Conejo Valley, CA March 2024

Erinn V. at Home

HOME SERVICES

ERINN V. DESIGNS

BEST HOME SERVICES

ARTS + CULTURE

HOMETOWN PARADE

NABU WINES

Welcome to this magical, one-of-a-kind gated property offering contemporary design and luxurious amenities throughout. This elegantly scaled traditional masterpiece is the first Santa Rosa Valley project of world renowned interior designer, Erinn V., and built to the absolute highest standard. The garden vision of Erinn V.’s lush landscaping provides an elegant counterpoint to this 5-acre sophisticated gem in the heart of the Conejo Valley, minutes to shopping & dining in Westlake, Thousand Oaks and Moorpark. Views of the surrounding rolling hills and afternoon ocean breeze coming through the valley add to the incredible ambience of this quiet, private oasis. The gated estate on over 5 acres, includes a 300+ tree Avocado orchard and the soil is prime for growing wine grapes. Neighboring vintner’s are producing 95 point rated wines locally. Located in the prestigious Hidden Meadows Estates equestrian neighborhood, with room for a large barn and pasture, has a community arena 50 feet away and miles of riding trails up the side of the property. Calabasas and Malibu are close by, and Montecito can be reached in 45 mins. Erinn’s work and luxury lifestyle philosophies are regularly featured in Forbes, Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, New York Times, WSJ, California Homes and many more. Her clientele are global power hitters and celebrities alike!

This spacious custom residence built by Alan Schaub, in the highly desirable Las Posas Estates neighborhood offers an abundance of quality features and aspects that truly make this property one of a kind. Complete privacy on over 1 acre lot, fully fenced. Ample parking with extra curbed spaces for additional vehicles on driveway. Automatic front iron gate with keypad. Extensive living room formerly used as a ballroom with a step-up area for space for a live band. Upstairs Master bedroom suite with huge walk-in closet and luxurious bathroom with ornate soaking tub and custom shower with multiple heads and steam. There are three additional secondary bedrooms upstairs and two more full baths. There is a bedroom on the main floor adjacent to a full bath. Boasting expansive living spaces, dramatic ceiling heights, intricate detailing, distinctive fireplaces and the finest finishes at every turn you will find this property checks all the must have boxes. There is a dedicated office, formal dining room, family room with walk-in wet bar, eat-in kitchen dining area. At the northern end of the estate, there is an attached separate guest quarters upstairs with separate entrance, full bathroom, fireplace in living room, bedroom and second built in bar. All upstairs bedrooms have sliding doors leading out to the beautiful wraparound second story wide patio. There is a variety of fruit trees (apples, orange, loquat, lemons, guava, avocado). Swimming Pool with automatic cover connected to solar panels to provide use throughout the year. A professional tennis or pickle ball court with solar lights for nighttime games with friends and family. Practice wall located next to the tennis/ pickle ball court. Built-in barbecue, kitchen, and covered areas for outdoor dining and entertainment. Gleaming hardwood flooring, built in central vacuum, zoned HVAC systems. Alarm system. Indoor laundry.

805.479.7653

Conceived of the drama & the romance of Southern California’s best, this completely re imagined sprawling single level home is located in the coveted Las Posas Estates neighborhood. Highly sought after Southern exposure corner useable flat lot on over ½ acre. In the main house there are four spacious bedrooms, three full remodeled/upgraded baths, newer flooring, new window furnishings, and newer light/fans. Primary bedroom suite indulges the owner with new window treatments, luxurious remodeled bath, dressing room and walk-in closet finished with closet organizers. Formal dining room with room for large entertaining. Chef’s gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, granite island, breakfast bar, new GE Café Keurig refrigerator, microwave, built-in gas range and oven. There is a large laundry room complete with newer washer and dryer, and separate Mud room with new cabinets. Distinguished architectural bearing & the use of enduring flooring throughout provides timeless elegance and style. Welcoming expansive family room has stone fireplace and great views of patio and rear yard. In addition, there is a detached approximately 320 square foot guest quarters/studio/gym with kitchenette and full bath complete with separate heating/cooling system. This architectural masterpiece offers extraordinary artisanship, & a stylistic confluence of modernity & sophistication that redefines all expectations featuring volume ceilings, newer windows for extraordinary light filled radiance. Masterful architecture seamlessly combines indoor and incredible outdoor living spaces with exquisite sliding doors leading to the large patio constructed from durable Trex decking, perfect for dining alfresco. 2020 Marquis spa included. The rear yard is a blank canvas waiting for your brush, providing year round enjoyment with 40+ Organic fruit trees (Santa Rosa plums, avocado, orange, lemon, lime, persimmon, pomegranate, strawberry trees, passion fruit, Jujubes) and herbs with easy maintain drip system, rain gutter water collection, river rock collection, large organic bark park like yard for family and pets. Storage sheds. In addition, there is an owned 9.6 KW Tesla Solar system, 60 amp/50 amp/including 240V plug-in for electric cars. Newer PVC drains and sewer line, copper pipes, 200 Amp service, HVAC, water heater. Newly constructed concrete circular driveway with RV parking area. Built with high end quality finishes throughout.Offered at $1,899,000

Savor Spring

Spring is a season of renewal. At Mizel Estate Wines, our vineyard is coming to life with tiny buds, signaling the beginning of our next vintage.

As you gather with family and friends to delight in the warmth and beauty of spring, we’d like to join your celebrations. Mizel’s elegant Easy to Please Grenache, Smooth Touch Syrah and First Impression Bordeaux Blend are created to pair perfectly with your festivities.

Our velvety red wines will linger on your palate with the juicy freshness of ripe red and black fruits, offset by delectable hints of spice.

Join us at gorgeous Mizel Estate for Mizel Lifestyle Experiences. Scan our QR code for upcoming events.

Mizel Estate Wines

1050 W. Potrero Rd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

WWW.MIZELESTATE.COM

Castle or Money Pit?

Is your “home your castle," or is it your money pit? Or maybe it's both? For most of us, the answer to that question is both .

Anyone who lives in Southern California knows how the value of our homes has escalated to new and perhaps previously unimaginable highs. If you own a home, what good has that increase done for you? Are you going to sell it and collect on that equity? If so, where are you going to move? Unless you are an empty nester and downsizing, moving will probably increase your mortgage payment. Interest rates are also up, so what’s the point? Your real estate tax can increase as well. Our decision has been to stay in place and feather our nest.

Feathering our nest is the money pit part of the equation, while making our home our castle is the positive and fulfilling part. So let’s be positive! Since there are no job or family reasons to move somewhere else, we have chosen to enjoy life where we presently live. Our bathrooms, flooring, windows, doors and paint just said goodbye to 1987 and 2005. Many of the homes in the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley were built in the 70s, 80s or 90s. Stylistically and from wear and tear, it’s time for a remodel, refresh and to enjoy a bright new day.

The increase in value easily justifies the cost of bringing your home and your enjoyment of that home up to date. During the worst of the recent pandemic, there was an epiphany when many homeowners, restricted to their homes as never before, suddenly realized their surroundings were getting a bit shabby. There was a burst of home improvement projects that since then have not slowed down. This month our theme is your home. Please enjoy the information we present in this issue. Our marketing partners in the Home Services category were all vetted before we partnered with them. Whether or not you might do business with them, you can rely on their skill and their integrity as you make your decision on a small, medium or large home improvement project.

Home is where the heart is. Enjoy it!

BEN MALKIN, PUBLISHER @CONEJOVALLEYLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

March 2024

Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@citylifestyle.com

Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@citylifestyle.com

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@citylifestyle.com

Barbara Burke, Ben Malkin, Tracy Marcynzsyn

Michael Coons, Jennifer Kasper Media, Judi Bumstead, John Russo

If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and feeling a little sentimental about your current home.

A great way to balance those emotions and make sure you’re confident in your decision is to keep these three best practices in mind when you’re ready to sell.

The housing market shifted in 2023 as mortgage rates rose and home price appreciation started to normalize once again. As a seller, you still need to recognize how important it is to price your house appropriately based on where the market is today. Hannah Jones, Economic Research Analyst for Realtor.com, explains:

If you price your house too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers. And if you go too low, you’re leaving money on the table. An experienced real estate agent can help determine what your ideal asking price should be, so your house moves quickly and for top dollar.

Today, homeowners are staying in their houses longer than they used to. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), since 1985, the average time a homeowner has owned their home has increased from 6 to 10 years (see chart below):

This is much more than what used to be the norm. The side effect, however, is when you stay in one place for so long, you may get even more emotionally attached to your space. If it’s the first home you bought or the house where your loved ones grew up, it very likely means something extra special to you. Every room has memories, and it’s hard to detach from the sentimental value.

For some homeowners, that makes it even tougher to separate the emotional value of the house from fair market price. That’s why you need a real estate professional to help you with the negotiations and the best pricing strategy along the way. Trust the professionals who have your best interests in mind.

While you may love your decor and how you’ve customized your house over the years, not all buyers will feel the same way about your vibe. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you focus on your home’s first impression, so it appeals to as many buyers as possible.

Buyers want to be able to picture themselves in the home. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at NAR, says:

If you’re considering selling your house, let’s connect so you have help navigating the process while prioritizing these must-do’s.

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.

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. She was also Voted the 2023 #1 Best Real Estate Agent in Ventura County by the VC Star Readers Community Choice Awards.

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.

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CREATING BEAUTY FOR LIVING

Erinn V. Designs:

ARTICLE BY TRACY MARCYNZSYN

Photo Credit: Jennifer Kasper Media

“

My father was an architect, and my grandpa was a cabinetmaker—growing up I remember custom designing a sofa for my Barbie out of scrap wood.

When it comes to creating the home of your dreams, “Be clear about your goals, budget and priorities,” advises nationally renowned interior designer and real estate developer Erinn Valencich, aka Erinn V., who recently made Santa Rosa Valley her hometown.

Applying this advice to her own life has catapulted Erinn into a league of her own, resulting in impressive success at a young age. Driven to succeed and clearly focused on her goals and priorities, Erinn graduated from high school early, skipped college and landed a great job as an assistant to Susie Coelho on HGTV. By the age of 24, her portfolio included major brands— eBay, Maxwell House, Oprah, Betty Crocker, “The Today Show,” “The View” and HGTV—and she began to branch out on her own, creating a design firm, a furniture brand, licensed product collections, and a software company.

“I knew from a young age that I wanted to have my own business,” Erinn shares, noting how her upbringing influenced her life path.

“My father was an architect, and my grandpa was a cabinetmaker—growing up, I remember custom designing a sofa for my Barbie out of scrap wood,” laughs Erinn, who today is the creator of seven licensed product collections, including a 90-piece custom furniture collection handcrafted in California named ERINN V. Her signature collaborations include a collection of hardware with Baldwin, Hollywood Hills by Erinn V.; the Linéa collection with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting; rugs with Mehraban and Creative Touch; home accessories and furniture

collections with Ambella Home and Universal Furniture, along with window coverings with Hartmann & Forbes.

“I love designing products. Creating a beautiful space that you feel good in is so important. It’s incredibly therapeutic to live around something beautiful,” says Erinn, noting that investing in one’s home pays infinite returns.

She advises homeowners and renters alike who worry about the cost of making home improvements to consider their priorities. Rather than taking a trip or going out to expensive dinners often, instead, invest in creating your ideal environment.

“Be honest with yourself about what your goals are—stop going on trips, buy a great rug instead; redirect your surplus funds to invest in your home. If you love where you live, it makes an immeasurable impact on your life.”

Creative Process

As an award-winning interior designer and real estate developer with numerous record-breaking sales under her belt, including one on the Sunset Strip featured in Architectural Digest, a Cadillac commercial, The New York Times and The Hollywood Reporter, Erinn thrives on immersing herself in the creative process.

Her work has been featured on magazine covers and in Elle Décor, Veranda, Traditional Home, Town & Country, House Beautiful, Robb Report, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, CA Home + Design and California Interiors, among others.

“ ”

“I can create the complete vision,” says Erinn.

“Design is thinking about the whole; what the space needs. I equate it to baking—where you look at a recipe and gather all of the ingredients to create the finished product. It’s a science and an art that considers function, size and style.”

Erinn’s contemporary modern style embodies the classic California lifestyle that underscores the importance of craftsmanship and celebrates luxe, livable furnishings. Inspiration, says Erinn, is

a key element when working with clients to create a space they will love to live in.

The creative process begins by “walking through the home and talking to the client about what works and what can be improved,” says Erinn, referring to this stage as the “inspiration image phase,” where clients can gather design ideas from sites like Instagram and Pinterest.

“Height, light and views” are the core elements she tries to bring into every room. And while every

client’s project is unique, there are several laws of design that apply to most projects.

“We’re going to go over budget,” she says, discussing a typical remodel or design project. “Get comfortable with knowing that stuff is going to arrive broken; things will take longer than you think. Once the project starts, we might find other problems.”

Prepare for uncertainties that may arise by focusing on one room or section of the home at a time, she says.

“Condense your budget to focus on one or two spaces at a time,” suggests Erinn. “Nail your kitchen. Don’t spread the budget around too thin all over the home. Instead, focus on one space and complete it, and leave some for another time when you have more funds.”

Additionally, consider moving during a remodel to streamline projects and mitigate stress.

“Get an Airbnb rather than live through the remodel,” advises Erinn.

DIY Masterclass

For those with a knack and interest in interior design, Erinn offers an online Interior Design Masterclass, where she shares her

design strategies and techniques for crafting beautiful spaces.

Incorporating her 20+ years of professional experience and knowledge of construction and design, Erinn shares her expertise for anyone looking to freshen up a space, remodel or build a new home.

Made for homeowners, renters and designers on a budget, “Anyone can study and apply the lessons in these videos on how to find your own style, so you can create something you’ll be proud of! My Recipe for Design is a formula to create your vision and avoid regrets! Learn how to style bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms to produce comfortable spaces and create interiors you love without frustrations. In under 3 hours, this course will teach you how to easily transform your home,” says Erinn.

When she’s not making homes more beautiful, Erinn loves spending time with her horses and enjoying the local cuisine—“I’m such a foodie!” she confides—with her husband, family and friends in Santa Rosa Valley.

Visit ErinnVDesign.com, ErinnV.com, ErinnVDesignGroup.com and BaldwinHardware.com to learn more.

I knew from a young age that I wanted to have my own business.

“ ”

Bringing Back a Hometown Tradition

CONEJO VALLEY “GOOD OLD DAYS” PARADE

ARTICLE BY BARBARA BURKE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL COONS

“You don’t know what you had as a child in your hometown until you go away for awhile, return to where you grew up and find out that a tradition that provided you with wonderful childhood memories is gone,” says Wendy MacLeod, a Conejo Valley resident who is resolved to revive the Conejo Valley Days Parade. The Thousand Oaks tradition was discontinued in 2006 and had been an annual mainstay of CVD dating back to 1957.

“I remember growing up here in the 1970s and 80s and Conejo Valley Days had a kickoff picnic, a chili cookoff, followed by a huge carnival and a rodeo,” MacLeod recalls. “Those events were followed by a fantastic parade, in which everyone dressed in appropriate Old Western attire, including many of the people who worked in the storefronts along the parade route. Our huge procession even included covered wagons. It looked like Little House on The Prairie had exploded!”

Smiling as she reminisced, MacLeod adds, “It was wonderful! I want my daughter and her generation to enjoy this tradition, and with the help of Jimmy Hubbs, Gerritt Beatty and the rest of our team, we’re going to revive the parade!”

MacLeod and Beatty recall watching Donna “Conejo” Fargo, one of the city’s founders, lead the parade in her 1930s red vintage Model A pickup truck, “Queenie.” Fargo was also instrumental in saving the

Stagecoach Inn from destruction in 1964, striving to preserve Thousand Oaks' wonderful history.

MacLeod and her ever-strengthening team of committed organizers want to keep Fargo’s spirit alive in the rebirth of the parade. They are restoring Queenie to her original glory, with the help of David Melton and the team at Ogara Coach.

Jimmy Hubbs, who is doing the yeoman’s work of forming a nonprofit organization to fund the event, also fondly recalls participating in the parade.

“The parade was a huge deal for me and my family as we originally had Texas roots and hometown events are part of our being. I grew up in Meadows and always loved the parade. I’m the father of two girls, aged 10 and 13, and I want them to know what it was like in Thousand Oaks when I was young, when it didn’t matter if a person was a millionaire or an ordinary citizen—we all walked in the parade,” Hubbs says. “I walked with my sister and parents and the memories it instilled in me will last a lifetime.

“Over the years, there has been talk of reviving the parade, but nothing was done. That is, until Wendy started a Facebook group and it just took off from there.”

"Reviving the parade is integral to keeping the identity and legacy of Thousand Oaks alive," says Hubbs.

“As our town has grown from 53,000 residents to its current size, we’ve lost

“Over the years, there has been talk of reviving the parade, but nothing was done. That is, until Wendy started a Facebook group and it just took off from there.”

“Our committee wants to recapture that and make it available once again for the citizens of Conejo Valley.”

touch of the essence of our town,” he says. “When I was young, the parade brought us all together.”

The Parade Revival team members are dedicated to bringing the exciting community event back with the help of the community, local schools and businesses.

“We’ll even have one of the Corrigan's Steakhouse Wagons which will be pulled along in the parade as well; their wagons have been in a lot of Westerns over the years,” he says, adding that Westerns are both a part of Thousand Oaks’ cultural heritage as well as his own family’s history. “My Grandpa James Dougherty was friends with both John Wayne and Ronald Reagan.”

Team member and local resident Gerritt Beatty also views the parade revival as integral to keeping the spirit of Thousand Oaks’ legacy alive.

“Thanks to COVID, we have all become too disconnected from one another. The strength of a society is determined by the community they build. In the past, the Conejo Valley Days Parade was a way for the people of Thousand Oaks and the surrounding neighborhoods to come together and celebrate our own little slice of paradise here in Ventura County,” Beatty says. “Our committee wants to

recapture that and make it available once again for the citizens of Conejo Valley. COVID and fear may have separated us, but like the Phoenix, the spirit of the people in this valley is resilient enough to rise again to the levels we enjoyed with the parade more than a decade ago. Let’s bring back the parade!”

MacLeod and the team encourage everyone in Thousand Oaks to get involved by participating in or sponsoring the event. MacLeod proudly announced that Mikey Taylor, Thousand Oaks City Councilperson, promised to be the first parade sponsor.

“We have $30,000 promised to us from a number of generous donors!” MacLeod says. “The parade is an inclusive event and we are inviting members of our indigenous community to be in the parade, and we are asking former Miss Conejo Valley beauty queens to participate as well, including those from Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Westlake. So far, we’ve located 10 of the beauty queens who want to be in the parade. One of them is even traveling from Colorado to do so!”

To get involved, visit the ConejoValleyDaysParade.com.

“The parade was a huge deal for me and my family as we originally had Texas roots and hometown events are part of our being. I grew up in Meadows and always loved the parade.”

Home Sweet Home

Industry Pros to Create Your Castle

Design, remodel or upgrade your home with the help of these local pros. With years of experience and expertise, they are equipped to transform your home visions into real-world comfort and style to enjoy for years to come. Contact them today to get started on that project you’ve been dreaming about!

FIRST CHOICE PAINTING

First Choice Painting is a family owned local business that takes pride in what they do. Felix Sr., Felix Jr. and son Michael Lopez represent three generations of painters, specializing in interior and exterior jobs of all sizes. Contact them for a free estimate today.

First Choice Painting | 805.273.1180

ALDIK HOME

With warmer temperatures comes the promise of outdoor get-togethers and let’s face it, life’s best moments seem to happen outside. If you’ve spent the last few years wishing to make your dream outdoor space, then you should feel pretty smart for waiting because prices have stopped rising and supplies have come back, so it’s the best time in years to start shopping. If you’re ready to re-imagine your outdoor space with a gorgeous new patio furniture set, make sure you check out Aldik Home’s stunning selection of Summer Classics outdoor furniture. The line is meticulously crafted from premium materials using both age-old building methods and state-of-the-art finishing processes to ensure the furniture will last for years to come.

While other manufacturers, such as Brown Jordan or Restoration Hardware, may be more well-known, they do not come close to the craftsmanship and durability of Summer Classics. Not only is this furniture stylish and sophisticated, but you simply will not find more comfortable outdoor furniture (the Majorca Collection is our favorite!). Lucky for you, the best selection of Summer Classics in the country is nearby at Aldik Home in Van Nuys. Experience the Summer Classics difference in person while you wander through one of LA’s most beautiful stores. When it comes to quality and service, there really is no place like Aldik Home.

Aldik Home

7651 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys 818.988.7651 | AldikHome.com

THOUSAND OAKS FIRESIDE

Thousand Oaks Fireside is a far cry from your traditional “mom-and-pop” fireplace retail store. Thousand Oaks Fireside and Design features modern displays of new, efficient gas fireplaces, dynamic and useful retrofit options for existing fireplaces and dazzling electric fireplaces by featured brands, including Dimplex, Heat and Glo, Heatilator, Twin Eagles/ Delta Heat Grills, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, Luxor Outdoor Kitchen Products, Komado Joe ceramic cookers, Infratech, SunPak, The Outdoor Plus, Prism Hardscapes and more. They also display and sell stone and wood mantels, custom-built outdoor kitchen islands complete with the latest grilling equipment, pizza ovens, outdoor heating solutions, fire pits and an extensive selection of mailbox options. Visit their showroom for inspiring indoor and backyard options.

Thousand Oaks Fireside

104 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks 805.496.6660 | ThousandOaksFireside.com

THE SOFA GUY

“Inspire, design, build,” invites The Sofa Guy, a family-owned design firm and furniture store where clients can create custom sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans, beds and more. With the mission to provide a long-lasting, extraordinary experience in a warm, friendly and knowledgeable environment, The Sofa Guy collaborates with clients to create custom furniture and provide design consultations, including fabric selection, spacing and style design. Find couture fabrics for custom pillows, bedding and draperies; reupholster furniture and cushions; and shop a wide selection of rugs, lighting and accessories at The Sofa Guy.

The Sofa Guy

2520 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks 805.497.3222 | TheSofaGuy.com

CELLAR MASTERS

WESTLAKE VILLAGE FLOORING

Transform Your Home with Westlake Village Flooring

At Westlake Village Flooring, they understand that flooring can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of a home or business. That’s why they offer a wide range of flooring options to fit every style and budget. With over 33 years of experience in the flooring industry, Westlake Village Flooring is committed to providing their customers with exceptional service and high-quality products. They specialize in residential and commercial projects and work with many high-quality manufacturers throughout Southern California.

Westlake Village Flooring

2260 Suite 2, Townsgate Road, Westlake Village 805.870.4311 | WestlakeVillageFlooring.com

For more than 30 years Cellar Masters has been creating custom-built wine cellars and features in homes and businesses throughout the Greater Southern California area, specializing in the design, construction and installation of climate-controlled wine cellars and wine storage solutions. Owner Scott Berry takes pride in designing unique wine cellars for those who share a passion for wine, to safely store and showcase their wine—be it 100 or 10,000 bottle collections.

Understanding the proper handling, storage and organization of wine ensures the perfect design and construction of every cellar. Cellar Masters’ 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 features based on the latest modern trends for storing and displaying wine within your living space.

Cellar Masters

2088-A Anchor Court, Newbury Park 805.375.5040 | CellarMastersInc.com

ANGELUS PAVING STONES

Beautify any outdoor area with Angelus Paving Stones, an industry favorite since 1946 for concrete paving stones and decorative retaining wall blocks for municipal, commercial and residential projects. The family-owned business’ dedication to quality and service has fueled the company’s growth for the past 70+ years, catapulting it to become the largest dry cast concrete manufacturing capacity facility in California. Servicing, selling and distributing to contractors and dealer networks throughout Southern California, Angelus stocks a wide range of products, including the popular Paseo and Pavilion large format pavers for patio and pool decks, as well as plank-style Aqualina and Timberline pavers.

Many customers find the wood plank look and the low maintenance and longevity of concrete pavers to be a winning combination. The low-maintenance, long-lasting high quality of concrete pavers make them an even more attractive hardscape enhancement. Homeowners are often surprised to learn that a properly installed concrete paver driveway can last 30 years or more and offers an additional advantage of seamless repair in case underground utilities need to be accessed. Repairing or replacing an underground sewer line or water main in many cases involves simply removing and resetting the pavers over newly compacted base and bedding sand, saving homeowners considerable time and money.

Angelus Paving Stones

4575 E Vineyard Ave, Oxnard 805.485.1137 | AngelusPavingStones.com, AngelusBlock.com

ROSEMARY ALLISON  REAL ESTATE

When it comes to buying and selling real estate, Rosemary Allison opens the door to your dream home. One of the nation’s Top 250 Producing Agents, Rosemary strives to create lifetime relationships with her clients by putting their needs first. Her extensive experience and expertise in Ventura County’s housing market have established Rosemary as the go-to realtor for generations of families looking to buy or sell a home.

Specializing in residential real estate throughout Ventura County, including Westlake Village, Agoura, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Wood Ranch, Camarillo and Oxnard, as well as Ventura Beach areas, North Ranch, Lake Sherwood and Santa Rosa Valley, Rosemary masterfully unites sellers of the finest homes with quality buyers from across the globe. She brings each of her exclusive listings to a global audience with discretion, taste and visionary marketing. If you are thinking about selling your home, 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.

Rosemary Allison Real Estate, Director of Estates, Coldwell Banker Realty #00545184

805.479.7653 | RosemaryAllison@aol.com  CallRosemary.com

MOSQUITO SHIELD OF NORTHWEST LOS ANGELES

Proven, effective and affordable, Mosquito Shield offers the best value in mosquito control services. Serving clients across Conejo Valley and San Fernando Valley, Mosquito Shield employs a proprietary Tailored Treatment Plan to keep mosquitos at bay, which is superior to a typical fixed schedule, identical product, “one size fits all” service program.

“When treating properties we think like a mosquito, not like a pest control company,” notes local owner Desiré Stephens. Mosquito Shield treats the exterior of your home using a proprietary blend of all-natural materials and a small amount of control material to keep you from getting bit! With a focus on outstanding customer service, the Mosquito Shield team is committed to controlling mosquitoes and giving you back your backyard. Ask about their money-back guarantee!

Mosquito Shield

818.332.8798 | Moshield.com

CAT IN A HAMMOCK

Cat in a Hammock was established with a passion for creating beautiful, timeless and long-lasting outdoor living spaces. They noticed that homeowners were struggling to find reliable contractors who could create their whole outdoor living space. Most outdoor living contractors focus on only one trade: masonry, plants and irrigation, pools or pergolas. It leaves the homeowner managing different contractors to achieve their dream backyard or front entrance. The homeowner would have to not only run their life, family and work, but also coordinate multiple contractors who usually don’t communicate with each other and step on each other’s toes. Very few contractors are a one-stop-shop type company. It takes time to thoughtfully design an outdoor living space to fit the lifestyle of each family, select materials that complement the architecture of the home, think through all the details of construction, manage the installation and create a comprehensive outdoor living space.

Cat in a Hammock, Inc. not only provides a design and build construction solution, they also do their designs in 3D. This allows clients to see exactly what their outdoor living space will look and feel like even before they break ground.

Cat in a Hammock, Inc. is a family-run business. CEO Kristina V. Jones is certified by Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute and brings a depth of knowledge from her experience as a lead designer and masonry expert. Director and Design Engineer, Allen Jones, is a hands-on engineer who helps design and build dream backyards with thoughtful precision. If it can be imagined, it can be built.

805.263.4200 | CatInAHammock.com

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE SPARKS GOODWILL

Every Christmas season Rosemary Allison celebrates the holiday by opening up her home and her heart to friends, family, neighbors and folks from throughout the Santa Rosa Valley and Conejo Valley community. Sharing goodwill and camaraderie helps bring everyone together to toast the Christmas holiday and the upcoming New Year.

We still remember how much our then 5-yearold granddaughter enjoyed this event while visiting from the Netherlands. She still has memories of the carolers and Santa’s big sleigh. We treasure that memory as well. Thanks, Rosemary, for helping to make that happen and best wishes for many Christmas parties to come.

Nabu

Our Community’s “Go To” for Premium Wine and Great Music

ARTICLE BY BEN MALKIN

Wines

NABU Wines is a very popular winery in the heart of Westlake Village on Townsgate Road, just west of Westlake Blvd. It also happens to be our favorite winery and is also my partner’s choice for getting her Fleetwood Mac fix. I come for the wine and she comes for the music and we are both happy! The exclusive mix of top-shelf premium wines, a tasting room that is welcoming and also designed for the enjoyment of rock music every weekend makes NABU Wines totally unique in our community and throughout Southern California. The clientele ranges from Boomers to Millennials, often all of them at the same time. Quite a mix! Small wonder that NABU Wines has

consistently been voted Best Winery and Best Wine Tasting in Los Angeles County and Ventura County by The LA Times, the Daily News and the Ventura County Star Readers’ Choice Awards for several years up to and including 2023!

Greg Barnett, who along with his wife Janet opened NABU Wines in 2014, is a lucky guy. His work is his passion. Not too many of us can say that.

First came the wine. The grapes are sourced from St. Helena in the Napa Valley

AVA and from the nearby Malibu Coast AVA.

NABU Wines uses some of the best grapes from both AVAs and creates outstanding wine. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir from Napa and some unique and powerful blends from the Malibu Coast. Their Malibu Coast Backbone, a blend of Cabernet and Syrah, is one of my favorites. Greg has recently branched out into wine from Mendocino County with new and delicious Chardonnay and Zinfandel. The NABU Wines wine club is a great way to enjoy these premium wines all year. Get info on that at wineclub@nabuwines.com.

Next came the music. While he enjoys many genres of music, Greg especially loves rock and metal. He also has the knowledge

“I COM E FOR THE WINE AND SHE FOR THE MUSIC AND WEARE BOTH

and skill to have built out his tasting room into a first class music venue. Maximizing the amount of space with which he had to work, the equipment, acoustics and layout are remarkably effective. I remember my first visit several years ago. Greg was barely getting started on his vision for the tasting room as a music venue. I tasted the best of his reds and we became instant friends. I am a big red wine aficionado. Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and any combination thereof are my favorites. We listened to jazz on his outstanding sound system…all vinyl because Greg is a purist. He laid out his vision and years later, it is in full bloom.

Along with premium wine, NABU Wines features the best “cover and tribute bands” in Southern California. Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s era music is featured every Friday and

Saturday night. Sunday afternoons are a bit more laid back with performances by electric and acoustic artists. And twice a month, NABU hosts two very special nights hosted by Giovanny Blanco: Every second Thursday, Truck Stop Mixtape, a singer-songwriter event where six performers share their original songs and the stories behind them and every last Sunday, it’s Sunday Night Live. A tribute night where the theme changes every month, bringing together musicians from all throughout the region often playing together for the first time. On music nights you can also order food to accompany your wine from top-notch food truck vendors.

Greg has also been a creative director and graphic designer for 30 years. He has created world-class posters for the bands that appear at NABU. The posters decorate the walls throughout the tasting room and add to the excitement and vibe that make the NABU Wines tasting room a Southern California “one of a kind.” And it is all right here in our Conejo Valley community.

It’s time to pay this special place a visit.

Winery and Tasting Room

2648 Townsgate Road

Westlake Village 805.778.1100

www.NabuWines.com

NABU Wines is open 7 days a week

On music nights reservations are recommended Sunday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

COMES H HAPPY!”

C

At Terri Hilliard, PC, we use a holistic approach to your estate, business, special needs planning, wealth preservation, and long-term care management needs

C

SENIOR CONCERNS HONORS PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AT ULTIMATE DINING

Sherwood Cares Supports Seniors

Join Senior Concerns for its 36th Annual Ultimate Dining Experience on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. Themed, “A Night at the Moulin Rouge!” the event features signature cocktails, silent and wine auctions, and food and wine pairings from celebrated local restaurants, breweries and wineries. The evening’s festivities include a gourmet three-course dinner and a high-spirited live auction.

A highlight of the event will be the presentation of Senior Concerns’ 2024 Philanthropist of the Year. Senior Concerns’ Board of Directors has chosen to honor Sherwood Cares, the charitable foundation of the Sherwood Country Club. Founded in 2013, Sherwood Cares provides tremendous support to local community nonprofits. Senior Concerns has been honored to receive consistent grant funding from Sherwood Cares every year since its inception.

“The support we receive from Sherwood Cares has made a tremendous impact and has helped enable Senior Concerns to serve a growing senior population here in the Conejo Valley,” says Andrea Gallagher, president of Senior Concerns.

Reservations are required to attend Ultimate Dining: SeniorConcerns.org/Ultimate-Dining.

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Most of us are well aware of the “American way of life” we reside in, that being one of convenience in all shapes and forms. We excel in offering the most fast food options in any country. We rank at the top of the most cars per household. We embrace a sedentary at-home lifestyle. In short, we categorically live in a country where processed foods and ultra-convenience, unfortunately, translate to life-threatening health diseases and a lack of organic joy.

What is the best news of all? All of these characteristics are wildly easy to overcome with effortless, yet conscious pivots to making better decisions with our time, our food, and our focus. Ask yourself: Are you driving or walking? Are you connecting socially? Set your sights on avoiding the majority of processed foods and start eating a largely whole-food and plant-based diet that will (statistically) give you another 10-12 years on your life.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Who do you hang out with? Happiness is contagious. “The Blue Zone approach is to go through your contact base and think of some friends whose recreation is pickleball, biking, or gardening. Who will care about you on a bad day and have a meaningful conversation? Identify one or two friends who are vegan or vegetarian and show you how and where to eat whole foods. Actively invite them out for lunch, and bring them into your social circle: this will have a bigger, long-term impact on your behavior than any new diet or exercise, and it costs you zero. Plus, there is a ton of data that shows it works, and it’s long-term.”

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Spring Special

Inroducing DiamondGlow®

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Boys Girls Clubs and

In a heartwarming celebration of the holiday spirit, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley played Santa to hundreds of children. Their first ever Holiday Gift Giveaway event turned a regular day into a festive wonderland as gifts totaling nearly $20,000 were distributed to children of all ages.

The generosity of donors, volunteers, and local businesses made this event possible. The gifts ranged from toys and books to winter essentials, ensuring that each child received something special. The sheer number of gifts distributed reflects the commitment of the community to make the holidays brighter for those who need them most. Volunteers even wrapped gifts for the families after they chose their gifts.

left to right: Ellie Lavi, Portfolio Associate, Michael Shelley,

Client

Associate, Laura M. Raulinaitis, CFP, Senior Vice President-Financial Advisor, P. Darius Raulinaitis, CFA, Senior Vice President-Financial

Dennis Nagdeman, CFP, Senior Vice President-Financial Advisor, Kseniya Tsipis,

Client

2023 Daily News Readers Choice Awards

Rosemary has won this award 6 years in a row!

Selected to 2023 Los Angeles Magazine Real Estate All-Star list

Top 300 individual by volume in USA by RealTrends Top Real Estate

2023 Ventura County Star Readers Community Choice Awards

#1 Top Selling Agent Coldwell Banker in Ventura County