Hidden Hills Community Register • March 2023

HIDDEN HILLS

HIDDEN HILLS

COMMUNITY REGISTER & RESOURCE GUIDE

Mid-Century Memories of Hidden Hills: Las Virgenes' Above and Beyond School and Bus System

Upcoming events • Hidden Hills Community Emergency Response Team

BAKED WITH DETERMINATION - luda kyba • HIlls HIlls Trails: Saddle Creek Arena

A Matter of ‘Course’- Desert Island dreams come true

Los Angeles Business Journal Named LA Leaders of Influence

Michelle Graci

What brought you to real estate? I have a great love for the arts and for helping people in general. My fat her was a contractor and I have been on construction sites of homes for as long as I can remember, funny I even spent some summers spackling nails and sanding down dry wall! So real estate has always been part of my life. After working in production, I am able to combine my love of being creative and assisting people through one of the most important investments of their lives.

What is your mission? My mission is to provide the most professional, informative, ethical, loyal, and dedicated services by putting my clients first. I am committed to making my clients a top priority as well as provide an incomparable level of service.

What stands you apart from other agents? I truly believe people should not be pushed into a sale. Buying or selling a home is a huge decision, so many factors weigh heavy on a transaction. Emotions are running high and it is important to take time to find the perfect home. While this may not sound as aggressive as the approach other agents take, to me, it is more important to support your client. I also offer turnkey services, which includes staging a property to make sure it is in the perfect state before going to the market and many other things after the sale. I don’t sell and tell, and I certainly don’t sell and run.

Why are you thriving in your 40s? Embracing my 40s has been very powerful in my business. My journey has lead me to knowing who I am and what I can bring to the table in every deal I am a part of. Continuing to use my experience and knowledge from years past in this industry to guide my clients in making informed decisions for their most important asset. My work ethic, guidance and relationships I have built throughout the years lead me to having a record-breaking year and receiving the Agent of The Year Award at The Beverly Hills Estates.

Retaining Walls, Garden Walls, and Ground Covers

Enhancing Your Landscape in Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, and Malibu

As a project manager for Vitoli Builders, located in Calabasas, I have had the privilege of working on numerous projects in Hidden Hills, Westlake Village, and Malibu. One of the most common requests from our clients is for retaining walls, garden walls, and ground covers to enhance their outdoor spaces. In this article, I will discuss these elements in detail and how they can transform your landscape.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are structures built to hold back soil, rock, or other materials, preventing erosion and landslides. In areas like ours, many homes are located on hillsides, and retaining walls are essential to maintaining the stability of the land. They also provide an attractive backdrop for garden beds and can be used to create terraced landscapes.

Retaining walls can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, brick, concrete, or wood. The material you choose will depend on the style of your home and the look you are trying to achieve. For example, stone retaining walls provide a natural and rustic look, while concrete retaining walls are modern and sleek. Wooden retaining walls are a great option for those looking for a warm, inviting look.

Garden Walls

Garden walls serve a similar purpose as retaining walls but are generally shorter and less functional. They are designed to enhance the aesthetics of your garden and can be used to create beautiful outdoor spaces. Garden walls can be made from the same materials as retain-

ing walls but are often dressed up with features such as lighting, water features, and decorative elements.

Ground Covers

Ground covers are plants used to cover the ground, reducing weeds and helping conserve moisture. They are an excellent way to add texture and color to your landscape and are an essential component of any garden. Ground covers come in a variety of forms, including low-growing shrubs, ground-hugging perennials, and creeping vines.

Ground covers are an essential component of landscaping. They help retain moisture, prevent erosion, and reduce the maintenance required for your garden. Ground covers also help create a beautiful and cohesive look, tying together different landscape elements.

In conclusion, retaining walls, garden walls, and ground covers are all essential landscaping components for homes in Southern California. They provide stability, enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space, and reduce the maintenance required for your garden. At Vitoli Builders, we have extensive experience designing and building these structures and would be happy to help you transform your landscape. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create the outdoor space of your dreams.

Oz Tzalalihin Cornell Graduate and Project Manager Vitoli Builders

The single house is the Cleaveland family home at 23835 Long Valley Road taken looking east from the top of Lasher Road by the Cleaveland Family in 1952.

Happy Spring

As we welcome the new season of spring and all the opportunities it brings, we invite you to join us in embracing this time of growth and renewal. The spring equinox signals the start of longer days, warmer weather, and a rejuvenation of the world around us.

Our commitment to sharing the stories that make Hidden Hills such a special place remains steadfast each month. As we enter this new season, we look forward to shining a positive light on the people, issues, events, and interests that matter most to our community.

Although we had to postpone the yearly Winter Social due to unforeseen weather conditions,

we're excited to celebrate it on March 5th. Please visit our events page for more information.

We're grateful for the support of our advertisers, who make it possible for us to produce this magazine each month and provide it to our neighbors free of charge. We're also thankful to the residents of Hidden Hills, who continue to contribute creatively to our pages and share their unique perspectives and experiences with our community. As always, we encourage you to reach out to us with your ideas, suggestions, or to get involved in any way possible. We're eager to hear from our readers and to learn more about how we can continue to serve and celebrate the Hidden Hills community.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

THE SHEVINS (PG. 2)

DANIELLE PERETZ ( PG. 4)

MICHELLE GRACI (PG. 6)

THE IMPROTA TEAM (PG. 12)

LISA MORIARITY (PG. 17)

MILLA PARISA (PG. 21)

MIKE BLOOM (PG. 25)

DAVID SALMONSON (PG. 37)

FRONTGATE REAL ESTATE (PG. 53)

AUTOMOTIVE

ICON GOLF CARS (PG. 26)

DINING

LOVI'S DELI (PG. 31)

DASHA'S KITCHEN (PG. 25)

RIB RANCH BBQ (PG. 49)

ANIMAL CARE

ALLIE TASHNEK (PG. 20)

START RESCUE (PG. 40)

HOME SERVICES

VITOLI LANDSCAPING (PG. 9)

MURRE CLEANERS (PG. 10)

CONEJO HARDWOODS (PG. 13)

UNIVERSAL KITCHEN AND

APPLIANCES CENTER (PG. 16)

DESIGN LIGHTING AND INSTALLATION (PG. 41)

MOSQUITO SQUAD (PG. 45) ORGNZE (PG. 45)

EDUCATION

SYNERGY ACADEMICS (PG. 35)

DANCE DIMENSIONS (PG. 48)

FINANCIAL SERVICES

THE DAVIS GROUP (PG. 15)

HEALTH/WELLNESS/ BEAUTY

AESTHETIC SMILE DESIGNS (PG. 33)

DR. MILO (PG. 35)

COMPLETE HEALTH DENTISTRY (PG. 36)

REBECCA KORDECKI (PG. 44)

OXYGEN YOGA FITNESS (PG. 47)

COURTYARD PHARMACY (PG. 48)

JEWELRY/ART/LUXURY

BEN BRIDGE JEWELER (PG. 54)

TRAVEL

DISTINCTIVE RESORTS (PG. 13)

ENTERTAINMENT

GOLF N STUFF (PG. 44)

nic & hayley Mattson

lonna Weber

MARCH 2023: EVENTS

Grab the popcorn!

The next Hidden Hills Movie Night will be Friday March 10 at 7pm. Enjoy the special feature of Gone with the Wind in the theater sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Coldest Storm in Years

Due to the extreme inclement weather the Winter Social is rescheduled to Sunday, March 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. Contact the HHCA for more details.

Free Oxygen Yoga & Fitness

You're Invited to a Free Class March 29 at 7:15 p.m. | Oxygen Yoga & Fitness; Far Infrared Hot Yang Yin Yoga | RSVP (747)309-7866 | El Camino Shopping Center

FEBRUARY : PAST EVENTS

Wine Flies When You’re Having Fun

The Parks and Recreation Committee did not count any corks as friends socialized, painted, and drank at the Wine & Paint Night. Everything needed to awaken the inner artist and make masterpieces was waiting including the assistance of the talented Kika Wilson and staff. A hefty charcuterie board and drinks were served as everyone tried to balance their pinot’s with their palettes in the fun-filled atmosphere. Guests enjoyed getting creative with their canvases thanks to the many bottles of wine that were available to sip with neighbors.

DID YOU FEEL IT?

By Britt Aaronson

A4.2 magnitude earthquake followed by a strong aftershock awoke thousands of people early one morning last month. There were no reports of damage or injuries even though the epicenter was centered eleven miles away in Malibu. After monthly drills and preparedness training for local hazards, the Hidden Hills Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) sat ready to help. The volunteers are educated in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, search and rescue, team organization, and medical operations.

Some of the ways CERT members are trained to assist during an earthquake include assessing damage to buildings and infrastructure to determine potential hazards; providing basic first aid and medical relief to the injured; searching and rescuing people who may be trapped in or around structures; establishing communication between emergency responders and providing updates on response efforts; and keeping residents informed of the situation.

Understanding what one needs to do in the event of an earthquake is paramount to you and your family’s safety. Unfortunately, there is not sufficient warning like other disasters and when the shaking starts, there might be only seconds to decide how to protect yourself. Federal, state, and local emergency management experts agree that the best way to reduce injury and death during and immediately after an earthquake is to DROP, COVER, and HOLD ON.

The simple three-step reaction can greatly increase your chances of surviving an earthquake. It is recommended to stay where you are until the shaking has stopped and do not run outside. Wait before getting up to look around for debris and immediately evacuate if needed. Remain in place if there is no indication of damage because you are safer in a structure. If you are trapped in your home, try to remain calm and not panic. Do not move unnecessarily, try to cover your mouth with a cloth, and avoid shouting as this may cause more inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust.

Only use your telephone or cell for medical or fire emergencies to prevent tying up lines needed for responders. Know where your gas valve is located and learn how to turn it off. Do not turn the gas on again once it is off; let the gas company inspect for leaks and reset it. Do not use matches, lighters, candles, barbecues, or appliances until you are sure that there are no gas leaks to avoid sparks that could ignite and cause an explosion or fire.

CERT members play a critical role during an earthquake by providing a trained and organized group of volunteers whose efforts minimize damage and loss of life in the community. They pledge to support professional emergency responders by directing traffic, maintaining crowd control, and performing any other tasks that may increase safety during a disaster.

CPR Training" with fellow CERT members during the monthly drills led by Emergency Services Coordinator Mike Woodard.

above & beyond

By Jacqueline Cleaveland

Watching a yellow school bus easing down the rural roads of Calabasas let the eye know that the school year had arrived. In the mid-20th century, the Las Virgenes Elementary School was where most, if not all Hidden Hills kids and their local Calabasas neighbors attended. The smell of pencil shavings inside these classrooms filled the noses of the summer-minded children signaling their minds to realize a new school year had begun.

Below are early memories of Hidden Hills in the 1950s and 1960s including the Las Virgenes Elementary School and the beloved bus driver named Julian Alvarez.

In the 1950s, the Las Virgenes Elementary School was small and humble, with the play yard composed of nothing but dirt. Thomas Cleaveland remembers having tremendous amounts of fun playing outdoors, whether it be baseball, tag, or pretending to be the cowboys he and his friends saw on the television the night before.

After recess, he and his friends would come into class with eyes filled with dirt. He says his teacher Mrs. Hunt had a caring heart and would individually greet each of the kids, gently wiping their eyes clean as they re-entered the classroom.

Most of the greatest longtime

Hidden Hill’s memories from the Las Virgenes School District came from the bus routes. Though the bus system drove children back and forth from school, they also went above and beyond, taking kids around Southern California on many fun adventures.

Spring and early summer was signaled by the magenta colors of nearby bougainvillea flowers splashed along the roadsides. Even though school was off from June until September, Las Virgenes School District bus driver Julian Alvarez would drive to nearby beaches in Malibu, in addition to many other local spots to keep the local Hidden Hills kids out of their parent’s hair, almost like an unofficial summer camp.

During the winters Emily Iverson says the school bus “would take us to the USC home games at the Coliseum.” She remembers the students would sit in the end zone and that she has “a memory of being alarmed seeing my first swear word in writing when I saw “Hell” written on a building as we walked into the Coliseum!”

Emily Iverson says, “In the summer, a few days a week, driving the same route, the bus would drive us to the first food stand at Zuma Beach for the day. I have no memory of chaperones. There were two bus drivers, Julian and ‘Pick.’ Julian was nice and Pick was grumpy. I moved to Hidden Hills in December 1961 as a 7th grader and moved around 1969.”

Julian Alvarez with his daughter Marilyn in 1956.

Photo courtesy of the Alvarez Family

Julian Alvarez receiving the award for being the safest driver of the month in 1956. Photo courtesy of the Alvarez Family

Thomas Cleaveland says Julian was absolutely beloved by all and he remembers him as not only the bus driver, but as his boy scout master, saying he would take kids on fishing trips to Lake Piru. Thomas says “Julian was a very close family friend who even bought our old family Buick.”

By 1956, Julian had been driving for the Las Virgenes School District for over twelve years, meaning he had safely driven over 200,000 miles. He drove for many more years and was trusted by all the local families.

Vince Hull remembers Julian having a down-toearth, playful attitude with the children, “Julian had a thing he did if you were unruly while riding on his bus. He would come over the bus PA system and say... ‘Would the person sitting on the aisle seat on row 11 put one hand on your head and one over your mouth.’ Most of the riders would laugh at this punishment but the offender would always comply. Those were the good old days for sure. Julian had an easy smile for you when you got on his bus.”

Julian was so beloved that Kristen Gulbrand claims as a little child, if she did not see Julian driving, she would promptly get off the bus!

Glenda Smith also recalls sunny bus rides to the beach and Tapia Park where the kids made lanyards, pot holders and other crafts, disclosing “it was all so wonderful and the memories are so rich and clear. We lived a very charmed existence back in those days.”

Mary Lee Lindquist also remembers, “I also remember making lanyards and pot holders. The only bus driver I remember was Julian, who was so nice and played the radio for us. I also remember the boys singing “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” by the Stones.”

Jill Hartman revealed during the summer, “Some moms met us at Zuma with food and drinks. We had to have a partner to go in the water. Tuesday and Thursday we went to Tapia Park for arts, crafts, and baseball. Such a great way to have grown up! Going to Marineland and Pacific Ocean Park were so fun! Julian had always been our bus driver and he had a heart of gold for all of us kids!”

These times shared are a celebration of the rural, the blue collar, the pure of heart, and of the transcendent moments of youth from stepping into the warmth of the California sun after riding the school bus..

By 1956, Julian had been driving for the Las Virgenes School District for over twelve years, meaning he had safely driven over 200,000 miles.

Above: Off to school with Billy Lindquist and Robin Snapp. Photo courtesy Mary Lee Lindquist. Below: Kindergarten students in the Las Virgenes School Class of 1950 - 51. Photo courtesy of Ali Marie Matheson

By Britt Aaronson

Luda Kyba appears to be an elegant woman without any worries as she gracefully sips tea poured from a delicate set of fine china under a covered patio at her niece Lena’s estate on Jed Smith Road. There are enough platters of homemade traditional Ukrainian cakes and cookies laying atop her sister’s highly detailed hand-stitched tablecloth to satisfy any sweet tooth, while also leaving a delicious invitation to become familiar with her culture.

Only the most recent part of Luda’s story takes place in Hidden Hills because she is a refugee who fled Russian forces that invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Although her country is over twice the size of the United Kingdom and the second largest in Europe, Luda and her sister Valentina were born in a small village of Olishevka. Valentina moved to Kyiv, where she studied, got married, and had a family, including daughter Lena. Luda got married, moved south to Chernihiv where she lived with her daughter, cheerfully working for thirty years as a middle school Geography teacher.

Belarus is a landlocked country bordered by Russia to the east and northeast. Due to Chernihiv’s proximity a few miles south, Russian tanks rolled in and bombing began quickly destroying most of the area including her home. Her world turned upside down and she lost everything. In the first five weeks after the war started, many people were forced to move around the region and millions more crossed borders into neighboring countries.

Initially, Luda escaped to a friend’s house in the countryside, then she fled to Poland, separating from her students, relatives, school, and most difficult, her daughter Dasha. She arrived in California last summer under President Biden’s streamlined United for Ukraine visa process for refugees

and asylum seekers after months of hoping the devastating conflict would be resolved. She is grateful for the good fortune to be welcomed into the loving arms of close family in the equestrian neighborhood.

Starting over in the United States has been challenging, yet Luda is rebuilding one crumb at a time. She owns no possessions but her memories, so she immersed herself in English language classes and found sustenance around her love of the kitchen. Although a student again herself, she communicates over Zoom with past pupils to give lessons. While enrolled in culinary school, she discovered sharing traditional cuisine has been a healing and calming outlet. The creation of Dasha’s Kitchen is a nod to her beloved daughter who remains in Ukraine taking care of a sick family member

All cakes, cookies, pastries, and desserts are made from scratch, organic, and locally sourced. Her bakery specializes in popular items from the Ukraine, in addition to familiar “American style” custom, gluten-free, vegan, keto, and diabetic-friendly options. You may have sampled some while perusing the Wine & Car Show at the Fiesta this year. Among the traditional sweets she offers are chocolate and nut “salami,” “Medovik” a many layered honey cake, “Vatrushki” pastries formed with farmers’ cheese and sometimes raisins in the middle, “Monastyrska Izba” a very complicated winter shortbread cake filled with tart cherries, and her favorite “Oreshki” cookies that are shaped like walnuts with dulce de leche inside.

With every bite consumed of her exquisitely baked family recipes, you will connect to the sweetness infused by this beautiful woman adapting to ever changing circumstances. Please place your orders by contacting dashaskitchen@yahoo.com or (203)559-9136.

“I stopped reading the news and now I read ingredient lists and recipes.”

–Luda Kyba

chocolAte cinnamon RugelAch

Ingredients

2 cups of all purpose flour

¼ cup of sugar

1 cup of butter

¾ cup of cream cheese

⅓ cup of sour cream

1 egg, beaten for glaze

Filling

1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ tsp salt

¼ cups of brown sugar

2 tsp of cinnamon

Directions

• Using a mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, ¼ tsp salt until combined.

• Add flour and mix until dough comes together. It should be smooth, not crumbly or sticky. Divide the dough into 4 pieces and place in the fridge for 1 hour.

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

• Roll each piece of dough into a large circle. You can use a pizza cutter.

• Melt chocolate using the microwave in 30 second bursts until melted. Add a bit of salt. Add brown sugar and cinnamon.

• Spread one circle of dough with melted chocolate mixture in a thin layer, leaving a ¼ inch border all around. Do one dough at a time as chocolate hardens quickly.

• Using a pizza cutter cut the dough into 8 even triangles. Starting at the longer end, roll up each triangle.

• Place the point side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Brush each rugelach with beaten egg.

• Repeat the same with the other 3 balls of dough.

• Bake for 18-20 mins until golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.

How Your Smile Can Age You

Are your teeth worn down? Have you noticed new wrinkles, does your chin look like it’s deviating to one side? As we age, our teeth get shorter from years of chewing, grinding, and clenching. Over time, this can take a toll on your appearance. So, if it feels like your smile looks different than it did a decade ago, you are not imagining it.

Teeth get flatter and shorter (worn down) from years of chewing. And, worn down teeth mean a shorter face. That’s because your teeth are the structural foundation for your face. When that foundation begins to deteriorate, it creates a ripple effect, such as sagging of the face, fine lines, and a sunk-in appearance. In addition, as teeth wear down it can cause headaches, migraines, toothaches as well as neck and back pain.

The reality is, with age, faces can shorten, chins move forward, cheeks become hollow, and wrinkles appear. The good news is, there is a way to reverse or at least slow down the inevitable with Biorejuvenation Dentistry.

How To Fix An Aging Smile

By lengthening your teeth you can lift your cheeks, eliminate muscle tension, fill out fine lines and wrinkles, get rid of saggy droopy eyes, and even improve the fullness of your lips. That’s because when the teeth and jaw are properly aligned, it fills out the facial volume creating a more youthful appearance.

Biorejuvenation is a full mouth rehabilitation focusing on restoring your chewing system to the optimal position, which relaxes your jaw joint muscles and reduces stress on your teeth.

Wondering if Biorejuvenation Can Help? Try This…

Put a folded piece of paper towel between the upper and lower teeth to simulate what your face would look like with restored teeth. You will notice an apparent difference as lines and folds on your face become softer.

Restore Your Smile & Youthfulness

If you are unhappy with the way your face has been aging, we can help with Biorejuvenation Dentistry (your facelift without surgery). Dr. Bernie Villadiego is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and an expert in the field of Biorejuvenation Dentistry. As one of only 480 dental professionals in the world to be accredited, his devotion to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry means you will have a beautiful, youthful smile that will last. Call (818) 341-1345 to book a consultation.

"your teeth are the structural foundation for your face"

Meet Dr. Milo: a woman-owned and family-operated hemp business founded by Joni Mann after the matriarch of her family was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease accompanying chronic debilitating pain. Armed with a passion to be a part of her mother’s healing journey, Dr. Milo began in Joni’s home kitchen with lots of messy experimentation. She was joined by her brother and father who combined their backgrounds in holistic & herbal healing with the legalization of hemp to operate the natural alternative pain relief product company.

“Milo” is a family middle name shared by Joni’s brother, father, and grandfather. Through the generations, it became an endearing nickname so Joni dedicated the company name to thank her father and brother for help with the business. Dr. Milo’s Topical Relief Lotion is a fast-absorbing, NANO full-spectrum Hemp formula. It contains all plant-derived ingredients, regenerative Hemp + Arnica Montana that offer reduced inflammation and relaxation. It absorbs into the skin within seconds, works within minutes, and lasts approximately 4-6 hours. The unisex essential oil-based scent won’t stain clothes so use as much as you need, all over your body for all your pain management needs.

The Topical Pain Relief Lotion has been on the market for about a year and has amazing feedback from customers who say they finally found a lasting remedy. Dr. Milo’s Relief Lotion can be used anywhere and everywhere from aches, migraines, bruising, muscle soreness, to surgical recovery. The product is sold in multiple locations across the country but recently Dr. Milo received some good news. Starting next month, the lotion will be found in the spa at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

Joni is grateful for the positive response and how much her brand has grown, adding, “It hasn’t been easy any step of the way, and I’ve been putting in everything I have to build the company to let it organically grow. I’m happy that what seemed so unattainable at first is now a reality. I see the Dr. Milo line of products expanding, and I’m currently in talks with friends in the cannabis and medical fields. I’d love to find more ways to mentor women in business over the years to come as I grow and learn.”

Joni lives with her fiancé Robert near her in-laws, Hidden Hills residents Jim Negele and Jean Thoren. She shares how nice it is to feel a part of this amazing community where they love the natural spaces. Another favorite pastime is hiking in Ahmanson Ranch during weekend gatherings with their growing extended family at the home on Kit Carson Road.

Please visit drmilohemp.com for more information.

Joni Mann’s local, woman owned business offers alternative solutions to pain relief

Joni & Robert

NAMESAKES Missionary Man JACOB HAMBLIN

Jacob Hamblin was a missionary and peacekeeper who played an integral role in helping smooth relations between Native Americans and Mormon settlers throughout the West. Born on April 6, 1819, in Ashtabula County, Ohio, Hamblin’s parents were farmers who moved to Wisconsin to homestead a place called Spring Prairie in 1836. With encouragement from his father, at nineteen he traveled more than one hundred miles west to work in the Galena Mines. When he barely escaped a rockfall that killed a coworker, he prayed he would serve God the rest of his life. Subsequent to his survival, he collected his wages, retired from mining, and returned to Wisconsin to purchase the land he helped homestead.

In the autumn of 1839, he married Lucinda Taylor and settled down to start a family. Three years later at the age of twenty-two, he converted to Mormonism after being moved by elders preaching nearby. His missionary work started almost immediately and he became widely known as a faith healer. The next year he moved to Nauvoo, Illinois where the Mormon Church headquarters were located.

Anti-Mormon sentiment was building and Hamblin, his first wife, and four children received their share. When Hamblin proposed moving west with the Latter Day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley, Lucinda refused to go, resulting in the end of their marriage. He continued west without her, taking the four children with him. In September, Hamblin met and married Rachel Judd, a widow, in Council Bluffs, Iowa and they had five children. He lived the Mormon doctrine of polygamy, marrying Sarah Priscilla Leavitt with whom he had fourteen children, Eliza with whom he had one child, and Louisa Bonelli with whom he had six children.

His family settled in Tooele Valley and became friendly with local tribes. He was known for his amiable influence because he had many

spiritual experiences that the Native Americans believed vested him with godly powers. After serving in his mission for more than a year, he became president of the southern Paiute Indian Mission in Santa Clara, the modern-day location of St. George, Utah.

In the fall of 1857, Hamblin went north to confer with Brigham Young in Salt Lake City. On the way he encountered the Fancher Party of emigrants, California bound from Arkansas and Missouri. They asked him about the road and places to camp and he directed them to Mountain Meadows on the old Spanish Trail, about three miles from his home. When he returned home, his adopted Indian son, Albert, recounted the horror of the slaughter of the Baker Fancher Party Massacre while his devastated wife helped care for the surviving children at their ranch.

In the face of adversity, his family persevered and Hamblin continued to serve as a missionary to the Native American tribes in the Southern Utah area maintaining peaceful relations for decades. Following enactment of the Edmunds Act of 1882, an arrest order was issued naming him and others known to practice plural marriages. He spent the remainder of his life moving his four wives and twenty-four children

HIDDEN

JACOB HAMBLIN

1819-1886

(including several adopted children) from Utah into Arizona and New Mexico to evade federal officers until his death on August 31, 1886.

Jacob Hamblin experienced tragedies, trials, and growth during his life. He was devoted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and today his Santa Clara home on a hill is owned and operated as a museum by the LDS Church with Mormon missionaries giving tours daily. There are many locations named after him in addition to Jacob Hamblin Road, including Jacob Lake on the Kaibab Plateau north of the Grand Canyon; Jacob Hamblin Arch in Coyote Gulch; and Hamblin Wash along U.S. Highway 89 in Arizona. All remain lasting legacies to Jacob Hamblin, a dedicated missionary and friend to all.

He converted to Mormonism after being moved by elders preaching nearby. His missionary work started almost immediately and he became widely known as a faith healer.

Hamblin served as a missionary to the Native American tribes in Southern Utah.

LIGHTSCAPING

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uplighting • path lighting

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spot lighting • security lighting

RETROFIT YOUR EXISTING LANDSCAPE LIGHTING SYSTEM OR INSTALL A NEW SYSTEM USING HIGH EFFICIENCY LED LIGHTING MADE TO LAST

WE USE ONLY BRASS OR COPPER FIXTURES MADE IN L.A. DESIGNED TO BE EASY TO MAINTAIN AND EASY TO MODIFY

LIGHTSCAPING LIGHTSCAPING LIGHTSCAPING

We control and Dim your Lighting using Smarthome Technology

LIGHTSCAPING LIGHTSCAPING

HAPPIEST TRAILS

The Saddle Creek ARENA TRAIL

RESIDENTS SHARE THEIR FAVORITES

Hiking on a trail that passes by an equestrian arena offers a unique and exciting experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you enter from Oakfield or Lasher Road, the Saddle Creek Arena Trail allows the opportunity to witness the sight of horses and riders in action in addition to enjoying the lush grass that is beginning to sprout up after the heavy recent rains. The blades are a vibrant shade of green, healthy and gently swaying in the breeze as if dancing to the melody of the winter season.

One of the best reasons to hike on the Saddle Creek Arena Trail is that one can easily observe horses. Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast or simply an animal lover, watching them showcase their skills and athleticism is a thrilling experience. Keep in mind that the trail may be busy with equestrian activity, so be alert and aware, standing quietly to the right to allow them to pass to avoid any conflicts.

In addition to running into a neighbor on horseback, this trail also offers the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The wide flat track is bordered by new shoots of grass emerging from the ground, soft and pliable to the touch, with a fresh, earthy scent from the mud. Be aware that there might be uneven terrain or fallen branches from all rain and winds.

The Saddle Creek Arena Trail runs parallel to Long Valley Road, providing a chance to connect with nature by joining this easy escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Please try this path if you are looking for a unique and exciting way to experience the great outdoors. Whether you’re a horse enthusiast or simply looking for a new hiking experience, this trail offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and equestrian activity.

From Vahe Ivynian comes an old-fashioned butcher shop with a twist. You will find his wide assortment of the most delicious marinated seafood, chicken, lamb, beef, pork, tofu, and vegetables all “made from scratch.”

Your family will thank you for choosing from his astonishing selection of the highest quality foods; such as boneless prime Korean short ribs, flat iron steak with roasted garlic butter, prime angus steak burgers, chimichurri coulotte, turmeric chicken thighs, creamy lemon rosemary chicken breast, cilantro lime chicken breast, bourbon BBQ wings, szechuan thighs, thai sweet chili shrimp, pistachio crusted Faroe Island salmon, lamb lollipops, and teriyaki tofu.

Don’t neglect the exceptional array of vegetarian side dishes like salt roasted beets, peewee potato salad, Japanese eggplant salad with tahini dressing, beet hummus, and green beans with shallot butter.

Marinated Meats is among the newer Farmers Market choices. Vahe gladly takes orders so customers can pick from the changing weekly menu. If interested in pre-ordering, please contact at (818) 419-8661 or visit on Instagram @marinated_la

Marinated Meats DINNER IS SERVED

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups chopped unpeeled sugar pumpkin

15 sage leaves

½ cup pumpkin seeds (from sugar pumpkin or pre bagged)

6 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 ½ Tbsp. honey

1 ½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. black pepper

3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

5 oz. mixed baby greens

Crumbled goat cheese & Sweetened dried cranberries to taste

It’s been one year since COVID-19 changed lives and disrupted health routines.

Y E A R S Y E A R S

DIRECTIONS:

Toss sugar pumpkin, sage leaves, pumpkin seeds, 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 Tbsp. honey, 1 tsp. kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425°F until the pumpkin is tender and golden, 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cool for 10 minutes.

To make the dressing, whisk remaining 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, remaining 1 Tbsp. honey, and remaining 1/2 tsp. kosher salt and 1/4 tsp. black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

Combine mixed baby greens, goat cheese, cranberries, roasted pumpkin, and seeds on a large serving platter. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve. HH

TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH

PARTNER WITH GRETA TO TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH WITH A CUSTOMIZED ACTION PLAN

Schedule your personalized, insurancecovered consultation today to create your roadmap to health including:

• Total wellness: nutrition, exercise, sleep, immunity, and more

• Medicine evaluation: robust review and optimization of medications, supplements, and vitamins

• Care coordination: plan and organize your health and wellness next steps with your doctors and specialists

Courtyard Clinic, on the premises of Courtyard Pharmacy, o ers our specialized consultative services, paid for by your insurance.

TOGETHER, LET’S TAKE BACK YOUR HEALTH!

Greta Goldshtein, PharmD, APh

A Local Tradition Since 1970, Our Family’s Special BBQ Recipe is Legendary.

A Local Tradition Since 1970, Our Family’s Special BBQ Recipe is Legendary.

INDOOR FIRESIDE OR PATIO DINING CATERING

INDOOR FIRESIDE OR PATIO DINING

FAMILY OWNED FOR 50 YEARS, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU NOW MORE THAN EVER.

CATERING

LARGE PARTIES

LARGE PARTIES

HAPPY TO BRING IT ON OVER!

RibRanchBBQ.com

RibRanchBBQ.com

4923 Topanga Cyn Blvd. Woodland Hills

Topanga Cyn Blvd. Woodland Hills

Desert Island Dreams COME TRUE

By Elyse Glickman

All photographs courtesy of Desert Island Country Club

verybody’s familiar with the parlor game question:

“What would you want if you were stranded on a desert island?” For five decades, golfers with deep Palm Springs area connections or a highly sought after Desert Island Country Club membership would probably tell you, “I would not mind being stranded if it was in Rancho Mirage.”

In late 2022, this historic and ultra-exclusive club not only received an extensive renovation by new owner, noted artist, and innovative experiential developer Miguel Nelson, but also the addition of acclaimed Chef Jon Butler who returned to the desert after ten years in Los Angeles and, before that, honed his skills in some of Europe’s top restaurants, including Noma in Copenhagen, Arzak in San Sebastian, and Patisserie Mansion in Biarritz. Under their direction, the expansive property now includes a luxurious yet slightly edgy ambiance along with three dining establishments ranging from casual après-golf to refined dining, a piano, and game lounge.

Perhaps the most exciting development, however, is that there will be some opportunities for travelers to take advantage of a limited number of tee times open to the public as well as make reservations for The Penney & Parlour (hours of operation can be found on Desert Island’s website). Those wholly committed to the game and regular visits to the Palm Springs area, can consider acquiring one of a limited number of private memberships. Members will have access to priority tee times, dining discounts, and additional club perks. Some of them include luxurious trollies offering players chilled towels and insulated water bottles, and the newest top tier golf carts.

“Desert Island is a piece of golf history, a legacy course played on by a mix of old Hollywood stars,” Nelson affirmed, regarding his passion project. “When the pandemic hit, I felt the urge to return to the desert for my next project. I fell in love with Desert Island as a unique property with excellent bones, spectacular outdoor amenities, and multiple communities coming together to enjoy its natural beauty, an ideal canvas for the unique, transformative projects I’m passionate about. What sets us apart, truly, is the private club level amenities that are accessible to non-members. From our chef to our golf pros, every member of our team is truly best in class.”

Nelson’s reinvention of the course and amenities originally designed by golf legend Desmond Muirhead (1923-2002) respects the property’s history but propels it into the 21st century. Like his other landmark event spaces in Los Angeles (SmogShoppe, Flora Chang, Millwick, Valentine, and Grassroom), his design approach incorporates elements of the site’s history and original use into something fresh and exciting. The vintage golf course on Desert Island, which holds the distinction of having no homes on property, consists of a walkable 120 manicured slopes around the largest lake in the Greater Desert region, with shade trees including mature eucalyptuses, short distances between greens and tee boxes, and many personal amenities.

Acclaimed Executive Chef Jon Butler offers a taste of the land and sea at the Desert Island Country Club's dining establishments that range from casual après-golf to refined dining, a piano, and game lounge.

DESERT ISLAND

https://di71.com

General Inquiries: hello@di71.com

Golf: golf@di71.com

Dining Reservations: (760) 548-2100

Bar & Kitchen: hello@di71.com

Events: events@di71.com

Golf Shoppe: (760) 328-0841

Chef Butler’s menus combine on-trend dining ideas informed by his years in top kitchens with a home-grown and ingredient-driven menu that changes regularly with whatever is in season. Fine dining restaurant The Penney pays tribute to the late artist and resident Frederick Doyle Penney (1900-1988), and stands as a showcase for his culinary talents. It also features a prolific rare spirits library, sunken horseshoe bar, and terrace dining, with views of the lake and the mountains. Parlour is Desert Island’s destination cocktail lounge and includes a grand piano, a restored 1967 Brunswick pool table, and a library of table games. Butler carefully crafts meals in the more laid-back space thanks to original artwork from owner Miguel Nelson and murals painted by Stacy Smith, in-house artist and designer.

9 ½ Bar & Kitchen, Desert Island’s shady breakfast, lunch, and goldenhour station, offers other delicious casual bites from Butler, as well as beer, specialty cocktails, fresh-squeezed juices, craft coffee, and more. The eatery is conveniently located adjacent to Golf Shoppe, between Holes

1, 9, 10, and 18. It expands to the Southern Verandah, a long, shaded row of tables overlooking the lake side putting green. Private dining is available for up to 65 persons. Other refreshment stations outfitted by Chef Butler can be found at least every four holes.

Desert Island also features some of the most innovative event spaces in one location, including a ballroom perched on the top floor of the clubhouse with floor-to-ceiling views of the course, the lake, and mountains. It is fully equipped, with spaces for entertainment, performances, and receptions with a music stage, dance floor, and lighting. Prime wedding ceremonies sites, meanwhile, include the West Range, Fairway Seven, Fairway Nine, Palm Grove, and the Northern Gallery. The Penney, Founders Room, 9 ½ Bar & Kitchen, The Southern Verandah, and Parlour are all available for additional buyout fees.

For more information on tee times, memberships, and restaurant reservations, consult the contact information at the top of the page.

71-777 Frank Sinatra Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270