Beyond the Acorn August/September 2018 by Beyond the Acorn

The spirit of local living

THE ACORN

Beyond August/September 2018

Back to School Issue

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THE ACORN

Beyond

contents

Aug/Sept 2018

features

22 When art imitates life

Artist Daggi Wallace uses pastels to create hyper-realistic images.

26 Community art

Studio Channel Islands is a creative hub where art meets community.

28 artsy fest

special Section Back to school

30 super students

Meet the winners of Beyond's inaugural Super Students contest and feel your faith in humanity restored.

32 sunny side up

Make sure the kids are leaving for school fueled by a hearty breakfast.

36 becoming beatriz

Nursing students use virtual reality to experience illness firsthand.

39 After-School Enrichment

A parent's guide to cool things to keep the kids busy—and growing—after the bell rings.

ACORNUCOPIA

44 College prep

Furnishing the dorm room can be loads of fun with these space-savers.

Get a sneak peek at the largest arts and crafts festival on the West Coast.

departments

8 Welcome from beyond

Greetings from the publisher and editor.

NEIGHBORS

14 TRANSFORMING PAIN INTO ACTION

Cynthia Kersey channels her energy into providing education around the globe.

INNOVATORS

18 naturally charged

Lawrence Zhou has made portable solar energy an easy and affordable option.

GO BEYOND

48 FILM LOVER'S GUIDE TO CALABASAS

See just how Hollywood has deep roots in the community.

SCENE AROUND TOWN 51 Candids caught at local happenings this summer.

READERS CORNER

AROUND TOWN & BEYOND 52 Music, art, plays, festivals—there's a lot going on here.

SNAPSHOT

46 Back to school

Readers share their first day of school photos.

ON THE COVER: Winners of the Beyond the Acorn Super Students contest, Cami Sylvester and Adam Mohiuddin. Meet them and other stellar students on page 30.

66 birth of a community

Recalling a one-room schoolhouse that helped the Conejo Valley grow.

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La Reina admits students of any creed, race, color, national and/or ethnic group to all rights, privileges, programs and activities at the school. 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.

Lisa Rule Publisher lisabeyond@theacorn.com

Publisher Lisa Rule awards cash prizes to Super Students contest winners Cami Sylvester and Adam Mohiuddin when they arrive at the Beyond the Acorn offices to shoot the magazine cover.

MICHAEL COONS

DISCOVER DISCOVER

In high school and early college, it was way too easy for me to get caught up in the social and party aspects of being a young adult. Partying turned into the main focus and ended up as a huge detour on my life path. And, not in a good way. As the college group I was initially attracted to amped up, I began to gravitate away from them. I was left depressed, lonely and feeling lost. By the middle of sophomore year, rather than wallow, I decided to channel my loneliness and newfound free time into my studies. When I finished my courses at community college and moved on to a university I also began more altruistic pursuits such as helping children with Down syndrome in swim therapy and joining groups that were either environmentally conscious or interested in helping others. My new positive outlook helped draw a new group of people into my life. In each passing generation, the pressures increase exponentially. The party detour is an attractive but abysmal waste of time. I believe that the earlier in life young adults can energize themselves to make a difference in the world, the more fulfilled they will feel. They will connect with positive people and create meaningful life experiences for themselves and those around them. It’s never too late to get off the party bus and start attracting the people that will enhance rather than detract from your life. All of the nominees for our Super Students contest exemplify going above and beyond. I wish we had the room to write about them all here. I think you’ll enjoy reading about our winners, Cami and Adam, plus our amazing runners-up Ajay, Carly, Ryan and Akshaya on page 30 and soak up their good vibrations. You can meet the rest of our exceptional nominees at www.beyondtheacorn.com.

welcome | From the editor The new school year launches with all of the promise of New Year’s Day. Kids are decked out in fresh new clothes (or at least clothes that still fit properly), backpacks are clean and organized, pencils sharpened, laptops charged. In the classrooms, tables are arranged for incoming students. Bulletin boards have fresh displays, and gradebooks are empty and awaiting those first assignments. And at home, parents are filling in their calendars with carpools, call lists and volunteer schedules and, just maybe, making plans for some personal free time as well. This month we celebrate Back to School in several ways. First, and most exciting, is the culmination of our first-ever Super Students contest. We chose these exceptional students for their accomplishments not only in the classroom (they all have stellar GPAs) but for their extracurricular passion—for sports, business, charity, the arts. The students we selected are just a few of dozens of really fantastic nominees, who collectively restore our faith in the future as they bring so much energy and commitment to what they’re doing. For more Back to School fun, check out Readers Corner which features your First Day of School photos. Thank you for sending in so many great moments. You can see them all on our website. We also visited The Flying Yolk, a Simi Valley restaurant that specializes in breakfast fare—just the kind of morning meal that sends students off ready to concentrate on learning. And for after school, we’ve rounded up a great guide to local enrichment programs that will keep kids busy and learning after the school day has wrapped. For those students who are leaving home to launch into college, we have a fun product piece featuring some great dorm room furnishings. Just because they’re moving out doesn’t mean their new digs can’t feel like home. We round out this Back to School issue with an inspirational story about a woman who is directing her boundless energy to build schools abroad so children all over can benefit from the gift of education. As always, there’s so much more in this issue of Beyond. I hope you enjoy exploring our world as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. I’d love to hear from you.

Leslie Gregory Haukoos Editor-in-Chief beyond@theacorn.com

THE ACORN

Beyond River Oaks Academy Charter Charter School â&#x20AC;˘ Westlake and Oxnard@Seabridge

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editorial Contributing Writers Stephanie Bertholdo, Ela Lindsay staff writers/Copy Editors Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff editorial assistant/SOCIAL MEDIA Allison Montroy ART contributing designers Sarah Ely, Timm Sinclair WEB DESIGN Allison Montroy photoGRAPHY photo editor Richard Gillard staff photographerS Michael Coons, Bobby Curtis advertising account executives Mona Uttal, Richard Singer, Sue Martin, Jennifer Carlo-Valdez, Diane Verner, Stacey Janson, Mary McCarter, Steve Saenz Advertising ASSISTANT Kim Cummings Administrative controller Andy McGinnis administrative assistants Marilyn Burin, Donna Bondy SUBSCRIPTIONS

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To subscribe to Beyond the Acorn magazine, go to www.theacornonline.com/gobeyond/ or call (818) 706-0266 Beyond the Acorn is published by the Acorn Newspaper Group in association with J. Bee NP Publishing, Ltd. Address correspondence to 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 706-0266. Send editorial comments to: beyond@theacorn.com For advertising: beyondsales@theacorn.com

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neighbors | Cynthia Kersey

Transforming

Pain into Action How one unstoppable woman is educating children in need

Alexander Graham Bell has been attributed with the wise, albeit tired, adage: “When one door closes another door opens.” But the extended version of the saying speaks to peoples’ tendency to “look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door” that they fail to recognize opportunities and the wide-open doors right in front of them. Cynthia Kersey faced a closing chapter of her life with a plan. She had been living the dream life in Marina del Rey with her husband and son. She had published her first book, “Unstoppable,” in 1998, featuring the stories of 45 people from all walks of life who found a higher purpose to their lives, lives that had unraveled or had been shattered in one way or another, but were redeemed when they walked through that open door of opportunity and found a greater purpose. At the time, Cynthia says she couldn’t imagine that her life would change as dramatically as the folks she profiled in her book. But, within one year of publication, her 20-year marriage unexpectedly ended. Devastated and overwhelmed with what lay ahead for her and her son, she pledged to discover her own unique purpose. A pragmatist, Cynthia figured that a year would be enough time to get her life in order. By the following Christmas, she would have overcome her heartache and set in motion a new path both personally and professionally. And so she did, but in incremental steps that have added up to an entirely new life. First, she reached out to a friend, Millard Fuller, co-founder of Habitat of Humanity International, and accepted his sage advice that finding a greater purpose in life was the best remedy for grief. 14 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

Cynthia’s first project stemmed from Fuller’s suggestion that she help build a house for a poor family in Nepal, one of the most impoverished nations in the world. But Cynthia went a step further—and with a bit of humor—and tried to imagine exactly how many homes she would need to build to quell the pain over the end of her marriage. She figured 100 houses would do the trick. Within a year, she had raised $200,000 by simply asking friends, family and even casual acquaintances to donate to the building fund. She formed a team of 18 people, traveled to Nepal and built not one, but three homes. The reaction of the people she helped, including a single Nepalese woman who cared for seven family members in a tiny shack, gave Cynthia the strength to continue in her quest to give to people in need. Looking back, she sees that she was already on the path of a greater purpose. After all, she had released her first book a year before she separated from her husband. In 2005, after the publication of her second book, “Unstoppable Women,” she accepted an invitation to attend the first-ever Grassroots African Women’s Conference in Kenya. Forty other women attended the conference, but it was the 400 women who traveled from tiny Kenyan villages to share their stories of seemingly insurmountable hardship and grief that opened up Cynthia’s eyes to what she was meant to do with her life. “I met with women who shared their stories about things I couldn’t even imagine,” she says. “Kids dying from malaria, unstoppable ON PAGE 61

Juozas Cernius

Written by Stephanie Bertholdo

Cynthia Kersey meets two high school students from the Oleleshwa Secondary School in Kenya's Maasai Mara, a project her foundaton helped fund. "In the past girls dropped out by grade 5 or 6," she says. "Now they have the opportunity to go to high school." Far left, Kersey holds a child in the Rongena community in the same region.

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innovAtoRs | Off the grid

Naturally

Charged Harnessing sunlight to power just about anything Written by Erin newman

Lawrence Zhou's portable solarpowered generator is great for emergencies as well as everyday living. It is 4 feet by 2 feet and weighs 83 pounds. naturesgenerator.com

ARMANDO ROSALES

When emergency strikes, the time to prepare is already long gone. That’s why Lawrence Zhou, co-founder and engineer at Camarillo-based Huntkey USA, would like to see his Nature’s Generator in every home, charged and ready. Lawrence, a native of China who lives in Thousand Oaks with his wife, 9-year-old daughter and infant son, started the company in 2015 along with business partner Greg Adams. The entrepreneurs knew they had a hit on their hands when they invented Nature’s Generator, the first “smart” portable solar-powered generator, which pairs with a smartphone for monitoring. The 1800-watt generator, mounted on a wheeled cart for easy mobility, gives the user options—using the sun, wind turbine or wall outlet—for producing portable electricity. (Power pods that hold 100 watts each can be added to store even more power.) Nature’s Generator can quietly power critical household appliances, like a refrigerator, keep the lamps lit and charge phones, tablets and laptops during an unexpected loss of power. As a system that can be easily purchased at chain retailers and Amazon, it can also serve as a small, affordable method of reducing a home’s electric bill. Although it can be a lifesaver in an emergency, Lawrence wants people to know there’s so much more his little generator can do while it soaks up the sun’s rays waiting for an emergency to strike. We spoke with Lawrence to learn more about his invention.

Beyond: Who had the idea for Nature’s Generator and what inspired it? Lawrence: Greg and I had talked about it for several months while working in sunny California. We realized the need for portable solar energy and began working out of my garage in Thousand Oaks. We both did the research and development, and between ourselves and Huntkey China, we were able to get it started. The product pieces come from China, but all the assembling of the finished product is done here in Camarillo. Beyond: The sunny climate of California certainly lends itself to the product, but would it also work in, say, rainy Seattle? Lawrence: Yes, in fact it does. The only difference is how fast the energy is stored. Bright sunlight obviously is going to (produce) more usable energy at a faster rate. Beyond: The obvious use of Nature’s Generator is during emergencies, but what are some of the other uses? Lawrence: We hear great stories of how people could not have survived without our Nature’s Generator. And there are so many other uses such as camping, RVing, using it to power your booth at the farmers market or at schools. These generators are clean, safe and silent. You never have to worry about gasoline or lithium problems. Nature’s Generator can go just about anywhere. Plus, our little system is an incredibly great backup to a full home solar system.

7th Annual

Beyond: What’s the biggest challenge Huntkey USA has faced? Lawrence: Marketing and educating people about all the benefits to having a Nature’s Generator, but we are getting there. We believe everyone should and someday will have a Nature’s Generator ready for anything that comes their way. We’ve been selling lots of systems for tiny homes. We recently sold two systems, one for each side, to a couple in Georgia who were building a 40-foot tiny home. They were thrilled—the man was able to use his power tools. Beyond: I see that Nature’s Generator is available on Amazon for under $1,000, but can it be purchased anywhere else? Lawrence: We are growing and expanding our retail sales to several large stores such as Camping World, Walmart, Lowe’s and Home Depot. We are selling like crazy out on the East Coast through a popular online store called Earthtechproducts.com. Beyond: I understand the generator came to the rescue during the long-term loss of power in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Do you foresee more international use of your product? Lawrence: We are partnering with World Vision International, a global humanitarian relief nonprofit. Soon we will have many more lifesaving stories to post on our website and Facebook page because for every unit sold, we will donate a percentage of the profit to the organization. We’ve also donated several Nature’s Generator units to World Vision. I believe it’s that valuable to get our units into the hands of first responders, helping people around the world as well as in the United States. B

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When

imitates How one artist’s work mirrors her reality Written by Mark Wyckoff Photo by David McMartin

Walls—the kind made out of concrete and the kind you build internally—have been a constant presence in Daggi Wallace’s life. The Ventura County pastel artist grew up in West Germany and remembers riding her bike in the shadow of the Berlin Wall, which was erected by East Germany’s Communist government in 1961, just a year before Wallace was born. Guards with guns peered down at her from the wall’s watchtowers, adding an ominous air to playtime. Germans tend to be stoic and cynical, she says, hiding their feelings behind impenetrable emotional barriers. As a child, she walled off her emotions, shielding her psyche from the pain of growing up with an alcoholic father. “There were always walls around me,” she says. “One day I realized, ‘Wow. This is a running theme.’” But walls aren’t permanent. Wallace began tearing hers down in 1979, a decade before the Berlin Wall would ultimately fall. She was 16, and had made the momentous decision to marry an American G.I., move to Phoenix and study art in college. The culture shock was overwhelming at times, but she felt emboldened by America’s wide-open spaces and attitudes. Though the

marriage didn’t last and her college dreams fizzled, her emotional and spiritual growth began to skyrocket. Over the next 39 years, Wallace married and divorced again, raised two daughters and spent three decades as an international flight attendant. Through it all, she never gave up on her dreams of becoming a full-time painter. She moved from Phoenix to Dallas and, after taking early retirement from American Airlines, headed to Ventura County in 2012 and began leasing an art studio at Studio Channel Islands in Camarillo. It’s been a challenge supporting herself solely through art, but her career is beginning to flourish. She teaches classes, does portrait commissions and works hard to sell her work to private collectors. Her latest solo show, “Resilient Women: The Art of Daggi Wallace,” is up through Aug. 9 in the Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. The works on display are stunning examples of contemporary realism. Using pastels combined with other media—including watercolor, inks, acrylic, stamping and charcoal—Wallace makes water shimmer, eyes glimmer and people’s souls come alive. Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 23

Top: A shimmering piece from Daggi Wallace's "Water" series. Titled "Breathe," she painted it as a reminder to breathe in the "goodness" of life. Above: "In Search of Peace" is part of Wallace's "Berlin Wall" series; the title refers to a search for both personal peace and world peace. 24 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

...she felt emboldened by America's wide-open spaces and attitudes

Wallace, whose first name is pronounced “Duh-ghi,” is adept at looking inward and outward, and the pieces showcased at CLU capture that. Her “Berlin Wall” paintings are autobiographical and “serve as a metaphor for all of the walls in our lives,” she says. Pieces from her “Water” series are equally personal, inspired by the feelings she had of being “thrown into the deep end” as she acclimated to life in America. The “Silence of the Lambs” series is Wallace’s contribution to the #MeToo movement. These small black-and-white works, done in charcoal and pastel, capture the resilient spirit of women weighed down by “shame and guilt that isn’t theirs to carry,” Wallace says. Wallace’s interest in art blossomed at age 5 after she took a few lessons in Berlin. “I got a kids’ easel and a little smock, and I would just pretend I was an artist,” she says. “It’s all I ever wanted to be.” At Studio Channel Islands, Wallace shares a spacious room with two other artists. Sunlight pours in through huge windows, and her rescue dog Max, a dachshund/Australian shepherd mix, gets to bask in the glow as he curls up on a comfy orange-red couch. A wall-mounted easel holds her in-progress canvases and, in a nod to her high-flying past, an American Airlines beverage cart has been repurposed as an artist’s table.

“It’s now working for me, instead of the other way around,” she says. As Wallace becomes more comfortable letting her own walls crumble, her work is becoming increasingly personal and political. On view at CLU is one of her most recent pieces, called “Blurred Lines,” that depicts a woman draping an American flag around her shoulders. “I painted it at the time of the Women’s March,” she says. “It’s about female empowerment.” More and more, Wallace is becoming distraught by the mood of America. Oppression and hate, she believes, are beginning to usurp peace, love and understanding. “All of sudden, the German society that I pretty much ran from is now more open than America,” she says. “I did not foresee that at all.” Nor did she foresee that America would be preparing to build a wall of its own. “Somebody who doesn’t know anything about walls and what they’re like is touting them as the next best thing,” she says. “I can tell you this: They’re not.” B “Resilient Women: The Art of Daggi Wallace,” is at the Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture at CLU through Aug. 9. The public is invited to the closing reception on Sun., Aug. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Left: The artist met this woman on a trip to Haiti and wanted to capture the "lifetime written in her face." Right: "Schutzengel (Guardian Angel)," part of the "Berlin Wall" series, reflects her conflicted emotions about feeling "protected by this ugly, horrible wall as a child.“ Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 25

There’s a vibrant, creative community gem hidden in plain sight in Old Town Camarillo. To unknowing passersby, it might look like just another school campus. But the artistic group that took over this site molded it like clay into a playground for all things art, and it is now home to the nonprofit Studio Channel Islands. A colorful mural is painted on the wall that lines the parking lot, a visual shout-out to visitors that something special happens here. A tour of the former elementary school campus reveals about 40 artist-in-residence studios, which are open to the public once a month. The on-site Blackboard Gallery also offers a wealth of rotating exhibits designed to tantalize the eyes, touch viewers' hearts and sometimes provoke conversation and action.

Photos by CHASE HIRT

Written by Ela Lindsay

Co mm un it

art

With a primary goal of fostering connections between artists, visitors and the public, the nonprofit offers many programs, exhibitions, cultural events and festivals. The annual Arts Alive festival and the Ventura County Blues Festival are just two of them. Studio Channel Islands will celebrate its 20th anniversary in September, and has a robust list of programs to offer including many fine arts education classes for children and adults, Kindling Studios, which is open to special-needs teens and adults, and some performing arts classes. Executive Director Peter Tyas says he hopes the public will come to realize that Studio Channel Islands is “not just an art gallery that shows art for art lovers—it can be a place where artists celebrate community.”

Programs for adults: • Paint Night—An Artist's Night Out Sept. 6: Ink resist with Diane Hanley Sept. 13: Fall equinox Sept. 20: Portrait painting with Gerald Zwers Sept. 27: Painting to live music • Camarillo Figure Artists Workshop • Zentangle Classes and Workshops • Acting for Adults • Pastel Workshops with Daggi Wallace • Artist workshops/talks • Art Marketing 101: Find the Perfect Client • Online Digital Art taught by Sherron Sheppard

Programs for kids: • The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday • Watch artists at work in their studios. Open to the public the first Saturday of the month and also by appointment. Free admission and free parking from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Studio Channel Islands, 2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo. (805) 383-1368; studiochannelislands.org

• Art After School • Fiber Arts After School Classes • Acting With an Edge • Preschool program

Photographer Chase Hirt, a Viewpoint High School grad heading to Colgate University this fall, says he likes to capture “Mother Nature’s unpredictable, yet incredible aesthetic.”

artsy fest Whether you plan your holiday gifts and get them all purchased and packed up with time to spare, or wait until the last minute to find just the right thing for each loved one on your list, you might want to set aside a day in October to attend the annual Harvest Festival. This fine, 46-year tradition features hundreds of artisans selling their crafts, clothing and art and it’s an event not to be missed. Festival owner Nancy Glenn calls it an “immersive experience you can’t get anywhere else.” Here’s a taste of just a few of the many local artists you may encounter.

Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show | October 5-7

Thousand Oaks artist Pam Amputh transforms vintage silverware into classy jewelry. Her Forkedelic designs are delicious.

Cecily Reeve’s hand-painted ceramic switch plates, available through Reeve's Handpainted Tiles of Thousand Oaks, bring a delightful touch to any room.

Jackie Rome of Thousand Oaks brews decadent chocolate treats for all kinds of special occasions all under her Cocoa Rome banner.

28 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

SWITCH PLATES: MICHAEL COONS

Dale Tabrizi of Moorpark is bringing back the good old days with her vintage hats. Look for Tabrizi Designs at the Harvest Festival.

CHOCOLATE: Courtesy of COCOA ROME

HAT: Courtesy of TABRIZI DESIGNS

Ventura County Fairgrounds | www.harvestfestival.com | (925) 392-7300

BRACELET: Courtesy of Forkedelic

A fall harvest of handmade arts and crafts

The spanking new school year is about to begin and we're covering it from our unique Beyond point of view. Enjoy our collection of storiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but only after you've done your homework! Doodle illustration by amber rule Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 29

Photos by MICHAEL COONS

Cami Sylvester

UC Berkeley, Class of 2022 Cami has had 13 surgeries to correct a cleft lip/palate. But, when asked about this personal challenge, she shrugs it off. The Calabasas High School grad has bigger things on her mind; she’s on a mission to save the planet. Cami served on the city’s environmental commission, is an ambassador for Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots global conservation organization and led the charge for student-run beach cleanups. The Gold Award Girl Scout also runs a local chapter of Cookies for Cancer and has raised thousands of dollars for kids’ cancer research.

What makes a super student:

“Someone who puts in the work for something they’re passionate about without expecting anything in return.”

akshaya venkatesh Rice University, Class of 2022

Akshaya is a persistant, proactive and inventive student with a deep affection for children. She just returned from India where she volunteered (for the second time) at an orphanage that she has supported for several years. Her earnings from tutoring and from a piano concert funded a playground for the orphanage. The Gold Award Girl Scout is a serious pianist, performing classical Indian music (carnatic). She is passionate about biology and physiology, both of which she excelled in at Chaminade College Prep, and plans to be a pediatric surgeon serving children in third world countries.

Hopes for this generation:

“My hope is that we agree to disagree by respecting other's opinions regardless of our personal beliefs."

Ajay Culhane-Husain Yale University, Class of 2022

He’s got brains, brawns—and heart. While at Oaks Christian School, Ajay successfully balanced demanding academics with his love for sports. This fall, Ajay is joining Yale’s football team. In high school, he served as class president—twice. He’s also a committed volunteer. Ajay says a mission trip inspired him to use his skills for good; with every field goal he scored last season, the football kicker raised donations for migrant populations in Eastern Europe. His mantra? “A glass is as full as you want to make it.”

Hopes for the future:

“For people to continue to have human interactions as technology advances. I hope we keep learning, listening to others and being open.”

Meet the winners of Beyond the Acorn’s first-ever Super Students contest. Readers nominated high school students who excelled in academics, sports, the arts, business and giving back to the community—or the world. We received dozens of nominations, every one of them unique and extraordinary. We were quite impressed with them all, so much so that we expanded our contest to name not one but two winners (who each received $500 and a chance to be on our cover) and four runners-up. So let’s just say this is but a sample of the bright, motivated, compassionate, smart, hardworking students that we are grateful to have as our neighbors. And, really, with young adults like these stepping up, the future is looking brighter every day.

adam mohiuddin

carly shukiar

Ryan berejikian

Calabasas High, Class of 2020

University of North Dakota, Class of 2022

Camarillo High, Class of 2019

For this 15-year-old, time is best spent volunteering. He’s dedicated no less than 2,500 hours in the past two years tutoring elementary and middle school students and co-founded a branch of Partners Through Education, a student-run nonprofit that gives scholarships to college-bound seniors in need. Adam is on his high school swim team and in the National Honor Society. In his free time he helps the Calabasas Library develop virtual reality programs and develops software and devices for HTC. Adam has also published two research papers about muscle atrophy and participated in a program for NASA.

This Thousand Oaks High School grad is passionate about the arts. She uses her talents in singing, dancing and acting for good. She’s a member of the teen choir at Temple Adat Elohim and sings at nursing homes. She created a local program for RAINN, teaching dance to children, collecting dance shoes and organizing a recital for them. And the 17-year-old likes to know that younger teens are in good hands. Carly’s a camp counselor, was in a senior-freshmen lunch buddy program and helps guide b’nai mitzvah students at her temple. One thing she does for the love of it: flying. The licensed private pilot was flying planes before she could drive a car and will study commercial aviation in college.

Ryan is 17 years old but he doesn’t really act like it. He’s the youngest member on Camarillo’s Chamber of Commerce, founded Camarillo High School's Future Business Leaders of America and leads his school’s chapters of the California Scholarship Federation and the National Honor Society. He’s also the CEO of a quickly-growing web development company called BOW Investments. Ryan launched BOW when he was 15 and later turned it into a nonprofit, donating proceeds to RAIN Communities, Inc., a charity that provides transitional housing for local homeless families.

Hopes for the future:

“Global warming is one of the biggest problems our generation faces. I hope to see us moving toward self-sustainability.”

Dream job:

“To captain a Boeing 787 Dreamliner for a U.S.-based airline.”

What makes a super student:

“It depends on the student. We’re all different. Some see it as athletics, others grades . . . but above all is to be respectful.”

Meet more Super Students at www.beyondtheacorn.com

Sunny side

Start their school day with protein

Written by Erin newman Photos by david mcmartin

Dimitri and Daniela Koulakis (with their children, Juliette and Johnny Jett) are the proud owners of The Flying Yolk, a Simi Valley breakfast spot that serves up tasty and filling egg-based sandwiches such as the Cali Fried, left.

Every morning, The Flying Yolk is buzzing with customers of all ages. But the cozy Simi Valley restaurant owned by Dimitri and Daniela Koulakis is especially popular with kids. As the parents of young children themselves (2-year-old Johnny Jett and new baby Juliette), the busy couple specializes in high-protein grab-and-go breakfasts, the kind our grandparents might say would “stick to your ribs.” A popular and customizable item from the simple, egg-based menu is the Kids’ Breakfast Bowl—scrambled eggs, cheese and tater tots, with turkey bacon and avocado optional. “It’s everything kids need and a fun way to get it, too,” Daniela says. There’s something to be said for basing breakfast around eggs. With 6 grams of protein, 70 calories each and 13 vitamins and minerals, eggs are considered a nutrient-dense food. And as the clever moniker suggests, The Flying Yolk has many egg offerings, including breakfast sandwiches on croissants and brioche, bowls, burritos and tacos (Tuesdays only) plus tater tots, which figure prominently on the menu. All items are à la carte and custom-made—the eggs are cracked fresh and cooked to order. The Flying Yolk serves over 100 croissants daily. The flaky, buttery, pastries are baked in-house (Dimitri can be up baking until 1 a.m., Daniela says) and are enormous, to the delight of their young customers. “To see their faces when they get their croissants is priceless!” she says. Dimitri, who is from Greece, and Daniela, born in Ecuador, also own the Rou-Meli Café in Oxnard’s financial plaza, where they first hatched the idea of a second restaurant. Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 33

“People really wanted breakfast at Rou-Meli so we created breakfast sandwiches,” Daniela says. “And they were such a hit. People were actually upset when they would come and we were done with the breakfast menu. We began to think, ‘We need to start a breakfast place.’” The family moved to Simi Valley earlier this year, and they’re happy they launched The Flying Yolk in their new hometown. “We knew we made the right decision at the grand opening,” Daniela says. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming.” B Croissants, baked in-house daily, make the perfect landing pad for a variety of decadent pairings. At right, the Strawberry Nutella Croissant is a must, and below right, the Bacon Croissant provides lots of protein. Avocado Toast, below left, is a popular light option.

34 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

Cali Fried Bacon Croissant Avocado Toast The Egg Burger Kids' Breakfast Bowl Strawberry Nutella Croissant

Cali Fried

Makes 1 breakfast sandwich 1 3 1 1 1 ¼ 3 6

egg slices honey-cured center-cut hardwood smoked bacon slice cheddar cheese slice Swiss-American cheese brioche bun, split Quick & Easy Breakfast Sauce* avocado, sliced slices tomato cooked tater tots

Using a griddle, fry egg and cook bacon. Melt cheese pieces atop cooked egg. Toast brioche pieces on griddle. Spread breakfast sauce (recipe below) on both sides of bun. Layer remaining ingredients inside bun and serve immediately. *Quick & Easy Breakfast Sauce

Egg, the perfect protein

¼ cup olive oil mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. ketchup 1 tsp. vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir until well blended.

• One egg contains 6 grams of protein with only 70 calories

Bacon Croissant

• Packed with vitamins, minerals

2 2 1 1 1

and all 9 essential amino acids

• No carbs, no sugar, no gluten • Affordable vegetarian protein source

• Helps reduce cravings and satiates hunger • Versatile and quick-cooking for easy breakfasts

• Pairs well with ethnic flavors for wraps, tacos and frittatas

Makes 1 breakfast sandwich eggs slices honey-cured center-cut hardwood smoked bacon large croissant, split Quick & Easy Breakfast Sauce* slice cheddar cheese slice Swiss-American cheese

Beat eggs and cook, omelet style, in a small nonstick skillet. Cook bacon. Spread breakfast sauce on both halves of croissant. Fold egg in half and place inside croissant along with bacon and cheese. Cook in panini press. Serve immediately. SUNNY SIDE UP ON PAGE 62 Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 35

Becoming

B eatriz Beatriz Nursing students use virtual reality to experience the world through a patient’s eyes

Hannah Kaya is living in someone else’s body. That someone is named Beatriz. She’s a middle school math teacher in her 60s. Beatriz has a brother, a daughter who cares for her, and a grandson she adores, and they’re all coming over for dinner. But right now, Beatriz is at the store and her brain is struggling to understand her shopping list: it says flour. The lights are hurting her eyes, and she’s losing sense of where she is and what she’s looking for. Beatriz plucks a bouquet of flowers from a display, still confused. Beatriz has 36 Www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

Alzheimer's disease. Kaya lifts the virtual reality goggles off her head and blinks as the screen in front of her goes black and she returns back to her own young, healthy body. Most nurses don’t ever walk in the shoes of their patients. At Cal State Channel Islands, future RNs are traveling into their minds. Kaya is one of the first dozen or so nursing students at CSUCI who are testing this new teaching tool. Under the guid-

Hannans: RICHARD GILLARD

Written by Allison Montroy

...“the problem is, how do you teach empathy?” ance of her professor, Dr. Jaime Hannans, she’s just completed the first of three virtual reality simulations embodying an avatar patient traveling through the progressive stages of Alzheimer’s. The simulations were designed by Embodied Labs, a company that creates immersive training modules that pair education with virtual reality storytelling, giving healthcare providers the chance to intimately understand the challenges their patients face. So far, Embodied Labs has released two simulations (each in three consecutive parts): Beatriz, who has Alzheimer’s disease, and Alfred James, a 74-year-old navigating life with macular degeneration and hearing loss. The programs were brought to the campus last January in a joint funding effort between CSUCI’s nursing department and its unique Teaching and Learning Innovations program. In the Faculty Innovations in Teaching (FIT) studio, staff and faculty discuss, design and implement new teaching tools. Aside from clinical experience and classroom roleplay, nursing students glean the bulk of their medical understanding from textbooks, identifying diseases and their statistics, affected populations, diagnostics and pathophysiology. That’s why Hannans believes these virtual reality labs are so important, because they address one of the most critical, and often

overlooked, facets of caregiving: compassion. “It teaches empathy and helps us understand the patients’ perspective,” she explains. “When I did Beatriz’s scenario the first time, I felt an overwhelming sense of ‘I’m a burden to this family.’” The need for empathy has always been a keystone of nursing, says CSUCI’s nursing chair, Dr. Lynette Landry. “The problem is,” she explains, “how do you teach empathy?” Landry, a 20-year veteran of the healthcare industry and the former dean of nursing at Hawaii Pacific University, was stunned by her experience embodying Alfred, the man struggling with vision and hearing loss. He strains to hear important conversations with his doctor, signs documents he is unable to read and lets his mind wander as family conversations he can't hear carry on around him. “I never realized what sensory deprivation somebody with macular degeneration has,” says Landry. “It was an amazing experience to go through that. I think part of providing patientcentered care is understanding what the patient is experiencing. Virtual reality gives them that opportunity and opens up beatriz ON PAGE 64

Dr. Jaime Hannans travels into virtual reality to experience a patient's journey through Alzheimer's.

At Simi Valley ValleySchools, Schools, At Simi our unlocktheir theirfuture future our students students unlock

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At Simi Valley Schools, valueand andcelebrate celebrateevery everyfamily family passing passing through At Simi Valley Schools, wewe value throughour ourdoors. doors.It's It'ssoso important to us that we've made it Our Promise to our community, that we will inspire each important to us that we've made it Our Promise to our community, that we will inspire each and every student to succeed in school, career and life. and every student to succeed in school, career and life. As Ventura County's second largest school district, our 28 schools provide our families with

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Simi Valley Schools: From here to anywhere.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Arroyo Elementary School Arroyo Elementary School Atherwood Elementary School Atherwood Elementary School Berylwood Elementary School Berylwood Elementary School Big Springs Elementary School Big Springs Elementary School Crestview Elementary School Crestview Elementary School Garden Grove Elementary School Garden Elementary Hollow HillsGrove Elementary SchoolSchool Hollow Elementary Hills Elementary Katherine SchoolSchool Katherine Elementary Knolls Elementary School School Madera School KnollsElementary Elementary School Mountain Elementary School MaderaView Elementary School Park View Elementary School School Mountain View Elementary Santa Elementary School ParkSusana View Elementary School Sycamore Elementary School Santa Susana Elementary School Township Elementary School Sycamore Elementary School Vista Elementary School Township Elementary School White Oak Elementary School Vista Elementary School Wood Ranch Elementary School

White Oak Elementary School

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Wood Ranch Elementary School Hillside Middle School MIDDLE SCHOOLS Sinaloa Middle School Hillside Middle Valley View MiddleSchool School

Sinaloa Middle School HIGH SCHOOLS

Valley View Middle School Apollo High School HIGH SCHOOLS Royal High School Apollo High School Santa Susana High School Simi Valley High School Royal High School Santa Susana High School OTHER SCHOOLS

101 West Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065 805.306.4500 www.SimiValleyUSD.org Follow us at: www.Facebook.com/SimiValleySchools

101 West Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065

SimiEarly Valley High School Justin Learners Academy (Comprehensive Preschool) OTHER SCHOOLS Monte Vista School Justin Early Learners Academy (K-12 Independent (ComprehensiveStudy) Preschool) Simi Institute Careers & Monte VistaforSchool Education (Adult School) (K-12 Independent Study) Simi Institute for Careers &

After-school enrichment A parent's guide to local programs that help kids blossom outside the classroom

ACADEMICS

Sophieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Education Corner

Programs After School

STEAM enrichment activities from NASA JPL certified educators encourage critical thinking, brain development, self-sufficient learning skills. Thousand Oaks (805) 404-8240 www.programsafterschool.com

The Tutoring Center

One-to-one instruction for students behind grade level in reading, writing or math. Moorpark (805) 876-0288 moorpark.tutoringcenter.com

Sandbox 4 Kids

The inner nerd in your kid will have a field day with all types of STEM-oriented classes which focus on computer science, math, coding, robotics and multimedia. Math tutoring is also available. Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley (805) 379-3939 www.sandbox4kids.com

Sylvan Learning

One-on-one tutoring in all subjects from Pre-K through high school, including French language. Critical thinking, test taking skills and homework help. Thousand Oaks (818) 521-7301 sophieseducationcorner.com

Academic coaching, tutoring and help with homework in reading, writing and math, plus STEM. Westlake Village (805) 497-3216 www.sylvanlearning.com

Knauer Music School

Thousand Oaks Learning Center

Homework help and one-on-one tutoring available as well as chess, science, art, math, Chinese and Spanish. Thousand Oaks (818) 915-5572 www.tolearningcenter.com

C2 Education

Customized academic tutoring and support plus test prep programs. Calabasas (818) 661-4550 Westlake Village (805) 379-2300 www.c2educate.com

MUSIC

Kumon of Calabasas West

Kumon instills the desire to achieve and the motivation to learn independently. Whether a child is seeking enrichment, needs help catching up or is just beginning an academic career, Kumon will help him or her develop a love of learning. Calabasas (818) 224-3264 www.kumon.com/calabasas-west-ca

Lessons offered in all instruments and voice including piano, guitar, drums, violin and saxophone. All ages and levels welcome. Knauer Pianos Agoura Hills, Tarzana (818) 206-3379 www.knauermusicschool.com

Los Robles Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir

Four levels of vocal groups from beginning to advanced, where children learn performance skills and vocal techniques. Oaks Christian School, Westlake Village (805) 496-9616 singingchildren.org

Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 39

Conejo Valley Youth Orchestras

Three levels of orchestras and a brass quintet help youth musicians develop performance skills and experience. Westminster Presbyterian Church, Westlake Village (805) 523-8045 cvyo.org

Lewis Music Academy

Combine a group piano lesson with an ensemble workshop for a full hour of weekly instruction. Music lessons for all ages, beginner through advanced. Moorpark (805) 523-1615 lewismusicacademy.com

Dave Janssen’s School of Music Rock band workshops, vocal skills and choral development and all levels of instrumental musicians. Simi Valley (805) 520-7858 www.davejanssen.com

Rock City Studios

Private guitar, piano, vocals, bass, ukulele, mandolin and drum lessons. Rock band workshops, rehearsals and live shows. Camarillo (805) 383-3555 www.rockcitystudios.net

Music School To Go

In-home private lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin/viola, drums/percussion, bass and ukulele plus student recitals. Conejo and San Fernando valleys (818) 914-4950 www.musicschooltogo.com

CSUN Youth Orchestras

Philharmonic, symphony and camerata strings orchestras give young musicians educational ensemble experience. CSUN, Northridge (818) 677-3074 csunyouthorchestras.org

Ventura County’s Master Children’s Choir

Vocal training, music education and performance training in the classical bel canto choral arts. First Baptist Church, Camarillo (805) 796-1951 www.mastercc.org

Youth Musical Theatre

The program, led by Broadway veteran Raymond Saar, teaches performers self-confidence and self-esteem as they stage a musical. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Thousand Oaks (818) 884-9909 www.youthmusicaltheatre.com

Eleos Music

Private instruction in violin, viola, cello, guitar, piano, voice, composition plus student recitals. Newbury Park www.eleosmusic.com

THEATER High Street Arts Center

Kids in the youth productions will sing, dance and act as they learn about character development and stage presence. Moorpark (805) 529-8700 highstreetartscenter.com

Theatricum Botanicum

Playwriting and performing, combat intensives and improvisation. Topanga (310) 455-2322 Theatricum.com

Curtain Call Youth Theatre

This teen theater group stresses theater etiquette, discipline, teamwork and camaraderie in addition to acting, singing and dancing skills. Playhouse 101, Agoura Hills playhouse101.com

Stage Door Players

Members of this all-youth troupe attend theater workshops, get audition assistance and perform staged readings and revues. Camarillo Skyway Playhouse Camarillo (805) 388-5716 skywayplayhouse.org

That moment when you wake up and realize it’s Gymnastics day at

Rubicon Theatre Company Classes cover script analysis, character development, stage presence and the elements of storytelling. Ventura (805) 667-2912, ext. 234 www.rubicontheatre.org

Young Artists Ensemble

YAE helps youth develop an appreciation for the arts while giving them a chance to perform. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747 yaeonline.com

Westlake Academy of Art

Teens learn drawing foundations, head drawing, figure drawing, oil painting essentials, watercolor essentials and oil and watercolor figure painting as well as portfolio development. Classes and private instruction. Thousand Oaks (805) 807-0566 www.westlakeacademyofart.com

Monarchs! Gymnastics Parkour

Tumbling Kinder

Art Is Our Passion

Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory

Students spend Saturday mornings studying comedy, audition technique, theatre history and stage combat and prepare a fully-staged one-act comedy performed at the end of each 15-week session. Thousand Oaks (805) 427-5314 goldcoasttheatreconservatory.com

Oil painting, digital illustration, drawing, animation, watercolors, acrylics painting. Thousand Oaks (818) 991-5514 www.artisourpassion.com

A partnership of nonprofit Reid’s Gift, Inc. and Studio Channel Islands, Kindling Studios is a working art studio for specialneeds artists and entrepreneurs. Camarillo (310) 853-0794 www.kindlingstudios.org

Oil painting instruction, exploring different styles and subjects to expose them to a variety of techniques and applications. Agoura Hills (818) 707-1952 www.4artsakestudio.com

Heart4Art

Kids learn to express themselves as artists in a fun and nurturing studio with a flexible schedule. Agoura Hills (818) 203-5031 heart4art.me

Open Play

Parent’s Night Out

Camps: Winter, Summer Spring & Holidays

Ins pi ri

ic kids to grow m a for n dy 40 ng

s... ar ye

Bantu Arts Atelier For Kids

For Art’s Sake

Ninja/WonderGirl

Kindling Studios

FINE ART Arts and crafts classes in English, French and German, storytelling, singing and dancing share Central African culture. Calabasas (818) 805-4100 bantuartsatelier.org

Birthdays

Art Studio Agoura

Art classes designed for students interested in fundamentals of drawing and painting. Program includes elements of art, color theory, painting media and techniques, three-dimensional art. Agoura Hills (818) 699-6066 artstudioagoura.org

Michelle’s Young At Art School

Fine arts basics using pencils and charcoal and instruction in watercolor, acrylic or oil paints. Simi Valley (805) 579-7076 www.youngatartschool.com

Monarchs Gym

5331 Derry Ave Ste H Agoura Hills, 91301

818.889.3634

monarchsgym.com

DANCE Aspire Dance Studio

Ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theater for all levels. Thousand Oaks (805) 379-3822 www.aspiredancestudio.com

California Dance Theatre

Back Back to to School School Success! Success! Back to School Success! Confidence is the

Homework - Math - Reading - SAT/ACT - STEM Homework -- Math Math -- Reading Reading -- SAT/ACT Homework SAT/ACT -- STEM STEM

Homework - Math - Reading - SAT/ACT - STEM 50% Off Confidence is the the Confidence is 50% best school supply Assessment 50% Off Off best school supply supply Assessment best school or First Hour Assessment Confidence is the you can give your 50% Off or First Hour of Tutoring or First Hour you can givesupply your you can give your best school Assessment of Tutoring child this school of Tutoring or First Hour child thisgive school child this school you your year!can of Tutoring year! year! child this school year! Sylvan Learning of Westlake Village

With 33 years of dance excellence, California Dance Theatre inspires each student to achieve their dreams and become their personal best. Training school of Pacific Festival Ballet. Westlake Village (805) 906-2087 (818) 707-3267 www.californiadancetheatre.com

Take 50% off our personalized assessment or your child's first hour of tutoring. at Sylvan of Torrance TakeOffer 50%valid off our personalized 50% ourExpires personalized personalized orTake Gardena only. 10/31/17. assessment oroff your child's first hour of assessment youratchild's hour first hour of of tutoring. Offerorvalid Sylvanfirst of Torrance tutoring. Offer valid at Sylvan of Torrance tutoring. Offer valid at Sylvan of or Gardena only. Expires 10/31/17. or Gardena only. Expires 10/31/17. Westlake Village only. Expires 10/31/18. Take 50% off our personalized assessment or your child's first hour of tutoring. Offer valid at Sylvan of Torrance or Gardena only. Expires 10/31/17.

600 Hampshire Road, Suite 120, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Sylvan Learning of Westlake Village Village Sylvan Learning of Westlake Corner of Hampshire and Townsgate 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 120, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Village, CA 91361 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 120, Westlake Corner of Hampshire and Townsgate Corner of Hampshire and Townsgate Sylvan Learning of Westlake Village 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 120, Westlake Village, CA 91361 Corner of Hampshire and Townsgate

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MOORPARK COLLEGE CLASSES START

AUGUST 20

Apply online NOW for FALL enrollment.

Pam Rossiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dance Ten

Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater and performances. Moorpark (805) 529-1958 www.dance-ten.com

Camarillo Academy of Performing Arts

Beginning to advanced ballet, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, aerial, tap, acro/tumbling for preschool and older. Camarillo (805) 383-6446 www.camarilloacademy.com

Parks and Rec Thrive Dance Center

Technique, choreography and performance skills in ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, acrobatics, voice, acting, musical theater and hip-hop geared for all levels. Newbury Park (805) 375-9988 www.thrivedancecenter.com

Ballet Academy Ventura

Creative movement for tots, plus ballet for all levels. Ventura (805) 653-2800 balletacademyventura.com

Conejo Rec and Park

After-school and homeschool enrichment classes include music, sports, karate, science and technology, yoga, foreign language and chess. Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park (805) 495-2163 www.crpd.org

For more local after school enrichment programs visit www.beyondtheacorn.com

Want to Get Off the Diet Roller Coaster? Kick the Sugar Habit? Stop Eating Emotionally? Call Jane,

Health Coach and EFT Practitioner

A NEW CAREER WITHIN A YEAR! moorparkcollege.edu 42 Www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

818.370.3953 | jkdunsky@gmail.com For a FREE Initial Consultation

www.optimahealthcoach.com

DiscoveR Oxnard Middle School Academies

R.J. Frank Academy of Marine Science & Engineering Haydock Academy of Arts & Sciences Fremont Academy of Environmental Science and Innovative Design

Building • Growing • Expressing All 3 schools participate in the STEAM program. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) program is designed to foster innovation that comes with combining the mindset of a scientist with that of an artist or designer. Students utilize engineering concepts and advanced technology to solve real world problems, in the process developing creative thinking skills and a passion for learning while building core knowledge and having fun.

frank.oxnardsd.org • 805-385-1536 | haydock.oxnardsd.org • 805-385-1545 fremont.oxnardsd.org • 805-385-1539

Schedule your school tour today!

acornucopia | Comforts of home Mini Makers

Cute, compact and easy to use, Dash’s mini griddles, waffle makers and grills are the perfect tools to help a hungry college freshman who is missing mom’s home cooking. $14.99 www.bydash.com

Mesh Shower Tote

Keep toiletries organized– and smartphone on hand (you know, in case mom calls)–with this durable, waterproof shower bag. $9.99 www.bedbathandbeyond.com

College Prep Deck out your dorm room and live big in a small space

Hub Floor Mirror

Who says dorm rooms can’t have style? Umbra’s mirror has a rubber rim to protect against clumsy roommates and a ladderlike easel to hang clothes, towels and accessories. $200 www.umbra.com

Uber Chill Fridge

With just enough space to house all-nighter snack essentials, Uber Appliances’ XL mini fridge fits up to 9 liters or a dozen 12-ounce cans. $169.99 www.uberappliance.com

44 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

For more dorm room ideas visit www.beyondtheacorn.com

Keurig K-Mini

This handy little machine delivers the perfect cup of coffee every time: a secret weapon for latenight cram sessions and 8 a.m. lectures. $99.99 www.keurig.com

Enfold Shoe Organizer

No, bringing 20 pairs of shoes to college isn’t unreasonable at all—at least not with this shoe organizer from Dormify. $30 www.dormify.com

Clocky

This energetic, on-the-move alarm clock turns hitting the “snooze” button into a morning workout when it jumps off the nightstand and noisily wheels around the room. $39.99 clocky.com

Locking Safe Bookshelf

Cat Backrest

Freshmen will feel purrfectly at home in the dorms—whether reading, watching TV or studying–with a cozy pillow that’s got a storage pocket and easy-carry handle. $24.99 www.bedbathandbeyond.com

With a secret locking compartment and spacious shelves, the Yak About It bookshelf provides easy storage and a secure space to stow the expensive stuff. $139.99 www.dormco.com Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 45

readers corner | Ready to go

First Day of School

With fresh school supplies and clean backpacks these students meet the new year with hearts open for learning

First-grader James Moor poses in front of Crestviewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marquee on his first day of school.

Newbury Park twins Jackson and Alex Dexter will be in first grade at Walnut Elementary this year, but mom Jacey says they already miss their kindergarten teachers.

Newbury Park mom Jennifer Sugden sent in this shot of daughter Avalynn looking cute on her first day of kindergarten.

WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR? Look out! Seven-year-old Elias Calderon is ready for first grade at Dos Caminos in Camarillo.

Send us your photos for a chance to be included in the next Readers Corner. Email photos to:

beyond @ theacorn.com before Sept. 10

Adrian Hernandez is ready for his first day of preschool at Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology in Moorpark. Somebody give mom a tissue! Newbury Park’s Kiki Spina reacts when she learns her big brother, Paul, won’t be in her preschool class this year, but the kindergartner heading to Banyan Elementary doesn’t seem to mind.

Carol and Larry Miller of Agoura Hills sent this picture of granddaughter Lorelei Ferrel, ready for another year at Enadia Way Technology Charter in West Hills in 2016.

Agoura Hills brothers Abhinav and Aarav Dhanker are headed to Willow Elementary hand-in-hand.

Sisters Everly Blue, Charlea and Finley pose for their first day of school in 2017. Mom Allison Moore of Moorpark says, “They had a great year!”

more memories visit B For www.beyondtheacorn.com

The Valsamis siblings Zack (third grade) and Olivia (first grade) pose for the camera on their first day at Peach Hill Academy.

go beyond | It's a wrap

Film Lover's Guide to Calabasas Written by Allison Montroy

dedicated to local students’ films. Its founders, sisters Kelley and Several freeways and 20-odd miles may separate Calabasas Nicole Fries, promise Q&A panels and an all-new tribute night from the bustling film capital of the world, but in this suburban paradise, Hollywood roots run deep. While multimillion-dollar this year, and attendees can get a taste of Hollywood glam as they rub elbows with industry pros at the mansions and movie star denizens are part Calabasas Film Festival nightly after-parties. of Calabasas’ allure, this coveted corridor and No need to battle the crowds for a seat its environs are home to a century of movieSeptember 12-16 on Universal Studios’ backlot tour or dodge making history. calabasasfilmfestival.com dozens of Jack Sparrow look-alikes in search The Calabasas Film Festival, now in its of stars on Hollywood Boulevard. Cinephiles, this guide’s for fifth year, is a weeklong event showcasing documentaries, you: Here’s how to find Hollywood magic in your own backyard. foreign films, short movies, feature-length classics and an evening

“The Lone Ranger” 1956 The movie was filmed at Hidden Valley’s French Ranch.

“How Green Was My Valley” 1941 Welsh village was built in what is now Malibu Creek State Park.

“White Cliffs of Dover” 1944 Exterior scenes were shot at King Gillette Ranch.

“Gone With the Wind” 1939 Scarlett said “I’ll never be hungry again” at Calabasas' Lasky Mesa.

“Tarzan the Ape Man” 1932 Jungleland animals were brought to Lake Sherwood for filming.

“Frankenstein” 1931 The monster and a little girl picked flowers on the shores of Malibou Lake.

on Location When Ed and Vern Savko bought this former Pony Express Stop on Mulholland Highway in 1961 it was a phone booth, general store and gas station that garnered most of its business from weary roadsters passing through to Seminole Hot Springs. Today, bikers know the diner as one of the best moto hangouts. Vern—90 years old this month—sits in the first booth on the right, greeting every customer who walks in the door, just as she always has. She considers herself somewhat of a second mom to the regulars—an ever-growing roster that includes Jay Leno and Arnold Schwarzenegger. But the impetus behind this outpost’s fame was Steve McQueen, who would lean his bike against a still-standing tree outside the store, drawing curious passersby. Those days have long gone, and Ed passed away in 2012, but the Rock Store continues to be a popular stomping ground for gearheads and celebrities alike and the filming site of hundreds of shows, movies and commercials. Vern likes to ask film crews to leave a prop behind, which has turned the diner into a scavenger hunt of Hollywood treasures. The horseshoes embedded in the patio were a gift from former neighbor Ronald Reagan. And in the original general store, now a gift shop, not an inch of wall is left uncovered by headshots of celebrities who have stopped in over the years. “People get excited for about 10 minutes, and then they fall right into the crowd,” says Rich Savko, Ed and Vern’s son. One thing is for sure—Vern probably greeted them from her booth by the door, just as she does any customer. Folks who don’t join the masses for Sunday barbecue can stop in on Friday or Saturday (the rest of the week is reserved for filming) for a Biker Burger. “They’ll clean their plates, believe me,” Vern promises.

Three days of Shopping, Entertainment & Prizes!

Ventura

County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd.

October 5-7 Fri. 10am-5pm; Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 10am-5pm

Shop exceptional original art and handmade crafts of jewelry, pottery, wood and more! Enjoy all-day entertainment and a Kidzone with make and take crafts, fun, and pumpkin patch! TICKETS:

MICHAEL COONS

Courtesy of Calabasas Film Festival

The Rock Store

$9.00 Adult $7.00 Senior (62+) and Military $4.00 Youth (13-17) Kids 12 & Under FREE “All Quiet on the Western Front” 1930 The landmark WWI story was shot at Malibou Lake.

“Robin Hood” 1923 Robin’s forest home is Lake Sherwood’s namesake.

“American Sniper” 2014 Paramount Ranch became a Navy SEAL practice range.

www.harvestfestival.com • 925-392-7300 Donate non-perishable food items and save $2 on one adult, senior, or military admission.

"Planet of the Apes" (1969) was filmed at Century Lake in Malibu Creek State Park.

Take a Hike Three local trails that lead you on a behind-the-scenes tour of historic film locations 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Until becoming a state park in 1974 this was the site of 20th Century Fox’s 2,000-acre backlot, known simply as Fox Ranch. Rex Harrison’s “Dr. Dolittle,” along with “The Rifleman,” Elvis’ “Love Me Tender,” and “Planet of the Apes” were all filmed here. The home from the Cary Grant, Myrna Loy classic “Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House” and remnants from the “M*A*S*H” site still remain. Walk and Talk: Docents lead twohour “Welcome to Malibu Creek State Park” guided hikes on Saturdays and Sundays. malibucreekstatepark.org

“Pleasantville” 1998 The town was built on Malibu Creek State Park’s parking lot.

“Bridesmaids” 2011 The engagement party took place at Sherwood Country Club.

Paramount Ranch

2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills Distance: 2.1 miles Difficulty: Easy

Corriganville Park

7001 Smith Road, Simi Valley Distance: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Easy

This Western town is the site of HBO’s “Westworld,” but it’s been a darling of the camera since Paramount Pictures first arrived in 1923. In 1937, this Western motion picture set became San Francisco for the movie “Wells Fargo.” You can walk in the footsteps of Bob Hope and Gary Cooper while exploring the town, which includes a jail, chapel and train station.

Over 3,500 movies and shows were filmed at Ray Corrigan’s former movie ranch and Western-themed attraction between the 1930s and 1970s. Today, you can loop through the park, where artifacts left over from Hollywood’s heyday—including the concrete pool where underwater scenes from “Creature from the Black Lagoon” were filmed—are marked on interactive signs along the trail.

Walk and Talk: In the late summer, National Park Service guides divulge Paramount Ranch’s set-to-screen secrets on Sunday tours. Brave cinephiles can also join the after-dark tours on Friday and Saturday nights, when rangers open up the buildings and share spooky stories. samofund.org/calendar

Walk and Talk: Seniors 50+ can join local historian Gregg Anderson (usually decked in cowboy attire) on the third Saturday of each month for the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District’s “On Location” two-hour walking tours of Corriganville. The next tour is Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. and costs $5. rsrpd.org

“Phantasm” 1979 “The Hanging Tree” still stands at the intersection of Kanan and Agoura roads.

“It’s Complicated” 2009 Meryl Streep’s house is a $10.5 million home on Potrero Road.

“Pineapple Express” 2008 Scenes were shot at Ahmanson Ranch and the Rock Store.

“Gridiron Gang” 2006 Both Westlake and Agoura high schools made appearances.

Courtesy of three magical miles.com/bison archives

Malibu Creek State Park

scene around town

Photos by Bobby Curtis

Jeff Newman of Hermosa Beach tries to stay atop a mechanical bull during the Golden Heart Ranch Boots & BBQ Bash. Guests enjoyed live music, dancing, games, barbecue and specialty drinks on the rustic property, raising funds to support the nonprofit's Agourabased programs for developmentally disabled adults.

Rose van Wier Hein, who founded Golden Heart Ranch with her husband, Billy, shares a laugh with her nieces during the fundraiser.

Billy Hein enjoys a laugh with a guest during the Westernthemed outdoor event in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains. The Ranch, which currently offers a wide range of activities and programs, will eventually offer residential options for developmentally disabled adults.

Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 51

Around town & Beyond

So much to do. . . so little time to do it. . .

August International Juried Art Invitational

“In the Heights”

Power in all its forms—social, political, philosophical—is the theme of this second annual exhibit. Through Sept. 7. California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (805) 405-5240; cmato.org

Before “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda co-created this Tony-winning musical set in a vibrant Hispanic-American neighborhood in New York City. Presented by Young Artists Ensemble. Through Aug. 5 Newbury Park High School Performing Arts Center Newbury Park (805) 381-2747; hillcrestarts.com

Old Spanish Days Fiesta

Santa Barbara celebrates its rancho roots with parades, concerts, food, rodeo events and a beer garden. Through Aug. 5. Various locations, Santa Barbara (805) 962-8101; oldspanishdays-fiesta.org

“Resilient Women: The Art of Daggi Wallace”

The local artist’s hyperrealist pastel paintings celebrate the strength of women. Through Aug. 9. Kwan Fong Gallery at California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3697; callutheran.edu/kwanfong

Ventura County Fair

Ronnie Spector

Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival

“Black and White and Read All Over”

Comic book illustrations by famed local artists including Jack Kirby (“Captain America”), Sergio Aragones (MAD Magazine) and the Hernandez Brothers (“Love and Rockets”) will be on display. Through Aug. 12. Museum of Ventura County (805) 653-0323; venturamuseum.org

“Genghis Khan: The Exhibition”

This traveling exhibit focuses not on the wrath of Khan but on the Mongolian ruler’s considerable influence as a “civilizer,” whose empire introduced the West to a host of innovations, including paper money, violins, and skis. Through Aug. 19. Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley (805) 577-4066; reaganfoundation.org

The fair returns for its 143rd year with carnival rides, games, rodeo competitions, pig racing and food—lots and lots of food. Grandstand concerts include UB40 (Aug. 2), Plain White T’s (Aug. 3), LeAnn Rimes (Aug. 4), Sublime with Rome (Aug. 6), The Fifth Dimension (Aug. 7 matinee), Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons (Aug. 7), Boyz II Men (Aug. 8), Hunter Hayes (Aug. 9) and Creedence Clearwater Revisited (Aug. 10). Through Aug. 12. Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura venturacountyfair.org Backed by two new Ronettes, the queen of the ’60s girl-group scene will belt out classic pop hits like “Be My Baby,” “Walking in the Rain,” “I Can Hear Music” and her latest single, “Love Power.” The Canyon, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006; wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com

Young love is no match for a switchblade in this musical retelling of “Romeo and Juliet.” Through Aug. 19. Conejo Players Theatre, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715; conejoplayers.org

The outdoor Kingsmen fest wraps up its 22nd year with performances of the Bard’s classic tragedy “Othello.” Through Aug. 5. Kingsmen Park at California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3452; kingsmenshakespeare.org

“Oklahoma!”

“Grease”

“West Side Story”

The groundbreaking Rodgers and Hammerstein musical turned 75 this year, but songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re In Love” and “Kansas City” remain classics. Through Sept. 2. Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center (805) 583-7900; simi-arts.org 52 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

Relive the nifty ’50s as musical theater students perform this classic musical about a greaser romancing the new girl in school. Through Aug. 10. Rubicon Theatre, Ventura (805) 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org

Raymond Michael

Backed by a seven-piece band, the local Elvis impersonator is sure to perform a King-sized array of Presley hits. High Street Arts Center, Moorpark (805) 529-8700; highstreetartscenter.com

“The Adventures of Mary Poppins”

Enjoy tastings from West Coast wineries and restaurants, live music, a silent auction and raffles. Proceeds benefit Ventura County Special Olympics and the Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation. Hyatt Regency Westlake, Westlake Village (818) 378-8999; midsummerevewinefestival.com

Summer Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch

Roses & Cigarettes open for Americana duo The Lowest Pair. The summer series comes to a close on Sept. 8 with Bearcoon and folk musician David Luning. Peter Strauss Ranch, Agoura Hills tinyporchconcerts.com

Summer Concerts in the Park

The Acorn Newspapers teams up with the City of Agoura Hills to present this series. Fantastic Diamond salutes Neil Diamond on Aug. 5 and Surfin’ plays classic surf-rock hits on Aug. 19. Chumash Park, Agoura Hills (818) 597-7361; agourahillsrec.org

Sun Sets

Calabasas’ lakeside concert series features the swinging Sinatra Big Band (Aug. 5) and Steely Dan cover band Steely Jam (Aug. 26). Calabasas Lake (enter at Tennis & Swim Center) (818) 224-1600; cityofcalabasas.com

Harvest and Halloween

Camarillo Arts Council’s outdoor music series presents funk hits by Super Freak. Constitution Park, Camarillo (805) 987-7847; camarilloartscouncil.org

Midsummer Eve Wine Festival

Everyone’s favorite umbrella-carrying nanny comes to life in this original Pacific Festival Ballet production. Scherr Forum Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

Summer Concerts in the Park

Tribute band Yachtley Crew will sweep you away with waves of soft-rock hits from the ’70s and ’80s. The series wraps up Sept. 3 with a tribute to Tom Petty by the PettyBreakers. Conejo Community Park, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-6471 crpd.org

“Classics to Broadway”

An afternoon of classical opera, operetta and show music, presented by the Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Repertoire Company. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747; hillcrestarts.com

Sept. 27

Oct. 20

Have you got the guts to take an overnight ghost tour aboard the Queen Mary? This former luxury liner is No. 6 on Time magazine’s Top 10 Haunted Places list. Maybe you’ll encounter the sailor who died in the ship’s engine room, meet the mysterious “lady in white” or get a visit from children who drowned in the ship’s pool. Through Nov. 2. Queen Mary, Long Beach (877) 342-0738; queenmary.com

A plethora of pumpkin fun awaits, from pumpkin carving to pumpkin painting. You can also nosh on pumpkin pie, drink pumpkin beer and play Halloween carnival games. Through Oct. 21. Juan Bautista de Anza Park, Calabasas calabasaspumpkinfestival.com

Dark Harbor

Sept. 29

Zombie Hunter Train

Climb aboard an antique train and chug into “zombie country,” where you’ll hunt the undead with paintball guns. Through Oct. 28. Fillmore & Western Railway Co., Fillmore (805) 524-2546; fwry.com Sept. 29

Fall Harvest Festival

The family friendly fest features pumpkin-picking, pig races, antique tractors, a corn maze, hay pyramids, live music and food. Through Oct. 31. Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark (805) 529-3690; underwoodfamilyfarms.com Sept. 29

Reign of Terror Haunted House

Explore 100 bone-chilling rooms populated by ghosts, goblins and vampires at this annual scare factory. Through Nov. 3. Janss Mall, Thousand Oaks (805) 492-1864; rothauntedhouse.com Oct. 12

GhostWalk

When night falls, scary moments from local history are brought to life by Santa Paula Theater actors. Through Oct. 28. Agriculture Museum, Santa Paula ghostwalk.com

Calabasas Pumpkin Festival

Oct. 22

“Frankenstein”

It’s alive—again! Danny Boyle’s acclaimed 2011 staging of this iconic monster tale for Britain’s National Theatre is being simulcast to theaters nationwide. The Oct. 22 screening features Jonny Lee Miller as Viktor Frankenstein and Benedict Cumberbatch as the Creature; the Oct. 29 showing stars the same actors, but in reversed roles. AMC Thousand Oaks 14, Thousand Oaks Century RiverPark 16, Oxnard AMC Promenade 16, Woodland Hills fathomevents.com Oct. 27

Haunted Trail and Costume Contest

Costumed kids can win prizes for their outfits, go on a short hike and enjoy a hayride at this Conejo Recreation & Park District event. Thousand Oaks Community Park (805) 381-2793; crpd.org Oct. 27

Boo-Fest in Old Town!

Kids can dress up in costume and go trick-or-treating at shops up and down the boulevard. Ventura Boulevard, Old Town Camarillo camarillo-oldtown.com; (805) 559-6286 Oct. 27

Pumpkin Party

Kids can dress up in costume, make Halloween crafts, decorate pumpkins and feed ranch animals. Leonis Adobe Museum, Calabasas (818) 222-6511; leonisadobemuseum.org

August 17 Sunset Dinner

Enjoy a gourmet dinner and rock the night away to the hits of James Taylor and Fleetwood Mac, performed by the tribute bands Taylor Made and Mirage. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, Simi Valley (805) 577-4066; reaganfoundation.org

Saturdays in the Park

Ventura Comedy Festival

“50 Years of Pop Art”

“I Dig Rock & Roll Music”

“Private Lives”

All’s hilarious in love and war as honeymoon high jinks ensue in Noel Coward’s famed comedy. Through Sept. 16. Camarillo Skyway Playhouse (805) 388-5716; skywayplayhouse.org

Beachside Pride Festival

The event celebrates Ventura County’s LGBTQ community as well as its supporters and allies. Promenade Park, Ventura (805) 644-5428; diversitycollectivevc.org

Music in the Park

The summer concert series concludes with Eagles classics by The Long Run. Rancho Simi Community Park, Simi Valley (805) 584-4456; rsrpd.org

Scores of stand-ups will crack wise during this laugh fest. Enter the competition for a shot at winning $4,000. Through Sept. 2. Various venues, Ventura (805) 644-1500; venturacomedyfestival.com The exhibit examines how contemporary art continues to reflect mass media and daily life. Through Dec. 2. Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu This theatrical exploration of folk-rock music celebrates the protest and passion that courses through the songs of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Simon & Garfunkel. Through Sept.16. Rubicon Theatre, Ventura (805) 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org

#TBT Food Truck Festival

Dinner and a Movie

End of Summer Block Party

Chomp on fish tacos, quaff cold beers, listen to live music and compete for a share of $36,000 in the West Coast’s biggest cornhole tournament. Through Aug. 25. Spencer Makenzie’s, Ventura (805) 643-3474; spencermakenzies.com

The City of Westlake Village presents a tribute to the Swedish pop band ABBA. Berniece Bennett Park, Westlake Village (818) 706-1613; wlv.org

A variety of food trucks roll in for this foodie feast. You can also get your fill on Sept. 27 and Oct. 25. Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo (805) 389-8182; camarilloranch.org Enjoy a catered meal with a screening of “Frida,” about artists Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek) and Diego Rivera (Alfred Molina). Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center, Oxnard (805) 486-2424; oxnardperformingarts.com

26 MAJORS - 26 MINORS - TEACHING AND ADMINISTRATIVE CREDENTIALS, AUTHORIZATIONS - 6 GRADUATE DEGREES - Ed.D EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

26 Majors, ~ 26 Minors ~ teaching and administrative credentials, authorizations ~ 6 graduate degrees ~ Ed.D Educational Leadership

CSUCI always strives to be a campus of innovation and inclusion, supporting student success. Students benefit from internships and volunteer opportunities. They are challenged to grow as leaders, experience new countries and cultures, serve and enhance our communities through their talents and hard work, and participate in making their education have real-world value. WWW.CSUCI.EDU

60% first-generation college students ~ 80% receive financial aid ~ 7,053 students ~ 14,000+ alumni 60% FIRST-GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS - 80% RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID - 7,053 STUDENTS - 14,000+ ALUMNI

August 31 “Fifteen Men in a Smoke-Filled Room”

In Colin Speer Crowley’s world premiere one-act drama, Ohio Senator Warren G. Harding is overwhelmed by the prospect of becoming the Republican Party’s presidential nominee in 1920. Through Sept. 30. Elite Theatre Company, Oxnard (805) 483-5118; elitetheatre.org

September 1 Ventura Nationals

Gearheads can gawk at cool custom cars, hot rods, motorcycles, vans, lowriders and vintage trailers. Also on tap: live music, food and a pedal car contest. Ventura County Fairgrounds (805) 626-0164; venturanationals.com

Summer Concerts in the Park

A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett

Kick back and groove to tropical hits like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and “I Don’t Know (Spicoli’s Theme)” when Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band perform. High Street Arts Center, Moorpark (805) 529-8700; highstreetartscenter.com

Oxnard Jazz Festival

The lineup features Tierra, Rick Parma, Pete Escovedo, Paul Brown, Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, Kelly’s Lot, Greg Adams & East Bay Soul and Con Funk Shun. Oxnard Beach Park oxnardjazzfestival.com

Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival

Fifty artists will be selling their work and more than 45 chalk artists will create vibrant sidewalk murals. Ventura Harbor venturaartfestival.com

Conejo Valley Recreation Fun

FREE 5-7pm August 12: 70s & 80s Soft Rock

Yachtley Crew

September 3: Labor Day Concert

The PettyBreakers

Conejo Community Park • 1175 Hendrix Ave • Info @ crpd.org/concerts

Homeschool Enrichment Programs

Camerata Pacifica

The chamber ensemble opens its season with works by Beethoven (Piano Trio in E-flat Major), Haydn (Piano Sonata in E-flat Major) and Brahms (Sonata in D Minor for Violin & Piano). The season continues with shows on Sept. 30 and Oct. 21. Museum of Ventura County, Ventura (805) 884-8410; cameratapacifica.org

Simi Valley Days

Kathleen Madigan

The 85th annual community carnival features wild rides, games, a parade and live music. Through Sept. 16. Simi Valley Town Center svdays.com The comic promises Sasquatch-sized laughs on her “Boxed Wine and Bigfoot” tour. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

Various TO Center: Ages incl. Ages 6-8 Teens Ages 9-12

Science • Art • Dance • Film • Music • Yoga & More! Thousand Oaks Center/Teen Center • crpd.org/reg - keyword “Homeschool”

Afterschool Programs

“Is He Dead?”

Talk about painting yourself into a corner: A poor artist becomes rich when he fakes his own death, but to keep the ruse working he must disguise himself as his own sister. Mark Twain penned this farce in 1898, but it remained buried in his archives until 2007 when it was finally staged on Broadway. Variety deemed it a “a ripely enjoyable confection.” Through Oct. 6. Conejo Players Theatre, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715; conejoplayers.org

Sports • Arts • Music • Science • Fun, Games & More! ConejoRPD Staffed / Held on-site at 15 CVUSD Schools • Info: crpd.org/afterschool

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Fall Registration starts Friday, August 24 @ 6:00am Follow @ConejoRPD for updates, news, and announcements

San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

September 15 Jonathan Antoine

The 23-year-old tenor, who rose to fame after appearing on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2012, performs Puccini Arias and evocative Leonard Cohen songs with equal skill and passion. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

The ensemble opens its season with works by Weber (“Der Freischütz” overture) and Haydn (Symphony #94 in G major). Performing Arts Education Center Agoura High School, Agoura Hills (818) 347-4807; sfvsymphony.com

“Carmen”

“Falling”

A Bowie Celebration

BananaNobody Festival

Corvette Car Show

Classic ’vettes will compete for best-in-show honors at this event, presented by the Central Coast chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society. Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard (805) 487-4333; murphyautomuseum.org

California Beer Festival

Ice-cold craft brews and hot music are the stars of this fest. Listen to live country music on Sept. 15, then get your groove on Sept. 16 with Tone Loc and Sir Mix-a-Lot. Through Sept. 16. Plaza Park, Ventura californiabeerfestival.com/ventura

Jimmy Webb and Ashley Campbell

The Grammy-winning songwriter (“Wichita Lineman,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” “MacArthur Park”) teams up with the daughter of the late Glen Campbell to play hits from the WebbCampbell songbook. Ashley, a Pepperdine University graduate, opens the show with songs from her album, “The Lonely One.” Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu

With Hunter Douglas window fashions, the possibilities are endless.

Burbank-based Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre makes its Thousand Oaks debut with this production of Georges Bizet’s 1854 opera. Scherr Forum, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com How do you love someone who is difficult to love? That’s the question the writer asks in this play which explores the complex reality of living with a severely austistic child. Through Sept. 29. Lindhurst Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu Pianist Mike Garson, who first backed David Bowie during 1972’s “Ziggy Stardust” tour, is joining forces with other Bowie alumni (Earl Slick, Gerry Leonard, Carmine Rojas and Mark Plati) to keep the rocker’s music alive. Featured singers include Bernard Fowler, Living Colour’s Corey Glover and Sting’s son, Joe Sumner. Ventura Theater, Ventura (805) 653-0721; venturatheater.net

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September 29 David Burnham and Tami Tappan

The Broadway singers team up for a concert of show music. Rubicon Theatre, Ventura (805) 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org

Kenny G

Twenty-six years after he first made fans “Breathless,” the soprano sax master is still blending pop, R&B and jazz into a sultry instrumental stew. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

Wine Walk

Stroll through Old Town and sample wine and beer at participating shops and restaurants. Ventura Boulevard, Old Town Camarillo (805) 559-6286 ; camarillo-oldtown.com

october 5 Harvest Festival

Hundreds of artisans will be selling art, jewelry, crafts, blown glass, ornaments, food, stoneware and more. (See page 28.) Through Oct. 7. Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura harvestfestival.com

Multicultural Festival

The City of Oxnard’s 23rd annual festival features live music, food, vendor booths, arts and crafts and family-friendly fun. Plaza Park, downtown Oxnard oxnard.org

New West Symphony

The orchestra kicks off its 2018-19 season with a concert featuring George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” suite from Leonard Bernstein’s “Fancy Free” and Darius Milhaud’s “Le boeuf sur le toit.” Soprano Sylvia McNair and pianist Kevin Cole are the guest artists. Through Oct. 7. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (Oct. 6) Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center, Oxnard (Oct. 7) (866) 776-8400; newwestsymphony.org

ArtWalk Ventura

Take a self-guided tour of dozens of galleries, studios, pop-up venues and transformed PODS containers during this 25th anniversary event. Through Oct. 7. Various locations, Ventura artwalkventura.org

“Classic Chevrolets”

All kinds of Chevys—including the the classic ’57 Chevy—will be on display. Through Dec. 30. Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard (805) 487-4333; murphyautomuseum.org

7 11

Michael Feinstein

The singer and pianist celebrates the Great American Songbook. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu

Reyes Adobe Days

The 14th annual fall festival features a parade, cultural entertainment, music, historical demonstrations, activities and recreation for people of all ages. Through Oct. 14. Reyes Adobe Historical Site, Agoura Hills reyesadobedays.org

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scene around town

Photos by Bobby Curtis

Jackie Clanton and Joey Padilla, both from Oxnard, share a laugh during the 25th annual Casa Pacifica Angels' Wine, Food & Brew Festival at Cal State Channel Islands in Camarillo. The event supports Casa Pacifica, a Camarillobased nonprofit whose mission is to aid abused, neglected or at-risk children.

Above, philanthropist Hugh Cassar of Thousand Oaks, a strong supporter of Casa Pacifica, takes to the dance floor. Left, Sita Toor, who is from London, enjoys dancing in the California sunshine.

58 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

october 12 “Bus Stop”

Steampunk Fest

The Victorian era collides with science fiction and fantasy at this event, where top hats and parasols don’t look out of place next to jet packs and airships. Through Oct. 14. Heritage Square, Oxnard oxnardsteampunkfest.com

Inside a Kansas City diner during a howling snowstorm, a headstrong cowboy tries to romance a nightclub chanteuse in playwright William Inge’s 1955 comedy. Through Nov. 11. Elite Theatre Company, Oxnard (805) 483-5118; elitetheatre.org

Ojai Studio Artists Tour

Watch more than 70 artists at work in their own studios during this self-guided tour. Through Oct. 15. Various locations, Ojai ojaistudioartists.org

Lily Tomlin

If you’re searching for signs of intelligent life in the universe, look no further than this enduring comic, whose multiple onstage personalities (phone operator Ernestine, precocious 5-year-old Edith Ann) are the stuff of legend. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

JD Souther

“Return to the Forbidden Planet”

Brad Williams

“Moon River and the Music of Henry Mancini”

Some of the film and TV composer’s best-known works, from “Days of Wine and Roses” to “The Pink Panther” theme, will be performed by New West Symphony. The Soraya, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

Justin Willman

Prepare to be spellbound by this magician/comic, who is conjuring up his own reality show for Netflix. Scherr Forum Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

Seaside Highland Games

Great Scot! It’s two days of Scottish fun, including bagpipers, fifeand-drum bands, highland dancers, herding dogs, whisky tastings, caber-toss competitions and food. Through Oct. 14. Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura (818) 886-4968; seaside-games.com

The singer-songwriter digs deep into his songbook, which includes songs co-written for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt, plus his 1979 solo hit “You’re Only Lonely.” Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu Just in time for Halloween comes the return of this campy musical revue, which sends up the “Tempest”-themed sci-fi flick “Forbidden Planet.” The show features a galaxy of ’50s and ’60s rock classics, from “Monster Mash” to “Good Vibrations.” Through Nov. 4. Rubicon Theatre, Ventura (805) 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org Expect big laughs from this comic, whose Showtime specials—“Fun Size” and “Daddy Issues”—were both huge hits. Through Oct. 21. Levity Live, Oxnard (805) 457-5550; oxnard.levitylive.com

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october 19 “Shrek the Musical”

Five-Star Theatricals opens its season with this show about a lovable green ogre who falls for a princess. When it opened on Broadway in 2008, the production scooped up eight Tony Award nominations and a Grammy nomination. Through Oct. 28. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

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A young boy learns there’s never a reason to be bored in this musical, co-written by “Fiddler on the Roof” lyricist Sheldon Harnick and based on Norton Juster’s beloved children’s novel. Through Oct. 28. Conejo Players Theatre, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715; conejoplayers.org

Stand Up for Kids Gala

This 16th annual dinner and auction has a 1920s theme and benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. There will be silent and live auctions, gourmet dining, entertainment and dancing. Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village (818) 706-0905; bgcconejo.org

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“The Phantom Tollbooth Jr.”

Thousand Oaks Street Fair

Mariinsky Orchestra

Practicing the Art and Science of Dentistry

The Rotary Club’s annual fundraiser features food, fun, and hundreds of vendors selling jewelry, toys, crafts and housewares. Moorpark Road (between Hillcrest Drive and Wilbur Road) Thousand Oaks (818) 207-4870; thousandoaksrotary.org The famed Russian orchestra, founded by Peter the Great more than two centuries ago, performs an all-Stravinsky program, including the composer’s Violin Concerto in D Major and the Firebird Suite. Valery Gergiev conducts. The Soraya, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

Ojai Storytelling Festival

The 18th annual festival will be overflowing with stories, poetry, music and mime from a variety of performers. Through Oct. 28. Libbey Bowl and Ojai Art Center ojaistoryfest.org

Sergio Mendes

Sway to the bossa nova legend’s breezy Brazilian rhythms. French-Chilean singer Ana Tijoux, whose new album is an celebration of Latin American folk music, opens the show. The Soraya, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

Five for Fighting

FfF isn’t actually a band, it’s Thousand Oaks singer-songwriter John Ondrasik, who’ll be performing hits like “Superman (It’s Not Easy),” “100 Years” and “The Riddle” backed by a string quartet. Scherr Forum Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

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Adolfo Camarillo Birthday Celebration

Celebrate the 154th birthday of Camarillo’s founding father with live music, the Camarillo White Horses, and best of all, birthday cake. Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo (805) 389-8182; camarilloranch.org

Submit calendar listings to beyondcalendar@theacorn.com For more on what's going on in the area visit www.beyondtheacorn.com

unstoppable from PAGE 15

the need for basic access to healthcare, access to clean water.” All this suffering when medicine for some of the illnesses that were killing children would only amount to the cost of a cup of coffee in the U.S. The women at the conference were seeking solutions to many problems like how to preserve food to stave off starvation but, Cynthia says, “their greatest hope and greatest need was how to get their children an education. Without an education nothing would change.” As her 50th birthday neared in 2008, Cynthia decided to turn a milestone celebration into a transformational event. Instead of presents, she asked her wide circle of friends to give presents to the children of East Africa—the gift of an education. The birthday bash raised $80,000, a sum that Cynthia believed could be duplicated over and over again. Funds from that birthday were used to build two schools in Uganda. Since the birthday/fundraising bash was so successful, Cynthia decided to focus exclusively on raising funds to build as many schools as possible to lift people out of poverty. “That was the beginning for me,” she says. “If I could do this in one night what could happen if I paid more attention to it,” she wondered. Kersey formed the Unstoppable Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to providing sustainable education to help fight poverty in developing nations. Since its beginning in 2008, the foundation has been working to provide sustainable education in developing nations, including those in Africa and most recently, India. But building schools is only part of the solution to ending the cycle of poverty. “What I learned after the first day is that in a developing country you can’t just build a school,” Cynthia explains. The needs of these families are intertwined with a variety of social ills. In three to five years a new school could be empty if students can’t attend because they have to walk miles to fetch clean water. “Imagine if every single drop of water that you need for yourself or your animals had to be carried,” Cynthia says. “They don’t have time to be in school.” If a school is built, and children don’t have access to healthcare, they will miss school because of sickness. The same is true if children are hungry and malnourished. And finally, parents need to earn an income to sustain a full and better life for their children. Now in its tenth year, the Agoura Hills-based Unstoppable Foundation follows five pillars to a sustainable education: schools, clean water, nutrition, healthcare and income training. Since it was launched in 2008, more than 35,000 children have been educated and more than 75,000 men, women and children in Kenya's Maasai Mara region alone have benefitted from the five-pillar model. As for Cynthia’s personal transformation, she is remarried to Blaine Bartlett, and they are now splitting their time between Marina del Rey and Whidbey Island, north of Seattle. For more information on the Unstoppable Foundation, visit unstoppablefoundation.org. B

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SUNNY SIDE UP from PAGE 35

Avocado Toast Makes 1

1 1 3 ¼

egg slice thick whole-wheat bread slices tomato large avocado, sliced Quick & Easy Breakfast Sauce*

Fry egg in pan while toasting bread in toaster. Layer tomato and avocado on toast and drizzle with breakfast sauce. Top with egg and serve immediately.

The Egg Burger

Makes 1 breakfast sandwich

1 ⅓ 1 1 1

egg pound natural beef patty slice cheddar cheese slice Swiss-American cheese brioche bun, split Quick & Easy Breakfast Sauce* Beer-caramelized onions**

Using a griddle, fry egg and cook patty to desired doneness.

Place cheese slices on patty and heat for a few minutes until melted. Spread bun with breakfast sauce and place patty inside. Spoon onions on patty and top with egg. Serve hot. **Beer-caramelized onions

Scramble the eggs, adding bacon. Transfer to bowl and top with cheese, tater tots and avocado. Serve.

Makes 1

Sauté onion in olive oil on medium heat until onion begins to soften. Add remaining ingredients and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Use caution to prevent burning until onions have caramelized and liquid has evaporated.

2 fresh eggs 2 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped Shredded cheddar or jack cheese to taste

5 tater tots ¼ large avocado, sliced

Strawberry Nutella Croissant

5 medium yellow onions, julienned 1 Tbsp. olive oil 8 oz. beer (preferably brown ale) 2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. sugar

Kids' Breakfast Bowl

1 8

croissant, split strawberries, quartered Nutella Powdered sugar

Spread Nutella generously inside croissant halves. Spoon half the strawberries on top. Replace top croissant half and heat in a panini press. Top with remaining strawberries and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Find more recipes, resources and other good stuff at www.beyondtheacorn.com.

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www.hillcrestcs.org Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 63

beatriz from PAGE 37

communication with patients.” Hannans, who has been at CSUCI for nearly a decade, first coupled virtual reality with nursing education when she used 360-degree cameras and a web app called ThingLink to create a virtual tour of the school’s hospital simulation lab, complete with on-screen pop-up quizzes, enabling students to feel comfortable in a hospital setting before stepping foot inside the building. At the end of the semester, Hannans introduced her students to TeachLIVE, a real-time virtual experience where future nurses can tackle tough conversations with avatar families about end-of-life care in a safe, collaborative space. This is especially important since it is difficult to bring students into conversations involving actual patients and families facing end-oflife issues. The FIT Studio’s media specialist, Ben Hytrek, played a key role in the development of these on-campus programs. He also joins Hannans’ class every Thursday to help students navigate the simulations because putting on the headset for the first time can be disorienting and a little claustrophobic. “I stick by them for a few minutes at the beginning,” he says. “But even though a lot of students have never tried the VR headset, instincts kick in pretty quickly. I take a very handsoff approach.” Hannans notes that while there are medical schools that have adopted virtual reality in their programs, CSUCI is one

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of just three nursing schools in the U.S. pioneering the use of these labs. It’s not surprising, considering that CSUCI’s nursing program, which offers a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) track and an associate degree in nursing (ADN) as well as several other specialized tracks, was ranked 12th in the state by RegisteredNursing.org in 2017. Last year’s graduates had a 100 percent pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination. As the Cal State system's youngest campus, the 16-yearold university has big shoes to fill, and the nursing program seems to be growing into them just fine. At the same time VR technologies are being tested in the FIT Studio with Hannans, another project is in the works coupling Chicana/o studies and nursing to create a doula program. And, last year, a graduate nursing student hosted the university’s inaugural global health symposium. “We continue to reevaluate what we do well and pay attention to diverse avenues for learning,” Hannans notes. “It’s an ongoing evaluation of what’s working.” But perhaps most unique is the classroom time spent embodying patients, flipping textbook knowledge on its head and turning the clinical experience inside out. It’s about 11 a.m. on a Thursday in April, and nursing senior Hannah Kaya slips the Oculus VR headset over her head in the FIT Studio for the second time. She faces the monitor and her outstretched arms appear on the screen. Two thumbs up gives the OK, and she begins the seven-minute journey

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into Beatriz’s life, this time accompanying Beatriz in the later stages of the disease. Kaya has seen the effects of dementia before in her own family and as the storyline progresses she’s hit by the familiarity of the scenario, not just in Beatriz’s memory loss, but the patient's helplessness in the face of caregiver strain and tense family meetings. “When people think of Alzheimer’s, they just think about the memory loss, but it doesn’t just affect memory,” Kaya explains. Beatriz suffers from paranoia and hallucinations, struggling to accomplish tasks as simple as shampooing her hair. Kaya becomes Beatriz during a poignant period of her disease: she’s grasping at normalcy in her increasingly isolated world, while her family is fighting to keep her in theirs. “It’s a crucial moment, because from a nursing standpoint, you’re not just caring for the patient, but also the patient’s family. You realize that your care doesn’t just involve one person. It gave a snapshot of how complex a situation could be.” CSUCI might be considered an early adopter of this innovative teaching experience, but a survey from the National League for Nursing earlier this year found that virtual reality technology use in nursing education programs is expected to grow to 45 percent in the next five years. For CSUCI, the Embodied Labs’ patient experience simulations will remain part of the curriculum at least through fall semester. Hannans and the FIT Studio team aim to secure enough funding, mostly through grants, to keep the program going, and Landry is hopeful that the program will be expanded to CSUCI’s satellite campus in Goleta. “The student feedback so far has been positive—many wish they had this earlier,” says Hannans. “I’m hoping to find ways to sustain this long term.” This fall, Kaya is starting her post-grad position at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles where she will face new challenges caring for a different patient demographic. And, though it’s been a few months since she spent time as Beatriz or Alfred, the CSUCI graduate is ready. The takeaway from those scenarios, she says, can be applied just about anywhere. “Now I think about where to stand, how to make sure they can hear me . . . it’s the same for kids and adults: making sure I’m communicating with them, understanding their reactions and doing whatever I can do to best fit their needs.” In a word: Empathy. B

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Aug/Sept 2018 | Beyond the Acorn 65

snapshot | Local lore The Timber School, seen here in the 1890s, stood near what is now Newbury and Kelley roads.

The Conejo Valley was still a frontier in the late 1800s, with land selling for a few dollars an acre and settlers just beginning to plant their roots in what was then Chumash land. With settlers come children and, with children, come schools. The first schoolhouse in the area was Conejo School, built in 1877 near what is now Westlake Boulevard and Hampshire Road. But it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t long until the growing area required another schoolhouse. In 1888 a new school district was formed. Spending $50, the Timber School District purchased two acres of land near what is now Newbury and Kelley roads. In 1889 the Timber Schoolhouse building opened its doors to a total of 42 students. The one-room schoolhouse was painted white with green trim and had two outhouses behind the building. There were blackboards, desks, an organ, a broom and dustpan, a shovel and a coal oil lamp. The room was heated by a wood stove. The students did their work on slates they 66 www.beyondtheacorn.com | Aug/Sept 2018

brought from home and shared a single tin cup for drinking water. The schoolchildren were responsible for carrying in wood, keeping the fire stoked, sweeping the floor and, a special honor, ringing the school bell. Most of the students lived close enough to walk to school; others rode horses or came in horse-pulled carts. This oneroom schoolhouse served the area until 1924 when it was replaced by a new two-room Timber School equipped with running water and electricity. Today visitors to the Stagecoach Inn Museum can glimpse this eloquent past while touring a replica of the original Timber schoolhouse, constructed by carpentry shop students of Newbury Park High School. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;LGH Thank you to the Stagecoach Inn Museum for providing the historical information for this article.

Courtesy of Conejo Through the Lens

Birth of a community

Ventura VenturaCounty CountyLocations Locations Ventura County Locations Simi Valley Radiation Oncology Simi Valley Radiation Oncology Simi Valley Radiation Oncology 2985 N. Sycamore Drive 2985 Sycamore Drive 2985 N.N. Sycamore Drive Simi Valley, CA 93065 Simi Valley, 93065 Simi Valley, CACA 93065 (805) 584-6611 (805) 584-6611 (805) 584-6611 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >

North Oaks Radiation Oncology North Oaks Radiation Oncology North Oaks Radiation Oncology 2230 Lynn Road, Suite 103 2230 Lynn Road, Suite 103 2230 Lynn Road, Suite 103 Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 Thousand Oaks, 91360 Thousand Oaks, CACA 91360 (805) 496-4111 (805) 496-4111 (805) 496-4111 Cabrillo Radiation Oncology Cabrillo Radiation Oncology Cabrillo Radiation Oncology 2900 Loma Vista, Suite 100 2900 Loma Vista, Suite 100 2900 Loma Vista, Suite 100 Ventura, CA 93003 Ventura, 93003 Ventura, CACA 93003 (805) 648-5191 (805) 648-5191 (805) 648-5191 Westlake Radiation Oncology Westlake Radiation Oncology Westlake Radiation Oncology 1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 103 1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 103 1240 Westlake Blvd., Suite 103 Westlake Village, CA 91361 Westlake Village, 91361 Westlake Village, CACA 91361 (805) 494-4483 (805) 494-4483 (805) 494-4483

The Beauty of

Natural Stone

Come see our New Design Center and Natural Stone Displays

1515 Flynn Rd. Camarillo 805|484|4391 www.thompsonbldg.com

We Carry Products by: El Dorado, Sparkstone, Olsen Pavers, Belden & much more!!