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MalibutoPalisadesLifestyle.com

DECEMBER 2018

Celebrate! CELEBRITY CHARITY PICKS PACIFIC FESTIVAL BALLETâ€™S THE NUTCRACKER

JEFF RUNYAN SPOTLIGHT

AMG DRIVE OF A LIFETIME

Some see obstacles, others see opportunity. Embrace the challenge that lies before you.

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JEFF M. RUNYAN Wealth & Financial Management

(310) 882-6496 RunyanCapital@wedbush.com RunyanCapital.com

9301 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 510 | Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | Direct: (310) 882-6496 | RunyanCaptial.com Securities and Advisory Services Offered Through Wedbush Securities Inc. Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC | www.wedbush.com

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

Malibu to Palisades L

™

DECEMBER 2018 PUBLISHER

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com

We Need to Come Together THE FOLLOWING IS ENTIRELY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I ORIGINALLY COMPOSED FOR OUR DECEMBER ISSUE. I am writing this on November 8, the morning after the violent tragedy at Borderline in Thousand Oaks. In many ways our communi-

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adrienne Wigdortz Anderson, Will Andre, Tracy Marcynzsyn CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Will Andre, Kevin Clark, Shervin Lainez, Josh Lehrer, Jean Celeste Lubin, Brandon Moninka, George Pimentel, Randy Shropshire, Robert Yeager

ties will never be the same. Not just in Thousand Oaks, but throughout the Southland. There will always be memories and a permanent scar. Before we go out on a Saturday evening to enjoy music at Bogies, NABU or some other fun venue, do we need to think twice? Are there armed guards? Should we be armed? Stay home? This is really sick. Our hearts go out to the victims and families devastated by one more example of the ongoing violence that is poisoning our communities and our entire country. Thousand Oaks is statistically one of the safest and low crime rate cities in the U.S. What is that worth this morning? Nothing but tears. Our society desperately needs healing, not the ongoing confrontational behavior that starts at the top and filters down to the grassroots. If we think for a minute that the ugliness of the last few years did not help turn a disturbed person into a monster last night, then we are all naive. This just happened right here on our doorstep. Is this what we want our country to become? An armed camp? Frankly, emotions can easily go from heartbroken to angry. We cannot let that happen or we will be no better than those who lash out violently. To those who lost a loved one, our Lifestyle family shares in your sadness. By the time you read this we will all be in the middle of the holiday season. Much of it, as it should be, is centered around our families. All things considered, we also need to look outwardly as well. Our community needs to come together with new levels of trust and understanding. May your holiday season be blessed.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson EDITORIAL MANAGER Nicolette Martin EDITORIAL Kate Baxendale AD MANAGER Chad Jensen AD COORDINATORS Cyndi Harrington | Alicia Huff | Jessica Soetaert LAYOUT DESIGNERS Cyndi King | Dana Rudolph | Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek | Adella Wrisinger FIELD SUPPORT Carli DiMarco | Victoria Perry PUBLISHER SUPPORT Melanie Carlisle ACCOUNTANT Austin Park APPLICATION ARCHITECT Michael O’Connell WEB DEVELOPERS Tejaswini Jagarlamudi | Harshith Potu

MalibutoPalisadesLifestyle.com ON THE COVER Pacific Festival Ballet celebrates “The Nutcracker” 25th Anniversary.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEAN CELESTE PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO Proverbs 3:5-6 Malibu to Palisades Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Malibu to Palisades 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 Malibu to Palisades Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2018

FEATURES 12 Building Capital Jeff Runyan’s Focus on Finance

18 Holiday Giving Celebrities Share their Favorite Causes

28 Holiday Magic Pacific Festival Ballet Celebrates 25 Years of The Nutcracker

12 18

32 Praise in the Palisades Community Council Honors Volunteers

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Inspired By

24 Driver’s Notebook 28 Local Limelight 32 Giving Back 34 Lifestyle Calendar

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GOOD TIMES

Annual Beach Picnic Celebrates Armenian Heritage Ani Dermenjian has been bringing Malibu Armenian families together for six years to celebrate their common heritage. This year they also celebrated the 2,800 anniversary of Yehevan, the capital of Armenia. The food was amazing and it was all topped off with the singing of the traditional Armenian national anthem. PHOTOGRAPHY BEN MALKIN

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

AROUND TOWN

FUTURE-FOCUSED EDUCATION The Sycamore School in Malibu is breaking out of the traditional public school format and

LEGENDARY MUSICIANS PLAY FOR ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL

teaching kids how to love learning. At Sycamore,

The annual Scott Medlock-Robby Krieger

educators become curators of experiences; guides

All-Star Concert at the breathtaking Saddlerock

and coaches who help students explore, observe

Ranch featured an evening of unforgettable per-

and reflect. Merging the best classroom practices

formances by legendary musicians, including

and proven methods with educational theory and

Robby Krieger (The Doors), Alex Lifeson (Rush),

developments in learning science, Sycamore helps

Orianthi (Michael Jackson), Danny Seraphine

students use their knowledge, skills and abilities to

(Chicago/CTA), Jason Scheff (Chicago), Elliot

embrace their curiosity in service of deeper learn-

Easton (The Cars), Lukas Nelson and many others.

ing. Their recent “I Can’t” Burial and Cardboard

Guests enjoyed unlimited tastings from Mastro’s

Carnival represent just a couple of their innovative

Steakhouse,

activities. Sycamore-School.org

Malibu, Woodpecker's Backyard BBQ, Two Guys

LIGHT UP THE HOLIDAYS

Westlake

Village

Inn,

Duke's

Grilling, Malibu Family Wines, Figueroa Mountain Brewery, Asombroso Tequila and Tito's Handmade

Get into the holiday spirit at the 32nd Annual

Vodka. Event proceeds, including a lively auction,

Parade of Lights at Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara,

benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

December 16, at 5:30 p.m. The event includes some

TheMedlockKrieger.com

30 festively decorated boats motoring, sailing and paddling the Santa Barbara Coastline. Judging for the parade takes place from the east side of Stearns Wharf. Following the parade, just before the fireworks launch, the Honorable Mayor Helene Schneider will turn on the lights of a beautiful 25-foot Green White Fir to officially open the holiday season for the Waterfront.

We are always accepting submissions for announce-

Parking is available on Stearns Wharf (prior to

ments you’d like to see included in our Around Town

3:30 p.m.) and at the Chase Palm Park & Garden

section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact

Street parking lots. StearnsWharf.org.

Us tab at MalibutoPalisadesLifestyle.com.

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INSPIRED BY

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

BUILDING CAPITAL WITH JEFF RUNYAN

AT RUNYAN CAPITAL ADVISORS ARTICLE TRACY MARCYNZSYN | PHOTOGRAPHY BEN MALKIN

RUNYAN CAPITAL ADVISORS’ CHIEF EXECUTIVE MANAGER

Backed by over two decades of industry experience and

JEFF RUNYAN SUBSCRIBES TO TWO LIFE MOTTOS THAT

holding both BS and MS degrees in Consumer Financial

SERVE HIM—AND HIS CLIENTS—WELL IN BUSINESS.

Management and Economics, Jeff leads a financial team that is

“We live by ‘Discipline Makes the Difference’ whereby doing

committed to designing investment portfolios that adhere to the

the right things consistently and persistently over long periods

premise, “Discipline Makes the Difference”—a motto his clients

of time will make an enormous impact on the success and

understand and truly appreciate.

trajectory of one’s final outcomes,” notes the Missouri-born Malibuite, who still holds his home state in high regard.

“Our clients love our Discipline Makes the Difference approach, where it is evident that we are persistent and unrelenting in our effort

“I always remember where I came from and often reflect back

to help them accomplish their goals and objectives,” says Jeff. “If they

on my home state’s slogan. Missouri is the ‘Show-Me-State’ in

say they want to accomplish something, we ask for permission to be

that you can’t just say it, you had better be prepared to do all

able to follow-up and see that they’re doing the small yet important

that it takes to increase the probability that you’ll accomplish

things that affect their economic success and trajectory over time.”

what you say you will.” In launching Runyan Capital Advisors in Beverly Hills in 2009,

Getting to know his clients through the years adds tremendous value to the relationship.

Jeff mastered “putting his money where his mouth is,” so to

“Our clients love how well we know them,” says Jeff. “To be

speak, providing wealth management and retirement planning

able to recall conversations from years ago or draw a parallel

advice to clients looking to build wealth and maximize their

with existing markets in periods past, they enjoy that they feel

portfolios for the future.

understood and informed. The way we accomplish this is through

His loyal clients include people in a range of income tax brackets with a common thread of having accumulated mean-

thorough inquiry, listening and learning about what drives and motivates those that we work for.”

ingful assets and are interested in securing a portfolio that gives

Jeff finds his own motivation and inspiration from several

them peace of mind and a secure economic future, Jeff explains.

mentors, including fellow members of the Beverly Hills Rotary

Jeff and his team enjoy helping individuals, business owners

Club, where he’s been a member for 15 years, and from listening

and families maximize their investments and materialize their

to podcasts like Malcolm Gladwell’s Revisionist History and

financial goals. Within their office, they take pride in their quality

Freakonomics Radio as he drives along the Malibu coast during

of work which allows them to continuously set new goals of rais-

his commute to and from his Beverly Hills office. His sharp

ing more assets from existing clients and earning new referrals.

financial instincts also stem from his parents’ good example.

“We are transparent, incredibly straightforward and know our

“My parents are steadfast in their approach to always being

clients extraordinarily well,” says Runyan, whose personalized

even-keeled and they have influenced my approach and consis-

service and client dedication has created many long-term busi-

tency in a remarkable way,” says Jeff, noting that “I’ve always had

ness relationships. “We are fortunate to have a very high client

an interest in money and investments and it was my dad’s sug-

retention ratio which evidences we are doing many things well

gestion to consider a focus on investment management, given my

in the eyes of those we serve,” he notes.

natural inclination to talk and work with people.”

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY

(CON TI N U ED)

PARTNERS IN WEALTH-BUILDING Working in the financial industry since 2001, Jeff gains satisfaction in empowering his clients to build wealth by educating them about their finances. “My business is rewarding in that I help people better understand their investment portfolio and what realistically it can generate for them, and to convert the numbers into something more tangible, meaningful or easy to understand,” says Jeff. “I also think we are exceptionally strong in conveying complex ideas in a simple and direct fashion. When that happens and intimidation dissipates, people are immediately more engaged—they then feel empowered, and they take ownership, interest and responsibility for achieving their financial goals differently,” he adds. A father to two sons—10-year-old Remington and 8-year-old London—Jeff understands the importance of creating a secure financial foundation for his family. “Typically, in a place like West L.A., it often takes until at least early 40s to age 50 before a person/ family has a chance to accumulate wealth in addition to their home, given competing expenses like children’s school obligations, ongoing expenses related to raising a growing family and other financial goals that families have,” Jeff explains. However, creating a plan and consistently making disciplined choices is a strategy Jeff and his team find can help families successfully achieve long-term financial well-being. When it comes to finances, Jeff says over the years, he’s learned that it is ultimately a people business. “At the end of the day, everyone wants to have more money than they started with, but ultimately, they want peace of mind to know a good steward of their assets is watching over them and their hardearned savings and portfolio,” he says. “Being relatable, demonstrating empathy and being authentic are all attitudes and demeanors that remind me that we will always have a growing clientele to care for.”

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

When he’s not helping clients

WAGN ER HOLIST IC CEN T ER

make the most of their money, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife, Jenni, and their sons, helping out with school activities at The Sycamore School, watching Malibu Little League, AYSO soccer games, as well as surfing and horseback

40 Years Serving Malibu and Pacific Palisades

riding at Rancho Sea Air. Jeff also loves racing events like the Nautica Malibu Triathlon and the Malibu half-marathon, as well as eating at

F U L L C H I R O P R AC T I C

his favorite local restaurants. “I love Nobu, lunch or dinner—any-

N AT U R O PAT H Y

time—it’s always a treat. It just feels

AC U P U N T U R E

good being there,” says Jeff. “I also love Helene’s Malibu Farm Café on

C O N C U S S I O N T H E R A PY

the pier, where I know it will always

F U N C T I O N A L B LO O D C H E M I S T RY A N A LYS I S

be farm-to-table fresh and healthy.” First discovering Malibu during a visit to his then-girlfriend (now wife)

S P O R T S P E R FO R M A N C E ENHANCEMENT

Jenni, who attended Pepperdine, Jeff

E S S E N T I A L O I L T H E R A PY

and Jenni returned to Malibu about

& MUCH MORE

eight years ago to raise their family. “I love this community because of the small-town feel and the similarities it has to where I was born and raised in Columbia, Missouri (less the ocean and weather!),” says Jeff. Looking to the future, Jeff plans to continue helping clients build wealth to enable them to live the life they desire for themselves and their families. “We are always working to maximize our face-to-face relationships with existing clientele and new pros-

Let us find the root and cause of your issue and set you on the healing path.

pects,” he says. “We are lucky to be selective in who we bring on as clients and choose to work with those that are serious about the management of their money and who recognize the value we can introduce.”

To learn more about Runyan Capital

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December 2018 | Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle

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IT'S BETTER TO GIVE THAN RECEIVE

CELEBRITIES SHARE THEIR FAVORITE CAUSES ARTICLE ADRIENNE WIGDORTZ ANDERSON

BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS BY VOLUNTEERING AND DONATING TO CHARITIES. Find inspiration from these celebrities:

SHANTELLE and YANNICK BISSON, star of “Murdoch

Photography by George Pimentel

Mysteries,” are philanthropic with a capital PH. “We get one life, and Yannick and I are committed to not only living our best ones, but also playing a part, big or small, in making other people’s lives better too,” says Shantelle, a writer and advice columnist. The couple works tirelessly with child-oriented organizations. "Children are innocent and need strong advocates when it comes to their safety, basic needs and health,” Yannick says. When they learned of Artists for Peace and Justice’s mission to help communities in Haiti through education and training, they got involved. "Haiti is the poorest country in the West—less than two hours from Miami," says Yannick. "How else to impact a nation battered by poverty, corruption, storms and earthquakes? Teach a new generation!” Part of their job as well-known artists is generating awareness, he says. They, with other celebrities, including co-chairs Ben Stiller and Susan Sarandon, wait tables at the annual gala, "illustrating we're here to serve," says Yannick. Additionally, they sit on the Advisory Board and are developing a counseling program for graduates of APJ's Academy of Peace and Justice. "We hope to empower students to become the change their country needs," says Shantelle. Visiting the school in Haiti last year deeply affected them. "The poverty was overwhelming," says Yannick. "Juxtaposing this with the Haitians' beautiful spirit was a wake-up call. If they can smile in the worst of conditions, how much more should we be better?” APJNow.org

Shantelle and Yannick Bisson

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

Danielle Gersh Meterologist/Reporter DANIELLE GERSH appears every weekday morning on CBS2. During the holidays, the news team partners with California Highway Patrol’s Toy Drive (CHiPs for Kids). “I help distribute the toys we collect,” says Gersh. “It’s a joy meeting the families. The children’s smiles are the best part.” The Westlake High School alum grew up riding horses. Every year, the stables organized a program to adopt families going through hard times. “It feels good helping others,” Gersh says. “If you’re able, buy a few toys instead of dining out. It will mean the world to a child in need.” CBSLA.com/chips

Photography by CBSLA

Boxing legend and sports broadcaster SUGAR RAY LEONARD and his wife Bernadette established the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation in 2009 to fund pediatric type 1 and type 2 diabetes research and care. Beneficiaries include the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Juvenile Diabetes

Sugar Ray Leonard at the 2017 Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala in Los Angeles. Photography by Randy Shropshire, Getty Images North America

Research Foundation. “I saw the daily struggles my late father had with type 2 diabetes,” says Leonard. “Plus, a few of our friends’ children have type 1 diabetes. These diseases can have devastating effects on families.” In partnership with B. Riley FBR, Inc., the foundation hosts an annual “Big Fighters, Big Cause” Charity Boxing Night. “It’s a star-studded event featuring live boxing bouts and live and silent auctions,” says Leonard, who enjoys helping with the planning, inviting celebrity friends and presenting the Golden Glove Award to individuals and companies that impact the diabetes arena. “I’ve been blessed with an incredible career few get the opportunity to experience, and to now be in the position

Sugar Ray Leonard

to help others,” he says. “With the foundation, we can support something dear to my heart, helping children affected by a tough opponent—diabetes.” SugarRayLeonard.com CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle

BETTER TO GIVE

(CON TI N U ED)

Jen Lilley “Days of our Lives” actress JEN LILLEY, starring in Hallmark’s holiday movie “Mingle All the Way,” feels the holiday spirit yearround. She’s devoted to charities protecting kids. “If children are raised in love and grace, the world will be a better place,” she says. One such charity she supports, Project Orphans, helps children, powerless women and broken families in Uganda. “I want to give this incredible group the sunlight they deserve because I care for the orphan/foster care initiative,” says Lilley, who with her husband, is an adoptive and foster parent. A talented singer, Lilley dedicated 100% of the proceeds from sales of a recently released single from her album “Lilley” (an ode to 60’s music), album pre-sales (it debuts in early 2019) and online merchandise to fund surgery for a Ugandan boy. The goal was met. Now the money supports the organization’s operating costs. Lilley holds bigger dreams: “I hope to build a children’s village

Photography by Shervin Lainez

in California based on Project Orphans’ model.” ProjectOrphans.org

Photography by Josh Lehrer

Adam Pascal Broadway star ADAM PASCAL gives back by helping regional theaters across the country. “Broadway is a small area. Much of what’s happening is produced by nonprofits, like 5-Star Theatricals in Thousand Oaks,” says Pascal, best known as the original Roger in the stage and film versions of “Rent.” Last month, Pascal performed at its fundraiser. “Patrick [Cassidy, Artistic Director] is a buddy of mine since 2000, when I played Radames in ‘Aida’ on Broadway and Patrick had the role in the first national tour.” Regardless of how technology delivers entertainment, there’s nothing like live performances, says Pascal. “It’s part of our culture and must be preserved.” The area is fortunate to have a theater producing Broadway-quality shows and offering classes, he says. “Sadly, the arts aren’t getting as much government funding as in the past. It’s our responsibility to keep it going.” 5StarTheatricals.com

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

The heart of your home is about to get a whole lot happier!

Calum Worthy

Photography by Kevin Clark

CALUM WORTHY, starring in the upcoming series “The Act,” is active in the environmental movement. “My 9th grade teacher introduced me to the issue,” he says. Worthy in turn educated his young fans when he was on Disney Channel’s “Austin & Ally.” “Climate change is the greatest threat to their future,” says Worthy, who supports the Climate Reality Project, founded by Al Gore. “The group educates and empowers everyday people to become activists and leaders,” explains Worthy, who took training sessions taught by Gore. For the past three years, Worthy has been the social media host for its global live event, “24 Hours of Reality,” focusing on climate solutions. “You don’t have to be a politician or celebrity to make a difference,” says Worthy. “Your voice is powerful. Use it!” ClimateRealityProject.org

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TAKES YOU ON THE “DRIVE OF A LIFETIME”

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY WILL ANDRE

AMG THOUSAND OAKS

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

THERE ARE GENERALLY TWO KINDS OF PEOPLE WHEN IT COMES TO CARS: CAR PEOPLE AND THE REST. While Mercedes-Benz has long set the standard for luxury and safety on the road, their AMG division is for bona fide car people, and AMG Thousand Oaks was conceived for exactly these folks. The grand opening of AMG Thousand Oaks last June was a notable affair on several accounts, not the least of which was the fact that Mercedes-Benz USA and AMG headquarters in Germany chose Thousand Oaks for the nation’s first all-AMG showroom. That distinction means that the dealership has earned the right to represent the AMG brand, and in so doing, the expectations have leveled up as well.

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

CONTINUED >

December 2018 | Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle

DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

(CON TI N U ED)

While the AMG brand has firmly established itself at the pinnacle of automotive performance, ownership of one of the brand’s vehicles brings with it a level of exclusivity that few can match. Included with the purchase or lease of any new AMG vehicle is a complimentary day at a racetrack with AMG Driving Academy. This global, high-performance driving school is designed to get AMG owners behind the wheels of a wide range of current AMG vehicles to experience firsthand their exhilarating performance in a controlled environment. The team at AMG Thousand Oaks are car people and they understand what makes car people tick. So, twice a year in April and October, they not only go to AMG Driving Academy themselves, but they take their clients with them. The two-day affair starts with a group breakfast and drive up the coast to the Quail Lodge in Carmel Valley. After a few hours of relaxation, in the evening there is a hosted cocktail party and dinner, which is often attended by special guests from the AMG or Mercedes-Benz corporate offices. The entire following day is spent at Laguna Seca Raceway, where AMG Driving Academy puts the group into its own team and splits the morning and afternoon sessions between learning high-performance maneuvers in the paddock and laps around the legendary racing circuit at triple-digit speed. So enjoyable is the experience that several AMG Thousand Oaks clients have attended multiple times. It’s fitting then that they call it the “Drive of a Lifetime.”

Visit AMG Thousand Oaks on the Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks campus at 3905 Auto Mall Drive, in Thousand Oaks, or learn more at AMGTO.com. Keep up with them at @ amgthousandoaks and #AMGTO – if you can!

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

You are going to need a valid pilot’s license. For the plane, too. The nation’s first and only standalone AMG® showroom has landed at Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks. With over 3,000 square feet of iconic, modern design, the AMG Elite Performance Center is the latest manifestation of 50 years of fanatical dedication to the pinnacle of automotive performance. Come experience the soul-stirring rumble of hand-built V8 motor, or configure your dream machine in life size on a video screen that’s bigger than most garage doors. The world’s fastest family finally has its own home, and it’s right here in Thousand Oaks. Fly on in any time.

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Photography by Robert Yeager

The Nutcracker Magic Continues FOR 25 YEARS AT PACIFIC FESTIVAL BALLET

WHO SAYS IT DOESN’T SNOW IN THE CONEJO VALLEY? For 25 years the patrons of Pacific Festival Ballet receive a flurry of sparkle and snow as they sit spellbound by The Nutcracker’s snow scene. Not only does it snow onstage but magically, light snowfall descends upon the audience as well. In October 1994 the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza opened its doors to the community and six weeks later the inaugural Nutcracker season, presented by Pacific Festival Ballet, illuminated the stage along with Conejo Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the late Elmer Ramsey. “It was a magical moment when the long-awaited dream of the theatre, the orchestra and the ballet came together for the first time,” says artistic director Kim Maselli. “It was the beginning of our journey as ARTICLE PROVIDED 28

a regional ballet company and the past 25 years have exceeded my expectations.”

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

Photography by Robert Yeager

Photography by Robert Yeager Inaugural Nutcracker 1994 with PFB founders, Kim Maselli, Joyce Hurley and Lori Sorensen

The traditions of Pacific Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker have

“The traditions of classical ballet are important to me,” says

grown in cast size and production value and has featured interna-

Maselli, “but so is breaking barriers and pushing ballet into the 21st

tional guest celebrities over the years from American Ballet Theatre,

century. I feel our original ballets draw in an audience who would

New York City Ballet, The Joffrey and San Francisco Ballet.

normally not attend a ballet.”

To date, a number of PFB alumni are dancing professionally with several of these companies.

This May the Allaman/Maselli creative team premieres their third original ballet, Camelot. This legendary saga, full of medieval drama,

“Having the opportunity to share the stage with world-class

promises knights and ladies, dragons and forest fairies, King Arthur

ballerinas inspired me as a child and allowed me to realize my

and Guinevere. Of course, all of this storytelling will be told through

dreams could become reality,” says Leili Rackow, former Clara

dance, both classical and contemporary.

and current company dancer with San Francisco Ballet.

The commitment to produce original and traditional ballets are

“As a young dancer I was in awe watching Tiler Peck as Sugar

a part of Pacific Festival Ballet’s thumbprint. As resident company

Plum Fairy in our Nutcracker,” says PFB alumni Naomi Corti.

at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, PFB continues to present

“Now I am a company member with her at New York City Ballet

world-class productions in this beautiful facility they call home.

and I am still in awe of her!”

This December the curtain will rise for their 25th holiday season

While training and instilling the fine arts into the next generation is a mission for Pacific Festival Ballet, so is cultivating

with the familiar sounds of Tchaikovsky’s score, the beloved story of Clara and her Nutcracker and, of course, the snowfall.

and inspiring the next generation of ballet enthusiasts. PFB is

Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster (800.745.3000)

committed to preserving and presenting the classics, such as

and at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office, 2100

The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, however, the

Thousand Oaks Blvd.

company also prides itself in creating new and original ballets. For over a decade, Artistic Director Kim Maselli has collaborated with Hollywood composer Eric Allaman.

For more information, visit PacFestBallet.org. December 2018 | Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle

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December 2018 | Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle

GIVING BACK ARTICLE TRACY MARCYNZSYN

PACI FI C

PA L IS A D ES

CO M M U N I T Y

COU N CI L

HONORS VOLUNTEERS CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AND GOLDEN SPARKPLUG AWARDS

to deserving citizen volunteers who are recognized at PPCC’s annual December Awards Gala, this year on December 13. The Citizen of the Year Award honors an adult Palisades resident for their “long-term, steady, reliable and continuing outstanding volunteer service as well as a recent extraordinary accomplishment… that resulted in a substantial benefit to the Palisades community at large.” Past Citizen of the Year Award recipients include Bruce Schwartz (2017), Daphne Gronich (2016) and Sharon Kilbride (2015). The Golden Sparkplug Award honors citizens of all ages who in the past year “ignite(d) original ideas and projects into community action that benefit Palisadians.” Both awards require that the services, accomplishment or project must have been voluntary and not related to the nominee’s business or occupation. Award recipients include Tom Creed, Matthew Rodman, Marie

Steckmest and Debbie Warfel (2017); Sylvia Boyd, Patrick Hart, Amy Lundberg, Karen Stigler and Veslemoey Zwart (2016); and Laurel Garver, Laurie Sale and Doug Suisman (2015). INCE 1973, PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY

In addition to these awards, the Pride of the Palisades

COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS HAVE DONATED THEIR

Awards are periodically presented to individuals and orga-

TIME TO ENSURE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THEIR

nizations that may not meet all of the award guidelines for

COMMUNITY. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides a

recognition of their extraordinary service to the Palisades

forum to discuss community issues and advocates

community. Recent recipients include Nancy Klopper (2017),

to government and private agencies on those issues

Bob Benton (2016), the Pacific Palisades Task Force on

where there is broad community agreement.

Homelessness (2015) and Bill Bruns (2014).

Among the oldest volunteer organizations of its type in the

"Our PPCC awards are really about recognizing and honoring

City of Los Angeles, the PPCC served as a model for the cur-

the ‘unsung heroes’ of our town—those people who work tire-

rent Neighborhood Council system. Its Board includes elected

lessly for the good of the entire community, and who do it mostly

Area Representatives from all residential neighborhoods of the

under the radar without expectation of any special recognition,"

Palisades, an elected At-large Representative and representa-

says Chairperson of the PPCC Awards Committee Sue Kohl.

tives appointed by notable community organizations.

The PPCC Board invites all community members to par-

Each year, the PPCC proudly honors citizens, who are nomi-

ticipate in their monthly meetings to discuss a wide range of

nated by local residents, for their community contributions with

issues and concerns (meeting dates and agendas are online

the annual Citizen of the Year and Golden Sparkplug Awards.

at PacPaliCC.org).

From time to time, the PPCC also bestows Pride of the Palisades honors in special circumstances. These accolades are presented 32

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

For Awards Gala tickets and details, visit PacPaliCC.org.

DECEMBER

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

MJCS Choir and Orchestra and Hand

for a winter concert to celebrate the

in Hand. Malibu.org

season. Malibu.SMMUSD.org

In just over a decade of recording

PARFUMERIE

WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL

music and playing sold-out shows

Theatre Palisades

Rancho Satwiva

worldwide, Jake Shimabukuro has

Adapted by E.P. Dowdall from the

Enjoy Native American handcrafted

already redefined the ukulele. In his

Hungarian

art,

hands, this diminutive Hawaiian instru-

Miklos Laszlo, the warm and gentle

demonstration and family fun. More

ment becomes a complex and bold

Christmas love story features feud-

than a dozen Native American Indian

new musical force. Also December 2,

ing Perfumerie employees George

artists will show and sell artwork

at 2 p.m. Arts.Pepperdine.edu

Horvath and Amalia Balash, who have

reflecting Chumash, Tongva, Wichita,

fallen in love with their secret pen pal.

Hupa, Cahuilla, Apache, Kumeyaay,

What will happen on Christmas Eve

Dine/Navajo and many other Native

when they discover their lover's true

cultures. SamoFund.org

JAKE SHIMABUKURO ON UKULELE 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90263

PALISADES CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL WINTER CONCERT Palisades Charter High School

Come get into the holiday spirit with

play

"Illatszetar"

music,

storytelling,

dance

identity? TheatrePalisades.org

29 WELCOME WALK

the Palisades Charter High School

CITY OF MALIBU OPEN HOUSE

Choral Winter Concert. PaliHigh.org

Malibu City Hall

Join a docent for a leisurely walk

Malibu Middle and High School

along the creek and through a

students will have their art work on

wooded valley. Learn about the

display. The MHS Band, Orchestra

area’s animals, plants, early inhab-

and Choir will also be performing.

itants and movies filmed in the

Food and drinks will be served. All

park. Meet at the Mail Trailhead

ages welcome.

parking lot (second, lower lot) by the

5 MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL BAND CONCERT

restrooms. SamoFund.org

Malibu High School

Join

the

Malibu

Malibu Creek State Park

High

School

band for their annual winter holiday concert; all ages welcome. Malibu.SMMUSD.org

13 PACIFIC PALISADES COMMUNITY COUNCIL AWARDS Gladstone's Restaurant

Join the Pacific Palisades Community Council at the Citizen of the Year and

CHANUKAH CONCERT & CELEBRATION

Golden Sparkplug Awards Gala, honoring locals for their community

The Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue,

contributions. PacPaliCC.org

24855 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu

The

Malibu

Jewish

Center

Synagogue presents Cantor Marcelo Gindlin in the 19th annual event, featuring performances from Magician Yonkany El Mago (direct from the Magic Castle), the MJCS Preschool and Religious School students, the

Malibuto to Palisades Lifestyle | December 2018

13 MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR CONCERT

We are always accepting submissions for events you'd like to see included in our Calendar section. Submissions

Malibu High School

are accepted via the Contact Us tab

Join the Malibu High School choir

at MalibutoPalisadesLifestyle.com.

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