Conejo Valley, CA March 2018

Conejo Valley ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com

MARCH 2018

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PETS APLENTY!

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THE LITTLE ANGELS PROJECT

DOG-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

SHELTER HOPE PET SHOP

LOVE ON A LEASH THERAPY PETS

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN WEALTH ADVISORS CHECKUPS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR FINANCIAL HEALTH

I welcome the opportunity to learn about your unique goals and needs. Together we can create a strategy designed to help guide you along the path toward financial well-being.

have an annual physical to make sure you are CallYou to schedule a consultation today.

healthy. What do you do to make sure you remain financially fit?

Once a year, you should have a thorough financial checkup. I specialize in thoughtful and unbiased investment guidance designed to keep your finances in shape.

Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.

MB&T Advisors Jennifer Strong

Located at Montecito Bank & Trust Wealth Advisor Jennifer CA InsuranceStrong #0F86692 Wealth Advisor CAPaseo Insurance #0F86692 770 Camarillo, Suite 120 Camarillo, CA 93010 Road 4730 Telephone (805) 564-7386 Ventura, CA Office 93003 (805) 564-7386 Office jstrong@mbtadvisors.com jstrong@mbtadvisors.com montecito.bank Not FDIC Insured

Not Bank Guaranteed

Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency

Located at Montecito Bank & Trust • montecito.bank

May Lose Value Not a Bank Deposit

Jennifer Strong is a registered representative with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates.

Jennifer Strong a registered and securities offerednor through LPLofFinancial, Member FINRA/SI Montecito Bank &isTrust and MB&Trepresentative Advisors are notwith, registered brokers/dealers affiliates LPL Financial.

products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Montecito Bank & Trust and MB&T Advisors are not brokers/dealers nor affiliates of LPL Financial.

It’s 2018 and if one of your New Year Resolutions is to sell your home in 2018, then NOW is the time to call Rosemary!

It just takes one simple call or text to Rosemary to put you in the hands of one of the most trusted and highly respected Realtors in the country to help you strategize your next move.

WHY WOULD YOU SETTLE FOR LESS THAN THE BEST WHEN IT COMES TO SELLING YOUR LARGEST ASSET? Rosemary has set the standard for excellence throughout her career and is truly a legend. Her vision and reputation as a trend-setter in the science of marketing Southern California’s finest estates, established her as one of the most innovative leaders in real estate. Rosemary’s numerous honors and accolades include recognition in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top selling 250 individual real estate professionals in the USA. Premier placement in Internet search engines and full color advertisements in local magazines allows Rosemary’s listing to be seen by thousands of prospective buyers each month.

MAKE THE CALL TODAY! 805 479-7653

call/text: 805.479.7653 email: rosemaryallison@aol.com or view more properties on-line at www.callrosemary.com ©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. If your property is currently listed for sale, this is not intended as a solicitation. Cal RE # 00545184.

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2018 PUBLISHER

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com

Take Care WHEN OUR VERY, VERY SPECIAL TUX DIED UNEXPECTEDLY FROM A HEART ATTACK, I WAS DEVASTATED. Tux had come into our lives when we rescued him and his litter mates from a fast-growing feral colony. We bottle-fed them and found his brother

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jude Bradley, Alicia Doyle, Carole Herdegen, Rocky Mills, Tracy Marcynzsyn, Kim Pagano, Jeff Runyan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

CFN Imageworks LLC, Janet Barnett Photography, Ben Malkin, Ken Taylor Photography

and sisters adoptive families. Tuxie became our furry son.

After he passed I finally was able to channel my grief into a short-term obsession with the Animal Channel. I fell in love with their description of Birman cats—beautiful medium-long hair cats with gentle natures and a reputation of being "Velcro Cats." Ben wanted to simply do a rescue. An orange tabby sounded good to him. I was all emotion and simply had to check out Birmans. That meant seeing breeders. Besides cost for a purebred cat, there is a lot about that experience that can go wrong. Specifically, a bad breeder, which is what happened.

We visited a Birman breeder who was exactly that. When we got there, we found what amounted to an indoor feral colony. There were about 20 cats of different ages wandering around a house in Palmdale. Ben was ready to leave early on during the visit. However, as fate would have it, he spotted a skinny 2-year-old female and his heart went out to her. She really was a rescue. We also left with a one-year-old male.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CHIEF SALES OFFICER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR OPERATIONS DIRECTOR EDITORIAL MANAGER EDITORIAL AD MANAGER AD COORDINATORS

After neutering and a check-up at our veterinarian, the cost was no more than it would have been at a shelter. We felt this was a rescue, not a high-cost purebred purchase.

LAYOUT DESIGNERS

Almost two years later, the male cat, Cosmo, has since died from incurable FIP—a very stressful and sad experience. Cameo, the ragamuffin runt, has surprisingly survived, despite intestinal issues and some bad liver enzyme reports. She is on a regime that reversed the liver issue and we give her B-12 shots for the intestinal problem. She is now 4 and though a bit high maintenance, she is thriving. She is now the queen of our home and we love her to pieces.

PUBLISHER SUPPORT EXECUTIVE ACCOUNTANT APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPERS

Steven Schowengerdt Matthew Perry DeLand Shore Brad Broockerd Sara Minor Janeane Thompson Nicolette Martin Victoria Perry Lindsey Howard Chad Jensen Cyndi Harrington Alicia Huff Adella Wrisinger Jessica Soetaert Cyndi King Dana Rudolph Emily Stout Hailey Stepanek Melanie Carlisle Randa Makeen Michael O’Connell Scott Lavigne

The point of all this is that both cats were victims of inbred ailments. Be very careful about how and where you adopt.

ALABAMA | ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | FLORIDA | GEORGIA | IDAHO ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MICHIGAN | MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA

Robin Chesler, Publisher ON THE COVER The Veterinary

Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com

Angels team and The Little Angels Project take a break to hang out with the animals.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANET BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

NEVADA | NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE | TEXAS | UTAH | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26th St., Kansas City, MO Proverbs 3:5-6

ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com

Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Conejo Valley areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

CalRE # 00545184

Š2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. CalRE # 00545184.

Rosemary Allison presents

11925 PRADERA | Santa Rosa Valley, Ca.

www.11925pradera.com | Reduced to only $1,175,000

Beautiful 4 bedrm, 3 +bath home in Santa Rosa Valley sitting on over an acre of land. This home exudes Tuscan warmth from the customized formal living and dining room with volume ceilings & tile floors, gourmet kitchen granite counters, rich dark cabinetry with breakfast room, huge family room with fireplace & large wet bar, hardwood floors, indoor laundry, & dual heating and A/C. Master bedroom with fireplace. There is a large covered pool attached to the home.

Car enthusiasts 4 car garage and a concrete driveway to allow potential RV or multiple car parking. The home is surrounded by many fruit trees and landscaping. The property is zoned for horses. One-bedroom downstairs is currently utilized as office. Huge laundry room. Reduced to only $1,175,000.

Put the Power of the MLS at your fingertips

With Rosemary’s new housing app, it’s never been easier to search for new listings, find out what your home is worth and what your neighbors homes are listed for plus what see what has sold. And unlike other apps such as Zillow© and Trulia©

Rosemary will NEVER sell your personal information!

Search “Rosemary Allison” in the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE app today!

1985 BRITTANY PARK | Santa Rosa Valley, Ca. www.1985Brittanypark.com | Offered at only $2,300,000

Conceived of the drama and the romance of an exquisite New England Estate, this one estate spans over 6,400 SF is located on an acre in the exclusive gated Camelot neighborhood of Santa Rosa Valley. Distinguished architectural bearing and the use of enduring gleaming hardwood flooring, granite and fine wood craftsmanship. Built in 1998, there are 5 spacious bedrooms each w/their own bathroom; walk-in closets, a separate office / library, bonus/hobby room, additional Media room. Large master bedroom suite is a retreat onto itself w/coffered volume ceiling w/double sided fireplace. Custom designed separate his and her closets. 4-car garage w/built-in garage organizers. The park-like ambiance completes this estate, located in Camelot, one of the most premiere neighborhoods in Ventura County. Offered at only $2,300,000.

©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. CalRE # 00545184.

Rosemary Allison presents

2269 APPLEWOOD | Santa Rosa Valley, Ca

www.2269applewood.com | Offered at only $3,799,000

Old World Grandeur, Uncompromising luxury. Electronically gated private drive, extra-large kitchen boasts granite counter-tops, fireplace and wine bar.

Stainless steel appliances, dedicated theatre/media room complete w/ professional screen. Grand formal entry with wrought iron staircase. Dining room w/ gleaming flooring. Family room features an entertainment size wet bar. Enormous master w/2 enormous walk-in closets and fireplace. Secondary bedrooms adjacent private baths and a full walk-in closet. 2 story world class executive library/office, 6 car tandem garage. Equestrian facilities with Barn and arena.

Reduced to $3,799,000.

Put the Power of the MLS at your fingertips

With Rosemary’s new housing app, it’s never been easier to search for new listings, find out what your home is worth and what your neighbors homes are listed for plus what see what has sold. And unlike other apps such as Zillow© and Trulia©

Rosemary will NEVER sell your personal information!

Search “Rosemary Allison” in the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE app today!

23 acres plus private lake in this European estate where romance mingles with California magic

758 DONNINGTON | Simi Valley Wood Ranch www.758Donnington.com | Reduced to only $4,450,000

23 acres plus private lake in this European estate where romance mingles with California magic. Located behind private gates high above the Wood Ranch Country Club, this palatial Tuscan-inspired villa captures 360-degree sunlit views from every window across lush lawns on its lot situated as the crown on its own hilltop. Classic architectural elegance is revealed from the grand foyer, archways and volume ceilings to state of the art technology and rich inlaid flooring. The superb resort-size backyard seems to be at the top of the world, enjoying a resort-style inďŹ nity pool and spa, private one acre lake, nature preserve, space for a helipad, separate guest house, outdoor entertainment barbecue center, fruit trees, lush landscaping and circular stamped drive gracing the entrance. Reduced to only $4,450,000

Š2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. CalRE # 00545184.

Rosemary Allison presents

2351 APPLEWOOD | Santa Rosa Valley, Ca.

www.2351Applewood.com | Offered at only $1,675,000

Sited discreetly behind the Wildwood Ranch Estate gated entry on over 1.7 acres in the heart of the Santa Rosa Valley, this magnificent French style estate resembles a private European Castle château offering impeccable craftsmanship and quality and is highlighted by uncompromising extraordinary finishes. Rivaling any 5-star resort, the two story 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home features a gourmet chef’s kitchen located on an over 1.7 acres in the gated Wildwood Ranch neighborhood. Grand estate home features a full theater (karaoke room) with stage. Extraordinary finishes throughout this home blending the ultimate in entertaining, relaxation and recreational amenities. Resort styled rear yard boasts an oversized pool, spa, gazebo, and decorative fire pit. Formal double sided fireplace, family room with entertainment center and wet bar. Gorgeous kitchen with center island cherry finish and granite counters. Huge formal dining room. Downstairs bedroom and full bath for guests. Stunning master bedroom suite with rain head over the infinity styled sunken bath. Steam shower. Large balcony. Plenty of room in yard for tennis court or equestrian facility.

Offered at: $1,675,000

Put the Power of the MLS at your fingertips

With Rosemary’s new housing app, it’s never been easier to search for new listings, find out what your home is worth and what your neighbors homes are listed for plus what see what has sold. And unlike other apps such as Zillow© and Trulia©

Rosemary will NEVER sell your personal information!

Search “Rosemary Allison” in the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE app today!

On a Clear Day you can see Forever Santa Rosa Valley

12953 RIDGE DRIVE | Santa Rosa Valley, Ca. www.12953ridge.com | Reduced to only $1,059,000

Great opportunity to live at the east end of Santa Rosa Valley! Located at the end of a ridgetop cul de sac in the Bridlewood development, this two story estate features classic traditional architectural elegance from grand two story foyer entrance, stunning spiral staircase, archways and soaring volume ceilings. The Gourmet island kitchen features an extended eat-in kitchen area with French sliding door, granite counters, newer kitchen appliances and walk-in pantry. Upstairs master bedroom suite with sitting area, fireplace, walk-in closet and luxuriously remodeled master bath. Downstairs there is an office or 4th bedroom that would be perfect for guests as it is adjacent to full bath. Panoramic views all the way to the Channel Islands from the viewing gazebo in the rear yard. Back yard privacy and expansive feel with low maintenance. Offers possibilities for planting an orchard or vineyard. Santa Rosa Valley is where magnificent homes rest amidst nature’s most perfect setting, located within minutes of Westlake Village, Hidden Hills, 101 Freeway providing a uniquely charming relaxed lifestyle, located close to award winning SRTMS magnet school, freeways and shopping.

Reduced to only $1,059,000.

©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. CalRE # 00545184.

Rosemary Allison presents

Ultimate Multi-Family Compound with Massive Family Room Entertaining Room!

2792 REDONDO | Santa Rosa Valley, Ca.

www.2792Redondo.com | Reduced to only $2,795,000

Santa Rosa Valley Estate. This 10 Bedroom, 12 Bath estate is perfect for multi-generational living as well as lavish corporate entertaining. Gracious formal dining room, family room and formal living room. Spectacular craftsmanship and quality. Wood floors, crown moldings, leaded & beveled glass windows & imported iron & crystal chandeliers can be found on the main level. The granite center island kitchen has chefs kitchen with Viking Oven Range with commercial quality hood, Wine chiller,huge granite island . The FLEXIBLE FLOOR PLAN also includes 1 bedroom, & separate office on the main level. Upstairs, a spacious master suite w/ attached marble bath, huge walk-in closet, fireplace, sitting room & private balcony.

The 2-bedroom GUEST APARTMENT has a full kitchen w/Sub-Zero, fireplace, balcony & pvt. laundry. ENDLESS ENTERTAINING POSSIBILITIES in the almost 1,200 sq ft Great Room w/ French doors opening to English Garden court yard. The highlight of the Great Room is the Professionally equipped bar which opens to the truly resort style pool/spa w/waterfalls. The Park like grounds also include a 1 BED,1 BATH POOL CABANA, gazebo, basketball sport court and fire pit. The most exquisite quality and detail for the most discerning Buyer.

Put the Power of the MLS at your fingertips

With Rosemary’s new housing app, it’s never been easier to search for new listings, find out what your home is worth and what your neighbors homes are listed for plus what see what has sold. And unlike other apps such as Zillow© and Trulia©

Rosemary will NEVER sell your personal information!

Search “Rosemary Allison” in the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE app today!

Fabulous Channel Islands Waterfront Condo

2901 PENINSULA #137 | Oxnard, Ca.

www.2901Peninsula.com | Offered at only $365,000

This one bedroom residence has incredible views. Highly desirable west-facing sunny location with views out to the Marina, Ocean and Islands beyond. This premium location accessible with building elevator, offers a secluded patio off both the living room and bedroom. The resort-like amenities include three pools, a spectacular waterside clubhouse, Spa, saunas, gym, tennis and more. Halfway between Malibu and Santa Barbara. This development offers the best view for the best value at the beach! In our opinion, Channel Islands Waterfront Homes is the most economical option for a beach getaway, second home, retirement, first-time buyer or a place to call home forever. Nearby is a weekly Farmer and Fisherman’s Market, summer concert series in the park next door and a lively calendar of special events. The Maritime Museum, a community center and live theater offer year-round cultural activities. Scenic sidewalks line the harbor and water activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, surfing, sport fishing, diving, sailing and more. Five of the Channel Islands are right off our coast making this a boater’s paradise. Board Island Packers for a wildlife excursion to the Channel Islands National Park or cruise about the harbor on the Scarlett Belle Paddle wheel or on a rented electric boat. Located on the Coast, halfway between Malibu and Santa Barbara and boast uncrowded soft-sand beaches in a quiet-laid-back coastal atmosphere with a mild Southern California climate. According to the Washington Post, Ventura County as the “#1 Most desirable place to live in America.”

©2018 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals. CalRE # 00545184.

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2018

FEATURES 24 Animal Angels The Little Angels Project Comes to the Rescue

34 Healing Hounds Love on a Leash Therapy Pets Ease the Pain

40 On a Mission Volunteers Stand Strong With Shelter Hope Pet Shop

44 24

44 Dog Gone Fun On the Road With Rover

40 DEPARTMENTS

34

4

Lifestyle Letter

16

Good Times

20 Around Town 24 Giving Back 28 Financial Buzz 30 Locally Owned 52 Our Town 54 Animal Kingdom 56 Inspired By 58 Local Limelight 60 Legal Compass 62 Lifestyle Calendar 66 Parting Thoughts

GOOD TIMES

Community Raises Glasses for Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County celebrated a Chardonnay/Zinfandel wine challenge at the Sherwood Lake Club. Pledges from Conejo Valley community attendees came to enough for at least seven "Littles" to be matched with their "Bigs."

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN MALKINÂ

Belmont Village to Open Doors in Calabasas Belmont Village CEO and Founder Patricia Will and team recently met with community members to share information about programs and services available at the senior living community, slated to open soon in Calabasas. Belmont Village communities offer residents chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, social activities, and support from a well-trained staff.

16

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

Christopher Asandra, MD

AS ANDR A MD

“Modern medicine has devolved into a game of numbers. At AsandraMD, you are not a number.

You’re an individual, with individual needs.

And we listen, until those needs are met.”

P L A N T- B A S E D B I O - I D E N T I C A L HORMONE REPLACEMENT

P L AT E L E T- R I C H P L A S M A T H E R A P Y SEXUAL WELLNESS COSMETICS

150 N. Robertson Blvd. Suite 250 B E V E R L Y

424.542.8881

H I L L S

Asa ndra MD .com

GOOD TIMES

OBOL Blankets Homeless Pets with Comfort Operation Blankets of Love Founder, Eileen Smulson, and her certified therapy dog, Ginger, lead the charge to help homeless animals find forever homes through outreach and education. The award-winning nonprofit animal welfare and emergency relief organization brings blankets and supplies to shelters, rescue groups and pets of the homeless. OperationBlanketsofLove.org

Rotary Youth Rally for K9s for Warriors Rotary Youth to Save Our Soldiers completed its 3rd annual event run by Interacters from CVUSD high schools at Cal Lutheran. It benefits K9s for Warriors, a nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans who come home with PTSD. The day included talks about PTSD, live music and more.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

The Morton Team International

TheMortonTeam.net

For Sale!

Beautiful Pool Home in Oak Park Resort Like Back Yard

New Listing!

The Colony in Westlake Village 1610 SF 3+3 $639,000

Coming Soon!

Beautiful Remodeled Single Family Home in Westlake Village 2545 SF 3+3 With Pool

Janet K. Morton

Sheri Donovan

818-307-0026 JanetKMorton@gmail.com

818-625-6824 Sheri@SheriDonovan.com

CalBRE Lic# 01820286

CalBRE Lic# 01979794

AROUND TOWN to schools and youth groups. Their Anti-Cruelty campaign creates greater community awareness about the plight of abused and neglected animals, while improving quality of life for some 12,000 homeless vulnerable cats and dogs each year. Her husband, Brad, takes care of day to day operations to make sure they have enough supplies to donate to the animals in need. Learn more about OBOL, including where to drop off donations, at OperationBlanketsofLove.org or call 818.402.6586.

SUPERSTAR CELEBRATION Valley Cats

CAT FANCY

afternoon that recognizes excellence in Club members and volunteers during the 15th Annual

Looking to add a new family member to your

Superstars of the Year Celebration, Sunday,

clan? Visit Valley Cats Westlake Village Adoption

March 18 at 2:30 p.m. Held at the Thousand Oaks

Center, located at 790 Hampshire Road Unit H in

Civic Arts Center’s Fred Kavli Theatre, the event

the Westlake Village Executive Center, and meet

includes the Youth of the Year recognition, a

their 30+ foster cats who are eagerly awaiting their

Performing Arts Showcase by Club members and

forever homes. Conejo Valley’s FIRST cage-free

special guest appearances. The event is free and

facility, Valley Cats Adoption Center was founded in

open to the public. BGCConejo.org

1999 by Debrah Regal. The nonprofit, all-volunteer cat rescue organization cares for many cats that are

WALK AWAY HUNGER

hurt, sick, scared or abandoned, treating any medi-

The 2018 Conejo Valley CROP Hunger Walk takes

cal conditions until they are ready for adoption. The

place on Sunday, March 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cal

2,000-square-foot Westlake Village facility includes

Lutheran University Sports Complex in Thousand

spacious rooms and cat enclosures with cat toys,

Oaks. CROP Walks help raise awareness and funds

climbing trees and even exercise wheels where the

for international relief and development, as well as

cats get to show their personalities while potential

for local hunger-related charities. More than 35 local

adopters sit on the floor or on comfy benches and

clubs, schools and churches are represented by

play with them. The volunteers are knowledge-

walkers. The 10K (6.2 mile) distance winds through

able and know each of the cats well. Visit them

the CLU campus and surrounding community.

Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., and

CropHungerWalk.org/ThousandOaksCA

on weekdays by appointment. Call 818.992.3225 or visit ValleyCatsInc.org for more information.

SOLO SHOWCASE

BLANKETS OF LOVE

Amanda Forsyth solo with the New West Symphony

Superstar violinist Pinchas Zukerman and cellist

Since its inception in 2003 by Eileen Smulson,

on March 10 with a program that includes a Vivaldi

Operation Blankets of Love has collected over 4 mil-

concerto for violin and cello as well as solo works

lion items, from gently used blankets and towels to

for both instruments by Couperin, Haydn and

every type of pet item: food, treats, beds, toys sham-

Beethoven. Maestro Zukerman also serves as

poos, vitamins, flea meds, harnesses, collars, leashes,

conductor for the program that ends with Franz

pet clothes, dog igloos, cat trees, crates and more. Like

Shubert’s Haydnesque and Mozartian flavored

the Red Cross to the animal rescue world, OBOL fills

Fifth Symphony. NewWestSymphony.org

the constant need of animal shelters and rescues for comfort and care items that are not covered by their

20

Join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley for an exciting and inspirational fun-filled

A MATTER OF WORDS

general operating budgets. Providing blankets to the

The Oaks Christian School Dance program,

animals makes them more comfortable, increasing

“Words of ___,” explores the highs and lows created

their happiness and helping them get adopted. OBOL

through speech and examines the profound effects

also teaches Humane Learning Education Programs

CONTINUED >

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

inspire • design • build

Arteriors Home • Bradington Young • Global Views • John-Richard Lisa Taylor Designs • Palecek • Rene Cazares • Worlds Away

2520 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 thesofaguy.com • 805.497.3222

AROUND TOWN

(CON TI N UED)

our words have on our daily lives. Catch the show March 21 through 24, at 7 p.m. at Oaks Christian’s Bedrosian Pavilion. OaksChristian.org/Arts

FAMILY FUN The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department presents William Shakespeare’s “A Comedy of Errors” March 8 through March 18. The high-energy Shakespearean comedy, where audiences will meet separated-at-birth-twins Antipholus of Syracuse and Antipholus of Egeus and their also separated-at-birth-servants, lives up to its name; with the addition of pratfalls, slapstick humor and puppets, the show will surely provide laughter and an escape for the entire family.

“We’ve established a fine tradition of bringing the classics to the Moorpark College stage,” says Suzanne Fagan, director and Theatre Arts Department faculty member. “Best of all, we’re bringing in the expertise of Moira MacDonald, a fellow Theatre Arts faculty member, who specialized in Puppetry in her graduate studies and incorporates the college’s new MakerSpace technologies into the production. For tickets, call 805.378.1485 or visit MoorparkCollege.edu/PAC.

HOP TO BREAKFAST The City of Agoura Hills hosts Breakfast with the Bunny, Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reyes Adobe Historical Site, located at 30400 Rainbow Crest Drive, in Agoura Hills. Guests will enjoy spring time crafts, egg hunts, games and activities, a light breakfast, refreshments and photo opportunities with the bunny. Admission is $2. Call 818.597.7361 or visit AgouraHillsRec.org.

BARK IN THE PARK Locals are gearing up for the biggest dog festival in Ventura County, Bark in the Park. The May 5 event includes a dog costume contest (big and littlest dog), a dog racetrack, dog entertainers, celebrity dogs, a dog agility course, a dog cool off zone-water area, and a DIY dog area to create dog accessories.

Applications are being accepted for dog-specific goods and services and (human) food and drink vendors. Call 805.375.1003 for details.

We are always accepting submissions for announcements you’d like to see included in our Around Town section. Submissions are accepted via the Contact Us tab at ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com.

22

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

aroha New Zealand Cuisine & Bar Fresh New Zealand Seafood & Organic Game.

Allergy Friendly.

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ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE | PHOTOGRAPHY JANET BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY

GIVING BACK

THE LITTLE ANGELS PROJECT: SAVING GRACE FOR ANIMALS

24

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

FOUND IN A SHELTER WITH A SEVERELY DAM-

ones that need help get skipped over because the

AGED EYE, PIRATE THE CAT WAS GIVEN THE

costs are too big for the rescue.”

VERY MINIMUM DOSE OF PAINKILLERS WHILE

Although Pirate’s eye couldn’t be saved, he remained

WAITING TO BE EUTHANIZED. But when The Little

with The Little Angels Project during his recovery, add-

Angels Project heard about Pirate’s plight, he was

ing more time to his life and leading to his stay at a fos-

pulled from the shelter and given the veterinary care

ter home. Almost a week after arriving, Pirate played,

he needed—ultimately saving his life.

purred and bonded with his foster family.

“The Little Angels Project is a nonprofit veterinary

“Luckily, Pirate’s transition was flawless. He is now

hospital that supports rescues with veterinary care,”

in a very loving home enjoying life as a healthy one-

explains Darlene H. Geekie, RVT, Veterinary Angels

eyed cat,” says Geekie.

Medical Center’s CEO and founder and director of

Pirate is just one example of the lifesaving work

The Little Angels Project. “If we effectively lower their

of The Little Angels Project, a nonprofit organiza-

cost, they’re able to save more animals.”

tion that was created to help all types of animals

One of the major challenges with animal rescues is that they can’t always afford the costs associated with veterinary care.

with various levels of need.

MISSION & PURPOSE

“They tend to skip over the ones with eye problems

Officially founded on Jan. 1, 2015, the mission of The

or animals that need amputations because they can’t

Little Angels Project is to reduce euthanasia rates

afford it, so they get euthanized,” Geekie says. “The

CONTINUED >

March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

25

GIVING BACK

(CON TI N U ED)

of domestic and exotic animals with advanced medical needs throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas by providing surgical and medical treatment.

“From primary care to providing surgical procedures for more complex issues and emergency treatment, we feel this muchneeded help will contribute to making our community a better place for people and animals alike,” says Geekie.

The Little Angels Project treats all types of farm animals, exotics and small animals.

“We are also a teaching facility helping our next generation of RVTs learn,” Geekie says. “We encourage other veterinary facilities to learn more and to get involved with our efforts in helping these animals in need.”

In addition to aiding both domestic and exotic animals from rescue facilities and sanctuaries, The Little Angels Project leads education efforts while encouraging other veterinary facilities to follow suit in their communities and continues efforts to partner with other animal welfare organizations who are working toward the same goals.

“We’re very selective on the rescues we choose,” Geekie further emphasizes. “They must have a good foothold; they must be legitimate and have the same goals that we have of trying to get animals out of the shelters’ red list and into good homes. We are very careful about who we select; we make sure that they’re a rescue that’s looking for the best interest of animals in their care.”

COMING TO THE RESCUE Another recent rescue involved a 3-year-old tabby named Charlie, who was brought to a local animal shelter after he was hit by a car and his guardians declined to pay for his medical care. The shelter staff put Charlie on pain medication, but unfortunately, there wasn’t much more they could do.

Charlie’s severely fractured femur and pelvis required extensive— and expensive—surgery.

“After an urgent appeal went out on social media, one of our nonprofit rescue partners, FixNation, rescued him and brought him to us in the nick of time,” Geekie remembers.

The Little Angels Project’s expert medical team operated on Charlie’s broken body and made him whole once again.

“The amount of suffering and fear that this innocent creature had to endure is simply unfathomable,” Geekie says. “Charlie went on to find a loving, forever home, where he now lives happily ever after with his new family.”

GROWING THE VISION Currently expanding its project space and building an animal care and adoption center at Veterinary Angels Medical Center, The Little Angels Project continues to grow its mission to bring hope and healing to animals in need.

Says Geekie, “We hope to bring the community a well-rounded veterinary hospital that not only cares for clients’ pets, but also helps the abandoned, neglected and hopeless animals in need.”

26

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

27

FINANCIAL BUZZ

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

How Should We Celebrate?

ARTICLE JEFF RUNYAN The reason I revert to academics from more than 80 years ago is that we all know history has a tendency to repeat itself. Market exuberance, record stock market prices, and as we saw in the month of January alone, at least 14 all-time high levels achieved in the S&P 500—the most since 1955. An exercise worth your time may be to review your portfolio. You might be surprised how much certain positions may be worth due to many consistent years of stock market growth.

But, amidst all the glory and excitement of these new market highs, there is also the news that while Americans are consuming at breakneck pace, buying ANNIVERSARIES

ARE

SPECIAL

OCCASIONS

cars, trucks and fidget spinners, they’ve also in aggregate reduced their savings

OFTEN CELEBRATED WITH CHAMPAGNE AND

rate to a 12-year low. That’s bothersome. This may not be as apparent here in

REGARDED AS A TIME TO REFLECT ON THE

our community, but it is a reflection of what’s happening across the nation.

PAST AND AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAN FOR

So the wealth effect is in full swing, and households are spending as they

THE FUTURE. This anniversary makes for a delightful

see their net worth climb. Between housing, 401Ks, rental properties and other

reflection on the recent past, and if I can be persua-

investment accounts appreciating, along with lower interest rates, it’s easy to see

sive, presents a golden opportunity to motivate a con-

that there’s not a lot of motivation to curtail consumption. But, when economic

structive view of the future.

conditions change, they can do so fast. So, in an effort to protect, preserve and

The anniversary I’m referring to is the date this bull market lurched from lows to all-time highs! Yes, the

maximize some of the wealth you’ve accumulated, it may be a fine time to examine the portfolio and keep it consistent with your goals and objectives.

bull market is going to be nine years old on March 9,

Let’s take a 2018 adaptation of Keynes’ “animal spirits” and be reminded

2018! It was on the close of business that Friday nine

that, while as of this draft on January 29, we continue to witness low unem-

years ago that the stock market ended the day with the

ployment (meaning everyone who wants a job has a job), and consumer

Dow Jones Industrial average closing at 6,507 points

spending at 2011 levels (people feeling confident in the economy making

and the S&P 500 at 676 points.

them inclined to spend). Tax rates are being reduced, and deregulation in

Wow! We’ve come a long way since then. In fact,

business have also contributed to the feeling that markets may be “priced to

as of this writing, the DOW is approximately 20,000

perfection.” If they are, it makes me wonder what will continue to drive them

points higher and the S&P 500 is about 2,180

higher and which way the herd will move next.

points higher. So, without question we’ve witnessed extraordinary market gains in what is now the second longest bull market run in history. Of course,

Jeff Runyan is the lead of Runyan Capital Advisors financial advisory

past performance is no guarantee of future perfor-

team based in Beverly Hills, providing clients nationwide with wealth

mance. What more could we ask for?

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It can be said that stock markets move in mysterious

two decades of industry experience. As Chief Executive Manager

ways, as John Maynard Keynes used the term “animal

of Runyan Capital Advisors, Jeff leads an investment team commit-

spirits,” in his 1936 The General Theory of Employment,

ted to designing investment portfolios that adhere to the premise,

Interest, and Money, to explain how human emotion

“Discipline Makes the Difference.” Learn more at RunyanCapital.com.

can affect investor and consumer decision making—

Securities offered through Wedbush Securities Inc. Member

especially when herd mentality sets in.

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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Building on her extensive background in the cosmetics industry, Jennifer has quickly established a long list of happy clients at J.Weisman Beauty.

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30

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

THERAPY PETS CREATE SMILES, RELIEVE STRESS

DOC AND REBA SPEND COUNTLESS HOURS VISITING

Valley area, including Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Westlake and

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, HOSPITALS, NURSING

Thousand Oaks, get involved.

HOMES AND SCHOOLS. Bringing joy and happiness to others

“I now certify other dogs, and I use mine so the new dogs can

has been a focus of their life since they’ve been a year old. Now

see how they are supposed to behave,” explains Mary Lou, who

8 years old, Doc and his 5-year-old “sibling” Reba also serve as

has helped dozens of dogs and their owners become therapy pets.

leaders, modeling appropriate behavior and assisting others in

Love on a Leash-certified therapy pets participate in numer-

their training to become therapy pets.

ous programs and activities to help

The desire to give back led Agoura Hills resident Mary Lou Miller to certify her Border Collie, Doc, and Standard Poodle, Reba, to bring comfort to others as therapy pets.

Together, the team visits people in nursing and assisted living facilities, hospice centers and care homes, hospitals, schools, libraries and more, with the aim of brightening someone’s day.

“Making

people—kids,

patients,

seniors—happy” drives Mary Lou and her dogs to spend much of their time working with others in need of emotional support and comfort.

Mary Lou discovered the rewards of being part of a therapy pet team about

calm those in stressful situations.

“Making people—kids, patients,

During the recent Thomas Fire, LOAL

seniors—happy” drives Mary

with firefighters at the Lake Cachuma

Lou and her dogs to spend

volunteer Kathy Young and her therapy dog, Remi, a Doberman, visited Fire Camp, bringing smiles to the weary crews as they took a break from battling the flames.

“They were very thankful,” says Mary

much of their time working

Lou. “Some of the firemen teared up…it

with others in need of emo-

stress relief to high school and college

tional support and comfort.

10 years ago.

was very touching,” she adds.

LOAL therapy pets also provide students during finals week and participate in special programs, like reading programs at the library where young readers read aloud to dog “listeners.”

Reading to the dogs helps build con-

“I had a Border Collie that loved people,” she says. “Since our kids

fidence and self-esteem for new readers, as the dogs listen

were all out of the house I had the time to get him certified and visit

without judgment or correction and provide a calming presence.

assisted living facilities. I'm more involved than ever since I'm retired.”

As a Chapter Leader with the nonprofit volunteer organiza-

Being part of a pet therapy team, “Just makes you feel like you are making a little difference in someone’s life,” says Mary Lou.

tion Love on a Leash, Mary Lou assists those in the Conejo

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE TRACY MARCYNZSYN March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

35

THERAPY PETS

(CON TI N U ED)

ORIGINS The growth of LOAL serves as evidence of the rewards of

“When I met her, I said to her, ‘You need to go into ther-

the program. Since its beginning in the early 1980s by pet

apy work’,” recalls Mary, who makes regular visits to a

therapy enthusiasts in northern San Diego, LOAL incorpo-

senior rehab center, the Ronald McDonald House in Los

rated in 1995 and has expanded to include chapters in nearly

Angeles and playdates with special needs children through

every state, with more than 2,000 members.

Brandon’s Village at local parks. People respond to Peek a

Committed to “bringing comfort, happiness, and healing to more people nationwide by increasing public awareness

Boo’s visits with reactions ranging from “the biggest smiles you can imagine to tears of joy.”

of pet-provided therapy,” LOAL certifies dogs, cats and even

Mastering basic obedience skills, such as responding to

rabbits to provide effective therapy services in communities

commands, including Sit, Lay Down, Heel, Stay and Come, is

throughout the nation.

the first step to becoming certified as a therapy pet. Becoming

With headquarters in San Diego County, Love on a

a member of LOAL involves being evaluated by a Certified

Leash members have established area chapters to serve

Behaviorist, Certified Dog Trainer, Certified Obedience

local communities and assist in training, certification and

Instructor, or AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

coordinating visits.

WHAT IS A THERAPY PET?

“The common commands learned there—Heel, Sit, Stay, Down, Come—make your dog a better home companion, more welcome in the community, and are vital to therapy

A therapy pet primarily provides emotional support,

work,” says LOAL Camarillo Chapter Leader Jeri Jennings,

helping to put a smile on someone's face and bring cheer

who makes weekly visits to St. John's Pleasant Valley Hospital

to their lives. These pets and their owners volunteer to visit

with her three long-coated Dalmatian therapy dogs, Becket,

with others in a variety of settings, including senior centers,

Tika and Katie. “The other vital requirement is that your dog

hospitals and schools. Unlike service or companion animals,

must be able to work comfortably in a group with other dogs.”

LOAL therapy pets do not have any legal protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).

CERTIFYING YOUR PET

A minimum of 10 hours of supervised visits—at least five of the visits with the same person—is another LOAL program requirement. Upon successfully completing the 10 hours of supervised visits, the person who observed at least 5 of the

Love on a Leash® provides certification procedures for ther-

visits fills out a LOAL Visit Evaluation form, and the pet’s

apy pets and their owners and promotes public awareness of

owner sends in a membership application. Once certified,

the benefits of pet-provided therapy. To become a certified

owners and their pets volunteer their time to participate in

therapy pet, animals and their owners undergo evaluations

various activities throughout the community.

they must pass as a team. Certification typically includes insurance coverage, consistent visit and behavior guidelines, animal health assurances and cleanliness standards.

“It's a very satisfying way to serve the community and demonstrate the value of pets to the human community,” says Jeri.

Kuebler agrees: “It’s a beautiful outreach, the people

Therapy pets can be any size, breed, color, shape or gen-

involved with the program have hearts that are tremen-

der. Personality is the most important factor, as the therapy

dous, to find the time to go out and put a smile on some-

pets should enjoy being around people, be even tempered

one else’s face.”

and able to accept handling by other people.

“They need to have the heart; it’s all about the heart,” says Mary Kuebler, who knew her Golden Retriever Peek a Boo

To learn more about Love on Leash, contact Agoura

was meant to be a therapy dog after she was gifted to Mary.

Hills Love on a Leash Chapter Leader Mary Lou Miller at

Peek a Boo had spent the first 6 years of her life as a breed-

818.964.3312 or visit LoveOnALeash.org.

ing dog before coming to Mary.

36

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

37

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ARTICLE ALICIA DOYLE

SHELTER HOPE PET SHOP:

SAVING ANIMALS WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM ITS FRIENDS

Shelter Hope Pet Shop also takes in dogs that have been dumped at the shelter after years of being used for breeding.

“We also take dogs from Mexico,” Sill says. “We do not discriminate against a dog for where they come from. To us, a dog is a dog, and most of the time they are better than people, so we want to help them.”

ORIGINS The idea for Shelter Hope Pet Shop formed while Sill was working undercover for an animal rights group called Last Chance for Animals.

“While investigating pet shops that sold puppies produced from puppy mills, I realized that Americans

SINCE THE SHELTER HOPE PET SHOP OPENED AT JANSS MARKETPLACE

needed to see highly adoptable rescue animals in the

IN 2011, THE NONPROFIT RESCUE EFFORT HAS SAVED BETWEEN 40 AND

same way they were looking at mass-produced mill

60 DOGS A MONTH—CELEBRATING CLOSE TO 5,000 ADOPTIONS TO DATE.

animals,” Sill recalls.

“Our services focus on adopting dogs to loving families,” explains Kim Sill, of Thousand Oaks, founder of Shelter Hope, a nonprofit volunteer-based pet shop that showcases shelter animals available for in-store adoption.

“We also spend a great deal of time teaching the community to give back by helping us,” Sill says.

The circumstances are different with every dog, which primarily come from the San Bernardino city shelter and Kern County, areas where dogs are frequently dumped at shelters that kill for space.

“We have taken dogs from hoarding situations and others that have been abandoned at vet offices because they have a broken leg,” Sill says. Additionally, “we took dogs from many natural disasters last year, including Hurricane Harvey and Irma.”

40

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

Other incidents in her life also fueled her decision to help dogs through Shelter Hope.

“I grew up in South Georgia with a Jewish father who worked as a social worker at the Georgia Baptist Children's Home,” Sill recalls. “Daddy taught me to pick up strays as I watched him bring home foster kids to our home, even when we didn't have room.”

Her husband, Joel, also encouraged her to follow her passion to help dogs.

“I have two sayings that I love—one is ‘dog bless’ and the other is, ‘I never rescue a dog, they always

rescue me’,” she says. “Rescuing dogs does not feel like work even though it is a seven-day-a-week, 24-hour-a-day job.”

RESCUE PARTNERS Shelter Hope Pet Shop operates in the Janss Marketplace, thanks to NewMark Merrill, which gifted free rent so the nonprofit effort could thrive.

Camp Bow Wow, a doggie day care facility in Agoura Hills, also donates space at night to house Shelter Hope’s rescues.

“They have done this since we opened in 2011, and with each adoption, we encourage the new owners to take their new dog back to Camp Bow Wow so that they can help give back to the business that has helped us save so many,” Sill says.

Indiana Bones and the Temple of Groom has also been a partner since Shelter Hope started.

“They donate two grooms per dog, one when we get them and another to the new adopter,” Sill explains. “This provides the dog with a beautiful makeover so that they can show well, then after, the groom gives the owner the opportunity to go back to Indiana Bones and say hi and get to know the real people who help us save these dogs.”

Volunteers are a huge part of why the Shelter Hope Pet Shop can survive. Sill says that two of her most valued volunteers include a Vietnam veteran, Larry Cole, and Abbie Hodash, a young woman with autism.

“All our volunteers help us socialize and rehabilitate the dogs so that they can be adopted into loving homes,” says Sill, adding that orientations are held twice a month for children and parents who want to volunteer.

FOSTERING OPPORTUNITY In current efforts, the Shelter Hope Pet Shop is working to expand its foster care program.

“MANY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO SAVE A DOG'S LIFE BUT CAN'T MAKE A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT,” SILL SAYS. “WE HAVE THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE PEOPLE—FOSTERING.”

CONTINUED >

March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

41

SHELTER HOPE PET SHOP

(CON TI N U ED)

By fostering, “people get to love and care for a dog but also know that it is temporary,” Sill says. “We're looking for people who feel that fostering would be a great fit for their lifestyle.”

She adds that the foster program is called Phillis's Fosters, in honor of her dear friend, Phillis Armstrong, who passed away in June 2013.

“Phillis dedicated her life to Shelter Hope and started the much-needed

“He gave the dogs a chance, and he gave me a new

foster program at the shop by herself,” Sill says. “It is fitting that we continue

life in Thousand Oaks,” Sill says, noting the nonprof-

the program in her name.”

it’s initial plans to operate three days a week quickly

For people who are unable to foster or adopt a dog, “the quickest and easiest

expanded to five.

way to help the Shelter Hope Pet Shop is by donating,” Sill adds. “Your generous

“We got so busy and had so many volunteers that we

tax-deductible donation will help us to find a home for neglected and abandoned

expanded,” says Sill, who aims to help other nonprofit

pets that would otherwise be put to death.”

rescues open Shelter Hopes in their communities.

This past year, California became the first state in the nation to ban the sale of mill dogs.

“In 2013, I funded the Shelter Hope in Sacramento, which started as a pop-up shop in the Nimbus Winery

“The law goes into effect in January of 2019—I was so proud to be a part of

and stayed open for three years,” says Sills, and, “In

this enormous change,” Sill says. “I protested pet shops for almost two years,

2014, I helped fund the Shelter Hope in Santa Clarita,

while I worked with Last Chance for Animals. Many cities across America

which is still thriving today.”

banned the sale, and hundreds of rescue-only pet shops have popped up.”

Sill believes Shelter Hope “will hand a better world for animals to the next generation,” and that her efforts will

DOORS OPEN The Conejo Valley was “ground zero” for Sill, and an important part of the making of Shelter Hope Pet Shop.

“For many years I was told that this concept would not work, that it couldn't survive and that I would have to have an enormous amount of money to keep

make rescuing a dog from a shelter “a normal thing” that can ultimately lead to a forever home.

“I love it, but I wish I didn't have to do it,” Sill adds.

“I wish the world was free of animal abuse and neglect, but for now, we forge on.”

a shop like this open,” she says.

Initially, she asked many large animal groups to back her idea and help her launch it, however, “no one was willing to try it.”

Serendipitously, Sill found a partner in a stranger when she met Sandy Sigal of NewMark Merrill.

42

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

Shelter Hope Pet Shop is located at 193 N. Moorpark Road East, Suite F, in Thousand Oaks. To learn more, call 805.379.3538.

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43

ARTICLE TRACY MARCYNZSYN

Dog-Friendly Destinations WITH THEIR WELL-EARNED REPUTATION AS “MAN’S BEST FRIEND,” DOGS ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH THEIR FAMILIES AT HOME AND OUT ON THE TOWN! Luckily, more and more places are welcoming dogs than ever before. From restaurants and beaches to hotels and hiking trails, look for dog-friendly designations and be sure your four-legged friends are well-behaved and friendly before taking them out in public—and don’t forget the doggie bags!

Dog Parks A great place for dogs to run free and socialize, dog parks are popping up in cities throughout the nation. In Conejo Valley, dog parks are plentiful, with new locations springing up, thanks to community efforts.

» CONEJO CREEK DOG PARK

» KIMBER PARK

1350 E Avenida de las Flores, Thousand Oaks

3295 Bear Creek Drive, Newbury Park

This 3.5-acre dog park has two sections, one for small dogs (30 lbs and under) and the other for large dogs. Drinking fountains have attached dog water fountains.

This small dog park offers views of the Conejo Valley and local foothills.

Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Open daily 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; closed Thursdays, 7-9 a.m. & all day the 3rd Thursday of each month

» OAK CANYON DOG PARK 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park

» ESTELLA PARK 300 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks This small 1.9-acre neighborhood park is located off Erbes Road between Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Hillcrest Drive.

Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

44

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

Located toward the top of Oak Canyon Community Park, this dog park includes areas for large and small dogs in a beautiful setting with mountain views. Getting to this dog park requires a little trek through the park.

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

» WALNUT GROVE PARK 400 Windtree Avenue, Thousand Oaks Located next to a creek and wedged between the 101 Freeway and Newbury Road, this small dog park is named for the walnut trees that occupy the site.

Open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. » WESTLAKE VILLAGE DOG PARK Southwest corner of West Oak Crest Drive & Agoura Road Slated to open in 2018, the Westlake Village Dog Park will include 1.19 acres with separate accommodations for small and large dogs, a shade shelter with picnic seating, open play natural turf spaces with mounds and boulders, drinking fountains, tables, benches, leash posts, pet-waste dispensers, trash containers, decomposed granite walkways, fencing, landscaping, and pet wash stations.

CONTINUED >

March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

45

DOG-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

(CON TI N UED)

Beach Bound Dogs love frolicking on the beach—some even love to take a dip in the ocean, or at least get their feet wet. While many beaches do not allow dogs, a select few welcome Fido and friends.

46

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

» ARROYO BURRO BEACH PARK 3403 Edgewater Way, Santa Barbara Known as “Hendry’s Beach” to the locals, this beach is unique in that it allows dogs to run leash free. Located 5 miles west of Santa Barbara's city center on Cliff Drive near Hope Ranch, this special beach is perfect for strolling, swimming and playing ball with your pup. » COUNTY LINE BEACH West of Yerba Buena Road on Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Part of Leo Carrillo State Park, County Line Beach is located just inside Ventura County. Dogs are welcome on leash at this popular beach for surfers, fishermen and scuba divers. While visitors will not find restrooms or drinking fountains at this beach, the main part of Leo Carrillo State Park has a visitor center, restrooms, campground, lifeguards, picnic areas, and hiking trails to explore.

The famous seafood restaurant, Neptune’s Net, is located across the street (but Rover will have to wait in the car). » MARINA PARK Pierpont Blvd, Ventura This 15-acre oceanfront park offers ample parking and borders the beach. Walk to the left of the park and let your dog run free and play. » POINT MUGU STATE PARK 9000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu Leashed pets are welcome throughout the day-use areas, including campgrounds and beaches, but pets are not permitted on any backcountry trails or dirt roads. » SURFER’S POINT Shoreline Drive, Ventura This sandy beach is a popular surfing spot and offers picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Locals let their dogs run off leash at this beautiful beach. » TAKE A HIKE! Many hiking trails throughout the Conejo Valley allow dogs on leash. A good rule of thumb is to check ahead of time to be sure pets are not restricted. » SATWIWA LOOP TRAIL 4121 Potrero Road, Newbury Park An easy, 2.5-mile hike, the Satwiwa Loop Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers shorter jaunts for those not up to the approximately 1.5 hours it takes to hike the full loop. Dogs must be on leash.

CONTINUED >

March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

47

DOG-FRIENDLY DESTINATIONS

48

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

(CON TI N UED)

Dining Out After a day of play with your best friend, take a break to eat at one of these dog-friendly local restaurants. With outside patios that

» BOTTLE & PINT 1714 Newbury Rd, Newbury Park

welcome your dog, most eateries offer water dishes and many even allow patrons to order menu items for their pups.

This craft beer lover’s dream features a wide selection of craft beer on tap as well as a bottle shop where patrons can purchase beer to go. Well-behaved dogs are welcomed inside, and visitors can order

» BRENT’S DELICATESSEN & RESTAURANT

food from neighboring restaurants, including Sumo Sushi, Holdren’s

2799 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village

Steak & Seafood and Spumoni Italian Café & Pizzeria, and have it

With an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, this casual

delivered to eat while they sip and sample the latest brews!

and lively NYC-deli is a wildly popular restaurant, known for their mile-high sandwiches, black and white cookies, and matzo ball

» FIVE THREADS BREWING COMPANY

soup. Dogs are welcome on their outdoor patio, accessed through

31133 Via Colinas #109, Westlake Village

an outside back gate. Water for Rover is available upon request.

This tasting room is a favorite locale for beer aficionados. With live music and catered events, games galore—including Giant Jenga—

» THE LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR

trivia nights and more, Five Threads welcomes well-behaved dogs

172 W Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks

inside, provided they stay off the furniture!

Located at The Oaks mall, this relaxed restaurant chain serves comfort fare, including pizza, pot roast and pastas. As its name suggests, The Lazy Dog takes it a step further than allowing dogs and actually caters to them with their own menu. Offerings include hamburgers, brown rice and more!

More Dog-Friendly Favorites Agoura’s Famous Deli, Agoura Hills | Breakfast Café, Oak

» ROMA ITALIAN DELI & RESTAURANT

Park | Brendan’s Irish Pub, Newbury Park | Cisco’s Mex-

2247 Michael Drive, Newbury Park

ican Restaurant, Westlake Village | Figueroa Mountain

This quaint Italian restaurant with an outdoor patio serves rea-

Brewery, Westlake Village | Sea Casa, Westlake Village |

sonably priced fare, from Eggplant Parmesan and pizzas to Shrimp

Sesame Inn, Newbury Park | Snapper Jack’s, Thousand

Scampi and a variety of sandwiches and salads. Dogs are welcome

Oaks | Tony’s New York Pizza, Newbury Park & Oak Park |

outside on the patio and water is offered upon request.

Topper’s Pizza, Thousand Oaks

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ANIMAL KINGDOM

TIPS FOR A HAPPY LIFE

from man's best friend ARTICLE GARRY MCDANIEL AND SHARON MASSEN

sk anyone what their goal is in life, and their answer

A

will probably be, “To be happy.”

“YOU CAN COUNT ON ME.”

If our dogs could talk, they would share five rea-

When we ask pet owners what they admire most about their dog,

sons we can improve our happiness through their exam-

loyalty is usually first on the list. Loyalty is the confidence that you can

ple. Here is a snippet of that conversation.

count on others to be true to you and do the right thing even if it is difficult and even if you are not present. Dogs are loyal to their pack and display amazing loyalty to their owners. So tip No. 1 on the list of things we can do to increase our own happiness is to ensure we are loyal so we strengthen our relationships with others.

“TELL ME YOUR PROBLEMS.” Dogs are among the best listeners ever! You can spend hours talking to your dog, and he or she will hang on every word. This is not usually the case for our friends, associates or even family members. Tip No. 2 is to take time to listen to others and make sure you understand what they have to say before you share your point of view.

“LET’S PLAY!” One of the best things about dogs is their curiosity and desire to play.

Tip No. 3: step outside of your daily routine, take the dog out for a walk and pledge to have at least one experience a week that is just plain fun.

“I FORGIVE YOU.” Even if you come home late, skip a walk, run out of their favorite treat or accidentally step on their tail, your dog will not hold a grudge against you. Humans, on the other hand, can hold on to real or imagined insults forever! All this does is create stress and keep us from moving on with our lives. Tip No. 4: let go of bitterness and resentment toward yourself or others.

“I LOVE YOU NO MATTER WHAT.” Our work environment and educational system are based on the carrot and stick: “Do this for me and I’ll give you that.” Unfortunately, Garry McDaniel and Sharon Massen speak nationally on

this approach often carries over to our relationships, and we begin to

what individuals and organizations can learn from dogs about

place conditions on our affections with others. Dogs love you whether

leadership, team-building and customer service. Their book,

you are young, old, rich, poor, fat, skinny, covered with hair or bald as

The Dog’s Guide to Your Happiness: Seven Secrets for a Better

they come. Tip No. 5: love with an open heart and expect nothing

Life from Man’s Best Friend, is available now.

from others in return for giving yours.

54

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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55

INSPIRED BY

THE POWER OF PLAY IN MALAWI ARTICLE CAROLE HERDEGEN

ON A RECENT TRIP TO MALAWI IN SOUTHEASTERN AFRICA, MY SON, RICHARD, GRANDDAUGHTER, KATELIN, OF OAK PARK, AND I SERVED AS VOLUNTEERS FOR AN EARTHWATCH PROJECT AT THE MAJETE WILDLIFE RESERVE. Majete is a management project of African Parks, a nonprofit conservation organization that took over the reserve in 2003 when it was nearly void of animals due to poaching and big game hunting.

Today, the park is the envy of many struggling African parks. Its success produced an abundance of animals, creating the need for their translocation to other Malawi reserves. We were most fortunate to be onsite during the preparation for the departure of 500 elephants and hundreds of zebras, waterbucks and other species. A successful wildlife reserve means more tourists, more jobs and more money for the people in the poor surrounding communities. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in Africa—more than half its population lives on less than $1 a day.

We also had an opportunity to visit a nearby village and local school.

Having grown up in England, where my husband was working for General Motors, Rich developed an affinity for soccer. He played throughout his years at English schools, the University of Notre Dame and later with soccer clubs in Southern California. Rich lives and breathes soccer, or “football,” as it is known to the rest of the world. Millions of youth participate, from the poorest villages of Brazil to the smallest communities in Africa. All that is required is a ball, a field and goals.

56

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

Years back, Rich had become acquainted with One World Futbol

were the sons of park rangers and guides from the surrounding vil-

soccer balls when his other soccer-playing daughter, Nicolette,

lages. You couldn’t help but notice the barefoot boys kicking around

travelled to Brazil on a volunteer project with Coaches Across

a ball they had made from plastic bags and string.

Continents. Each volunteer brought eight One World Futbols.

Rich had set up the field with cones and distributed bibs to the teams;

World Futbol was founded by Tim Jahnigen who saw a news story

it was time to start the game. The boys played with their ball for about

about kids in a Darfur refugee camp playing with soccer balls made

15 minutes until Rich walked onto the field and gave them a One World

from plastic and twine. He decided “kids need to be kids” even in the

Futbol. What a transformation! After the game, the boys were happy to

poorest places on Earth and envisaged creating a ball that would be

learn that the ball and equipment would remain with the rangers.

indestructible in the harshest conditions of refugee camps, alleys of the barrios and slums of the world.

Tim's dream of an ultra-durable ball became a reality in 2008, when

Several days later, we were invited to Mavuwa Primary School where Rich presented the school principal, Mr. Masamba, with a mesh bag containing balls, bibs and cones.

his famous singer friend, Sting, an ardent football fan, generously pro-

To watch the Malawian boys playing their game of football was

vided the initial funding to create a One World Futbol prototype. Two

extremely rewarding. We marveled at how something as simple as a

years later, Chevrolet became the founding sponsor and began freely

ball can bring joy and laughter to millions of kids around the world—

distributing over a million balls to communities throughout the world.

the “power of play.”

The great thing about these balls is they never require a pump, because they are self-inflating and never go flat.

Having read about the villages and schools on our itinerary, Rich knew a One World Futbol would be the perfect gift to bring to Malawi; he loaded the balls, bibs, field cones, whistles and mesh equipment bags for the trip.

The first delivery was made to the children of Mejete’s staff at a soccer field located inside the wildlife reserve. The children there

One World Futbol is now known as the One World Play Project.

With the help of sponsors, partners and supporters, One World Play Project is working to turn the world into a field of play. Today, over 45 million boys and girls are playing with these balls.

Rich, Katelin and I will be forever rewarded by the appreciation, happiness and smiles we received from the enthusiastic reception of our modest, football gifts to these deserving children.

For more information, visit OneWorldPlayProject.com/.

March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

57

LOCAL LIMELIGHT 1

2

3

ewes and lambs. In addition to feed and veterinary costs (including castration), expenses include ancillaries, such as replacing animal-worn buckets, feed stations and water vessels. Melissa and Fia realized it was time to take their project to the next level.

FOUNDATION FOSTERS FLOCK FOR SERVICE

A NONPROFIT IS BORN Once the duo established their nonprofit GARR Foundation, launched a website and Facebook presence, and started taking in donations, others who had spent time communing with the flock stepped up to volunteer. It wasn’t long until the group discovered a

ARTICLE JUDE BRADLEY

way to share this wonderful sheep energy with those who would benefit most. Through organized sessions,

TUCKED AWAY IN THE HILLS OF MOORPARK LIVES A FLOCK OF SOME

these sheep could help bolster the healing process

VERY FORTUNATE AMERICAN BLACKBELLY SHEEP. These content crea-

for people in recovery and aid therapists, Reiki practi-

tures, rescued from market by two remarkable women, will now live their lives

tioners, guidance professionals and others.

as therapy animals.

The Sheep Heal Project was the next step, and

The brainchild of entertainment veteran Melissa Herron and industry hyphen-

therapy sessions began, including a recent meditation

ate and animal activist Fia Perera, the Guardian Animal Rescue and Recovery

and healing event with noted wellness facilitator Dr.

Foundation formed out of pure love.

Lorri Many Rivers Santamaría. Other sessions include

Stepping away from the business world six years ago, Melissa began working

crystal healing, Reiki, animal communication and

with farm animals. She found the peaceful nature of sheep, in particular, helped

private and group meditation for those in recovery.

her feel calm and fulfilled.

The future includes plans to hold diverse workshops,

“I’ve always been more at home in nature and being around these beautiful creatures brought me an immeasurable sense of peace,” says Melissa.

including creative writing and healing sessions benefiting those dealing with life trauma.

The sheep brought her so much joy, she decided to share her experiences with friends. It was Fia, stopping by the ranch one day, who noted, “They are healers.”

For more details about the Sheep Heal Project, the GARR Foun-

That simple phrase turned out to be a bolt of enlightenment.

dation or upcoming events, visit SheepHealProject.com

Rarely do people realize the invaluable inherent nature of livestock by spending time with them. Farm animals are usually viewed as for sale, for profit or for

or GARRFoundation.org.

dinner; not so, with these sheep. Melissa had bonded with them and it became evident they possessed a natural ability to relieve stress in those around them.

Together, Melissa and Fia gathered resources, arranged to purchase 10 lambs and moved the flock to a safe space at the Spirit Dancer Ranch in Moorpark.

Rescuing these beautifully docile creatures was just the first step. Numerous expenses come with caring for a flock, which had quickly grown to 20 rams, 58

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

1. Conejo Valley resident Cooper Plate, 13, visits rescued rams Edward, Mikey & Cosmo.

2. Co-founder Melissa Herron with Sheepuille O’Neal, the inspiration for the name “Sheep Heal.”

3. Co-founder Fia Perera holds a newborn lamb.

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2974 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. one block west of Hampshire Rd. March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

59

LEGAL COMPASS

TEST YOUR TAX IQ

ARTICLE ROCKY MILLS

MOST OF THE NEW TAX LAWS TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY. Do you think you have them figured out? Take this short quiz and find out. And, by all means, talk with your CPA or tax attorney.

1. THE HIGHEST PERSONAL INCOME TAX BRACKET WAS:

7. STARTING IN 2019, ALIMONY PAYMENTS MANDATED

A. Lowered from 35% to 21%

BY NEW DIVORCE AGREEMENTS:

B. Lowered from 39.6% to 37%

A. Will not be deductible by the payer and will be taxable to the receiver

C. Kept the same

B. Will not be deductible by the payer and will be non-taxable

D. Raised to 42% for incomes over $1 million

to the receiver

C. Will be deductible by the payer and will be taxable to the receiver

2. THE TAX ON LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAINS WAS:

D. Will be deductible by the payer and will be non-taxable to

A. Lowered to 10% for all income levels

the receiver

B. Lowered to 10% for assets owned longer than 5 years C. Kept the same

8. THE UNIFIED FEDERAL GIFT AND ESTATE TAX

D. Raised for profits on Bitcoin trades

EXEMPTION FOR A MARRIED COUPLE WILL: A. Stay about the same at $11.2 million

3. THE STANDARD DEDUCTION FOR MFJS

B. Rise to $22.4 million—gradually from 2018 to 2025

(THOSE WHO ARE MARRIED FILING JOINTLY) WAS:

C. Rise to $22.4 million—immediately

A. Lowered to $5,000

D. Be discontinued

B. Kept the same at $12,700 C. Raised to $20,000

9. THE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX (AMT):

D. Raised to $24,000 ($26,600 if both are at least at age 65)

A. Was eliminated B. Had its exemption raised from $84,500 to $109,400 for MFJs

4. IF YOU ARE MFJ AND ITEMIZE YOUR DEDUCTIONS, HOW

C. Had its top rate reduced to 21%

MUCH CAN YOU DEDUCT FOR STATE AND LOCAL TAXES?:

D. Gives taxpayers the option of choosing AMT if it’s lower than

A. Unlimited – no change from 2017

their regular tax

B. None – this deduction was eliminated C. A maximum of $10,000

10. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DEDUCTIONS

D. A maximum of $20,000 ($10,000 for each)

WAS NOT ELIMINATED?: A. Charitable donations

5. REGARDING THE CHILD TAX CREDIT FOR EACH

B. Moving expenses

CHILD UNDER AGE 17:

C. Personal casualty and theft losses (except in a federally-

A. The credit increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per child

declared disaster area)

B. The qualifying income for MFJs rose from $110,000 to $400,000

D. Tax preparation

C. If the credit reduces your tax liability below $0, you could still claim a refund of $1,400

FURTHER READING

D. All of the above

+ “10 Things You Need to Know About the New Tax Law,” MarketWatch.com, 12/22/17.

6. THE INTEREST ON YOUR MORTGAGE HAD BEEN

+ “A Guide to the Tax Changes,” FactCheck.org, 12/20/17

DEDUCTIBLE FOR THE FIRST $1,000,000 FOR MFJS. THE NEW LAW LOWERS THE LIMIT TO $750,000. HOWEVER, THE $1,000,000 CEILING WILL STILL APPLY TO: A. Loans in existence prior to 2018 B. Loans executed by 12/16/17 for homes that close before 4/1/18 C. Refinances of loans in existence prior to 2018, as long as the

60

Answers: 1b, 2c, 3d, 4c, 5d, 6d, 7b, 8c, 9b, 10a Robert A. "Rocky" Mills is president of Westlake Investment Advisors in Westlake Village. 805-277-7300. www.westlakeia.com.

He is a registered representative with and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

principal is not increased

Investment advice offered through Westlake Investment Advisors, a registered in-

D. All of the above

vestment advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial.

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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61

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

2

3

7

CAREGIVER RECOGNITION DAY

STARLIGHT SOIREE & AWARDS CEREMONY

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Los Robles Greens

Oaks Christian high school theatre

sponsored by Senior Concerns. Pro-

Conejo Schools Foundation hon-

arts students present their spring mu-

gram includes coffee, lunch and inspi-

ors the "Stars of the Conejo Valley," Ana

sical. The show runs through March 11.

rational speakers. SeniorConcerns.org

Alvarez and Cheryl Moore. $75.

OaksChristian.org

Los Robles Greens

Register in advance for this free event,

3 MARDI GRAS BALL Hyatt Regency Westlake Village Hotel

Community Conscience's 26th Annual Mardi Gras Ball is its largest fundraiser

Oaks Christian Bedrosian Pavilion

ConejoSchools.org

4 CONEJO VALLEY COMMUNITY CONCERT & JAZZ BANDS SPRING CONCERT

9 73RD ANNUAL SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL ORCHID SHOW Earl Warren Show Grounds

The longest running and one of the

Lindero Canyon Middle School

largest annual orchid shows in the

Bank. Proceeds help Community

The community is invited to enjoy

United States features stunning

Conscience provide space rent-free to

an afternoon of jazz. Free. For more

exhibits and plant sales, orchid art

13 local nonprofits, enabling them to

information, call 858.597.7361.

and photography, culture demon-

and is sponsored this year by Union

strations, floral arrangements and

more effectively serve our community.

CommunityConscience.org

3 56TH ANNUAL VENTURA GEM, MINERAL, FOSSIL & LAPIDARY SHOW

4 COMEDY 4 A CAUSE Sunland Vintage Wine Tasting Room

Great wine, food, fun and laughs headline this evening of comedy to

more; through 3/11. $14/$12 seniors & students; 12 and under, free.

SBOrchidShow.com

9

Seaside Park

benefit the Center4SpecialNeeds,

ORGANIST JOSEPH PEEPLES

This family-friendly show features

a nonprrofit that provides valuable

Cal Lutheran University,

gems, minerals, rocks, fossils, jewelry,

resources to the area special needs

Samuelson Chapel

exhibits, displays, prizes, dealers, silent

community and their families.

University

auction, kids' activities and demonstra-

Center4SpecialNeeds.org

ples showcases the 2,109-pipe Borg

3 31ST ANNUAL SPRING ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

Joseph

Pee-

Petersen Memorial Organ in four

tions. Runs through 3/4. Free (parking at Seaside Park is $5). VGMS.org

organist

5 CHARITY LUNCHEON & TENNIS TOURNAMENT Las Posas Country Club

Meadowlark Charity League's Surfin'

30-minute recitals featuring varied works for all audiences. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch.

Free. CalLutheran.edu/music

10

Borchard Park

USA event features food, tennis, bou-

Artisans and craft persons offer their

tique shopping and auction items.

FREE PAINT OUT & DEMONSTRATION

original, handmade art and craft items

MeadowlarkServiceLeague.org

Topanga State Park

for sale. Event includes a hands-

All plein air artists and art enthusi-

on children’s art/craft activity area.

asts are welcome to participate, no

CRPD.org

membership required. Bring your own art supplies, water, lunch, sunscreen and repellent, hat and walking shoes.

CONTINUED >

62

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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SURGERY-FREE DR UG-FREE | SURGE REE E LASER THERAPY RELIEVES LIEEVES PAIN PAIN AND AND INFLA IATED D WITH: WITH: INFLAMMATION ASSOCIATED SPRAINS & STRAINS TRAI LOW BACK PAIN SHOULDER & KNEE SPORTS INJURIES NECK PAIN DISC ISSUES SCIATICA TENDONITIS & TENDONOSIS FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS AND MUCH MORE! CALL TODAY TO TO SCHEDULE AN

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Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center therapy lasers

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Our legal team is completely dedicated to each client.

818-865-4000 | DorenfeldLaw.com

30101 Agoura Court, Agoura Hills, California 91301

F R E E C O N S U LTAT I O N March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

63

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR This park offers plenty to paint, including trails, meadows and mountain vistas.

Painting demonstration at 9 a.m. Parking entrance fee. Allied-Artists.com

10 007 JAMES PAW TIES & TAILS PAW WORKS GALA

11

18

CONEJO VALLEY CROP HUNGER WALK

8TH ANNUAL HATS & HIGH TEA

California Lutheran University

Gilbert Arena

The CROP Hunger Walk is a 10K (6.2

The CLU Community Leaders Asso-

mile) distance through the communi-

ciation presents an afternoon full of

ty near CLU as well as a 20-minute

flair and fun to raise funds for stu-

California Lutheran University,

campus stroll. Funds raised go to alle-

dent scholarships and faculty grants.

Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village

viate hunger and promote sustainable

CalLutheran.edu/CLA

Kaley Cuoco and Brad Goreski host this

development in the world and locally.

charity event, benefiting Paw Works'

CropHungerWalk.org

18

life-saving programs and new facility for abandoned animals in the community. Event includes cocktails, casino games, dinner, a silent auction, dancing

15TH ANNUAL SUPERSTARS OF THE YEAR CELEBRATION

and live entertainment by Katharine

BEGINNER'S BIRD WALK

McPhee. $250. TiesAndTails.org

Rancho Sierra Vista

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater

The Conejo Valley Audubon invites

Conejo Valley hosts an exciting and

birders of all experience levels to at-

inspirational fun-filled afternoon that

tend monthly walks on the second

recognizes excellence in Club mem-

Wednesday of each month. Bring bin-

bers and volunteers. Event highlights

oculars, and wear comfortable walk-

include recognition of the Youth of

ing shoes. Reservations not required.

the Year award, a Performing Arts

ConejoValleyAudubon.org

Showcase by Club members and

10 NEW WEST SYMPHONY PRESENTS ZUKERMAN & FORSYTH Civic Arts Plaza

Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza

Violin superstar Pinchas Zukerman will

special guest appearances. Free and

return for his second appearance with

open to the public. BGCConejo.org

the New West Symphony on March 10-11 in Thousand Oaks and Oxnard to conduct the orchestra and perform with cellist Amanda Forsyth. This dynamic duo will perform works by Vivaldi,

18

28

2018 THE BLUE & THE GRAY CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT Hitch Ranch

Couperin, Haydn, Mozart and Schubert.

Includes four battle reenactments

Tickets: NewWestSymphony.org or

(with cannon and musket fire),

call 866.776.8400.

Abraham

11 GOURD NECKLACE WORKSHOP

Lincoln's

Gettysburg

THOUSAND OAKS WOMAN'S CLUB LUNCHEON

Los Robles Greens Golf Course, Sunset Ballroom

Address, solider and civilian en-

The TO Woman’s Club is open to

campments,

Army

all women of the Conejo Valley and

surrendering to the Union Army

surrounding areas who are looking

and period dancing and music.

for stimulating and rewarding friend-

Confederate

Presented by the Rotary Club of

ships with women who have a com-

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

Moorpark, the event is designed to

mon interest in assisting with local

Get creative with Potawatomi artist

educate the public about the his-

charitable endeavors. Chef’s Choice

Nadiya Littlewarrior as she presents a

torical significance of the Civil War

lunch, coffee and tea will be served.

workshop on making and decorating

and its effect on the United States.

$22. Live entertainment too. RSVP:

gourd necklaces. All ages welcome.

MoorparkCivilWar.com

805.498.8294.

Materials provided. Reservations required: 805.418.3163.

64

14

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

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PRO’Active Pilates The oldest, most respected Pilates facility in Westlake Village. All instructors are certified and highly experienced. Pro' Active Pilates Studio is fully equipped and the instructional staff is versed in Classic Pilates and the Gyrotonic Method as well as personally customized programs to meet your needs.

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268 Lombard Street,Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 www.browradiance.com • lauren@browradiance.com March 2018 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

65

PARTING THOUGHTS

THEY LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

A

LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE?

S THE SAYING GOES, “A DOG IS A MAN'S BEST FRIEND,” BUT JUST HOW FAR WILL YOUR FURRY FRIENDS GO TO SHOW HOW MUCH THEY CARE? Their loyalty and friendship for their owners are the rewards that a passionate owner will receive. They love you unconditionally. It doesn’t matter if you have not brushed your teeth, gained a few pounds or whatever is going on in your life, they are just waiting to be loved. Our family was raised that our

animals were part of the family, along with all their responsibilities. Pet responsibility is something that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing to bring a new best friend home.

There are so many animal lovers that many hotels and

ARTICLE KIM PAGANO

restaurants are now catering to our pets. You can find them by looking for anything that advertises “pet friendly.” How cool is

their cats and dogs. Their goal is to “make a difference.” They also have

that? Even our pets’ food has changed—some owners feed their

a Feral Cat Program, which provides vouchers for spaying or neutering

pets organic only. They are not just pets, and for some, they have

feral cats. I also want to mention, with donations, they assist in helping

taken the place of having children, and they make great compan-

with retired military/service dogs’ medical assistance.

ions for anyone that is single, so they don’t feel alone.

If you’re thinking about how you might be able to help, there are many

There are many organizations that are so passionate about

ways: donations, volunteering and, of course, spaying and neutering

making a difference with homeless animals or animals that

your animals plays a major role in helping control the animal overpopu-

have been given up. Some organizations save animals from

lation and preventing the needless death of cats and dogs. These orga-

shelters, and others help stray cats. Some help veterans find

nizations are excellent choices to support. I know I’ve only mentioned a

animals or house their animals when they can’t. I never really

few, as these are the ones I am currently working with.

thought about this until my mother passed away. Who will take care of your pets if something happened to you?

With my radio show, I work with many nonprofits that are

Listen to the Kim Pagano Show Saturdays from 6-8

making a difference. Paw Works is one of them; their mission

a.m. on 1590 KVTA, visit KimPaganoShow.com

is to help make Ventura County “no kill” by forming a rescue

or tune in to her podcast at iTunes/The Kim

organization designed to place unwanted animals from county

Pagano Show for inspiration.

and city shelters in permanent homes. They hope to help ease the tragic burden that is created when owners abandon their pets and fail to spay or neuter them.

The Herman Bennett Foundation is another organization that helps qualified low-income pet owners spay and neuter 66

Conejo Valley Lifestyle | March 2018

You are going to need a valid pilot’s license.

For the plane, too.

The nation’s first and only standalone AMG® showroom has landed at Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks.

With over 3,000 square feet of iconic, modern design, the AMG Elite Performance Center is the latest manifestation of 50 years of fanatical dedication to the pinnacle of automotive performance. Come experience the soul-stirring rumble of hand-built V8 motor, or configure your dream machine in life size on a video screen that’s bigger than most garage doors. The world’s fastest family finally has its own home, and it’s right here in Thousand Oaks. Fly on in any time.

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