Calabasas Style: November/December 2013

Calabasas Style Profile with the Polacheck Family

Aldik Home’s Winter Wonderland Styles We Love for Winter and the Holiday Gift Guide

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PUBLISHER: Billie Marshall

EDITOR: Irene Marshall

STAFF WRITERS: Susan Hale Elena Richards

COPY EDITORS: Kimmie Eggly Lee Barnathan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Mark Wendell Marc Cohen Beth Cone Kramer Wayne Duling Fred Levine

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Marvin Steindler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Irene Marshall Debbie Vaccarello

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Linda Perry

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Elissa Linick SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year ADVERTISING & INFORMATION: 310-494-6250 stylepublishing@gmail.com www.calabasasstyle.com

communitycontacts

CITY OF CALABASAS City Hall Community Center Library Parks & Recreation Shuttle Service Tennis & Swim Center Trolley (weekend)

URGENT Emergency General Office Calabasas Fire Station Las Virgenes Fire Station Brush Clearance

CITY OF HIDDEN HILLS City Hall (818) 888-9281

UTILITIES Atlas Disposal Service Calabasas Landfill Crown Disposal G.I. Waste Management Southern California Edison The Gas Company AT&T Las Virgenes Water District Time Warner Cable Charter Communications

Like us on Facebook and enter to win a free lunch in Calabasas. www.facebook.com/CalabasasStyle

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(818) 224-1600 (818) 880-2993 (818) 225-7616 (818) 880-6461 (818) 224-1600 (818) 222-2782 (818) 224-1600

Dial 911 (818) 508-5205 #68 (818) 222-1107 #125 (818) 880-4411 (818) 833-6648 (818) 889-9400 (818) 889-0363 (818) 767-0675 (800) 675-1171 (800) 655-4555 (800) 427-2200 (800) 310-2355 (818) 880-4110 (888) 892-2253 (800) 964-4844

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note from the

r o t i d E

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ow that the holidays are upon us, life will go full speed ahead until New Year’s Day. This time of year we all get so busy with parties, shopping, planning, decorating, entertaining, etc., that sometimes we forget to slow down and enjoy the holiday season. It can be exhausting and overwhelming just thinking about it. It’s so important to remember what the holidays are really about: spending time with family and friends, enjoying old family traditions and starting new ones, creating new memories to last a lifetime, and giving thanks for all we have.

In this issue, you will find many helpful gift ideas for shopping locally during the holidays. We are also featuring great holiday fashions and gifts, decorating tips, and delicious restaurants for dining out and helping with your catering needs. We also give thanks to four local young men serving in the military and touch on the topic of bullying that unfortunately affects the wonderful kids and families in our community.

Stay tuned in the January/February issue for a new Restaurant Dining Guide and a special Health and Fitness issue.

To all of our readers and advertisers, we wish you a very happy holiday season from all of us at Calabasas Style!

Irene Marshall, Editor stylepublishing@gmail.com calabasasstyle.com www.facebook.com/CalabasasStyle

ON THE COVER: The Polacheck Family Photographed by: Marvin Steindler

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Calabasas Style Profile with the Polacheck Family

Aldik Home’s Winter Wonderland Styles We Love for Winter and the Holiday Gift Guide

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Calabasas Style Profile

A GEM of a Family

Calabasas Style Profile with the Polacheck Family

By Beth Cone Kramer Photographed By Marvin Steindler

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or Calabasas and Hidden Hills residents wanting to buy a Rolex or a Patek Philippe, resetting Grandma’s heirloom ring or adding to the David Yurman collection, Polacheck’s Jewelers is a household name. It is a fixture in The Commons at Calabasas, so when Brent Polacheck, president of the fourth-generation family-run jeweler and wife, Jody, were looking for a new home, Calabasas was on the short list.

“We looked at moving to Calabasas as the American Dream, in the sense of being down the street from the store and sending our kids to the wonderful schools in the area,” Brent says. “My daughter (Jordyn) will be able to walk to school next year, and we thought what a gift that is to be in the neighborhood of our kids, schools and their friends.”

Brent and Jody grew up in Encino and lived in the Walnut Acres area of Woodland Hills before moving to Calabasas two years ago. Jody says, “We’ve built an amazing life in Calabasas. I’m able to walk to the store with the kids for fun exercise. Everything is at our fingertips and most of what we do is centralized and local.”

Brent says he’s a family man first and foremost. “Having a large family of four children, it’s hard to balance everything when everyone is doing different activities,” he says. “I look forward to coming home from work and having all the kids in our room watching our favorite shows.”

Jody, a personal trainer, teaches a popular fitness class, Centerpeace, at The Oaks. She also assists behind the scenes at Polacheck’s Jewelers.

Brent is an active member of Sherwood Country Club, and Jody coaches 4-year-old daughter Kaiya’s soccer team. Thirteen-year-old Jordyn plays tennis and dances at Dance Dimensions. Son Caden, 10, practices Parkour at Monarch Gymnastics. The youngest Polacheck, Kase, 10 months, keeps everyone smiling and happy. “We all put him to bed and the kids run in his room in the morning when they hear him wake up,” Jody says.

For the Polachecks, giving back to the community is important. Brent is an active supporter of many local charities and has sponsored local events for organizations including the Boys and Girls Club and STOP CANCER. On the professional front, he is very involved with the Retail Jewelers research group. Brent is also active in the Young Presidents’ Organization, a global networking organization.

The busy Polacheck family enjoys its downtime. Brent, Jody and the kids look forward to an annual Aspen trip. “Aspen in the summer is where I’m most at peace,” Brent says. “From the moment I step off the plane, I just relax. I never get tired of going there.” The family spends time in the mountains during the winter months as well and enjoys spring breaks at the beach. The couple aim to expose the kids to as many locales as possible.

When asked to name his favorite local dining spot, Brent shared, “Monty’s Steakhouse, hands down. I’ve been going to Monty’s since

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I was three years old, every Sunday night when I was a little kid. Now, we take our kids there. It’s where my family gets together and it feels like the kitchen table.”

Leila’s in Oak Park and Nobu are other Polacheck favorites. “It’s tough to beat the setting and the food. And I don’t have to sit in traffic to get there,” Brent adds.

Polacheck’s is committed to quality, service and community. “We stand behind everything, especially our quality. It surpasses all the competition,” Brent says. “I’m a hard worker. I was raised a certain way, and hard work pays off. My business is all about shaking hands and making people feel comfortable in our store. It comes easy to me because I love what I do. Our newly renovated space justifies our extraordinary collection in a boutique-type atmosphere. I continue to be inspired by my community and family daily. My wife and kids come in to my office almost every day. It truly is a family business. I’m so blessed.” n If you know a great family or individual to profile, please contact us at: stylepublishing@gmail.com.

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Neiman Marcus: Luxury Lifestyle Event

The Neiman Marcus store in the Westfield Topanga Mall and O’Gara Coach in Westlake partnered together with Luxury Lifestyle Events on Aug. 21 for an exceptional fashion show. Guest enjoyed the exclusive opportunity to experience some of the world’s ultimate cars, artwork, jewelry and fashions while enjoying wine and canapés.

Neiman Marcus General Manager Bob Lugari hosted the fashion show featuring this upcoming season’s hottest looks in couture as well as designer fashions and accessories featuring Dior and Marina B. Neiman Marcus Public Relations Manager Vicki Raven-Todd organized the event and ensured that all guests had an outstanding experience that included a memorable gift bag for attending. n

Photos by Kelly Serfoss Wines by Wine Media Concepts

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winter wonderland

aldik home’s

Christmas

in California

By Beth Cone Kramer Photographed By Marvin Steindler

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hen November temperatures in Calabasas hover in the 70s, we might dream of a convertible drive along Pacific Coast Highway instead of sugar plum fairies.

But when we get into the holiday spirit, let Aldik Home get you in the mood for a cozy Thanksgiving or dazzling Christmas season.

From October through January, Aldik Home’s 24,000 square-foot showroom is transformed into a winter wonderland of thousands of exquisite ornaments, artificial Christmas trees, beautiful ribbons, holiday décor and foliage.

Aldik Home’s design staff decorates and displays more than 60 Christmas trees to inspire Noël fervor in the most ardent of summer lovers.

Aldik Home has been a Southern California tradition for more than 60 years, when Richard

Gold founded Aldik Home to provide the highest quality of artificial foliage and flowers. The company transitioned from plastics to silk and became one of the top importers of silk flowers worldwide.

“Silk flowers are an underestimated design element,” said Aldik Home President Larry Gold, Richard’s son. “Not many people realize their potential for creating décor that is both beautiful and welcoming. A beautiful floral arrangement or custom artificial tree can do more for a home’s décor than even new furniture can, at a fraction of the cost. Here at Aldik Home, we love to inspire customers with our passion for beautiful silk floral and accessories.” The design team at Aldik Home works with customers to create custom silk floral arrangements and trees with no extra design charge.

During the holiday season, stroll through the

showroom’s tree lot, featuring more than 50 trees in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and styles. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic 12-foot tree to highlight your home’s soaring ceilings or a 7.5foot tree for the cozy family room, you’ll find the best quality artificial Christmas trees, including Aldik Home’s Neuman Tree line. Choose from pines, snow-covered trees, iced trees, pine cone-covered trees and more; a tree for every décor and style.

Accent your Christmas décor with Aldik Home’s highest quality garlands, featuring natural-looking plastic-molded tips or rugged pine branches. Embellish garlands and wreaths with Aldik Home’s premium ribbon. Select from a variety of widths and styles, from crushed velvet to metallic netting. Aldik Home also carries unique Christmas lights, including twinkling and cascading options. Out-of-town family and friends can shop at Aldik Home’s online store.

We’re fortunate that Aldik Home, the premier resource for decorative silk florals, trees, arrangements, and beautiful Christmas décor is right in our own back yard! n Aldik Home | Home Décor 7651 Sepulveda Boulevard, Van Nuys 91405 818.988.5970 | AldikHome@AldikHome.com | AldikHome.com

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Fashion Scene

Styles We Love for the Holidays 1. BLUSH Blush Boutique specializes in contemporary fashions from the hottest designers at affordable prices with 30-40 new styles weekly. These sophisticated Sweater Dusters are available in multiple prints and colors at only $54. Pair with this fall’s jeans and accessories and you’re set for the season!

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Blush Calabasas The Courtyard at the Commons 23671 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas 818-222-5874 Blush Encino 16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino 818-788-3893 www.shopmyblush.com

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2. BESITOS Discover modern and timeless collections for the fashion-savvy woman. This red Zelda duster coat brings class and refinement to the wardrobe of today’s woman with an exquisite fit and feminine design.

Other great brands include Alberto Makali, Eva Varro, XCVI Incorporated & Paige Denim that deliver high style at affordable prices.

23673 Calabasas Rd., Calabasas (next to Pedlar’s Fork) 818-591-7300 3. Ilene’s Boutique Ilene’s Boutique has something for everyone in every price range including top-selling brands in apparel, accessories, and fashion jewelry. Ilene’s also features timeless and gently used designer bags by Chanel, Prada, Fendi, Gucci, and more at prices well below retail.

1145 Lindero Canyon Rd. Westlake Village 818-879-5060 www.ilenesboutique.com 4. Raffia Boutique A girl’s best friend. Discover great fashions, accessories, unique jewelry and a newly expanded Judaica department. You’ll love the look of these trendy, affordable and fashion forward styles. Brands include Chalet, Olivia M Sweaters and these adorable Mesmerize pants in black and brown prints (pictured), and Allen Allen USA. 31133 Vila Colinas #103 Westlake Village 818-706-1191 www.raffiaboutique.com

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Fashion Scene 5. Calabasas Luxury Resale This Stella McCartney Dress and Jacquard Dress from designer Herve Leger is just a sample of the new and re-sale designer fashions, shoes and handbags available. Private showroom visits by appointment only. Visit the online store to schedule a consultation to buy or sell.

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24009 Ventura Blvd, Suite 103 Calabasas 818-591-1945 www.calabasasluxuryresale.com 6

6. Popular Clothes are just like friends…you can’t get enough of them. Popular’s new store location offers the latest styles of Free People, Splendid, Level 99, LNA and more. You’ll also find apparel for newborns, kids, and tweens with brands including Vintage Havana, Joe’s® Jeans, T2Love, Esme.

Signature wrapping touches and a candy section to sweeten your day.

23528 Calabasas Road Across from Sagebrush Calabasas (Parking in the Back) 818-222-2511 Popular, Beverly Hills 219 S. Beverly Drive Beverly Hills 424-777-0698 www.thepopularstore.com 7. DUNGAREES Dungarees, Los Angeles’s original denim boutique, features fashion forward brands for both men and women.

Check out the season’s hottest look with a Rabbit Fur Vest paired with a classic black sweater for the gals and great Leather jackets and scarves for the guys! Dungarees also specializes in finding your best look and fit in jeans.

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Dungarees Calabasas The Courtyard at the Commons 23655 Calabasas Rd. 818-222-5326

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Dungarees Studio City 12230 Ventura Blvd., Studio City 818-508-5326 www.dungareesstore.com 8. TEMPT For all the things you can’t resist. Discover the look that all women want to capture! A timeless collection of rare jewelry from international locales with the season’s hottest necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.

Great gifts items available for the shoppers looking for class and style!

4774 Park Granada #5 Calabasas 818-225-8758 www.shoptempt.com For inquires about “Styles We Love:” Contact us at 310-494-6250 stylepublishing@gmail.com www.calabasasstyle.com Shop Local for the Season’s Best Styles!

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Style Trends

Holiday Trends

ELLDEE

By Fred Levine of M. Fredric

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s we prepare for the plethora of parties and events in the upcoming holiday season, the cliché of sparkles and velvet come to mind. Gypsy ruffles, fur (and faux), metallic sheens, silk and leather are just a few trends that highlight the textural takeover this season. Featured textures with animal hair will be dominating accessories this season.

Expect to see belts, gloves, shoes and handbags displayed in the season’s strongsuited calf hair.

JUNE

Sure, black-and-white combinations are still making a strong statement this season, but the color in between leads us to another bold trend in gray matters. The charcoal colored must-have hue can be used as a pallet cleanser. Consider it your new neutral.

Taking over office wear and street fashion, the slouchy pant proves versatile as well as comfy. Loose and tapered, this modern trouser is the ultimate day-to-night pant: It provides a professional flare and sophistication for an evening affair.

Coats will appear center stage this winter in an array of colors, cuts and textures.

There’s no such thing as too big when it comes to this season’s oversize look. Take on candy-coated colors and furs too! n Over the years, Fred Levine has been one of the ‘go-to’ people for fashion reporters looking for the fashion direction as it emerges from the streets of L.A.

MICHAEL LAUREN

JOE’S JEANS

TART COLLECTIONS

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Health & Fitness

Tips

to avoid

y a d i l o H weight

gain

By Susan Hale

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t’s the time of year when extra calories lurk around every corner: Frosted cookies at the office, egg nog at your neighbor’s home, regelach for Hanukkah or chocolates in your stocking. All these extras add up, and if you’re like most people, you’ll put on a few pounds by New Year’s Day. If you still want to fit in the fabulous little black dress at the end of the holiday season, you had better pay attention to what you are putting in your mouth. Portion control is the key, yet it’s not easy when the temptations are endless. We all know what we should do to behave during the holidays, but many times we need a reminder.

• Don’t go to a holiday party starving. Planning ahead can help you maintain some discipline with all that temptation. If you are hungry beforehand, try to have a nutritious snack with a little protein to fill you up a bit.

If you do arrive at a function hungry, drink some water to fill up before filling your plate.

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• Watch your canapés and hors d’oeuvres and don’t lose count of how many you eat.

Set a limit and stick to it. It is easy to get carried away here and forget if it was six or ten you consumed. When dinner is served buffet-style, use the smallest plate available, don’t stack your food and limit your helpings to a single helping. Fresh fruits, vegetables and shrimp cocktail are good choices, but watch out for sauces and dips.

• Avoid drinking too much alcohol at holiday parties. It’s not just the calories in the drinks, but once we have had a drink or two, we forget to be disciplined about what we eat.

Drink water in between every cocktail to fill up, and do not overdo.

• When it comes to dessert, be very selective. Limit your indulgences to just one selection. Or if you want a small bite of several desserts, this will take willpower to not finish them off. If it’s going to have big calories,

make it a good one: We suggest chocolate.

If you can’t stop at one bite, then only put one dessert on your plate.

• If you do a lot of cooking during the holidays, slow down on tasting everything multiple times. People don’t even realize they are doing it and then they are stuffed. Limit yourself to two small bites of each pre- and post-seasoning or pre- and post-frosting.

• You should be continuing your exercise routine during the holidays. If you don’t, you will regret it. You need to actually increase your exercise activity during this time of year to work off the extra glass of champagne or dessert. If you do not already exercise, start now instead of waiting until January when you have gained a few pounds and when the gym or class will be more crowded. If nothing else, you can get out there and walk to burn some calories. (Source: WebMD) n

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Five Gifts

Health & Beauty

to Give Yourself this Season

By Anna D. Guanche, MD

‘T

is the season for parties and gifts.

It will soon be time to reconnect with family and friends, enjoy delicious dishes and dress in your finest. Before you break the bank with holiday purchases, why not choose a few things for yourself during this brief calm before the storm?

1> Firm Up Yes, Pilates, abdominal work and training for a triathlon can firm you up. You’ve probably tried (most) of those things. If there are still some soft jiggly spots, then you may want to treat yourself to a noninvasive firming procedure. Thermage®, Ultherapy or VelaShape™ are three such popular procedures. Thermage® is a radiofrequency device that tightens the skin of the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and arms. Ultherapy is the latest, most effective skin-tightening device for the face and neck. Off-label, it can be used to tighten the skin over the knees and elbows as well. VelaShape™ is effective for cellulite on the arms, abdomen and thighs, preparing you for those leggy cocktail dresses.

2> Rock Your LBD Yes! The holiday season heralds dressed-up cocktail parties and, inevitably, the LBD (little black dress). Are there pesky spider veins on your legs? Are there bulges in the belly or love handles that mar your hourglass figure? There are solutions for both, and now’s the time to do them, since final results from both procedures are apparent in about two months. Sclerotherapy, or leg vein injections, get rid of spider veins. Hypertonic saline is a safe, effective sclerosant that seals these non-functioning vessels and makes them effectively disappear. For the bulges, CoolSculpting can be employed. With no downtime, this procedure will allow you to continue shopping and decorating while the fat gradually clears away. No time to get into our office for these procedures? Try Spanx for instant body contouring and MAC sundressing leg bronzer to mimic a smooth, even tan and camouflage imperfections until you have time for a more permanent fix.

keratin. Beyond that, Latisse ® can be applied (off label) to the scalp to encourage hair growth. For shiny hair, I love John Frieda® Brilliant color-matched shampoo and conditioner. Occasionally, a small amount of silicone-free L’Oreal Paris EverSleek® can smooth down the frizz. This item should be used sparingly as it can cause thin hair to appear less voluminous. In addition to the considerations above, a great hairdresser will steer you away from overprocessing. There is no need to drive to the Westside; we have excellent colorists right here in our own neighborhood.

4> Mini Makeover For a quick pick-me-up without surgery, take 10 years off with a liquid facelift. A combination of injectables, artfully placed, can provide a natural-looking, rejuvenated appearance. Add a peel and effective skin care regimen and voila! You are ready to face the season with confidence. Juvederm® in the cheeks, nasolabial folds and hollows under the eyes can provide significant improvement with little down time. At the same time, a chemical brow lift plus reducing lines on the upper face (while maintaining facial expression) with Botox will freshen your look. Minimal down time peels such as the Beta Lift or Jessner brighten sallow skin and reduce pigment. First-time injectable patients see the most dramatic changes and are sometimes even moved to tears when they see the improvement.

5> Check Up “You better check yourself before you wreck yourself!” Zach Galifianakis says in the movie “Due Date.” He certainly has a point.

Check Your Self. Literally. Take charge of your health by observing any changes. Breast self-examination should be a monthly habit.

Now there is a hilarious app that will help remind you. It’s called “Your Man Reminder,” and is available for download at iTunes. Remember that men can develop breast cancer, too. Conducting a body selfexam to search for changing moles is also important. Look over your body in the mirror; look at the soles of your feet and in between your toes. If you see a changing or new dark mole, a growth that bleeds or scabs without injury, then it is time to see a dermatologist. After all, peace of mind can be the greatest gift.

Here’s wishing you a healthy, fabulous holiday season. It is the time of year to give to all of your loved ones, including yourself. n Dr. Guanche is not a consultant for, nor receives consulting fees or compensation from, any of the product or device companies mentioned in this article.

3> Gloss Up Glossy hair, shiny nails and glowing skin are signs of vibrancy. As we age, hair texture changes and becomes dry and frizzy, a subtle sign of aging. For healthier hair, nails and skin, biotin, glucosamine and a multivitamin with iron are great supplements. A lean, high-protein diet provides the raw materials necessary for your body to form

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Community News

GLOBAL SOURCE

LIGHTING Brings a World of Design to Agoura Hills Photographed by Marvin Steindler

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or more than a decade, Global Source Lighting has been a popular lighting destination for Northern Californian customers, architects, designers and contractors. Now, the lighting and electrical retailer has opened an Agoura Hills location, bringing the style and service found up north to the heart of Canwood Street.

Global Source Lighting carries the finest selections in lighting at the best possible prices.

From a chandelier over the dining-room table to a grand-entry chandelier, the lighting retailer is a one-stop shop for all your lighting needs.

Kitchen and bar pendants have become a popular trend and if centered are beautiful.

Global Source carries ceiling fans, pendants, vanity, recessed lights, energy-efficient and outdoor lighting that fits any design style.

The showroom displays a variety of lighting options for every room in the house. The staff provides design expertise and exemplary service. If you can’t find the exact light to fit your design vision, the experts at Global Source Lighting can custom design and size the perfect lighting for your home. Installation also is available. Global Source Lighting carries top quality names such as Swarovski, Fine Art Lamps, Hubbardton Forge, Kalco, Crystorama and Eurofase, to name a few.

The warehouse location allows the retailer to offer the best prices.

Outdoor lights are one of the first features guests notice about your home. Global Source Lighting carries outdoor lights perfect for a variety of architectural styles, from traditional or craftsman to Mediterranean or contemporary.

Outdoor lighting options include wall lights, lampposts, hanging, landscapes, flush mounts and the newest in LED lighting.

Lighting is not only functional but can supply a backdrop or canvas for artwork, furniture and the room design. The Global Source Lighting staff can help you select lights or lighting accessories that truly complement your home’s décor.

Global Source Lighting displays the largest variety of the most up-to-date colors and designs. Visit the showroom to experience the array of styles available for your lighting needs. n

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28501 Canwood Street, Unit B Agoura Hills, CA 91301 818.707.6000 www.globalsourcelighting.com Monday-Saturday: 11 am - 7 pm Sunday: 11 am - 5 pm

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About Town

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Salutes Local Boys in

MILITARY

By Beth Cone Kramer

This month, Calabasas Style is proud to introduce four exemplary young men from Calabasas and Hidden Hills who are serving our country.

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Brett Everett, Calabasas Brett Everett, 23, was the first local student in recent years to attend one of the service academies. The 2008 Chaminade grad who grew up in the Westridge development graduated from West Point with a degree in Civil Engineering and served as a Second Lieutenant in Afghanistan. Brett, who earned numerous civil engineering and civil awards, was deployed shortly after his graduation.

Mother Allison sends care packages to the troops as often as possible. Allison even found a company to deliver a birthday cake to her son on his 23rd birthday.

By the time of printing, Brett will have finished his nine-month tour. His mother shares, “All he wants to do is go to Hawaii, sit on the beach and watch the ocean” for a vacation. Upon

his return, he will be a platoon leader at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Wash.

Brett, who played baseball at CHS, is an avid reader and history buff, enjoys theater and music, and loves to ski and sail. Brett’s mother shares her son loves to travel and has been all over the world. Because he excelled in math at West Point, he was selected to be on a two-and-a-half-month fast track to learn Chinese and spent time in Taiwan. She says, “At 23, my son is so grown up and mature, it’s unbelievable.”

Josh Portman, Calabasas/Hidden Hills Calabasas High School alum Josh Portman is also a West Point graduate. Portman’s mother, Stacey, says her son’s decision to serve his country may have been influenced by the impact of 9-11. In fact, Portman chose Sept. 11 as his Bar Mitzvah date to honor the country.

Portman serves in the logistics branch of the military with a subspecialty of transportation.

Following officer training in Virginia, he is now serving as a Second Lieutenant in Colorado.

Stacey Portman describes the commitment to

get through West Point as deep and amazing, a life-altering experience in which the students mature and develop strong leadership skills, which will be an asset in their eventual career path in business or law.

the golf team to the CIF-Southern Section Western Division championship and was a captain of the baseball team. Ryan’s mother, Cheryl, describes her son as an avid Lakers and Dodgers fan who loves to golf.

Portman shares Josh was a typical American boy. He played soccer, basketball and baseball and has many of the same friends he met in kindergarten at Bay Laurel Elementary.

Portman played on the Calabasas basketball team for two years.

Ricky received a Letter of Assurance in August of his senior year, a tremendous honor.

His mother recalls the difficult 90-second goodbye when she left her son at West Point just three weeks after his high school graduation. When she saw him three months later, he was a changed man. He had taken the Oath of Enlistment at the beginning of that summer and took another oath two years later, reaffirming the commitment he had made as a freshman. He had just turned 20 and had signed on for two more years at West Point, five years of active duty and three years in the active reserve.

Cheryl Kramer comments about her son, “We are forever proud of him and encourage him to do as he always has: embrace challenges with the will to overcome, and to always do today what others won’t, so tomorrow, he will be able to do what others can’t.”

“I don’t know too many people who can get through what those going through the academies do,” Stacey says. “They come out whole, good people. This has a been a great experience for all of us.”

Ryan Kramer, Calabasas Ryan Kramer is a Cadet First Class (senior) at the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, where he will graduate in May and receive a commission as a Second Lieutenant. Kramer is majoring in Management at the AFA and hopes to work as an Acquisitions Officer when he receives his first assignment. His future plans include earning an MBA. The 2010 Chaminade graduate attended Bay Laurel Elementary and A.C. Stelle Middle School. As a Chaminade senior, Kramer led

Ricky Ulrich, Hidden Hills Ricky Ulrich, a 2011 Chaminade grad, is a second-generation West Point man. Though Ricky’s father, Fred, attended West Point, mother Kim shares she was a bit surprised when her son’s high school counselor called to say Ricky, who had an excellent grade point average and SAT score, only wanted to apply to one school. His counselor told Kim the military was her son’s calling.

The younger Ulrich is currently a junior studying computer science, and recently participated in a 72-hour cyber-terrorism competition with students from across the country. He has served an internship with the National Security Agency. Ricky is a snowboarder and was a high school golfer who plays his guitar every day.

Kim states, “Ricky’s day as a Cadet involves the development of the three pillars of performance: academics, physical and military. All of this training leading up to graduation (in) May 2015, when he will be a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army.

My 20-year-old is my hero and inspiration.”

A member of the West Point Bake Club, Kim bakes cookies for soldiers serving in Afghanistan. She says, “We have our beautiful sunny days in Calabasas while young women and men are risking their lives in Afghanistan.

It brings me happiness to bake and send care packages with notes of gratitude to our soldiers, letting them know they are not forgotten.” n

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There’s No Place like Home for the

s y a d i l o H

By Wayne Duling

W

e all know the words and the sentiment of the holiday carol, “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays.”

It’s the time of year when families, friends and loved ones gather for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Year’s celebrations. It’s also the time of year when you want your home to look its absolute best.

At Model Interiors, we understand that decorating your home and your entire personal living space can be a daunting task. It would seem rather simple and straightforward at first thought: It’s just furniture right? But then when the shopping begins, the complexities of the myriad choices begin to surface. What color scheme should be used?

What design theme should be chosen that best fits my taste yet is faithful to my home’s architecture? How do I properly plan the space for flow and everyday function? How can prized pieces be incorporated? Most importantly, how can I maintain my budget while sorting through the hundreds of thousands of choices in the marketplace?

At Model Interiors, we can help the average homeowner with all the options and questions by providing the professional guidance that can save you time, money and, most importantly, your sanity.

Today, we are proud to boast that we are still equipped with a fullservice interior design center, replete with thousands of fabrics, trims and accoutrements. Our design center is housed within a luxurious 40,000 square-foot international showroom featuring more than 200

major domestic and foreign furniture and accessory manufacturers, with price points to fit every budget. Best of all, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for while saving time and money because everything for all your home’s living areas is under one roof.

Model Interiors is staffed with eight professionally trained and experienced Interior designers to help guide you through your home-design project. A nominal $150 design fee is all it takes to schedule an in-home consultation and have one of our expert designers work with you on every element of your project. From window treatments, furnishings, lighting, accessories, area rugs, custom, etc. for the interior and exterior of your home, we’ll help you avoid many of the costly mistakes and give your home that professional touch.

With Model Interiors’ guaranteed value pricing, you can shop with confidence that you’ll never pay more and your home will be where everyone feels “at home” for the holidays and throughout the years to come. n For more information contact Wayne Duling of MODEL INTERIORS 1171 Tourmaline Drive, Newbury Park, CA 805.499.0678

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Luxury Living

Luxury Living:

AT

ouch of I taly

in Calabasas

Park Estates

By Beth Cone Kramer Photographed by Marvin Steindler

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uilt in 1996, this Calabasas Park Estates home boasts views and a Mediterranean style that reminds present owners Heath and Darlene Finn of their trips to Italy. The couple searched Los Angeles-area real estate for two years before finding their Calabasas home.

The Finns renovated the home’s exterior, sandblasting the stucco and opting for a smooth Santa Barbara finish. The couple added Mediterranean landscaping. Hardscaping changes included new stonework around the pool and patio, as well as a custom-made stone fireplace and fountain.

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The couple replaced a pergola cover with a covered structure perfect for entertaining neighbors and friends. One of the couple’s favorite new renovations was replacing a south-facing wall with sliding glass doors. n Luxury Homes is sponsored by Robin Lucas of Rodeo Realty. If you know of a Luxury Home to feature, please contact Robin at 818.339.2022 or robinlucas@rodeore.com.

(Disclaimer: The homes and land featured in Luxury Homes are not for sale and not being represented by the sponsor of the page.)

Luxury Living

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Bullying in Sch

By Beth Cone Kramer

An overweight sixth-grader is taunted by the other boys in his physical education class.

A high school junior returns to school Monday to hushed rumors that she drank too much at a party.

A student anonymously posts put-downs of his classmates on a website.

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hese are examples of bullying that happen every day. What are schools doing in response to bullying, or what sociologists refer to as “dominance behavior?” What can parents do to raise empathetic and resilient kids who let bullying slip off them like Teflon?

Calabasas Mayor Pro Tem David Shapiro shared with Calabasas Style, “Bullying has no place in our city, and by proclaiming October as Anti-Bullying Awareness Month in our city, we are calling upon all our community to stand and say something to help curb the pattern we see of bullying, especially in our schools and in our youth. We have supported efforts by groups such as Rock Life’s anti-bullying awareness campaign through the joint use of our Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center.”

pus supervisors can name each student and older students, what they do after school.

Kids are not alone. There are many people on campus who care about them and their well-being. We have clubs, (intramural) sports. Teachers know the kids. The more connections we can build between students and staff, the better awareness we have and preventative measures we can take.”

Logan said the importance of teaching or modeling social skills such as empathy and resilience assists kids in developing healthy social relationships. Students learn how to respond to bullying in a respectful and effective way. The Character Counts program and annual events such as Red Ribbon Week have been effective tools, she said.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff Department’s Juvenile Intervention Team brings invaluable programs to the Calabasas, Agoura, Westlake Village and Malibu schools, which is an important contribution to the schools’ antibullying mission. This gives kids the straight talk about substance abuse, bullying and cyber-bullying.

What can parents do to help kids avoid either end of the bullying spectrum?

Rock Life was founded by former NBA veteran Mitch Richmond and his wife, Juli. They started The Rock Life Campaign (www. mrocklife.com) to raise awareness of the seriousness of eating disorders, bullying, selfmutilation, depression and suicide among Calabasas youth. Rock Life Executive Director Xavier Artis states, “Rock Life is an antibullying awareness campaign that gives youth not only a platform but a voice”.

Stephanie R. Bien, MFT, a therapist and parenting expert in Agoura and Calabasas, agrees teaching kids social skills is important.

With texts replacing phone conversations, kids don’t get a chance to practice those skills. Bien shares that, as difficult as it may be to step away, parents need to teach kids how to handle their own problems.

Constantly stepping in to save the day can undermine a child or adolescent’s confidence, which takes away an important learning opportunity.

A.C. Stelle Middle School principal Mike Williams and Assistant Principal Liberty Logan shared the Calabasas middle school’s community approach to address bullying at school. Willliams says, “Teachers and adults on campus really care about each kid. Cam-

Motivational speaker Brooks Gibbs travels to middle schools throughout the country to share his message of stop bullying by applying the Golden Rule. He involves the students in improvisation games to teach social skills. Gibbs uses videos by the popular group

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One Direction to promote the friendship approach to stopping a bully in his/her tracks.

Schools and parents must work together to address the issue. Calabasas and Encino therapist Sheila Sayani, MFT, says the key is to educate. “Education and awareness is where it begins. Having continued discussions about bullying and its dangerous effects is invaluable. Family involvement on both sides (the target and the bully) is essential. Often, kids and teens do not report bullying because they are embarrassed by it. Schools must take efficient steps to protect those being bullied to create a safe and secure environment for everyone. Children need to feel like school is a secure base, a place that provides unconditional support, comfort, structure, consistency and care— much like a family.”

Teaching kids social skills, resilience and empathy will reduce bullying, raise selfesteem, and create a productive school environment. But there’s an extra bonus.

Many people believe in the saying, “Our job as parents and teachers is not to raise children but to raise adults.” Equipping children and adolescents with these skills brings lifelong positive consequences. n Resources: Stephanie Bien, MFT 818.991.8282 Stephaniebienmft@gmail.com www.stephaniebien.com Brooks Gibbs www.brooksgibbs.com Author of “Bully Intervention” to be released October 2014 Sheila Sayani, MFT 818.804.7040 Sheilamft@gmail.com www.sheilasayanimft.com

hools

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B-Ball Beats Bullying

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ock Life founders Mitch and Juli Richmond, and Executive Director Xavier Artis, launched their Anti-Bullying Awareness Campaign at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center on Sept. 7. The event began with an anti-bullying celebrity basketball game during the day, followed by an evening cocktail event hosted at The Auto Gallery Maserati showroom in Calabasas. The Rock Life mission is to educate, positively encourage, counsel and teach communication skills to children and lead the way in seeking solutions to bullying in the community. (www.mrocklife.com) n

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cheers to good friends

HOLIDAY martinis

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Written by Rod Nelson of Riviera Photographed by Marvin Steindler

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he holidays are upon us - and what better time to spread some holiday cheer! We turned to Rod Nelson, the general manager at the popular Riviera Restaurant and Lounge in Calabasas, to get his take on the most popular cocktails for the season! Here’s a list of the most popular holiday martinis for you to order and enjoy if you are dining out in style over the holiday season – or if you are planning your own holiday parties at home. Cheers!

Celebrate the Season

5

Martini Recipes all designed for 5 oz. martini glasses.

Reminder... always prep your martini glass before you pour your cocktail. Enjoy!

1. EGG NOG MARTINI 1 ½ oz. Stoli vanilla vodka ½ oz. Disaronno Italian liquor or Amaretto 1 oz. egg nog Dash of nutmeg powder Mix all liquors in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a dash of nutmeg powder on top.

2. CINNAMON ROLLTINI 1 oz. Pinnacle Cake Vodka 1 oz. RumChata Rum Dollop of Whipped Cream Cinnamon powder Sugar Cinnamon stick

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Mix all liquors and whipped cream in a martini shaker with ice.

Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish martini rim with mixture of cinnamon powder and sugar. Place cinnamon stick in martini.

3. ERNIE’S CARROT CAKE MARTINI 1 oz. Goldschlagger 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream 1 oz. DeKuyper Butterscotch Liquor 1 sugar cookie (cookie crumbled) Mix all liquors in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish martini rim with crushed cookie crumbles.

4. CANDY CANE MARTINI 1 oz. Stoli vanilla vodka 1 oz. Godiva white chocolate liquor 1 oz. Rumple Minze or peppermint schnapps Candy Cane Mix all liquors in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and strain into martini glass. Garnish martini rim with a hanging candy cane or crushed candy cane rim.

5. Bobbing for Carmel Apples Martini 1 ½ oz. Smirnoff kissed caramel vodka ½ DeKuyper apple pucker Chilled caramel syrup Sliced apples Mix all liquors in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish martini glass with a Carmel syrup swirl around inside of glass and a slice of apple on the rim.

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6. SPICED PUMPKIN PIE 1 ½ Captain Morgan Spiced Rum 1 ½ oz. Pumpkin Spiced Liquor Dollop of whipped cream Pumpkin spice Sugar Mint (1 Sprig) Mix all liquors and whipped cream in a martini shaker with ice.

Shaken up and strain into martini glass. Garnish martini rim with mixture of Pumpkin Spice and sugar and float one mint sprig on top of cocktail.

7. GODIVA CHOCOLATE TRIO MARTINI 1 ½ Godiva chocolate vodka 1 oz. Godiva chocolate liquor ½ oz. Dark Crème de Cacao Dollop of whipped cream Chilled chocolate syrup Mix all liquors and whipped cream in a martini shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass. Garnish martini with by drizzling Chilled Chocolate syrup around the inside of the martini glass.

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Club Life at Calabasas

full gym easy with a Staying Fit is the golf course and overlookinga Class Instructions! private Yog

The Calabasas Country Club is one of LA’s top wedding destinations. Pictured are Alana Stone of Calabasas & Alex Selkowitz who tied the knot on August 24th.

Hawaiian Paradise! Members and guests had a spectacular time at the club’s Annual Hawaiian Beach Luau & Tiki Party. Who needs to go to Maui?

r Park Day. ff on Wate Cooling O bers had a blast with e Junior Memic water slide on th t ee nt a M ig . g se e ur th at the co t 4th Fairway club’s new residen e th t ee Sl bird chaser!

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s demKen Simond Club Pro e club’s new Swing onstrates th em for complimenMonitor Systs available to playtary analysi nge. ers on the ra

www.calabasasgolf.com

Country Club

The Senior Men’s Championship was in full swing while the gals prepare for the Ladies Classic held on October 15th!

The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce invited the 5 LVUSD School Board Candidates to speak at the monthly breakfast at the CCC!

The 3rd Annual Calabasas High School Coyote Football Charity Classic and Silent Auction took place on October 6th to raise funds for the team!

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Wedding Photos by Luminaire Images

ks ing the lin of will be hitt rt Celebritiesber 2, 2013 in suppolebon Decem charities at the Ce mtwo great Challenge Golf Chasorrity World For more info, spon p to pionship. rtunities, or to sign u ship oppo www.rfdp.ca/lagolf play, visit

About Town

The Alliance for the Arts, the official non-profit of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, hosted a celebration for the 10th TO Arts Festival on Sept. 21 and 22 at the TO Civic Arts Plaza and The Lakes. Chris Harrison, from ABC’s “The Bachelor,” served as the 2013 honorary chair.

Dr. Paul J. Dougherty, MD, and his staff celebrated the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art Dougherty Laser Vision office located at 4353 Park Terrace Drive, Suite 150 in Westlake Village.

Besitos celebrated the grand opening of its new boutique next to Pedalers Fork in Old Town Calabasas. Pictured: Owner Eva Lucero and staff of this full-service woman’s boutique.

Friday Night Lights with the Calabasas High School Varsity Football team. Photographed by Larry Koh.

Grace Slick, best known as a rock singer for Jefferson Airplane/Starship, now prefers a paintbrush, and her paintings went on display at Gallery 319 in Woodland Hills.

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The city of Calabasas and the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce had an official Pumpkin Festival kick-off mixer at Acura 101 West, where a big orange pumpkin sits on top of the building.

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About Town

Harris & Co. celebrated its grand opening in Calabasas.

Pictured are owners Jaki Harris and Jackie Rosenblum, and A.Marie Jewelry Designer, Ashley Rosenblum. Photos

by Matthew King.

Margie Katz celebrated the grand opening of the new POPULAR store location across from Sagebrush Cantina. Come shop for clothes and gifts for all ages with free parking in the back.

Calabasas High School football team came to watch Monday Night Football at Kings Fish House with Mayor Fred Gaines and Marnie Schneider, formerly of NFL Films.

The REEL Cowboys celebrate at the 16th Annual Celebrity Silver Spur Awards Fundraiser benefiting MVAT (Veterans) Foundation. Photographed

by Tracy Saunders.

MUSE Middle School students in Calabasas passions and interests are nurtured in an experiential learning environment. The New MUSE High School is slated to open in Calabasas in 2014.

The Angels of the Alliance hosted a holiday boutique on Oct. 17. All proceeds support the Kids and the Arts Program, which provides local Title 1 students with free busing and tickets to performances at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

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For the Kids

Women’s Council of Realtors 4th Annual

Wine Festival

At O’Gara Coach

Local realtors from the Women’s Council of Realtors joined the greater Conejo Valley community with a fundraiser to benefit local food banks: Manna Conejo Valley, Care & Share in Simi Valley and Moorpark Pantry Plus. The 4th Annual Wine Festival was held at O’Gara Coach Westlake at the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall. Guests were treated to an elegant evening with a fashion show, wine tasting and delicious gourmet foods from some of their favorite local restaurants. The silent auction included the use of a Maserati for the weekend plus luxury travel and spa packages. (www.wcr.org) n

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Dining in Style

Traditional Rustic Italian Cooking at

CAFE

FIORE

By Beth Cone Kramer Photographed by Marvin Steindler

T

ucked away in one of Warner Center’s tall, glasswindowed high-rise buildings is one of the Valley’s most delectable restaurants – Café Fiore!

Café Fiore, Italian for flower, is an understated elegant trattoria-style restaurant offering traditional rustic Italian cooking with a Southern flare. Here is where the word “ordinary” doesn’t exist – “extraordinary” describes every aspect of this restaurant’s food, decor and emphasis on customer satisfaction.

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect about this restaurant is that the restaurant is locally owned – and the owners’ “hands-on” dedication can be felt in every aspect. Chef and part-owner Saverio Posarelli spent his early years at the famous Il Cibreo

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restaurant in Florence, which reflects his roots of using all organic locally grown vegetables, herbs, olive oils and grains. He also uses the freshest cheeses and free-range seafood, meats and poultry.

He once strolled among Italy’s outdoor street markets, and Posarelli still shops daily at local farmers’ markets and privately owned gardens for the season’s top picks. With an education in hotel management, Posarelli has an impressive international resume that includes opening restaurants in Paris, Frankfurt and Tokyo. He fell in love with California after opening his first restaurant in Agoura Hills – Padri, in 1997 – which he still owns and operates.

His successful transformation of this once run-down eatery into a classic Tuscan farmhouse restaurant continues to thrive as one of the area’s top dining establishments. In 2003, he partnered with Anna and Maria Fiore and opened the original Café Fiore in the heart of downtown Ventura, which has become one of that area’s most successful and popular restaurants.

Based on the success of these two restaurants, Posarelli and the Fiore family recently opened Café Fiore in Woodland Hills. Unlike the majority of chain-owned restaurants in this area, the owners set out to redesign the existing structure into a unique and memorable casual trattoria oasis in the heart of the city. Using refurbished, reused and reclaimed wood and iron, Café Fiore offers a sleek but comfortable design with large private booths, outdoor cabanas and a lounge/bar area complete with large leather sofas and tables where customers can unwind for Happy Hour and casual dining. If you look closely at each table in the main dining room and lounge, you’ll see that they were designed using authentic wooden wine crates from Californian and Italian wineries and vineyards.

The extensive menu at Café Fiore offers guests a delicious array of appetizers, salads, soups, pastas, pizzas, entrees and homemade desserts. Every dish is made from scratch using the freshest and locally produced ingredients; and every plate is made to order, which means you’ll never be served pre-cooked pasta or risotto, pre-

made sauces or packaged salad dressings.

The preparation time may be a bit longer than one might expect, but the outcome is well worth the wait. All breads and pastries are made daily, and you’ll never enjoy a more delicious pizza made with only fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, vegetables and fresh herbs that are baked in a 750-degree terra cotta oven that delivers authentic Italian taste.

While you’ll never go wrong selecting items from the standard menu, true Epicureans will be delighted when selecting the daily specials that are offered in conjunction with whatever fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats are at the peak of their flavor.

Dishes from the Speciali Della Settiman menu are decided each morning, so you’ll enjoy this special preparation where flavor and freshness is never compromised. This same philosophy is even offered at the bar: Bartenders offer guests a range of cocktails and sangrias made with fresh fruit purees and fresh herbs picked daily. Another great touch is that the owners include special wine and beer pairings for each dish. The owners take special delights when customers yield to

their suggestions to get out of their comforts zones and try a glass of Italian Pecorino, an Italian Marche vintage instead of the standard Californian pinot grigio.

If nothing else, you’ll discover an ingredient at Café Fiore that most restaurants have lost along the way: PASSION and a heartfelt desire to ensure that guests enjoy a memorable and delicious dining experience. The passion for authenticity is furthered by offering fabulous cooking classes throughout the year, so make sure to check www.cafefiore.net to find out when the cooking classes are taking place!

If you are still undecided, take a moment to read the rave and unsolicited reviews that you can find online that reflect the genuine sentiments of guests who have discovered this remarkable restaurant in the heart of Woodland Hills. n

Café Fiore is open for lunch and dinner at 21550 Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills. For reservations and information, call 818.888.4514.

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Celebrate the Season

Holiday Gift Guide: A. Marie Jewelry At Harris & Company 23911 Ventura Blvd.

Calabasas 818.854.5292 www.facebook.com/ahmjewelry Ashley Rosenblum is the designer and founder of A. Marie Jewelry, a super-sexy, bohemian-chic jewelry line. Favored by a loyal and extensive clientele, the line caters to individuals who love to feel exotic and whimsical even when wearing a simple tank top and jeans. Shop for special, one-of-a-kind unique jewelry that becomes your very own.

Ultimate Skin Day Spa 22263 Mulholland Hwy. Calabasas 818.222.9797 ultimateskin.com

Ultimate Skin specializes in personalized and results-oriented Skin Care and offers a full menu of Facials and Spa Services from Massages to Spray Tans! Give the perfect gift that keeps on giving with an Ultimate Skin gift card that is redeemable for all services and gift items from the spa boutique including these Clarisonic® products- the Secret to Glowing Skin!

Design in Real Life 4766 Park Granada, Suite 210 Calabasas 818.225.1100 www.designinreallife.com

Bring down-to-earth luxury into your life! Our studio offers a full range of interior design services from constructions drawings to paint color consultations to styling and window treatments. Our shop sells some of our favorite things. Right now we’re mad for hand-painted baroque pillows that can be monogrammed. Stop in and see what’s new!

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Celebrate the Season

The Olive Vineyard 29145 Canwood Street, #4-A Agoura Hills 818.292.8393 www.TheOliveVineyard.com

Discover an amazing selection of flavor-infused extra-virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars from countries worldwide. Poured and bottled on-site with custom gift packs available, plus wonderful gifts for the gourmets and foodies who appreciate the best.

Laguna Furnishings 31149 Via Colinas #601 Westlake Village 818.575.9783 www.Laguna-Furnishings.com

Enjoy the beauty of real candlelight, anytime and anywhere. Luminara is an elegant wax candle infused with a delicate scent that’s clean, completely safe for children and pets, and looks so incredibly realistic you will want to use it everywhere! Home accents and decor items are a specialty here.

Sperling Nursury & Gift Shop 24460 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas 818.591.9111 www.sperlingnursery.com

The gift shop at Sperling Nursery offers a unique collection of home dĂŠcor, collectibles and gifts. Shop for beautiful glassware, picture frames, scented and decorative candles, jewelry and more! This gift shop is magical year-round!

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Celebrate the Season

Holiday Gift Guide: California Cozy 22743 Ventura Blvd.

Woodland Hills 888-307-9870 818.222.GIFT www.californiacozy.com

Shop for holiday gifts for the whole family from a selection of award-winning luxury products. These Barefoot Dreams Robes and Throws were featured twice on “Oprah’s Favorite Things” show. They also carry gifts from Aden + Anais, Ergo Baby, Little Giraffe, Petunia Pickle Bottom & more. Visit the store or shop online.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Laguna Furnishings

6524 Platt Ave., West Hills 818-340-2253 1610 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite D,, Thousand Oaks, CA 805.446.3082 www.nothingbundtcakes.com

4774 Park Granada #5 (in the old Dash location) Calabasas 818.225.8758 shoptempt.com

The perfect bundt begins here with handcrafted recipes made with the finest premium ingredients including fresh eggs, real butter and cream cheese. Discover the perfect desserts and great holiday gifts.

Choose the 10” cake that serves 18, 8” cakes (serves 8), the Bundtlet (single-serving), or Bundtini desserts (bite-sized by the dozen).

Besitos 23673 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas (next to Pedlar’s Fork) 818.591.7300

At Besitos, you will never fail to find quality, high-end boutique accessory and gift items that are stylish and chic! Shop for amazing belts by Suzie Rohrer and fabulous costume jewelry by Virgins, Saints and Angels! You’ll also find great hats and scarves, all with beautiful style at reasonable prices.

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Celebrate the Season

Escentials 26527 Agoura Rd #106 Calabasas 818.880.5411 www.escentialsLA.com

You’ll always find the perfect gifts and everything you need for the holidays. Shop for one-of-a-kind jewelry, scarves, hats, frames, unique perfumes, candles, cosmetics and luxurious bath and body products. that you won’t find elsewhere.

Rare El’ements International Hair Collection Available at Teague Après Pilates Boutique Spa 29020 Agoura Road Agoura Hills 818.991.9405 www.teaguepilates.com Rare El’ements International Hair Collection is endorsed by top celebrity stylists and includes three easy steps to stronger, healthier, shinier hair. No silicones, no sulfates, no parabens. JUST PURE LUXURY! Rare El’ements luxury spa products for the Eco-Chic generation of today. Organic Custom Blend Air Brush Tanning is also available.

Blue Table and Little Blue 4774 Park Granada Calabasas (in the Post Office Center) 818.225.8078 bluetablecalabasas.com littleblue.bigcartel.com Blue Table is filled with culinary treats to appease anyone’s palate, from a walk-in cheese closet, local wine, fresh raviolis & truffles and beautiful cheese platters! Little Blue, around the corner, has unique locally hand-made gift items for all ages. Check out these great hostess and holiday gifts for wine and cheese lovers or let them help you find the perfect gift!

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Health Update

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Financial Brief

How donor-advised funds can support your

philanthropy

By Stephen Brooks Charitable Planning Consultant Fidelity Charitable®

A

s we approach year-end, many of us are thinking about all we need to get done between now and Dec. 31.

Compared to thinking about spending time with family and friends over the holidays, organizing our financial and tax situation is not generally first on the priority list. However, now is a good time to integrate your personal philanthropy into your larger financial plan to potentially increase the impact of your giving and support your favorite nonprofit organizations in 2013 and beyond.

Most Americans still give to their favorite causes via personal check. However, there may be a smarter, more effective way to give. Planned charitable giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds have become increasingly popular. Individual donor-advised

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fund accounts grew 29% between 2007 and 20121 and are an excellent way to increase the power of your personal philanthropy by giving more thoughtfully -- and often more tax-efficiently as well.

What is a Donor Advised Fund?

A donor advised fund, or DAF, is a charitable account at a sponsoring public charity, which donors use to support their philanthropy. A DAF allows donors to approach their charitable giving more strategically by enabling them – with as little as $5,000 to give2 – to create a dedicated account for giving, and to recommend grants over time to the nonprofit organizations important to them.

There are three basic aspects of a DAF: 1. Give: Donors make an irrevocable, taxdeductible contribution to the public char-

ity that sponsors the donor-advised fund program. The charity then establishes a DAF account in a name of the donor’s choosing.

Donors can make additional, tax-deductible contributions at any time.

2. Grow: Donors advise the DAF program sponsoring charity on how they would like their contributions allocated among various investment options. Any investment growth is tax-free.

3. Grant: The donor is then able to recommend grants from their DAF to other IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charities.

The vast majority of DAF donors recommend grants from their DAF on a consistent, ongoing basis, while some also view it more as a longer-term, endowment-like charitable vehicle to benefit a specific charity or dedicate a portion of the DAF to establish a family philanthropic legacy.

DAFs often eliminate paperwork for donors

Financial Brief who only need to save tax receipts from their DAF contributions instead of for each grant made to charity and simplify compliance with IRS requirements. DAFs perform due diligence to ensure that the organization that receives the grant is a qualified charity. Sponsoring charities generally assess an annual administrative fee on assets in a DAF. Donor-advised fund programs are both locally and nationally based and available through community foundations and national charities. When established in 1991, Fidelity Charitable® was the first national DAF program in the U.S.

Donating assets other than cash Many DAF programs also have processes in place to make it easy for donors to forego cash contributions and instead donate long-term appreciated securities – either publicly traded (stocks, bonds or mutual funds) or non-publicly traded (some private stocks, business partnership interests or certain other assets). Gifting appreciated publicly traded securities directly to charity typically allows donors to take a full fair-market value charitable deduction for the donated asset, thus eliminating capital-gains taxes on the appreciation – with those tax savings going directly to the charitable cause.

“When donors work with an advisor to align their charitable giving strategy with their overall financial plan, it’s a win for both the donor and the causes they support,” said Mark Wendell, president of MD Wendell Wealth Partners. “By choosing the right asset to give, the right time and the right charitable planning vehicle, donors often discover they can give more to their favorite charities.”

of public record, information about the foundation’s contributors may be revealed.

Make more of a difference More and more each year, donor-advised funds are meeting an important need for people who want to be more thoughtful and systematic about their giving, and who are looking for ways to maximize their generosity. DAFs bring the power of strategic philanthropy to individuals and families at various stages in their philanthropic journeys and across the wealth spectrum.

In a recent survey, two-thirds of Fidelity Charitable® donors said that they give more than they otherwise would because they have a DAF3. The growing popularity of donor-advised funds shows that philanthropically minded individuals are finding DAFs to be a convenient and helpful way to plan their charitable giving and support a highly engaged approach to philanthropy. n

1 Chronicle of Philanthropy 2 Different DAF sponsoring organizations have different minimums. $5,000 is the minimum contribution required to establish a DAF at Fidelity Charitable.

3 IPSOS, an independent research firm, conducted a study on behalf of Fidelity Charitable to better understand our donors. 3,000 donors provided input between May and September 2013.

How a donor-advised fund account can complement a private foundation Increasingly, many people are complementing their private foundation with a donor-advised fund. Donors cite three main benefits of this complementary strategy: • Higher tax deduction limits. The tax deduction limit for cash gifts to public charity, including a DAF, is 50% of the donor’s adjusted gross income (AGI); for a private foundation, it is 30%. For public charities, the deduction limit for gifts of long-term appreciated securities is 30% of AGI, while the limit is 20% for the same contribution to a foundation. Additionally, a gift of long-term appreciated non-publicly traded securities is valued at fair market value for tax deduction purposes when donated to a public charity, but at basis when donated to a private foundation.

• Relieving administrative burden. On a practical level, using a DAF for a portion of the private foundation’s grant-making may relieve the foundation of having to do the administration and due diligence on those grants that the DAF sponsor provides.

• Anonymity. Donor-advised funds also afford more privacy to donors than do foundations. Grants from a DAF can be made without reference to the recommending donor, while foundations must report their grants to the IRS on a publicly available tax return. And because the returns of private foundations are a matter

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calendar of

events

Every Saturday, 8 am -1 pm Calabasas Farmer’s Market Rain or shine, residents and visitors flock to Old Town Calabasas where a weekly farmers’ market replaces the old general store.

Local vendors bring their fresh and exotic fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods and prepared foods to go. ci.calabasas. ca.us/farmersmarket.html.

november November 5th to 10th at various times Theater League presents MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Fred Kavli Theatre. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that accidently brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. www.civicartsplaza.com/cap/tickets.

November 10th The 10th Annual Calabasas Classic 5k 10k Run The USA Track & Field-certified course runs around beautiful Calabasas Lake. Finisher medals for all runners, great swag. Bring your running strollers and that other four-legged friend of yours, too! First race begins at 8am. The 5k has been renamed the Kevin Cordasco Memorial 5k Contact Julie Talbert Julie@TalbertFamilyFoundation.org or for more information visit www.calabasasclassic.com.

November 14th: 5-9 pm and 15th: 10 am-6 pm Westlake Village Junior Women’s Club to host Gingerbread Boutique St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, 5801 Kanan Rd., Westlake Village.

The event will kick off on the 14th with VIP shopping ($30), which can be purchased at www.westlakejuniors.org. Admission is free for the general shopping day on Friday. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities in the Conejo Valley. For more information, contact gingerbread@westlakejuniors.org.

November 14th at 7:30 pm 3 BLONDE MOMS Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre.

This top-notch, high-energy, semi-scripted PG-13 standup comedy show is jam packed full of hysterical material about being a mom, having a mom, kids, schools, husbands, neighbors, in-laws and more.

If you have a family, want a family, or know a family, this is the show for you! www.3blondemoms.com.

November 16th “Through the Looking Glass” The Alliance For The Arts presents its annual Gala Celebration at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, featuring special guest Rita Rudner. Proceeds benefit the Alliance For The Arts, the official nonprofit fundraising arm of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

For more information on sponsorships and ticket sales, go to www. allianceforthearts.org.

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december DECEMBER 2nd THE CELEBRITY WORLD CHALLENGE GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP Calabasas Country Club. Celebrities will be hitting the links in support of two great charities. For information about the celebrities scheduled to attend, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.rfdp.ca/lagolf.

DECEMBER 5th-8th at various times Thousand Oaks Repertory Theatre Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre. Celebrate the season with Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Jacob Marley and three ghosts. Full of music, laughter, love and family, this show is designed to put you in the holiday spirit! www.civicartsplaza.com/cap/tickets.

DECEMBER 7th at 9-11 am SANTA COMES TO WESTLAKE, AGOURA & BEYOND 2013 Agoura Hills Do-it-Center. Santa may be the busiest guy you know around the holiday season, but he is taking his time out of his toymaking schedule to once again help the Westlake Village Junior Women’s Club host the 34th annual Santa Comes to Westlake, Agoura & Beyond food drive. www.westlakejuniors.org/events.

December 7th 7 AM-2 PM Community Flea Market Find hidden treasures at the AHCCC Community Flea Market– arts and crafts, furniture, jewelry, toys and more! Free admission.

Contact Jenna@ahccc.org if you are interested in reserving a booth to sell your items. Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, 27040 Malibu Hills Road, Calabasas 818-880-29993 www.ahccc.org.

December 7th-8th 10 AM-5 PM 22nd Anniversary Holiday Homes Tour Hosted by the Cancer Support Community (Formerly known as the Wellness Community) Enjoy local family traditions and beautifully decorated homes in the Conejo Valley. This season, open the door to hope for cancer patients & their families. Visit www.

Cancer SupportVvsb.org for more information.

DECEMBER 10th at 6 pm Christmas Tree Lighting at the Commons shopcommoms.com December 11th Celebrate the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center’s 14th Anniversary!

Enjoy a FREE day at the Center and check out the fitness center for a great workout, free basketball open gym or try out a Zumba, Yoga or Spin class!

DECEMBER 12th at 8 pm Civic Arts Plaza presents A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS with DAVID BENOIT Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Fred Kavli Theatre. Celebrate the holidays with the smooth jazz of Charlie Brown! Since launching his recording career in 1977, David Benoit’s expansive career as a contemporary jazz pianist and composer has included more than 25 solo recordings. He will demonstrate his lifelong passion for the music of original Peanuts composer Vince Guaraldi. www. civicartsplaza.com/cap/tickets.

Send in any calendar submissions three months in advance to: stylepublishing@gmail.com

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Tech Talk

Tech Toys to fill your

Holiday Stockings voice control and SmartGlass, which allows devices to be used as a second screen.

The Sony PS4 is an upgrade to the 2006 PS3 and will include a motion sensing input device as well as the above-mentioned second screen.

It will also integrate the handheld Vita system. Both will set you back around $400, with the games running in the $60 range.

If gaming is not your thing, then perhaps smartphones will be. With the new iPhone 5s and 5c, the phone wars continue. Samsung has its new Galaxy Gear Smartwatch to integrate with its smartphone. It will include built-in speakers, a camera of sorts and a pedometer. I use my watches as a fashion statement, so I’m not going to replace my knock-off Rolex with a digital watch, no matter how tech-savvy I am or how many cool features my digital watch has. I remember the Dick Tracy-style TV watch that came and went. My bet is that this type of watch will go this way as well.

Tablets will continue to be hot items this year. My tablet of choice continues to be the iPad, but if you love the Android, there are a number of good options, including the Microsoft Surface, the Samsung Galaxy and one of my favorites, the Acer. Kindle has the new Fire that is far less expensive than its competitors but not as fullfeatured. The prices will range from $139 to as high as $800 for the top-of-the-line iPad. And if you want the ultimate tech toy this year, pick up a Tesla. It will set you back about $100,000, but what the heck! You will be the coolest kid on the block and save lots of money on gasoline -provided, of course, that you only want to drive a couple hundred miles without a charge.

By Marc Cohen

‘T

is the season -- and all of the rest of the commercial hoopla -- to begin the holiday spending frenzy.

Manufacturers begin competing for your dollars, and you spend your hard-earned cash on who knows what.

As electronics have become a much larger part of most people’s lives, let’s take a look at what is expected to be the hottest items this year.

Whatever your holiday desires or dreams entail, I wish you well. Me, however, I think I will just pick up a good book and forgo all the tech stuff this year.

Yeah right. Like that is ever going to happen. Well, I suppose one can hope!

See you on the radio. n Marc

If you have kids, or if you are just a kid at heart, gaming will be one of the major tech expenditures this year. Sony and Microsoft will be releasing new consoles. Microsoft has the new Xbox One and Sony the PlayStation 4.

As expected, we should see better graphics, more interaction with online services and generally an upscale system. This is the first major upgrade for Xbox since 2005 and is marketed as an allin-one entertainment system. It will feature a continuation of the

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Marc Cohen Host Computer and Technology Radio computerandtechnologyradio.com

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Community News

Calabasas

By Beth Cone Kramer Photographed by Marvin Steindler

By Beth Cone Kramer Photographs Provided by The Calabasas Historical Society

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Pumpkin Festival

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Real Estate

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Real Estate

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