DEC INSIDER 2024

Dec.

bell canyon BELL CANYON BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ERIC DERSOM KEVIN KEEGAN MIKE KLEIN YOSSI KVIATKOVSKY BILL NAPIER MELISSA RAFF STEVE RASNICK BARRY SCHEHR STEPHEN TEGLAS BC COMMUNITY CENTER

NORTON ALDERSON STEVE BELLAMY ADAM JOHANSSON KEVIN KEEGAN SEAN WAGMEISTER COMMUNITY SERVICES DISTRICT

NORTON ALDERSON JUDY LANTZ SHELBY LINKA PETER MACHUGA JULIE DE ST JEAN ARCHITECTURAL COMMITTEE

BC EQUESTRIAN CENTER

RICHARD IBRAHIM DAVE OSBORN SCOTT SAND

JENN HURST EVAN LAWRENCE ANDRES MARTINEZ LISA RICCOMINI MOLLY URNECLI

CONSULTANT

CHIEDU CHIJINDU ENGINEER

FELIZ LEVITAS

GENERAL MANAGER

CAROL HENDERSON ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER AC COORDINATOR

CINDY ESCOBAR

‫בל קניון‬

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

CHARINA ALILING

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

JENNI MANDELBLATT

FRONT DESK COORDINATOR

CHERIE CALABRO

ACCESS CONTROL SUPERVISOR

ERMAN QUITALIG

ACCESS CONTROL WORKERS

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EDGAR BALBERAN MARLIN BURT TYRISHA EDWARDS ERNESTO GARCIA RUTH GARCIA ANTHONY PORILLO TIFFANY RANGEL ROCHA ALEC SKILLMAN ADOR VENTURANZA ALEC WORTHEN FACILITIES MANAGER COMPLIANCE MANAGER

TRAVIS SIMPSON FACILITIES STAFF

LUIS GAMBOA RICARDO GARCIA GONZALEZ

‫בל קניון‬

Inside 8

PRESIDENT UPDATE

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Festival of Holiday Lights in Bell Canyon!

A note from Kevin and Mike!

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BCCC ROOF UPDATE

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Roof Revamp! See the latest!

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EMPLOYEE HIGHLIGHT

HORSES OF BELL CANYON

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW September financial summary from your Treasurer!

CALENDAR December Calendar of BCA meetings and more!

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Meet 14.2 Hand, Nimbus at BCEC!

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Buy a gift from your neighbors!

Meet Ricardo Garcia Gonzalez!

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HOLIDAY MAGIC

LOCAL RESOURCES Convenient listings of local hotels and restaurants!

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CONTRIBUTORS Thank you for contributing to this December issue!

Dear Members, As the year draws to a close and the holiday season is upon us, we want to take a moment to reflect on the resilience, unity, and dedication our community has demonstrated over the past twelve months.

This year has brought its share of challenges — legal, financial, organizational, and cultural — but it has also revealed the strength of our shared commitment to making Bell Canyon, our community, a place we are proud to call home.

We have come together through every hurdle with positive solutions and laid the foundation for a brighter future. This spirit of collaboration and care has been truly inspiring, reminding us of what makes this community so unique.

As we celebrate the holidays, let us rest, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace the joy and hope this season brings. Whether through festive gatherings, acts of kindness, giving to those less fortunate, or quiet moments of reflection, may this time of year fill your hearts and homes with peace and happiness.

Looking ahead to the new year, we are optimistic about what we can achieve together. With your continued support and engagement, we are confident that we will build on our progress and create even more opportunities for growth and connection within our neighborhood.

We are committed to recapitalizing Bell Canyon, restoring the Community Center, enhancing the natural beauty we enjoy through additional maintenance diligence, and finding creative ways to bring events you love and new outreach programs for the community to enjoy.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we wish you and your families a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for being the most important part of our incredible community.

Mike and Kevin

ROOF REPAIR!

At last, we say goodbye to the infamous blue tarp.

Watch Adrienne explain the exciting new developments and progress for our Bell Canyon Community Center.

Community Center Update Phase 1 in Progress!

Exciting times in Bell Canyon! The Community Center’s re-roof and renovation project is well underway, marking a significant step forward for this beloved space. Phase 1, which includes the roof replacement and repairs to adjacent exterior rotten wood, began a few weeks ago and is progressing steadily. Weather permitting, this phase is expected to conclude by January or February.

Explained last month, this $504,000 reroofing project was approved by Ventura County and awarded after a competitive bid process to two contractors from a pool of eight responsive bidders. Fully funded through earmarked sources, the initiative has received unanimous support from the Bell Canyon Community Council (BCCC), the Bell Canyon Association (BCA) board, and the Architecture Committee.

Updated Look and Structural Enhancements You may recall from the last issue of Insider, Phase 1 focuses on replacing the outdated and heavy concrete roof with a sleek dark bronze metal roof. About 20% of the old roof has already been removed, with new insulation and a watertight barrier being installed.

As the project moves through the holidays, crews are working to mitigate any weather delays to keep the progress on track. The new dark bronze roof brings a bold, modern California country

aesthetic that complements the white structure while honoring the timeless Cliff May architectural influence synonymous with Bell Canyon.

Beyond aesthetics, this upgrade provides several key functional improvements.

Key Improvements: Lighter Weight for Greater Flexibility: The new roof is 70% lighter than its concrete predecessor, enabling the removal of interior pillars and opening up the main hall for versatile use.

Cost Savings and Fire Safety: Shortened eaves eliminate hundreds of square feet of rotten wood, reducing repair costs and enhancing fire safety by minimizing flammable material around the structure.

Improved Insulation and Acoustics: The addition of 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation and a half-inch of plywood boosts energy efficiency with an estimated R-value of 13, while also improving sound control within the hall.

Lower Maintenance Costs: By addressing wood rot and replacing the roof, the Center will see reduced long-term maintenance expenses. cont >>

Event Rentals: The updated, expanded social hall will serve as an appealing venue for private and community events, generating valuable income.

Office Leasing: Office spaces will be leased to community-focused organizations, adding rental revenue while reinforcing the Center’s role as a local hub.

Next Phases Already in Planning The reroofing project is just the first step in a transformative multi-phase plan for the Community Center: Phase 2: Weekly planning meetings are in progress to design and implement the next phase, which includes exterior repairs and enhancements such as stucco fixes, a fresh coat of paint, updated lighting, security upgrades, and free community WiFi. Phase 3: The final phase will focus on interior upgrades, including addressing damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake. With the roof’s structural reinforcement, the three temporary interior pillars will be removed, restoring the original open floor plan, showcasing the stunning tongue-and-groove wood ceilings, and enhancing the hall’s usability.

Stay Updated with Insider As each phase progresses, updates will be shared here in Insider, your monthly community magazine. Bell Canyon residents can look forward to a revitalized Community Center that blends modern functionality with its cherished history, creating a hub for generations to come.

Born in Zacatecas, Mexico Married for 14 years – he literally married the girl next door!

5 year old daughter Loves the Dodgers Fave restaurant is Benihana – scallops are his fave Second job is his true passion – landscaping Spends his free time with his daughter and wife – they love going to their local park LOVES to dance to Spanish-style music He looks forward to his daughter’s birthdays every year because he loves to celebrate and spoil her

Meet the gingers, Nimbus and his owner, McCayleigh Bayer. Nimbus technically is a chestnut color but by happen stance, McCayleigh’s hair coloring is the same as Nimbus’s. Nimbus is a quarter horse pony being just 14.2 hands. He’s been part of the Bell Canyon Equestrian Center since Sage Creek Stables moved in last August.

Nimbus was originally a trail horse but then was switched to being a school horse for lessons. He developed an attitude and decided he didn’t much like being a school horse. He became difficult but seemed to love McCayleigh.

You might say, he picked his next owner.

McCayleigh has been riding in Bell Canyon since she was a young girl and Nimbus is her first horse.

Nimbus is 17 years old and is back to being a trail horse. He’s confident on trails and often younger horses go riding with him as he sets a good example as to how to behave. He’s now a happy horse doing what he likes best with his favorite person.

Summary of Bell Canyon’s Sept 2024 Operating Results and Financial Position In the month of September, the Canyon recorded $332 thousand in revenues, primarily from monthly assessments, and $250 thousand in expenses.

At September 30, the Canyon’s cash balance approximated a little over $1.5 million, including refundable construction deposits. The cash balance reflects an increase of nearly $90 thousand over August principally due to funds generated from operations.

‫ב‬ ‫ל‬ ‫ק‬ ‫ניון‬

'tis the season IN BELL CANYON

Bell Canyon Holiday Gift Guide Support your neighbors this holiday season.

villa verve mead Villa Verve Mead, $20 per bottle Organic meads made right here in Bel Canyon.

BC resident Christopher Gerse personally bottles these meads, inspired by the love and strength of his mom, Verva, who built their home in in Bell Canyon in 2007. Villa Verve Mead is available in three varieties, including strawberry which is newly released! www.instagram.com/mistifer_christifer

amaru botanicals Witch's Rose Facial Toner 100ml, $48 Amaru Life is an artisanal apothecary offering botanical formulations forpeople with awareness for the Earth and regenerative living. Each formulation is handmade in small batches with love and intention by BC resident ‘Rhea’ Lauren Costine.

www.amarulife.com

meredith jacobson Holiday Cards, $8 Bell Canyon local artist Meredith Jacobson offers holiday cards, paintings and more! www.meredithjacobsonsart.etsy.com

twinkle threads Boho Style Memory Wire Wrap Bracelet Stack, Blue, Silver, Beaded charms, $32 Hand beaded jewelry and accesories by BC resident Dakshitha Each piece can be customized with different beads, colors, and patterns, making it unique and personal. www.etsy.com/shop/TwinkleThreadsShop

rain forest designs Rain Forest Designs is a father and son team by BC residents Jason and Marty Pfaff, passionate about the art of woodworking. What began as a shared hobby has grown into dozens of custom pieces and happy customers. Pieces as unique as you and your home.

Inquiries@RFDWood.com Instagram @rainforestdesigns

La Vita Home grown lemon and salt scrubs

by BC resident Helen Moshkovich instagram.com/lavitalonga

best day ever Best Day Ever Corduroy Hoodie, $42 Best Day Ever Kids is a children’s boutique

by BC resident Afton Farley, located at 5321 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Tues-Sat, 11-5pm by appointment only. www.bestdayeverkids.com

dapperwoof Gold Coated Evil Eye Pet ID Tag w/ QR Code $19.99 BC Resident Volkan Duygun, Dapperwoof is an online pet store dedicated to providing innovative products that prioritize the safety and well-being of your furry companion. www.dapperwoof.com

miss jones mercantile BC resident Margot Ribo, owner of The Joneses in Beverly Hills, designs custom, swoonworthy sofas, manufactured in record time, right in the same family owned atelier since 1995.

Stop by her shop Miss Joneses Mercantile to shop local designers, featuring clothing, gifts and more! www.thejonesesla.com

ejh brand “Leopard” Limited Edition Print,

Limited edition screen prints signed and embossed from BC resident Elana Hendler, featuring original hand drawn artwork from the Wildlife Collection. email elana@ejhbrand.com for pricing and availability

DEC 5 BCA EXECUTIVE SESSION BOD MEETING DEC 6 CSD MEETING 7PM DEC 12 BCAC 6PM DEC 13 BCA’S ANNUAL TOY DRIVE ENDS DEC 18 BCA BOD MEETING 6PM DEC 23 CSD MEETING 7PM DEC 24 BCA OFFICE CLOSES AT 12 CHRISTMAS EVE DEC 25 BCA OFFICE CLOSED 1ST NIGHT OF HANUKKAH CHRISTMAS DAY DEC 26 KWANZAA BEGINS DEC 31 BCA OFFICE CLOSES AT 12 NEW YEARS EVE

calendar

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!

where to stay.

AGOURA HILLS

THOUSAND OAKS

COURTYARD & TOWNPLACE SUITES 29505 AGOURA RD. AGOURA HILLS

BEST WESTERN PLUS 75. W. THOUSAND OAKS BLVD. THOUSAND OAKS 805.497.3701

HAMPTON INN 30255 AGOURA RD. AGOURA HILLS 818.597.0333

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

HOMEWOOD SUITES

BY HILTON 28901 CANWOOD ST. AGOURA HILLS 818.865.1000 SHERATON 30100 AGOURA RD. AGOURA HILLS 818.707.1220

1710 NEWBURY RD. THOUSAND OAKS 805.499.3900 TOWNEPLACE SUITES 1712 NEWBURY RD. THOUSAND OAKS 805.499.3111 WOODLAND HILLS

CALABASAS

BEST WESTERN 21830 VENTURA BLVD. WOODLAND HILLS 800.568.8520

THE ANZA 23627 CALABASAS RD. CALABASAS 818.707.1220

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT 21101 VENTURA BLVD. WOODLAND HILLS 844.631.0595

CAMBRIA HOTEL 26400 RONDELL ST. CALABASAS 747.293.6777 GOOD NITE INN 26557 AGOURA RD. CALABASAS 818.880.6000 HILTON GARDEN INN 24150 PARK SORRENTO CALABASAS 818.591.2300

HILTON WOODLAND HILLS 6360 CANOGA AVE. WOODLAND HILLS 855.605.0316 WARNER CENTER MARRIOTT 21850 OXNARD ST. WOODLAND HILLS 844.631.0595

where to eat.

AGOURA HILLS BASTA 28863 AGOURA RD AGOURA HILLS 818.865.2019

KING’S FISH HOUSE 4798 COMMONS WAY CALABASAS 818.225.1979

LAL MIRCH 5146 KANAN RD. AGOURA HILLS 818.532.7532

PORTA VIA 4799 COMMONS WAY CALABASAS 818.746.2400

NOI DUE TRATTORIA 29020 AGOURA RD. AGOURA HILLS 818.852.7090

ROSE’S GARDEN BAR 26787 AGOURA RD. CALABASAS 424.955.3312

SUNROSE CALIFORNIA EATERY 5046 CORNELL RD. AGOURA HILLS 818.330.4224

SHIBUYA 4774 PARK GRANADA STE 8B CALABASAS 818.225.1560

CALABASAS

WOODLAND HILLS

THE MULHOLLAND 23538 CALABASAS RD. CALABASAS 818.573.5667

BLAI 5780 CANOGA AVE. STE B WOODLAND HILLS 747.242.1112

CAFECITO 4774 PARK GRANADA CALABASAS 818.225.2233

CASALENA 22160 VENTURA BLVD WOODLAND HILLS 818.704.1185

CROSSROADS KITCHEN 4776 COMMONS WAY CALABASAS 747.230.4210

DEUX BISTRO 20969 VENTURA BLVD. WOODLAND HILLS 747.230.4034

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 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 CANOGA PARK 818.710.7246

NORTON ALDERSON LINDA ENGLAND ELANA HENDLER ADRIENNE JANIC

ADAM JOHANSSON KEVIN KEEGAN JENNI MANDELBLATT GAYLE PEPPER BARRY SCHEHR

INSIDER@BELLCANYON.COM

SUPPORT STAFF CAROL HENDERSON JENNI MANDELBLATT ERMAN QUITALIG

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BILL RAFF LOVING HUSBAND OF MELISSA RAFF