Hidden Hills Community Register • Febuary 2021

JED SMITH ROAD -

MONDAY:

Munchie Monday (15% o all edibles)

TUESDAY:

Tincture Tuesday (15% o all tinctures)

WEDNESDAY:

Vape Cart Wednesday (15% o all cartridges)

THURSDAY:

Thirsty Thursday (15% o all drinks)

Flower Friday (15% o all flower)

Shatterday (15% o all wax)

SUNDAY: WWW.ATRIUMTOPANGA.COM

Pre Roll Friday (15% o tinctures)

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

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

Learn about the simple and often overlooked chemical reaction that can burn down your home.

26

OFF-SCREEN ROMANCE

They met in “Hollywood” and now split their time between Hidden Hills and Canada. The Catherine Gourdier/Don Carmody Story.

32

FRENCH ONION SOUP

A super cozy recipe that will take your tastebuds to Paris.

38

DOGGY DIET

How healthy is your dog? Look no further than his bowl.

42

SAT SWITCHAROO

The SAT requirements are changing. Here’s how to adjust your kids’ plan for college admissions.

47

COLD WEATHER EQUESTRIAN TIP

Extra cold and damp means extra care and attention for your horses.

48

DISCOVER RUIDOSO

The outdoors meets art in this hidden gem of a New Mexico destination.

SUPPORTING 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)

CHRISTINE ROSS (PG. 19)

DAVID SALMANSON (PG.36)

LISA MORIARTY (PG. 31)

ANIMAL CARE

ALLIE TASHNEK, DVM (PG. 7)

START RESCUE (PG. 53)

HEALTH/WELLNESS/ BEAUTY

THE ATRIUM (PG. 4)

COMPLETE HEALTH DENTISTRY (PG. 24)

COURTYARD PHARMACY (PG. 13)

VITALITY PERSONAL TRAINING (PG. 37)

CALABASAS MEDICINE

DANIEL ROSEN, MD (PG. 54)

DINING

TACO OLE (PG. 8)

FIG & SPRIG EATERY (PG. 29)

RIB RANCH BBQ (PG. 40)

SUN FIRE DEFENSE (pg. 11)

MURRE CLEANERS (pg. 12)

FUTRONIX AUDIO VIDEO (pg. 21)

AE AUDIO VIDEO (pg. 46)

UNIVERSAL APPLIANCE & KITCHEN CENTER (pg. 16)

GREEN LEAF PRO TREE CARE (pg. 43)

LIGHTSCAPING BY DESIGN (pg. 44)

OC MARBLE & GRANITE (pg. 45)

LEGACY LANDSCAPE SERVICES (pg. 45)

PURE BUILDERS (pg. 55)

EDUCATION

SYNERGY ACADEMICS (pg. 14)

NOVEL EDUCATION GROUP (pg. 51)

JEWELRY/ART/ LUXURY

WILD MUSTANG DANIEL (pg. 15)

RAIMAN ROCKS (pg. 23)

SHOP HALTER EGO (pg. 25)

GOLD COAST COIN EXCHANGE (pg. 41)

BEN BRIDGE JEWELERS (Back Cover)

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. YOUR THOUGHTS?

Courtyard Pharmacy’s founding pharmacist, Greta Goldshtein, is an advanced practice pharmacist. She based Courtyard Pharmacy’s services on a collaborative-care 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

EACH YEAR, A COMMON HOUSEHOLD PRODUCT CAUSES NEARLY 14,000 FIRES, ON DECEMBER 23rd, 2020, A BARN IN HIDDEN HILLS WAS ONE OF THEM

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION

THE ANTIQUE, RECLAIMED DOORS FROM INDIA HAD ALWAYS BEEN THE FOCAL POINT OF THE BARN THAT JULIE AND ANDERS HAINER BUILT BACK IN 2008. In fact, the architecture had been designed around them. Towering, oneof-a-kind and intricate, they hinted at what

to expect once they were opened. . . a classic, old-world equestrian facility with Brazilian hardwood wrapped stalls, thick beams, and high, open, tongue and groove ceilings. The exterior, as with many within the Northern tract of Hidden Hills, was plaster with a Spanish tile roof, but the interior spaces, and the doors, were all about the woodwork.

The time had come for a refinish however, and Julie had decided to lighten things up throughout. She had hired an experienced painter to strip the doors, along with all of the stall surfaces, to achieve a more natural look. No stain would be used, and instead, a simple finish of linseed oil would be ragged-on to protect the wood and bring out the natural details. The application of the linseed oil to the stall doors was under way, and at the end of the last day the barn would be standing, the painter placed the oily rags into a box, set it neatly in the corner, and after tidying the rest of the workspace had gone home for the evening.

AT 5:20 AM, DECEMBER 23RD, JULIE AWOKE TO A LOUD POUNDING ON THE FRONT DOOR OF THE HOME. Dazed and disoriented, she opened the door. The police were standing at the threshold, a nightmare for any parent. Fortunately, it was not news about any family members, but rather, a simple and abrupt announcement. “Your barn is on fire!” Somewhat bewildered, Julie closed the door. She panicked for a fleeting second, but then remembered that there were no animals living in the barn at the time. She hurried back up the stairs, not quite sure if she was dreaming or if what she had just heard made sense, and then heard Anders yell from the bedroom. “The barn’s on fire!” Coming back into the room the glow from outside was already evident. Crossing to the window, Julie looks out and comes fully awake. The whole structure was already a fully engulfed inferno.

A red flag warning had been issued for the day and high winds were expected. Fortunately, they had not yet kicked-up, but an abundance of

THE “HAINER FARMS” EQUESTRIAN FACILITY BEFORE THE FIRE

“ Honestly, couldn’t be more pleased. A true professional and would highly recommend her. We are beyond happy, and fortunate, to have had Christine on our team.

– Blake T.

“ Christine’s vibrant personality carries over to her real estate expertise! She is ready to take on any challenge and got the extra mile! Christine is hard working, proactive, intelligent & she thinks outside the box! A true professional and would highly recommend her.

– Sharlene M.

caution had quickly descended upon the Hainer home; fire fighters (for the structure), brush crews, arson investigators, police and even the bomb squad. A total of roughly 150 personnel were on site working hurriedly to quash the blaze and protect the community. Once the core of the inferno was knocked out, a large crew remained throughout the day, breaking through each remaining wall by hand, hunting down and extinguishing every remaining ember. It was not until three-o’-clock that afternoon, just as the winds began to gust, that the fire was officially declared extinguished.

The arson investigators were already well into their work, and having learned about the remodel and the refinishing, were already somewhat confident about what may have started the fire.

Sure enough, digging through the rubble they found the point of origin. The box had only been partially burned and the printing on it was still miraculously readable…Painters’ rags.

LINSEED OIL IS A NATURAL PRODUCT

EXTRACTED FROM FLAXSEED. Liquid linseed oil in the can is no more hazardous than any other oil. But leftover linseed oil on rags, paper towels and so on has the unique ability to generate heat as it dries -- sometimes getting so hot that it bursts into flames.

When linseed oil is exposed to air, it combines with the oxygen molecules. This chemical reaction creates heat. If the linseed oil is on something like a cotton rag, it can catch fire at as low as 120 degrees -- with no outside spark.

AT LEFT: SCREENSHOTS FROM A VIDEO OF THE FIRE BRIGADE THAT WENT TO WORK IN THE PRE-DAWN HOURS OF THE MORNING. ABOVE: THE REMAINS OF THE BOX OF PAINTERS RAGS, BELIEVED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE BLAZE.

Given the right atmosphere, the right amount of ventilation, it will self-ignite, making it one of the most unknown yet common causes of structure fires each year. In fact, linseed oil caused the biggest high-rise fire in U.S. history. In 1991, Meridian Plaza in Philadelphia burned for 19 hours. The investigation showed workers left linseed oil-soaked rags in a vacant office.

In the can, linseed oil is fine. It just needs to be kept away from heat and flames. The reason linseed oil doesn’t catch fire when you use it on wood is that it is spread out, so it doesn’t heat up. Balled-up rags and other debris from projects are the real problem, because the oil is concentrated where it can heat up and the rags, providing fuel for the fire.

Linseed oil manufacturers suggest putting rags, paper towels, etc., soaked with linseed oil in a metal can full of water. You’ll want to tightly seal the lid and take the can to your local hazardous waste site for disposal. HH

LINSEED OIL IS THE MOST LIKELY TO SELF-COMBUST, ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, BUT THERE ARE OTHER MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO DO THE SAME UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

OTHER MATERIALS THAT MAY SELF-COMBUST

• TURPENTINE

• FISH OIL

• LARD

• COCONUT OIL

• COD LIVER OIL

• CASTOR OIL

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

regarding Complete Health Dentistry

FILMMAKERS DON CARMODY AND CATHERINE GOURDIER FOUND THEIR FAIRYTALE ENDING WHEN THEY MET ON A FILM SET in 1996, married three years later, and moved into the Hidden Hills home Don purchased in 1989. With their film and television careers, they spent most of their time in Toronto until nine years ago when they took their Hidden Hills home off the rental market and moved back to make it their ‘forever’ home base. Catherine says, “It makes me so happy to live in a community where you know your neighbors and are welcomed back from a trip with a pot of flowers and a note on your doorstep.”

Both travel for work, spending almost equal time between Toronto and Hidden Hills, which as Don says, “…only makes us appreciate our time in Hidden Hills more.” Don was born outside of Boston but moved to Montreal at a young age when his dad transferred there for work for what started as

a 2-year work commitment then became a 27-year residency. Don relishes his dual experiences as an American and a Canadian. He began his career in Canada and then realized he needed to be in Los Angeles to ‘make’ it in the film industry and in 1981 he opened offices in Beverly Hills. Don has produced more than 100 films over 40 plus years. His films include Porky’s, Porky’s II, Weekend at Bernie’s, Chicago, Lucky Number Slevin, and several of the Resident Evil horror flicks. Don created a television division, DCTV in 2015 and produced several shows for Netflix and Lifetime.

Catherine, an Olivia Newton-John lookalike, grew up in Kingston, Ontario. After fifteen years in sales and marketing, she made a career change into the film industry and never looked back. For twenty years she worked mostly as an Assistant Director. In 2004, she produced and wrote the screenplay adaptation for a low budget feature. Catherine worked with Don on the film, Chicago, as the 2nd Assistant Director/

off-screen romance

WRITTEN BY DEBBIE YANUCK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CATHERINE GOURDIER

Rehearsal manager and says, “It was the most challenging and the most fun film I’ve ever worked on. Singing and dancing every day for four months!”

Two years ago, she completed renovations on their Hidden Hills home, creating a cozy place filled with warmth. Movie slates from Don’s films are displayed like molding on the upper walls of their screening room while soft colors, bespoke items, and eclectic pieces fill the home. Catherine and Don embrace their Hidden Hills lifestyle enjoying every aspect of their quaint town. “We make sure to come home after Canadian Thanksgiving, so we do not miss the fun of Halloween in Hidden Hills,” Catherine says.

“Excluding this year (due to COVID-19), I dress up and walk the streets with friends so that we see all the children, their costumes, and the over-the-top decorations you can only find in Hidden Hills,” Catherine says. Another tradition they share is that every Sunday morning they drive to different sections of Hidden Hills, park, and then walk three or more miles. Afterward, they come home and have brunch by the pool if the weather is warm enough. Catherine adds, “I’ve met most of our neighbors through walks and created lasting friendships this way.”

“CATHERINE MADE OUR HIDDEN HILLS HOME HER OWN, YOU COULDN’T GET HER OUT OF HERE WITHOUT DYNAMITE.”

AT THE CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS (THE CANADIAN OSCARS ), 2011.

- DON CARMODY

CATHERINE AND DON ON THE SET OF THE SLY STALONE FILM, “DRIVEN.” 2000.

THE GOURDIER/CARMODY MEDIA ROOM, WHERE A COLLECTION OF VINTAGE FILM CAMERAS AND SCORES OF SLATES FROM DON’S 40+ YEAR FILM CAREER ARE CLEVERLY DISPLAYED.

With a lake house in the Kawarthas, north of Toronto, where they spend about five months a year and their Hidden Hills home the rest of the time, they appreciate the beauty and serenity of both places where they live and work. As with everyone else, this year offered challenges, but they found a way to continue to work in a different capacity. Catherine is now an author, with her first book, published by Harper Collins, due out this spring. Don’s newest television series based on a young adult novel series, “House of Night,” is currently in development.

Singing and performing in the charity Valentine Musicale is another tradition Catherine appreciates in Hidden Hills. Although this year’s date is not yet set the “…show will still go on, even if it has to be virtual,” Catherine says. “In a town where neighbors drop off freshly baked cookies and scones, ‘just because’ and stop to chat instead of passing us by on our walks, Hidden Hills is home to me now.” A few weeks ago, Catherine took her U.S. citizenship test and the swearing-in ceremony for her American citizenship will take place soon. Don, with laughter in his voice, says, “Catherine made our Hidden Hills home her own, you couldn’t get her out of here without dynamite.” HH

WITH A LAKE HOUSE IN THE KAWARTHAS, NORTH OF TORONTO, WHERE THEY SPEND ABOUT FIVE MONTHS A YEAR AND THEIR HIDDEN HILLS HOME THE REST OF THE TIME, THEY APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY AND SERENITY OF BOTH PLACES WHERE THEY LIVE AND WORK.

HIDDEN HILLS WELCOME PARTY, 2018

FRENCH ONION SOUP

with Caramelized Shallot Toasted Baguette & Gruyère

COOK TIME: About 45 minutes.

Makes about 12 servings.

INGREDIENTS

For the Soup

• 3 large white or brown onions.

• 1 bunch or green onions.

• 3 32oz boxes of beef broth.

• 1 32 oz box of vegetable broth.

• Salt.

• 1 Cup of Olive Oil.

• 3 pounds gruyère cheese. (Note: you’ll need about 1/4 pound per portion)

For the Toasted Baguette

• 1 whole large fresh baguette.

• 2 sticks of butter.

• 1 large red onion or 3 large shallots.

• A sprig of fresh thyme.

DIRECTIONS

Begin by washing/peeling/slicing all of the onions for the soup, then heat the olive oil in a large stock pot.

Add all of the onions and sauté until caramelized..

Add the beef broth and vegetable stock. Leave on high heat and bring to a boil. Then reduce to simmer.

THE FINISHING TOUCHES

Thinly slice the gruyère.

Add the soup to an oven safe Au Gratin bowl.

Be sure to include a lot of onions. They will pile at the bottom.

Place the toasted slices into the soup at an angle so one end of each is touching the bottom.

...Then generously layer gruyère around and under all of the slices.

NOW GET STARTED ON THE BAGUETTE.

Peel and then thinly slice the red onion (or the shallotsshallots are a tad bit sweeter) then heat with the butter and a little salt (to taste) in a small sauce pan until caramelized.

This is also a good time to stir the soup. While this is happening, you can slice up the bread...

Slice the baguette at a slight diagonal into 1 inch thick slices. Slicing on the diagonal creates longer pieces, which will help with positioning when it’s time to place into the soup bowls.

Once caramelized, transfer the onion and butter mixture into a small dish.

Press one side of each bread slice into the onion butter mixture, absorbing the butter...then arrange on a baking sheet.

Using a fork, place a small bunch of the onions onto each bread slice.

Sprinkle on a bit of fresh thyme.

Toast in the oven, under the broiler.

Do your best to keep the cheese from submerging into the soup. Be sure to pile it on thick because some will melt into the soup.

Finish with a thyme sprig.

Transfer the prepared au gratin dish onto a baking sheet...

...and place under the broiler (you can do a few at the same time if you like)

WATCH CLOSELY SO IT DOES NOT BURN!

(Note: Keep some aluminum foil at the ready. You may need to lightly cover the exposed toast ends to keep from burning.)

Remove when cheese is fully melted and begins to brown.

VOILÀ! FRENCH ONION SOUP!

Be REALY CAREFUL with the hot au gratin dishes and be sure to remind your guests to not touch them!

IS IT TIME TO START CONSIDERING YOUR DOGGIE’S DIET?

WRITTEN BY ALLIE TASHNEK, DVM

At the start of a new year, us humans often have our mind on new resolutions including going on a diet… but what about our dogs? Many a dog owner has perused the aisles of their local pet store, only to walk out even more confused than when they walked in. The options seem to be limitless nowadays - grain free, senior, puppy, raw, freeze-dried, homecooked, hypoallergenic… and the list goes on. Each pet food brand competes for the consumer’s attention with eye-grabbing packaging and lofty claims that their brand of food will help your dog achieve the fountain of youth. It can be overwhelming! Every dog is different, and it is important to consult with your veterinarian to decide on which diet is best for your pet, but there are a few general guidelines that can help you navigate the pet food aisle.

GRAIN FREE

This is probably one of the most widespread, and most dangerous, misconceptions in the pet food industry today. For the last ten years or so, grain-free diets have become mainstream and synonymous with high-quality dog food. On the surface, grainfree seems to be a wise choice because dogs are carnivores right? We imagine that they should be fed a diet high in protein from meat sources, and low in grains. However, there are a few things to consider here. Dogs are not obligate carnivores (unlike cats), which means that they do not need to eat only meat to survive. In fact, in the wild, many canid species are actually omnivores (have you come across any coyote scat with berries or seeds in it?) and eat meat but also fruit, grains, and other plant material when the opportunity arises. Grains can be healthy for dogs in moderation. Many pet owners claim that their dog has a grain allergy, and while this may be true for a small percentage of dogs, the vast majority of food allergies in dogs are due to the protein source. So far grain-free may still seem benign, but here is where grain-free becomes dangerous. In 2019, the FDA issued a

warning regarding a possible link between grain-free “boutique” dog food diets and a type of heart disease called DCM, or Dilated Cardiomyopathy. DCM causes a dog’s heart to become enlarged and if the disease is allowed to progress, can lead to heart failure and even sudden death. Research has shown that there is a link between grain-free diets that are heavy in peas, legumes, and potatoes in place of traditional grains, and DCM. Some nutrient deficiencies like taurine are known to cause DCM, but it is still unknown if this is the missing nutrient in these diets. More research needs to be done to figure out what exactly is causing the heart disease - is there a specific missing nutrient, such as taurine, an excess of legumes and other fillers, or is it the process of removing the grain itself? Researchers are currently working on those questions. For now though, it is probably safest to stay away from grain-free diets and diets containing legumes or potatoes as the main ingredients until we know more.

RAW, OR RAW FREEZE DRIED

Another new fad in the dog food world is feeding a raw, or freeze-dried raw, diet. Again, the motivation behind choosing this diet is the dog’s well-being, and these diets do sound like something that a wolf would eat in the wild. The problem is that dogs are not wolves. They are domesticated animals that have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years, and their digestive tracts have evolved as well. The second problem with raw diets is bacteria. Because raw diets are not cooked, they can contain foodborne pathogens. Pathogens of the same type that cause food poisoning in humans such as E. Coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. It is a common misconception that dogs do not get food poisoning. Dogs can have gastrointestinal infections and even liver infections due to bacteria. Even more concerning, is the risk of bacterial contamination to the pet owners. Raw dog food diets should be handled as if you are handling raw meat to be cooked. Wherever the raw food touches should

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

now be considered contaminated and could be harboring bacteria. Any surface that touches the raw food -dog bowls, the kitchen sink and counter, the spoon used to dispense the food, and of course your dog’s mouth are all locations that have the potential to spread bacteria around your home. This is especially concerning in households with young children or other immunocompromised folks. According to an FDA study published in 2012, out of 196 raw dog foods sampled, 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for LIsteria, as opposed to zero samples of dry dog foods. Both Listeria and Salmonella can cause food poisoning in people, with Listeria being especially dangerous and often fatal (some sources say up to 40%). The risk associated with raw diets to both the human and furry members of the household is high compared to the possible benefit.

HOME COOKED

Some pet owners prefer to prepare a home cooked meal for their dog. Recently, a variety of new prepared food options are on the market- some are even delivered to your front door. These diets are cooked (not raw), contain whole food ingredients, are minimally processed, and often look similar to human food. Options can include meals like Turkey and Whole Wheat Macaroni, or Chicken and White Rice. The majority of these prepared options are frozen, and are either sold in the freezer section of the pet store, or are shipped frozen to your doorstep. If you desire to feed a more whole food and less processed diet to your dog, this option is for you. However, there are a few caveats. The biggest issue, as with the grain-free diets, is that some home cooked meals are not a complete and balanced diet, but there are ways to avoid this predicament! If you want to cook for your pet, there are many veterinary nutritionist approved and tested recipes for you to follow. These recipes do need to be followed closely to make sure there are no missing ingredients. The other option is to add in a commercially available “meal balancer.” This is usually a supplement that is specifically formulated to complete a home cooked diet and ensure that the diet is not missing any crucial nutrients. A great resource for both recipes and meal balancer supplements is balanceit.com, a website created by veterinary nutritionists that allows you to input the ingredients you want to cook and gives you a completely balanced recipe to follow. If you are in the market for an already prepared fresh meal for your dog, just keep in mind what we have already discussed. Stay away from grain-free and legume or potato rich diets, and look for a company that is AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) Certified. AAFCO is a non-profit organization that reviews pet foods as complete and balanced. Look at the back of the package (usually in small print) for a statement stating that the pet food is “formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile.” HH

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!

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4923 Topanga Cyn Blvd. Woodland Hills

Topanga Cyn Blvd. Woodland Hills

PARING DOWN THE SAT

In the latest update to the rapidly-changing standardized testing landscape, the College Board announced last week that it will no longer offer SAT Subject Tests or the optional essay portion of the main SAT, which were components of college applications that many high school students used to help them stand out academically among their peers. Instead, the College Board will focus on redesigning and creating a digital version of the main SAT. Citing the pandemic as an accelerator of a process that had already been underway, the organization said it is responding

to the “changing needs of students and colleges” and hopes to “reduce demands on students.”

Before these changes, COVID-19 had already caused quite a bit of turmoil in the standardized testing world, as many test dates for the SAT and ACT were canceled over the past year due to public health precautions, a digital version of the SAT was nixed in June, and hundreds of colleges went testoptional or test-blind for this year’s admissions cycle. With the permanent removal of the SAT essay and SAT Subject Tests, high school students and parents alike may wonder what all of this means

for the future of standardized testing and its role in college admissions.

“Since there are now fewer quantitative components to college applications, the ones that are left — GPA and the SAT/ ACT — will be as important as ever,” said Christopher Rim, CEO of Command Education. (CommandEducation.com)

According to Rim, scrapping the SAT essay and Subject Tests has both benefits and drawbacks. Studies have shown that scores on these exams tend to reflect students’ socioeconomic background more than their intelligence, so getting

rid of some of these tests could help to equalize the playing field. However, having fewer admissions tests will also put more pressure on students to perform well on the SAT or ACT, maintain a very high GPA, and ace Advanced Placement exams.

“Overall, students’ quantitative achievements will remain important, but there will likely be a stronger emphasis on students’ qualitative achievements in college admissions,” said Rim. In addition to excelling in their classes and carving out time to devote to SAT or ACT preparation, students should also dedicate time to projects and activities that are meaningful to them. For example, a science-loving student could join their school’s science research team. If a student enjoys writing, they could write or edit for the school newspaper. If a club related to a student’s particular interest doesn’t exist, they could always work with their school to create one.

Students should also remember that opportunities are not limited to those in their schools — getting involved in their communities is just as

valuable for the kind of growth that benefits students personally and in the college admissions process. Students should think about how they can add value to their communities with their existing skill set. For example, entrepreneurial students could start their own businesses, budding scientists could help graduate students with research at a nearby university, and future activists could attend and organize virtual events related to causes they care about.

While many may worry that the elimination of SAT Subject Tests and the SAT essay will make it more difficult for students to differentiate themselves from their peers in college admissions, these changes can ultimately be seen as an opportunity for students to redirect their focus to projects and activities that develop their interests. Striking a balance between coursework, SAT or ACT preparation, extracurricular activities, and passion projects will be key for students to build a resume — and, more importantly, skills — that will benefit them` in the college admissions process and beyond. HH

SINCE THERE ARE NOW FEWER QUANTITATIVE COMPONENTS TO COLLEGE APPLICATIONS, THE ONES THAT ARE LEFT — GPA AND THE SAT/ACT — WILL BE AS IMPORTANT AS EVER.

- Christopher Rim, CEO of Command Education

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

Caring for Horses in Cold/Wet Weather

Make sure your horses always have ACCESS TO SHELTER where they can stay dry and out of the wind.

Clean out rain gutters and create drainage channels to KEEP WATER FROM FLOODING barn areas. Use products such as CedaRest, Dry Stall, or wood pellets to HELP CONTROL MUDDY AREAS

Providing ADDITIONAL HAY for older or underweight horses will help keep them stay warm and maintain their condition.

Consider BLANKETING horses that are older or thin.

Be aware of your horses’ water consumption. In colder weather some horses are reluctant to drink extremely cold water and may benefit from WARM WATER being added to their water container.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO HORSES’ FEET and lower legs when it has been wet - thrush and scratches (a skin infection also known as “rain rot”) are common problems this time of the year.

WINTER FOOT CARE FOR HORSES

During wet weather your horses’ feet are more susceptible to thrush – especially if they’re standing in wet, soiled or muddy conditions. Thrush is an infection in the tissue of the horse’s frog and surrounding area.

What to Look for

Thrush has a very distinctive strong odor (rotting tissue) usually combined with black, slimy material typically in the deeper grooves around the frogs of your horses’ feet.

Treatment

Most horse owners can manage a mild case of thrush without veterinary assistance. You can choose one of the commercial topical treatment products available.

Prevention

Clean your horses’ feet every day. Keep their stall and paddock clean and always make sure they have a dry place to rest. As the saying goes, “No foot, no horse”. HH

DISCOVER RUIDOSO NEW MEXICO

WRITTEN BY ELYSE GLICKMAN

hile Colorado and Utah are perennially loved winter getaway destinations among Southern Californians, it is not surprising that many missing snow and mountain air head out to New Mexico when they crave a change of scenery. Between the challenging slopes around Taos and sophisticated, arty Santa Fe, the wintery magic of the holiday season prevails until mid or late March.

However, there’s always something to be said for mining that hidden gem of a mountain town before everybody else catches on to its charms. What makes Ruidoso, tucked into the southernmost base of the

WRocky Mountains, a fresh twist on the New Mexico experience is its distinctively different flavor from its alpine sisters in the north. Some of the town’s 10,000 year-round residents like to think about Ruidoso as an authentic New Mexico town that happens to have a lot of Texas culture and flavor woven into its fabric. Although 30 miles from the notoriously kitschy Roswell, its light years away in the right direction, with its pristine winter landscapes, waiting-to-be-discovered ski areas and numerous historic sites and landmarks sure to enchant anybody with an interest in the preservation of America’s “Old West.”

This hidden treasure of the

American West takes some effort to reach (a three hour drive following a short flight from Los Angeles into either El Paso and Albuquerque), is but well worth it for escape is as much about the journey as it is the destination. White Sands National Monument (45 minutes outside town) is a worthy side trip or stop if you fly in via El Paso, with its dazzling gypsum sand, solitary setting and cluster of buildings housing historic information and artifacts.

White Sands National Park can be viewed in its panoramic entirety from the equally sparkling Ski Apache just outside Ruidoso. Owned and managed by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, the Southernmost continuously

operating ski resort and second largest ski and snowboarding area in the United States encompasses 55 trails serviced by eight lifts and a Gondola as well as the third longest and world’s highest elevation zip lines in the world. The former stands at a starting elevation of 11,400 feet above ski level, with a backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains. Inn of the Mountain Gods, its own upscale lodging, is appointed with a luxury spa, spacious rooms and an 18-hole Championship Golf Course. Shadow Mountain Lodge, Sitzmark Chalet Inn and Ruidoso Lodge Cabins, meanwhile, are good choices if quaint, cozy cottage settings are more your style.

Although Ski Apache offers lessons, anybody who doesn’t have their “ski” legs can check out Ruidoso Winter Park as an alternative to get back to nature with an adrenaline rush. The largest snow tubing park

in New Mexico has the highest lift capacity in the Rockies and feature advanced snow making equipment. Other nearby activities include Grindstone Stables’ year-round horseback riding and year-round mountain biking, both utilizing more than 45 miles of trails originating from central Ruidoso.

Off the (ski, hiking and biking) trail, history buffs will find several fascinating sights capturing and preserving the spirit and unusual characters who defined the Old West. Some of the best include The Hubbard Museum of the American West, Billy the Kid’s former stomping grounds in revived ghost town in nearby Lincoln County, the historic and still-operating Ruidoso Downs racetrack, and Fox Cave with its gem mine exhibit and curio shop.

Ruidoso is also a 21st Century American melting pot, now being settled by prospectors—

from winemakers, distillers, and craft brewers to BBQ pit-masters, gallery owners and fashion/ lifestyle retailers—building their businesses and reputations from the ground up. Although it is growing quickly, locals take pride in the fact that it’s New Mexico unplugged, free of pretense but rich in substance.

Après ski, pedestrian-friendly Ruidoso “Midtown” sports many delightful independently-owned boutiques, specialty shops and art galleries. It is further enlightened with numerous

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outdoor murals by local artists adding extra color and culture. Like other self-respecting ski mountain towns, there are excellent restaurants in and near the district on a par with some of the best Santa Fe and Taos have to offer. Informal options include local favorite Cafe Rio (the state’s top rated pizza since 1993) and the more recently-opened Circle J BBQ, overseen by pit master Tim Berns (who has mastered one of the world’s most perfect barbeque sauces and a stellar brisket), Sacred Grounds with its cute performance space and the eclectic Rio Grande Grille and Tap Room. On the higher end, you can get a more refined taste of New Mexico-Texas fusion flavor at The Texas Club, Michael J’s, Wendell’s Steak and Seafood and Grille Caliente.

Ruidoso’s craft beverage scene also scales some impressive heights. Glencoe Distillery turns out extraordinary gins, whiskeys, agave spirits, vodkas, and coffee liqueurs with precision and love. The craft beer cottage industry is still hopping, and you can still sample local liquid gold from such producers as Lost Hiker Brewing (featuring a rich Belgian Rye Pale and decadent Oatmeal Stout), Bonito Valley Brewing Company, Cloudcroft Brewing and Tall Pines Brewing. Those who love boutique wineries, meanwhile, can check out oldand new world varietals and blends at Noisy Water Winery, a short drive outside of town.

For more information, visit Explore Ruidoso (exploreruidoso.com) and Ski Apache (skiapache.com). HH

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