camarillo. Dramatic Spanish style steps lead you to the private courtyard which contains an exquisite hand tiled fountain. This two-story Mediterranean masterpiece boasts an impressive five bedrooms and five bathrooms making it the perfect home for a large family who love to entertain. This architectural masterpiece offers extraordinary artisanship, and a stylistic confluence of modernity and sophistication, with stunning extensive use of travertine flooring, wrought iron & crystal light fixtures, decorative beam ceilings, and handcrafted curved staircase with solid Maple handrail and wrought iron balusters. Classic elegance featuring volume ceilings. The fabulous gourmet kitchen open to the family room is sure to impress even the most discerning chef, with top-of-the-line appliances including a warming drawer, walk-in pantry, caramel stained maple cabinetry. Oversized island and breakfast bar provide plenty of space for cooking and entertaining, in addition to eat-in kitchen dining nook. There is a downstairs bedroom with full bath which can either be an office or downstairs guest bedroom. The large and luxurious master suite offers ample space to relax, with walk in closets and the spacious master bath featuring a jetted spa tub. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream, complete with a stone deck, iAquaLink controlled PebbleTec pool and spa, built-in Viking BBQ, bar counter, in ground raised fire pit with built in stone seeding, and a wood beamed covered patio perfect for dining alfresco or watching a beautiful sunset. Three car garage. Overall, this home is a true masterpiece of Mediterranean style, luxury, and comfort. Features include: whole house Life Source water purification system. Offered at $1,950,000

100% Summer Fun

Finally! The summer vacation season is upon us with little or no travel restrictions or complications, that is unless you did not plan in advance and just discovered that almost everything and every place is sold out. Planning ahead is absolutely necessary. An improvised and last-minute travel plan may sound cool, but it is rather impractical.

Our California Staycation article may offer some ideas for this summer or in the future. Staying closer to home may save a few bucks and offer just as much fun. After all, there are few places on Earth that are as beautiful and diverse in travel opportunities as our Golden State.

Cruises finally are beginning to recover from the displacement of the last few years and AmaWaterways offers the “best of the best” in river cruises in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. I prefer smaller scale environments in which to have fun. River cruises are exactly that. Luxurious, sophisticated, and adventuresome.

Getting very much closer to home, let’s look at our own backyard. The backyard has become our warm-weather sanctuary. We have invested time and money to make it welcoming and beautiful for us and our guests. You can upgrade your patio furniture at Aldik Home. Check them out in this issue. However, as we did, I am sure many of you discovered last summer that the Conejo Valley is a vortex for mosquito infestation. They go for me first. When I walked outside and sat down for dinner, I became dinner. None of the storebought mosquito repellant sprays I tried worked very well. There may be a solution. Take a look at the Mosquito Shield write-up in this issue. There is even more inside this issue—wonderful wine cellars from Cellar Masters and the much-needed wildlife crossing over the 101! Enjoy.

July 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@citylifestyle.com

Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn

Tracy.Marcynzsyn@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Melissa Curtin, Alicia Doyle, Barton Goldsmith, Lynne Konstantin, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Cary ONeal

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

AmaWaterways, Caltrans, Melissa Curtin, Ben Malkin, Cary ONeal, Miguel Ordenana, Steve Winter & National Geographic

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

BEN MALKIN, PUBLISHER @MALIBUCOASTLIFESTYLE

Proverbs 3:5-6

Wild of Spirit and Warm of Heart

Just north of Los Angeles, nestled in the heart of Hidden Valley, Mizel Estate Wines awaits you. The Santa Monica Mountains rise around you while the rest of the world falls away.

Come Kick up your Heels!

Mizel Vineyard Hoedown

Saturday, August 5th 6-9pm

Sip Mizel’s divine reds to the beat of our live Blues Band. Savor a delicious Barbecue Feast in our Vineyard. Put on your dancing shoes and take a whirl at Line Dancing.

For tickets and reservations, call 805-795-2506 or email info@mizelestate.com. Advanced paid reservation is required to enter Mizel Estate. Ages 21 and over please.

Break out of the Conventional with Mizel Lifestyle Experiences

Mizel beautifully blends inclusivity, creativity, mindfulness, joy, and decadence. We invite you to join in our sense of wonder.

Mizel Estate Wines 1050 W. Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

WWW.MIZELESTATE.COM

It’s Time to Consider a River Cruise With AmaWaterways

Imagine yourself smiling beneath the summer sunshine as the brilliant blue tower of a church beckons beneath the rolling green hills of the charming village of Dürnstein, Austria, the “Pearl of the Wachau Valley.” You’re finishing up a spirited match of pickleball against this postcard-perfect backdrop, and as you walk off the court, you’re greeted with a chilled towel. Or perhaps you are sipping a glass of Beaujolais wine as your floating boutique hotel glides through the idyllic Provencal countryside, autumn’s crimson and gold leaves enveloping lovely châteaux in their transformational beauty. Whether you prefer to keep active or simply want to drink in each delicious moment of your European vacation at your leisure, a river cruise with AmaWaterways has it all.

VENTURE FROM OCEAN TO RIVER

For residents of Malibu and the Conejo Valley, locally based AmaWaterways offers a unique and exciting way to explore the world beyond our own backyards (and across the Pacific Ocean) with ease—unpacking just

once and letting your extraordinary Cruise Manager and crew take care of every detail. The line’s award-winning and beautiful river cruise ships provide breathtaking views of sun-kissed vineyards, charming villages and majestic castles at every bend, as well as a wide range of included amenities to ensure you enjoy an unparalleled vacation experience.

Forget waiting for a table, or for a valet to park your car; you need only venture a few paces from your stateroom to the dining room to indulge in exquisite complimentary cuisine at every meal. AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft their regionally inspired menus with care and prepare each dish with only the freshest seasonal ingredients—locally sourced, of course. This includes the mouthwatering multi-course tasting menu paired with hand-selected local wines offered to each guest once during the cruise as part of AmaWaterways’ intimate (and Michelin star-worthy) Chef's Table experience.

Their innovative European ships also feature a well-equipped fitness room,

heated swimming pool or whirlpool, and a fleet of complimentary bicycles that can be used for guided bike tours or independent exploration. Oceans take you to countries, and arguably to some of the most stunning homes in Southern California, but it is only by river that you can journey into the very heart of Europe with a river cruise line that pampers you and welcomes you as family.

DISCOVER THE DANUBE

No waterway provides a more quintessential experience for first-time river cruisers than the Danube, along which AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder and local community member, Rudi Schreiner, grew up in Vienna, Austria. From grand capitals to charming villages, the Danube is a river of legends where kings and queens were crowned, visionary composers were inspired and some of Europe’s most fascinating cities were born.

If you think a Danube River cruise caters to just one type of traveler or generation, think again. AmaWaterways offers more than 10 unique itineraries touching this

storied waterway, including Christmas Markets sailings and classical music-inspired itineraries. What’s more, they offer up to six included excursion choices each day. Truly no vacation provider works harder to ensure every guest has a personalized journey! Enjoy guided walking tours of historic city centers such as Budapest, Vienna and Belgrade; marvel at opulent UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as spectacular Melk Abbey; and be treated to AmaWaterways exclusives, including a private tour of Austria’s fascinating Greinburg Castle and a year-round Oktoberfest celebration in the enchanting Bavarian town of Vilshofen.

CRUISE ALONG ROMANTIC FRENCH RIVIÈRES

Does your heart sing for France? With five unique itineraries along six French waterways in 2023 and one additional river cruise through Burgundy debuting in 2024, you can easily rekindle your joie de vivre with AmaWaterways.

If you are a wine collector or even a casual enthusiast, the line’s 7-night Taste of Bordeaux itinerary will immerse your senses in the region’s acclaimed red wines, whether you are biking through Saint-Émilion, attending an exclusive wine festival for AmaWaterways guests in Bourg or inhaling the aromas of several grape varieties in Bordeaux’s multi-story Cité du Vin wine museum—a journey in itself.

Perhaps you are a connoisseur of fine art—then embrace your passion on the line’s Impressions of the Seine & Paris itinerary, which traces the footsteps of famed painters on its exhilarating 7-night route between Paris and Le Havre. You will step inside Monet’s artwork with an included excursion to his home and gardens

in Giverny, marvel at the centuries-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of England and wander through Honfleur, inspiration for Monet, among others, and where many believe the Impressionist movement began. And if you enjoy cycling, the line’s Essence of Burgundy & Provence itinerary features seven guided bike tours in 7 nights, including one through Lyon, the “Culinary Capital of France,” and another in Arles, where Van Gogh once lived and worked. This unique itinerary also offers plenty of wine tastings, as well as a spine-tingling evening “ghost walk” in Viviers unveiling the city’s rich heritage.

IT'S NOT WHERE YOU GO, IT’S WHO YOU’RE WITH

Many Southern Californians are “transplants” from other parts of the country, which can leave you with the conundrum of whether to visit out-of-state family during time off or holidays, or to instead venture abroad on the vacation your heart and soul need. Fortunately, a decision between family and leisure need not be made because AmaWaterways’ river cruises are designed to accommodate every member of your brood!

Active excursions, such as hikes to castles perched on hilltops, are available. There are also historic walking tours to city centers offered at three distinctive activity levels, ensuring even loved ones with limited mobility see the sights at their own pace. Family and friends with different interests often part ways for excursions and reunite later in the day at AmaWaterways’ complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour, the perfect time to share how they experienced the same

“The line’s award-winning and beautiful river cruise ships provide breathtaking views of sun-kissed vineyards, charming villages and majestic castles at every bend...”

destination in unique ways. There are also a variety of onboard amenities that bridge the generation gap, from cornhole games across the European fleet to ships that offer connecting staterooms to the brand-new full-sized pickleball court on board the line’s award-winning Danube River flagship, AmaMagna .

These thoughtful touches can be attributed in part to the legacy of AmaWaterways’ late Co-Founder, Jimmy Murphy. Jimmy was the father of Malibu’s own Gary Murphy, who currently serves as a proud co-owner of the company. Jimmy was a family man who loved people and a friendly debate no matter your age or background. When AmaWaterways debuted AmaMagna in 2019, staff unanimously voted to name the ship’s family-style restaurant, Jimmy’s, in his memory.

THE TIME IS NOW

For those seeking an accessible way to explore Europe, or those wishing to venture beyond to Egypt’s Nile River, Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe, or Colombia’s Magdalena River, AmaWaterways’ wonderful crew will make you and your traveling companions feel loved from the moment you step on board. With twin-balcony staterooms and luxurious suites still available for river cruises departing later this year, it’s not too late to contact your travel advisor, who can offer you special savings on select departures. Reserve your unforgettable AmaWaterways river cruise today!  Learn more at AmaWaterways.com.

California Staycation:

The next best thing to a European vacation may be a SoCal sojourn, with our warm Mediterranean climate and diverse range of activities. We rounded up some newly revamped destination hotel stays in California perfect for a weekend road trip. These staycations are also family-friendly and offer amazing value, so you won’t break the bank to get out of town.

ZACHARI DUNES, MANDALAY BEACH, OXNARD

Beachfront Best-Kept Secret Design lovers will appreciate the newly revamped multimillion-dollar remodel with coastal art, beachy décor, lavish chandeliers, boho basket lights, and a grand staircase retaining some of the property’s historic charm. Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, this modern

Hacienda-style resort is an easy getaway. All 250 suites feature two bathrooms, and six presidential suites offer two bedrooms. Oceanfront rooms are nestled on a rugged sandy beach with Channel Island views.

Art and artifacts show how sugar mogul Henry Oxnard once planned to use this coastal land to grow sugar beets, intending to name the settlement after the Greek word for sugar, zachari Instead, the region was named after him, with the resort inspired by Oxnard’s vision.

This “playground” offers an expansive pool, tennis (soon pickleball) and basketball courts, daily activities like yoga, and a game room filled with foosball, TVs, and more. As part of the resort fee, guests choose from an on-site rental shop filled with activities that can be used (free)

for 2 hours daily, including boogie boards, surfboards, skateboards, tennis rackets, record players, Go Pros, and beach chairs.

Chef Damien Gilberti is behind the hotel’s exceptional dining program at Ox & Ocean. Inspired by the bounty of the Oxnard Plain and coast, he marries flavors from the same area because “If it grows together, it goes together.”

The Grilled Porkchop with apple bacon chutney and acorn squash puree may be the best you’ve ever had. The Red Curry Coconut Broth Mussels and Brussels Sprouts with a yellow curry dressing and garlic aioli are also amazing. The cocktail program tantalizes agave lovers with palomas and margaritas while the Espresso Martini and Foggy Old Fashion are essential vacation-mode cocktails. Weekday happy hour food and drinks don’t disappoint.

Breakfast is equally satisfying, beautifully presented and prepared, and includes favorites like strawberry smoothies, a Jalapeno

Corn Fritter Benedict with bacon and chipotle hollandaise, Lemon Mascarpone Pancakes, and a Chorizo Burrito loaded with eggs, potatoes, caramelized onions, Oaxaca cheese and avocado. A new Airstream Café with colorful seating and breakfast bites is coming soon.

Hilton.com/en/ hotels/sbazdqq-Zachari-dunes-on-mandalay-beach/

VESPERA RESORT, PISMO BEACH

Down by the Boardwalk

Just a few years old, Central Coast beach resort Vespera, adjacent to the Pismo Beach Boardwalk, feels new with its upscale nautical navy and white beach house design, swanky lobby lounge and oceanside pool.

Vespera provides easy access to the famous stretch of surf and sand. Explore the casual beach town or stroll miles of pristine beaches and the iconic pier to admire the rolling surf hugged by dramatic seaside cliffs. Find trails for hiking, biking and running or hop on a beach cruiser to explore the town and local butterfly grove.

Choose from room options like a breezy ocean view or boardwalk suite with high ceilings, expansive windows and a crisp white coastal vibe. Most of the 124 guestrooms come with private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Bathrooms are donned with Carrara marble and white subway tiles.

Star gazers will appreciate the collapsible mini telescope provided with a stargazing map to peruse

the night sky, a nod to how “Vespera” is derived from the evening star and the Chumash First Nations who inhabited California’s Central Coast region and used the stars to cross the Santa Barbara Channel.

At one of the many firepits, toast to your good fortune with a cocktail from their tequila-focused menu like the Kiwi Paloma, Baja Mule, Hot Lips or Mexican Coffee. Pequín, the indoor-outdoor dining concept, serves Baja coastal fare all day with local ingredients and seafood from nearby Morro Bay. Portions are huge—one quality entrée like the tender Braised Short Rib or the gigantic Grilled Lobster is enough to feed two. Dogs are treated to a Puppers menu and water bowls, complementing Pismo’s dog-friendly beach right outside. VesperaPismoBeach.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

SANTA BARBARA

Retro Bliss in the Heart of Downtown

The stunning retro redesign is reminiscent of Palm Springs, with its white breeze blocks, clean lines, open spaces, floor to ceiling windows and entryway with ceiling cutouts. Room doors pop in shades of red while midcentury-inspired furniture and lighting adorn the hotel in fun patterns, shades and colors. Expect swanky retro couches and ubercomfy bedding in the modern rooms with activated lighting accents for those tiptoeing to the bathroom. However, the best part is the view of the Santa Ynez Mountains from the north-facing rooms’ beds.

This is the first Courtyard Marriott in Santa Barbara, developed by former star of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” Andrew Firestone, and business partner Jess Parker. They transformed the 122-room pad into a super stylish light-soaked masterpiece with ocean and mountain vistas and an outdoor pool/spa with a firepit in the interior courtyard. Two rooftops boast 360-degree sweeping views straight to the ocean and mountainscape. Here is where you’ll want to spend a lingering sunset with a bottle of rosé.

Saint Remy is the hotel’s casual retro restaurant concept featuring locally sourced coastal cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Share dishes like Whipped Feta with pomegranates, crispy Short Rib Hummus, Mushroom Flatbread, or Lamb Meatballs. The cunning mixologist shakes up the best classic and inventive cocktails like the Fever Dream with Mezcal or Pistol Whip with bourbon.

“This “playground” offers an expansive pool, tennis (soon pickleball) and basketball courts, daily activities like yoga, and a game room filled with foosball, TVs, and more.”

Breakfast is a worthy endeavor too, featuring wellness options or richer dishes to start your day with a mega smile such as Churros Pancake, Nutella Crunch French Toast, Citrus Salmon Toast and Shakshuka with zesty tomato sauce and sliced avocado loaded with feta in a skillet.

SantaBarbaraCA.com/businesses/ courtyard-santa-barbara-downtown

THE RENAISSANCE ESMERELDA RESORT & SPA

Desert Paradise in Indian Wells

Dramatic mountain and palm tree views from a spacious suite may have you mesmerized by the setting at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains. There’s no need to leave this Marriott resort with grand pools, a full-service spa, tennis courts and two 18-hole golf courses.

A recent renovation modernized the 560 rooms and 103 suites with a pastel vibe and nods to local Hollywood icons. Poolside cabanas offer privacy, with some next to a sandy beach. Ping pong tables make a welcome sun break while a game room on the second floor is a kid’s delight. Camp Esmerelda features an expanded children’s program with fun activities.

Each evening, the hotel performs a complimentary Bar Ritual with punch bowl cocktails to welcome the evening glow. The central H20 Pool Bar offers cocktails and bites all day, while The Place Lobby Bar is where longstanding bartenders can be found crafting strong concoctions like Espresso Martinis and the Firebird Smoke Show at night. No need to leave your bar stool with bites such as crispy fried avocado slices or a skillet cookie, but the real pro

“Breakfast is a worthy endeavor too, featuring wellness options or richer dishes to start your day with a mega smile...”

move is to order fresh sushi from adjacent Glo Sushi Bar, some of the best in the desert.

Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pspsrrenaissance-esmeralda-resort-and-spa-indian-wells/overview

DEL MAR BEACH HOTEL

On the Sand in North San Diego

The soothing surf sounds at the newly renovated historic Del Mar Beach Hotel help it feel like your own private beach pad. Steps from the sand, this is the only beachfront hotel in Del Mar. The location feels less touristy than La Jolla and less crowded than other San Diego beach towns.

The 46 modern guest rooms and suites are fully remodeled along with two residences that can be rented nearby. In front of the property, umbrellas and seating areas make for a relaxed afternoon aside the long rolling waves. Hit the surf, take a leisurely walk on the dog-friendly beach or hop on complimentary cruiser bikes.

An Airstream Café will open this summer at the hotel, serving juices, coffees and to-go offerings like pastries and sandwiches. Just steps from Del Mar Village and minutes from the Solana Beach Design District, a stay here feels like the ultimate SoCal beach vacation, with surfboards included! DelMarHotel.com

Luxury Patios Begin at Aldik Home

After a couple months of dodging crazy rainstorms, we’re all ready to reclaim our outdoor space. And if we’re being honest, after all this rain, our patios could use a little sprucing up. For more than half a century, Aldik Home has been a go-to source for anyone in Los Angeles looking to beautify their homes. For those looking to create their perfect backyard paradise with high-quality patio furniture, Aldik Home’s collection of Summer Classics patio furniture hits every note.

Whether you’re looking for the natural beauty of teak, the smooth lines of wrought aluminum, or the durability and style of resin wicker, Summer Classics has it all in spades. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the refined elegance of the Pointe collection. When it comes to luxury patio furniture, there’s nothing on the market like Summer Classics and nowhere like Aldik Home to experience the difference.

Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note. It is stylish and sophisticated. It is as luxurious as indoor furniture and built to endure the elements for years to come. Aldik Home’s curated

collection allows you to experience the Summer Classics difference. With more than 160 fabric choices and multiple frame color choices, umbrellas from Treasure Garden, fire tables from American Fyre Designs, and more accessories like rugs and pillows, it is easier than ever to create the patio furniture set of your dreams.

For those looking to beautify the inside of their homes, Aldik Home has you covered in spades. Not only does the store have gorgeous accessories and stunning coffee table books strewn all over, the most breathtaking collection of realistic silk flowers, lush silk plants and one-of-a-kind artificial trees awaits your visit. Handmade with real wood trunks, there are no artificial trees anywhere on the planet like the ones at Aldik Home. With a talented team of designers, you can have your very own tree or gorgeous floral arrangement crafted to your exact specifications.

If your whole home needs to be taken to the next level, Aldik Home has you covered inside and out. Stop in today to see why there’s no place like Aldik Home.

Visit Aldik Home at 7651 Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys, call 818.988.5970 or learn more at AldikHome.com.

THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CROSSING

I feel like a proud papa. My community, along with a bunch of civic, private, and local agencies, is creating the world’s largest (and one of a very few) wild animal crossings over a busy 10-lane freeway—and no tax dollars were spent!

Located a mere 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, the Conejo Valley and Agoura Hills will be home to the new crossing being constructed at Liberty Canyon. The hashtag connected with the project (#SaveLACougers) is an homage to P22, a famous cat that roamed Los Angeles and the Conejo Valley for years. Sadly, he recently fell ill and had to be euthanized, but he was a big inspiration for getting this project off the ground.

P22, also known as the "Hollywood Cougar," was a male mountain lion who gained fame in 2012 after being photographed crossing the 101 Freeway near the Cahuenga Pass. Since then, he has become a symbol of the challenges facing wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains and the need for safe crossings to help wild animals move between fragmented habitats.

This magnificent animal had been tracked by researchers since he was a kitten, and his movements provided valuable insights into the behavior of mountain lions in urban areas. He crossed several busy roads and highways during his travels, including the 405 Freeway (the busiest in the world) and the 101 Freeway (the second busiest).

In 2015, P22's journey across the 101 Freeway near Liberty Canyon sparked renewed interest in the need for a wildlife crossing in the area. The crossing was approved by the California Department of

Transportation (Caltrans) in 2017, and construction began in 2021.

The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing will span 200 feet over the 101 Freeway and will feature natural vegetation and water sources to help animals feel comfortable while crossing. The crossing is expected to be completed in 2023 and is seen as a crucial step in protecting the genetic diversity of wildlife in the region.

I’m taking a video of the construction every time we drive by; it truly is like waiting for a baby to be born. Until recently, I had only read about and seen pictures of environmentally integrated architectural designs and builds like this, and just knowing that they exist has to make any animal and nature lover smile. Now watching it take shape near where I live adds to the tapestry of my life and reaffirms my faith in what we can do as human beings.

Helping these animals that we have displaced is a civic duty and one we should all take part in. Some people will always complain when a project like this gets created that there is so much need in the world right now, the money could have been better spent another way. Perhaps, but I am choosing to highlight this project because it touched my heart.

Please follow my lead and promote the projects and people that you believe need our support; spread awareness by letting your local newspaper know or posting about it on social media. The right people will find it and help you spread the word.

Barton Goldsmith, PhD, is an award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian. He is also a columnist, an author and a blogger for PsychologyToday.com with over 34 million readers. He is available for video consults worldwide; contact him at  Barton@ BartonGoldsmith.com.

Mr. Malibu Surfs the Solar Wave

As we dive into the summer “funshine,” exploring the exotic caves at El Matador Beach, hiking to the Escondido waterfalls, venturing back into the trails of Bonsall, Trancas and Solstice Canyons, watching the sea lions and dolphins at Point Dume, fishing off the Malibu Pier or enjoying the outdoor summer concerts and movies at the Vintage Center and Bluffs Park, let’s celebrate the infinite gift of experiencing the same Malibu that our Chumash ancestors enjoyed 14,000 years ago.

Today we enjoy SUPs, surfboards and kite surfing, while the Chumash used canoes. While we play frisbee, ping pong, tennis and basketball, the Chumash played tikawich—similar to field hockey and lacrosse using payas (a hoop and pole game where players threw a spear through a rolling ring)—and alewsa, in which teams guess which hand is holding a stick or bone.

Each village had a malamtepupi, a special area where the games were played, and they often gambled on the outcome.

While we may dine on pizza, chili, health food or tuna melts, and the Chumash ate seafood, bear, coyote and quail, our mutual experience of appreciation has been the same and fills us with the extraordinary and abundant gift of our magical Malibu home. I’m also inspired to dive into exploring solar energy and our environmental subjects in Malibu with a positive outlook on how we can participate to clean up what the Chumash left in perfect condition.

To begin on a cosmic level, let’s look at Walter Russell, a good friend of Nikola Tesla. Tesla suggested Russell not publish his book, The Secret of Light, for another thousand years until humans were ready to grasp it. Russell, while in a coma at age

7, received a divine download and later changed the globally accepted Periodic Table, among many other flabbergasting accomplishments, while never going further than the fourth grade.

Russell describes how the light from the sun never actually leaves the sun and does not “travel.” It reproduces itself through wave forms and only appears to travel like waves appear to travel on the ocean. He describes how there is no light as we think of it; light is only varying frequencies of pressure on our eyes which our brain interprets as light and colors. He describes how the Earth virtually weighs nothing due to gravitational forces holding it in place. One day, these observations may, among other things, lead to radical change in how we capture or produce solar energy.

Back to Earth and observing Malibu’s shrinking beaches, concerns about power

outages and the phasing out of gas in the home, there is also a concern about microwave energy. As we see the proliferation of high tech 5G cell towers in Malibu (which we never voted for), we also hear widespread concerns regarding microwave radiation and other forms of EMF near our homes that have the power to split DNA and cause cancer. Smart meters produce up to 2.45 GHz, and wi-fi generates up to 5.8 GHz. According to the National Institute of Health, long-term exposure to even lesser 2.4 GHz RF may lead to adverse effects, such as neurodegenerative diseases, caused by the alteration of mRNA expression.

When we look at the epic fire of 2018 that destroyed over 1,600 homes, the focus on climate change has intensified. One thing is for sure, the need for cleaner, safer and more cost-effective energy is here, and solar is a step in the right direction. However, acquiring accurate information about solar can be a challenge with so many solar power offers on social media being clickbait for our private information coupled with constantly changing regulations and permits. In any case, the International Energy Agency says that new analysis shows solar power is 20% to 50% cheaper than formerly calculated.

Gas appliances may be replaced with electric as rebates will probably start becoming available this year. With the new electric induction burners (responsive, efficient, easy to clean), the amount of electricity needed to replace a certain amount of gas cooking will be relatively small. (There are also health issues with burning gas indoors, but that may be less of an issue for adults than for children.) I recently purchased a $60 portable (single) induction burner that heats only the cookware rather than the entire kitchen. It’s pretty amazing!

While there are practical benefits to the induction burners, I’m interested in the larger

climate change aspect and electrifying households. Another thing we can do is sign up for SCE’s green rate program (although obtaining exact info about where and how the electricity is produced is impossible and therefore subject to economic interpretation for better or worse).

The Malibu Colony where I grew up has a shrinking beach, as does Carbon Beach and Broad Beach, which many longtime locals will confirm used to have substantially more sand. Broad Beach with its celebrities (Pierce Brosnan, Robert de Niro, Mel Gibson, billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong and Mindy Kaling, to name a few) has become quite a complex of different interests and approaches to this eroding beach concern.

Former Malibu Mayor Zuma Jay says the best solution is to put in a reef similar to what Santa Monica did. While that beach is huge, a reef doesn’t prevent rising waters. Some Broad Beach homeowners are proposing to bring 30,000 dump truck loads of sand to build up the beach. Zuma Jay says that sand will quickly end up just south on Zuma Beach. Whatever the solution is, one thing is certain: Rising ocean waters are not hype, it is actually happening now and the time to take action is now.

So, to avoid court costs and losing Malibu front yards, with the Coastal Commission unable to fight the wealthy, everybody is going to lose unless we come together and do the right thing. The rock reef appears to be the most effective and organic approach now if we look at Santa Monica as an example, and minimizing our carbon footprint will help our human-challenged Earth.

Mr. Malibu’s high-profile events and celebrity interviews reach over 22 million on television, 500,000 via social media and nearly 4 million on YouTube. Visit MrMalibu.net to learn more. Look for more Mr. Malibu chapters in next month’s issue.

L U X U R Y B M W A U T O M O T IV E B O U T IQ U E

• BMW certified technicians

• Regular service and maintenance

• Protective film and Wrap

• OEM and aftermarket parts

• Upgrades and modifications (in house fabrication & installation)

• Mobile wash and detailing

• Car pick-up service available

• Customer lounge and business center

• Top notch service and recommendations

• Beneficial pricing vs Dealer

• Convenient Location in Agoura Hills

• Family friendly BMW enthusiast events

10% or $150 off first ser vice (with mention of Conejo Lifestyle)

Cellar Masters Creates Custom Wine Storage Designs

For more than 3 decades, Cellar Masters in Newbury Park has specialized in building custom wine cellars for clients that specifically fit their unique space.

“At Cellar Masters, we specialize in building bespoke wine features,” says Scott Berry, who owns the business with his wife, Debbie.

“From 100-bottle wine walls and closets to thousands of bottle-capacity wine rooms and cellars, we design, fabricate and install from our facility in Newbury Park,” Scott says. “We also have the largest off-site wine storage facility in the Conejo Valley with spaces to meet the wine enthusiasts' needs.”

As a fully licensed and bonded contractor, Cellar Masters specializes in the design, fabrication and installation of wine racks and cooling systems “to satisfy any situation,” Scott says.

Regularly serving Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange and Riverside Counties, Cellar Masters has more than 2,500 custom wine cellars installed throughout California and greater North America.

The principals at Cellar Masters are also actively involved as vineyard owners, winemakers and avid wine collectors.

“We know the proper handling, storage and organization of wine,” Scott says. “This expertise is an unrivaled asset in the design and construction of your cellar.”

Popular offerings include traditional wine cellars made from the finest quality woods and cut to precision as well as sleek and elegant contemporary wine cellars designed with frameless glass, acrylic and stainless steel. Cellar Masters also creates wine walls based on the latest modern trends for storing and displaying wine.

“Over the past few years, wine features such as glass-enclosed wine walls in the living area have become increasingly more popular,” Scott notes.

Customer satisfaction is reflected through many online reviews. Lenore King, who rated Cellar Masters with five out of five stars on Google Reviews, appreciated “the fine workmanship, the professional attention and the courteous demeanor of each member of The Cellar Master team.” On Yelp, a five-star review by customer Jon S. stated, “These guys are seasoned veterans of the trade and pay close attention to detail. They make everything right there at the shop behind their office. The design team works closely with you and makes you feel like you have your own personal designer at your service. Great people, great service and great craftsmanship.”

When it comes to building wine cellars, Cellar Masters is unique because “we do not rely on third-party subcontractors to install racking or cooling,” Scott says.

He further explains that a general contractor may build a space, HVAC could install a cooling system and either a cabinet maker could build racking, or “kit” racks could be installed.

“We have found these efforts lacking,” Scott says. For instance, rooms were not insulated properly, cooling systems would not drop down to proper temperatures, humidity would be too low or too high, bottles would not always fit in the racking or the racking looked disjointed as they tried to make kit racks fit the space.

“We can provide a turnkey solution that is designed for you, providing for a beautiful feature to any home,” Scott says.

He points out that a wine cellar does not need to be in the basement—rather, a wine space can be built anywhere.

“While we design and build cellars within full basements or rooms, we also build them within closets, under stairs or under-utilized wall space,” Scott says.

The point is that each space is unique to the individual.

For instance, “some cellars can contain more than 10,000 bottles, others 100,” Scott says. “It really depends on what the client wants. We can help define that vision. Designs can be traditional or contemporary in style with wood, metal and acrylic materials.”

If you’re not ready to have a custom wine cellar in your home, Cellar Masters also offers wine storage with lockers designed for simple access, featuring 36-inch wide steel doors. Each locker is no more than two cases deep to eliminate those “hard-to-get-to” wines.

“We provide flexible storage options at our secure storage facility with unit sizes ranging from 12 to 250 cases per locker for all of your wine storage needs that are temperature

“Over the past few years, wine features such as glass-enclosed wine walls in the living area have become increasingly more popular.”

controlled to keep your wine as close to perfect as possible, avoiding vibrations, bright light and temperature swings that can do real damage to delicate and even priceless wine treasures.”

Cellar Masters was originally founded in 1989 by Ben Benoit, who was working construction in the theater space.

“His passion for wine led him to the wine cellar construction space, realizing it was an underserved niche,” Scott explains.

In 2014, after 27 years working in the field of information technologies, Scott and Debbie Berry purchased the business and continued to grow and expand.

“We wanted to follow our passion for wine, which led Debbie and I to purchase Cellar Masters 9 years ago,” Scott remembers.

When Scott and Ben first met to discuss the sale of Cellar Masters, Scott’s first question was about the employees: “Would they stay on?”

“As Ben considered the staff family, he knew right then he would sell the business to me,” Scott says. “Most of the original craftsmen are still here.”

Looking back, Scott contemplates a quote by Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, who stated: “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

“I love what I do,” Scott says. “While I do most of the face-to-face consultations, I never feel like a salesman because people have already decided they want a wine cellar; as they share the passion, I just have to guide them through the process and help design a space they’ll be excited to share with friends and family.”

While the pandemic has shuttered many businesses since 2020, Cellar Masters continues to thrive.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, everything kind of stopped as no one really knew what was going to happen,” Scott recalls. As time passed, “people began to realize the world wasn't going to end but were now working remotely from home and with little or no ability to travel—so their discretionary dollars were spent on home improvement.”

Ultimately, Cellar Masters feeds those who share the wine passion by providing elegant custom wine cellars.

“From the casual wine drinker to the wine enthusiast to the serious wine collector, each would agree that wine is social,” Scott adds. “Our desire is to share our passion for wine with others—sharing a bottle (or two) between friends, old and new, typically provides for an enjoyable afternoon or evening with lively conversation.”

Cellar Masters is located at 2088-A Anchor Court in Newbury Park. For more information, email info@ cellarmastersinc.com ; call 805.375.5040 or visit CellarMastersInc.com.

“We wanted to follow our passion for wine, which led Debbie and I to purchase Cellar Masters 9 years ago.”