Conejo Valley, CA July 2023

E X P L O R E

a superior level of service

wealth management

Using a rigorous and analytical approach to financial planning, our best-in-class Wealth Management professionals will use their extensive experience to craft a completely customized investment portfolio that dives into what’s most important to youwhether your goals are to preserve your hard-earned wealth, invest in your family’s future, or contribute to your community.

We invite you to dive in and experience a new world in financial management.

Trust & Estate Services Investment Management Wealth Planning

Maximizing your home’s sales price is Rosemary’s area of expertise. She specializes in marketing and selling homes in your neighborhood, and can help you achieve the best possible value for your property. Let Rosemary put her award-winning skills to work for you and make your real estate goals a reality.

Contact Rosemary at 805.479.7653 for expert guidance on how to maximize the value of your home. With Rosemary’s strategic advice, you can highlight your home’s strengths, minimize its weaknesses, and appeal to a broader range of potential buyers. Although the quality of the property itself is undoubtedly crucial, many additional steps can be taken to enhance its features and increase the likelihood of a faster, more profitable sale. With a keen understanding of highnet-worth clients and their expectations, Rosemary leverages multimedia, print, and digital advertising channels to expertly connect top-tier home sellers with quality buyers worldwide. Rosemary has a remarkable history of success, demonstrating a consistent track record of surpassing expectations.

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

European romance mingled with California magic in this incomparable Solano Estate home spanning over 3600 square feet found within the city limits of Camarillo. Dramatic Spanish style steps lead you to the private courtyard which contains an exquisite hand tiled fountain. This two-story Mediterranean masterpiece boasts an impressive five bedrooms and five bathrooms making it the perfect home for a large family who love to entertain. This architectural masterpiece offers extraordinary artisanship, and a stylistic confluence of modernity and sophistication, with stunning extensive use of travertine flooring, wrought iron & crystal light fixtures, decorative beam ceilings, and handcrafted curved staircase with solid Maple handrail and wrought iron balusters. Classic elegance featuring volume ceilings. The fabulous gourmet kitchen open to the family room is sure to impress even the most discerning chef, with top-of-the-line appliances including a warming drawer, walk-in pantry, caramel stained maple cabinetry. Oversized island and breakfast bar provide plenty of space for cooking and entertaining, in addition to eat-in kitchen dining nook. There is a downstairs bedroom with full bath which can either be an office or downstairs guest bedroom. The large and luxurious master suite offers ample space to relax, with walk in closets and the spacious master bath featuring a jetted spa tub. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream, complete with a stone deck, iAquaLink controlled PebbleTec pool and spa, built-in Viking BBQ, bar counter, in ground raised fire pit with built in stone seeding, and a wood beamed covered patio perfect for dining alfresco or watching a beautiful sunset. Three car garage. Overall, this home is a true masterpiece of Mediterranean style,

LOCATED

HILLS COUNTRY CLUB

This one story estate home is situated in the highly coveted Spanish hills area of Camarillo. Encompassing over 4,200 square feet, it features both stunning architecture and a sparkling pool on over an acre corner lot. With its sprawling layout and high end finishes this home is truly a sight to behold. Upon arriving at the property you’ll immediately notice the impressive curb appeal with its lush landscaping and elegant Spanish style facade as you enter the double door entry of the home you will be greeted by an expansive living room with soaring high ceilings, rich wood-like flooring and a cozy floor to ceiling stone fireplace. The open concept kitchen has kitchen island with sink is equally impressive featuring custom cabinetry and views of the beautiful backyard. Adjacent to the kitchen is the formal dining room perfect for entertaining guests. The master suite is a true oasis, complete with an elevated bed area, fireplace and a huge walk-in closet. There are four bedrooms, each with ensuite bath totaling 5 full baths and a powder bath. The backyard is also a highlight of this beautiful home, with a shimmering pool and spa, outdoor large gazebo, expansive covered patio area ample space for children’s play yard, lounging and entertaining. There are raised outdoor vegetable gardens. Additional features of this home include a expanded extra large three-car garage, huge indoor laundry room, and central air conditioning. This home is a short distance to the exclusive Spanish hills Country Club, local parks and world class golf courses. Offered at $2,099,000

100% Summer Fun

Finally! The summer vacation season is upon us with little or no travel restrictions or complications, that is unless you did not plan in advance and just discovered that almost everything and every place is sold out. Planning ahead is absolutely necessary. An improvised and last-minute travel plan may sound cool, but it is rather impractical.

Our California Staycation article may offer some ideas for this summer or in the future. Staying closer to home may save a few bucks and offer just as much fun. After all, there are few places on Earth that are as beautiful and diverse in travel opportunities as our Golden State.

Cruises finally are beginning to recover from the displacement of the last few years and AmaWaterways offers the “best of the best” in river cruises in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. I prefer smaller scale environments in which to have fun. River cruises are exactly that. Luxurious, sophisticated, and adventuresome.

Getting very much closer to home, let’s look at our own backyard. The backyard has become our warm weather sanctuary. We have invested time and money to make it welcoming and beautiful for us and our guests. You can upgrade your patio furniture at Aldik Home. Check them out in this issue. However, as we did, I am sure many of you discovered last summer that the Conejo Valley is a vortex for mosquito infestation. They go for me first. When I walked outside and sat down for dinner, I became dinner. None of the storebought mosquito repellant sprays I tried worked very well. There may be a solution. Take a look at the Mosquito Shield write-up in this issue. There is even more inside this issue—wonderful wine cellars from Cellar Masters and the much-needed wildlife crossing over the 101! Enjoy.

July 2023

PUBLISHERS

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@citylifestyle.com

Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Tracy Marcynzsyn

Tracy.Marcynzsyn@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Melissa Curtin, Alicia Doyle, Barton Goldsmith, Lynne Konstantin, Tracy Marcynzsyn

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Caltrans, Melissa Curtin, Ben Malkin, National Wildlife Federation, Miguel Ordenana, Steve Winter & National Geographic

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

BEN

MALKIN, PUBLISHER @CONEJOVALLEYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

even

The spring housing market has been surprisingly active this year. Even with affordability challenges and a limited number of homes for sale, buyer demand is strong, and getting stronger. One way we know there are interested buyers right now is because showing traffic is up. Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, makes it clear more people are out looking at homes than there were prior to the pandemic (see graph below):

Showing Index for March over the Last 7 Years

Ever since the Fed began fighting inflation, many people expected the low unemployment rate we’ve seen over the past couple of years to rise – but that hasn’t happened. In fact, what has happened is the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% – a 50-year low (see graph below):

Rate at Lowest Level Since May 1969 (Seasonally Adjusted)

And though there’s less traffic than the buyer frenzy of the past couple of years, we’re not far off that pace. There are a lot of interested buyers checking out available homes right now. But why are buyers so active at a time when mortgage rates are higher than they were just last year?

With so many people steadily employed and financially stable right now, they’re still able to seriously consider buying a home.

With inflation still high, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) repeatedly hiking the Federal Funds Rate, and a lot of chatter in the media about a recession, it might surprise you just how strong today’s job market is. What might be even more surprising is the fact that it appears to be getting stronger.

(see graph at right):

Job Market Continues Growing

253,000 New Jobs in April were stronger than expected

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, a market with active buyers is music to your ears. That’s because there’ll be increased interest in your home when you put it on the market, especially at a time when the number of homes for sale is so low. To get started, your best resource is to call me. I can help you price your house appropriately, navigate the offers you’ll receive, negotiate effectively, and minimize your stress and hassle.

I have buyers out there right now trying to find a home that fits their needs. That’s because the job market is strong, and many people have the stable income needed to seriously consider homeownership. If you are interested in exploring what your home would bring in today’s real estate market and find out what my proven techniques can do to bring you the highest price, let’s connect.

Rosemary Allison is one of the country’s most successful Realtors. Her vision and reputation as a trendsetter in the science of marketing Los Angeles & Ventura Counties finest estates, established her as one of the most innovative leaders in real estate professionals.

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports how many new jobs were added to the U.S. job market. The graph above shows 88,000 more jobs were created in April than in March. In fact, the April numbers beat expert projections. That’s a solid indicator the job market is growing.

Rosemary’s dedication to the community and strong work ethic have earned her numerous honors and accolades including multiple years of recognition in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top selling 250 agents in the USA. Ranked as the #1 top producing Realtor by volume of sales with Coldwell Banker in Ventura County, in 2023 she was recognized by the Daily News Reader Poll as the BEST Realtor in Ventura County, this is the 6th year in a row she has been chosen for this award.

Rosemary Allison is well known for her hard work and generosity. In 2020 she was chosen as the Woman of the Year in Assembly District 44.

Rosemary is an expert in the details and subtleties that define multi-million-dollar negotiations. Rosemary can give you advice on improvements that will highlight your home’s strengths, downplay its weaknesses and appeal to the greatest possible pool of prospective buyers. Innately understanding the finer points of caring for clients with high net worth, and even higher expectations, Rosemary utilizes multimedia print and digital internet advertising to masterfully unite sellers of the finest homes with quality buyers from across the globe. Contact Rosemary by phone at (805) 479-7653 or email at RosemaryAllison@aol.com. You can also visit her website at www.CallRosemary.com.

Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. DRE #00545184

news from local businesses.

Affordable Housing Awards

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County was awarded a $1.5M grant from the County of Ventura’s general fund for the development of affordable housing and another $891,059 from the U.S. Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund Equitable Recovery Program. This combined $2,391,059 has the ability to be matched dollar for dollar by the State of California’s Proposition 1 Local Housing Trust Fund, bringing over $4 million to Ventura County in support of developing affordable apartments and homes. HousingTrustFund.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

5-Star Theatricals Takes “Cinderella” to Broadway

“Cinderella” finally made it to Broadway, where she had never been before. Featuring a brand-new book from librettist Douglas Carter Beane, the Broadway version adds several new characters and expands the world of the original. Directed by Yvette Lawrence Bishop, choreographed by Cheryl Baxter and directed by Anthony Lucca, “Cinderella” plays at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, July 14-23. Purchase tickets online at Ticketmaster, at the Box Office or call 805.449.2787.

Boat Bash in the Jungle

Get ready to embark aboard Senior Concerns’ Boat Bash in the Jungle, Saturday, August 19, for an adventurous evening of cocktails, appetizers and a sunset cruise into the “jungle” (Westlake Lake), followed by food and dancing at the Westlake Yacht Club. Reserve your spot at 805.497.0189 or jyoung@seniorconcerns.org. SeniorConcerns.org

It’s Time to Consider a River Cruise With AmaWaterways

Imagine yourself smiling beneath the summer sunshine as the brilliant blue tower of a church beckons beneath the rolling green hills of the charming village of Dürnstein, Austria, the “Pearl of the Wachau Valley.” You’re finishing up a spirited match of pickleball against this postcard-perfect backdrop, and as you walk off the court, you’re greeted with a chilled towel. Or perhaps you are sipping a glass of Beaujolais wine as your floating boutique hotel glides through the idyllic Provencal countryside, autumn’s crimson and gold leaves enveloping lovely châteaux in their transformational beauty. Whether you prefer to keep active or simply want to drink in each delicious moment of your European vacation at your leisure, a river cruise with AmaWaterways has it all.

VENTURE FROM OCEAN TO RIVER

For residents of Malibu and the Conejo Valley, locally based AmaWaterways offers a unique and exciting way to explore the world beyond our own backyards (and across the Pacific Ocean) with ease—unpacking just once and letting your extraordinary Cruise

Manager and crew take care of every detail. The line’s award-winning and beautiful river cruise ships provide breathtaking views of sun-kissed vineyards, charming villages and majestic castles at every bend, as well as a wide range of included amenities to ensure you enjoy an unparalleled vacation experience.

Forget waiting for a table, or for a valet to park your car; you need only venture a few paces from your stateroom to the dining room to indulge in exquisite complimentary cuisine at every meal. AmaWaterways’ expert chefs craft their regionally inspired menus with care and prepare each dish with only the freshest seasonal ingredients—locally sourced, of course. This includes the mouthwatering multi-course tasting menu paired with hand-selected local wines offered to each guest once during the cruise as part of AmaWaterways’ intimate (and Michelin star-worthy) Chef's Table experience.

Their innovative European ships also feature a well-equipped fitness room, heated swimming pool or whirlpool, and a fleet of complimentary bicycles that can be

used for guided bike tours or independent exploration. Oceans take you to countries, and arguably to some of the most stunning homes in Southern California, but it is only by river that you can journey into the very heart of Europe with a river cruise line that pampers you and welcomes you as family.

DISCOVER THE DANUBE

No waterway provides a more quintessential experience for first-time river cruisers than the Danube, along which AmaWaterways’ Co-Founder and local community member, Rudi Schreiner, grew up in Vienna, Austria. From grand capitals to charming villages, the Danube is a river of legends where kings and queens were crowned, visionary composers were inspired and some of Europe’s most fascinating cities were born.

If you think a Danube River cruise caters to just one type of traveler or generation, think again. AmaWaterways offers more than 10 unique itineraries touching this storied waterway, including Christmas Markets sailings and classical music-inspired itineraries. What’s more, they offer

up to six included excursion choices each day. Truly no vacation provider works harder to ensure every guest has a personalized journey! Enjoy guided walking tours of historic city centers such as Budapest, Vienna and Belgrade; marvel at opulent UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as spectacular Melk Abbey; and be treated to AmaWaterways exclusives, including a private tour of Austria’s fascinating Greinburg Castle and a year-round Oktoberfest celebration in the enchanting Bavarian town of Vilshofen.

CRUISE ALONG ROMANTIC FRENCH RIVIÈRES

Does your heart sing for France? With five unique itineraries along six French waterways in 2023 and one additional river cruise through Burgundy debuting in 2024, you can easily rekindle your joie de vivre with AmaWaterways. If you are a wine collector or even a casual enthusiast, the line’s 7-night Taste of Bordeaux itinerary will immerse your senses in the region’s acclaimed red wines, whether you are biking through Saint-Émilion, attending an exclusive wine festival for AmaWaterways guests in Bourg or inhaling the aromas of several grape varieties in Bordeaux’s multi-story Cité du Vin wine museum—a journey in itself.

Perhaps you are a connoisseur of fine art—then embrace your passion on the line’s Impressions of the Seine & Paris itinerary, which traces the footsteps of famed painters on its exhilarating 7-night route between Paris and Le Havre. You will step inside Monet’s artwork with an included excursion to his home and gardens in Giverny, marvel at the centuries-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of England and wander through Honfleur, inspiration for Monet, among others, and where many believe the Impressionist movement began.

And if you enjoy cycling, the line’s Essence of Burgundy & Provence itinerary features seven guided bike tours in 7 nights, including one through Lyon, the “Culinary Capital of France,” and another in Arles, where Van Gogh once lived and worked. This unique itinerary also offers plenty of wine tastings, as well as a spine-tingling evening “ghost walk” in Viviers unveiling the city’s rich heritage.

IT'S NOT WHERE YOU GO, IT’S WHO YOU’RE WITH

Many Southern Californians are “transplants” from other parts of the country, which can leave you with the conundrum of whether to visit out-of-state family during time off or holidays, or to instead venture abroad on the vacation your heart and soul need. Fortunately, a decision between family and leisure need not be made because AmaWaterways’ river cruises are designed to accommodate every member of your brood!

Active excursions, such as hikes to castles perched on hilltops, are available. There are also historic walking tours to city centers offered at three distinctive activity levels, ensuring even loved ones with limited mobility see the sights at their own pace. Family and friends with different interests often part ways for excursions and reunite later in the day at AmaWaterways’ complimentary Sip & Sail cocktail hour, the perfect time to share how they experienced the same destination in unique ways. There are also a variety of onboard amenities that bridge the generation gap, from cornhole games across the European fleet to ships that offer connecting staterooms to the brand-new full-sized pickleball court on board the line’s award-winning Danube River flagship, AmaMagna

“The line’s award-winning and beautiful river cruise ships provide breathtaking views of sun-kissed vineyards, charming villages and majestic castles at every bend...”

These thoughtful touches can be attributed in part to the legacy of AmaWaterways’ late Co-Founder, Jimmy Murphy. Jimmy was the father of Malibu’s own Gary Murphy, who currently serves as a proud co-owner of the company. Jimmy was a family man who loved people and a friendly debate no matter your age or background. When AmaWaterways debuted AmaMagna in 2019, staff unanimously voted to name the ship’s family-style restaurant, Jimmy’s, in his memory.

THE TIME IS NOW

For those seeking an accessible way to explore Europe, or those wishing to venture beyond to Egypt’s Nile River, Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River, Africa’s Chobe, or Colombia’s Magdalena River, AmaWaterways’ wonderful crew will make you and your traveling companions feel loved from the moment you step on board. With twin-balcony staterooms and luxurious suites still available for river cruises departing later this year, it’s not too late to contact your travel advisor, who can offer you special savings on select departures. Reserve your unforgettable AmaWaterways river cruise today!  Learn more at AmaWaterways.com.

Wild of Spirit and Warm of Heart

Just north of Los Angeles, nestled in the heart of Hidden Valley, Mizel Estate Wines awaits you. The Santa Monica Mountains rise around you while the rest of the world falls away.

Come Kick up your Heels!

Mizel Vineyard Hoedown

Saturday, August 5th 6-9pm

Sip Mizel’s divine reds to the beat of our live Blues Band. Savor a delicious Barbecue Feast in our Vineyard. Put on your dancing shoes and take a whirl at Line Dancing.

For tickets and reservations, call 805-795-2506 or email info@mizelestate.com. Advanced paid reservation is required to enter Mizel Estate. Ages 21 and over please.

Break out of the Conventional with Mizel Lifestyle Experiences

Mizel beautifully blends inclusivity, creativity, mindfulness, joy, and decadence. We invite you to join in our sense of wonder.

Mizel Estate Wines 1050 W. Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

WWW.MIZELESTATE.COM

California Staycation:

The next best thing to a European vacation may be a SoCal sojourn, with our warm Mediterranean climate and diverse range of activities. We rounded up some newly revamped destination hotel stays in California perfect for a weekend road trip. These staycations are also family-friendly and offer amazing value, so you won’t break the bank to get out of town.

ZACHARI DUNES, MANDALAY BEACH, OXNARD Beachfront Best-Kept Secret Design lovers will appreciate the newly revamped multimillion-dollar remodel with coastal art, beachy décor, lavish chandeliers, boho basket lights, and a grand staircase

retaining some of the property’s historic charm. Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, this modern Hacienda-style resort is an easy getaway. All 250 suites feature two bathrooms, and six presidential suites offer two bedrooms. Oceanfront rooms are nestled on a rugged sandy beach with Channel Island views.

Art and artifacts show how sugar mogul Henry Oxnard once planned to use this coastal land to grow sugar beets, intending to name the settlement after the Greek word for sugar, zachari Instead, the region was named after him, with the resort inspired by Oxnard’s vision. This “playground” offers an expansive pool, tennis (soon pickleball) and basketball courts,

5 ROAD TRIP-WORTHY DESTINATIONS

BY MELISSA CURTIN

Vespera Resort

daily activities like yoga, and a game room filled with foosball, TVs, and more. As part of the resort fee, guests choose from an on-site rental shop filled with activities that can be used (free) for 2 hours daily, including boogie boards, surfboards, skateboards, tennis rackets, record players, Go Pros, and beach chairs.

Chef Damien Gilberti is behind the hotel’s exceptional dining program at Ox & Ocean. Inspired by the bounty of the Oxnard Plain and coast, he marries flavors from the same area because “If it grows together, it goes together.” The Grilled Porkchop with apple bacon chutney and acorn squash puree may be the best you’ve ever had. The Red Curry Coconut Broth Mussels and Brussels Sprouts with a yellow curry dressing and garlic aioli are also amazing. The cocktail program tantalizes agave lovers with palomas and margaritas while the Espresso Martini and Foggy Old Fashion are essential vacation-mode cocktails. Weekday happy hour food and drinks don’t disappoint.

Breakfast is equally satisfying, beautifully presented and prepared, and includes favorites like strawberry smoothies, a Jalapeno Corn Fritter Benedict with bacon and chipotle hollandaise, Lemon Mascarpone Pancakes, and a Chorizo Burrito loaded with eggs, potatoes, caramelized onions, Oaxaca cheese and avocado. A new Airstream Café with colorful seating and breakfast bites is coming soon. Hilton.com/en/hotels/ sbazdqq-Zachari-dunes-on-mandalay-beach/

VESPERA RESORT, PISMO BEACH

Down by the Boardwalk

Just a few years old, Central Coast beach resort Vespera, adjacent to the Pismo Beach Boardwalk, feels new with its upscale nautical navy and white beach house design, swanky lobby lounge and oceanside pool.

Vespera provides easy access to the famous stretch of surf and sand. Explore the casual beach town or stroll miles of pristine beaches and the iconic pier to admire the rolling surf hugged by dramatic seaside cliffs. Find trails for hiking, biking and running or hop on a beach cruiser to explore the town and local butterfly grove.

Choose from room options like a breezy ocean view or boardwalk suite with high ceilings, expansive windows and a crisp white coastal vibe. Most of the 124 guestrooms come with private balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Bathrooms are donned with Carrara marble and white subway tiles.

Star gazers will appreciate the collapsible mini telescope provided with a stargazing map to peruse the night sky, a nod to how “Vespera” is derived from the evening star and the Chumash First Nations who inhabited California’s Central Coast region and used the stars to cross the Santa Barbara Channel.

At one of the many firepits, toast to your good fortune with a cocktail from their tequila-focused menu like the Kiwi Paloma, Baja Mule, Hot Lips or Mexican Coffee. Pequín, the indoor-outdoor dining concept, serves Baja coastal fare all day with local ingredients and seafood from nearby Morro Bay. Portions are huge— one quality entrée like the tender Braised Short Rib or the gigantic Grilled Lobster is enough to feed two. Dogs are treated to a Puppers menu and water bowls, complementing Pismo’s dog-friendly beach right outside.

VesperaPismoBeach.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT SANTA BARBARA

Retro Bliss in the Heart of Downtown

The stunning retro redesign is reminiscent of Palm Springs, with its white breeze blocks, clean lines, open spaces, floor to ceiling windows and entryway with ceiling cutouts. Room doors pop in shades of red while midcentury-inspired furniture and lighting adorn the hotel in fun patterns, shades and colors. Expect swanky retro couches and uber-comfy bedding in the modern rooms with activated lighting accents for those tiptoeing to the bathroom. However, the best part is the view of the Santa Ynez Mountains from the north-facing rooms’ beds.

This is the first Courtyard Marriott in Santa Barbara, developed by former star of ABC’s “The Bachelor,” Andrew Firestone, and business partner Jess Parker. They transformed the 122-room pad into a super stylish light-soaked masterpiece with ocean and mountain vistas and an outdoor pool/spa with a firepit in the interior courtyard. Two rooftops boast

“This “playground” offers an expansive pool, tennis (soon pickleball) and basketball courts, daily activities like yoga, and a game room filled with foosball, TVs, and more.”

“Breakfast is a worthy endeavor too, featuring wellness options or richer dishes to start your day with a mega smile...”

360-degree sweeping views straight to the ocean and mountainscape. Here is where you’ll want to spend a lingering sunset with a bottle of rosé.

Saint Remy is the hotel’s casual retro restaurant concept featuring locally sourced coastal cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Share dishes like Whipped Feta with pomegranates, crispy Short Rib Hummus, Mushroom Flatbread, or Lamb Meatballs. The cunning mixologist shakes up the best classic and inventive cocktails like the Fever Dream with Mezcal or Pistol Whip with bourbon. Breakfast is a worthy endeavor too, featuring wellness options or richer

dishes to start your day with a mega smile such as Churros Pancake, Nutella Crunch French Toast, Citrus Salmon Toast and Shakshuka with zesty tomato sauce and sliced avocado loaded with feta in a skillet.

SantaBarbaraCA.com/businesses/ courtyard-santa-barbara-downtown

THE RENAISSANCE ESMERELDA RESORT & SPA

Desert Paradise in Indian Wells

Dramatic mountain and palm tree views from a spacious suite may have you mesmerized by the setting at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Del Mar Beach Hotel

There’s no need to leave this Marriott resort with grand pools, a full-service spa, tennis courts and two 18-hole golf courses. A recent renovation modernized the 560 rooms and 103 suites with a pastel vibe and nods to local Hollywood icons. Poolside cabanas offer privacy, with some next to a sandy beach. Ping pong tables make a welcome sun break while a game room on the second floor is a kid’s delight. Camp Esmerelda features an expanded children’s program with fun activities.

Each evening, the hotel performs a complimentary Bar Ritual with punch bowl cocktails to welcome the evening glow. The central H20 Pool Bar offers cocktails and bites all day, while The Place Lobby Bar is where longstanding bartenders can be found crafting strong concoctions like Espresso Martinis and the Firebird Smoke Show at night. No need to leave your bar stool with bites such as crispy fried avocado slices or a skillet cookie, but the real pro move is to order fresh sushi from adjacent Glo Sushi Bar, some of the best in the desert.

Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pspsr-

renaissance-esmeralda-resort-and-spa-indian-wells/overview

DEL MAR BEACH HOTEL

On the Sand in North San Diego

The soothing surf sounds at the newly renovated historic Del Mar Beach Hotel help it feel like your own private beach pad. Steps from the sand, this is the only beachfront hotel in Del Mar. The location feels less touristy than La Jolla and less crowded than other San Diego beach towns.

The 46 modern guest rooms and suites are fully remodeled along with two residences that can be rented nearby. In front of the property, umbrellas and seating areas make for a relaxed afternoon aside the long rolling waves. Hit the surf, take a leisurely walk on the dog-friendly beach or hop on complimentary cruiser bikes.

An Airstream Café will open this summer at the hotel, serving juices, coffees and to-go offerings like pastries and sandwiches. Just steps from Del Mar Village and minutes from the Solana Beach Design District, a stay here feels like the ultimate SoCal beach vacation, with surfboards included!

DelMarHotel.com

The Renaissance Esmerelda Resort & Spa Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara

• Safer than Lasik

• Quick Procedure

• Painless Procedure

• Fast Results

FDA approved SMILE Eye Laser Surgery

SMILE is short for Small Incision Lenticular Extraction. SMILE Laser eye surgery is a game changer in laser vision correction. Dr. Khanna is experienced in the use of the only FDA approved laser for SMILE, Visumax. Dr. Khanna is experienced in the use of this laser to carve a sliver of tissue in 30 seconds within the cornea. Cornea trained surgeon Dr.Khanna, skillfully and painlessly removes this thin tissue through a small opening. The recovery is quick with patients returning to work and sports in a day or two. The absence of the cornea flap causes less dry eye. Flapless also makes it safer, as there is less chance of the flap getting displaced. Therefore, even people who could not have Lasik, like surfers or those engaged in contact sports can SMILE.

SMILE vs Lasik

Lasik has a flap which can get displaced or allow debris, cells or bugs to creep in. There is no flap in SMILE making it safer.

SMILE vs PRK

The healing in PRK is slow and painful while that in SMILE is painless and fast.

Who can perform SMILE?

Only highly competent Lasik eye surgeons, like Rajesh Khanna, MD who are certified by Zeiss can perform SMILE laser eye surgery.

Am I a candidate for SMILE?

Khanna Vision Institutes has an advanced diagnostic machine to detect the shape and curvature of your cornea and eye. Dr. Khanna uses this information to decide if he will do SMILE surgery for you. Therefore, he offers a free consult to find out if you are a candidate for this latest procedure.

Dr Khanna and happy patients.

Luxury Living

Bespoke furnishings customized for you.

TSG Interior Design loves the creative process, collaborating with clients and coordinating many of the little details one never thought existed. We believe the “sofa” is the heart of a room , and we put our heart into everything we do. Make an appointment to visit us soon. We’ll keep the candy bowl full.

“Start with a Sofa ...end with a room”

The Sofa Guy and its TSG interior design team design and build custom furniture (pictured above) and source unique pieces including lighting, rugs, and accessories to deliver the ultimate living spaces.

Cellar Masters Creates Custom Wine Storage Designs

ARTICLE BY ALICIA DOYLE

For more than 3 decades, Cellar Masters in Newbury Park has specialized in building custom wine cellars for clients that specifically fit their unique space.

“At Cellar Masters, we specialize in building bespoke wine features,” says Scott Berry, who owns the business with his wife, Debbie.

“From 100-bottle wine walls and closets to thousands of bottle-capacity wine rooms and cellars, we design, fabricate and install from our facility in Newbury Park,” Scott says. “We also have the largest off-site wine storage facility in the Conejo Valley with spaces to meet the wine enthusiasts' needs.”

As a fully licensed and bonded contractor, Cellar Masters specializes in the design, fabrication and installation of wine racks and cooling systems “to satisfy any situation,” Scott says.

Regularly serving Ventura, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Orange and Riverside Counties, Cellar Masters has more than 2,500 custom wine cellars installed throughout California and greater North America.

The principals at Cellar Masters are also actively involved as vineyard owners, winemakers and avid wine collectors.

“We know the proper handling, storage and organization of wine,” Scott says. “This expertise is an unrivaled asset in the design and construction of your cellar.”

Popular offerings include traditional wine cellars made from the finest quality woods and cut to precision as well as sleek and elegant contemporary wine cellars designed with frameless glass, acrylic and stainless steel. Cellar Masters also creates wine walls based on the latest modern trends for storing and displaying wine.

“Over the past few years, wine features such as glass-enclosed wine walls in the living area have become increasingly more popular,” Scott notes.

Customer satisfaction is reflected through many online reviews. Lenore King, who rated Cellar Masters with five out of five stars on Google Reviews, appreciated “the fine workmanship, the professional attention and the courteous demeanor of each member of The Cellar Master team.” On Yelp, a five-star review by customer Jon S. stated, “These guys are seasoned veterans of the trade and pay close attention to detail. They make everything right there at the shop behind their office. The design team works closely with you and makes you feel like you have your own personal designer at your service. Great people, great service and great craftsmanship.”

When it comes to building wine cellars, Cellar Masters is unique because “we do not rely on third-party subcontractors to install racking or cooling,” Scott says.

He further explains that a general contractor may build a space, HVAC could install a cooling system and either a cabinet maker could build racking, or “kit” racks could be installed.

“We have found these efforts lacking,” Scott says. For instance, rooms were not insulated properly, cooling systems would not drop down to proper temperatures, humidity would be too low or too high, bottles would not always fit in the racking or the racking looked disjointed as they tried to make kit racks fit the space.

“We can provide a turnkey solution that is designed for you, providing for a beautiful feature to any home,” Scott says.

He points out that a wine cellar does not need to be in the basement—rather, a wine space can be built anywhere.

“While we design and build cellars within full basements or rooms, we also build them within closets, under stairs or under-utilized wall space,” Scott says.

The point is that each space is unique to the individual.

For instance, “some cellars can contain more than 10,000 bottles, others 100,” Scott says. “It really depends on what the client wants. We can help define that vision. Designs can be traditional or contemporary in style with wood, metal and acrylic materials.”

If you’re not ready to have a custom wine cellar in your home, Cellar Masters also offers wine storage with lockers designed for simple access, featuring 36-inch wide steel doors. Each locker is no more than two cases deep to eliminate those “hard-to-get-to” wines.

“We provide flexible storage options at our secure storage facility with unit sizes ranging from 12 to 250 cases per locker for all of your wine storage needs that are temperature

“Over the past few years, wine features such as glass-enclosed wine walls in the living area have become increasingly more popular.”

controlled to keep your wine as close to perfect as possible, avoiding vibrations, bright light and temperature swings that can do real damage to delicate and even priceless wine treasures.”

Cellar Masters was originally founded in 1989 by Ben Benoit, who was working construction in the theater space.

“His passion for wine led him to the wine cellar construction space, realizing it was an underserved niche,” Scott explains.

In 2014, after 27 years working in the field of information technologies, Scott and Debbie Berry purchased the business and continued to grow and expand.

“We wanted to follow our passion for wine, which led Debbie and I to purchase Cellar Masters 9 years ago,” Scott remembers.

When Scott and Ben first met to discuss the sale of Cellar Masters, Scott’s first question was about the employees: “Would they stay on?”

“As Ben considered the staff family, he knew right then he would sell the business to me,” Scott says. “Most of the original craftsmen are still here.”

Looking back, Scott contemplates a quote by Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, who stated: “Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

“I love what I do,” Scott says. “While I do most of the face-to-face consultations, I never feel like a salesman because people have already decided they want a wine cellar; as they share the passion, I just have to guide them through the process and help design a space they’ll be excited to share with friends and family.”

While the pandemic has shuttered many businesses since 2020, Cellar Masters continues to thrive.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, everything kind of stopped as no one really knew what was going to happen,” Scott recalls. As time passed, “people began to realize the world wasn't going to end but were now working remotely from home and with little or no ability to travel—so their discretionary dollars were spent on home improvement.”

Ultimately, Cellar Masters feeds those who share the wine passion by providing elegant custom wine cellars.

“From the casual wine drinker to the wine enthusiast to the serious wine collector, each would agree that wine is social,” Scott adds. “Our desire is to share our passion for wine with others—sharing a bottle (or two) between friends, old and new, typically provides for an enjoyable afternoon or evening with lively conversation.”

Cellar Masters is located at 2088-A Anchor Court in Newbury Park. For more information, email info@ cellarmastersinc.com ; call 805.375.5040 or visit CellarMastersInc.com.

“We wanted to follow our passion for wine, which led Debbie and I to purchase Cellar Masters 9 years ago.”

ARTICLE BY BARTON GOLDSMITH

THE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CROSSING

I feel like a proud papa. My community, along with a bunch of civic, private, and local agencies, is creating the world’s largest (and one of a very few) wild animal crossings over a busy 10-lane freeway—and no tax dollars were spent!

Located a mere 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, the Conejo Valley and Agoura Hills will be home to the new crossing being constructed at Liberty Canyon. The hashtag connected with the project (#SaveLACougers) is an homage to P22, a famous cat that roamed Los Angeles and the Conejo Valley for years. Sadly, he recently fell ill and had to be euthanized, but he was a big inspiration for getting this project off the ground.

P22, also known as the "Hollywood Cougar," was a male mountain lion who gained fame in 2012 after being photographed crossing the 101 Freeway near the Cahuenga Pass. Since then, he has become a symbol

of the challenges facing wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains and the need for safe crossings to help wild animals move between fragmented habitats.

This magnificent animal had been tracked by researchers since he was a kitten, and his movements provided valuable insights into the behavior of mountain lions in urban areas. He crossed several busy roads and highways during his travels, including the 405 Freeway (the busiest in the world) and the 101 Freeway (the second busiest).

In 2015, P22's journey across the 101 Freeway near Liberty Canyon sparked renewed interest in the need for a wildlife crossing in the area. The crossing was approved by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in 2017, and construction began in 2021.

The Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing will span 200 feet over the 101 Freeway and will feature natural

Photo Credit: Steve Winter & National Geographic

Photo Credit: Caltrans

vegetation and water sources to help animals feel comfortable while crossing. The crossing is expected to be completed in 2023 and is seen as a crucial step in protecting the genetic diversity of wildlife in the region.

I’m taking a video of the construction every time we drive by; it truly is like waiting for a baby to be born. Until recently, I had only read about and seen pictures of environmentally integrated architectural designs and builds like this, and just knowing that they exist has to make any animal and nature lover smile. Now watching it take shape near where I live adds to the tapestry of my life and reaffirms my faith in what we can do as human beings.

Helping these animals that we have displaced is a civic duty and one we should all take part in. Some people will always complain when a project like this gets created that there is so much need in the world right now, the money could have been better spent another way. Perhaps, but I am choosing to highlight this project because it touched my heart.

Please follow my lead and promote the projects and people that you believe need our support; spread awareness by letting your local newspaper know or posting about it on social media. The right people will find it and help you spread the word.

Barton Goldsmith, PhD, is an award-winning psychotherapist and humanitarian. He is also a columnist, an author and a blogger for PsychologyToday.com with over 34 million readers. He is available for video consults worldwide; contact him at Barton@BartonGoldsmith.com.

Photo Credit: National Wildlife Federation

Photo Credit: Miguel Ordenana

When you visit Newbury Park Dental Arts, Dr. Markiewicz and her entire team are dedicated to providing you with the very best dental care available. You will experience all that modern dentistry has to offer, including a comprehensive list of general, restorative and cosmetic dental services to meet the needs of your whole family. Our goal is to assist each patient in achieving and maintaining long term dental health and a beautiful smile.

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Dr. Daniel Slaton and his experienced team of professionals are committed to providing quality care with a variety of services including surgical, emergency, and everyday care to promote the health and happiness of each and every patient — dogs, cats, and small animals. We strive to provide individualized attention and compassionate care to your four-legged family members. Your family deserves the best care. When you join “Our Family” that’s exactly what you get.

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Luxury Patios Begin at Aldik Home

After a couple months of dodging crazy rainstorms, we’re all ready to reclaim our outdoor space. And if we’re being honest, after all this rain, our patios could use a little sprucing up. For more than half a century, Aldik Home has been a go-to source for anyone in Los Angeles looking to beautify their homes. For those looking to create their perfect backyard paradise with high-quality patio furniture, Aldik Home’s collection of Summer Classics patio furniture hits every note.

Whether you’re looking for the natural beauty of teak, the smooth lines of wrought aluminum, or the durability and style of resin wicker, Summer Classics has it all in spades. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated but it is also incredibly comfortable. Surround yourself in comfort in a Majorca lounge chair or bask in the refined elegance of the Pointe collection. When it comes to luxury patio furniture, there’s nothing on the market like Summer Classics and nowhere like Aldik Home to experience the difference.

Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note. It is stylish and sophisticated. It is as luxurious as indoor furniture and built to endure the elements for years to come. Aldik Home’s curated

collection allows you to experience the Summer Classics difference. With more than 160 fabric choices and multiple frame color choices, umbrellas from Treasure Garden, fire tables from American Fyre Designs, and more accessories like rugs and pillows, it is easier than ever to create the patio furniture set of your dreams.

For those looking to beautify the inside of their homes, Aldik Home has you covered in spades. Not only does the store have gorgeous accessories and stunning coffee table books strewn all over, the most breathtaking collection of realistic silk flowers, lush silk plants and one-of-a-kind artificial trees awaits your visit. Handmade with real wood trunks, there are no artificial trees anywhere on the planet like the ones at Aldik Home. With a talented team of designers, you can have your very own tree or gorgeous floral arrangement crafted to your exact specifications.

If your whole home needs to be taken to the next level, Aldik Home has you covered inside and out. Stop in today to see why there’s no place like Aldik Home.

Visit Aldik Home at 7651 Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys, call 818.988.5970 or learn more at AldikHome.com.

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Picture It

Explore endless possibilities of exterior design with Dzinly

ARTICLE BY LYNNE KONSTANTIN

Jackie Mosher is a dynamo. You can feel the energy when talking to her. You can imagine the wheels churning in her brain. You can see it in the Instagram videos she posts for her company, Dzinly.

It’s no wonder, then, that the pioneering concept that is Dzinly was born from her innovation, along with her husband, Matt Mosher, starting as a seed in 2014.

“Matt and I were on a flight home from a family vacation with our kids,” she says. “We were just talking about business; one thing led to another, and I’ll be darned if we didn’t write this out on a little Wet Nap.”

“Business,” to the Moshers, is the wide world of real estate: Jackie has been in

the real estate industry for more than 20 years, including running her own residential appraisal company; Matt launched his landscape architecture firm, Mosher Design Co., as a teenager. Together, the pair of serial entrepreneurs realized that there was a very simple need.

The answer: Dzinly (dzinly.com) is the much-buzzed-about Royal Oak-based, nationally reaching virtual technology platform that lets users easily and affordably reimagine a home’s exterior before investing time and money on materials, contractors and DIY projects. Launched in 2021, it is revolutionizing the way people view home improvement, literally.

Pay a visit to Home Depot on any given weekend, and you’ll see swarms of shoppers squinting at paint samples, trying to imagine what the colors might look like on their own home’s exterior. Dzinly removes the guesswork from the process—plus so much more.

“In the whole design world, it's sort of an accepted unknown: An architect or designer or whomever will propose a project and suggest where to put something, what color and so on, and the homeowner has to trust them,” says Jackie Mosher, Dzinly’s COO. “You can throw it on a 2D rendering, but it’s not a true representation of what the project is going to look like. With Dzinly, you don’t have to visualize. All the indecisiveness went away.”

Dzinly not only lets the user see exactly what their home will look like, but allows users to switch out different colors and materials and add architectural changes, all with the input of a professional designer guiding the way.

Users begin by uploading a clear image of their project, whether an existing home or a new construction, with detailed notes.

“You can add comments and inspirational photos, provide links,” Mosher says. “You can say, ‘I don’t even know what I like, but I know what I don’t want,’ or ‘I already bought this stone but don’t know what to put with it,’ anything you want.” The project then goes to in-house designers, who send back three different pallet renderings within two business days. You can choose one (or additional ones for a fee) and the designer will render the pallet onto your home in one more day.

From there, the software really shows its stuff.

“We built this awesome toggle function that not only showcases the designer’s recommendation but puts the process into the hands of the homeowner,” Mosher says. “They can toggle to add materials, try out colors, and the project never expires. Maybe you like one color, but your husband wants to see it a little darker. You can use the toggle to try a lighter trim, or look at this area in board and batten, this area horizontal—everything is put into a sandbox full of toys, and you can play and toggle as much as you CONTINUED >

want until you come up with the combination you love. But it’s started off and directed by professional designers.”

Users can chat with their designer, add items to their sandbox, show them Pinterest boards and the designer will track it down. Architectural changes are optional, for a fee—maybe you’re debating whether to add a dormer or a boxed bay window, change the size of a window. The project would first go to an in-house architect and proposed elements would be built onto the rendering.

Once you’ve settled on a winning design, you see that “there’s so much more to this, down to hiring yourself a vetted local architect or contractor to carry out the project,” Mosher says. “Our network is going to be massive. All of our materials and colors are readily available. The project can be shared with anyone, including friends or your own conventional designer. It’s a one-stop shop in every sense of the word.

“Designers, too, can benefit,” she says. “Whether they’re out of San Diego, New York, wherever, it’s an amazing tool for them to promote and excel in their career, expand beyond their local market, which can be difficult to do. We’re creating the largest network of designers nationwide, each going through an in-depth qualification review.”

Although Dzinly began as a passion project on the side of the couple’s many other endeavors, “now it’s a monster that needs to be fed every day,” Mosher says. “We truly build this ourselves, with a full-time tech team. We were involved in every storyboard, every icon, every button; it was all blood sweat and tears— there’s not one thing that we did not purposefully build.”

And it’s far from complete, “Now the train has left the station and it’s picking up speed. There are so many amazing things coming,” she says. “I can’t help but pinch myself, because I know what’s coming, and it’s such an exciting time. I can’t believe we’re here.”

FOR HELPING OTHERS:

Visit MC Aesthetics for Expert Care & Beautiful Results

As a nurse for more than 7 years, Marichu Cortes learned many of the skills that have served her well as the owner of MC Aesthetics, a medical spa in Thousand Oaks.

“I always wanted to go into the beauty industry, and I felt in order to be a great aesthetic nurse, you have to start from the beginning,” she says. “Being a floor nurse gave me a great foundation.”

Marichu Cortes

She left nursing 7 years ago, and during that time has honed her aesthetician skills by working in plastic surgeons’ offices and other private med spas.

“I always knew I wanted to open my own place and take only the good things I’ve learned. Plus, instead of building someone else's empire, I wanted to make my own.”

MC Aesthetics opened earlier this year, and here, Marichu shares her passion for helping others look and feel beautiful.

Q. HOW DO YOUR BACKGROUND AND SKILL SET HEIGHTEN THE CARE YOU GIVE YOUR CLIENTS?

A. It's not just injecting and poking somebody in the face. There's an art to it. The face is very vascular and there are many different capillaries, muscles, and nerves.

It's also important to really make sure that whatever I'm doing for my clients, they're well-informed and well-educated. I’m very thorough with my consultation. If somebody comes in for say, Botox, I fully assess their entire face and let them know their options.

“It’s also important to really make sure that whatever I’m doing for my clients, they’re well-informed and well-educated. I’m very thorough with my consultation.”

My motto is education, consultation, communication, safety, comfort, and results.

Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR SERVICES AND PROCEDURES YOU OFFER?

A. Sculptra® is a poly-L-lactic acid collagen stimulator that helps stimulate a person's own collagen. It provides a full-face rejuvenation and adds volume, plumpness, and tightness all over the face for a more natural look. It also lasts for many years.

Of course, a lot of people love Botox® and fillers, so I would say those are the top three.

Q. DO YOU PROVIDE ALL OF THESE SERVICES PERSONALLY?

A. Yes, I'm the only injector here.

Q. WHAT IS THE ATMOSPHERE OF MC AESTHETICS?

A. When clients walk into my medical spa, I want them to be wowed from start to finish. There's so much competition in this area, so you have to be able to stand out and provide not just gold services, but platinum services.

Q. WHAT ELSE MAKES MC AESTHETICS STAND OUT FROM OTHER SIMILAR PLACES?

A. Most don’t do follow-ups, which I believe are extremely important. I also make myself available to my clients at any time of the day. My turnaround time to answer a text, phone call or email is less than 24 hours, and I usually answer within an hour or less. I'm very prompt about answering questions and allaying concerns.

I'm very blessed that I found my passion because I love what I do, and all of my clients tell me that it shows. I love waking up every morning and walking into my own practice. It’s pretty awesome. Of course, it's a lot of hard work, but it's worth it.

Learn more at MCAestheticsInc.com and @mcinjexions.

CITY LIFESTYLE

Summer Bucket List

Welcome, summer! As a hyper-local publication, we thrive on helping our readers make connections with the cities they live in, the businesses that make up their communities and the inspiring individuals making a positive mark.

Are you ready for your most adventurous, fun summer? Here are summer bucket list ideas for you to accomplish this year. We hope you’ll explore a new neighborhood, spend a lazy Saturday afternoon at a new winery or taste the flavors at a local ice cream shop. Let us know what you discover and enjoy! We’d love to hear.

KIDS ADULTS

Take

Visit

Go

Explore

Try

Hike

Explore

Go

There are hundreds of senior living options in the Ventura County area offering a vast range of individual care services, socializing opportunities and pricing options.

We, at Senior Choice, offer our FREE guidance to older adults and their families to help them determine which senior living option best fits their wants, needs and desires and also falls within their price range.

Call or text me at 805.896.9855 www.seniorchoice.care

Terri Hilliard, PC

Mosquito Shield Keeps Backyard Pests at Bay

Summer’s balmy weather beckons us to spend more time outdoors enjoying backyard gatherings with family and friends. Ward off unwelcome visitors this season with the help of Mosquito Shield, a locally owned company specializing in residential mosquito, tick and flea control.

Owner Desiré Stephens opened Mosquito Shield of Northwest Los Angeles to help homeowners looking to enjoy their backyard free from annoying mosquitos.

“We are a locally owned business that puts the customer first, not to mention, we guarantee a 90% reduction in mosquitoes,” says Desiré, who incorporates her core values of happiness, healthiness, and service into Mosquito Shield’s daily operations.

With a solid foundation in business and armed with state licensing and education in pest control, Desiré takes pride in her profession.

“Servicing the local community and being able to bring back happiness in their home along with fighting against the diseases that mosquitoes can carry” puts a smile on her face every day.

We recently connected with Desiré to find out more about Mosquito Shield.

Q. HOW DO MOSQUITO SHIELD’S SERVICES WORK?

A. We service your property every 10 to 17 days based on the mosquito breeding cycle to ensure that we can mask, kill and repel mosquitoes from your yard all season long.

Q. WHAT SETS MOSQUITO SHIELD APART FROM SIMILAR SERVICES?

A. We are a female-owned business that focuses on mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. We are the leader in mosquito control, and we focus on just that—making

our research and years of experience hyper-focused on mosquitoes.

Q. DO YOU HAVE ANY CURRENT SPECIALS?

A. We are offering $50 off on our seasonal plan.

Q. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS OVER THE YEARS?

A. Being of service to my clients has been the most rewarding part of the business. When we as a team come together to recognize that serving others is what brings us full circle back to our core values we excel as a team. When they are happy, we are happy!

For more information, contact Mosquito Shield of Northwest Los Angeles at 818.332.8798 or info@mosquitoshieldnlaca.com Learn more at Moshield.com.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Thousand Oaks Pop-Up Arts & Music Fest

TRIUNFO PARK | 7:00 PM

Combining the thumping sousaphone bass beats and interlocking riffs of a New Orleans brass band with the rituals, moves and garb of a Mardi Gras Indian troupe, Cha Wa brings a blast of soul straight from New Orleans. Community partners include TOArts Presents, Conejo Recreation and Parks District, 5-Star Theatricals, Brogden Bay Presents and New West Symphony.

City of Moorpark 3rd of July Fireworks Extravaganza

ARROYO VISTA PARK, 4550 TIERRA REJADA ROAD, MOORPARK | 4:00 PM

Gates open and festivities start at 4 p.m.; live music starts at 5 p.m., with a flag presentation at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Admission is $8 advance purchase or $10 cash at the gate. MoorparkCA.gov

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular & Activities

JANSS MARKETPLACE AND THE OAKS MALL | 9:00 PM

The 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, coordinated by the Conejo Recreation and Park District, The City of Thousand Oaks and other local sponsors, takes place on the hill behind the Hillcrest Center of the Arts in Thousand Oaks. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Patriotic music simulcast by KHAY 100.7 FM. Pancake breakfast, Home Run Derby, swimming and concerts too. CRPD.org/events/fourth-of-july-activities

Music Under the Stars

OLIVAS ADOBE, 4200 OLIVAS PARK DRIVE | 7:30 PM

The British Beat headlines this popular outdoor series of concerts presented by the City of Ventura Cultural Affairs Division; gates open at 6:30 p.m. for dining.

Dine, dance and delight to great performances at Ventura’s historic party site! Bring your own dinner or purchase it from a gourmet food truck on site. Visit Cityof Ventura.net/MUS or call 805.658.4726 for tickets.

Tiny Porch Concert

PETER STRAUSS RANCH, 30000 MULHOLLAND HWY, AGOURA HILLS | 5:00 PM

Mary Heather Hickman with Sie Sie Benhoff headline this free concert for all ages. Admission is FREE (suggested $20 donation supports the Santa Monica Mountains Fund). VIP tickets are available and include a beer, wine and cheese reception before the music begins and a chair waiting for you in the theater! TinyPorchConcerts.com

A Taste of Camarillo Wine, Brew & Food Festival

CAMARILLO RANCH HOUSE, 201 CAMARILLO RANCH ROAD | 12:00 PM

Presented by Meadowlark Service League, sample from old favorites and boutique wineries, a medley of beer varietals, fine spirits and Ventura County’s finest restaurants. Enjoy live entertainment, dancing and boutique shopping. TasteofCamarillo.com

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/ConejoValley

Summer Fun!

ARTICLE BY KIM PAGANO

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and try new things. Here are some of my favorite ideas for summer fun:

1. Go on a hike or a bike ride: Find a scenic trail nearby and spend the day exploring nature. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.

2. Have a picnic: Pack a blanket, sandwiches, fruit and drinks, and find a spot in a park, by the beach or in your own backyard to have a relaxing picnic with friends or family.

3. Go to the beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun, boating, swimming and playing beach games. Remember to bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

4. Host a BBQ: Invite friends and family over for a backyard BBQ. Grill up some burgers and hot dogs, and enjoy the beautiful weather.

5. Try a new water activity: Go kayaking, paddleboarding or exploring water parks and water slides.

6. Attend a summer festival: Many cities and towns host summer festivals with food, music and entertainment.

7. Watch a movie outdoors: Many communities host outdoor

movie nights during the summer months. Bring a blanket and snacks and enjoy a movie under the stars.

8. Go camping: Spend a weekend camping in the great outdoors. Whether it's in a tent or RV, camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and enjoy nature.

9. Visit a new city: Take a road trip to a nearby city and explore its museums, parks and attractions.

10. Volunteer: Summer is a great time to give back to your community by volunteering at a local organization or charity. Whatever you decide to do, do it with fresh eyes and with passion. Feel the heat from the concrete and walk barefoot in the grass. Take in the scenery, because summer is a truly special time!

Looking for a business coach that can help respark your life and business? Call Kim at 805.419.0008. Start your day in a positive way and make it your best. Download Kim’s podcast at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ the-kim-pagano-show/id508620444.

L U X U R Y B M W A U T O M O T IV E B O U T IQ U E

• BMW certified technicians

• Regular service and maintenance

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10% or $150 off first ser vice (with mention of Conejo Lifestyle)

Step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences where your journey is our passion. Sip, savor and explore sun-kissed vineyards on our Celebration of Wine River Cruises through Europe. Plus, enjoy enhanced epicurean experiences, immersing yourself in timeless traditions that have spanned generations. contact