Beyond The Acorn Fall 2017 Camarillo

Beyond

 FALL 2017

THE ACORN

Living

cozy

Hygge tips from the world's happiest country Plus…

Dude, Be Nice

FROM THE HEART

Guide to Giving

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table of contents

22

FALL 2017

FEATURES 32 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

Three companies take time during the holiday season to give back to the community in big ways.

34 DINE IN DEUTSCHLAND

Willkommen Oktoberfest with a stein in hand and music playing at this authentic Bavarian eatery.

38 THE CHIVAS COMPLEXION

This mother-daughter duo creates artisan skincare products from the milk of goats they raise on their bucolic farm.

38

Greetings from the publisher and the editor.

NEIGHBORS 16 SPAMMING BROADWAY

Dan Rosales plays Lin-Manuel Miranda in a popular off-Broadway show.

18 HEART FULL OF LIFE

For Jacob Sipos, it's all about helping others to live.

INNOVATORS 20 IT'S ALL GOOD

Brent Camalich's apparel line bears a simple do-good message: dude. be nice.

ACORNUCOPIA 22 NIFTY GIFTS

Unique monthly gift subscriptions for everyone on your "nice" list this year.

GO BEYOND 24 EXPLORING WINE COUNTRY

Sip your way through Malibu's scenic and surprising grape-growing region.

AROUND THE TABLE 28 GIFTS FROM THE HEART

28

34

41 SIP & SAVOR

A guide to area restaurants.

42 GUIDE TO GIVING BACK

A curated list of volunteer opportunities around the region.

READERS CORNER 46 ROCKIN' THAT UGLY SWEATER

There's no shortage of cheer from these readers in their holiday duds.

FEELING GOOD 48 HOW TO HYGGE

Several tips on living well from the world's happiest country.

SCENE AROUND TOWN 50 Candids caught at local summer events.

AROUND TOWN & BEYOND 51 Music, art, theater, holiday events­—

there's a lot going on here in town.

SNAPSHOT 58 RIDING THE HIGH COUNTRY

The legacy of actors Joel McCrea and his wife Frances Dee permanently changed the Conejo.

These treats are extra sweet because they're made with love.

24

Waitress: MICHAEL COONS

S'more, llama: BOBBY CURTIS

10 WELCOME FROM BEYOND

Courtesy of CHIVAS SKIN CARE

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WESTLAKE VILLAGE REGIONAL 883 S. WESTLAKE BLVD. WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361 ©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Reisdential Brokerage.

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welcome

From the Publisher

I DISCOVER

LA REINA

We value the all-girls’ school advantage.

Learn about our nurturing, spirit-filled environment.

Meet our confident, capable, and compassionate students.

Experience firsthand how La Reina is leading the way!

OPEN HOUSE

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was young, living paycheck to paycheck. One day, I was walking down Ventura Boulevard and was approached by a woman about my age begging for food. She was barefoot, her feet stained black from being on the streets for some time.

There was a hopelessness in her eyes, and I was struck by how much she looked like me. One financial misstep and I could be her.

I bought her a hamburger and asked where she would be in an hour. Because I had no funds, I gathered a box full of food and toiletries from my apartment and returned. It really wasn’t enough. After that if there was someone I could help in some way, I would try.

There are many aspects of our lives we have no control over.

If we focus on this, the feeling can be overwhelming. With all the angst, pressures of the world, and the demands of family, why would we add one more thing to the to-do list of life?

The simple act of helping people, or animals or the environment, fills a void we feel in our otherwise self-centered lives. That’s why this issue is filled with stories of those who are making positive changes in the world—and opportunities for you to join the movement.

We’re sharing ideas for how to help not just during the holidays, but all year long. We hope you will make giving an integral part of your life, if you haven’t already.

Ease some of the harshness of life, give yourself a high and do something for another. There is no need to seek thanks or praise.

That’s not the point. It is knowing you have helped someone who is struggling. We never know when that struggling person could be us.

It’s about “paying it forward,” as the saying goes. Maybe the person you help will go on and help another. Give time, give money, give heart, give hope. Then you’ll know that you have changed a small part of your world for the better.

“I’m starting with the man in the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways And no message could have been any clearer If you wanna make the world a better place Take a look at yourself and then make a change” —Michael Jackson from “Man in the Mirror”

Reserve your Tuesday tour at LaReina.com/Tuesdays

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

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

Lisa Rule Publisher lisabeyond@theacorn.com

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

everyday day every

At Simi Valley Schools, valueand andcelebrate celebrateevery everyfamily family passing passing through At Simi Valley Schools, wewe value throughour ourdoors. doors.It's It'ssoso important to that us that we've madeit itOur OurPromise Promisetotoour ourcommunity, community, that we important to us we've made wewill willinspire inspireeach each and every student to succeed in school, career and life. and every student to succeed in school, career and life.

As Ventura County's second largestschool schooldistrict, district,our our28 28 schools schools provide As Ventura County's second largest provideour ourfamilies familieswith with many varied programs and courses that meet the needs and interests of every student many varied programs and courses that meet the needs and interests of every student coming to us.

Each school distinctiveand anddiverse diverseas asour our students students are, coming to us.

Each school is isasasdistinctive are, and andwhile whileallallofofour our K-12 schools follow state-mandated curriculum guidelines, each also offers more, through its K-12 schools follow state-mandated curriculum guidelines, each also offers more, through its unique and specialized classes, Pathways and extra-curricular activities. Our high schools offer unique and specialized classes, Pathways and extra-curricular activities. Our high schools offer the most Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes in the county. We have the many most schools Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes in the county. We have that are California Gold Ribbon winners and National Blue Ribbon winners, many schools that are California Goldand Ribbon winners and National winners,and along with numerous other awards acknowledgements that best Blue reflectRibbon the excellence along with numerous other awards and acknowledgements that best reflect the excellence and creativity found in our schools. creativity found in our schools.

Our website, www.SimiValleyUSD.org, contains pages and links filled with school and

www.SimiValleyUSD.org , contains and linksour filled with school Ourprogram website,information, as do the websites for eachpages school within District.

All of and program information, as do thestaff websites for each our District. ofgive tours our friendly, knowledgeable are available andschool excitedwithin to answer questionsAll and ouroffriendly, knowledgeable staff are available and excited to answer questions and their schools for curious families. Just call or email any school you're interested ingive andtours ask. of their schools for with curious families. call oranemail any school interested in and ask.

If you're already us, thank youJust for being important part ofyou're our family.

If you're already with us, thank you for being an important part of our family.

Simi Valley Schools: From here to anywhere.

Simi Valley Schools: From here to anywhere.

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

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

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Justin Early Learners Academy OTHER SCHOOLS (Comprehensive Preschool) JustinVista Early Learners Academy Monte School (Comprehensive Preschool) (K-12 Independent Study) Monte VistaforSchool Simi Institute Careers & (K-12 Independent Study) Education (Adult School)

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welcome

From the Editor

T

his issue of Beyond the Acorn is all about Giving. could sure use more of that these days, In these pages, we approach giving from lots of angles. don’t you think?

First, with the holidays coming, we’re all plotting and plan- We also recognize several local ning the presents we will give to our loved ones. (And, just maybe, businesses that have made a committhinking about the things we may receive as well.) ment to spreading holiday cheer in a

In Acornucopia (page 22) you’ll find some really creative pres- very real way—by providing Thanksents that keep coming all year long—subscription gifts. So once giving meals, funding shopping sprees you’ve figured out the perfect treat for someone on your list, you’ll at Target and giving delightful song know they’ll receive something on their doorstep each month, all and dance performances for the elyear long. Sign me up! derly. Please take a moment to read We’re also sharing recipes for delectable sweets that you can about their annual Acts of Kindness. make or bake yourself which make adorable and very personal holi- There is so much in this issue of Beyond and I have left what is day gifts. (Around the Table is on page 28.) perhaps the best for the last mention. Our Guide to Giving Back is

But giving can mean something altogether different. Something a roundup of area volunteer opportunities. We’re hoping that, once non-material and more substantive. For Jacob Sipos, an impressive you’ve been inspired by the many stories of others giving, you may young man born with a congenital heart defect, giving means aiding decide to join in the movement. other young people with atypical hearts. He started at age 5 (yes, really). Now 22, Jacob has been instrumental in helping several young Here’s to a bountiful holiday season for all, heart patients get lifesaving medical intervention. And he’s got more plans for his very bright future.

Brent Camalich takes another approach to making the world a better place. He has launched a clothing company with a simple yet Leslie Gregory Haukoos strong message: Dude, be nice! So, hand-in-hand with a growing Editor-in-Chief business, Brent’s spreading a message of positivity and optimism. We beyond@theacorn.com

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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 Stephanie Bertholdo, Ela Lindsay, Allison Montroy, Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff COPY EDITORS Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Allison Montroy ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Sarah Ely, West Maätita, Beth Thayer, Robert Ramirez WEB DESIGN Beth Thayer PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Coons, Bobby Curtis ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mona Uttal, Richard Singer, Sue Martin, Jennifer Carlo-Valdez, Diane Verner, Stacey Janson, Mary McCarter, Steve Saenz ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Kim Cummings ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLLER Andy McGinnis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Marilyn Burin, Donna Bondy 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 @beyondtheacornmag

facebook.com/ BeyondtheAcorn

Stanley the giraffe gets acquainted with Beyond photographer Bobby Curtis during the Malibu Wine Safari. Read more about this exotic adventure through wine country on page 24.

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neighbors

Dan Rosales

Spamming Broadway THIS ACTOR ISN'T THROWING AWAY HIS SHOT TO PLAY LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA Written by MARK WYCKOFF Photo by CAROL ROSEGG

D

an Rosales, star of the off-Broadway smash “Spamilton,” almost missed his shot at a performing career—twice.

Near-miss No. 1: The Conejo Valley native wanted to fill cavities, not theater seats. “I liked going to the dentist as a kid, so I thought it would be a cool career,” he says.

Near-miss No. 2: At Sequoia Middle School, he chose color guard over chorus.

“The way color guard was described to me was, ‘Oh, you get to run around and play with guns.’ I thought, ‘That sounds amazing.’”

It wasn’t. When he discovered color guard was actually “girls dancing and playing with flags,” he ran to the school office and switched to chorus.

Turns out this self-described “chubby Latino kid” was good at singing. And acting. As the stages he performed on got bigger, his dentistry dreams grew smaller. Now 27, and long free of his baby fat, Dan has hit the Big Apple bull’s-eye in “Spamilton,” a satirical musical that lovingly mocks “Hamilton,” the rap-driven Broadway blockbuster created by LinManuel Miranda.

“Hamilton” revitalized Broadway with its hip-hop score and racially diverse cast, earning a boatload of Tonys and a Pulitzer Prize for drama as it charted the rise and fall of founding father Alexander Hamilton, America’s first Treasury secretary. Miranda, of Puerto Rican descent, played the title role when it opened.

“Spamilton,” however, ditches the U.S. history lesson and makes Miranda the lead character, gleefully sending up his perceived status as Broadway’s savior. Gerard Alessandrini’s satirical lyrics transform Hamilton’s defiant “I’m not throwing away my shot” mission statement into a comical boast from 16 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Celebrate the holidays at the

CAMARILLO RANCH ADOLFO’S BIRTHDAY October 22, 12-4pm, FREE admission Miranda: “I am not gonna let Broadway rot.”

Dan plays Miranda in “Spamilton,” now at the 47th Street Theatre, and critics are raving. The New York Times called Dan’s portrayal “relentlessly intense” and Variety said he captured the author/ actor’s “edgy neurotic energy—and slightly squeaky voice.” After catching a performance, Miranda tweeted out a photo of himself with Dan and wrote, “I laughed my brains out.”

Playing Miranda in front of Miranda was nerve-wracking, but it gave Dan the chance to chat with the Tony winner.

“I told him how much of an inspiration he was to me, being a young Latino actor in this industry, and thanked him for everything he had done,” Dan says.

“Spamilton,” originally set for just 18 performances, opened in summer 2016 and quickly became a hit, helping establish Dan as a performer to be reckoned with. His mom, Danielle, a Newbury Park-based human resources officer, couldn’t be prouder. Ditto for Dan’s dad, Angel, an architect living in Honduras. Though his parents divorced when he was 7, they never stopped showering him with support.

That love is reciprocated. Last year, Dan visited his dad in Central America over the Christmas holidays and he made a secret trip back home to surprise his mom on Mother’s Day. She let out a shriek of joy when she saw him. “Then she started crying,” Dan says.

“And I started crying. Everyone started crying.”

Dan, a 2007 Newbury Park High grad, was still chewing on the idea of becoming a dentist during his freshman and sophomore years. But one of his teachers, Cameo Fasulo, urged him to give performing a serious shot.

His first paying jobs were small roles in Cabrillo Music Theatre productions (he was in the ensemble of “The King and I” with Debbie Gibson and played the Steward in “Cinderella” with Sally Struthers). After high school, he studied musical theater at Boston Conservatory of Music, graduating magna cum laude in 2013.

He immediately moved to New York, sublet an apartment so tiny that his bed “touched three corners of the room,” and started auditioning. He booked jobs singing on a cruise ship and voicing the character Carlyle Chesterton on the CW animated series “YuGi-Oh! Zexal.” In 2015 he got a big career boost—and a broken rib—playing Peter in a national tour of “Peter Pan 360.”

New York City’s full-throttle vibe is a rush, Dan says, but sometimes he longs for the Conejo Valley’s calmer pace.

“I miss the quiet so much,” he says.

Dan loves “Spamilton,” but hopes to one day make the leap into “Hamilton.” He’s auditioned for the show several times and recently had a work session with the creative team, who think he’s right for the role of Philip, Hamilton’s son.

His future, he believes, is in New York.

“In terms of success, I don’t need the material or the celebrity of it,” he says. “I’m just happy to be doing what I’m doing for people that seem to enjoy it.”

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neighbors

Jacob Sipos

Heart Full of

Life

A CHILDHOOD DREAM TO HELP OTHER KIDS WITH "SPECIAL HEARTS" DRIVES THIS YOUNG MAN'S AMBITIONS

18 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Written by STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO Photo by RICHARD GILLARD

Jacob Sipos is a medical miracle.

At 6½ weeks old, Jacob developed a cough. His mother, Debbie Sipos, remembers that day more than 21 years ago as if it were yesterday.

“I thought he was completely healthy and he got sick one day,” she remembers. “I had a really bad feeling.”

Debbie took Jacob to the pediatrician even though her baby seemed to only be suffering from a mild cough and was initially relieved that the doctor couldn’t pinpoint a serious medical issue. But because his cough was wet, an X-ray was ordered to rule out pneumonia.

The results came back quickly: Jacob’s heart was the size of a football.

The pediatrician was so alarmed that he told Debbie to “run” Jacob to the pediatric intensive care unit at Tarzana Medical Center.

“The faster my heart was beating the slower was his,” Debbie recalls. “He was in congestive heart failure and shock. I was told that if I had driven back home to Thousand Oaks, he would have died on the way.”

Jacob was diagnosed with complete atrioventricular canal defect (CAVC), which meant that one section of his heart was 98 percent obstructed. “He had a hole where the four chambers connect in the canal wall, which meant that he only had one common valve instead of two,” explains Debbie.

His parents were given three options: let him die; put him on the transplant list; or undergo surgery to keep him alive long enough until other interventions became available.

“Jacob looked at me, and as weak as he was, he grabbed onto my finger as if he were saying ‘don’t give up on me.’”

But giving up was never an option for the Sipos family. Jacob immediately had the first of four open-heart surgeries. All before he turned 5.

Doctors couldn’t say how long Jacob would live, but live he did.

Jacob’s mission Jacob is now a vibrant, 22-year-old paramedic in Ventura County. His wide grin and soulful brown eyes exude purpose, gratitude and intellect.

Living with the knowledge that his heart could unexpectedly turn against him doesn’t seem to interfere with Jacob’s good nature and love of life.

In fact, talking about life and death issues comes pretty naturally to this young man, whose old-soul vibe and matter-of-fact view of a life that might have ended all too soon reveal someone who is wise beyond his years.

Jacob’s memories of those early surgeries are understandably fuzzy, as is the story his mom recalls about just how his mission to help others began.

As weak as he was, he grabbed onto my finger as if he were saying 'don't give up on me.'

Flash back to just before Jacob’s fifth birthday. Debbie told him that he could celebrate with a big party and could choose any present he desired. Instead, Jacob told his mom about a dream he had that led to a different kind of celebration. In the dream, Jacob was told that he lived so he could help other kids with “special hearts” like his.

So instead of a party or presents, Jacob’s birthday was all about raising funds to bring a little boy from Ecuador to the United States for open-heart surgery. That birthday was a turning point, launching an effort that ended up defining many lives—Debbie’s, Jacob’s and the children who lived because of the fund they started.

The Jacob Sipos Honorary Heart Fund through the Ventura County Community Foundation opened in 2000. Jacob was 5.

Jacob is quick to clarify that without his mom and the many people who supported his vision with their efforts and donations, the message of that dream would have gone unheeded.

But that’s not what happened.

Though he doesn’t remember much about the foundation those first two years, his mom recalls that he was as involved as a youngster could be—attending all the foundation meetings, contributing ideas for fundraisers, speaking before crowds at hospital events and fundraisers.

When Jacob was 11, says Debbie, a child died of congenital JACOB SIPOS ON PAGE 56

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innovators

Positively catchy

Clothing company on a mission

It’s all good Written by ERIN NEWMAN Photo by SHANE LOPES

When Brent Camalich launched his apparel company, dude. be nice, in Ventura three years ago, his motivation went beyond producing cool clothes.

His goal was to use the hip styles and clever moniker to share a message of kindness and gratitude.

As a former broadcast journalist and news producer, Brent says he became “bummed out” by the mainstream news. Switching gears, he decided to create a hip-yet-meaningful clothing brand to help youth make positive contributions in their schools and communities. The dude. be nice styles—shirts, tanks, hoodies and hats all emblazoned with positive messages—are fresh and appealing for any age, but particularly relevant with teens and 20-somethings.

The dude. be nice website not only features great clothes but also offers ideas and inspiration for anyone wanting to spread good vibes. Projects inspired by dude. be nice have included flash mobs, pop-up parades, granting bucket list wishes and other feel-good surprises aimed at honoring everyday heroes like police officers, teachers and crossing guards. High school clubs (including one at Agoura High) have sprouted up across the country and the ideology has caught on in corporate culture as well.

Impressed with Brent’s community-minded philosophy and inspired by the feel-good videos on www.dudebenice.com, we were eager to learn more.

Dude. be nice isn't just a T-shirt catchphrase—it's Brent Camalich's way to motivate people to do good. www.dudebenice.com

20 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Beyond: What led to your passion for influencing kids?

Brent: One of the best work experiences I’ve ever had was running a youth summer camp. That was so refreshing and enriching for me personally, feeling like I was nudging kids in a direction that could set them up for future successes in life. Plus, this younger generation (Gen Z) often gets a bad rap, but I’ve found that they are incredibly socially conscious and want to make a positive impact, so we’re stoked to help them achieve that.

LOVE WHAT YOU HEAR AND HEAR WHAT YOU LOVE!

Beyond: How do you describe dude. be nice which, at first glance, might seem like a simple clothing company?

Brent: dude. be nice is an apparel company that connects people through style and stories. When you wear our stuff we hope it’s a helpful reminder to work on being more kind. And our brand comes to life through feel-good and thought-provoking stories, like the dude. be nice projects, that we hope offer a refreshing perspective on the world we live in and inspire human connection.

Beyond: What came first, the idea of producing clothes or the goal of connecting people and encouraging kindness?

Brent: We knew that the phrase “dude. be nice” featured on clothing immediately evoked a reaction from people like “what’s that?” or “that’s cool” or even “that’s funny!” so we started with that. But we knew that for us to be successful we had to also bring the brand to life through stories—particularly stories captured on video.

Beyond: What are the different ways people can spread the dude. be nice philosophy in their own communities?

Brent: There are a couple of ways to get involved with what we’re doing. First, rep our brand. If you’re a person who thinks kindness, positivity and gratitude are cool, grab one of our latest styles at dudebenice.com. Second, practice being more kind and open to different viewpoints. It will bring you more joy, too. And third, use some of the resources on our website to create moments of gratitude wherever you live, work and play. You could create a dude. be nice day or an entire week using our brand as the backbone.

Beyond: What impact has dude. be nice had so far?

Brent: Schools have quickly embraced dude. be nice because it’s just a natural fit as they look to improve campus culture. It’s also been really cool to see small and large businesses across the country integrate dude. be nice apparel and gratitude/kindness ideas into their cultures as well.

Beyond: What’s next for dude. be nice?

Brent: We will continue to push to be the uniform of people that want to make a positive contribution to their communities. We’ll do this through thoughtful designs and stories that connect people.

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go beyond

Day tripping

Wine

EXPLORING

COUNTRY

Written by ALLISON MONTROY Photos by BOBBY CURTIS

The growing Malibu Coast wine region effortlessly weaves celebrity chic into its rugged coastal charm. Only in this local escape can you, in one day, enjoy lunch in a paddleboat, find a rustic hideaway, share an afternoon snack with a giraffe and feel the spray of the sea as the sun kisses the Pacific goodnight—all with a glass of wine in hand.

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s how to put Malibu’s grapes to the (taste) test.

Local Vintners Share their Favorite Pours

Plan B Wine Cellars

2013 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley A classic pinot, elegant and subtle. Aromas of red fruit, a hint of spice and forest floor.

NABU Wines

2012 Malibu Coast Syrah, Trancas Canyon Bold, smoky, redolent of dark berries.

Nose reveals smoky core. Dark fruits and deep cherry flavors follow. Hints of sage on the finish.

Back Patio Cellars

2016 Paw Prints Rosé, Santa Ynez Light and refreshing grenache rosé. Crisp, fruity feel and finish.

Drink cold on a warm summer day.

Four Brix Winery

2013 “Scosso” Sangiovese blend, Paso Robles Warm, bold nose of raspberries, blackberries, tobacco and spice.

Cantara Cellars

2013 Petite Sirah, Mokelumne River Flavors of blueberry, blackberry and ripe plum combine with velvety tannins resulting in a long, flavorful finish.

Rancho Ventavo Cellars

2010 Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara County Mediumbodied red wine ideal for food pairing. Savory, pepper-like flavors, medium-high acidity, fine-grained tannins and mouthwatering taste.

Embark on Safari with Malibu Wines Tucked behind Mulholland Highway’s narrow winding road and vineyard-covered mountainscapes, there’s a menagerie of exotic animals that call Malibu Wines home. To meet them, hop in one of Malibu Wine Safari’s tiered open-air safari trucks for a unique wine-tasting experience exploring Saddlerock Ranch, the Semler family-owned land that encompasses 1,000 acres including 100 acres of vines.

Every time the truck rolls to a stop, you will have a chance to feed some of the “celebrity” animals around the ranch. Expect to see zebras, alpacas, bison, water buffalo and a herd of aptly named llamas (Michelle and Barack Ollama, Llama Del Rey, Dalai Llama).

The animals are always hungry for snacks and aren’t shy about selfies, but watch out—sneaky zebras have a reputation for giving unsuspecting backsides an affectionate nibble from time to time.

Depending on which tour you decide to take (there’s a selection of six), you may have the chance to visit Chumash cave paintings on the property, enjoy lunch in the vineyard or feed Stanley the giraffe, the affable, lettuce-loving giant who has graced the big screen in several hit flicks. All of these experiences come with plenty of time for (very encouraged) photo ops.

In between your animal meet-and-greets, you’ll taste six to eight red and white wines from the Saddlerock and Semler estate labels and snack on a small spread of crackers and jams in the vineyards.

Want to bring the kids along? Sign up for the Explorer Family Safari, which provides lemonade for the little ones.

It’s a bumpy, dusty ride (this is a safari after all) with little shade, so come armed with sun protection, good shoes and an appetite for adventure. Oh, and don’t forget the selfie stick.

See more safari adventures at beyondtheacorn.com.

Celebrating their

5th Anniversary October 8th 12 -7pm

ADVANCING THE ART OF CRAFT WINEMAKING Special wine tastings from 12-3pm, Live Music by The Vonettes, SoCal Comfort Food Truck, Desserts To Die For & Wine Specials will begin at 4:30- 7pm. A Local Celebration!

No Cover – check event website for more details

Open Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm for tastings Friday Summer Hours (July – November) 5-8pm

3520 Arundell Circle #107, Ventura • 805-233-1453 planBwinecellars.com FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 25

An Afternoon Tasting Tour through Malibu Wine Country

101 Fwy.

1:30 P.M. Cornell Winery & Tasting Room 29975 Mulholland Highway Cornell Flights: $10 Though this cowboy-infused tasting room next to The Old Place restaurant no longer makes its own wine, Cornell serves up tastings (on weekends only) from

3 P.M. Malibu Wines 31740 Mulholland Highway Malibu Flights: $15-$17 If you’d rather not take your wine-tasting experience on safari, you can still sip on Semler and Saddlerock wines at this popular outdoor tasting room where picnic tables dot the AstroTurf lawn.

Don’t forget to snap a shot with the chrome “WINE” sculpture by the entrance before you leave.

4:30 P.M. Hungry? Stop to refuel and play life-size chess by the lake at Calami-

FINE WINE · CRAFT BEERS · GOOD EATS · LIVE MUSIC WEEKENDS SATURDAY BRUNCH · DOG FRIENDLY PATIO

CAMARILLO VILLAGE SQUARE | 2390 LAS POSAS ROAD, SUITE H | CAMARILLO, CA 93010 805.991.7356 | WWW.RELMCAMARILLO.COM

26 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Kanan Rd.

M

C

Cornell Rd.

Mulholland Hwy. Las Virgenes Rd.

Malibu and the Central Coast in an eclectically furnished historic schoolhouse. Try a pour of one of nearby Colcanyon Estate’s award-winning red wines while you’re there.

Topanga Canyon Blvd.

S NOON SIP Malibu Grapes 2598 Sierra Creek Road Agoura Hills Flights: $14-$38 Start the day under the shaded rustic patio, tasting wines from some of Malibu’s finest boutique vintners. This cozy tasting room tucked into the trees is easy to miss from the road, but SIP’s comfortable country charm isn’t easily forgotten.

S C M R

R

SIP Malibu Grapes Cornell Winery & Tasting Room Malibu Wines Rosenthal Wines

gos Ranch’s photogenic Malibu Café (327 Latigo Canyon Road) or head to the coast for farm-fresh fare with an ocean view at Malibu Farm on the Malibu Pier (23000 Pacific Coast Highway).

6 P.M. Rosenthal Wines 18741 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu Flights: $14

The bright blue-and-yellow oversized picnic set next to the highway gives this place away. Weekend evenings you’ll find food trucks, live music and comedy shows on the expansive back lawn set into the hillside. In between tastings, join the surfers for sunset across the highway at Topanga Beach.

Please remember to choose a designated driver.

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around the table

Made Xxxxxxxx with love Xxxxxxxx

Gifts from the

HEART Sweet presents to make at home

Written by LESLIE GREGORY HAUKOOS Photos by BOBBY CURTIS

There’s nothing quite like a homemade gift. These recipes from three local companies make it easy to give the fruits of your labor this holiday season. It’s all because we believe loved ones—friends, family, even Fido—need to be reminded just how sweet they are to us.

CHOCOLATE SAVVY

Marlo Wright and her mom, Barbara Hoffman, started baking chocolate treats some 26 years ago, developing recipes at the kitchen table. At the time, Marlo worked full time and cared for her young children and Barbara was an E.R. nurse. They started by peddling their treats at craft fairs, farmers markets, online and on consignment, calling themselves Kandy Korner. Then, four years ago, Marlo opened her shop, Chocolate Savvy, in the Simi Valley Town Center and things really took off. “I begged Mom to come out of retirement,” Marlo says.

Today Chocolate Savvy is busting at the seams with Barbara baking four days a week (they sell some 2,000 cupcakes each month) and an enthusiastic staff that’s jumping in with creative ideas. (One staffer’s 6-year-old son dreamed up a cupcake with vanilla cream and Jolly Ranchers; they call it Sean’s Sweet & Sour.)

Nearly all of their goodies use chocolate because, as Marlo says, “that’s the meaning of life around here.” Chocolate Savvy offers gluten-free treats and custom bone-shaped cakes especially for the four-legged family members.

Simi Valley Town Center 1555 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley (805) 582-1030 www.chocolatesavvysimi.com

LOLLI & POPS

This sweet story began nine years ago when Sid Gupta and his father, Raj, bought a small group of struggling candy stores in Kansas and Oklahoma with the dream of becoming purveyors of the finest confections in the world.

The goal was to offer one-of-a-kind quality treats, like handmade English toffees and Belgian champagne truffles, and deliver them thoughtfully packaged and with incredible service. That vision has evolved into a line of fine candy stores—38 shops in 17 states with plans to launch 30 more next year. Lolli & Pops sources top-of-the-line confections from all over the world: Japan, England, the Netherlands, Madagascar.

One sweet aside: employees are asked to write a thank-you note each month to whomever they please. Management wants to reinforce the idea that thoughtfulness is at the core of who they are, a company that believes candy to be the most potent way to say “thank you,” “I love you” or “you’re the best.”

Their fine confections are available in Lolli & Pops stores, at select retailers including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Papyrus and Anthropologie and online.

The Oaks mall 228 W. Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks (805) 316-3055

NEWBERRY CANDY

One Christmas in the 1970s when finances were pretty tight, single mom Diana Newberry decided to make English toffee to give as gifts to family and friends. Her toffee was so tasty that, in later years, friends would request Diana’s homemade candy gifts. Over the years she expanded her menu, experimenting with other candy recipes until they were just right.

All the while Diana’s son John, a teenager when this all began, was at her side in the kitchen. “I was there learning with her the whole time,” he says.

John, a pianist who has worked at Guitar Center for 26 years, opened Newberry Candy in Thousand Oaks last December, featuring his mother’s recipes. “I have her cookbook, with all the notes in it.” Diana passed away one month before the store opened but John says she was thrilled with his plans for Newberry Candy.

John shares his mom’s recipe for Walnut Toffee Muffins, one of many recipes they developed that makes use of leftover candy following the annual holiday cooking spree.

3130 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 552-7692 www.newberrycandy.com

Westfield Topanga 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Canoga Park (818) 796-2250 www.lolliandpops.com

From left: S'mores for Santa, Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark, Walnut Toffee Muffins and Peanut Butter Apple Pup Cake (especially for dog friends!).

Place peppermint bark onto the other half of graham cracker.

Sandwich two graham cracker halves together to form a s’more.

Serve immediately.

*Can substitute mini marshmallows.

WALNUT TOFFEE MUFFINS Newberry Candy Makes 12 muffins

Although this luscious Peanut Butter Apple Pup Cake was developed with dogs in mind, humans can enjoy it too.

S’MORES FOR SANTA Lolli & Pops Makes 1

1 Lolli & Pops Snowflake Marshmallow* 1 Lolli & Pops Peppermint Bark Snowflake 1 graham cracker

Break 1 large graham cracker in half, placing one half of the graham on a plate. Top with 1 snowflake marshmallow. Roast, toast or broil until marshmallow is golden.

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1½ ⅓ 1 ½ ½ 1 ½ ½ 3 2 5

cups all-purpose flour cup light brown sugar, packed tsp. baking powder tsp. baking soda tsp. salt large egg cup milk cup dairy sour cream Tbsp. salted butter, melted tsp. vanilla oz. Newberry Toffee, finely chopped*

Preheat oven to 400˚. Line muffin pan with 12 paper liners.

In a large bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, mix egg, milk, sour cream, melted butter and vanilla.

Add liquid mixture to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened

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(batter will be thick and a little lumpy).

Fold 3 ounces of chopped toffee into batter.

Spoon batter into prepared 12 muffin cups.

Sprinkle tops with remaining chopped toffee.

Bake about 20 minutes. Do not over bake.

Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin pan. If needed, use a knife to loosen the paper cups; the hot toffee tends to stick. Let cool 10 minutes and serve.

* Toffee pieces should be no bigger than ¼".

John Newberry remembers: "When I was a kid around the holidays we would have toffee in the house all the time. There would be lots of crumbs that contained toffee pieces, chocolate and walnuts at the bottom of the toffee jar. Mom added these crumbs to lots of yummy things. This is one of those recipes. The walnut toffee muffins are not too sweet with a small toffee taste. The muffins tend to stick to the paper wrapper because of the toffee in them… but it’s worth it. They are wonderful.

"Also, try adding toffee crumbs to waffle batter. It’s so good!"

SALTED CARAMEL PRETZEL BARK Chocolate Savvy Makes 4 half-pound boxes 2 75 1 2

sticks salted butter mini pretzels cup light brown sugar pounds non-tempering melting chocolate Sea salt*

Preheat oven to 300°.

Line a ½-sheet baking pan with nonstick foil. Place mini pretzels flat, covering entire tray.

To prepare caramel, melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until mixture bubbles and begins to fold (approximately 7 to 10 minutes).

Pour caramel evenly over pretzels. Place in oven for 3 to 4 minutes.

Place chocolate pieces evenly on warm caramel. Sprinkle with sea salt. Bake for 2 minutes to melt chocolate. Remove from oven and gently spread the melted chocolate to cover all the pretzels.

Place tray in freezer for 6 hours and then break into pieces.

*Sea salt in a grinder works best.

And a special treat for dogs:

PEANUT BUTTER APPLE PUP CAKE Chocolate Savvy Makes 12 cupcakes 2 1 1 1

eggs cup smooth peanut butter, divided apple, finely chopped tsp. baking powder Rainbow sprinkles

Preheat oven to 300°.

Mix eggs, ⅓ cup peanut butter, apple and baking powder in bowl, stirring by hand until smooth. Line cupcake pan with paper liners. Spoon batter into liners until almost full.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden brown and inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool. Frost with remaining peanut butter. Top with sprinkles.

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Random Acts of

KINDNESS For these companies, spreading holiday cheer is business as usual

TROOP REAL ESTATE TURKEY DRIVE

Eighteen years ago, Century 21 Troop Real Estate agent Alex Gandel came to CEO Brian Troop with an idea: to provide Thanksgiving turkey dinners to local families in need. They fed 18 families that November, marking the beginning of an annual event.

Last year, with help from a collection of nonprofits, small businesses, corporate donations and tireless volunteers, the Turkey-a-Thon provided 2,880 meals to families. At least 750 of those meals were for military families at the Seabee naval base at Port Hueneme. Each meal consists of a 15- to 18-pound turkey, 5-pound bag of potatoes, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, box of stuffing and fresh easy-bake rolls—enough to feed a family of 10. Because of the growing community interest, the Troop Community Foundation now runs the company’s philanthropic events. This year, Brian hopes to make the annual good deed a 100 percent company-backed event; agents can now fill out sales reports to donate a portion of their closing sales to the turkey drive.

Brian, who has been in Ventura County for nearly 40 years, asks just one thing from the families receiving Thanksgiving meals: “When you get your feet back on the ground, come back and help.” And they do.

“People who came up to me thanking me five years ago for Thanksgiving dinner are now shoulder to shoulder with me slinging turkeys during the drive. It’s a powerful, powerful thing.” turkeydrive.c21troop.com email: btroop@troop.com 32 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Courtesy of THRIVE DANCE CENTER

THRIVE DANCE CENTER’S JOLLY SQUAD

’Tis almost the season when the Jolly Squad dancers spread cheer to folks at assisted living homes in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. For the past six years performers, ages 5 to 18, who study at the Thrive Dance Center in Newbury Park have been dancing their way into the hearts of many local elderly people.

It was the idea of Jennifer Maples, who owns and co-directs Thrive with Ahjalia Hall.

“I was inspired by my own dance teacher when I was young because she took us to visit senior homes,” Jennifer recalls. So, the tradition carries on.

“We started with about 40 dancers and now have about 90. We divide them into two teams so we can go to as many places as possible. Dancers rehearse for four weekends in November, with performances following in December.

“After the show, the kids will sing carols with the residents, and then go around and introduce themselves and shake their hands. That’s my favorite part.”

“We also do several community outreach programs during the year,” Jennifer says. “We collect blankets for a local animal shelter in February and in the spring collect dance costumes to donate. . . . And throughout December, the Thrive Dance Center hosts its own annual food drive to benefit the local Manna food bank.”

www.thrivedancecenter.com

Courtesy of JERRY SHAFFNER

JBS AUTO CHILDREN’S SHOPPING SPREE

Santa Claus doesn’t just come to Simi Valley with a big bag of toys. He stops at Target and takes kids in need on a shopping spree courtesy of Jerry Shaffner, owner of JBS Auto Service.

When Jerry’s friend Pamela Messier came to him in 2014 with an idea to help local families who were in need of holiday cheer, the duo turned to Facebook to solicit donations from the community. Jerry then matched the donated funds.

“It was a huge success,” Jerry remembers. The four-person committee that coordinates the annual event has since teamed up with the nonprofit Samaritan Center.

Jerry says they raised between $15,000 and $18,000 last year. Each child received $300 to spend at Target. “The neat thing is a lot of times the kids use the money to buy something for their parents,” Jerry says.

Volunteers accompany the children as they shop, making sure they stop to take pictures with Santa Claus. When they’re done, Jerry’s at the register to ring up their purchase. “Sometimes the kids are a little under, sometimes a little over, but we don’t mind. If they’ve spent a little more, I just make a donation.”

It’s a memorable experience for all involved, says Jerry. “There’s always a lot of tears. I had some guy in tears last year because some kid had never owned a jacket and bought himself one for the first time.”

thesamaritancenterofsimivalley.org FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 33

D

ine in eutschland

Written by ELA LINDSAY Photos by MICHAEL COONS

Amid robust greetings of willkommen, the toe-tapping sounds of oom-pah polka music and clinking steins of icy cold beer, Oktoberfest is in full force at Jeanette’s Edelweiss in Newbury Park.

When the doors open to Ventura County’s only Bavarian-style beer garden and restaurant, patrons step into a festive world where celebrations abound all year around.

Servers wearing German dirndls hoist massive mugs of brews and bring trays of authentic food to customers who are singing and dancing to tunes by the house band, dressed in traditional lederhosen. Before long dinner guests are linking arms with new friends just met around the family-style picnic tables and bellowing boisterous toasts of prost!

It’s no wonder if it all seems like an Oktoberfest scene out of a German movie. Although they have no previous restaurant experience, the co-owners, a husband-and-wife team, know what it takes to put on a successful production.

Jim Milio has worked in television, producing “Dog Whisperer” and producing, directing and writing on “Rescue 911,” and several films, among them, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

His wife and the restaurant’s namesake, Jeanette Buerling-Milio, is also a movie producer. She appeared on the cover of German Vogue’s Annual Business Edition in 2011, where she was touted as Germany’s only female 34 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Waitress Emily Noonan serves ice-cold beer to patrons.

Right, traditional German dishes, clockwise from bottom left: wurstsalat, rotkohl, apple strudel, pretzel and sauerbraten.

producer to make it big in Hollywood.

In addition to their work in Tinseltown, the couple’s latest production has been the restaurant they opened 2½ years ago. “It’s like producing a good movie with a good cast and wardrobe,” says Jim, “the chef is the director and live entertainment offers an elevated experience.”

Since dining is at the center of the production, Jeanette’s Edelweiss serves up classic German treats. They

are sharing a tasty menu of traditional favorites here: sauerbraten, rotkohl, wurstsalat and apple strudel. These delightful dishes translate into a classic Oktoberfest meal: German-style pot roast with red cabbage and a sausage salad topped off by a delicate apple dessert.

Head chef Rocco Suckert, fairly new to the Edelweiss family, brings a boatload of experience to the adventure as well. The German-born food wizard has had his own claim to fame in his homeland for over 25 years and has just come from a stint in Mongolia where he ran three acclaimed German restaurants.

The whole Oktoberfest experience would not be complete without the accordion-playing, tuba-toting and patron-pleasing music by the Polka Party Band, led by John “Festmeister” Baumgaertner, the former host of the Oktoberfest at Alpine Village in Torrance.

The band gets patrons of all ages involved on Friday and Saturday nights, engaging them in polkas and chicken dances and singing popular Deutschland ditties while schunkeln, the German phrase for folks linking arms while singing along to the traditional tunes.

Throw in 12 tasty beer choices—all made according to strict German laws meaning they consist of only four natural ingredients (hops, malted barley, water and yeast)—and you have the makings of a night to remember. Jeanette’s also serves lunch and tea time daily, happy hour on weekdays and brunch on Sundays.

“We’re not doing our job if you don’t have a good time here at Jeanette’s Edelweiss,” says Jim.

Reservations are recommended for Oktoberfest.

menu Sauerbraten Rotkohl Wurstsalat Apple Strudel

Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) Serves 8 to 10

3 cups red wine vinegar 4 cups red wine ½ tsp. juniper berries ½ tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. mustard seeds 10 bay leaves 3 ⅓ tsp. salt, divided 2 ⅓ tsp. pepper, divided 2 stalks celery, cut in half-inch pieces ½ leek, sliced 2 carrots, sliced 2 yellow onions, diced 5 tsp. olive oil 3 lbs. eye-of-round beef ½ cup thickener* ⅓ cup golden raisins 2 cups sugar Prepare marinade by mixing red wine vinegar, 3 cups wine, juniper berries, cloves, mustard seeds, bay leaves, 3 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. pepper, celery, leek, carrots and onions, with 5 cups of water in a glass or porcelain bowl.

Marinate beef for 5 days before cooking. (The acidic marinade helps tenderize the meat before it cooks.)

Remove meat from marinade, pat dry. Heat olive oil in large pot on stove. Brown meat in oil, turning occasionally until all sides are browned.

Strain vegetables from marinade. Add strained vegetables and 1 cup wine to meat. Simmer for 20 minutes over medium heat.

Add 4 cups of water and simmer, covered, for 3 hours on low heat.

Remove cooked meat. Strain sauce and return it to saucepan to thicken with ½ cup of thickener. Add raisins and sugar to sweeten sauce. Season with ⅓ tsp. salt and ⅓ tsp. pepper. Cut meat in thick slices. Serve hot.

For owners Jeanette Buerling-Milio and Jim Milio, serving traditional German fare is a lot like movie-making, requiring careful attention to cast, crew and wardrobe to create the backdrop for really good food.

36 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

*To make thickener, mix ½ cup water with 3 full tsp. of flour, stirring to remove all lumps.

Rotkohl (red cabbage)

Makes 10 to 12 servings

1 tsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, cut in small cubes 2 apples, sliced thin 2 heads red cabbage, shredded ¼ cup sugar ⅓ cup white vinegar ½ tsp. pepper 1 cup red wine ½ tsp. cinnamon, ground ½ tsp. ground cloves ¼ tsp. vanilla 10 bay leaves

In a large Dutch oven, cook onion and apple in oil over medium heat, about 5 minutes.

Stir in remaining ingredients. (Note: place bay leaves in mesh bag for easy removal.)

Cook, covered, until cabbage is tender, about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Serve warm.

This is an ideal side dish for braised meat, duck, goose and beef roulade.

Wurstsalat (traditional sausage salad) Makes 6 to 8 servings

⅔ pound Bratwurst or Beerwurst, sliced into small strips 1 medium onion, halved and sliced thin 6 small pickled gherkins, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. liquid from the pickled gherkins 1 Tbsp. mustard 2-3 Tbsp. sunflower or vegetable oil salt pepper, coarsely ground mild paprika ½ tsp. sugar

Combine sausage, onions and gherkins into a bowl and mix.

Combine all other ingredients in a shaker and mix thoroughly to create a vinaigrette. Pour over the sausage mixture and combine.

Let salad rest, refrigerated, for at least 2 hours. Remove it from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving.

Wurstsalat can be prepared the day before, which helps onions to become milder in flavor. Serve with fried potatoes or fresh German bread.

Apple Strudel

Makes 8 servings 18

1 2

Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced ¼" thick cup cinnamon cups sugar

Things are hopping at Jeanette's Edelweiss on weekend nights when the band performs traditional German music and patrons may find themselves singing along, linked arm-in-arm with other guests.

1

5 1

cup golden raisins Puff pastry Tbsp. almond paste egg, gently beaten

Preheat oven to 350°.

Place apple slices in large bowl or pan. Add cinnamon, sugar and raisins. Toss to disperse evenly.

Place one half sheet of puff pastry on baking sheet lined with wax paper. Spread a generous amount of apple mixture evenly on puff pastry.

Flatten almond paste, patting between your hands. Shape paste to resemble a long strip, about ½" thick and the length of the pastry.

Place almond paste on top of apples.

Add top layer of puff pastry, pinching sides all the way around to seal edges. Brush egg wash on top of strudel.

Bake until golden brown, approximately 20 minutes, rotating once to ensure it cooks evenly.

Serve warm, with Bavarian cream on the side.

Bavarian Cream 3 cups heavy whipping cream ¼ tsp. vanilla

Pour cream and vanilla into mixing bowl. Whip on high speed until texture resembles a fluffy cloud.

FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 37

Mother and daughter team up to make goat milk beauty products

complexion O

Written by ERIN NEWMAN

n a backcountry road lined with orange groves near Fillmore, a mother and daughter duo are reaping the benefits of fresh goat milk by turning it into soap and other natural beauty blessings through their company, Chivas Skin Care.

Donna Johanson and her daughter, Lauren Johanson Jones, purchased the rural one-acre property in 2009 as the headquarters for Chivas Skin Care. It’s dotted with a 1927 Craftsman house that serves as a small showroom, a large outbuilding where the soap is

38 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

produced, a former pump house (they have their own well) and a charming Airstream trailer (“People just love it—it adds to the ambiance,” says Lauren) all shaded by an 80-year-old ash tree.

Add to that a menagerie of animals near the iconic red barn. Of course there are the milk-producing French Alpine mama goats— surprisingly only six—and their adorable babies, but also chickens, a handful of orphaned calves that are being raised on goat milk, three tortoises and a pen of three pigs—Hamlet, Sir Francis Bacon and Piggles. “We do a lot in one acre!” says Lauren.

Photos courtesy of CHIVAS SKIN CARE

The Chivas

Donna Johanson and her daughter, Lauren Johanson Jones, rely on the wholesome goodness of goat milk as the basis of the artisan soaps, lotions and lip balms they create at the Chivas Skin Care headquarters in Fillmore.

Donna, a Santa Rosa Valley resident, arrives in jeans and plaid shirt, ready to work. Her main role is managing the farm operations and the goats and making soap. She opens the hatch of her SUV and out pops her sidekick, Oreo, a black and white pot-bellied pig.

About once a week Donna spends the night in the Airstream, usually Saturdays. The goats must be milked twice a day, every day, so she has staff to help with the milking, but “I always milk Sunday mornings. That’s my ritual,” she says.

Lauren, who lives in Ventura with her husband and stepson, specializes in product development, design, packaging, marketing and the social media elements of the company. She’s currently focusing on increasing the non-soap products and getting Chivas products into Whole Foods Markets.

Both women are fresh-faced, outdoorsy blondes with great skin, a testament to their handcrafted products, which include varieties of soap, lotion, eye cream, toner and lip balm. The two have worked

together 11 years following Donna’s foray into soap making, which began in the kitchen of her Santa Rosa Valley home.

Using goat milk first sprang from Donna’s concern for her family’s health. Inspired by the book “The Maker’s Diet,” by Jordan Rubin, Donna set about making goat milk part of the family’s diet by acquiring two goats. “One was especially prolific,” Lauren says.

“We called her Dolly Parton!”

The next challenge: what to do with all that goat milk. “My mom has always been the type of person to make everything from scratch,” Lauren says, so it’s no surprise that Donna began experimenting with soap making in the kitchen sink. Lauren recalls being impressed by a care package of soaps her mom sent to her at college. Gifts of the soap to family and friends evolved into a booth at Underwood Family Farms’ Oktoberfest event, the Camarillo CHIVAS ON PAGE 57

FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 39

Farm to you

Written by ERIN NEWMAN

Ojai Lavender Farms

Nestled in the rolling hills of the upper Ojai Valley and framed by the beautiful Topa Topa Mountains, a swath of former pastureland stands covered in rows of fragrant, gray-green and violet lavender plants.

Ojai Lavender Farms, owned by Tony and Diana Luboff, produces several varietals of lavender, all organically grown using sustainable methods. The couple, who had enjoyed attending the Ojai lavender festivals, became interested in growing the droughttolerant shrub on their own land as it was so well-suited to the climate. Eventually dedicating part of their 10 acres to lavender, the couple set about using their harvest in sachets, essential oils, sprays, soaps and lotions, which they sell from a small store in their house as well as at festivals and online.

Visitors are welcome to drop by the eco-friendly farm during the growing season (a phone call first is appreciated) to enjoy the view and peruse the shop, says Tony, adding that the peak season is from early June to late August. Ojai Lavender Farms products can also be found on their website, at Calabasas Saddlery and at several shops in Ojai.

11550 Topa Vista Road, Santa Paula www.ojailavenderfarms.com | (805) 340-4276

Bogue Milk Soap

Riding the wave of the farm-to-table trend, the mother-son team of Susan Bogue and Adam Newton-Bogue offer natural, artisanal soaps in a movement they’ve dubbed “farm to bath.”

Bogue Milk Soap’s bodycare line includes a selection of soaps, scrubs, shave kits and washes, carefully crafted from ingredients primarily sourced from the Ojai Valley, including fresh goat milk—a natural emollient—and oils infused with beneficial herbs like lavender, calendula and chamomile.

Adam, whose grandparents settled in Ojai in the 1960s, returned to his roots after a successful stint developing restaurants in L.A. and New York. He shares a simple philosophy with his mother, who founded the bodycare business in 2001—using the best local, organic products, mixed in small batches by hand.

Bogue products can be found on the shelves of Whole Foods Market, or purchased directly from Bogue online. www.boguemilksoap.com

The term “farm fresh” doesn’t only apply to food.

Plenty of locally sourced or created handmade products for the body and home are literally sprouting up on local fields and farms. The bounty of goodies provides a great reason to venture into scenic rural backcountry of Ventura County, although some are just a click away!

Alpacas and Beyond

Just east of Somis Road on Highway 118 lies a mecca for alpacas. The smaller, curious and friendly cousins of llamas are prized for their silky fiber, a lightweight, non-itchy form of thermal insulation that comes in 22 sumptuous colors—beiges, fawns, browns, grays and rose grays—all beautiful variations of the animals’ coats.

Although alpaca fiber is used for sweaters and socks, it’s not referred to as wool, according to Alpacas and Beyond owner Kim Marziole. Kim’s shop, on her nearly six acres of land in Somis, sells skeins of fibers from her herds. The shop also carries exquisite sweaters, shawls, hats, gloves, socks, slippers and blankets. The company also partners with Peruvian artisans in the design and crafting of apparel, supporting economic development.

The shop is generally open Monday through Saturday, but call first to make sure that Kim isn’t out tending to her 38 alpacas.

5837 E. Los Angeles Ave., Somis www.alpacasandbeyond.com | (818) 398-2886

Bennett’s Honey Farm

Bennett’s Honey Farm, a family-owned honey producing and bottling facility near Fillmore, has hives abuzz with bees, a delightful honey tasting room and a shop stocked with a wide selection of honey varieties to choose from, all on a street aptly named Honey Lane.

Located in the Heritage Valley, a charming, rural expanse of farmland dotted with the historic towns of Santa Paula, Piru and Fillmore all dating back to the 1800s, the farm is a popular stop for tourists, especially those aboard the Fillmore & Western Railway.

Although guests flock to the tasting rooms to sample Bennett’s honey, visitors can also check out the shop for several non-food goodies like candles, soap, lip balm and lotion, all derived from the farm’s honey, beeswax and honeycomb. The store also carries a charming selection of bee-themed household and decorative goods such as tea towels and other great gift ideas.

3176 Honey Lane, Fillmore www.bennetthoney.com | (805) 521-1375

S

IP & SAVOR

SHARKY’S WOODFIRED MEXICAN GRILL $ MEXICAN | Innovative menu strives to use fresh, natural and organic ingredients combined with unique cooking styles for enhanced flavor and the promise of excellence and satisfaction. In Camarillo, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura and a new location in Oxnard. www.sharkys.com LD CAMARILLO AGAVE MARIA’S RESTAURANT & CANTINA $ MEXICAN | Award-winning Mexican food and margaritas. Menu offers a wide variety of entrees such as chile verde, chicken mole, rib-eye steak and barbecue chicken salad.

Pixie margaritas on the patio are a special treat.

710 Arneill Road agavemarias.com (805) 383-2770 LD MONEY PANCHO $$ MEXICAN | Family-run restaurant serves authentic, homemade food and the best margaritas in town. Book your event in newly redesigned dining area and bar or have Money Pancho cater in your home.

3661 Las Posas Road www.moneypancho.com (805) 484-0591 BLD

Great spots to dine, drink and enjoy the local flavor WESTLAKE VILLAGE

WINERIES

HARVEST KITCHEN & BAR $$$ AMERICAN | Local and seasonally inspired cuisine is served in two private dining rooms as well as on the patio warmed by fire pits and in the relaxing lounge area. Happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 p.m.

880 S. Westlake Blvd. westlake.regency.hyatt.com (805) 557-4710 BLD

VENTURA

AGOURA HILLS TWISTED OAK TAVERN $$ GASTROPUB | A unique twist on the classic tavern. Twisted Oak combines an in-house brewery and full bar featuring craft cocktails with a scratch kitchen preparing pub cuisine.

Awarded Best Beer Bar in California by craftbeer.com.

30105 Agoura Road www.twistedoaktavern.pub (818) 735-0091 LD CAFE BIZOU $$-$$$ FRENCH | Top quality service, delicious food in a family-friendly, cozy and candle-lit setting. New location in Agoura Hills now open. Also offers $2 corkage fee and soup and salad specials.

30315 Canwood St. www.cafebizou.com (818) 991-9560 D Res

PLAN B WINE CELLARS $-$$$ TASTING ROOM AND WINERY | This working winery and tasting room specializes in red varietals. Home of Second Sunday Suppers with live music and local food trucks. Tasting in the Barrel Room Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

3520 Arundell Circle #107 www.planbwinecellars.com (805) 233-1453 No food service CAMARILLO BACK PATIO CELLARS $-$$$ WINERY | Small boutique winery crafts artisan wines that have the casual elegance to be enjoyed with a good meal or relaxing on your back patio. Mostly red wines. Raise a glass and become friends and family.

930 Flynn Road, Unit F www.backpatiocellars.com (805) 388-3457 No food service

CANTARA CELLARS WINERY

$-$$$ TASTING ROOM AND EVENT SPACE | Perfect setting for a fun afternoon of wine tasting or enjoying a glass or a bottle of wine accompanied by a lovely cheese plate. Call for event planning.

126 N. Wood Road #104 www.cantaracellars.com (805) 484-9600 L, Appetizers WESTLAKE VILLAGE NABU WINES $-$$$ TASTING ROOM | NABU makes wines from grapes grown in the local Santa Monica Mountains and the Napa Valley. Currently producing chardonnay and syrah from Malibu and pinot gris, merlot and cabernet sauvignon from Napa.

2649 Townsgate Road #200 nabuwines.com (818) 835-3704 No food service

TAVERN 101 $-$$ AMERICAN GRILL & TAP HOUSE | Offering the most delicious barbecue in Ventura County as well as juicy burgers, sandwiches and salads. Catering packages and a children's menu for the little ones are also available.

28434 Roadside Drive www.taverngrills.com (818) 991-7227 LD, Sunday Brunch,

Happy Hour

THOUSAND OAKS MOQUECA BRAZILIAN RESTAURANT $$ BRAZILIAN | Savory seafood dishes are cooked and served in handcrafted clay pots. Delicious fresh vegetable stew. Steaks, salads and pastas are also a must try as is the Caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail made with cachaça, to complete the authentic Brazilian experience.

1610 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.moquecarestaurant.com (805) 230-3585 LD Res

Symbol Guide $.....Average entrée $15 or under $$.....Average entrée $16 - $25 $$$.....Average entrée $26 - $35 $$$$ .....Average entrée $36 and higher B.....Breakfast L.....Lunch D.....Dinner Res.....Reservations suggested

THE GRILL $$$

AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE | A contemporary steakhouse with exceptional cuts cooked over a live fire, robust sides and impeccable wines and spirits in a chic ambiance with modern décor.

120 Promenade Way, Westlake Village thegrill.com (805) 418-1760 BLD, Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 41

Guide to Giving Back “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”

—Elizabeth Andrew

T

here’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than taking some time to lend a hand to those in need. And there is plenty of need, even here in our fine community.

Find what speaks to your heart in our guide to volunteer opportunities throughout the region. We’ve compiled a list of charities and nonprofits that make it their mission to help the less fortunate not just during the holidays, but all year long.

You’ll find organizations that support the environment, the military, children, the elderly, the ill, the homeless and animals.

Think of this list of nonprofits as a place to start. There are many more places that need volunteers. And don’t forget to check out local hospitals, senior communities and care centers, clinics and Boys & Girls Clubs. Local museums and culture centers are always looking for volunteer docents. Also check out volunteer.org for even more opportunities.

42 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

MILITARY Operation Gratitude Collect and donate leftover Halloween candy for deployed soldiers or help write letters of appreciation to be included in care packages for troops.

21100 Lassen St., Chatsworth (800) 651-8031 www.operationgratitude.com

For The Troops Help this nonprofit operation send care packages to troops abroad by donating items, becoming a sponsor or helping pack boxes.

2960 Cochran St., Simi Valley (805) 306-0830 www.forthetroops.org

Operation Homefront Nationwide operation provides food, financial help, repairs and aid to the families of service members and wounded warriors.

www.operationhomefront.org

Gold Coast Veterans Foundation Help veterans transition back to civilian life through education and career resources, healthcare and housing assistance.

4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Ste. D Camarillo (805) 482-6550 www.gcvf.org

Ventura County Stand Down Donate clothing, food and medical supplies to homeless veterans or join the Adopt-a-Veteran Program through the Thousand Oaks’ Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 11395.

(805) 573-3158 www.venturacountystanddown.org

Ventura County Military Collaborative Operation Snowflake brings Santa Claus out for an afternoon with veterans, military personnel and loved ones who are struggling during the holidays. Help out by donating toys and gifts or by

volunteering at the event.

4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Suite O Camarillo (805) 983-4850 www.vcmilc.org Pets for Vets By pairing up shelter animals and veterans, this nonprofit fosters companionship.

ventura-ca.petsforvets.com

Gary Sinise Foundation Unique programs founded by “Forrest Gump” actor Gary Sinise serve veterans and their families and aim to build veteran communities.

www.garysinisefoundation.org

Salvation Army Various volunteer and donation opportunities to help feed, clothe, comfort and care for veterans and others in need.

Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Oxnard www.salvationarmyusa.org

KIDS Toys for Tots Foundation Local volunteers help collect, sort, store and organize new and unwrapped toys that will be given to children in the community.

port-hueneme-ca.toysfortots.org

Casa Pacifica The volunteer-run Children’s Holiday Boutique gives kids the opportunity to shop for (donated) holiday gifts for loved ones.

1722 S. Lewis Road, Camarillo (805) 366-4040 www.casapacifica.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Holiday Angels program provides gifts for in-need children.

4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Ste. J Camarillo (805) 484-2282 bbsvc.org

Assistance League Ventura County Donations needed for Operation School Bell program, which provides school clothes to children.

913 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura (805) 643-2458 assistanceleagueventuracounty.org

Children’s Services Auxiliary of Ventura County Through donations made to the Holiday Toy Store, disadvantaged parents and guardians can shop for holiday presents for their children free of charge.

My Stuff Bags This foundation delivers duffels filled with donated toys, toiletries, clothes and blankets to kids who had to leave everything behind when brought to foster care.

5347 Sterling Center Drive Westlake Village (818) 865-3860 www.mystuffbags.org

Many Mansions Read to and make crafts with children ages 5 to 12 once a month or assist with everyday homework and tutoring needs. Annual Bowls of Hope event in November helps provide affordable housing to families in the region.

1259 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 496-4948 www.manymansions.org

Golden Heart Ranch Volunteers assist developmentally disabled teens and young adults in crafts, games, and ranch responsibilities in rural setting.

3190 Triunfo Canyon Road Agoura Hills (818) 620-7333 www.goldenheartranch.org

ELDERLY/SICK Cancer Support Community Help with special events, monthly workshops and educational programs and general office work.

530 Hampshire Road, Westlake Village (805) 379-4777 www.cancersupportvvsb.org

Senior Concerns Volunteer at the Bargain Boutique and Thrift Store and the annual Love Run and Ultimate Dining Experience. Drivers also needed for Meals on Wheels program.

401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 497-0189 www.seniorconcerns.org www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org

Shop Ahoy!

Volunteers shop and deliver weekly groceries to seniors living alone in Ventura County.

(805) 236-1267 shopahoy.org

Caregivers Volunteers are paired with homebound elders to provide companionship and basic assistance several hours a week.

1765 Goodyear Ave., No. 205, Ventura (805) 658-8530 vccaregivers.org

(805) 654-3220 www.csavc.org

Potts Dental LET OUR FAMILY TREAT YOUR FAMILY

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$

Exam, X-rays & Cleaning

$335 value. New Patients only. We do not participate in MediCal. Expires in 4 weeks.

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“if everyone in the world had a Dr. Potts to go to, no one would be afraid to visit the dentist.” – Sheri D.

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445 Rosewood Ave, Suite P Camarillo, CA 93010

PottsDental.com

One Incredible Family, Inc. Be part of a holiday yuletide caroling program for the elderly.

(310) 313-0123, ext. 1 www.oneincrediblefamily.org

Camarillo Health Care District Help make meals for seniors, conduct crafts and activities in the Adult Day Center, volunteer on the Senior Support Line and help seniors via phone who are lonely, isolated or searching for community resources.

3639 E. Las Posas Road, Ste. 117 Camarillo (805) 388-1952, ext. 112 www.camhealth.com

Home Instead Senior Care “Be a Santa to a Senior” program brings holiday gifts to elderly who may otherwise not receive any.

6593 Collins Drive, Moorpark (805) 577-0926 www.beasantatoasenior.com

HOMELESS Westminster Presbyterian Church Serve hot meals and offer compassion and encouragement to the homeless every Wednesday evening. From December through March, a place to sleep and shower is also provided; volunteers are needed to host the sleepovers and donate supplies.

32111 Watergate Road Westlake Village (818) 889-1491 www.wpcwestlake.org

Conejo Valley Meal and Winter Shelter Program Volunteers prepare, cook and serve hot meals nightly at various locations participating in this Lutheran Social Services of Southern California program.

From Dec. 1 through March 31, volunteers are needed to staff winter shelters.

(805) 497-6207 www.lsssc.org

Many Meals of Camarillo Pitch in and help this nonprofit volunteer organization serve hot meals to the homeless and others every Monday and Thursday evening.

St. Mary Magdalen Church Hall (Mondays) 25 N. Las Posas Road, Camarillo Trinity Presbyterian Church (Thursdays) 2304 Antonio Ave., Camarillo manymealsofcamarillo.org Ventura County Rescue Mission Help with meal preparation,

meal service and clean up, plus sorting and stocking food donations at this men-only facility.

Tutors, counselors and facility maintenance volunteers also are needed. Children 10 and older can volunteer if accompanied by adult.

234 E. Sixth St., Oxnard (805) 436-4599 vcrescuemission.org

Lighthouse for Women & Children Volunteer at Lighthouse’s yearround emergency shelter which serves homeless single women and mothers with children.

150 N. Hayes Ave., Oxnard (805) 385-7200 vcrescuemission.org

The Kingdom Center Women’s Shelter Adult and youth volunteers are needed to help serve nightly meals, provide child care and assist with grounds maintenance at this faith-based shelter, which serves homeless women and children.

1450 S. Rose Avenue, Oxnard (805) 487-3445 tkcoxnard.org

Homeless count Volunteer for the annual count and survey of homeless persons in Ventura County in late January.

The collected data is used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help determine how much money to allocate for local homeless services.

(805) 658-4342 www.venturacoc.org

Schools on Wheels Volunteer tutors are needed to work one-on-one with homeless youth in Ventura County. The weekly sessions take place at shelters, foster homes, schools, libraries and other locations.

(805) 641-1678 www.schoolonwheels.org

Homeless 2 Home This Lutheran Social Services’ program needs volunteers to help distribute sack lunches and clothing, provide transportation, and give resource referrals.

(805) 497-6207 www.lsssc.org

Samaritan Center Simi Valley Volunteers are needed to help staff the nonprofit center’s winter sleep shelters, open nightly Nov. 1 through March 31. Large facilities that can host a sleep site are needed, too, as are volunteers to collect and distribute basic needs

items to the homeless.

280 Royal Ave., Simi Valley (805) 579-9166 thesamaritancenterofsimivalley.org Moorpark Pantry Plus Volunteers can fill Christmas and Easter food baskets and assist during the Christmas Toy Giveaway. Next year, help is needed with Mother’s and Father’s Day lunches as well as help with back-to-school events.

612 Spring Road, Ste. 101 Moorpark (805) 529-0720 www.pantryplus.org

Ventura Community Services Center Individuals can collect new socks for the homeless and donate them to the center, which is run by Catholic Charities Santa Barbara/ Ventura County.

303 N. Ventura Ave., Ste. A Ventura (805) 643-4694 catholiccharitiesla.org

Manna Food Bank aimed at ending hunger in the Conejo Valley.

3020 Crescent Way, Thousand Oaks (805) 497-4959 mannaconejo.org

PETS/ANIMALS Cats Cradle Rescue Foster cats and kittens, help with adoption events or volunteer in the thrift store.

1954 E. Main St., Ventura (805) 485-8811 www.catscradlerescue.org

Shelter Hope Pet Shop Volunteers needed to work in the store and foster dogs at night.

193 N. Moorpark Road, Ste. F Thousand Oaks (805) 379-3538 www.shelterhopepetshop.org

Animal Rescue Volunteers Foster a pet or volunteer at the annual fundraising event, the Wag 'n Walk, on Sept. 30.

(805) 579-8047 arvsimi.org

Humane Society of Ventura County Volunteer at this private, nonprofit shelter that rescues homeless, neglected or abandoned animals.

402 Bryant St., Ojai (805) 646-6505 www.hsvc.org

Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center Help feed, groom, walk and socialize the center’s animals.

705 E. Santa Paula St., Santa Paula (805) 525-8609 santapaulaarc.org Canine Adoption and Rescue League Care for sick, unwanted, abandoned and homeless dogs.

Organization advocates for animal welfare through adoption, education and outreach.

901 Mission Rock, Santa Paula (805) 644-7387 carldogs.org

Rancho St. Francis Help groom, exercise and socialize rescue horses.

2834 Borchard Road, Newbury Park (805) 480-3039 www.ranchostfrancis.org

Paw Works Adults can volunteers in Paw Works’ pet adoption stores in Thousand Oaks and Ventura.

Kids 6 to 15 are needed to spread the word about animal rescue at schools and community events.

79 E. Daily Drive, Ste. 515, Camarillo (805) 852-1744 pawworks.org

Greyfoot Rescue & Sanctuary Clean, feed, socialize cats and help with adoption events for this no-kill organization that adopts out unwanted, abandoned and homeless cats and kittens.

(805) 649-2844 greyfootcat.rescuegroups.org

National Disaster Search Dog Foundation This foundation rescues dogs and trains them to join first responders in disaster search and rescue efforts.

6800 Wheeler Canyon Road, Santa Paula (888) 459-4376 searchdogfoundation.org Dogs on Deployment This nonprofit finds volunteers to board pets of military members while they are deployed.

(619) 800-3631 www.dogsondeployment.org

Organization for Respect and Care of Animals, Inc. Group works to educate public on sea and land animals.

79 E. Daily Drive No. 236, Camarillo www.orcaoutreach.org

GIVING BACK ON PAGE 57

is not an Oxymoron!

Studio Channel Islands

Holiday Art Market December 2, 2017 • 10am - 5pm

Our Biggest Event Open to the Public Interact with 40 Artists in Residence Behind the Scenes - See How It’s Done Fine Arts and Crafts - Unique Holiday Gifts Painting • Sculpture • Ceramics • Photography Printmaking • Weaving • Jewelry

FREE PARKING StudioChannelIslands.org FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 45

readers corner

Holiday fashionistas

Round Meadow Elementary School teachers Lisa Sallin of Thousand Oaks and Rachel Mittleman of Agoura dress up for an ugly sweater party at the school.

Rockin' that ugly

A T E ER W S Nothing says the holidays like duds so bad they're great, and Beyond readers were happy to share the best of the worst.

Teak (Thomas) and Bernadine Murphy of Thousand Oaks celebrate the season with a spot of satire.

Each year childhood pals Ian McKay, Alex Blackburn and Justice Bublitz, all living in Newbury Park, and David Bailey of Camarillo make a pilgrimage to JCPenney to find their Christmas sweaters for the season.

It's not exactly an ugly holiday sweater but we still got a laugh seeing Jamie Reinhart of Thousand Oaks decked out as Sasquatch Santa with friends Luna and Terra.

Missie the Chihuahua mix loves to don her holiday duds. She's best friends with Lisa Loessberg of Simi Valley.

RESTORATION • MAINTENANCE • REPAIR CATERING TO ENTHUSIASTS, INVESTORS, AND COLLECTORS IN THE SPECIAL INTEREST AUTOMOBILE MARKET PLACE.

Dana, Ray and Hayley Moss catch the holiday spirit with family members Roman and Marty Wickman of Glendale.

Hannah Slaven of Camarillo got all dolled up in a holiday party photo booth.

Even the oversized glasses, which, she says, make her look like her mom, were from the prop box.

New and Pre-Owned Vehicle Procurement Services, Consignment Sales.

Collector Auto Sales & Services.

Licensed Auto Dealer & Broker.

Indoor Collector Auto Storage.

Johnston Motorsports

3555 Old Conejo Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 Office: 805-262-8000 / Cell: 805-368-5228 info@johnston-motorsports.com www.johnston-motorsports.com

Lucy Reisch of Westlake Village topped her holiday outfit with a Christian Dior hat and asked her fiancé to shoot a pic.

COMING UP:

Once those marriage vows have been solemnly pledged the wedding party can really cut loose.

Please send in your wackiest wedding photos for the next Readers Corner.

SEND PHOTOS TO: beyond @ theacorn.com before Nov. 13.

FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 47

feeling good

Living well

HOW TO

HYGGE A GUIDE TO COZY LIVING Written by ERIN NEWMAN

If you haven’t yet heard of hygge, you will soon. A centuries-old lifestyle tradition in Denmark, living a hygge life means creating a feeling of well-being through simple, thoughtful rituals of self care. It’s cozy—sipping warm mulled wine by the fireplace in

wooly socks—as well as social, with the goal of creating an atmosphere that fosters good times with friends and family.

Denmark is routinely ranked as the world’s happiest country according to the World Happiness Report, an annual initiative from

the United Nations. Although slightly edged out by Norway this year, the people of Denmark have learned how to master the art of contentment to combat the long, cold, bleak Scandinavian winters that leave them in up to 17 hours of darkness each day.

Even in sunny Southern California, adopting some of the principles of hygge can improve quality of life.

Heading into autumn is the perfect time to give them a try.

PERSONALIZE. A carefully

curated display of treasured letters, books, old photos, yearbooks and other heritage pieces that bring you joy will make a house feel like a home.

5 Here are a few hints on how to create hygge in your home:

1

MAKE RUSTIC COMFORT FOODS. Simple, warm, from-scratch stews, soups, porridges, cinnamon rolls, mulled wine, cider, coffee and tea all nourish the body and the soul. They are also perfect for sharing with others, an important part of the hygge concept.

CREATE A NOOK. A cozy spot in which to settle in to read and enjoy a hot drink is essential. Include comfy seating, warm lighting, a soft rug and some snuggly warm socks to get into a hygge state of mind.

3

2

GET CRAFTY. Slow down by spending an afternoon engaged in a craft—knitting, baking, building a fire. Board games and puzzles also count. The end result is not the goal; staying present in the moment is.

GATHER TOGETHER.

Hygge happens when small groups of family, friends and colleagues spend casual evenings of good conversation in someone’s home, cooking and enjoying a meal together. No fancy dinner parties—the goal is for everyone to feel at home.

LIGHT CANDLES OR A FIRE. Residents of Denmark

burn on average 13 pounds of candle wax per person, per year, lighting candles around the home and at the table for every meal. Gathering around the hearth also inspires togetherness, as people are naturally drawn to warmth and light.

7

4 6

EMBRACE SIMPLE RITUALS. Find contentment

in everyday acts such as making tea.

Use a favorite teapot and a nice china teacup, enjoying the quiet as your tea brews. Take the time to sit and be still to savor the warmth and feel thankful.

{Hygge}

(pronounced HOO-geh) Hygge is the art of creating an atmosphere of well-being and coziness. It's a Danish word used to describe a feeling, a moment or an environment whether alone or with friends.

SCENE AROUND TOWN

Above, Thousand Oaks residents John and Karen Sayer are rocking to Neil Young tribute band, The Neil Deal, at the Summer Concerts in the Park series at Conejo Community Park in July. Right, Sandy Crawford-Goodman of Thousand Oaks enjoys the show.

50 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

LEFT AND FAR LEFT: BOBBY CURTIS

ALEX NEUMANN

Rotary Club of Camarillo and Casa Pacifica’s 25th Care for Kids Golf Classic brought out golfers and philanthropists alike for a day on the greens. Right, players head off for the shotgun start of the tournament. Below right, Justin Dunbar tees off while his teammate watches, hoping for a long drive.

ALEX NEUMANN

Summer fun

Fall 2017

AROUND TOWN & BEYOND HALLOWEEN HOLIDAY TRAIN RIDES Oct. 1-29

PUMPKINLINER

On Saturdays and Sundays in October, a fun-packed pumpkin patch is just a train ride away. You can pick the perfect pumpkin, ride a carousel, go on a hayride, traverse a pumpkin maze and nosh on barbecue sandwiches.

Oct. 21

HAUNTED HAYRIDE

Journey by rail to an eerie spot known as “Ichabog.” Upon arrival, enjoy a barbecue feast and encounter creepy creatures on a “spooktacular” tractor-drawn hayride.

Nov. 25-Dec. 10

CHRISTMAS TREE TRAIN

Santa will be on board as families travel by train to select a pre-cut Christmas tree.

Nov. 25-Dec. 26

Through Nov. 1

DARK HARBOR

The seafaring spookiness gets turned up a notch with more monsters, mazes and terrifying new scares.

Queen Mary 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach (877) 600-4313 www.queenmary.com

REIGN OF TERROR HAUNTED HOUSE

Explore 100 bone-chilling rooms and eight heart-pounding attractions at this house of horrors, voted the best professional haunted house of 2013 by HollywoodGothique.com.

Climb into your PJs and then board a vintage train for a snuggly trip to visit Santa Claus. On board, enjoy stories, caroling and cookies. Once you reach the “North Pole,” get your picture taken with Santa, ride the carousel and shop at Christmas craft booths.

Dec. 9

Oct. 21

There’s dinner to eat and a crime to solve on board this murdermystery dinner theater train.

Kids can dress up in costume, make Halloween crafts, decorate pumpkins and feed ranch animals.

“THE HOLIDAY” Dec. 16, 17 & 23

SANTA SHOPPER TRAIN

Need to do some holiday shopping? Take a train to the Loose Caboose Garden Center and Gift Emporium to find Christmas presents for everyone on your list.

Kris Kringle himself hosts this holiday-themed dinner train. You’ll get to sing carols, take pictures with Santa and dig into a hearty meal of sliced turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, veggies and dessert.

Dec. 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER TRAIN

Ring in 2018 aboard a vintage train filled with food, music and costumed actors portraying famous Hollywood stars. After dinner, there’s dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.

Fillmore & Western Railway Co. 364 Main St., Fillmore (805) 524-2546; www.fwry.com

Dec. 1

Celebrate with food, wine tastings, music and tours of the Camarillo family’s historic Queen Anne-style ranch house.

Camarillo Ranch 201 Camarillo Ranch Road Camarillo (805) 389-8182 camarilloranch.org

“CHRISTMAS MAGIC!”

Enjoy holiday carols and hear the stories behind them.

High Street Arts Center 45 E. High St., Moorpark (805) 529-8700 highstreetartscenter.com

Dec. 3

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805) 583-7900 www.simi-arts.org

HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH

Samuelson Chapel Cal Lutheran University 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3305 www.callutheran.edu/music

Tribute artist Raymond Michael performs a King-sized holiday show.

Leonis Adobe Museum 23537 Calabasas Road, Calabasas (818) 222-6511 www.leonisadobemuseum.org

DINNER WITH SANTA

The CLU Choral Ensembles and the University String Symphony will mix holiday standards and lesserknown carols.

“BLUE CHRISTMAS WITH ELVIS”

PUMPKIN PARTY

Dec. 20-22

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL CONCERTS

Dec. 1-10

Sept. 30-Oct. 31

Janss Marketplace (Above Gold’s Gym) 197 N. Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks (805) 492-1864 www.rothauntedhouse.com

NORTH POLE EXPRESS

Dec. 1-3

Dec. 10

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Tour Pleasant Valley homes decked out in seasonal splendor during this 39th annual charity event.

Various locations (805) 479-7777 meadowlarkserviceleague.com

Dec. 10-26

CHRISTMAS TREE LANE

Stroll or drive through one of Ventura County’s largest holiday light displays. Neighborhood residents spend weeks decorating their homes for this annual event.

F and G Streets, Oxnard www.oxnardhistoricdistrict.com

Dec. 15-16

PARADE OF LIGHTS

Makes no difference who you are, you’ll love this 41st annual celebration featuring boats decked

FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 51

out in twinkly lights sailing through the harbor. The theme is “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

Dec. 23

Ventura Harbor 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (805) 477-0470 www.venturaharborvillage.com

Don’t just dream about it, sing about it, as on-screen lyrics flash by while the beloved 1954 Bing Crosby film is shown.

Dec. 16

THE KLEZMATICS

The Grammy-winning klezmer band celebrates Yiddish culture with its “Happy Joyous Hanukkah” concert.

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

Dec. 16-17

“THE NUTCRACKER”

Visions of sugar plums will dance in your heads as New York City Ballet dancers Tiler Peck and Gonzalo Garcia join Pacific Festival Ballet to stage this holiday classic.

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 www.pacfestballet.org

this Childsplay musical.

“WHITE CHRISTMAS SINGALONG”

Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (323) 850-2000; www.laphil.com

THEATER Through Oct. 15

“CABARET”

As Berlin slips into the Nazis’ grip, denizens of the seedy Kit Kat Klub try to leave their worries outside.

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center 3050 Los Angeles Ave. Simi Valley (805) 583-7900 www.simi-arts.org

Oct. 1

“GO, DOG, GO!”

P.D. Eastman’s classic children’s book about dogs zooming around in cars, partying on treetops and modeling cool hats comes to life in

Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu (310) 506-4522 arts.pepperdine.edu

Oct. 6-22

“PATIENCE”

A milkmaid named Patience is pursued by a pair of poets in this operetta performed by the Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Repertoire Company.

A trio of drag queens travel across the Australian Outback in a beatup bus. The score is packed with classic pop tunes, from “I Say a Little Prayer” to “True Colors.”

Camarillo Skyway Playhouse 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo (805) 388-5716 skywayplayhouse.org

Oct. 13-22

805.302.1188 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices

California Realty

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52 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

Oct. 20-Nov. 19

High Street Arts Center 45 E. High St., Moorpark (805) 529-8700 highstreetartscenter.com

“PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT”

Moorpark College Performing Arts Center 7075 Campus Road Moorpark (805) 378-1485 www.moorparkcollege.edu/PAC

bclock@bhhscalhomes.com www.bhhscalhomes.com

Conejo Players Theatre 351 S. Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715 conejoplayers.org

Oct. 6-Nov. 12

Stellllllaaaa! Tennessee Williams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning classic about sex, lies and secrets rages to life.

Realtor®

Composer Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked”) breathes new musical life into this classic tale of an aging toymaker and his beloved wooden puppet.

“GREASE”

“A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE”

Bernie Clock

“MY SON, PINOCCHIO JR.”

Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747 www.hillcrestarts.com

Oct. 12-22

“Real Estate ...from the Heart”

Oct. 14-22

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” Joseph’s coat annoys his brothers and that sets into motion a rollicking tale about dreams, destiny, betrayal, resiliency and the powerful bond of family. With this season-opening show, Cabrillo Music Theatre rebrands itself as 5-Star Theatricals.

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 fivestartheatricals.com

Hot-rodding hooligan Danny Zuko romances sweet Sandy Dumbrowski in this musical about love, lust and peer pressure in the 1950s.

Oct. 25-Nov. 12

“TAKING SIDES”

A military tribunal investigates German classical conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler’s Nazi ties during World War II. The play, written by Ronald Harwood, is based on a true story.

Rubicon Theatre Company 1006 East Main St., Ventura (805) 667-2900 www.rubicontheatre.org

Nov. 3-19

“A CHRISTMAS STORY: THE MUSICAL”

Leg lamps! Red Ryder BB Guns!

Tongues stuck to flagpoles!

Everything you loved about the 1983 movie comes to life in this Young Artists Ensemble production.

Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747 www.hillcrestarts.com

Nov. 17-Dec. 17

“CHESS”

ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus teamed up with lyricist Tim Rice to pen this rock musical that combines romance, international politics and highstakes gamesmanship.

Conejo Players Theatre 351 S. Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715; conejoplayers.org

Nov. 30-Dec. 3

“A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER”

Monty Navarro stands to make a financial killing—if he can kill the eight relatives who stand between him and the family fortune. The Tony-winning musical opens Theater League’s 2017-18 season.

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 www.civicartsplaza.com

Dec. 8-17

“NUNCRACKERS”

The “Nunsense” nuns engage in holiday hijinks as they attempt to stage a production of “The Nutcracker.”

Camarillo Skyway Playhouse 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo (805) 388-5716 skywayplayhouse.org

Dec. 9

“FIESTA MEXICANA: FELIZ NAVIDAD”

This Mexican fiesta celebrates Christmas with performances by Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and a 35-member children’s mariachi band from Pacoima’s Haddon Avenue Elementary School.

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

MUSIC Oct. 5

ROGER McGUINN

The Byrds founder takes flight in a solo show. His vocals and signature 12-string Rickenbacker guitar sound propelled tunes like “Turn! Turn!

Turn!” and “Mr. Tambourine Man” to the top of the charts in the 1960s.

Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu (310) 506-4522 arts.pepperdine.edu

Oct. 7

TOM RUSH

The folk singer-songwriter, who counts James Taylor and Garth Brooks among his many fans, will perform

classics like “No Regrets,” “Circle Game” and “Remember Song.”

Scherr Forum, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 www.civicartsplaza.com

Oct. 7

“LEGENDARY LADIES OF MOTOWN”

Mary Wilson of the Supremes and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas dig through their hit-packed songbooks at this concert. In the 1960s, they racked up a collective 14 No. 1 singles and seven No. 1 albums.

D Major, Shostakovich’s Prelude and Scherzo for String Octet, No.11and Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings in E flat Major, No.10.

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

Oct. 19

“TO RAY WITH LOVE”

Soul-jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker pays tribute to one of his idols, legendary soul singer Ray Charles, at this show. He’ll be backed by Charles’ own orchestra and background singers.

Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu (310) 506-4522 arts.pepperdine.edu

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

Oct. 7-8

The singer-drummer, who lives in nearby Bell Canyon, mixes Monkees classics with tunes from his solo albums.

NEW WEST SYMPHONY

The orchestra’s season-opening concert includes Mozart’s “Cosi fan tutte” overture, Astor Piazzolla’s Muerte del Angel, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major and Manuel de Falla’s “El Amor Brujo” ballet featuring flamenco dancer Siudy Garrido.

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza (Oct. 7) 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks

Oxnard Performing Arts Center (Oct. 8) 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard (866) 776-8400 newwestsymphony.org

Oct. 8

“TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: MEMPHIS SOUL AND RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE” The show features William Bell, Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby Rush, Frayser Boy and the Stax Academy Alumni Band.

Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu (310) 506-4522 arts.pepperdine.edu

Oct. 12

ACADEMY OF ST. MARTIN IN THE FIELDS CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

The London-based group performs Korngold’s Sextet for Strings in

Oct. 20

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006 canyonclub.net

Nov. 12

LEONARD BERNSTEIN TRIBUTE

Areté Vocal Ensemble teams up with Los Robles Children’s Choir to mark the centennial of the famed composer/conductor’s birth.

Samuelson Chapel Cal Lutheran University 165 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3308 www.aretevocalensemble.org

Nov. 17-18

“SIBLING REVELRY”

MICKY DOLENZ

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006; canyonclub.net

Oct. 22

HERB ALPERT AND LANI HALL

The Grammy-winning couple— famed trumpeter/A&M co-founder Alpert and vocalist Hall—perform a joyful mix of jazz, world and American pop standards.

Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu (310) 506-4522 arts.pepperdine.edu

Nov. 2

MOSCOW STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Conductor Pavel Kogan leads the orchestra through an allRussian program featuring pieces

by Rachmaninov (“The Rock”), Tchaikovsky (Piano Concerto No. 1) and Scriabin (Symphony No. 2).

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

Nov. 3

DON McLEAN

such enduring classics as “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry Starry Night),” plays a solo show.

The Songwriters’ Hall of Fame inductee, who has written and sung

Tony-nominated sisters Ann Hampton Callaway ("Swing") and Liz Callaway ("Baby") will blend their knockout voices in a show filled with jazz and pop gems.

Rubicon Theatre Company 1006 East Main St., Ventura (805) 667-2900 www.rubicontheatre.org

Nov. 18-19

NEW WEST SYMPHONY

John Mauceri, founding director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, guest conducts as New West celebrates Leonard Bernstein’s centennial with pieces from “On the Town,” “Trouble in Tahiti,” “Wonderful Town,” “Candide” and “West Side Story.”

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza (Nov. 18) 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks

Oxnard Performing Arts Center (Nov. 19) 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard (866) 776-8400 newwestsymphony.org

Dec. 3

KENNY LOGGINS

The musician, who turned his 1984 hit “Footloose” into a children’s storybook last year, will mix solo hits (“Danger Zone,” “I’m Alright,” “This Is It”) and Loggins & Messina classics (“House at Pooh Corner,” “Danny’s Song”).

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006 canyonclub.net

FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 53

DEC. 8

Anyway?” performs.

comedy act.

Levity Live The Collection Riverpark 591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard (805) 457-5550 oxnard.levitylive.com

JAZZ COLLECTIVE

The CLU ensemble, under the direction of Uziel Colon, performs standards and modern classics.

Preus-Brandt Forum Cal Lutheran University 135 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3306 www.callutheran.edu

Dec. 7

Oct. 9-15

VENTURA COMEDY FESTIVAL

Brash wiseacre Gilbert Gottfried and more than 200 other stand-up stars are slated to perform at this seventh annual chuckle fest.

COMEDY Oct. 4

CRISTELA ALONZO

The first Latina to create, produce and star in her own U.S. network series (ABC’s “Cristela”)—performs her stand-up act.

Levity Live The Collection Riverpark 591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard (805) 457-5550 oxnard.levitylive.com

Various venues (805) 644-1500 venturacomedyfestival.com

Oct. 14

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

NICK SWARDSON

The actor, who played Terry Bernadino in “Reno 911!” and stars in Comedy Central’s “Typical Rick,” performs his

RITA RUDNER

The wry comic, the star of seven HBO specials and more than 2,000 Las Vegas shows, brings her act to SoCal.

Smothers Theatre Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu (310) 506-4522 arts.pepperdine.edu

UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE ALL-STARS

Alumni from the famed sketch comedy group perform.

Oct. 5-7

Levity Live The Collection Riverpark 591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard (805) 457-5550 oxnard.levitylive.com

Oct. 27-29

WAYNE BRADY

The quick-thinking star of the improv series “Whose Line Is It

DANCE Oct. 19-22

“DEVISED WORKS”

Students perform short plays, spoken word performances and dance pieces.

Preus-Brandt Forum Cal Lutheran University 135 Chapel Lane, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3452 callutheran.edu

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Oct. 5-Nov. 9

“VULNERABILITY INVISIBILITY”

Photographer Mary Fashbaugh incorporates braille into her portraits which explore human interactions.

Kwan Fong Gallery of Art and Culture Cal Lutheran University 120 Memorial Parkway Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3697 callutheran.edu/kwanfong

Oct. 14-16

OJAI STUDIO ARTISTS TOUR

Watch artists at work in their own studios during this self-guided tour.

Various locations in Ojai www.ojaistudioartists.org

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Oct. 28

Nov. 11

Romance and tragedy collide in Tchaikovsky’s famed ballet. This production, by the Russian Grand Ballet, includes the rarely seen “Waltz of the Black Swans.”

Let go of your inhibitions and sing along during a screening of Disney’s animated hit “Frozen.”

“SWAN LAKE”

“From First Home to Dream Home”

California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks 1948 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 405-5240; cmato.org

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 www.civicartsplaza.com

Nov. 11

DIAVOLO

The SoCal ensemble performs pieces from its past as well as a new work, “The Veterans Project.”

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

FINE ART Through Dec. 9

“EXPOSED: THE FEMALE LENS IN A POST-IDENTITY ERA?” Jo Ann Callis, Arden Surdam, Sant Khalsa and other female photographers examine identity.

“FROZEN SING-ALONG”

Scherr Forum, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 www.civicartsplaza.com

WINE AND SPIRITS EVENTS Oct. 1

MOORPARK BEER FESTIVAL

The eighth annual event spotlights local breweries, food trucks and vendors.

High Street in downtown Moorpark www.moorparkbeerfestival.com

Dec. 2

WINTER WINE WALK

Sample spirits and listen to live music as you window shop.

Main Street, downtown Ventura (805) 628-9588 venturawinterwinewalk.com

FESTIVALS AND FAMILY FUN Sept. 30-Oct. 31

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

Enjoy pumpkin picking, pig races, corn mazes, hay pyramids, wagon rides, live music and lots and lots of food.

Underwood Family Farms 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark (805) 529-3690 underwoodfamilyfarms.com

Oct. 7-8

ARTWALK VENTURA

Art of all kinds will be for sale and on view at dozens of galleries, studios, pop-up venues and transformed PODS containers during this 24th annual event.

There also will be art demos, classes live music and food.

Various locations in downtown Ventura (805) 302-1660 www.artwalkventura.org

Oct. 12-15

REYES ADOBE DAYS

Celebrate California culture, both past and present, on the grounds of an historic 1845 rancho. Enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, puppet shows, cooking and history demos, museum tours, live music and food trucks.

Reyes Adobe Historical Site 30400 Rainbow Crest, Agoura Hills (818) 597-7361 reyesadobedays.org

Oct. 14-15

OXNARD STEAMPUNK FEST

Step into a whimsical fantasy world where science fiction collides with the steam-powered societies of the early 19th century. The festival will feature costume contests (bring your goggles and jet packs!), parasol dueling, a bazaar, performances by The Velveteen Band and the Barrel House Wailers, and appearances by Tayliss Forge (“Steampunk’d”) and Doc Phineas (“Pawn Stars”).

Scottish fiddlers and watch kilted athletes compete at this annual Scottish/Celtic festival.

Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura (818) 886-4968 www.seaside-games.com

Oct. 15

THOUSAND OAKS STREET FAIR

The Rotary Club’s 26th annual fundraiser features more than 350 vendors plus a kids’ zone, food and entertainment.

Moorpark Road, between Hillcrest Drive and Wilbur Road Thousand Oaks (818) 207-4870 thousandoaksrotary.org

Ullman Commons Cal Lutheran University 101 Memorial Parkway Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3602 www.callutheran.edu

Oct. 28

THRILL THE WORLD

Dress up like a zombie and strut to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” during this worldwide flash mob event.

Kingsmen Park Cal Lutheran University 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 241-8515 www.callutheran.edu

Oct. 29

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Mexico’s holiday honoring deceased loved ones will be celebrated by the Simi Valley Historical Society with mariachi music, dancing, crafts, facepainting and altar displays.

Strathearn Historical Park and Museum 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley (805) 526-6453 www.simihistory.com

Nov. 4-5, 11-12

Oct. 14-15

Joust for the fun of it, this event recreates the magic and revelry of an Elizabethan faire and marketplace filled with artisans,

Munch on meat pies, listen to

NOTTINGHAM FESTIVAL

Strathearn Historical Park and Museum 137 Strathearn Place, Simi Valley (805) 526-6453 www.simihistory.com

Nov. 18

“THE FIRES OF CREATION”

For more on what's up in the area, go to www.beyondtheacorn.com.

This one-day interactive exhibit looks back at 60 years of rocketengine development at Santa Susana Field Laboratory. Visitors

Send calendar listings to beyondcalendar@theacorn.com

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DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Honor loved ones who have passed on during this community celebration featuring arts and crafts, face painting, raffles, desserts and music.

can watch launch videos, see a real rocket engine and learn about the early days of Rocketdyne.

Simi Valley Civic Center Park 3855 Alamo St., Simi Valley www.nottinghamfestival.com

Oct. 26

Heritage Square 715 S. A St., Oxnard oxnardsteampunkfest.com

SEASIDE HIGHLAND GAMES

food vendors, jugglers, acrobats, Shakespeare-spouting actors and maybe even Queen Elizabeth I herself.

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56 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | FALL 2017

heart disease at De Anza Middle School in Ventura. Jacob was shaken by the fact that had an automated external defibrillator (AED) been available at the school, the child might have survived.

The solution was simple enough to Jacob: donate an AED device to the school. But, the school administrators declined the offer, citing liability issues. Then Jacob asked his own school if they had an AED. When he learned that the answer was no he offered to donate one through his fund. But Conejo Valley Unified School District declined, citing liability issues as well.

“So an 11-year-old Jacob spoke to the school board, standing on boxes so he could reach the dais, telling them that AEDs are needed to save lives like that of the child who died,” Debbie remembers. The board approved the plan to put defibrillators in the schools, Jacob’s fund raised the needed $90,000, and defibrillators were purchased for every campus in the district.

The fund partnered with other nonprofits to bring 27 children to the U.S. to undergo life-saving heart surgeries. It also funded educational software for Cedars Sinai Hospital. And that work continues: Jacob’s fund recently donated a defibrillator to Golden Heart Ranch, a community in Agoura Hills for young adults with special needs.

Still just a kid But though the successes were sweet, Jacob remembers the challenges of being a kid with a special heart, challenges still vivid more than a decade later. Like what it felt like to be the kid who couldn’t go to birthday parties because for him a common cold could lead to a hospital stay.

“I just wanted to fit in,” Jacob remembers. Being one of five sons, fitting in was sometimes tough.

Challenges continued into adulthood. Because of his heart condition, Jacob couldn’t realize his dream to become a firefighter or a police officer. But that didn’t stop him from finding a way to serve. At 18, he became an emergency medical technician. At 20, he was certified as a paramedic and now works for AMR, a private ambulance company.

Now Jacob is finding yet another way to serve, launching a new business, Germ 3 Solutions. The company develops products that reduce the spread of infectious disease. Their first innovation, the Body Substance Isolation Sleeve, is a disposable sleeve that slips under blood pressure cuffs.

Jacob says the cuffs are rarely sanitized between uses and, even when they are scrubbed, microscopic droplets of blood and other germs remain, potentially spreading infectious diseases including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), other types of Staph, hepatitis C and HIV. His team garnered funding for Germ 3 by entering the Bull Ring competition, an annual business incubator contest at CSUN. Germ 3 Solutions took third place, winning $5,000 along with legal, marketing and accounting services to launch the business.

Now a Moorpark resident, Jacob says he is “happy to be alive,” and wants to live his life to the fullest. “While Jacob’s heart may be considered defective,” Debbie says, “to me his heart is special, unique and perfect in every way. I have to believe he was put on earth for a divine purpose—to save the lives of others.”

GIVING BACK FROM PAGE 45

Ventura County Animal Services Help dogs, cats and bunnies at the Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters.

600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805) 388-4341 www.vcas.us Wildlife Care of SoCal Help rehabilitate and release injured wild animals.

(805) 581-3911 wildlifecareofventura.org

Valley Cats, Inc. Volunteer as a cat cuddler at this adoption shelter.

790 Hampshire Road, Ste. H Westlake Village (818) 992-3225 www.valleycatsinc.org

L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue Volunteers needed for Saturday adoption events in Westlake Village, as well as mama cat and litter fostering.

(818) 707-2007 for dogs (818) 707-6186 for cats lifeanimalrescue.org

Simi Valley Missing Pets Foster a pet or help at the adoption center.

simivalleymissingpets.org

Healthcare for Homeless Animals Provide foster care for medically needy animals by volunteering with L.A. County Animal Care and Control. Volunteers may choose to work with dogs, cats, bunnies and, if qualified, horses.

Thousand Oaks (818) 483-4228 www.healthcareforhomelessanimals.org

ENVIRONMENT California State Parks Foundation The Park Champions Program holds volunteer work days in state parks across California. Recent projects have included trail repair, invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, the rehabilitation of a historic orchard, fence construction, bridge construction and repainting park structures.

(800) 963-7275 www.calparks.org

California Wildlife Center Center assists injured wildlife and promotes protection of wildlife through education.

26026 Piuma Road, Calabasas (818) 222-2658 cawildlife.org

Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency Nonprofit that promotes and maintains Conejo Valley open space and trails.

2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2339 conejo-openspace.org

Community Roots Garden A ministry of the North Oxnard United Methodist Church, this nonprofit community garden welcomes volunteers to learn and share food together.

1801 Joliet Place, Oxnard (805) 616-2326 communityrootsgarden.org

Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Association All-volunteer nonprofit serving the mountain bicycling community and dedicated to preserving open space, maintaining access to public lands and creating more trail opportunities.

(818) 906-4682 corbamtb.com

Friends of the Island Fox A program of the Channel Islands Park Foundation, FIF supports efforts to save the endangered island fox on the California Channel Islands through conservation and education programs.

1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (805) 228-4123 www1.islandfox.org

Havasi Wilderness Foundation Nonprofit that aims to increase environmental education and awareness. The foundation provides grants for schools and other groups to visit state parks and other natural history destinations.

5739 Kanan Road, No. 206 Agoura Hills (818) 532-7341 www.havasiwf.org

Surfrider Foundation Ventura Chapter Nonprofit protects the ocean and beaches with monthly volunteer beach cleanups.

872 E. Front St., Ventura (805) 205-4953 ventura.surfrider.org

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy Nonprofit community-based organization working to preserve open space in the Ojai Valley.

370 Baldwin Road, Ojai (805) 649-6852 ovlc.org

MERITO Foundation Multicultural Education for Resources Issues Threatening Oceans (MERITO) is committed to protecting the ocean by offering education, conservation and scientific research opportunities to multicultural youth and their communities.

2298 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo (805) 729-0442 www.meritofoundation.org

National Parks Service Lots of volunteer opportunities in parks including garden maintenance, helping in the visitor center, trail education, restoration and horse operations.

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) Maintains and protects over 60,000 acres of open green space in the greater Los Angeles area.

Volunteers can help maintain mountain hiking trails or patrol trails on horseback or mountain bike, guide interpretive nature programs, work as a host in a nature center, or teach environmental education programs.

lamountains.com

401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 370-2300 www.nps.gov

Mountains Restoration Trust Committed to the unique biodiversity of the Santa Monica Mountains and restoring degraded lands for future generations of wildlife, plants and people.

Santa Monica Mountains Fund Official friends group and nonprofit partner for the mountains of the National Park Service work to protect mountain lions, bring kids to the park and repair trails.

Ventura Audubon Society Participate in the society’s annual Christmas Bird Count.

401 W. Hillcrest Drive Thousand Oaks (805) 370-2341 www.samofund.org

23075 Mulholland Highway Calabasas (818) 591-1701 www.mountainstrust.org

www.venturaaudubon.org

Ojai Raptor Center Rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey in Ventura County.

www.ojairaptorcenter.org CHIVAS FROM PAGE 39

Farmers Market and, finally, at a shop in Carpinteria. Today, Chivas products can be found in specialty shops around California and 18 other states, as well as online.

Once Lauren returned from college, they were able to grow the company, but “my dad got tired of the kitchen being a soap workshop,” says Lauren of the fledgling business. That led to the next step, buying the rural acreage in which to spread their wings.

Donna, a former Spanish teacher, chose the name Chivas, or “goat” in Spanish, a fitting name for their artisan soaps.

For Donna, crafting the soap is an exacting process (“we measure precisely”) using fresh goat milk instead of water. “Ninety-nine percent of companies use water,” she says, and extols the benefits of goat milk, which has a pH level similar to that of humans and is easier to absorb than cow’s milk. Those qualities plus the abundance of vitamins, alpha-hydroxy acids and natural fats make it an ideal ingredient for sensitive and dry skin. Highquality plant-based oils (olive, palm and coconut) round out the products. The soaps contain no preservatives and are scented with pure essential oils (including spearmint and sage from their own garden).

The newest soap collection features a multitude of natural colors and scents. “We pull inspiration from lots of different areas and make it our own,” says Lauren, who is also proud of their crate label soaps, which feature ingredients that reflect the region and are packaged in vintage-style crate label boxes. “With each product we try to tell a story.”

FALL 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 57

Local lore

Courtesy of WYATT McCREA

snapshot

High Country Riding the

“All I want is to enter my house justified.”

—Joel McCrea as Steve Judd In “Ride the High Country” (1962)

He was a handsome leading man, as effortless in a Preston Sturges comedy as a Hitchcock mystery. But most fans remember Joel McCrea as the lean cowboy riding through the empty plains on the back of a horse. That image describes the actor’s offscreen life as well. In the 1930s McCrea and his breathtakingly beautiful wife, actress Frances Dee, purchased a total of 2,600 acres of land in what is now Thousand Oaks. It was there they raised their three sons and operated a working cattle ranch for many years, commuting into Hollywood to make their films. And though he often said that acting was his hobby, second to his life as a rancher, Joel appeared in over 80 feature films as well as numerous television and radio shows.

Frances Dee made more than 50 movies. But it was clear to all who knew them that their sustenance came from the sprawling land they owned and loved.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, large parcels of the ranch were sold for housing in what is now the northeastern portion of Thousand Oaks. Then, in 1995, a few years after Joel had died, Frances and her sons made a generous deal with the Conejo Rec and Park District that would preserve the bulk of the remaining ranchland and would enable the district to acquire some 220 acres for the public.

Today, the McCrea home and outbuildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The McCrea Ranch Visitor Center provides cultural and educational programs and there are plans to make more of the McCrea land open to the public in years to come. For now, anyone can enjoy the McCrea Ranch Summer Film Series viewing films featuring the stars while sitting under the stars on the land the actors called home.

—LGH

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