2025 Winter-Insider

BELL CANYON THE VOICE OF THE COMMUNITY

Insider‌

In this Insider: Upcoming Bell Canyon Events CSD Halloween Bash - Such Fun! Thanksgiving Turkey Trot CSD Pumpkin Patch Bell Canyon Financial Update Bell Canyon’s Holiday Celebration HOA Boo At The Barn

Winter 2025 Volume 02-04

Bell Canyon BELL CANYON BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Dersom Dustin Glodney Kevin Keegan Mike Klein Yossi Kviatkovsky Bill Napier Laurie Price Barry Schehr Sean Wagmeister

BELL CANYON COMMUNITY CENTER (BCCC) Norton Alderson Steve Bellamy Kevin Keegan Sean Wagmeister

BELL CANYON EQUESTRIAN CENTER (BCEC) Cathy Balin Eric Dersom Eric Mann Jane Plant Jodie Resnick

BELL CANYON COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

(BCCSD)

Norton Alderson Julie De St Jean Shelby Linka Peter Machuga

ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE (AC) Richard Ibrahim Dave Osborn Scott Sand

AC CONSULTANT Chiedu Chijindu Cover: Longtime Bell Canyon resident, community volunteer and centenarian, Sarah Berman posing with Santa are reimagined in Norman Rockwell painting style.

AC ENGINEER Felix Levitas

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GENERAL MANAGER Debbie Graffam

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Jenni Mandelblatt

AC COORDINATOR Emily Marek

FRONT DESK COORDINATOR Rain Natividad

ACCESS CONTROL SUPERVISOR Erman Quitalig

ACCESS CONTROL OFFICERS Edgar Balberan Marlin Burt Julian Cantey Tyrisha Edwards Ernesto Garcia Ruth Garcia Oscar Marquina Tiffany Rangel Rocha Alejandra Sciortino Alec Skillman Ador Venturanza Alec Worthen

FACILITIES MANAGER COMPLIANCE MANAGER Travis Simpson

FACILITIES STAFF

Luis Gamboa Ricardo Garcia Gonzalez Carlos Martinez

Winter in Bell Canyon

December Saddlebow Area Photo By: Otun

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Inside 9 PRESIDENT

UPDATE

A note from Kevin and Mike!

10 UPCOMING

EVENTS

Here’s a list of upcoming Bell Canyon events to plan your own family events around!

12 CSD’S PUMPKIN

PATCH EVENT

Festive pumpkin picking, donuts and coffee. Face painting, photos and social gathering

18 BOO AT THE BARN

48 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Insider magazine tours the whole community so you don’t have to!

58 BELL CANYON

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Another new HOA event this year, with toy drive. Cookie decorating, and foam party!

69 PRIOR INSIDER ISSUES Missed an issue or three? Take a look and see what you missed.

71 LOCAL RESOURCES Here is a growing list of local places to stay and also local eating locations.

EQUESTRIAN CENTER The annual spooky horse parade and fun!

24 THANKSGIVING

TURKEY TROT

A newer and well attended event, and staying active! Watch for others soon.

76 A LOOK BACK Each issue we feature a look back at the history of Bell Canyon.

84 CONTRIBUTORS Thank you for contributing to this Winter issue, the last for 2025!

32 CSD’S HALLOWEEN

BASH EVENT

You probably went, but let’s enjoy it again.

The Bell Canyon Community Services really hit it out of the park with this event.

45 BCA FINANCIAL

UPDATE

Financial update of the HOA challenges and accomplishments, direct from your Treasurer!

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Disclaimer: The Disclaimer: The Bell Bell Canyon Canyon Insider Insider is is a a publication publication created created for for informational informational and and entertainment entertainment purposes purposes only. only.

The views The views and and opinions opinions expressed expressed in in the the magazine magazine are are those those of of the the authors authors and and contributors contributors and and do do not not necessarily reflect necessarily reflect the the official official stance stance or or endorsement endorsement of of the the BC BC HOA. HOA. The The inclusion inclusion of of any any products, products, services, services, or or advertisements in advertisements in the the magazine magazine does does not not constitute constitute an an endorsement endorsement or or recommendation recommendation by by the the HOA. HOA. The The HOA HOA and its and its publishers publishers do do not not assume assume any any liability liability for for the the content content provided provided by by volunteer volunteer contributors. contributors. Readers Readers are are encouraged to encouraged to conduct conduct their their own own research research when when considering considering any any products products or or services services featured featured in in the the magazine. magazine.

The HOA The HOA and and its its volunteers volunteers are are not not liable liable or or responsible responsible for for any any claims, claims, damages, damages, or or issues issues that that may may arise arise from from the content the content provided. provided. Thank Thank you you for for your your understanding. understanding. We We hope hope you you enjoy enjoy the the Insider!

Insider!

CSD Halloween Bash Costume competition Photo By: BME Hospitality

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Winter in Bell Canyon

Equestiran Center Boo at the Barn By: Alderson

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Presidents Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, As we begin the new year, we thank our neighbors, volunteers, and staff for the resilience and commitment shown throughout last year. Bell Canyon faced real challenges, but by staying focused on financial stability, sound governance, and protecting our infrastructure, we made meaningful progress.

Through disciplined spending, legal clawbacks (payment received on the first of two malpractice cases), property sale, expanded committee participation, and professional management, the Association is now on firmer footing—reducing risk while safeguarding services.

Just as significant, our community saw green shoots on multiple fronts—record-setting event attendance, substantial growth in volunteers, advancements in Emergency Preparedness, and improvements to our Roads, Community Center, and Equestrian Centers—all reflecting what’s possible when neighbors work together.

There is more work ahead. We invite you to join us at the January 24, 2026, Town Hall, where we’ll share updates on our financial situation, infrastructure priorities, governance initiatives, and our next phase focused on safety, quality of life, and increasing property values.

The new year brings renewed optimism. Building on the progress of 2025, we move forward confident in our direction and committed to the community we call home.

On behalf of your Board, we wish you and your family a Happy New Year.

Warm regards, Mike and Kevin

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BELL CANYON CSD’s “The Great Skate Weekend”

4pm - 10pm Noon - 10pm Noon - 10pm 11am - 4pm

HOA’s “Breakfast in Bell Canyon”

10:30am -Noon Jan 24

HOA’s Townhall Meeting

Noon - 1:30pm

Jan 24

Bell Canyon Run Club

9:00am

Feb 7

Bell Canyon Run Club

9:00am

Feb 14

Bell Canyon Run Club

9:00am

Feb 21

Event is at BCCC Parking Lot

Event is at the BCCC Courtyard Sarah Berman Birthday Celibration

Event is at the BCCC Social Hall Update on community plans & finances

Meet at Lower Bus Stop, Every Saturday

Meet at Lower Bus Stop, Every Saturday

Meet at Lower Bus Stop, Every Saturday

Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 19

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BELL CANYON Bell Canyon Run Club

9:00am

Feb 28

Bell Canyon Run Club

9:00am

Mar 7

Bell Canyon Run Club

9:00am

Mar 14

HOA’s “Pot-O-Gold” Run

10:30am -Noon Mar 15

HOA’s Eggstravaganza

11am - 2pm

Mar 29

HOA’s Fitness Expo

TBD

Apr 26

Meet at Lower Bus Stop, Every Saturday

Meet at Lower Bus Stop, Every Saturday

Meet at Lower Bus Stop, Every Saturday

Event is at the Lower Bus Stop Community Run/Walk with DJ & snacks

Annual event is at Bell Creek Park Egg Hunt, painted faces, petting zoo

Event is at the BCCC Courtyard

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Eve Rev nt‌ ie ew‌

This event was hosted by the Bell Canyon Community Services District.

October 26 - A bright, sunny morning set the perfect scene for the Bell Canyon Pumpkin Patch, hosted by the Bell Canyon Community Services District at the Community Center.

Families arrived early, coffee and hot chocolate in hand, while kids made a beeline for the pumpkins, music, and activities waiting for them.

Children had a blast picking out free pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, then decorating them with paint, stickers, and plenty of creativity.

Craft tables were busy all morning as pumpkins quickly turned into silly faces, spooky designs, and colorful masterpieces.

A delightfully creepy DJ played fun Halloween music that kept the energy up, while a face painting artist transformed kids into superheroes, animals, and ghoulish characters.

The photo booth was another favorite stop, giving families a chance to capture the moment and take home memories along with their pumpkins. And of course, donuts were everywhere, making the morning even sweeter.

With sunshine, laughter, and pumpkins scattered throughout the grounds, the Bell Canyon Pumpkin Patch was a fall favorite for kids and parents alike. A big thank you to the Community Services District staff and volunteers who made it such a fun and welcoming morning for Bell Canyon families.

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Winter in Bell Canyon

Christmas Storm Bell Creek Photo By: Alderson

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BELL CANYON Bell Canyon’s Annual Horse Parade One of the highlights of Halloween Month in Bell Canyon is the annual Boo at the Barn parade, a festive event that brings together riders, families, and horses for a unique community celebration.

Held on a sunny October 25 afternoon, the Bell Canyon Equestrian Center came alive with colorful costumes, smiling faces, and plenty of photo worthy moments.

Riders and kids dressed up in creative costumes, and many even decorated their horses, adding to the fun and spectacle.

Residents and non residents gathered to enjoy the parade, cheer on the riders, and soak up the lively Halloween spirit.

Boo at the Barn continues to be a favorite Bell Canyon tradition, blending community, creativity, and equestrian life.

Be sure to join us next year. Thank you to the sponsors of this Bell Canyon Equestrian Center event, Cerulean Farms and Sage Creek Stables, for making it possible.

Lisa Winn Lisa Winn with with Cerulean Cerulean Farms, Farms, Co-Sponsor Co-Sponsor of of the Boo the Boo at at the the Barn Barn parade parade event. event.

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Thank you to our sponsors!!

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Winter in Bell Canyon

Family of Deer Dapplegray Area Photo By: J. Alderson

December Pickleball BC Community Center Photo By: J. Alderson

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BELL CANYON F

Fitn Rev ess‌ iew w‌

Bell Canyon’s Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning, November 27, kicked off right on time at 8:00 am with fresh air, friendly faces, blue skies, and plenty of energy at the annual Bell Canyon Turkey Trot. Residents gathered at the Lower Bus Stop for a fun community run and walk that looped through the neighborhood and to the main gate, then to Buckskin before heading back.

Neighbors of all ages joined in, some jogging, some walking, and others bringing their dogs along to enjoy the morning together.

A couple of impressive young runners took on the challenge twice, completing the three mile route two times, while music from DJ Volkan kept the mood upbeat. Participants could also arrive early to join a pre run stretch before heading out, making it a great start to Thanksgiving Day. The HOA provided snacks and water, and the event was organized by residents Lana Titus and Shelly Needham. Shelly is also the owner of Yogalates, the new yoga and Pilates studio located in Suite 6 at the Bell Canyon Community Center. cont’d...

Runners Nathan Steinberg (L) and Landon Scott (R) did the route TWICE, shown here on the second lap, and in the air!

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...from prior page

The Turkey Trot continues to grow as a favorite Bell Canyon tradition, and there is more to come. Be on the lookout for upcoming notices about the Bell Canyon running club and the next community fitness event, the Bell Canyon Pot O’ Gold Run/Walk on March 15th at 8am.

A heartfelt “thank you” to all the volunteers who helped make another great community event possible.

Residents starting to showing up for the pre-event stretch, and then Turkey-Trot starts!

DJ Volkan and another resident making their way to the Gate House.

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Norton, DJ Volkan , Shelly & Bob.

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Winter in Bell Canyon

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BELL CANYON

This event was hosted by the Bell Canyon Community Services District.

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

October 18, 2025 The Bell Canyon Community Services District Halloween Bash lit up the Community Center with a high energy, family friendly night of fun, music, and unforgettable costumes. From the moment the gates opened, the atmosphere was buzzing as residents of all ages arrived ready to celebrate Halloween together.

Four food trucks kept everyone well fed, while an amazing DJ and a mirrored, lighted dance floor turned the evening into a full on dance party. Kids and adults packed the floor, showing off everything from creative homemade costumes to wildly imaginative characters. The costume contest drew plenty of laughs and applause, and the haunted house delivered just the right mix of spooky thrills and fun.

With glowing decorations, incredible music, and some truly memorable costumes, the Halloween Bash was another standout community event. A big thank you to your CSD staff, volunteers, and everyone who came out to make it such a fun and festive night at the Bell Canyon Community Center.

Enjoy the pictures.

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W O L L A H

BASH

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N E E W HALLO

H S A B

43 This event was hosted by the Bell Canyon Community Services District.

Winter in Bell Canyon

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Update on Bell Canyon’s Financials and Our Transition to Keystone Management As previously shared, several months ago, the Board engaged Keystone Management Company to professionally manage Bell Canyon’s day-to-day operations. Effective July 1, 2025, Keystone assumed responsibility for multiple functions, including financial management. Transitioning nearly 800 members to new systems and processes is a significant undertaking.

Two areas, in particular, have presented challenges: Accounts Receivable & Assessments Establishing new accounts, migrating records, and assisting members with transferring automated payments from their banks to Keystone involved detailed and time-intensive processes. Consequently, this caused delays in some member assessment payments, requiring ongoing follow-up.

To minimize the impact on members, the Board waived all late fees and penalties to date. However, effective February 1, 2026, standard late charges will be reinstated. Additional details will be communicated in early January.

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Vendor Certification All HOA vendors were required to complete Keystone’s certification process, including insurance verification and tax documentation. For some vendors, this was new and time-consuming, leading to occasional delays in service.

These new requirements also affected the timely payment of certain vendor invoices and the recognition of expenses, resulting at times in incomplete monthly financial reports. While frustrating in the short term, these new procedures significantly strengthen the HOA’s long-term protection, and the process is now nearly complete.

Next Steps Given these transition-related issues, the Board has chosen not to provide detailed financial information at this time. As progress continues and reporting stabilizes, we plan to share updated financial information at our upcoming Town Hall.

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Holiday Lights Sage Area Photo By: Alderson

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A H

Y P P

s y a d i l o h

As winter settles on Bell Canyon’s land, Colorful lights now softly gleam.

Homes glow with cheer on hillside and lane, A festive and welcoming holiday scene.

Santa appears on rooftops and lawns, A Hanukkah bear stands proud and bright.

Candles glow warmly through quiet windows, As Christmas trees shimmer into the night.

Deer wander calmly past glowing homes, Coyotes call as the evening draws near.

Nature and tradition meet side by side, Sharing the magic of this special time of year.

love,‌‌ love, peace,‌‌ peace, and joy and joy‌‌

Insider toured Bell Canyon to capture the festive decorations that light up our community during the holidays. We invite you to enjoy these glowing moments as Bell Canyon shines through the winter season.

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On a sunny December 14 with clear blue skies, Bell Canyon residents gathered at the Community Center to enjoy the community’s annual holiday celebration. Sponsored by the Bell Canyon Association, the event was filled with Santa sightings, ornament making, cookie decorating, Chanukah sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and lots of laughter.

A beautifully detailed Department 56 Snow Village display added to the festive atmosphere. The morning was full of holiday spirit, especially when the foam machines transformed the celebration into pure seasonal fun.

The event also included a holiday toy drive, with residents generously donating unwrapped toys for the San Fernando Valley Community Mental Health Center. The Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to moving lives forward through compassionate, trauma informed behavioral health services. It serves individuals and families throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County, supporting everyone from infants and children to transition age youth, adults, and older adults living with serious emotional and mental health challenges.

Combining a fun holiday gathering with an opportunity to give back, Bell Canyon’s holiday celebration reflected the true heart of the community. It was a meaningful reminder that Bell Canyon is a place where neighbors come together not only to celebrate the season, but to care for others as well.

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Winter in Bell Canyon

Valley Holiday Lights Stirrup Lane Area Photo By: J. Alderson

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LET’S

connect Just click to view!

Autumn 2025

Summer 2025

Spring 2025

Dec 2024

Nov 2024

Oct 2024

Sep 2024

Aug 2024

Jul 2024

Jun 2024

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Help make a difference and join a Bell Canyon Committee!!

Finance Committee Communications Committee Emergency Preparedness Committee insider@BellCanyon.com 70

Hilton at Woodland Hills

where to stay.

Local Resources

The following pages are local listings for your convenience and do not represent in anyway an endorsement or affiliation with the Bell Canyon Home Owner’s Association.

Want to help us expand our resources guide?

Volunteer!

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AGOURA HILLS

THOUSAND OAKS

Courtyard TownePlace Suites 29505 Agoura Road Agoura Hills 747-263-2348

Best Western Plus 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks 805-497-3701

Hampton Inn 30255 Agoura Road Agoura Hills 818-597-0333

Courtyard by Marriott 1710 Newbury Road Thousand Oaks 805-499-3900

Homewood Suites by Hilton 28901 Canwood Street Agoura Hills 818-865-1000

TownePlace Suites 1712 Newbury Road Thousand Oaks 805-499-3111

Sheraton 30100 Agoura Road Agoura Hills 818-707-1220

WOODLAND HILLS

CALABASAS

Best Western 21830 Ventura Blvd.

Woodland Hills 800-568-8520

The Anza 23627 Calabasas Road Calabasas 818-707-1220

Courtyard by Marriott 21101 Ventura Blvd.

Woodland Hills 844-631-0595

Cambria Hotel 26400 Rondell Street Calabasas 747-293-6777

Hilton 6360 Canoga Avenue Woodland Hills 855-605-0316

Good Nite Inn 26557 Agoura Road Calabasas 818-880-6000

Warner Center Marriott 21850 Oxnard Street Woodland Hills 844-631-0595

Hilton Garden Inn 24150 Park Sorrento Calabasas 818-591-2300

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where to eat.

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AGOURA HILLS Basta 28863 Agoura Road Agoura Hills 818-865-2019

King’s Fish House 4798 Commons Way Calabasas 818-225-1979

Lal Mirch 5146 Kanan Road Agoura Hills 818-532-7532

Porta Via 4799 Commons Way Calabasas 818-746-2400

Noi Due Trattoria 29020 Agoura Road Agoura Hills 818-852-7090

Rose’s Garden Bar 26787 Agoura Road Calabasas 424-955-3312

Sunrose California Eatery 5046 Cornell Road Agoura Hills 818-330-4224

Shibuya 4774 Park Granada Ste 8B Calabasas 818-225-1560

CALABASAS

Yume Sushi Bar 23536 Calabasas Road Calabasas 818-572-0221

BLVD Steak 4776 Calabasas Way Calabasas 818-436-2900 The Mulholland CLOSED 23538 Calabasas Road Calabasas 818-573-5667 Cafecito 4774 Park Granada Calabasas 818-225-2233 Crossroads Kitchen 4776 Commons Way Calabasas 747-230-4210

WOODLAND HILLS Blai 5780 Canoga Avenue Ste B Woodland Hills 747-242-1112 Casalena 22160 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 818-704-1185 Deux Bistro 20969 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 747-230-4034

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H.O.M Italian Eatery 21136 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 747-900-8782 Joey Woodland Hills 6344 Topanga Canyon Blvd Woodland Hills 818-340-5639 Larson’s Steakhouse 6256 Topanga Canyon Blvd Woodland Hills Ste 2280 818-704-1226 Leo & Lily 22420 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 818-222-6622 Lum Ka Naad 22919 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 818-914-4489 Mas Mananitas 19725 Ventura Blvd Woodland Hills 747-746-8166 North Italia 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd Canoga Park 818-710-7246 Steak STK 6600 Topanga Canyon Blvd Woodland Hills 213-802-7986

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BELL CANYON

Each month, the Bell Canyon Insider takes a step back in time, revisiting pieces of our community’s history to see how far we’ve come and perhaps learn something along the way. Over the years, thousands of people have called Bell Canyon home, some for just a short while, others for decades, shaping the fabric of our unique neighborhood.

For our forth flashback, we’re turning the pages back to October 1996, when a new neighborhood publication, The Canyon, made its debut earlier in 1996. We've reproduced Vol 1, No. 4 here for you to enjoy—a glimpse into Bell Canyon nearly 30 years ago.

We do this to view the past, but also to digitize paper copies.

NOTE: Pages that contained full page advertisements were not included.

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CONTRIBUTORS FOR THIS ISSUE

Sunrise in Bell Canyon Saddlebow Area Photo By: Bondy

Photography

Jake Alderson Norton Alderson Ken Bondy Michael Cooperman Micki Davidovicz Jenni Mandelblatt Shelly Needham Ibrahim & Serra Otun Steven Price BME Hospitality

Contributors

Norton Alderson Kevin Keegan Jenni Mandelblatt Laurie Price Barry Schehr For questions, comments or constructive perspective, please email them to your Communications Committee at: insider@bellcanyon.com