Hidden Hills Community Register • December 2020

As Hidden Hills’ iconic and whispy trees age there is talk to replace them with other species’ of trees.

ONE OF HIDDEN HILLS’ LONGEST-RESIDING COMMUNITY MEMBERS IS BRINGING PERSON-TO-PERSON SERVICE BACK TO LOCAL REAL ESTATE.

michael BLOOM

THE AGENCY CALABASAS WELCOMES Michael Bloom

“As someone who was raised here, I have experienced first-hand the evolution of Hidden Hills real estate. Whether your home is an original ranch, a recently built masterpiece, or anything in-between, I will always instill to the potential buyer the sense of pride and community that has always defined Hidden Hills.”

As a 30+ year Hidden Hills Resident, I understand that when it comes time to list your property, it is a very personal decision. That is why I take pride in representing the homes of my friends and neighbors with the level of care and attention that every homeowner deserves.

17

PEPPERS IN PERIL

Will Hidden Hills’ iconic pepper trees be phased out over the coming years?

25

COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

The HOA Board candidates and December food trucks at the community center.

36

SIMPLY AMAZING CHICKEN SOUP

One of the easiest and best recipies for this cozy classic.

42

DETOURS IN LEARNING

Some pivots to consider amid distance learning on the road to college.

48

WHY ARE VETERINARY OFFICES SO BUSY?

Allie Tashnek, DVM explains the backlog created at many local vets.

52

EQUESTRIAN TIPS

Avoid Cold Weather Equine Dehydration This Winter.

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

This community publication is created exclusively for you and all of our Hidden Hills neighbors and is made possible with the generous support of these local businesses.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS HOME SERVICES

MARK & SARA SHEVIN (pg. 1)

MICHAEL BLOOM (pg.2)

JILL ROSENBERG (pg.6)

JASON & MELISSA IMPROTA (pg.9)

DAVID WATKINS (pg. 10)

DAVID SALMANSON (pg.33)

LISA MORIARTY (pg. 50)

ANIMAL CARE

ALLIE TASHNEK, DVM (pg. 7)

START RESCUE (pg. 54)

HEALTH/WELLNESS/BEAUTY

THE ATRIUM (pg. 4)

COMPLETE HEALTH DENTISTRY (pg. 22)

SALON NUUVO (pg. 27)

COURTYARD PHARMACY (pg. 31)

YOU & ME SPA SERVICES (pg. 29)

VITALITY PERSONAL TRAINING (pg. 24)

CALABASAS MEDICINE

DANIEL ROSEN, MD (pg. 35)

DINING

LOVI’S (pg. 8)

FIG & SPRIG EATERY (pg. 39)

RIB RANCH BBQ (pg. 40)

SUN FIRE DEFENSE (pg. 11)

MURRE CLEANERS (pg. 12)

FUTRONIX AUDIO VIDEO (pg. 15)

AE AUDIO VIDEO (pg. 51)

UNIVERSAL APPLIANCE & KITCHEN CENTER (pg. 16)

GREEN LEAF PRO TREE CARE (pg. 39)

DENT MECHANIX (pg. 53)

LIGHTSCAPING BY DESIGN (pg. 46)

OC MARBLE & GRANITE (pg. 47)

LEGACY LANDSCAPE SERVICES (pg. 47)

PURE BUILDERS (pg. 55)

EDUCATION

SYNERGY ACADEMICS (pg. 14)

NOVEL EDUCATION GROUP (pg. 53)

JEWELRY / LUXURY

RAIMAN ROCKS (pg. 37)

GOLD COAST COIN EXCHANGE (pg. 41)

BEN BRIDGE JEWELERS (Back Cover)

PEPPER TREES in PERIL?

As Hidden Hills’ iconic and whispy trees age there is talk to replace them with other species’ of trees.

STORY BY LONNA WEBER | PHOTOS BY JOE BELLISSIMO

Drive through the gates of the Hidden Hills community where leafy California Pepper trees line the dirt parkways along with white split-rail fences and note the subtle sense of another era; where shoes and hooves crunch on packed dirt and the canopy of greenery offers respite from California’s dry climate. When Archie E. Hanson Jr. and his father began their development of Hidden Hills in 1950, they placed an order for hundreds of California Pepper trees to be grown and ready for the 1951 planting season. Almost 70 years later the California Pepper tree remains an iconic image of Hidden Hills, but as they age and fall the question grows, ‘Should they be replaced not with younger Pepper trees, but instead with another species of tree?’

Many, like longtime resident Pamela Boothe, cannot imagine such a shift of scenery. “The first image you have of Hidden Hills, when entering the Front Gate, is a lane full of soft, billowy looking trees and shadows lining Long Valley!” says Boothe. “I know Pepper trees are messy and weak, but they look so good and most importantly, they are a Tradition that Hidden Hills has had for years and years.” Yet, over these years, as ranch style homes have given

“Nothing is more soothing than entering Hidden Hills through a canopy of pepper trees! I also love that they provide shelter from the sun or rain when I walk my dogs every day!”

JILL ROSENBERG

way to more and more “mega mansions,” some argue that sensibilities have shifted unknowingly away from the nuances that have made Hidden Hills such a special and desirable place to live. The absence of streetlights, concrete sidewalks, and speeding traffic creates a sense of serenity not found in surrounding communities, and the gentle and whispy pepper trees are a living symbol of this serenity. As 25 year residents Lisa and Jay Joffe put it, “What drew our family to Hidden Hills almost 25 years ago, were the peaceful surroundings marked by white fences, beautiful trails, and magnificent Pepper trees that define the roads…upon seeing such, I knew we had found our forever home.”

While the California Peppers may be synonymous with Hidden Hills, within the Homeowners’ Association, where the responsibilities of caring for the community come to bare and difficult decisions must sometimes be made, discussions have been ongoing to gradually replace them with another species. Relatively high maintenance, at least for the oldest of the trees, along with their propensity to die undetected from the inside out has been a cause for concern. However, it could be said that should the same amount of time and focus be applied to the scrutiny of any species, each would likely bare their own set of potential drawbacks.

Whichever direction this ongoing debate may continue, there are those who feel a significant California Pepper tree presence should be continued as a Hidden Hills tradition. The hope is that if other species’ are to be phased in, that this replacement would only happen along secondary streets, like Wingfield or Twin

“When we first visited HH we were struck by the relaxed country feel of the community. The easy beauty and shade of the pepper trees contribute greatly to that.”

- CATHERINE SORENSON

“HIDDEN

RUSTIC LANDSCAPE IMMEDIATELY TRANSPORTS YOU TO A PEACEFUL PLACE. THE MATURE PEPPER TREES, WITH THEIR PENDULOUS, DROOPING BRANCHES AND GRACEFUL POSTURE ARE SO VERY ELEGANT AND ONLY ADD TO THE CHARM OF OUR EXCEPTIONAL CITY. THE PEPPER TREES EFFUSE A DISTINCT, TRANQUIL AROMA AND PROVIDE SHADE, ENHANCING THE BEAUTIFUL, PICTURESQUE SCENERY SURROUNDING US.”

JESSICA STARKOV

Oaks roads, where varied species of trees are already prominent, and that the two main thoroughfares, Long Valley Road and Round Meadow Road, are exempted from this gradual change of landscape. Resident Bill Starkov, who lives along one of these main roads, is among the proponents of protecting the pepper. “There’s no better feeling

“I LOVE THE EXOTIC APPEARANCE OF THE CALIFORNIA PEPPER

TREE WITH THEIR FEATHERY FOLIAGE AND BRIGHT PINK BERRIES THAT ARE IN BLOOM ALL YEAR LONG. MANY NEIGHBORS, HORSES, AND I BENEFIT FROM THEIR SHADE ON OUR WALKS. I HOPE THE CALIFORNIA PEPPER TREE CONTINUES TO BE PLANTED ALONG OUR STREETS AND TRAILS BECAUSE THEY ARE QUINTESSENTIAL HIDDEN HILLS.”

BRITT AARONSON

when I’m coming home after a long day at work than driving through the gates of Hidden Hills to see the beauty of our gorgeous Pepper trees that line the streets of our amazing community.”

While the HOA’s plan would be to replace the older peppers one by one and only as needed, over time, these decisions are likely to reshape the traditional look of our community. So it is the right of every resident to get involved and voice their opinion, because the future of this iconic element to our way of life is as of now, uncertain. But whatever species of tree or trees are selected as time goes on, it goes unsaid that finding a replacement that is as beloved as the California Pepper may be a tall order.

“I love the way the Pepper Trees line our streets. I always know I am back home when I see the pepper trees. They have beautiful leaves and interesting trunks”.

HILLS IS SUCH A SPECIAL PLACE FOR SO MANY REASONS. MOST NOTABLY, THE COUNTRY VIBE YOU GET WHEN YOU ENTER THE GATES AND PASS BY THE WHITE FENCES AND GORGEOUS, LUSH AND

- ELLIE SAMBOL

WHAT DISEASES ARE HIDING IN YOUR MOUTH? Disease can be hiding in your mouth which can find its way into your blood stream to create inflammation contributing to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, kidney disease or even a stroke!

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU? Complete Health Dentistry is a unique practice that looks at the relationship between your mouth and body to determine the most appropriate way to treat your overall health. We call this the oral-systemic connection

HEALTHY MOUTH • HEALTHY BODY • HEALTHY LIFE

At Complete Health Dentistry of Woodland Hills, our entire team is working hard to educate and change public behaviors and address the importance of oral health as it relates and links to a patient's overall health. We believe in offering a complete range of dental services under one roof to make it convenient for our patients and their families. We also know that by making good oral health a priority, you can reduce many risk factors for developing other general health problems.

Dr. Bruce Beard and Dr. Manny Fernandez are here to consult with you regarding Complete Health Dentistry

ORDER AHEAD ONLINE ONLY

...up to 24 hours in advance and select your pick up time at StreetFoodFinder.com/Hidden Hills. No walk ups.

FOOD TRUCKS AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER

ingredients of the highest quality and in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

We care for our earth and so we do not offer plastic cups or straws. In this day and age, we strongly believe that great food and environmental responsibility should coexist.

East meet West, Dina’s Dumpling is a modern Chinese food truck located in the heart of LA. Our goal is to bring you authentic, delicious Chinese dumplings in a fast affordable way, street style. We take pride in our simplified menu. We love what we do, and take pride in preparing our food using simple, fresh ingredients daily.

THE

A new york delicatessen on wheels

Straight from the East coast, we are Southern California’s premiere “Deli on Wheels”. We bring you authentic New York style deli favorites such as Hot Pastrami Rubens and our classic Brisket on Rye. Our menu also features all American Classics including our delicious juicy burgers and gourmet fries. We serve healthy options too including hearty salads, fresh wraps and several vegetarian menu items including our famous Cali-Melt! We also offer breakfast upon request for those early mornings. We are committed to serving delicious meals with locally sourced

There is something magical about seeing your pizza going into the oven and watching the flames and brick transform it into a blistered, mouth-watering treat. Our large glass windows give you and your guests a front row seat to all the action of throwing the pizzas and the dance of fire and dough. Vivace uses 100% organic flour and a 200 year-old sourdough starter to make their dough. All of their pizzas are baked in their 5,500 lb. wood-fired pizza oven, handmade in Naples, Italy.

8E8 Thai Street Food was founded by a descendant from a long line of Thai cooks. Cuisine features everything from the classic pad thai and drunken noodles to pad siew and pineapple fried rice. Plus Thai iced tea to wash it all down.

ASSESSMENT PAYMENTS DUE

Assessment invoices for the 2020-21 fiscal year were sent out in October and were due November 10. IF YOU HAVEN’T RECEIVED YOUR INVOICE(S), please call the office immediately. Your assessments will be late if not received or postmarked by December 10, 2020, late fees and interest will be added.

Pinch of Flavor , a new home made touch with a fusion exploring Mexican, Japanese, and American Flavors.

HHCA Elections for HIDDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL

Ballots must be received by the Inspector of Elections no later than noon on December 14, 2020. The Association will be sending a package to the Inspector via Fed Ex on Thursday, December 10, so if you haven’t mailed your ballot by then, please bring it to the office and we will send it for you.

Also, please make sure you only vote once for each candidate, with a maximum of 4 votes. If you place more than one vote per candidate, only one vote will be counted. Email the Inspector or call the office with any questions.

DAVID BRIEN

Ihave been a resident of Hidden Hills for over 25 years. Previously I served on the Board from 2008-2015 and was your Board President from 2014-2015. I have always enjoyed the interactions with my fellow residents and the community staff. Hidden Hills is a dynamic community constantly facing new challenges, which requires constant attention and dedication from its board members.

As your board member, I will continue to ensure that the residents are provided with the service and quality they deserve.

GOALS OF THE HOA:

1. Since brevity is the soul of wit, I will outline just a few goals that I would like to see from our association.

2. Enhance the community spirit among the residents with more events for the children and adults.

3. Continue improving the relationship between the HOA and The City of Hidden Hills

4. Maintaining the safety and security of our residents and their guests, while being conscientious of the costs associated therewith.

5. Look for ways to improve services to the community.

6. Protect the community from invasive legislation that would undermine our enjoyment, use and investment of our properties.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to serving the community once again.

MITCH JACOBS

Iam asking for your vote so that I may serve for an additional 2-year term as a Board Member on our Hidden Hills Community Association. Hidden Hills is the best community in the United States to live and raise a family. Every day that I drive through our gates, I reflect on how fortunate my family and I are to live in such a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary of Los Angeles County.

My wife, Lynda, and I, have raised our three children, Dan, Elizabeth and Debby here. As a family, we have hiked and ridden our horses on the trails, and walked and ridden

our bikes on our streets. Our twins, Elizabeth and Debby were both avid participants in our Hidden Hills theater, where they made long lasting friendships. We attended Thursday Barbecues together as a family. We still love going to the annual Fiesta and Parade!

I could go on and on why Hidden Hills is such a special place to live for my family. It is for all of these same reasons that you brought your families to live within our gates.

We have all experienced unprecedented hardship this past year. The Corona Virus

has caused us to spend more time at home working and educating our children. How fantastic is it that our Parks and Recreation Committee has tirelessly come up with innovative ways for our families to safely enjoy activities during these trying times? We are all extremely fortunate to be able to live and work in such a wonderful place.

It is our Community Association that makes Hidden Hills special. I am asking for your vote to serve another term on the Board so I may continue to preserve this special place to live for our families and those that live here in the future.

CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT

DEBBIE KULIK

randomly without any long-range plan. We know where we started, but where do we want to end up? I want to contribute my energy and passion to figuring it out, to have an impact on what Hidden Hills will look and feel like when the transformation is complete.

Over the next 20 years, or longer, virtually every older house in Hidden Hills is going to be replaced with a very large home. I respect the right of people to build those homes, but I feel that we too often ignore those residents living next door to a three year construction project.

The pounding and drilling, the trash and debris, the workers wandering around, and the dozens of construction vehicles lining the parkways six days a week, are a major inconvenience to those living nearby. Many residents already experienced this inconvenience, and most likely we all will over time. I want to achieve a balance so the rights of builders and neighbors alike are protected.

My name is Debbie Kulik. My family moved to Hidden Hills twelve years ago to fulfill our dream of living in a family-oriented equestrian community with a country feel. We made wonderful friends since moving here and have enjoyed all that our wonderful community has to offer.

There are many expensive developments in Calabasas and surrounding areas but Hidden Hills is unique. No other place offers what we have: The community center with all the great events that are held there, the arenas and parks, no sidewalks and street lamps, the large lots, the trails, and the proximity to Ahmanson

Ranch. It is this uniqueness that I cherish and want to preserve.

But like the world around us, Hidden Hills is changing. Originally intended as a quiet enclave with single story ranch homes, where children played in the yard and walked or rode their horses to school, over the past decade the community is being transformed into something very different. I am not opposed to larger homes, and I understand that some people would rather build a recording studio or three guest houses rather than a barn. But a transformation this drastic requires careful thought and planning. Until recently, what took place occurred

I’ve spent several years educating myself about Hidden Hills and homeowner associations in general, preparing to be the best board member I can be. I’ve been an active member of the Equestrian Services Committee and on the Committee to modify the Rules and Regulations. I patiently attended every board meeting in recent years listening from beginning to end. I feel I am ready to make a meaningful contribution as a member of the Board. If you give me your support I promise that I will listen, consider all points of view, and work tirelessly to ensure that the future of Hidden Hills is a bright and successful one for all of our homeowners.

HIDDEN HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD ELECTION

Courtyard Pharmacy’s founding pharmacist, Greta Goldshtein, is an advanced practice pharmacist. She based Courtyard Pharmacy’s services on a collaborativecare model that includes a pharmacist who can augment physician-provided care, deliver medication therapy management, provide preventative care services, and facilitate transitions of care. The pharmacy’s staff can steward the care of your family members to alleviate the burden on busy caregivers having to navigate mediation therapy on their own. They also make house calls and deliveries.

Greta and her staff strive to build strong relationships with their neighbors so that they can get a full understanding of every patient’s needs, meet their expectations and keep them involved in their care at every phase. State of the art healthcare and wellness support are now available to all age groups at your doorstep in Calabasas.

Greta Goldshtein, PharmD, APh

CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT

JOHN MCGINNIS

Security Committee before that. I have a track record of listening to neighbors who want to share their ideas to bring positive improvements to our incredible community. I will continue to be accessible to anyone who wants to chat about any topic of concern. I will work to preserve the charming and rustic nature of Hidden Hills while at the same time helping to foster new ideas that will make the community even better for all of us.

GOALS FOR THE HIDDEN HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION:

2021 will bring big changes. First, we will implement our recently presented strategic plan to modernize how we run the Association. This important effort will improve all aspects of the management and operation of the Hidden Hills Community Association including financials, governing documents,

security, committee reporting, staff leadership and more. The benefits to all of the residents is a smoother running Association with a clear vision and mission that will be more responsive to the needs of the community.

It has been a true honor to serve the community of Hidden Hills as a board member for the past two terms. I am asking for your vote to serve one more twoyear term as a board member.

Why? Our family has been blessed to live in this wonderful community for over 20 years. In that time, we have fostered incredible friendships, and enjoyed a sense of “community” that every other neighborhood across the US would envy. There is nothing like Hidden Hills anywhere, and it is easy to take for granted. I want to ensure that we preserve this unique and special neighborhood and continue to make it as fantastic for every resident as it has been for the McGinnis family.

As an Association, we must strive to make the experience of living in this community as fulfilling for the 20-year and 30-year residents as it is for the new families just moving in. I love meeting new residents

and encouraging them to get involved in the community in any way they can. I appreciate listening to their ideas and viewpoints and collaborating on ways to turn them into actions. The benefits of volunteering, and participating, are huge both for the resident and the community.

This year the Board has worked to create a new Strategic Plan that improves our processes and tools and that will enable smooth operation of the Association well into the future. While the plan is now defined, I look forward to seeing it through to a successful implementation in 2021. This will help future Boards more effectively manage a community association that has grown much more complex over the years.

Finally, I want to thank all my friends and neighbors across the community for their support and encouragement over the years I have served on the Board, and the Gate/

Second, the challenges we have faced and managed in 2020 with Covid will continue to spill into 2021, but hopefully improve to where we can get back much of what makes Hidden Hills so special… the sense of “Community.” There is nothing better than sharing time with neighbors at community events like the welcome party, summer barbeques, kids’ performances in the theater, Halloween or just walking the dogs down Long Valley. Whatever happens, we will strive to get “back to normal” while at the same time, continue to minimize risks to the health and safety of every resident.

Bottom line, my goal is to strike a balance between the rustic and charming nature of an equestrian community like Hidden Hills with the desire for new programs and services that make the community an even more desirable place to live and raise our families. I know we can do it and I enjoy being part of it.

HIDDEN HILLS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION BOARD ELECTION

LIZABETH MOSES

I started my professional career on Wall Street at an investment bank, which launched my career as a Financial Advisor for over 26 years, including my current role as Senior Vice-President of Investments. This background serves as an important backdrop for the Board role, which is to continue to ensure our community is fiscally responsible and thrives in all monetary and budgetary matters.

I am told that I am extremely fair-minded and my community strength is in bringing people together to work on solutions for all. I will work tirelessly to maintain this community’s traditions and its family friendly atmosphere. I would be honored to have your vote.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions about my candidacy at lizabeth.moses@gmail.com

Ihope most of you know me by now, but if you don’t … I am your dedicated and passionate Chairperson of the ever-active Parks and Recreation Committee. You’ve probably seen my social media postings about our Food Trucks, a bi-weekly offering I have committed to providing to the community during our challenging Covid lockdown.

The Covid situation has challenged me and our Parks and Recreation committee at the deepest level. How do we provide Recreational events and community togetherness, now more important than ever – when we’re not allowed to? I hope you’ve felt my efforts to provide creative

alternatives (HH Cookbook, Drive-In Movie Night, Halloween alternatives like Boo-ing) and have experienced some positive benefit from the substitutions for our usual barbeques, social events, Welcome party, movie nights, etc.

For the last two years I have worked closely with the current HOA Board and staff and I am quite educated about the association, how it runs, what needs to be done, our community and our residents. My boundless love for this community and my willingness to do MORE is my 100% inspiration to serve as a Board member. It’s as simple as that.

A Medical Practice, Reimagined and Personalized.

Old school medicine meets modern technology.

✓ Comprehensive visits that are not rushed

✓ Direct access to the doctor 24/7

✓ In-depth doctor-patient relationships

✓ Personalized health plans that are focused around preventative care

✓ Most up-to-date and effective diagnostic tools

✓ Bloodwork, digital x-ray, ultrasound, and cardiac testing all done under one roof

✓ House calls available

✓ Complete COVID-19 testing abilities

CALABASAS MEDICINE

DANIEL ROSEN, MD

Concierge Primary Care Board Certified Internal Medicine

Meet Dr. Danny Rosen

Total cook time, about 45 minutes. Makes enough soup for days... not sure how many servings that is!

SIMPLY AMAZING

Chicken & Orzo Soup

Now more than ever, we can use a little comfort food. Here’s a simple yet excellent version of a universal classic that you can bring to friends and family, or keep at the ready in your fridge for an instant bowl of cozy.

While many chicken soup recipes call for a much longer list of ingredients, this one is exceptionally

simple. You may be surprised when you realize that nothing is boiled with the chicken...nada. And the ingredient list is short and to the point. Cooking the orzo in the soup (and not separately) is one of the secrets, blending with all the flavors and adding a good amount of starch... but don’t get the wrong idea, this soup still has a rather fresh and light (yet very homey) feel.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole fresh organic chicken. 4-5 lbs.

• 6 quarts of water.

• 1 pound of orzo pasta. (This is our favorite, but you can sub with other pastas like linguine broken into short pieces, pappardelle, fettuccine, etc).

• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick circles.

• 3 celery stalks, cut lengthwise into thirds and then sliced into 1/4 thick pieces.

• 1/4 diced white, yellow or brown onion.

• 5 bay leaves.

• 2 tablespoons salt.

• 1-1/2 teaspoons celery salt.

• 2 teaspoons onion salt.

Wash/Peel/Cut the onions, celery and carrots. OR.... you can buy a 14 oz tub of pre-chopped mirepoix from trader joes. (this will save you a LOT of time).

TIP: This soup can also be served with a little grated pecorino romano cheese. It’s a matter of preference.

DIRECTIONS

Start with a large stock pot if you have one, place the chicken and add 6 quarts (24 cups) of water. Set on the stove on high and bring to a boil. This may take about 20 mins.

Keep an eye on the stock pot. Once it comes to a full boil set a timer for 20 minutes.

When the timer is done, turn off the burner and carefully remove the whole chicken from the pot using tongs (be careful to keep your hand higher than the chicken at all times or boiling hot water could run down the inside of the tongs onto your hand).

Place the chicken, breast up, into a large bowl. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.

Strain the entire contents of the stock pot (the broth) into a separate stock pot that is large enough to also accommodate all the other ingredients. (the pot should be at least 8 quarts).

Place the pot onto the stove on high and carefully add the celery, carrots and onions.

Peel back the skin from the chicken and cut away the two breasts. Then carefully shred them using two forks. (Do as you wish with the remaining chicken, we remove it from the bones and give it to the dogs).

Then add the shredded chicken and all of the spices (bay leaves, onion salt, celery salt, salt).

Then add all of the orzo (or other pasta). Let boil for the duration of the pasta’s prescribed cook time.

THEN YOU ARE DONE!! Remember, you can serve with a little grated pecorino Romano for an extra kick of flavor.

IMPORTANT RE-HEATING TIP:

The pasta will absorb a lot of the liquid over time, when reheating you may have to add some water back, along with a pinch of salt (to taste).

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

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HAPPY TO BRING IT ON OVER!

RibRanchBBQ.com

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4923 Topanga Cyn Blvd. Woodland Hills

Topanga Cyn Blvd. Woodland Hills

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DETOURS IN LEARNING

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TIFFANY SORYA, FOUNDER

Tiffany Sorya is the founder of Novel Education Group. She is a renowned influencer and thought leader in the education industry, widely recognized for spearheading a fundamental change in the way young people engage with education in the digital age.

Tiffany Sorya is the founder of Novel Education Group. She is a renowned influencer and thought leader in the education industry, widely recognized for spearheading a fundamental change in the way young people engage with education in the digital age.

noveleducationgroup.com

Homeschooling | Tutoring | Enrichment Programs | College Advising

Amid this new normal we are all facing, the term “COVID fatigue,” has now been added to our collective vocabulary. In this continued effort to recognize and put a name to all of these unusual challenges, let’s not forget to include “virtual learning fatigue.” Teachers are exhausted, stressed, burnt out and constantly worrying about how they are supporting their students. Going off of the several questions and inquiries we’ve received from all over the globe, parents are confused about curriculums, worried if their children are receiving adequate education–despite private schools not lowering tuition– all while left juggling work, household duties and childcare. Students feel anxious and unmotivated by the long zoom meetings and dealing with what seems like an

overcompensation of busy work to replace what would’ve been time in school.

Of course, schools have done their best, and the instinct would be to keep as much of “normal” school structure as possible with the geography and the connection being the only major change. This is unfortunately not sustainable. After operating as a homeschooling, tutoring and academic enrichment agency for 7 years and working with hundreds of students who have thrived outside of the “structures” of a traditional school day, we have learned that a student’s ability to keep track of their own work, completing quality assignments online and understanding HOW she/he studies and learns is a skill that is acquired over time and is certainly an added layer of

complexity, even for adults. But overnight, students have been forced into the position where the responsibility has shifted off of the teachers and directly onto them.

Our advice during this difficult time is for families to not sit back and accept this this new method as their only choice. Communicate with your teachers, tell them how you are feeling, and ask if you are able to decrease Zoom time. It’s important that we are constantly pushing our students to take control over their learning and while there is a set amount of work that needs to be done, the order and manner in which the assignment is completed can and should be flexible.

There is a reality that consists of condensed school hours, no busy work, and the opportunity to

OUR ADVICE DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME IS FOR FAMILIES TO NOT SIT BACK AND ACCEPT THIS THIS NEW METHOD AS THEIR ONLY CHOICE.

pursue or discover their interests. Students should be able to learn at their own pace and achieve the best results. At Novel Education, for example, we’ve organically settled upon an average seat time for a fulltime course load of 15 hours per week… 3 hours a day for 5 days a week… that’s it. Whether or not this could be a guide for discussion with your child’s school in the hopes of a restructure of expectations that best work with the current reality remains to be seen, and could take some time, but repositioning this as an opportunity for Students to be efficient with their learning and be able to pursue passions with their extra time will begin to develop their personal narrative which will play a huge role in success as they approach higher learning.

And this is another challenge the endless stresses of the pandemic has been causing- college admissions. What is in store for those students who are on the horizon of applying to their dream school? And what are colleges searching for in their applicants? Many 2021 students are absent of grades because their schools stopped grading during the emergency transition to online learning in the spring. With the decreased availability of SAT and ACT testing, students are worried that they will lose their competitive edge, or won’t be able to retake the exams for a better score. Because of virtual teaching, many are even concerned about receiving a quality letter of recommendation from a teacher. Hundreds of colleges recognize these predicaments and our global partnership with education and college consulting firm, Command Education, is more

important than ever. With a touting 94% success rate, Command Education has noticed that there is a lot of misinformation about what colleges are now looking for in applicants. Colleges are not looking for well-rounded students, they are looking for students who have a singular “hook” --something that allows them to stand out from their peers. Even though Covid-19 has limited and changed the ways students interact with their school, community, extracurricular activities, hobbies, and sports --colleges will still want to see how students spent their time during quarantine.

A firm like Command Education can help your child identify their passions and authentic interests and help them execute on those ideas and goals through available extracurricular activities, summer internships, research opportunities, and volunteering. There are still several opportunities and students should be taking advantage of this time to really show what they are capable in this limited environment.

EVEN THOUGH COVID-19 HAS LIMITED AND CHANGED THE WAYS STUDENTS INTERACT WITH THEIR SCHOOL, COMMUNITY, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, HOBBIES, AND SPORTS --COLLEGES WILL STILL WANT TO SEE HOW STUDENTS SPENT THEIR TIME DURING QUARANTINE.

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

Why is My Vet’s Office so Crowded Since the Pandemic?

WRITTEN BY ALLIE TASHNEK, DVM

As many pet owners are aware, lately there has been a change in protocols when visiting their local veterinary office. When a client calls the office, often the next available appointment is days or weeks away. Emergency clinics have extremely long wait times - hours to sometimes days! Why is it so difficult to see a veterinarian right now?

As we all know, COVID-19 has changed almost every industry, and the veterinary industry is no exception. Clinics are following new protocols and procedures for the safety of both their staff and their clients. Many clinics are implementing curbside service, and increased disinfection protocols. Curbside service roughly doubles the time it takes for each patient to be seen due to the added logistics, resulting in seeing one or two pets at a time, instead of multiple pets at once. Of course, these policies are to ensure the health of everyone, but they do take longer!

Vet clinics, just like other businesses, may be forced to shut down temporarily due to a COVID quarantine. Often this is out of the clinic’s control, forcing clientele to seek out care at other hospitals, further exacerbating wait times and availability. Also like other businesses, COVID has increased the incidence of employee absence, whether due to illness, childcare, or needing to take care of loved

ones who may be ill. When the support staff is reduced, the amount of patients a clinic can care for is greatly diminished.

Even before the pandemic, many clinics were experiencing difficulty finding new hires, especially veterinarians. The American Veterinary Medical Association reported last year that the mean monthly number of job postings was more than five times the number of veterinarians searching for jobs. Some report that this disparity is not a result of a shortage in veterinarians (after all, veterinary schools are putting out more veterinarians each year), but rather a mismatch in jobs available to jobs being sought out. Whatever the reason, many veterinary clinics were looking to hire new veterinarians before the pandemic. Add in an unprecedented event like COVID-19, and clinics that were able to handle the amount of appointments they were seeing, are now desperately trying to keep up with demand.

Demand continues to increase. Pet adoptions have increased dramatically since quarantine began. This is great news! More pets are getting adopted and less pets are in shelters. However, this does increase the demand for veterinary appointments needed for both routine check ups and urgent visits. As people spend more time with their pets at home, more ailments are noticed that may have been previously overlooked, prompting a vet visit.

Dr. Allie grew up in Hidden Hills as an avid equestrian. She went on to receive her veterinary degree from University of California, Davis in 2017. She now practices as a mobile house call veterinarian seeing her patients, large and small, in the comfort of their own homes. drtashnek.com

In addition, some pet owners now have more flexibility in their work day allowing them to bring their pets into the clinic more frequently. This is great news for pets, and hopefully this trend of more adoptions and better monitoring continues long after the pandemic.

Your veterinarian is likely doing the very best they can in a tough situation, and is working diligently to create solutions to these new challenges.

Most veterinarians do care for your pet very much, and it pains them to not provide timely care. Veterinarians are stepping up to the plate and most are working overtime just to take care of as many pets as they can, but ask that pet owners be patient in this unprecedented time. Your furry friend’s care is of the utmost importance to both you and your vet - please be patient as we adapt to this new normal together.

AS WE ALL KNOW, COVID-19 HAS CHANGED ALMOST EVERY INDUSTRY, AND THE VETERINARY INDUSTRY IS NO EXCEPTION.

Avoid Cold Weather Equine Dehydration This Winter

Warning Signs & What You Can Do

When the temperature of your horses’ water sources drops, so does their desire to drink! They need 20 to 40 liters of water day to stay healthy and hydrated in the winter months. But it’s hard to know how much water your horses are drinking when you have automatic watering systems or various water buckets around the barn.

Symptoms/Consequences of Equine Dehydration

Dehydration can have serious consequences for your horses: Impaction colic, weight loss and, in the most severe cases, death can occur. Some symptoms to look for are: decreased appetite and manure production, decrease in moisture content of manure, lethargy.

How Can I Make Sure My Horses Drink Enough Water?

Here are some strategies:

WARM UP THEIR WATER!

Check your water levels and temperature – if the water is too cold, they won’t drink!

Also, those automatic waterer receptacles, especially the small ones, can easily freeze over.

LIQUIFY THEIR DIET

An easy-to-chew, palatable feed can also help encourage your horses’ appetites, keep them salivating and increase their desire to drink.

Try warm bran mash, warm soaked beet pulp and/or warm soaked oats & molasses

SOAK THEIR HAY

IMPORTANTLY, ADD SALT TO THEIR FEED: Ingesting salt stimulates thirst. Add about a tablespoon of loose salt to their feed daily, especially if it appears they’re not using their salt block.

The Newest Wave of Education

Novel Education Group is an elite homeschooling & academic enrichment agency that provides a fullservice, flexible, and customized curriculum for students from grades Kindergarten through Twelve.

By providing US Accredited courses anywhere in the world, we allow students to tailor their schooling experience to fit their individual goals: students may enroll in full-time homeschool, pursue highly specialized interests, and complete enrichment programs with educators dedicated exclusively to your student.

Contact us at Noveleducationgroup.com

TIFFANY SORYA, FOUNDER

Tiffany Sorya is the founder of Novel Education Group. She is a renowned influencer and thought leader in the education industry, widely recognized for spearheading a fundamental change in the way young people engage with education in the digital age.