Beyond the Acorn Home & Hearth Fall 2014

Beyond

FALL 2014

THE ACORN

HOME & HEARTH INSIDE AN ARTIST'S WONDERLAND

MID-CENTURY MODERN HOMES

Holiday Desserts from the Heart

n

4.00

%

APR

30-Year Fixed Jumbo Mortgage

Lock in your Low rate now! n

Quick approvals

n

25-day funding guarantee on purchases

jumbo (30-yr fixed) Payment

Lender

rate

Points

aPr*

Logix

3.99%

0.00%

4.00%

$3,576

Bank of America

4.00%

0.00%

4.01%

$3,581

U.S. Bank

4.25%

0.12%

4.27%

$3,690

Wells Fargo

4.12%

0.00%

4.14%

$3,635

Principal & Interest

APR=Annual Percentage Rate, assumes a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 75% jumbo loan. Monthly payment estimate does not include taxes, insurance or private mortgage insurance for LTVs greater than 80%; actual payment will be greater. Rates accurate as of 9/4/14 may have change. Closing costs & other fees apply.

Rate comparison provided by Informa Research Services, Inc. Payment based on $750,000 loan. Rates available for loans of $625,501 - $1,000,000.

One other incentive worth mentioning. Logix is 77 years strong and one of the safest financial institutions in the country. So you know your loan’s in good hands.

newbury Park

caLL or visit your LocaL Logix branch

1005 Broadbeck Dr. (Across from Starbucks)

(877) 944.5328

simi–cochran st

thousand oaks

(888) 738.5328

(877) 964.5328

153 E. Cochran St., Suite 300 (In the Courtyard by Marriott Parking Lot

simi–tapo canyon

westlake village

(877) 974.5328

(866) 400.5328

2944 Tapo Canyon Road, Suite C (In the Pavilions Shopping Center)

2060 Avenida De Los Arboles, Suite B (In the Vons Shopping Center)

2820 Townsgate Rd, Suite 120 (In the Gelson’s Shopping Center)

Logix Federal Credit Union, proudly serving members since 1937.

25 Day Closing Guarantee. Logix will close your loan in 25 days or by the date specified in the purchase contract, provided the date is 25 days from Logix’s receipt of a completed loan application and all requested documents. If the loan fails to close on time due to a delay by Logix you may receive a credit up to $2,000 of buyer’s closing costs at time of funding. Guarantee applies to purchase transactions that are 1st trust deed mortgage loans meeting Logix lending guidelines. Guarantee “credit” must be requested by borrower, prior to signing loan closing documents. Federal law requires certain disclosures be delivered to the borrower at least 3 business days before consummation. The Guarantee to close does not apply if your closing is delayed due to the 3-business day waiting period. Logix mortgage loans are available in the following states: AZ, CA, DC, ME, MD, MA NH, NV, and VA

facebook.com/VillageCommonsCollection @VillageParkCV

MEMORIAL WEEKEND SALE ORDER YOUR seen on

Sectionals starting at

$1595 IF YOU CAN DREAM IT…WE CAN MAKE IT. | SALE ENDS 5/31/14

CUSTOM Sectional

Sofas starting at

$895

As seen on

Today and Receive it in Three Weeks or Sooner

As seen on

Sectionals starting Sofas starting at at

$1595 $895 Sectionals starting at

$1595

Hundreds of Fabrics to choose from!

Sectionals

•

Upholstery

•

Slipcover

•

Leather

•

Reupholstery

•

Slipcover

Headboards

•

Sofa Beds

3320 E Thousand Oaks Blvd Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

sfcustom

Sectionals • Upholstery Made in the USA

•

@sofa_U_love

•

Leather

•

the 101 Westlake Blvd. Exit • Sofa Beds Reupholstery •OffHeadboards

the Post • Office) Sectionals • Upholstery • Slipcover • Leather • Reupholstery • (Across Headboards Sofa Beds

Duesenberg Dr.

Hampshire Rd.

Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm Sat. 10:30am - 6pm E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Custom Furniture & Upholstery 3320 E Thousand OaksBeds Blvd • Leather • • • Sofa 11am 5pm Sectionals • Upholstery • Slipcover Sun. Reupholstery Headboards sfcustom

Since 1971

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Since 1971 Custom Furniture & Upholstery Made in the USA Since 1971

805.496.7360

Custom Furniture & Upholstery

805.496.7360

sofaulove.com Mon.sfcustom - Fri. 10am - 7pm Sat. @sofa_U_love 10:30am - 6pm Sun. 11am - 5pm Mon. - Fri. 10am - 7pm sofaulove.com Sat. 10:30am - 6pm Sun. 11am - 5pm

sofaulove.com

101

Off the 101 Westlake Blvd. Exit

(Across Post Office) 3320 Ethe Thousand Oaks Blvd

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Off the 101 Westlake Blvd. Exit (Across the Post Office) 101

E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

101

Duesenberg Dr. Duesenberg Dr.

Made in the USA

Hampshire Rd. Hampshire Rd.

805.496.7360

@sofa_U_love

r o F

m e Th

For Me! VIS I T

CALABASAS 26767 Agoura Rd. Summit Ctr 818-880-8331 VALENCIA 28758 The Old Rd. 661-702-6952 Also in: Laguna Niguel • Yorba Linda • Foothill • Newport

www.TheHomeConsignmentCenter.com

table of contents

FALL 2014

FEATURES 36 SWEET TRADITIONS

Courtesy of GLENN AND NICOLE HOBBS

Readers share their most beloved holiday dessert recipes, the ones they can’t do without when it’s time to celebrate.

40 DRESSING FOR DINNER

Setting the table for a special meal can be a labor of love— and a design challenge.

42 THROUGH THE

LOOKING GLASS

Artist Darlene Graeser’s Thousand Oaks home is bursting with creativity.

48 A MODERN MAN'S VISION

A community of Eichler homes bring mid-century modern style to Thousand Oaks.

48 DEPARTMENTS

WHERE

10 WELCOME FROM BEYOND

29 ANTIQUE TREASURE

HUNTING GROUND

Greetings from the editor.

WHO

14 MAN OF THE CANYON

Lance Sterling, The Canyon club’s driving force, seemed destined to create the Conejo Valley's coolest nightspot.

16 CANDY MAN

Making world-class caramels is a long process, but worth the wait for Justin Chao of Le Bon Garçon.

18 URBAN COWBOY

WITH HEART

Musician Sonny Mone hits the trails for kids and horses.

ACORNUCOPIA

20 STEEP IN STYLE

Whizin Market Square hosts a wealth of antique shops, ready to be explored.

WHY

2434 WHY DO WE DECORATE

FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

Creating a festive home can be a joy— and a source of stress.

HOW

54 A MOVING EXPERIENCE

Getting a historic house for free sounded like a fine idea—until it was time to move it.

RESOURCES

73 A guide to the people and vendors

mentioned in this issue.

FINAL WORD

RICHARD GILLARD

74 HOME & HEARTH

Preparing a cup of hot tea can be a treat with these fun, and functional, tea infusers.

WHAT

24 WHAT YOUR HOME SAYS

. . . ABOUT YOU ON THE COVER:

Darlene and John Graeser’s Thousand Oaks home is a virtual work of art. On the cover, the powder room sink, Darlene’s design, and one of her paintings reflected in the mirror.

Cover photo by MICHAEL COONS

8 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

A home’s design reflects the people who live there. Ever wonder what your house is saying?

MICHAEL COONS

29

WHEN

26 OUT AND ABOUT

This season is packed with family-oriented events from harvest festivals to menorah lightings and Christmas parades.

36

YOU DREAM IT, WE BUILD IT

We create everything from a to zin!

CUSTOM CABINETRY • ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS • KITCHEN RESURFACING

“Zin Chair designs are made from 100% reclaimed oak wine barrels, we also build custom furniture from all other materials.”

Zin Chair 31133 Via Colinas #104 Westlake Village, CA 91362

805 | 444 | 4294 www.zinchair.net

Welcome

T

Our featured home is a whimsical and definitely one-of-a-kind work of art. Artist Darlene Graeser and her husband John have evolved their home over the years, gradually transforming it from a typical ranch style house into a playful wonderland. To visit Brillig Manor is something like a trip to a grown-up amusement park (don’t miss the 40’x40’ Monopoly board floor with its larger-than-life shoe and iron play pieces.) Just minutes after meeting Darlene at home I found myself asking if I could take a shower in her wildly unique guest bathroom. (I don’t think I was seriously asking, but then again it’s the kind of place that brings out the unexpected in you.)

Our other home feature focuses on an enclave of mid-century modern houses built in the 1950s and ’60s that reflect the clean, angular design of that era. Today the Eichler homes, named after their builder, are once again commanding attention as artful, functional and simply elegant.

Then there’s our tastefully sweet story on holiday desserts. A special ‘thank you’ to our readers who heeded the call to submit family favorites. Putting together that story was particularly yummy. A thank you to those of you who baked your recipes for us to photograph and a thank you to those of you who didn’t (it meant we got to make—and enjoy—them).

We meet several inspirational people in this issue. One of them, Sonny Mone, is a well-known musician who has put his love of horses to particularly good use. He runs an equestrian riding program for disabled children and adults on the Brandeis campus in Simi Valley.

And don’t miss our first-person story of a man’s quest to move a 120-year-old house from Oxnard to Camarillo. His pet project may seem a bit foolhardy but is ultimately a wonderful tribute to valuing and preserving the past.

Putting together this issue of the magazine was by far the most fun I’ve had since venturing Beyond the Acorn. I can only imagine what we’ll dream up for our next issue, Building a Better You, on your doorstep in January.

Until then,

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

10 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Photo by MICHAEL COONS. Special thanks to IVORY MADISONS, The Oaks mall.

he words Home and Hearth evoke images of the family dog snoozing comfortably by the fireside, piping hot homemade desserts piled high on pristine china plates, steamy hot tea steeping to perfection and traditional holiday decorations striking a festive chord. And though this issue of Beyond the Acorn delivers stories on all of those tried and true themes, we’ve also ventured way outside the box this time.

Beyond THE ACORN

PUBLISHER Lisa Rule EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leslie Gregory Haukoos ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Nick Oliveri CREATIVE DIRECTOR David McMartin ART DIRECTOR Timm Sinclair PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Richard Gillard

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Sylvie Belmond, Stephanie Bertholdo, Stephanie Guzman, Rick Hazeltine, Ela Lindsay, Erin Newman, Stephanie Sumell COPY EDITORS Idie Emery, Carol Pond, Erin Newman ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Sarah Ely, David Lopez, West Ma채tita, Karma Christine Salvato, Beth Thayer WEB DESIGNER Beth Thayer PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Coons, Joan Pahoyo ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mona Uttal, Richard Singer, Sue Martin, Jennifer Carlo-Valdez, Diane Verner, Chanda Losey, Stacey Janson, Stephanie Alatorre ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLLER Andy McGinnis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Marilyn Burin, Donna Bondy

Behind the scenes with Beyond the Acorn photographer Michael Coons.

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

www.beyondtheacorn.com www.facebook.com/BeyondTheAcorn

www.cmaconejo.com

RealEstateNetworkingGroup www.738CedarPointPl.com

4902 Pathfinder Ave., Westlake Village

OL

&

31608 Rustic Oak Dr., Westlake Village

29324 Wagon Rd., Agoura Hills

A SP

PO

North Ranch, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, pool, spa, cul-de-sac, 3 car gar, wll maintained, lots of storage | $1,195,000 Jerry Adams, 805.495.0102 Land Marketing, Inc.

North Ranch 5 bedroom + Office, 4 bath home with Private Entertainer’s Backyard with Pool & Spa | $1,495,000 JoAnn Tattersall, 818.991.9931 Active Real Estate

Fabulous Westlake Trails Custom Home!

Upgraded 4BR 2.5BA, approx. 3,817 SF. Over 1/2 acre private lot. | $1,160,000 Pat Helton, 805.444.1233 Coldwell Banker

Magnificent Medea Valley Estate w/ tennis court, pool, spa, outdoor kitchen entertainment center and much more | $2,349,000

Lori Klass, 818.917.3554 Aviara Real Estate

3858 Jake Court, Newbury Park

924 Camino Dos Rios, Lynn Ranch

5561 Patridge Court, Westlake Village

3295 Crossland St., Thousand Oaks

4+2.5, approx. 2323 sq. ft. Built in 1999.

Nicely upgraded. Large master & master bath. Walk-in closet. | $649,000 Liz Reilly, 805.405.6290 Coldwell Banker Residential

Over 1/2 acre lot, pool, spa, RV parking. Stunning 4+4, hardwood floors, limestone foyer, granite kitchen w/ SS appliances | $1,275,000 Victoria Silver, 805.402.9767 Aviara Real Estate

Fabulous Expanded Single Story w/ Amazing Lot, Over 25000 Sq. Ft. Pool, Spa, Sport Court, BBQ FP | $1,650,000 Stacy Richardson, 805.443.0477 Dilbeck Realtors

Lang Ranch Home with over 3,300 SF. 4BR, plus teen/5th BR, wood floors, 2 fireplace, 2 fireplaces, pool & spa. | $1,100,000 Maria Powell, 818.535.3303 Aviara Real Estate

1634 Kent Place, Thousand Oaks

www.1066TerraceHill.com

3816 Young Wolf Dr., Simi Valley

Gated Saticoy Highlands

!

I

LD

SO

!

CE

EW

PR

N

Commune with nature! 4 BD, 3 BA, huge family room. Private, serene & wooded cul de sac location | $918,000 Gayle Caughey, 818.519.3208 Troop Real Estate

Gated North Ranch Townhome, Remodeled, with its own pool, spa & outdoor fireplace.

3+2.50, 2,113sqft | $839,000 Jeff Johnson, 818.679.7634 Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

www.1223Heritage.com

Single Story 5+4.5 Stunning North Ranch Entertainer’s Home | $2,490,000 Andrea McCabe, 805.279.1929 Dilbeck Real Estate

Beautiful Big Sky home with amazing upgrades & area amenities! | $639,999 Rick Gaviati, 805.444.8047 Coldwell Banker

Grand Mediterranean Custom Home in the gated Saticoy Highlands w/ panoramic views of the ocean & golf course. 4+5 | $1,400,000 Linda Mills, Ryan Mills, 805.402.2277 Aviara Real Estate

14383 Laurel Ln, Moorpark

70 Via Ricardo, Newbury Park

11667 Northdale Dr., Moorpark

4+3 + pool, designer decor, with one bedroom and bath down. Gated area, near freeways and shopping. | $745,900 Pat Evans, 805.300.4881 Coldwell Banker

Spacious backyard with views of Mt. Boney.

Located in Dos Vientos community near schools, parks and shopping. | $939,000 Joanne Nelson, 805.857.0897 Prudential CA Realty

View plus a cul-de-sac location! 5 bedrooms + 4 baths, 2,900 SF. One bedroom suite downstairs | $765,000 Aileen Hagy, 805.402.9788 Aviara Real Estate

Laura Berg

805-716-3011

!

LD

SO

805-496-8444 NMLS #322949

BARNUM INSURANCE INC.

Elaine Nacson

Jennifer Felten, Esq.

805-497-8000

800-735-4663

805-265-1031 X101

Who

MAN OF

THE CANYON

Written by STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO Photo by JOAN PAHOYO

Visitors to the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills may notice an undeniable cool factor emanating from The Canyon, a club that’s been rockin’ the city for 14 years.

Owner Lance Sterling is the man behind the vibe, the savvy businessman who is so well connected to legendary rockers, comedians and personalities, that they agree to forgo bigger venues and perform in his more intimate, funky club.

Lance has showcased the talents of Pat Benatar, B.B. King, Jackson Browne, Eddie Money, Leon Russell, the Doobie Brothers, Tommy Shaw of Styx fame, America and many others. But with the opening of his second venue, the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, he’s booking legendary performers Paul Anka, Burt Bacharach, Wayne Newton and actor/comedian Jerry Lewis.

But enough about the star-studded acts. Lance may be a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, but his history down the entertainment path is as compelling as the acts he books.

A career takes root

Lance was born in High Falls, N.Y., a stone’s throw from Woodstock—yes, Woodstock, home to the 1969 outdoor music festival that turned out to be pivotal in rock ’n’ roll history.

“I was 7 years old when Woodstock happened,” Lance says. “After the concert, people never left.

Todd Rundgren had a studio there. I was on his property a dozen times.”

14 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

After the musical extravaganza ended, Woodstock tickets were strewn everywhere, and young Lance had the prescience to pick up a couple of unused tickets and the original playbill and sock them away as souvenirs. He seemed to know on a visceral level that musical history had been made on his home turf. Even though he was too young to attend, peering at his tickets planted the seed of a musical Valhalla that he would cultivate later in life.

Perhaps it was in the stars that Lance would one day work in the music biz, or perhaps it was a typical career trajectory, but another fortuitous event propelled Lance down the entertainment road.

After Lance graduated with a civil engineering degree from the University of Arizona, he landed a job designing billboards in Tucson.

He used his tech smarts to write a computer program that identified every possible location for billboards in the city. Because he had targeted so many locations—200—the city banned billboards altogether.

“I worked myself out of a job,” he says. But the end of that job led Lance to his destiny. The billboard company launched a division that specialized in 20,000-square-foot restaurants and concert venues.

Lance worked on the Wildcat House, a venerated college hangout in Tucson that closed in 2012 after more than 20 years in business.

By the time Lance was in his mid-30s he was co-owner of House of Blues in Hollywood. He was hired in 1994, during a financial crisis, to reinvigorate the business. The House of Blues ended up being so wildly successful that he and his partners built 12 more House of Blues concert/dining venues nationwide.

Lance credits his primary mentor, Isaac Tigrett, for opening his eyes to unique business and life strategies. Tigrett ran the House of Blues like a family. “He taught me to treat employees well. Isaac had a profound effect on me.”

Lance, 52, is also known around town for his generosity to the community. He donates use of The Canyon to children’s charities once a month, generally related to school events but sometimes to other nonprofits like Doctors Without Borders. His started a Pop Warner kids’ football league in the Conejo Valley this year with 200 players from Calabasas to Camarillo.

Lance and his wife, Karen, have five children, ages 14 to 27. The Sterling gang lives in Thousand Oaks on a sprawling avocado farm, complete with a sports field, which they loan to high school sports programs.

Lance says he and Karen first chose to move from Los Angeles to the Conejo Valley in 1999 because of the schools. But, the laid-back atmosphere here also helped them relax. They hadn’t realized that raising kids in the city had caused them so much worry. Life on the farm gave the family plenty of room to roam and a much less stressful life.

The elusive Tom Jones

Lance hopes to one day book singer Tom Jones at The Canyon or the Saban Theatre.

“I’ve been trying to get Tom Jones forever,” he says.

He may not have convinced the Welsh belter to play yet, but he felt the magic when he signed Paul Anka at the Saban.

“(Anka) wrote the songs for all the people you think are cool. . . .

He’s just legendary.”

He’s is equally excited about booking Lou Gramm, the original singer of Foreigner.

Lance says plans to remodel The Canyon include flipping the entrance as well as including some other surprises. He is also investigating opening concert venues in Pasadena and Texas.

Like his mentors before him, Lance predicts he will never retire.

“I get paid for doing what I’d probably do if I weren’t getting paid.”

Who The Heart of Your Home...

Is About to Get...

CANDY MAN JUSTIN CHAO IS LE BON GARÇON, STIRRING UP THE SWEET TASTE OF PARIS IN HIS MOORPARK KITCHEN

See a New World of Design Possibilities Open up to You.

104 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks 91360

805-496-6660

info@thousandoaksfireside.com

www.thousandoaksfireside.com Encino 818-881-4684

•

Pasadena 626-792-2136

•

Glendale/Burbank 818-246-0800

16 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Written by STEPHANIE SUMELL

Justin Chao says making caramel is an art that cannot be rushed.

The 39-year-old chef combines butter, cream and caramelized sugar in a large copper pot before pouring the concoction onto a flat surface to cool. He then uses a machine to cut the caramel into individual pieces before wrapping them by hand.

“It’s pretty labor intensive,” Justin says. “I cook the caramel slowly to develop the flavors.”

Justin, a graduate of Bellouet Conseil, a culinary school in Paris, says the result is worth the wait. His caramels, which were featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, in 2011, have developed quite the following.

Last year he opened Le Bon Garçon, a commercial kitchen at Spring Road and High Street in Moorpark, to meet the growing demand for his candies. His caramels are sold in about 40 stores across the country.

“I’ve been pursuing more and more wholesale opportunities,” Justin says. “Before, I was trying to do everything myself. Now I’ve realized that I should concentrate on what I do best.”

RICHARD GILLARD

A Whole Lot Happier.

Courtesy of LE BON GARÇON

And that is making mouthwatering caramels.

The Westlake Village native, who now lives in Hollywood, says he feels fortunate to be able to bring a little piece of Paris to Moorpark.

Justin studied architecture at UCLA and completed his MBA at USC before heeding the call to the culinary arts. And, wanting to learn from the very best, he went to Paris to study. While interning at a chocolate and caramel shop there, he developed a recipe for the perfect caramel.

“I discovered this caramel in Paris and fell in love with it. It’s nice to bring a unique product back to the United States and see how people react to it.”

So far, so good.

Justin is still offering just one flavor of his caramel—salted—but plans to sell at least one other flavor, macadamia nut, during the holiday season.

“It’s my favorite. The crunchiness of the nuts works well with the smoothness of the caramel.”

Justin plans to bring other flavors, such as orange vanilla and mango passion fruit, into the fold. But right now he’s pursuing a master’s degree in food science from Cal State Northridge.

“It helps me understand the more chemical aspects of what I do.

You would expect if you were to caramelize sugar too long it would get bitter, but it actually gets sweeter.”

He is in the process of teaching his assistant, Stephanie Bercu,

App ly

Onl

ine App l Ava ication ilab le O for 201 5ctob er 1 2016 A ca

dem

ic Ye

ar

how to make the candies. Bercu, a Thousand Oaks resident, is happy to learn.

“It can be kind of tricky,” she says. “You have to be really careful with temperatures, but I am really enjoying learning those nuances.”

But the best part of making caramel is testing the product.

“We always have to quality check,” she says with a laugh. “They are truly the best caramels I’ve ever tasted.”

Those who want to find out for themselves can visit www. lebongarcon.com or stop by the store Fridays between noon and 5 p.m. Justin also takes appointments.

URBAN

COWBOY

Who

WITH

Written by SYLVIE BELMOND

SYLVIE BELMOND

HEART

The kids are ready to ride and the volunteers are primed to support them as they hit the trail together on a typical Sunday morning at the Equestrian Therapy Co-Op. Sonny Mone, foreground, runs the program in Simi Valley.

M

ost Saturday nights Sonny Mone can be found playing guitar and singing for a live audience in one of several area restaurants or clubs.

But come Sunday morning, he’s tending to the horses in his charge on the Brandeis University ranch, prepping them to carry disabled riders through the hills of Simi Valley.

A singer, songwriter and musician who performed with the well-known band Crazy Horse, Sonny Mone is also a gifted horseman who enjoys helping people with special needs. But he’s no singing cowboy.

“It’s almost as if he has two personalities. His character and ambitions are the same, but he doesn’t like to mix the two,” says Cindy Julian, his wife of 34 years.

Working on a 3,000-acre ranch in the hills above Simi Valley during the day and playing music at local venues by night, Sonny, 55, said he’s living the dream.

“I have probably two of the best jobs in the world.”

The ranch is quaint and peaceful as volunteers prepare the horses for a riding session on a recent Sunday morning. The sounds of peacocks, chickens and goats COWBOY ON PAGE 52

18 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

LA RE I NA X

Junior High and High School

Join us for

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 16

12:00 – 3:00

La Reina is a Catholic college preparatory school for girls in grades 7 - 12 106 W. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA • www.lareina.com

Who knew hot tea infusers could be so cool . . .

Steep in style

By Ela Lindsay

Acornucopia “Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves— slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”

–Thích Nhât Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk

The Sweet Leaf Infuser With its tea-leaf inspired design, this attractive infuser features a brightly-colored, food-grade silicone leaf, shiny stainless steel ball and drip tray. It is perfect for mediumsize to large mugs and cups. $21.99 www.flourishandthrivenow.com

Tea Submarine Immerse this bright yellow submarine infuser into the depths of your mug and watch it color your tea with your favorite infusion. It’ll have you singing the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” in no time! $13.30 www.design-3000.com

Glass Mug With Stainless Steel Infuser If you’re feeling too lazy to brew a whole pot of tea this contemporary Teavana exclusive mug holds a whopping 14 ounces.

Sleek but fragilelooking, its borosilicate glass construction actually makes it stronger and more heat resistant than traditional glass. $19.95 www.teavana.com 20 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Koziol “Audrey” Tea Strainer This Murano glass-inspired plastic design comes in a variety of blended colors, making each unit ultimately unique. The strainer will fit most cups, and allows a single serving of tea to luxuriously steep while nestled in its beautiful petals. $25 www.design-3000.com

Babushka Tea Infuser This Russian nesting doll novelty infuser looks adorable as the babushka peeks out from your favorite cup. Fill the mesh basket with your desired tea leaves and the cutie leisurely floats in hot water until your beverage is ready. $12 http://shop.dcigift.com/p/babushka-tea-infuser

Black Loop Tea Infuser This award-winning design is not only sleek, it’s functional. Just slide open the loose-tea compartment, fill it up, and drop it into your cup of hot water—no need for a spoon.

And it comes with a handy stand for no-mess storage after brewing. $16.50 www.stashtea.com

Te ò Tea Strainer

This quirky contemporary design by Stefano Pirovano for Alessi features a little figure that hangs on the edge of your cup as he strains to hold on to your stainless steel filter. $38 www.alessi.com

New Country Roses White Tea Strainer This fine bone china tea strainer is the epitome of English design with its classic Royal Albert New Country Roses pattern and shiny gold rim. At 4½ inches in diameter, it fits over most tea cups, adding a touch of class to your favorite tea. $19.95 www.stashtea.com

ManaTEA Infuser This lovable silicone infuser will have you hanging out with a happy manatee that clings to the side of your cup. Fill his belly with your favorite loose tea and feel the warmth from his adorable grin and your tasty, hot tea. $9.99 www.fredandfriends.com FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 21

FREE ART

FRAMED PAINTING Value Up to $1000* WITH PURCHASE OF ANY SOFA OR SECTIONAL.* *Floor model only. No cash or exchange value

DINING ROOMS ~ BEDROOM SETS SOFAS & SECTIONALS ~ KID’S FURNITURE ~ KITCHEN CABINETS ~ FLOORING OFFICE FURNITURE ~ WINDOW TREATMENTS WROUGHT IRON ~ DESIGN SERVICES

And More...MADE

LOCALLY...

BUILT-INS

Entertainment Centers ~ Bathroom Vanities Wall Units/Bookcases ~ Custom Closets

Candy Cane Tea Infuser The holiday season is the perfect time to break out this seasonal beauty. Just place any Yuletide-flavored tea leaves in the shaft, hook it over the side of your favorite festive mug and you’re ready for your holiday-infused treat. It also makes a great stocking stuffer. $12 http://shop.dcigift.com/p/candy-cane-tea-infuser

WE CUSTOMIZE

Solid Wood ~ Quality ~ Affordable

Tovolo’s TeaGo Pack this trendy little mobile press and viola— enjoy multiple brewings of loose leaf tea on the go. Fine mesh holes bathe leaves in hot water while keeping them in the airtight press. Just pull on the plunger and you’re good to go. $12.99 www.amazon.com

Melodic Tea Strainer

193 N. Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks (In the Janss Marketplace, next to Toys RR Us)

805.496.1220 | www.padavo.com

This exquisite strainer is steeped in history— inspired by a custom in China where bird fanciers would bring their caged birds to tea. The polished stainless steel strainer comes with a bird-shaped spoon, which tweets melodically when placed in its cage. Strain tea from a pot or let it nest neatly on a cup. $47 www.alessi.com

Tea time

Tranquility Tea Room Tranquility Tea Room is filled with lovely antiques, vintage dishes and laces and enhanced with fairy tale themes that change seasonally. In addition to regular daily teas, they specialize in themed tea parties for both children and adults.

Open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Reservations required 24 hours in advance.

Enjoy the pleasures of a time-honored tradition with all of its elegant finery

Courtesy of TRANQUILITY TEA ROOM

By Erin Newman Taking tea is a centuries-old pastime, with rituals that can be as rewarding as the delicacies themselves. You don’t need to travel to England to partake of the sumptuous elegance, however. We’ve found a few special tea rooms nearby that host a variety of tearelated events.

High Tea Cottage

High Tea Cottage indulges customers in their ivy covered tea house bedecked with British finery. They offer oodles of ways to take tea: high tea, birthday tea, Australian tea. You can even customize the menu yourself. They also feature private tea parties, including those for princes or princesses under the age of 10.

Open Monday and Wednesday through

2527 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 418-9939 www.tranquilitybaking.com All Things Tea

All Things Tea is a shop that carries specialty loose-leaf teas. They also serve cream tea, afternoon tea and high tea as well as special events, such as bridal showers, in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Private events only on Sunday and Monday. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations required.

21938 Costanso St. Woodland Hills (818) 887-2117 www.highteacottage.com

300 Lantana St., Ste. 37 Camarillo (805) 445-8327 www.tea-liteful.com

COME AND SEE OVER 6,800 SQ. FEET OF SHOWROOM

64 WINDOW STYLES - 47 DOORS

3 BAY WINDOWS - 50 WINDOW COVERINGS AND EXPERT WINDOW CONSULTANTS! CSLB#778326

CALL FOR A FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE

888.735.4738 www.AmericanVisionWindows.com

What

What Your

Home Says . . . About You Written by LESLIE GREGORY HAUKOOS Illustration by WEST MAÄTITA

We all make quick judgments of other people. It’s human nature.

We sense things about people and their personalities through the cues they send out. Our social antennae are the detection device, like a cat’s whiskers. They’re what we use to figure out who we are encountering, how we discern who we want to be with and who we’d rather orbit away from.

He’s talkative and forthcoming; I bet he’s warm and has a generous spirit.

The World’s Finest Lighting & Accessories Low Prices Excellent Service Custom Design Installation Available!

28501 Canwood St. Unit B, Agoura Hills

(818) 707-6000

www.GlobalSourceLighting.com

20% Off

Ceiling Fans Expires 1-1-15

Discount valid on store purchase only

She discusses big concepts with insight and wit; she’s probably well-read and intelligent.

That kid is well-spoken, polite and confident; I think she’s going places.

In the same way, our homes say a lot about us—and they are often very revealing.

Not an accessory out of place; perfectionist.

Artsy doodads everywhere; free spirit.

Cozy throws on every sofa and chair; nurturer.

In the last several years the field of design psychology has been growing steadily. The basic concept is that, through analyzing a person’s psychology, a designer can assist in creating an environment that is not only appealing and functional, but is a perfect fit for that person. Before purchasing a single can of paint, a designer will analyze a client’s color associations, childhood memories, dreams and fears.

But for most of us, personalizing our homes is much less an intentional process. We usually just follow our gut instincts, purchase the things we like and pick the colors that feel good.

– What’s

Your style ? –

1.

What are the predominant colors in your home?

A. Deep earth tones B. Stark white C. Soft pastels D. Neutrals E. Bold and/or bright

2.

How much stuff do you have around?

A. Just about everything displayed has a story to tell B. My surfaces are clear of clutter and easy to dust C. Quick! Someone call a home organizer!

D. There are so many fragile things I cringe when children come over E. My tabletops and shelves are overflowing with my favorite “thing of the day”

When it’s hard to tell what those gut instincts are, many designers point their clients to magazines, asking them to tear out pictures of places they like, then look for the common characteristics in those images.

Do you tend to collect pages that show clean, contemporary rooms? Or are you more likely to tear out pictures of the cozy, cluttered ones? Do you drool over sleek granite kitchens? Or do the vintage kitchens with painted wainscoting and a home-baked pie cooling on the cooktop catch your fancy? Do you prefer bold and daring wall colors to calm neutrals? Or is your dream room starkly white-on-white?

Dressing a home is a lot like dressing yourself, a very personal and creative expression of who you are. Living in your home once it’s all put together is like rumpling up the pillows once you’ve climbed into bed, getting them just right.

The result is a place that looks and feels like home, one that says a lot about who you are to anyone who is listening.

3. What’s your kitchen like?

A. Stacks of cookbooks piled on the counter have dozens

of post-it notes sticking out; my hanging pots and pans have oxidized copper bottoms

B. The counters are clear with only a few artful accessories,

things I’d have to move if I ever were to cook

C. Yesterday’s dirty dishes are waiting patiently just where I

left them

D. It’s filled with lingering aromas from all the gourmet meals

E. My kitchen table has so many papers and craft projects that I eat my meals on a TV tray in the den

4.

What’s on your walls?

A. Photographs from exotic travel B. Memorabilia and awards from professional and civic recognition C. Dozens of family photos hanging crookedly on every available surface D. Framed artwork gallery-like on otherwise empty walls E. Framed finger paintings from the children in my life

5. What’s hiding behind your closet doors?

A. Stuffed to the gills—proceed with caution

B. Poster child closet for one of those organizing companies

C. Clothes left over from the '80s (that haven’t fit for ages)

D. My half of the closet is 50 percent bigger than my spouse’s half

E. Not many clothes—my closet’s the rest of

the family’s storage shed 6.

Describe your home’s emotional temperament A. Warm and eclectic, adventurous B. Cool and picture-perfect C. Feels like the windows haven’t been closed for years D. Feels like the windows haven’t been opened for years E. Come on in and sit down—just shove the dog off

the chair first

– What’s it mean? – This is a fun exercise, not meant as a primer on how to create the person you wish you were. It's more of a quick take on how your home reflects who you already are. But since most of us like to tally and categorize–even ourselves–here’s what your answers might indicate:

3 or more A’s: you are a free spirit, artsy, happily dwelling amid your creations and those of your unorthodox flock of friends.

3 or more B’s: you’re a no-nonsense kind of person, efficient, accomplished, always on the go, always getting something done.

3 or more C’s: you’re an outgoing, friendly sort, more interested in getting to know a new person than spending a day cleaning the garage.

3 or more D’s: you’re a perfectionist, most comfortable with ordered peace and quiet. A bit fussy and traditional. Old for your years.

3 or more E’s: you are a family-first kind of person, comfortable with the chaos that comes with kids, or grandkids, or the neighbor’s kids.

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 25

When

From Halloween to New Year’s and everything in between, there’s a whole lot happening around town. Here are a few highlights.

OUT AND ABOUT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 Fall Harvest Festival 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Underwood Farms, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark Music, demonstrations and food. Festivals continue weekends through Oct. 26. $15 admission; kids under 2 free.

Visit www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com Call (805) 529-3690 Calabasas Pumpkin Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Juan Bautista de Anza Park, 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas Continues Sun., Oct. 19. Features inflatables, live bands, contests, reptile and nature shows, carnival games, business district, food and beer, vendors, kids’ activities, pumpkins and car show. $5 admission, kids free under 2; free parking and shuttles.

Visit www.calabasaspumpkinfestival.com

Halloween FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 Reign of Terror Haunted House 7 to 10 p.m.

197 N. Moorpark Road, Ste. B, Thousand Oaks General admission: $17.

Open weekends through Nov. 1; Sat. from 7 to 11 p.m.

Visit www.rothauntedhouse.com Call (805) 492-1864 Ghost Tours at Strathearn Park 7 to 10 p.m.

137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley Entertaining history presented by “ghosts”; event continues at 6 p.m.

Sat. and Sun., Oct. 18 and 19 and

Fri. through Sun., Oct. 24 to 26. $10 adults; $8 children 6-10; under 5 free.

Visit www.simihistory.com Call (805) 526-6453 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25 Arroyo Vista Recreation Center Halloween Fest ’n Films 5 to 10 p.m.

4550 Tierra Rejada Road, Moorpark

Louisville High School Louisville High School Louisville High School

A Legacy ofofExcellence EducationforforYoung Young Women A Legacy Excellencein in Catholic Catholic Education Women

A Legacy of Excellence for YoungHouse Women 8th8th Grade Visit Day Open House Grade Visit Dayin Catholic EducationOpen Friday, November 2014 Sunday, December 7, 2014 Friday, November 7, 7, 2014 Sunday, December 7, 2014 8th Grade Visit Day Open House All 8th grade girls are invited to join us for this Prospective students and their families are invited to All 8th grade girls are invited to join us for this Friday, November 7, campus.

2014 fun-filled morning fun-filled morning on on campus.

Prospective students and their families are invited to Sunday, December 7,and 2014 tour andand meet our our students faculty. tourour ourcampus campus meet students and faculty.

All 8th grade girls are invited join us for this events at www.louisvillehs.org/page/admissions Prospective students and their families are invited to Registertofor these exciting Register for these exciting events at www.louisvillehs.org/page/admissions fun-filled morning on campus. tour our campus and meet our students and faculty.  www.louisvillehs.org 22300 Mulholland Drive  Woodland Hills, CA 91364  818-346-8812 22300 Mulholland Drive  Woodland Hills, CA 91364  818-346-8812  www.louisvillehs.org Register for these exciting events at www.louisvillehs.org/page/admissions

Outdoor movie screen, food trucks, costume contest, carnival games.

Free admission.

Visit https://moorpark.ca.gov Call (805) 517-6300

Create the Wedding of Your Dreams!

Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treat Street 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Thousand Oaks Community Center, 2525 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks Hay and pony rides and reptile show.

Tickets $3.

Visit www.crpd.org Call (805) 381-2793 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade and Pet Expo 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rancho Tapo Community Park, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley Rotary Club event also features vendors, pooch talent contests, games and a silent auction.

Spectators and marchers are free.

Donations appreciated.

Visit www.howloweenpoochparade.com FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31— HALLOWEEN Youth Halloween Carnival 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Rancho Santa Susana Community Center 5005-C Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley Inflatables, carnival games, trick or treat village for the kids.

Visit www.rsrpd.org Call (805) 584-4456

• Quiet, Spacious, Private Gazebo Site • • Serene Setting with Pond & Golf Course Backdrop • • Grand Ballroom with Crystal Chandeliers • Event/Catering Department: (805) 532-2834 11800 Championship Drive, Moorpark, CA 93021

w w w. m o o r p a r kg o l f. co m

T H E H A P P I E S T S O U N D O N E ART H Whole House Music • Home Automation and Control Networking/Phone Systems • Home Theater

Indoor Halloween Carnival 5:30 to 8 p.m.

1000 N. Kanan Road, Oak Park Trick or Treat village, enchanted forest. $2 for ages 2 and over; $1 under 2 Visit www.rsrpd.org Call (818) 865-9304 Fright Fest Halloween Carnival 5 to 8 p.m.

Camarillo Community Center Park, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo Village, carnival games, inflatables and all-ages costume contest.

Free admission.

Visit www.pvrpd.org Call (805) 482-1996

4619 Lakeview Cyn Rd | Westlake Village soundenvironmentinc.com 805|409|3966 FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 27

Furniture For Every Home

Ojai Day Street Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parade, arts and crafts vendors, entertainment.

Visit www.ojaiday.com Call (805) 646-5581, ext. 304 Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology’s Open House 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Camarillo Bird Museum, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo Tour bird collections, view demos and art exhibit.

Visit www.wfvz.org Call (805) 388-9944 Star Party by Oak Canyon Astronomy Group Starts at dark Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park Look at the stars and listen to live music.

Free. Also Nov. 29 and Dec. 13 Visit www.oakcanyonastro.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 Thousand Oaks Rotary Street Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Moorpark Road from Hillcrest to Wilbur, Thousand Oaks 370 vendors, artisans, Kid’s Fun Zone, food and entertainment.

Proceeds support over 70 local charitable causes.

Free admission.

Visit www.thousandoaksrotary.org FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 St. Paschal Baylon Fall Fest 6 to 11 p.m.

St. Paschal Baylon Catholic Church, 155 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks Continues Sat. Oct. 25 from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 26 from noon to 9 p.m.

Carnival rides and games, concessions, performances, live music.

Visit www.spbfestival.com

PTS FURNITURE HOME AND OFFICE SHOWROOM

250 Conejo Ridge Ave., Thousand Oaks

805.496.4804

OPEN DAILY MONDAY - SATURDAY 10:00-6:00 - SUNDAY 12:00-5:00

ptsfurniture.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 Roam’n Relics Car Show 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

233 High St., Moorpark Visit www.roamnrelics.com Call (805) 583-2965 CALENDAR ON PAGE 58

Where

Antique Treasure Hunting Ground Written by ELA LINDSAY

With its prominent vintage-style clock tower, Whizin Market Square is something of a landmark in Agoura Hills. The plaza offers an eclectic mix of arts and entertainment outlets, as well as retail and design stores and restaurants. But perhaps it’s best known for its fabulous antique shops and dealers. They are definitely worth an afternoon of browsing.

PROVENCE CHIC ANTIQUES & DESIGN French-Italian owner Jean Jacques Calabrese says his design store offers “everything French, Spanish and Italian.”

With 17 years experience in the business and six years at Whizin’s mall, Calabrese says he wanted to bring “Provence chic” to the area.

With a mix of massive pieces of ornate furniture as well as beautiful accompaniments—vases, chandeliers, artwork and one-of-kind design elements—Provence Chic stands out at the center.

Specializing in Europeanimported fine antiques and furniture, the store is like stepping into an emporium in France, Spain and Italy combined. When asked why the furniture pieces are so big, Calabrese exclaims, “Because they come from big houses!”

28851 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818) 889-4555 profrantiques@yahoo.com FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 29

Vintage

Garden & Bloom

• Time-weathered garden accents • Charming gifts & fall decor • Ivy topiaries & succulent arrangements • Original artwork by watercolorist, Lyn Conlan

805-379-1418

vintagegardenandbloom.com

1696 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. T.O (at intersection of Erbes Rd & TO Blvd.)

Mon-Sat 11-5 • Closed Sundays

A BEAUTIFUL MESS HOME

A longtime Los Angeles designer, Kymberley Fraser opened her antique boutique and design studio at Whizin’s in 2010 with a vision of introducing clients to “unexpected, beautiful pieces.”

The store features Fraser’s own line of custom furniture, bedding and pillows, along with a large assortment of other original designs, antiques, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and a vintage vellum book collection.

The store attractively displays new and antique pieces and artwork in lovely arrangements, blending fabrics and textures with unusual and contrasting items.

28875 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

(818) 874-9092 www.abeautifulmessantiques.com

ANTIQUES & MORE

An Afternoon with

Marisa Silver

Author of Mary Coin Saturday, November 1 • 1:00 P.M. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Fred Kavli Theatre 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

• Book Discussion • Book Signing • Book Sales Free tickets available at the Thousand Oaks Library beginning Saturday, October 4.

www.thousandoaksreads.org

30 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Aptly named, this store offers an eclectic assortment of antique furniture and collectibles, ranging from ornate chandeliers, dishes and cupboards to furs, butter churners and lots of unique tchotchkes.

Experienced in estate sales and liquidation, Sandra Cota has run the gallery at Whizin’s for well over a decade. But what makes the store most interesting, perhaps, is the fact that 10 separate vendors also display their wares there.

Cota offers other services including cataloging collections, appraisals, estate organization, cleanup and buyouts.

28912-A Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (818) 575-9000 prestige252525@yahoo.com

THE AGOURA ANTIQUE MART Shoppers who visit the Agoura Antique Mart are first greeted by an outdoor display of whimsical tin farm animals.

Once inside, the fun continues with unique signs, unusual lights, rare and vintage books, garden curiosities and furniture.

Owners Maria and David Bartolet run the 9,000-squarefoot space that has more than 40 individual antique dealers booths. It’s a vintage shopping haven.

28863 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

(818) 706-8366 www.agouraantiquemart.com

BUNGALOW ANTIQUES, DESIGN & SALVAGE Offering an eclectic mix of antique and vintage furnishings and accessories in 4,000 square feet of space, this store has provided a fun trip down memory lane at Whizin’s since 2006.

Its ever-changing inventory includes one-of-a-kind art, lighting, jewelry and salvage pieces as well as textiles and garden elements. The place is ripe with vintage curiosities that beg to be repurposed, reinvented and revitalized.

28859 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

(818) 879-8698 www.bungalowantiqueshop.com

. . . more great resources for home shoppers . . .

SOUTH OF THE BORDER

Alfredo Cortes and his wife, Delia, have been bringing Mexican and Spanish home accents to the heart of Ventura County for the past 7 years.

Their 4,500-square-foot warehouse in Camarillo carries ceramics and fine copper arts and crafts, mostly from the central region of Mexico, Alfredo’s birthplace.

“We carry Spanish, hacienda and Mission-style pottery and copper,” Alfredo

Celebrating the Golden Age Belmont Village residents enjoy exceptional hospitality, luxurious amenities and premier programs for health and wellness. Senior Living has never looked better!

REUSE, RECYCLE, RESTORE

Distinctive Residential Settings Health and Wellness Programs Award-Winning Memory Care Therapy and Rehab Services

3680 N. Moorpark Rd.

805.496.9301

thousandoaks.belmontvillage.com

RCFE License 565801746 ©2014 Belmont Village, L.P.

32 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Beyond_7_2014_golden.indd 1

The Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Simi Valley and Oxnard are unique resources— retail outlets that also help people in need and serve the environment by recycling items that would otherwise end up in local landfills.

Calling itself a “discount home improvement center,” the 18,000-square-foot Simi Valley store is filled to the brim with all sorts of gently used as well as new items.

“It begins when new and used merchandise is donated to Habitat for Humanity,” says executive director Steve Dwyer. “Donations are tax-deductible and merchandise is resold at prices 50 to 70 percent below retail.”

Customers can find doors, windows, bathroom fixtures and lighting, reusable hardware, appliances and building supplies. If they poke around long enough through the ever-changing

6/9/14 2:49 PM

Ventura County’s Unique Furniture Store Serving the County since 1964 2nd Generation Owners We Pride ourselves on Customer Service.

Home Consultation and Design Services Available

says, adding that he likes to support the artisans by importing their wares.

Alfredo launched the business with handmade hammered copper fixtures and smaller decorative copper items. Now he carries decorative ceramics as well, with more than 200 different styles of tiles, as well as colorful sinks and backsplash tiles.

Customers can even bring in renderings of their own designs and Alfredo will take them to Mexico to be made into tiles.

The warehouse is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment on weekends.

Fine Crafts & Imports

1185 Calle Suerte, Camarillo

(805) 484-7422 www.fineacraftsimports.com

inventory, they might even score an antique piece or a cool collectible.

ReStore is an offshoot of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, a locally run and funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Proceeds from the sale of donated items support the organization’s mission to provide housing to low-income families in the area. At this time Habitat for Humanity has enough donated land to build 28 homes for families in Ventura County.

Both stores will make arrangements for free pickup of larger items.

Simi Valley ReStore 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week 1293 E. Los Angeles Ave. (805) 520-7717 Oxnard ReStore 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon. through Fri. 121 S. Rice Ave. (805) 981-2268 www.habitatventura.org

All Upholstery made in USA!

FREE Delivery (With this ad on purchases over $500, in Ventura County)

Mention this Ad for

20% OFF on In Stock Dining Sets

FURNITURE COMPANY, INC.

1369 Del Norte Rd, Camarillo (exit Central Ave from Hwy 101)

805-482-2760 Hours: Mon - Sat 10am-6pm• Sun 12-5pm

Standby Power Solutions

Keep your home and business up and running

1-877-794-1792 | www.leddypower.com

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 33

Why

Decorate Why do we

Holidays?

for the

Written by STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO Photos by RICHARD GILLARD

Holidays. A time for family, friends, giving—and decorating.

The season is just around the corner and, for some of us, thoughts of finding the perfect tree, untangling lights, digging out old ornaments and maybe buying some new ones to keep up a tradition started long ago, brings mixed feelings of joy—and dread.

Who doesn’t have a busy life? For many, the day after Thanksgiving is a time to start the Christmas decorating, but my family and I have, at times, been so tardy with Christmastime rituals that we've gotten discounts on our fresh tree and hung lights just in time for St. Nick to find our house in the vast universe.

This year, seeing as it’s only October, there’s still time to pull out the strands

of Christmas lights and the special handmade-with-love decorations from our children from Christmases past. And, when it comes to holiday decorating, hope springs eternal that this year we can get a jump on our traditions so we can actually enjoy the holidays with ease.

Mary Ann and John Cossentine of Oak Park decorate their home to the nines each year, so much so that many of their holiday

decorations remain up all year long. The Cossentines have four bigger trees donning their digs, ranging in size from 4 to 8 feet and, according to Mary Ann, “lots of little trees in the bedrooms.” There’s even a tree in the bathroom—it’s covered in Christmas brooches that shine all year long.

For Mary Ann and others, Christmas decorating is both nostalgic and fanciful.

DECORATE ON PAGE 65

Triunfo Creek Vineyards

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Nestled on 55 acres in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, Triunfo Creek is home to a private rustic ranch house & residence surrounded by grassy expanses and producing vineyards. Set amongst magnificent Sycamores and Oaks with spectacular vineyards, creek and mountain views affording incredible film and photo opportunities. Located off Kanan on Triunfo Canyon Road.

2714 Triunfo Canyon Rd. Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Contact 747.222.6315 info@triunfocreek.com

T r i u n f o C r e e k . c o m

T

t e e w Sditions ra 1

11

9 10

2

Menu

1. Hannukah Doughnuts 2. Pumpkin Pie 3. Almond Roca 4. Rugalach 5. Peanut Butter Balls 6. Beigli 7. Biscotti 8. Pull-Apart Apple Ring 9. Cannoli 10 . Creamy Pecan Caramels 11. Kringla

3

4 6

5

7

8

e r a h s s r e d a e R favorite their . . . treats Photos by Michael

Coons

egory Haukoos Styling by Leslie Gr

M

arcel Proust captured it perfectly when he described the madeleine cakes that spurred his “Remembrance of Things Past.” Certain foods remind us of special times of the year. And, perhaps more than any other season, the holidays tickle our sensory memories and we begin to crave not the sugarplums memorialized in verse but, more likely, the dishes from our childhood.

Though we can’t imagine a Thanksgiving without that roasted turkey and stuffing, if we are really honest, the perpetual child in us wants to skip past the hearty meal and dip right into the desserts in all their sweet familiarity.

We asked Beyond readers to send us their most cherished holiday dessert recipe, the one that has to be on the table each year to make the celebration feel complete.

Here are some of those treasured treats.

Trisha Green from Agoura Hills says her family looks forward to homemade almond roca each year.

ALMOND ROCA MAKES 1 PAN 3½ oz. almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped

1 stick butter

¾ cup brown sugar

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped Spray 9" cookie sheet. Cover bottom of sheet with chopped almonds, reserving 2 Tbsp. for top.

Melt butter in pan over medium-high heat.

Add brown sugar and stir with wooden spoon.

Continue to stir while bringing mixture to a boil. Boil for 7 minutes, stirring constantly.

(Editor’s note: If using a candy thermometer, remove from heat at 290° F, the hard-crack stage.)

Immediately pour hot mixture over almonds and spread smoothly to edges with spatula.

While hot, sprinkle chocolate on top and let soften and melt. Smooth evenly with spatula.

Sprinkle reserved almonds on top. Place in freezer for 20 minutes. Remove from freezer and break apart. Store in airtight container.

Donna Bondy has been making this family favorite every year for Christmas. She says she needs to triple the recipe because her family eats the rugalach like popcorn!

The recipe is from her mom, who taught her most of what she knows about baking and cooking.

RUGALACH MAKES 3 DOZEN COOKIES

1 cup butter

1 8-oz. block cream cheese

2 cups flour

⅓ tsp. salt

¼ cup butter, melted

1 cup ground nuts (walnuts, almonds or pecans)

½ cup sugar 38 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Top to bottom: Almond Roca, Rugalach, Peanut Butter Balls

2 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate, ground ½ cup currants 1 tsp. cinnamon

Cream 1 cup butter and the cream cheese together. Add flour and salt and blend until smooth. Divide dough into 3 parts.

Wrap in plastic wrap and chill. Combine last five ingredients.

Roll chilled dough into 8" circles. Brush with ¼ cup melted butter.

Sprinkle with nut mixture. Cut into 10-12 wedges. Start at wide end and roll each piece in the nut filling. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

Lisa Bailey of Simi Valley sent in this splendid and oh-so-simple recipe for peanut butter balls.

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS MAKES 3-4 DOZEN

1 stick margarine (melted)

2 cups creamy peanut butter 3½ cups sifted powdered sugar

3 cups Rice Krispies

1 6-oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or Hershey milk chocolate bars

1 tsp. paraffin cooking wax, optional (used for hardening chocolate)

Mix first four ingredients together. Roll into walnut-size balls.

Melt chocolate and cooking wax in a double boiler. Quickly dip balls into chocolate and place on a waxed-paper-lined cookie sheet.

Refrigerate until chocolate has hardened. Store in Ziploc bags or tight-lidded container and keep in refrigerator.

Beigli and Biscotti

Walnut and poppy seed rolls known as beigli are a very popular Hungarian pastry. Beigli originated in Germany, and Hungarians adopted it in the 19th century, making it a customary Christmas treat. For Gabriela Hoffman of Agoura, no holiday dinner is complete without it.

BEIGLI MAKES 10-12 SLICES PER ROLL OUGH (4 rolls): D

1 cup sugar

½ cup milk

1 compressed yeast cake

½ cup powdered sugar 3¼ cups flour

¾ cup butter

2 eggs

1 tsp. grated lemon zest pinch of salt NUT FILLING (2 rolls):

½ cup milk

1 cup superfine sugar

2 tsp. vanilla sugar*

½ tsp. grated lemon zest

3 Tbsp. raisins

3 3-4

2-3

Pinch of cinnamon cups ground nuts tsp. honey (or 1-2 peeled, grated apples or tsp. apricot jam)

POPPY SEED FILLING (2 rolls):

½ cup milk 1¼ cups powdered sugar

2 tsp. vanilla sugar* 1⅔ cups ground poppy seeds

3 Tbsp. raisins

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

4 Tbsp. honey OTHER:

1 egg yolk for glazing

To make dough: Dissolve the sugar in the lukewarm milk, then add the yeast. Mix the remaining dough ingredients with the yeast mixture and knead thoroughly. Cover dough with a dish towel and let rise for about 30 minutes.

To make nut filling: Put the milk in a pan with the sugar and vanilla sugar and bring to a boil. Add the lemon zest, raisins, cinnamon, nuts, and honey (or apples or jam).

To make poppy seed filling: Mix the milk with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Bring to a boil and add poppy seeds and raisins. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and honey.

BEIGLI CONTINUED ON PAGE 67 FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 39

Dressing

It’s got to be simple and comfortable because you need to see everyone’s face around the table. And it’s got to be pretty because you want them to sit there for a long time.

— Liz Penn

FOR DINNER RICHARD GILLARD

HALF THE FUN OF SERVING THE SPECIAL MEAL YOU HAVE BEEN PLANNING FOR WEEKS (OR HAVE PULLED TOGETHER AT THE LAST MINUTE) IS FIGURING OUT HOW TO PRESENT IT. HERE ARE THREE TABLES DRESSED FOR HOLIDAY FEASTS.

A

bby Sandweis, owner of Ivory Madisons at The Oaks mall, prepped her table for a Thanksgiving meal with the help of store manager Liz Penn. They chose an elegantly simple embossed Belgian dinnerware from Chehoma.

Gold-colored chargers frame the plates, a theme that’s repeated in the gold-rimmed stemware also from Chehoma and again in the charming place card holders. The sterling silverware is from Abby’s personal collection. Autumn colors accent the centerpiece and are repeated in the linens from Saro and candles. Fresh vegetables—the artichokes and gourds—are fun additions to any table setting.

40 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

RICHARD GILLARD

L

inda Kovach recently moved her store, Seasons, from Oak Park to the new Shoppes at Westlake Village center. She carries an eclectic mix of antique and new furniture and home accessories. She dressed her holiday table with antique, handpainted Limoges china (c. 1880) from her personal collection and accented it with new red crystal stemware and pewter silverware by Arte Italica. The red chargers nicely frame her antique dinner plates. The tablecloth is a German lace with gold threads. The Santa centerpiece is by Lynn Haney.

I ask myself ‘how can I make it beautiful and different from last year?’

— Linda Kovach

MORRIS GINDI, GINDI PHOTOGRAPHY

T

his charming table expresses the Hanukkah blue and silver theme with simplicity and elegance.

Marlene Mamiye, who created The Jewish Hostess website, used blue placemats underneath mirrored squares and placed silver candles in blue holders on the mirrored table runner, all from IKEA. Napkins and blue and white lollypops are from West Elm. The blue stemware is part of Marlene’s personal collection; the clear glasses are from Target. Holidaythemed baked goods liven up the table. The blue dishes are from Surrey Lane in New York.

I want it to be elegant and, at the same time, make it fun for the kids. It’s all about the memories.

— Marlene Mamiye FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 41

Through Loosking

the

a s l G

Written by Leslie Gregory Haukoos Photos by Michael Coons

T

o step inside Brillig Manor is to enter the creative whirlwind that is Darlene Graeser.

The artist recovers older chairs in canvas then paints whimsical figures on them.

Beneath the chair, the “Go to Jail” corner of a 40’x40’ mosaic Monopoly board.

Right, 14-year-old Dutchess makes her way around the board.

42 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

The home, named after Alice in Wonderland’s whimsical “Jabberwocky” poem, has evolved over the last 42 years into a virtual showplace for Darlene’s art. In fact, the house barely contains the art which inhabits each corner and spills onto the walls and stretches up to the roof, through her meandering back garden and enticing guests from the front yard.

The house literally bursts with art; the house is the art.

Bold and colorful paintings hang on each wall and fly up the stairway.

Bright tile mosaics bring the floors to life, jumping up the walls and swirling around the ceilings. She has transformed the walls into sculptures which blossom into 3D figures climbing the fireplace and dripping down the shower. Even the rugs are pieces of art, with characters, colors and shapes all meticulously planted by the artist. And watch where you sit down. You’ll most likely land in the lap of a person, infused into the chair by the artist’s brush.

Contractor Gordon Johansen worked with Darlene on many of her projects over some 20 years until his death three years ago. She’d describe an idea and he would ”get it“ and help her realize her dream, no matter how wild. They worked together to build Darlene's ”Mother May I“ a figure climbing the living room fireplace.

Courtesy of DARLENE GRAESER

Left, the main living area evolved from an exterior courtyard.

Some time after tiling the floor, Darlene enclosed it under a massive skylight ceiling. The hanging glass piece is also Darlene’s design. She says making it was ”an engineering feat” which she accomplished with the help of ”clever friends Marty and Kathy Haviland.” Right, the front doors are engraved glass images of angels taken from one of Darlene’s paintings.

Left, the master bedroom fireplace, a functional sculpture that evolved over several years. Below, a detail of the mosaic work.

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 45

John Graeser poses for a portrait.

Darlene calls the piece ”Adventures of Napman.“ The couple has been married 49 years. ”He is my container,“ she says.

The house is playful, bright, bold and, the art, as Darlene says, is “noisy.”

Noisy is a good word to describe an environment that’s difficult to put to words but delicious to experience.

It’s fun, whimsical and populated to the gills with Darlene’s people. Her figures are everywhere, laughing, screaming, dancing, diving into the marriage bed or reposing in post-coital bliss. It would take several visits to meet them all, the figures that is, because

they are everywhere.

One angel, tiled in black mosaic and squatting in high heels, fills the master bath with her laughter. Not literally out loud but with such visual vibrancy that one can almost hear the cacophony.

In fact, angels are everywhere. Female angels, male angels, naked angels, parts of angels. Cupid heads, angel eyes with their sight lines drawn, white angels, black angels.

And ribbons. Ribbons that float streams of

Remember the shoe from the old Monopoly board? Darlene had it recreated for her larger-than-life mosaic game board. She also placed hallway tile in the shape of a hopscotch court.

46 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

color made of tile or colored glass, playfully tying it all together in a delightful celebration of universe and continuity.

The angels are there, not to impart a particularly religious message but to tell the viewer to “wonder about the mystery,” Darlene says.

If there is a spiritual message, she says, it is “Namaste: I see the divine in you.”

“I have no idea where this all comes from,” Darlene says, waving her arm to indicate the universe of her artistic expression. “I am a conduit.” For her, the art is about the journey.

So far that journey includes her fulltime practice as a psychologist, three master’s degrees and a PhD. She also has two grown daughters, two grandchildren and John, her husband of 49 years. “None of this would have happened without John,” she says. “He is my container.”

Darlene and John met while both were students at CSUN. They married young and moved to San Francisco, where he went to dental school and their eldest daughter was born. It was the late ’60s, early ’70s and

San Francisco was rocking with flower children, Timothy Leary and the loftiest dreams. “We believed there could be peace and love in the world . . . we did a lot of good,” Darlene says. “For all the rest, I apologize.”

It was an era that deeply influenced the artwork that was still to come. The couple moved to a plain ranch house in Thousand Oaks in 1972 where John began practicing dentistry and their second child was born.

Darlene went back to school in the ’80s, earning her PhD in clinical psychology from Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara. She began her practice with Vietnam vets and AIDS patients, back when the AIDS diagnosis meant death was likely.

It was then her art began to inform her practice. “I would give patients little pictures of mine that let them know ‘I get it, I get you,’” she remembers. She still uses

not only art but psychodrama, movement therapy and other means to “engage the senses” in her practice which, she says, gives “more opportunity for healing.”

It’s hard to imagine that, with a fulltime practice, family, and the numerous charity and community events she and John host at Brillig Manor, Darlene has hours left in a day to create so much art.

Up in her studio, designed to look like a birdhouse, finished canvases are stacked in two corners while another pile of clean canvases await the characters taking root in Darlene’s imagination.

Is there more she’s planning to do on the house? Darlene responds with a rhetorical question: “Are we done yet?”

Somehow it seems the question is about something much bigger than pictures yet to be painted or house projects not yet begun. I suspect she’s referring to the journey. “We’re never done,” she responds with a meaningful smile.

Right, whimsical and wise birds climb the staircase leading to the artist’s bird’s nest studio. Below, a bathroom is literally lined with mosaic work. The shower contains several human figures with 3D waterdrops eternally poised in their journey down the walls.

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 47

THEY ARE KNOWN AS “THE EICHLER HOMES”— NOW THESE MID-CENTURY MODERN HOUSES IN THOUSAND OAKS ARE ONCE AGAIN COMMANDING NOTICE FOR THEIR STYLE AND BEAUTY

MODERN MAN'S VISION Written by STEPHANIE GUZMAN

A

transported back to the modernist era, when designs were clean and simple and rooms were open to each other.

The houses have several design features that distinguish them. There’s usually an atrium surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass that serves as a kind of hub of the home. It’s flooded with sunlight and planted with greenery. Mahogany paneling, dyed orange by the sun, lines the walls. Round lighting fixtures, originals from the 1950s, hang

Below, the atrium serves as a hub to most of the Eichler homes. The street view, right, is typical of the design with a gently sloping roofline, visible beams and tall uninterrupted windows.

Courtesy of GLENN AND NICOLE HOBBS/REdesign Inc.

mong the rolling hills of Thousand Oaks, surrounded by cookie-cutter housing tracts and custom-built Mediterranean-style villas, are 103 mid-century modern homes unique to California.

They’re known as The Eichler homes, a threeblock community off Lynn Road and Camino Manzanas.

The exteriors are angular and unassuming.

But step inside an Eichler home and prepare to be

48 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

ERNEST BRAUN

above the kitchen tables. Thick beams run along the wood ceiling.

These details are what set Eichler homes apart from other production homes built during the California housing boom that took place just after World War II.

Joe Eichler, a real estate developer credited with bringing mid-century modern to the masses, built more than 11,000 homes in California between the 1950s and 1970s.

He hired well-known architects including Anshen and Allen, Jones & Emmons, and Claude Oakland Associates to design homes for 12 California neighborhoods.

Nine Eichler communities are in Northern California—Sacramento, San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. Three small communities were built in Southern California—in Granada Hills, the city of Orange and Thousand Oaks.

Eichler’s vision was to build the homes cheap, offering an affordable alternative for families interested in modern design.

Ernest Braun shot thousands of images of the Eichler homes, many of which were used in sales brochures and advertising. At right is one of Braun’s photographs, taken in 1960.

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 49

50 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Courtesy of GLENN AND NICOLE HOBBS/REdesign Inc.

Above, the Eichler homes have beamed ceilings and windows reaching up to the roofline. The absence of a drop ceiling makes it tricky to add central air conditioning.

The clean lines of the kitchen, left, are uninterrupted by knobs or hardware.

As the majority of Conejo Valley homes grew in size and value in the 1980s and early 1990s, the Eichler homes faded into the background.

“For 10 years, nobody wanted to buy these homes, and some stood empty for several years,” says Nicole Hobbs, a Thousand Oaks-based realtor and interior designer.

But today, a younger generation of homeowners is discovering them.

Nicole and her husband, Glenn, are a real estate and design duo that sells and markets the Eichler homes in Thousand Oaks. They have sold about 20 percent of the homes in the neighborhood, mainly to young homebuyers or Europeans, who appreciate modern design.

“The younger generation is really rethinking the big house with granite countertops and a huge master suite,” Nicole says. “They want minimalism. They compromise space for style. And they don’t want what everyone else has.”

Segolene and Fabien Reille were looking for something different when they EICHLER ON PAGE 72

ABOUT JOE EICHLER

A strong proponent of fair housing and deeply opposed to racial discrimination, the liberal Eichler was the first large tract builder to sell to minorities, and even built a home on his own lot for an NAACP leader.

Joe resigned from the National Association of Home Builders in 1958 in protest of racial discrimination policies and, according to reports from long-time Eichler owners, offered to buy back homes from those who had trouble accepting their neighbors.

“If, as you claim, this will destroy property values,” Joe once told some disgruntled Eichler owners, “I could lose millions . . . You should be ashamed of yourselves for wasting your time and mine with such pettiness.”

Reprinted with permission from The Eichler Network

Above, period cars are parked in the carport at one Eichler home. Left, sun streams in past an Eames chair in the family room and into the kitchen, accentuating the open floorplan.

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 51

resonate as Sonny checks the horses to make sure they’re mellow and ready to work.

While he is a capable vocalist and nimble guitarist, Sonny said he found his life’s purpose working with horses.

“I’m no Roy Rogers or horse whisperer, just a guy who knows how to keep kids and horses safe. It’s all about the kids for me,” says Sonny, who runs an equestrian program, teaching horsemanship to children and adults with special needs.

“Art is meaningful, but to see direct results, little kids and horses—it’s really fulfilled things for me. There is just something about a horse; you can’t walk by a horse without smiling. That’s just the way it is,” Sonny says.

Located on the grounds of the American Jewish University’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus, the Equestrian Therapy Co-Op combines riding with concepts of physical and occupational therapy.

The techniques allow riders to use their muscles and minds to maintain balance and control of the horse while improving their coordination,

CINDY JULIAN

COWBOY FROM PAGE 18

muscle strength, focus, motor skills and self-confidence.

Sonny works with volunteers and specially trained horses to create an opportunity for riders to interact with nature while improving their physical and mental abilities.

As barn manager for the ranch, he also leads trail rides for the Brandeis’ summer camps and other university events.

The musician

Sonny started developing his songwriting and playing style performing in the New England club and coffeehouse circuit.

He was in his mid-20s when he met the members of Crazy Horse and was lead singer for the band when they weren’t performing with Neil Young.

“It was a slow break, no hit songs, but we toured and made some money. As a

Quality care, Grooming, Boarding and Full-service Animal Hospital • Full Physical Exams

• Spay/Neuter

• Outdoor Play Area

• Wellness Plans

• Surgery

• Heartworm Testing

• Vaccinations

• Dentistry

• Geriatric Care

• Prescription Diets

• Pain Management

• Care Credit Accepted

• Health Certificates

• Boarding

• Parasite Treatment

• Grooming

Evening & Weekend Appointments On Call for Emergencies (during Business Hours)

FREE

Office Visit for one pet

(Limited to 1 per new client)

Vaccine Clinic EVERY Saturday 10am-1pm Expect a short wait time.

Dr. Lina Yetishefsky

Jenna

Jenny

30849 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village

Edgar

818-707-0700 | www.doctoryanimalhospital.com Mon-Fri 8am-7pm • Sat 8am-5pm

writer and artist, it was a once-in-a lifetime experience. There are a lot of musicians who would give anything to play with those guys. They’re the original real deal. What I learned from them, the experience and all that, you couldn’t pay for,” Sonny says.

The classic rock artist also develops music for film and television and has worked in the studio with artists from diverse bands such as Matt Malley, formerly of Counting Crows, and Victor Bisetti from Los Lobos. The trio still performs under the name RainRider.

The band mostly performs at corporate and private events.

Sonny also does regular solo acoustic gigs at local venues such as Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas and Rock & Roll Pizza in Moorpark.

From music to horses

Sonny became involved with equestrian therapy in the early 1990s when he met Jacques Fouchaux, a Frenchman who pioneered the therapeutic horseback riding techniques for disabled kids.

Sonny organized a benefit concert for Fouchaux to help rebuild a barn that had been destroyed by a fire. Soon he and his wife began volunteering for Fouchaux’s Institute of Equestrian Therapy. A year later Sonny became president of the charity.

The program moved . . . to see direct results, to Brandeis University in 2006 and little kids and horses— closed in 2009 when it’s really fulfilled things Fouchaux retired. for me. There is just In addition to something about a horse; helping Fouchaux day-to-day acyou can’t walk by a horse with tivities, Sonny took without smiling. That’s just on the responsibilthe way it is . . . ity for the horses at Brandeis so they could stay on the property. In 2010, he opened his own co-op to resume the therapeutic riding program.

“It’s a win-win for everybody. The parents want their children to ride, the volunteers do the work and they get an opportunity to ride,” Sonny says. Fees paid by parents along with donations cover liability insurance and feed for the animals.

The program is enriching not only for the disabled riders but also for the volunteers who assist them during the sessions.

“Sonny runs the whole show. He’s selfless, humble and very welcoming to everyone who wants to volunteer and be a part of the program,” says Beth Tulk of Simi Valley, who has been volunteering with the co-op for about four years. “He’s a gentle and easy going guy . . . gifted with the horses, talented with the volunteers and amazing with the kids.”

Sarah Hedge, a builder with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 in Port Hueneme, also appreciates Sonny’s commitment and kind heart. Sonny and his band performed for her battalion earlier this summer.

Erica Sheppard, whose daughter, Abby, rides at the ranch, says Sonny is passionate and sincere.

“He really cares about the kids and they feel safe with him.

He’s authentic and the kids can tell.”

Equestrian Therapy Co-Op welcomes new volunteers. For more information, visit www.equestriantherapy.net.

Specializing in knee Specializing in knee and hip and hip replacement replacement rehabilitation.

Specializing in knee and hip rehabilitation. replacement rehabilitation.

205 Granada St, Camarillo, CA 93010

205 Granada (805) St, Camarillo, CA 93010 482-9805 (805) 482-9805 www.camarillohealthcare.com www.camarillohealthcare.com

How

Roseland in its original setting in Oxnard. The home was built in 1894.

A MOVING EXPERIENCE Written by RICK HAZELTINE

“House. Free to good home.”

At least that was my takeaway after reading a story in a local newspaper about preservationists trying to save a historic house from demolition in Oxnard. All that was needed was someone willing to move and restore it.

It was the year 2000 and the house that sat on once-fertile farmland off Gonzales Road across from a Walmart was going to be reduced to a pile of rubble and trucked to a landfill to make way for condominiums or yet another strip mall.

The house had been built in 1894 by Leonard J. Rose Jr., whose father was one of the wealthiest men in Los Angeles, a state senator and recognized as the first breeder of thoroughbred race horses in California. One of the main streets leading to the ranch, named Roseland after it was built, became Rose Avenue.

After a little sleuthing, I reached the law firm representing the owners. The lawyer said he would send me a copy of an architect’s report that estimated it would cost at least $1 million to restore the house where it stood, which didn’t take into account the expenses involved in moving and reassembling it. He added that it had to be off the property in four months or it would be bulldozed. That part was non-negotiable.

I told him I was still interested. His parting words came back to haunt me more than once over the next five years: “Anyone wanting to take this on would have to have a hole in their head.”

I was their man.

54 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

THE STORY OF ROSELAND

Leonard J. Rose built Roseland in 1894 after having moved to Ventura to make his own way in the world. Rose Avenue gets its name from the family ranch, where he had a large walnut farm, dabbled in cattle and was an early pioneer in developing the city of Ventura. He helped fund the sewer system and subdivided lots.

He also built a grand Victorian hotel in downtown Ventura—the Rose Hotel—which is no longer standing.

While living in Ventura, L.J. and his wife, Fannie Fargo Rose, had the grand (for the time) home built. The Rose family included four children, and L.J. said in a biography he wrote about his father that he wanted his kids to experience growing up on a ranch, much as he had.

Constructed at the height of the Victorian era, the interiors of the living and dining rooms had ornate wallpaper, pieces of which were discovered during restoration. When completed, the house was dubbed Roseland.

At the turn of the century one of the first tennis courts in the county was built on the property. The Rose family, however, fell on difficult financial times and sold the property to Dominick McGrath, the patriarch of one of the county’s founding families.

The home’s original architectural style was in line with English country. When McGrath purchased the property around 1910, the house was given a more Arts and Crafts aesthetic.

Plaster replaced wallpaper and the brick fireplace chimneys were replaced with stone.

Roseland remained in the McGrath family until 2000, having been encroached upon over the years by commercial developments. The Rose family eventually settled in San Diego after failed attempts to farm in Mexico.

—Rick Hazeltine

Courtesy of RICK HAZELTINE

On the move

Now, I just needed to find someone who could move it.

That hunt led to Ted Hollinger, owner of Master House Movers in Canoga Park. Hollinger, in his mid-60s, was exactly what you’d expect of a second-generation house mover from Chicago—a bit crusty, a man of few words and an astute judge of character.

I met Hollinger at the house to make sure it could actually be moved.

“What do you think?” I asked.

“We can move it,” Hollinger replied.

Good enough for me.

Next I met the lawyer at the property and signed a contract that gave my wife, Sandy, and me the house for free.

That was the last time we would hear the word “free” in regard to anything about Roseland.

The house would have to be cut into three pieces to fit the maximum width allowed on public streets and the roof removed to the attic floor so it could fit under telephone, cable and electrical wires and stoplights during transport.

The moving cost was actually reasonable: $15,000 for each section and $5,000 to prepare the house.

It’s amazing how simple it is to cut a house into three pieces and

move it. A couple of saws did the trick in a single day. The sections were hoisted about five feet in the air with pneumatic jacks and held there with blocks of wood. Steel beams and sets of truck wheels made the bed. A truck cab was backed up to each section, hooked up and it was ready to go.

As I stood looking at the now see-through and roofless sections of a once impressive residence, the word “historic” didn’t come to mind, although those of the lawyer did.

To prepare for the move, the house was sawed into sections and hoisted off the ground so the pieces could be hooked up to truck cabs. The roof was removed so the sections would clear telephone wires and stoplights during the late-night journey down city streets.

Where The Pro’s Shop Let Us Help You Complete Every Home Project For The Holidays Lumber • Deck • Paint • Roofing • Tools • Masonry • Plumbing • Stone Veneer • Water Proofing

29130 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Phone: 818-665-4977

RoadsideLumber.com

29112 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Phone: 818-991-1880

Explore. Think. Learn. Enjoy.

Appearing Live at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Fabien Cousteau

Oct. 21, 2014

Malcolm Gladwell

Nov. 18, 2014

Gabrielle Giffords & Mark Kelly

Jan. 13, 2015

Jane Pauley

Feb. 10, 2015

Magic Johnson

March 24, 2015

F.W. de Klerk

April 21, 2015

David Brooks

May 17, 2015

All evenings begin at 8:00pm | Sold as a series only

Order Today www.speakersla.com | (805) 449-2775

Hollinger checked the work and then turned and asked, “Why did you want to move this house?”

I said something about saving a piece of Ventura County history, Sandy and I loving old houses, yadda, yadda, yadda. Finally, I said: “I like a good challenge.”

Hollinger looked at me with a glint in his eye: “You should be a very happy man.”

Moving night

A house has to be moved between midnight and 6 a.m. because of the need to truck the heavy load at a glacial pace and the frequent stops and wide turns across lanes of traffic.

A few hours before the house was to hit the road, I nervously asked Hollinger if he thought there would be much damage in the move.

“Naw,” he chuckled. “The houses do a lot better than the owners.”

I took those as words of advice and went home to sleep.

The next morning, the three sections stood on the lot, just a few inches separating each one. Not that it looked anything like something people would live in.

It took about four years before we could call the house home.

Although we had a permit from Oxnard to move the house, it took a year to get permits from the county to put it back together. Plans had to be drawn by an architect as if it were a new construction. Fees had to be paid, utilities brought in and hooked up.

More importantly, we had to find someone we believed could do the job of putting it back together.

People who live in old houses become emotionally attached to them. Restoring an old house, especially an historic one, creates a sense of responsibility—to the original builders and to the lives of the people who came before.

We were fortunate to find Colborn & Associates of Santa Paula, a general contractor specializing in restoring old houses. Specifically, project manager Brian Perzel, who had done work on the Piru Mansion and other historic structures.

Perzel was an old-house guy. Whenever a subcontractor would come to bid on the project, Perzel would eye him suspiciously. He greeted comments such as, “It looks like a pile of kindling” and “Why don’t you burn it and start over” with a “thanks for stopping by, but we won’t need your services.” Or maybe something less polite.

Once we had the permits, it was about three years before we could move in. Most of that was due to working in fits and starts as Sandy and I struggled to pull together enough money to keep the work going.

During the dead times, we’d spend nearly every hour not devoted to work or parenthood to stripping 100 years of paint from interior woodwork and the outside clapboards.

I’ve been asked many times if I’d ever regretted taking on the project. My answer: only once.

It was sometime before the second story was rebuilt and a big storm was expected. We covered the roof area in tarps, but it wasn’t enough as the wind brushed them aside and the skies opened.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs to the second level. It was built as a service staircase, steep and narrow with walls on both sides.

That day the rain came flooding down the stairs like a waterfall.

A torrent of water poured down into the dining room and to the ground between two sections of the still-unattached house.

I think I cried. It was hard to tell with all the rain.

The good, however, far outweighed the rough spots. Like when

RICHARD GILLARD

the architect discovered the original pocket doors between the living and dining rooms, each four feet wide and adorned with Eastlake Victorian hardware. They had been sealed in the wall. And removing a drop ceiling in the kitchen revealed the original bead board, which we restored.

Much of the original hardware, such as window pulls, had disappeared while the house sat vacant and boarded up in Oxnard.

A family member had removed all the interior doors but one and the fireplace surround in the dining room.

But with the pocket doors and another remaining door, we knew the original doors had five panels and we could see the molding profile. We had solid wood doors and molding made to match. Perzel also made a new fireplace surround based on old photographs of the original fireplace.

For being more than 100 years old, the house was surprisingly intact and in excellent shape. Very little wood suffered from dry rot Rick and Sandy Hazeltine with their son, Spencer, are comfortably settled into Roseland. Behind or termite damage, a testament to the oldthem are the dining room's original pocket doors, discovered in the wall during renovation. growth lumber used when it was built.

Roseland will be 120 years old this year. Now, about 14 years since People frequently ask if I would do it again. What they are really the move, the house is pretty much finished . . . as much as a project like asking is, “Should I do it?” this can be anyway. There’s always something to be done, which is part My answer is always the same: “In a heartbeat.” of the fun of owning an old house.

Although I think you’d have to have a hole in your head.

Does Your Home feel as SAFE as a Bank Vault?

It can...with Rolling Shutters without Security Shutters

$

with Security Rolling Shutters

Mention this ad to get

200 off

Installation

New clients only. Exp 11-30-14

Multiple Benefits • Security • Privacy • Blackout • Sun, Sound and Temperature Control • Fire and Storm Protection Perfect For: • Windows • Store Fronts • Entry Doors, Patio Doors • Outdoor Kitchens • Skylights • Storage Areas

Call today for your FREE Personalized Security Evaluation

805-482-9619

www.socalrollingshutter.com 1211 Flynn Road #108, Camarillo CA Lic # 990221

Local Camarillo-based company

Receding Gums?

If you have unsightly receding gums or have been told you need painful gum grafts by your periodontist or dentist, there’s a new breakthrough in Los Angeles called Chao P.S.T. Gum Rejuvenation™ that eliminates gum graft surgery for most patients.

The benefits of the Pinhole Surgical Technique™ are many: • Less discomfort for the patient after treatment • Faster recovery for the patient than traditional grafting • No need for uncomfortable sutures • No need for scalpels or invasive surgical tools • No need to take donor tissue from the patient’s palate • Excellent, natural-looking, long-lasting results

Featured On

Chao Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation

is said by leading experts to be the most exciting cosmetic and restorative procedure to come along in decades.

Over 240 TV stations and nationally syndicated shows have featured this“ quick, easy and instantly pleasing” method making Chao P.S.T. Gum Rejuvenation™ a common household word to millions in the US, Canada and around the world.

Dr. Kathleen Carson Dr. M. Natalie Dianati

Board Certified Periodontal Specialist

818.889.0400 | 805.373.8811

32144 Agoura Road, Suite 206, Westlake Village, CA

Find out more at:

www.westlakedentalarts.com

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 28

Adolfo Camarillo’s 150th Birthday BBQ and Fiesta Noon to 4 p.m.

Camarillo Ranch, 201 Camarillo Ranch Road, Camarillo Also features Victorian home tours, music, dancers, exhibits, Camarillo White Horses.

Visit www.camarilloranch.org Call (805) 389-8182 Live Comedy at the Funeral Home 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Perez Family Funeral Home chapel, 1347 Del Norte Road, Camarillo Clean comedy show to benefit the Moorpark City Library. Includes wine and cheese social. Advance tickets are $15; $17 at the door.

Call Michael Fenerin at (805) 231-1198 Email mfener@aol.com SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Sycamore to the Sea Hike 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park Hikers meet at center, hike 8 miles to Sycamore Canyon State Beach for buffet lunch and take shuttle back.

Presented by Conejo Recreation and Park District. $20; call to register. Proceeds support community outdoor educational programs.

Visit www.crpd.org Call (805) 495-2163 Magical Day of Hope 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hyatt Westlake Plaza Hotel, 880 S. Westlake Blvd.

Westlake Village Fundraiser for Conejo Valley Guild of the UCLA/Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation.

Luncheon, fashion show and boutiques.

Cost is $75. RSVP. Call (805) 480-2492 or (805) 499-2569 Galaxy of Gems Expo 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard Quartz crystal theme presented by the Oxnard Gem and Mineral Society Continues Sun., Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free admission and parking.

Visit www.oxnardgem.com Call (805) 512-3383 Dia De Los Muertos Celebration 11a.m. to 6 p.m.

Conejo Mountain Memorial Park, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo Free. Includes art, food and craft vendors, live performances and procession around the cemetery after the blessing at 5 p.m.

Visit www.facebook.com/DiaDeLosMuertosVentura

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2 SOAR Run Through the Orchards 5K/10K Onsite registration at 7 a.m.; 10K starts at 8 a.m.; 5K at 8:30 a.m.

Tierra Rejada Ranch, 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark Proceeds benefit SOAR. Register at www.race360.com.

Visit www.soarusa.org/10thrunintro.html Home Innovation Design Expo and Wine Tasting 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village Innovative home products and services.

Call (805) 529-0760 Email showkase9@gmail.com “Mud Crazy” 5K Mud Run 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dos Vientos Park, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park Visit www.gomudrun.com Email info@gomudrun.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Mike Nosco Memorial Bicycle Ride Registration at 7 a.m.; ride begins at 8:45 Dos Vientos Community Center, 4801 Borchard Road, Newbury Park Visit www.mikenosco.com

HOME + NEVADA =

YEAR ROUND

RECREATION

Minutes from Lake Tahoe, Reno Int’l Airport and major shopping

$480,000

1081 Oro Way, Gardnerville, NV 89460

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY HOME on 2.5 acres with stunning mountain views! A wrap around upper deck offers multiple spots to take in the glorious views. The well designed floorplan features several distinct living areas to suit everyone's form of downtime. Zoned to allow horses and no restrictive CC R's or HOA.

• 2.5 acres • 8 days on Zillow • Single Family • Price/sqft: $183 • Built in 1993 • MLS #: 140012909 • Parking: 2 spaces, 804 sqft

Diane Bartsch, REALTOR, CRS, CDPE RE/MAX Realty Affiliates 1320 Hwy 395 Gardnerville, NV 89410 775.781.5050 dianebartschnv@gmail.com

dianebartsch.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Bags, Bling and Bubbly Champagne Luncheon 11 a.m.

Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura Shop for designer SaveCounty. with mail-in rebates onand a selection of vintage handbags, jewelry and accessories. stylish Hunterthe Douglas window fashions, Will also recognize Wise, Wonderful September 16–December 16, 2014.

Woman of the Year.

Includes opportunity Save with mail-in rebates on a selectio drawings.

Ask for details.

Early-bird tickets are $80; $90 after Oct. 28. fashio stylish Hunter Douglas window No tickets sold at the door.

September 16–December 16, 2014.

Visit www.bbsvc.org/bubbly

SAVE $100

It’s time to decorate your windows for the holidays It’s time to decorate yo windows for the holida

OR MORE WITH REBATES

on qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas window fashions

SAVE 100

Ask for details.

SEPTEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 16, 2014

SEPTEMBER 16 – DECEMBER 16, 2014

Pirouette® Window Shadings

It’s time to decorate your The Drapery Guy windows for the holidays.

Pirouette Window Shadings 31133 Via Colinas #101, ®

Save with mail-in rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas window fashions, through December 16, 2014.

Ask for details.

$

*

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Thousand Oaks Community Center Kids’ OR MORE WITH REBATES Swap Meet 8 a.m. to noonon qualifying purchases of Hunter Douglas windowOaks. fashions * 2525 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Kids can sell their toys, clothes and sports OR MORE WITH REBATES equipment, etc. Admission to shop is free. on qualifying purchases of Visit www.crpd.org/tocswap Hunter Douglas window fashions Call (805) 381-2793

SAVE $100

Westlake Vlg 91362 thedraperyguy.net

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 SnowFest Arts and Crafts Show (818) 707-8500 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Rancho Madera Community Park 556 Lake Park Drive, Simi Valley 35 tons of snow, plus arts and crafts, food vendors and entertainment. Presented by * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/16/14 –12/16/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed Rancho Simi7Recreation andissuance Park and District. within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance months after card each month thereafter.

Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used hereinNominal are the property Hunter Douglas.

Free admission. feeoffor kids’ attractions.

Visit www.rsrpd.org Call 584-4400 * Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/16/14 –12/16/14 from participating dealers in the U.S.(805) only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and

Practicing the Art and Science of Dentistry

within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month ther Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved.TUESDAY, All trademarks used herein are the property NOVEMBER 11—of Hunter Douglas.

VETERANS DAY Veterans Day Observance in Moorpark 10 to 11 a.m.

Veterans Memorial Corner Spring and Flinn streets Refreshments will be provided.

Call the American Legion at (805) 523-3355

Alfredo Vico, DDS General, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry Invisalign provider

2940 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Ste D

805-409-9009

www.milroblesdental.com OPEN SATURDAY! 60 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Veterans Day Commemoration at Reagan Library Outdoor Activities: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Program 11 a.m. to noon 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley Includes a flyover, live music, Civil War encampment, military vehicle display and ceremony.

Free; regular museum admission for exhibits; free admission for veterans on Veterans Day. Visit www.reaganfoundation.org/events Call (805) 522-2977

RICHARD GILLARD

Veterans Day Ceremony at Rancho Tapo Community Park 11 a.m.

Veterans Plaza, 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley Call (805) 584-4400

Conejo Valley YMCA Turkey Day Dash

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Nottingham Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Rancho Tapo Community Park 3700 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley Elizabethan faire and marketplace.

Continues Sun., Nov. 16 Visit www.nottinghamfestival.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Conejo Valley YMCA’s Turkey Day Dash 1K fun run/walk begins at 8 a.m.; 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m.

California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks Open to all ages and abilities; professional timing for 5K runners.

Online registration through Nov. 24.

Visit www.turkeydaydash.org Call (805) 523-7613

Runners will be out there earning their extra helping of turkey stuffing when they join in the Conejo Valley YMCA‘s annual Turkey Day Dash at Cal Lutheran on Thanksgiving Day.

Thanksgiving Day 5K 8 to 1 p.m.

Rancho Simi Community Park, 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley Run along the arroyo bike path along Arroyo Creek.

Visit www.thanksgivingday5k.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 Oxnard Tamale Festival 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Plaza Park, 500 S. C St., Downtown Oxnard.

Tamales, kids’ corner, pictures with Santa, live music, eating contests and vendors.

Free admission.

Visit www.oxnardtamalefest.com

I believe in getting more out of life.

My time is precious. Every moment counts. That’s why I chose Kaiser Permanente. My doctor is close to home, so when I go for a checkup, I can visit the lab and pharmacy, too – all in one trip.

Back home, I can go online and order refills, request routine appointments, get health advice, and more. It’s that easy.

This way, I have more time to spend on what matters most. Life.

Learn more at kp.org/thrive or call 1-800-464-4000

Ventura Winter Wine Walk and Holiday Street Fair Fair runs from noon to 8 p.m.; wine walk starts at 4 p.m.

Main Street, Downtown Ventura Visit www.venturawinterwinewalk.com

Chinese American Association Christmas Party

Meet Santa and enjoy traditional folk dancing at Ventura County‘s Chinese American Association Christmas party in Camarillo.

Cancer Support Community Holiday Homes Tour 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tour homes in Westlake Village decorated to the nines. Continues Sun., Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Holiday boutique from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Visit www.cancersupportvvsb.org Call (805) 379-4777, ext. 233 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 Reagan Library Holiday on the Hill 5 to 8:30 p.m.

40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley Holiday performers, music and food under the wings of Air Force One. $59.95 for adults; $34.95 for kids (ages 3-10 years old); under 3 are free.

Reservations required by Dec. 3.

Visit www.reaganfoundation.org/events Call (805) 577-4057

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 Ventura Harbor Village Parade of Lights and Fireworks Parade at 6:30 p.m.; fireworks at 8 p.m.

Ventura Harbor Village, 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura Continues Sat., Dec. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. with live reindeer, dining, crafts, holiday boutique and Winter Wonderland.

Visit www.venturaharborvillage.com Call (805) 477-0470

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 Santa’s Village Holiday Carnival and Camarillo Christmas Parade 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Las Posas Road and Temple Avenue and ends at the community center. Santa will visit Sugar Plum Village from 1 to 3 p.m.

Visit www.pvrpd.org

LUXURIOUS LEATHER FURNITURE MADE RIGHT HERE IN AMERICA.

100 STYLES • 400 LEATHER COLORS • 1000’S OF CONFIGURATIONS

AGOURA HILLS 28811 Canwood St. #100 (818) 889-1212

Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Lights and Festival Noon to 8 p.m.; parade starts at 7 p.m.

3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard Also features snow play, Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, food vendors.

Visit www.channelislandsharbor.org Kwanzaa Celebration 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cal Lutheran University’s Gilbert Arena, Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, 130 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks.

NAACP Saturday School student presentations, African/African-American food, gospel music, dancers, vendors.

Email lawrenc@callutheran.edu Ventura County Chinese American Association Christmas Party 6 p.m.

Rancho Rosal School, 3535 Village at the Park Drive, Camarillo.

Potluck dinner, Chinese folk dancing.

Santa Claus will visit.

Call Brian Nomi at (805) 444- 5960 Email briannomi@yahoo.com

BETTER VISION AT ANY AGE. Rajesh Khanna M.D.

Best selling author of the book “Pi in Eye” Voted Best LASIK Surgeon by L.A. Daily News Readers Named “America’s Top Ophthalmologist”

by Consumer’s Research Council

For People Less Than 45:

 Wavefront Thinflap all Laser LASIK  Super LASIK (for thin/dry cornea)

Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he’s performed over 10,000 Surgeries on doctors, nurses, celebrities, law enforcement agents, family members and staff, and is a Clinical Instructor at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute.

For Patients Over 45:

 Pi in eye--See far & near in each eye (not monovision) No need for glasses even cheaters

Not a Candidate for lasik?

 CXL and Intacs for Keratoconus  Cataract Surgery  Visian ICL

2009

Call for a FREE consultation Some Insurances may be accepted.

CALL NOW

1-877-2KHANNA www.KhannaInstitute.com

Westlake Village • Beverly Hills

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14 Santa to the Sea Half Marathon and 5K Run 8 a.m.

2801 Ventura Blvd., Oxnard Includes 1K kids run and toy drive, half marathon and 5K. Visit www.santatothesea.com FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 Shabbat Chanukah Dinner and Service 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.

Temple Adat Elohim 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks Shabbat dinner in the social hall from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., followed by service in the sanctuary with band, choir and Shirei Elohim.

Visit www.adatelohim.org SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21 Holly Jolly Half Marathon, 5K and 10K 7 to 11 a.m.

3601 Calle Tecate, Camarillo Courses geared for runners and walkers.

Prizes for the best holiday costumes.

Visit www.HollyJollyHalf.com

SAVE

20%

By mentioning this ad Exp 11-30-14

FREE 1 Hour Home Consultation w/purchase of sofa or chair

Get your Custom Sofas & Sectionals in 2-3 Weeks!

Call Ann or Carol for your In-Home Consultation!

Great Rooms...

Furniture Showroom & Design Services

651 Via Alondra #703, Camarillo 805-445-9057 • www.greatroomsdesign.com Wed-Fri 10-4 • Sat 11-3 • Sun-Tues closed

We offer a Wide Range of Fabulous Furniture and Decor for your Entire Home

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 63

Shoppes at Westlake Village 30770 Russell Ranch Road Menorah lighting, circus acts, music, jelly donuts, crafts and dreidels and appearances by dignitaries and special guests.

Visit www.chabadconejo.com Call (818) 991-0991

Temple Adat Elohim’s Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting 6 to 6:30 p.m.

The Oaks mall, 350 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks Adult choir, the Band of Milk and Honey and Shirei Elohim, the temple’s children’s choir, will perform. Jelly doughnuts and hot chocolate will be served. Guests are asked to bring cans of food to donate to Manna, the Conejo Valley food bank.

Visit www.adatelohim.org Call (805) 497-7101 Chabad and the Conejo Jewish Academy Hanukkah Menorah Lighting 5 to 6:30 p.m.

SnowFest

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27 Kids Fun Zone at Janss Marketplace Noon to 3 p.m.

Wilbur and Moorpark Roads, Thousand Oaks Seasonal crafts and fun for kids.

Visit www.janssmarketplace.net WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31— NEW YEAR’S EVE New Year’s Eve Celebration at Reagan Library 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.

40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley Celebrate New Year’s Eve under Air Force One wings.

Hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert and champagne toast. Includes live music.

For ages 21 and over only: $145; VIP Package available. RSVP by Dec. 26.

Visit www.reaganfoundation.org

Dig out the mittens ’cause it‘s feeling like a snow day. Rancho Madera Community Park in Simi Valley will have 35 tons of the white stuff trucked in just for the fun of it on November 9.

To submit an event for the next Beyond calendar, send information to Lindsay.Ela@ gmail.com before Nov. 30. The next calendar will cover events taking place from January through March, 2015.

DECORATE FROM PAGE 35

The retired couple raised five children in their home and the Christmas traditions grew as steadily as the kids. In the early days, the Cossentine family would chop down their own tree, but then a fresh-enough tree from a local lot sufficed. The lure of artificial trees finally won when Mary Ann realized she could keep the holiday spirit alive longer with a good imitation.

The boys in the family were never fond of helping with decorating duties, except for some of the heavy lifting. Mary Ann’s husband, John, would rather be reading than decorating.

“I enjoy them as long as she doesn’t make me work with them,” John says of his wife’s penchant for all things Christmas. “It’s her hobby and she enjoys it. Everyone getting together is my favorite part of Christmas. That’s what it’s all about for me.”

John said he has retired from the job of putting up lights and is happy to pay “young men” to tackle that chore each year.

But Mary Ann’s enthusiasm for the holidays has never waned.

She has a Victorian dollhouse that is decorated year-round and the stair railings are wrapped in garlands each year. Her large collection of ceramic holiday villages is also displayed year-round.

It’s all about memories for Mary Ann. In her mother’s old bedroom, trees are decorated with mini-ornaments. “It makes me think of my mom every time I put it up.”

For Heather Wilson of Simi Valley, the holidays are a time of sharing. Decorating the front of the home is a gesture for the neighborhood kids, who get an eyeful when they pass her home on their way to school.

Heather says her husband, Nathan, is as anti-decorating for the holidays as she is in favor of it. Each year she puts big red bows on the three trees in front of her house, wraps the trunks in sparkly garlands, plants a bunch of lighted snowmen on the lawn and hangs lights on the house.

“When I turn on the lights outside at night it gives me a happy feeling,” Heather says.

Inside, Heather temporarily showcases her collection of Christmas snow globes in a curio cabinet and decorates a freshly cut tree with her teenage children.

Even though her kids are far beyond the magic of Santa Claus, she can’t help but hang on to some of the childhood traditions, like leaving cookies and milk for Santa by the fireplace and carrots for his reindeer. She even admits to planting evidence that Santa and his flying reindeer came to town. The trail of tinsel from the chimney to the backyard and carrot crumbs left by Rudolph and his reindeer buddies are signs that the magic still lives at the Wilson house.

Sophia Fischer of Oak Park says she and her husband, Mike, decorate their home with family heirlooms for Hanukkah, including treasures their four children made when they were young.

“We have chanukiahs (menorahs) they made of clay, wood and mosaic tiles. We have cards and pictures they drew or painted of the Hanukkah symbols, the dreidels, Maccabees, latkes and candles; and Stars of David they made using popsicle sticks that they decorated and taped their photos to.

“Each year when we unpack these precious home-made treasures they bring back wonderful memories of their childhoods and the many special holidays our family has enjoyed together.”

The Fischers also set up four menorahs, one for each of their

I

magine schoolwhere wherethe thestudent student experience magine aa school experience goes beyond beyond textbooks, textbooks, homework, homework,andand lectures. AAschool and learning lectures. schoolwhere whereacademics academics and learning a school are just just as as valuable valuableasasfamily familyspirit; spirit; a school that prepares prepares students by by that studentsfor fora alifetime lifetimeof ofsuccess success incorporating aachallenging education with incorporating challengingCatholic Catholic education with moral, spiritual and religious development.

All in an moral, spiritual and religious development. All in an environment that supports caring and respect for all. environment that supports caring and respect for all.

We are not just a school; we are a family.

We are not just a school; we are a family.

OPEN HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November Sunday, November16, 16,2014 2014 Middle School Middle School 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

19800 Devonshire St. 19800 Devonshire St. Chatsworth, CA 91311 Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.363.8127

818.363.8127

High School High School 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

7500 Chaminade Ave. 7500 Chaminade West Hills, CA 91304Ave. West Hills, CA 91304 818.347.8300

818.347.8300

AA Catholic schoolin inthe theMarianist Marianisttradition tradition grades 6 - 12.

Catholic school forfor grades 6 - 12.

Setting the standard in Catholic education.

Setting the standard in Catholic education.

www.chaminade.org www.chaminade.org

children. The menorahs, which feature each of her children’s names in wood, were a gift from her brother-in-law many years ago. “We add the colorful candles and when lit, they envelop us in a glow and warmth that is absolutely beautiful,” Sophia says.

“When everything is up, it is festive and everyone, no matter what age, gets excited. Although Hanukkah is considered a minor holiday in Judaism, there are many important lessons to be learned from the story and it provides an opportunity to enjoy special time together.”

Women seem to care more about holiday decorating, but the men in our lives may grudgingly make sure that the tree is placed evenly in the stand or the lights are hung straight on the house.

My husband jokes that his favorite holiday ritual is preventing the water in the tree stand from getting moldy and spilling onto the carpet when it’s finally time to kick the tree to the curb for recycling.

“The second best (ritual) is picking a new curse word when there’s a big dark segment of lights on the roof eaves, after testing all the bulbs like Clark Griswold (from the movie ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’).”

Heather says that by the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, her Christmas spirit is waning and fatigue begins to set in. She alone packs up her snow globes, dismantles the lawn snowmen, and wraps up and stores all the ornaments for next year.

“It’s kind of sad,” Heather says. “We have all this anticipation and then it’s over.”

Mary Ann Cossentine found a way to lesson her load during the holidays. She simply keeps most of her holiday decor up all year long.

I, on the other hand, fantasize about the day that my family doesn’t want a “real” tree anymore. I just wish they would agree to

one of the funky trees that my daughter, Maria, and I think would be a nice change. Like the 5-foot-high enameled tree created by an artist that costs a mere $5,000. I’d display all kinds of stuff on that tree throughout the year. Or that funny tree with feet might be a nice change. Even a Charlie Brown Christmas tree with sparse branches and brittle needles could be fun.

But, whenever I’ve steered away from the traditional—like displaying decorated thyme and rosemary bushes on a bench under our living room window—I’ve gotten a thumbs down from my family.

Seems they’re more traditional than I knew.

Kiss your Wrinkles Good Bye! New Patients get extra 10 units of Botox FREE (with minimum 30 unit treatment)

FREE Consultation

Botox 44 units with 1 Syringe of Juvederm $799 Radiesse 2 for $999 Voluma 2 syringes for $1299 Visit our New Location and Meet our new Aesthetic Specialist JoAnn Bishop, RNP Dr. Gorodisky is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Voted one of the Best Cosmetic Surgeons in Ventura County

696 Hampshire Road, Ste 160 Westlake Village, CA | 1801 Solar Drive, Ste 150 Oxnard, CA 805.983.1999 | www.DrGorodisky.com

IRSCALL PROBLEMS! NOW FOR

FREE CONSULTATION

Pull-Apart Apple Ring BEIGLI FROM PAGE 39

Divide dough into four pieces and roll each piece into a 12"x14" rectangle. Spread nut or poppy seed filling on each piece of flattened dough. Roll up lengthwise, ensuring that the rolls remain firm. Carefully transfer rolls onto a greased baking sheet and brush with egg yolk.

Bake at 350° until golden brown, about 35 minutes. Keep in oven until completely cool. Cut diagonally into ½"-thick slices and sprinkle with powdered sugar immediately before serving.

Store covered in a cool, dry place. *Vanilla sugar, a common ingredient in European desserts, can be purchased at Cost Plus World Market or Williams-Sonoma.

Connie Gregory of Thousand Oaks submitted this recipe handed down from her mother, Angelina LoPresti, a Sicilian immigrant. Each year three generations of family members gather to bake biscotti and other traditional cookies from age-old recipes.

BISCOTTI MAKES 4 DOZEN

6 eggs

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil 5-6 cups flour

2 Tbsp. baking powder

1 Tbsp. vanilla

1 oz. anise extract

2 cups slivered roasted almonds, toasted and blanched Beat egg yolks lightly with a fork. Add sugar and oil and mix.

In a separate bowl, mix 3½-4 cups of flour and baking powder. Add to egg mixture and mix by hand until firm and doughy.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Add vanilla and anise to egg whites and pour into flour mixture.

Add more flour until dough is firm. Mix in almonds.

Make 4 to 5 logs 2" in diameter and the length of cookie sheet. Place 2 logs on each greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350° until golden brown, about 20 minutes. When cool, cut diagonally into 1/2"-thick slices and return to cookie sheets, cut side up, and bake until lightly brown.

Lisa Bailey of Simi Valley says, “My family loves waking up Christmas morning to a freshly baked Pull-Apart Apple Ring.”

PULL-APART APPLE RING MAKES 10 SERVINGS

½ cup apple jelly

¼ cup chopped pecans

½ cup firmly packed brown sugar

½ tsp. cinnamon

1 large apple, peeled and cored

2 10-oz. pkg. refrigerated flaky biscuits

¼ cup margarine or butter, melted

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

“...We regained our piece of mind” “...Kash saved our marriage” “...I can sleep peacefully now” “...We strongly recommend Kash Chandani CPA”

Former IRS Agent With Over 35 Years of Experience

• Settle Back Tax Debt • Offer In Compromise • Installment Agreements • Audit Representation • Stop IRS Levy & Seizure • End Wage Garnishment • Innocent Spouse • Tax Preparation

& Expert Advice

1-800-LESS-4-IRS 1-800-537-7447 WWW.LESS4IRS.COM

Visit our website for client testimonials.

2815 Townsgate Rd. Suite 335 Westlake Village “We Can Help! Don’t ignore the IRS, they will not go away.”

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 67

Beyond

Go Beyond and be seen. . .

January 2015

BUILDING A BETTER YOU Health and wellness, fitness trends, nutrition and fun ways to stay in shape.

April 2015

OUTDOOR LIVING Homes and gardens, outdoor entertaining, enjoying nature.

July 2015

FAMILY

Leisure time together, bridging the generation gap, activities for the whole gang.

October 2015

HOME & HEARTH

Home remodels, holiday entertaining, interior design ideas for any budget.

Be a part of Beyond the Acorn and reach 146,000 area homes.

Each issue focuses on a different theme: health and wellness; outdoor living; family; home and hearth.

Plus lots of local lifestyle info on people, activities, entertainment.

ADVERTISERS RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW The Acorn Newspapers 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 706-0266 beyondsales@theacorn.com

Beyond THE ACORN

68 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

Hanukkah Doughnuts

Heat oven to 350° degrees. Spray or grease a 12-cup fluted tube pan. Spoon apple jelly evenly over bottom of prepared pan.

Sprinkle with pecans. In small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.

Cut apple into quarters and remove core.

Slice each quarter into five slices. Separate dough into 20 biscuits. Press each to flatten slightly, then wrap each biscuit around an apple slice.

Pinch edges to seal and completely cover apple slice. Dip each in melted butter and roll in brown sugar-cinnamon mixture.

Stand biscuits on end around prepared pan. Drizzle with any remaining butter and sprinkle with any remaining brown sugar mixture.

Bake at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool upright in pan for 8 minutes; invert onto serving plate. Serve warm.

Celestine Winston of Oak Park has been making this delicious version of Hanukkah doughnuts for 30 years and says it's a family favorite. Fried foods such as doughnuts are often eaten during Hanukkah to symbolize the miracle of the oil that lit the menorah in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem for eight days.

HANUKKAH DOUGHNUTS MAKES 3 DOZEN

2 cups milk

½ stick butter or margarine

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 envelopes active dry yeast

¼ cup very warm water

6 to 6½ cups sifted all-purpose flour

2 egg yolks

½ cup dairy sour cream Vegetable oil Powdered sugar

Combine milk, butter or margarine, sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Heat slowly until butter or margarine melts; cool to lukewarm. Sprinkle yeast into very warm water (warm but still comfortable when sprinkled on wrist) in a large bowl.

Stir until yeast dissolves, then add milk mixture. Beat in 3 cups of flour until smooth.

Stir in egg yolks and sour cream. Gradually add remaining flour to make a soft dough.

Beat vigorously with a spoon until dough is shiny-elastic, about 100 strokes.

Cover with a clean towel. Let rise in a warm place away from drafts for 1 hour or until double in bulk. Turn dough onto a lightly floured pastry board. Knead a few times and roll out ½" thick. Cut with a floured 1½" cookie cutter. Place on a lightly floured cookie sheet. Re-roll and cut leftover dough.

Cover with a clean towel. Let rise 20 minutes or until double in bulk.

Fill a large heavy saucepan or electric skillet ⅔ full with vegetable oil. Heat to 370° on a deep fat thermometer. Drop doughnuts 5 or 6 at a time into hot oil. Fry, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes or until golden. Drain on paper towel, cool, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Linda Pistachio, a retired cafeteria manager for the Simi Valley Unified School District, loves to cook, but enjoys baking even more. The Simi Valley resident has been making her Creamy Pecan Caramels to give as gifts to friends and family, especially at Christmas, for 40 years.

CREAMY PECAN CARAMELS MAKES 60-70 CARAMELS

1 stick butter (room temperature)

½ cup flour

2 cups heavy whipping cream

⅔ cup light corn syrup 1½ cups granulated sugar

¼ tsp. salt

2 Tbsp. vanilla

2 cups chopped or whole pecans Mix butter and flour together and set aside.

In a heavy 4-quart saucepan, mix the whipping cream, corn syrup, sugar and salt. Insert a candy thermometer and bring mixture to a boil.

Cook to 235° and then stir in flour

mixture with a wooden spoon.

Cook, stirring to prevent burning, to 242° (about 15-20 minutes).

Remove from heat and add vanilla and pecans.

Pour mixture into a 9"x9" sprayed pan.

Let cool until firm.

Cut into pieces and wrap each piece in a square of waxed paper.

Rudy C’Dealva of Agoura grew up in an Italian household and remembers having cannoli at his family’s Christmas dessert table. Rudy’s aunt made them from a recipe similar to this.

CANNOLI MAKES 18 CANNOLI SHELLS:

2 cups flour

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter or shortening

1 tsp. sugar Dash of salt

¾ cup Marsala wine

1 egg white Vegetable oil for frying

Creamy Pecan Caramels

Design Landscape Swimming Pools & Spas Remodeling of Pools & Spas BBQ’s & Outdoor Kitchens Fireplaces & Fire Pits Water Features LED Lighting

www.LifescapeDesigns.net Los Angeles County

(818) 470-6481

Lic. #940199 28378 Roadside Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301

Ventura County

(805) 587-7689

Cannoli

FILLING:

3 cups full-fat ricotta cheese

½ cup powdered sugar

½ cup mini chocolate chips or coarsely grated chocolate

½ tsp. vanilla extract

6 Tbsp. mixed candied peel Optional: 6 glacé cherries, finely chopped

Paving The Way To A Stronger Future

Something for Everyone

Recreational Gymnastics Trampoline Park Urban Gymnastics Dance Competitive Gymnastics Karate Jump Fitness Open Gym Personal Training Open Jump Special Events

Open 7 Days A Week! • Weekly Specials

805-527-6662

www.platinumsportscenterus.com 70 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

To make shells: Mix together the flour, butter or shortening, sugar, and salt.

Begin to add wine, adding enough to form a fairly firm dough. Knead for a few minutes until smooth.

Form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and let sit at room temperature for one hour.

Cut the dough in half and roll thinly to about a ¼" thickness. Cut into 4 squares.

Place a metal tube diagonally across each square and wrap the dough around the tube. Seal the edges with a little beaten egg white.

Heat the oil in a large pan until it reaches a temperature of 375°.

Drop one or two tubes into the hot oil and cook until golden. Remove from the pan, cool, and gently slide the cannoli shell from the tube. Continue the process with the rest of the shells.

To make filling: Let the ricotta sit in a strainer over a small bowl in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to remove excess water.

Mix the ricotta with the rest of the filling ingredients. Chill for at least 30 minutes.

Fill each cannoli shell carefully, stuffing

the filling with the handle of a spoon.

Sprinkle with a little extra powdered sugar if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 18.

Alternately, try adding ¼ cup of orange juice and ½ tsp. orange zest to add a hint of citrus. Finely chopped toasted almonds (¼ cup) also introduce flavor and texture. *Editor’s note: You will need 3 or 4 metal cannoli tubes, available at most kitchen stores. If you’re short on time, purchase premade cannoli shells at a local Italian deli.

Italia Deli in Agoura Hills carries them.

Tina Marie Ito of Calabasas was a teenager the first time she set out to bake a pie. She opened a can of pumpkin and poured it into a premade crust and baked it, thinking it was that simple.

Many years after pulling the tasteless concoction out of the oven, she has mastered the art of a real pumpkin pie, much to the delight of her family and friends. “We love it when it’s still warm with some ice-cold whipped cream on top,” she says.

PUMPKIN PIE

1

2

⅔

2

1

sugar pumpkin eggs, beaten cups sugar tsp. pumpkin pie spice Pinch of salt 12-oz. can evaporated milk Prepared pie crust

To make pumpkin puree:

Cut a sugar pumpkin in half.

Rub cut sides with shortening and place facedown on a cookie sheet.

Bake at 450° degrees until easily pierced

with a knife (usually close to an hour).

Let cool, discard fiber and seeds, scoop pulp into a food processor and puree until very smooth.

To make pie filling: Stir eggs with dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of pumpkin puree and evaporated milk.

Pour into deep-dish crust (use your own favorite crust recipe) and bake at 450°.

After 10 minutes, reduce oven to 325°.

Bake until firm (about 50 minutes, or when knife comes out clean).

High Performance Go-Karts for the Thrill Seeker!

Arrive & Drive Fun for the Whole Family!

JimHallKartRacing.com

JimHallTrackTime.com

SURFER’S POINT AT SEASIDE PARK

10 East Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001 • 805.654.1329

Kringla, a traditional Norwegian treat, is a simple bread-like cookie with a hint of sweetness. Making the figure-8 shape out of moist and sticky dough is something bakers take years to perfect. Mim Haukoos brings kringla to her family dinner in Agoura Hills each Christmas.

KRINGLA MAKES 2 DOZEN

1 cup sugar

½ cup shortening, such as Crisco 2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla

3 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. baking powder dash of salt

½ tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. mace

Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs, ¼ cup of buttermilk and the vanilla.

In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients.

Add dry ingredients and remaining buttermilk to creamed mixture alternately, a little at a time. Dough will be very light and sticky.

Flour your hands. For each cookie, take a heaping teaspoon of dough and roll it into a 5" cylinder, shaped like a piece of string cheese. A cutting board topped with waxed paper may be used to roll dough.

Shape each cylinder into a figure 8.

Place directly on a well-greased cookie sheet in a 350° oven.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until bottoms are golden brown. *Editor’s note: Kringla are particularly good when dipped into a hot cup of coffee.

Or Echad

Inclusive

Joyous

Musical

Meaningful

A New Alternative to the Traditional Jewish Community

HomeShul

A Quality Jewish Education Brought to Your Home!

• Project-Based & Experiential Learning • Games, Art, Music & Drama • Advanced Classes for B’nal Mitzvah Prep • Weekly Classes & Monthly Events • Private Study also available

TRY A CLASS FOR FREE!

Rabbi Ira Rosenfeld: 818-486-9685 / Cantor Beth Wasserman Rosenfeld: CantorBeth@sbcglobal.net www.RabbiIraandCantorBeth.com Or Echad is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Religious Organization

Therapeutic Massage Therapy is a natural way to relieve it all!

With 9 years of massage experience and 3 years of teaching, Michelle will work with you to relieve your pain and rejuvenate your body.

Mention this ad to receive $

20 OFF

for new clients 70 or 100 minute sessions

by Michelle Mangini

State Certified Massage Therapist & Life Coach

325 E. Hillcrest Dr. #123 Thousand Oaks Stone Creek Professional Offices • www.cmtmichelle.com Corporate Chair Massage also available

805-380-6113 CA Certification #20301

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 71

EICHLER FROM PAGE 51

Women’s Travel Made Easy Call Mary Barnett & SITA World Tours to book your next tour to the exotic destination of your choosing.

Enchanting Morocco for Thanksgiving: Nov 21 Guaranteed Shares - Guaranteed Departure

South Africa/Botswana/Vic Falls: Feb 6, 2015 Guaranteed Shares

Southeast Asia Dreamscapes w/ Bali: March 16-28 Guaranteed Shares

Tulip Time River Cruise: April 21-29 Italy: Puglia, Sorrento, Amalfi, Cinqueterra, Rome: April 28 - May 10, 2015 Early Bird Discount

Ecuador & the Galapagos: June 2015

800.421.5643 ext. 1518

email: maryb@sitatours.com 1 9/4/14 www.sitatours.com

TOP232 Beyond the Acorn Ad_9-14.pdf

10:27 PM

THOUSAND OAKS PHILHARMONIC

Invites you to experience stunning performances by our featured remarkable young artists in concert with our professional orchestra.

The 2015 Season dates are as follows: Opus 41 January 9 & 11 Opus 42 April 17 & 19 Opus 43 July 17 & 19 Visit Us Online at:TOPhil.org Take part in our Appassionata Program Sign-up for our newsletter for frequent event announcements.

805.376.2485

72 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

moved to the area. But every home they toured in Thousand Oaks was a disappointment until the couple stepped into an Eichler in November 2008.

“So many other homes felt bland and, being from France, we were looking for something that had soul and a story,” says Segolene, who works at Amgen.

The couple toured an Eichler home on Fordham Avenue on a Saturday. On Sunday, they put in an offer.

“We literally fell in love with this house because it had so many unique aspects to it,” Segolene says.

“Unique” comes with its own challenges, though. Eichler homes don’t have air conditioning, which can be rough during the summer months. Installing electricity channels or cable cords can be difficult because there are no drop ceilings with space between the roof and interior.

And, floor-to-ceiling glass is expensive to replace when broken.

“You can’t just run to Home Depot when you need something,” says Fabien. “We like to keep things original, and even though the company that made the original still exists, they often don’t have the same model, so we have to hunt it down from our neighbors or other places.”

Most homeowners choose to compromise and live with the home’s original character rather than renovate.

Brad and Stephanie Tucker moved into their Eichler home in 2011 with their two young children. Stephanie jokes that she would like a bigger kitchen, but has no plans to expand. “We would never want to destroy something this beautiful.”

Glenn Hobbs, who studied architectural design, says Eichler homeowners like Stephanie appreciate the home’s integrity and place in history. They often see themselves as stewards of the home, a type of gallery owner living in the space for the time being.

“The people that buy these homes are artisans in the first place and they buy them to experience the Eichler home, not make it their own,” Glenn says.

In that sense, an Eichler home is a piece of California’s architectural history.

It’s more than a house with a roof or a home with a hearth for families. To many, it’s art.

Resources WHO

SEARCHING FOR THAT

EUROPEAN LOOK?

Direct importer of tile & stone from around the world

Page 14

“Man of The Canyon”

The Canyon club 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (818) 879-5016 www.canyonclub.net Page 16

• Ceramic & Porcelain Tile, Glass & Metal Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate, Limestone, Mosaic Tile, Saltillo Tile, Quartz, Pool Tile & much more!

Le Bon Garçon 481 E. High St., Moorpark (424) 272-6677 www.lebongarcon.com

• Over 15,000 designs to choose from Dal Tile distributor – Lowest pricing in Ventura County • All Major Credit Cards Accepted

“Candy Man”

Page 18

“Urban Cowboy with Heart” Equestrian Therapy Co-Op www.equestriantherapy.net (805) 493-2387

FEATURE STORIES Page 40 “Dressing for Dinner”

Ivory Madisons The Oaks mall 196 W. Hillcrest Dr., #93, Thousand Oaks www.facebook.com/pages/Ivory-Madisons (805) 379-9663

Page 41

Seasons The Shoppes at Westlake Village 30768 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village www.seasonsgiftsonline.com (818) 879-1190

% F OFS

50

EM CT IT SELE

E UR O S TO N E A M E R I C A 1491 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

805.379.4440 & 805.379.4441 Why wait? Open up your living space today

Marlene Mamiye, The Jewish Hostess www.thejewishhostess.com www.IKEA.com www.westelm.com

Page 42 “Through the Looking Glass” www.darlenegraeser.com

Page 48 “A Modern Man’s Vision” Glenn & Nicole Hobbs www.REuniqueHomes.com (805) 379-3791

(805) 273 - 5044

Eichler Network www.eichlernetwork.com

HOW Page 54 “A Moving Experience”

Agoura Sash & Door, Inc.

www.AgouraSash.com

Competitive Pricing Extensive Showroom Over 30 years of experience you can trust

Colborn & Associates 13183 Ojai Road, Santa Paula (805) 525-7943 www.colbornandassociates.com

FALL 2014 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 73

Final Word

ome hearth AND

“THERE IS NO PLACE MORE DELIGHTFUL THAN ONE’S OWN FIRESIDE.” —Cicero

74 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2014

F

or ages the idea of home and hearth has represented well being and comfort, a safe harbor from the cold, a place of peace. Men have gone to war to protect home and hearth while women waiting behind have tirelessly tended it.

Though we are not so naïve as to believe that behind every front door there’s a domestic Shangri-la, still we are drawn to the idea that there is that place where all is well and, no matter how far we stray, we are welcomed back.

—L.G.H.

N OW G N I S LEA

Calabasas' Premier Active Adult Apartment Community (55+) • Brand New • Multiple Floor Plans (up to 1,470 sq. ft.)

• Outdoor Pool, Spa, BBQ Area • Fully Loaded Chef’s Kitchen • Pet Friendly

Daily Concierge Services • Complimentary Housekeeping Resort-Style Controlled Access Community *Age restricted – must be 55 and older

Open 7 Days a W eek 9am – 6pm

855-635-1689

26705 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas, CA 91301 • www.horizonsatcalabasas.com

Find the PERFECT FIT FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT SINCE 1962, Thompson Building Materials has been the best building materials resource for the designer, builder, contractor and homeowner. We feature the largest selection of masonry, stucco and landscape products in Southern California.

So stop by our design center and you’ll find the greatest selection around plus vignettes of products to spark your creativity.

Bring in this Magazine

for 15% off Offer expires 11/30

Your Complete Home Resource • Natural & Manufactured Stone • Concrete Pavers • Stucco • Natural Thin Veneer • Valori Precast Products • Drywall & Accessories • Rebar • Block • Outdoor Kitchens • BBQ’s, Fireplaces & Much More We Carry Products by: El Dorado, Sparkstone, Olsen Pavers, Belden & much more!!

1515 Flynn Rd. Camarillo 805|484|4391

www.thompsonbldg.com