Beyond The Acorn Summer 2017

Beyond

ď Ž SUMMER 2017

THE ACORN

TASTE SUMMER Spiked Lemonade, Splendid Ice Creams Tiny House in the Woods

GUIDE TO

After-School Enrichment Programs

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table of contents

SUMMER 2017

FEATURES 24 TINY HOUSE, BIG IDEA

20

This tiny house is compact, mobile and utterly efficient with just 140 square feet of indoor living space.

28 WHIMSICAL BEAUTY

Patients and friends at Mary Health of the Sick enjoy a secret garden that blends nature's beauty with a healthy dose of humor.

32 FOR THE LOVE OF HORSES

One man's childhood dream evolved into a riding academy that's turning out national champs and horse whisperers.

36 ARTISAN ICE CREAM

Farm-to-table ingredients and creative flavors make Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams' newest scoop shop a welcome addition to Calabasas.

10 WELCOME FROM BEYOND

Greetings from the editor.

NEIGHBORS 14 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Meet legendary stuntman

Buddy Joe Hooker.

INNOVATORS 16 MAN'S BEST CANVAS

This new product is literally coloring the canine world.

How one mom dreamed up a simple solution to packing daily lunches.

18 NICE 'N' EASY

ACORNUCOPIA 20 LUNCH BREAK

Back-to-school has never looked

so cool with these lunchboxes in hand.

AROUND THE TABLE 22 LEMONADE

22

Check out these spiked summer thirst quenchers.

READERS CORNER 40 SUMMERTIME FUN

Readers and their BFFs share their favorite moments together.

Guide to fun—and productive— after-school enrichment programs.

43 FUELING YOUNG MINDS

SCENE AROUND TOWN 48 Candids caught at a local

springtime festival.

AROUND TOWN & BEYOND 49 Music, art, theater, festivals­—there's

a lot going on here in town.

mentioned in this issue.

RESOURCES 57 A guide to the people and vendors SNAPSHOT 58 SURFER GIRL

She's Gidget, the spunky teen who opened up the Malibu surf world to girls.

ON THE COVER: Inside the stables at Elvenstar.

Cover photo by MICHAEL COONS

28

40

Rose: DAVID McMARTIN

32

SIP & SAVOR 38 A guide to area restaurants.

Horse: MICHAEL COONS

DEPARTMENTS

Lemonade: BOBBY CURTIS

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More than six hours of dynamic multimedia content is contained in exhibits that provide access to exclusive speeches, interviews, radio addresses, and original video presentations. The galleries also feature a number of unique artifacts of Ronald Reagan’s time in Santa Barbara, including the Reagan family Bible and the table where he signed into law the largest tax cut in American history.

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welcome

From the Editor

H

ow many times have I heard people say the longer they live out here, the less they want to venture into the city? Oh sure, there are special occasions to go “to town.” The Dorothy Chandler, new restaurants in West Hollywood, meeting out of towners near LAX for a quick layover visit.

But, with all that’s going on out here, there seem to be fewer compelling reasons to fight the 101 and head east all the time. Add to that our sense of country living here on the outskirts of one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas and, really, I feel like we’ve found some kind of paradise.

With summer in full bloom, that sense of rural life is even more apparent. In this issue of Beyond we celebrate local living. We begin by sipping some ice-cold lemonade, spiked for grownups who want to relive the lazy days of childhood, and top it off with sweet and creamy artisan ice cream, creatively concocted with luscious flavor combinations and the finest ingredients.

We also meet a woman who has chosen to live a simple, uncluttered life in a teeny, tiny house surrounded by trees. Vina Lustado’s story is the kind that makes me long to fill up a trash bin with my excess stuff and head for a country road with all my belongings in a knapsack. Clearly, not going to happen, but it makes a nice fantasy. And Vina’s tiny house is truly inspiring.

And, when I look around at our flaxen-colored hillsides dotted with oak trees, I’m aching to be outside—on horseback, preferably. That’s where our visit with Elvenstar comes in. This stellar riding academy in the hills of Moorpark is truly a country retreat for horse lovers.

After you’ve immersed yourself in our summer stories you might want to check out our back-to-school specials—lunch boxes to get the kids excited for the first day of school and an extensive guide to after-school enrichment programs that will keep them stretching their minds and bodies long after the school bell has chimed.

Happy reading,

Leslie Gregory Haukoos Editor-in-Chief beyond@theacorn.com

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Beyond THE ACORN

PUBLISHER Lisa Rule EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leslie Gregory Haukoos ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Nick Oliveri CREATIVE DIRECTOR David McMartin ART DIRECTOR Timm Sinclair PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR Richard Gillard EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stephanie Bertholdo, Ela Lindsay, Allison Montroy, Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff COPY EDITORS Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Allison Montroy ART CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS Sarah Ely, West Maätita, Beth Thayer, Robert Ramirez WEB DESIGN Beth Thayer PHOTOGRAPHY STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Coons, Bobby Curtis ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Mona Uttal, Richard Singer, Sue Martin, Jennifer Carlo-Valdez, Diane Verner, Stacey Janson, Mary McCarter, Steve Saenz ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Kim Cummings ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLLER Andy McGinnis ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Marilyn Burin, Donna Bondy Beyond the Acorn is published by the Acorn Newspaper Group in association with J. Bee NP Publishing, Ltd. Address correspondence to 30423 Canwood St., Ste. 108, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 (818) 706-0266.

Send editorial comments to: beyond@theacorn.com For advertising: beyondsales@theacorn.com

www.beyondtheacorn.com @beyondtheacornmag

facebook.com/ BeyondtheAcorn

David McMartin comes face-to-face with Delphina the cow while photographing the garden at Mary Health of the Sick skilled nursing facility in Newbury Park. See the story on page 28.

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neighbors

Buddy Joe Hooker

Lights, Camera,

ACTION!

Above: Buddy Joe demonstrates a horse stunt for the CBS Stuntman's Competition.

Right: Gayle and Buddy Joe take five on the set of "The Blacklist."

Buddy Joe Hooker had crashed through windows, bounced off buildings, rocketed over rivers and toppled through trees.

But the longtime stuntman had never fallen in love.

Not this hard, anyway. Not until he met Gayle Sherman.

It was 1987, and Buddy Joe was working as stunt coordinator and second-unit director on the Christian Slater skateboard thriller “Gleaming the Cube.” He was in his mid-40s, living in Agoura, and entrenched in a Hollywood career that found him performing, creating and supervising stunts for lots of mainstream movies and TV shows.

He was a self-professed “wild child,” a confirmed bachelor who says he had “done just about everything there was to do—within reason.”

That’s the side of Buddy Joe that Gayle encountered when she walked onto the “Cube” set. She was in her late 20s, a UC San Diego grad who had been hired as his script supervisor. Buddy Joe went up to her and announced, “I’m your director and we’re going to get married.”

He didn’t mean it. He was just being brash.

“The first three weeks of that movie she hated my guts,” Buddy Joe remembers. He

Photos courtesy of GAYLE HOOKER

Written by MARK WYCKOFF

spent the next several weeks wooing her, trying hard to show her “the other side of me.”

It worked.

They were married in 1990 and, together, designed the 5,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-style Agoura home they still live in. Twin boys, Houston and Kanan, followed two years later.

Buddy Joe didn’t know it yet, but his family would soon leap into the stunt business with him.

Action!

Buddy Joe’s Hollywood career stretches back to the mid-’50s when he was a teen doing stunts on television shows and dabbling in acting (he played Wally’s pal Chester on “Leave It to Beaver”).

Acting was safer, but stunt work was more fulfilling—and exciting. Buddy Joe had been on the dive and gymnastics teams at North Hollywood High, and the body control he developed gave him an edge over older stuntmen who had the grit but “didn’t have the finesse.” His wiry 5-foot-8, 165-pound frame was perfect for high falls, car stunts, motorcycle spills and other feats.

His work on the 1966 film “Beau Geste” impressed legendary stunt coordinator Hal Needham Buddy Joe is on fire while shooting a scene and soon Buddy for television.

Joe’s stunt career was, quite literally, rolling along. On the 1971 film “Clay Pigeon,” he set a still-unmatched record for “unassisted vehicle rolls,” tumbling down a sand embankment in a truck that rolled side-overside 17 times before coming to a crumpled stop.

When he wasn’t doing stunts himself, like plummeting 100 feet through trees while doubling Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo character in “First Blood” (1982), he was an in-demand stunt coordinator for A-list directors including Francis Ford Coppola and Judd Apatow.

“A stunt,” Buddy Joe says simply, “is a piece of art.”

For director William Friedkin’s 1985 film “To Live and Die in L.A.,” Buddy Joe devised one of the most thrilling freeway car chases in cinema history. Critic Roger Ebert called it a “long, dazzling ballet of timing, speed and imagination” and Time magazine ranked it No. 7 on a list of the Top 15 movie car chases.

Buddy Joe’s adventure-packed life and career helped inspire the 1978 Burt Reynolds film “Hooper” and got him inducted into the Hollywood Stuntmen’s Hall Of Fame. In 2011, he accepted a lifetime achievement award at ActionFest in Asheville, N.C.

“Buddy Joe Hooker is a true legend,” Quentin Tarantino said ACTION ON PAGE 54

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Day Creek Ranch offers 3 Houses: • Main House of 4,500 sq. ft.

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• The original Ranch House with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom An agricultural well irrigates 13 acres of well-established low maintenance Hass Avocado trees that produce 3 to 4 thousand pounds of premium fruit annually.

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innovators

Paint your pet

Man’s Best Canvas Written by ELA LINDSAY

Photo by RICHARD GILLARD

When love-struck Abe Geary wanted a unique proposal, the aspiring entrepreneur painted the words “Marry Me?” on the side of his brother’s dog and headed to LAX to pop the question to his then-girlfriend, who was arriving at the airport from England.

That colorful, life-altering gesture in 2009 resulted in marriage to Anna, two kids and a Camarillo-based business called PetPaint.

It also led to a stint on television’s “Shark Tank” three years later, where Abe went to seek an investment for his growing venture.

Beyond: What exactly is PetPaint and who uses it?

Abe: It’s a pet-safe fur paint that sprays easily and washes out with mild shampoo.

You can create an entire costume or just a couple of stars to go with your favorite outfit. People have used PetPaint for Pride and Mardi Gras parades. And at shelters, rescue dogs can be marked with PetPaint to denote whether or not they’ve been fixed. It can also be used to dress up less attractive dogs in order to help them get adopted more easily.

For a spot of fun, Abe Geary's pet-safe paint lets you turn your pooch into a creative work of art. www.petpaint.com

16 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

Beyond: How do you make it safe for animals?

Abe: Our product is based on nontoxic ingredients, so occasional ingestion is harmless to animals, much the same as dog-safe shampoos.

Beyond: Can you put it on all dogs? How about other critters?

Abe: The product is designed for fur-bearing mammals, including kids if you wish. Everyone can join in the fun, including horses.

Paint on!

Beyond: Is it easy to apply?

Abe: PetPaint uses aerosol cans so if you can spray paint you can PetPaint. We also have easy-to-use stencils so if you’re not an artist at heart you can easily look like one.

Beyond: Do dogs generally cooperate with the process?

Abe: We compare it to a bath: some love it, some don’t care and some are nervous about anything new. The best way to introduce anything new to your pup is with positive reassurance, use a treat and never force anything.

Beyond: How long does it last?

Abe: PetPaint is temporary. If left unwashed it can last up to a week or you can wash it out using a mild dog-safe shampoo. And it won't come off on furniture or carpet.

Beyond: What are the advantages over fabric outfits for pooches?

Abe: PetPaint is not bulky and doesn’t add another layer of insulation so, unlike dog costumes, your pooches will not usually know they are wearing it and in warm places the costume won’t make your dog any warmer than he needs to be.

Beyond: Do you carry any other products?

Abe: We offer eight colors of PetPaint, four colors of glitter spray and over 200 different stencil options. And we recently launched a full line of Swarovski glue-on gems.

Beyond: How was your experience on “Shark Tank”?

Abe: It was both scary and invigorating. Although we didn’t secure a deal in the tank, we landed a very lucrative relationship with PetSmart due to our exposure on the show. I would recommend the experience to any entrepreneur who is looking for capital for growth. Good, bad or otherwise, you will learn a lot about your own business and goals in the process.

Beyond: Anything else you’d like to add?

Abe: PetPaint is now sold through every major grooming supply company and at all PetSmart grooming salons across the country and we haven’t even scratched the surface. Keep your eyes peeled for your favorite pooch dressed better than their parents.

innovators

Top performer

How one mom’s pet peeve turned into a million dollar company

Let’s Lunch!

NiceDo ’n’ Easy Written by ALLISON MONTROY

Photo by KEVIN McINTYRE

For Kelly Lester, all the world’s a stage—including the lunch table. The exuberant Woodland Hills mom, actress, singer and performer is also the CEO and brains behind EasyLunchboxes: a simply designed, BPA-free bento-style food container heralded by parents everywhere for easing morning lunch-packing struggles.

Kelly founded the company in 2009, armed with an entrepreneurial spirit (she also owned a light switch cover company called Art Plates until 2006) and the tenacity that only comes from being a mother. And it paid off. EasyLunchboxes was the No. 1 selling lunchbox on Amazon.com for four years and is the inspiration for Kelly’s cookbook, “Cooking with Trader Joe’s: Easy Lunch Boxes.”

Hungry to learn more, we asked Kelly to share her secrets to lunchtime success.

Beyond: You are an actress, “mompreneur,” performer and singer: how do you juggle it all?

Kelly: Ha, I don’t very well! Right now I’m still sitting here in my home office with my feet on the table. I run the company myself. You just do what’s in front of you and get done what needs to get done. I don’t know that I do a great job all the time. I just always accept that and do my best.

Beyond: What makes EasyLunchboxes different than the other lunch storage options out there?

Kelly: The price point is really affordable and they last—sometimes for years. You can have a lot of variety in your lunch with less trash and less pieces filling your dishwasher. And it helps with portion control, too. They’re easy to pre-pack, stack and don’t take up a lot of space in the cabinet.

Beyond: Are these lunchboxes just for kids?

Kelly: Absolutely not. This product has no age limit. It’s fit for anyone who eats. But, it’s especially loved by teachers and parents of little kids. Too often, parents pack a lot of prepackaged food and the kids need help and the teachers have to go around and lunchtime gets rushed. But, if the kids can open their own lunch, they can start eating right away. And they’re getting a healthy meal, too.

Tired of the daily headache that came with packing lunches for her daughters, Kelly Lester developed a solution that would prevent her morning hassles and launch a booming company. www.easylunchboxes.com 18 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

Beyond: What can someone normally find packed in your everyday EasyLunchbox?

Kelly: I’m such a traditionalist. In the last month—and I am not joking—every time I go out for a rehearsal or whatever I pack a PB&J and sliced apple. Sometimes I’ll throw in a hard-boiled egg. The presentation of the container is very organized and eyeappealing. We eat with our eyes, you know, and the EasyLunchbox looks so much better than plastic baggies where everything looks blegh.

Beyond: You now run a million dollar company and have a huge online following. What’s your secret?

Kelly: Social media and mom bloggers. That’s the secret to my success. People found them, started packing lunches in them and sharing them. I’ve been really lucky and people really respond, especially when they realize that I’m a human! I love to connect with the customers and spend more resources promoting my products than I do going after copycat products. I have a positive energy going to my marketing—food faster, easier and healthier.

Beyond: I understand you also starred in your own musical web series . . . about lunch of course.

Kelly: Yes! “Let’s Do Lunch.” We’d love to make more of those.

I believe that anything you can promote using singing and dancing is a win. And we got some celebrity friends to join me and we just had fun.

I love to perform and I’ve found people trust the company when they know there’s a person behind the company. That’s my whole story. My product is mom-tested and mom-approved. It’s just me . . . I am the EasyLunchbox brand. And that’s why I put my face on it and made those videos.

Beyond: Right now EasyLunchboxes offers compartmentalized containers, cooler bags and sauce containers. Any plans to expand your product offerings?

Kelly: We might have a new product coming out at the end of this year. But the big news right now is that we’re launching in Target at the end of July for back-to-school season. Before this, I’ve only sold on my website and Amazon.com, so this is very huge.

Beyond: Congratulations! How did that happen?

Kelly: Target actually called me out of the blue, which never happens, wanting to bring the lunchboxes into stores. So, needless to say it’s been a whirlwind few months.

Beyond: What has been the biggest thing you have learned running your own business?

Kelly: Well, I’m entirely self-taught. I really had no idea how to do this (I was a theater major at UCLA) but I discovered skills that I never knew I had. I learned I have a real knack for marketing and graphic design. And I found that you can learn anything and you can do things that you want to do if you just keep asking questions and digging deeper to find the answers. But, I never dreamed it would be as successful as it is now.

There was no charge for the Torah at Mt. Sinai, and Temple Ner Simcha does not believe in “paying to pray”, so ALL of our services, events, classes, and High Holidays Services are

without charge.

We are inclusive to all Jews, no matter what their background, knowledge, and level of observance, and there are

No Membership Dues.

Our services are based in integrating joy and the wisdom of our Sages in every experience.

High Holiday tickets are Free of Charge for everyone – but reservations are required and can be made online at www.nersimcha.org, or by calling the Temple, as we will once again fill up the Canyon Club.

Always remember, joy is not incidental to the spiritual quest, it is vital.

Rabbi Michael Barclay

Cantor Sam Glaser

Rabbinic Intern Jodi Spindel Musical Director Mat Gurman

Temple Ner Simcha 880 Hampshire Rd Westlake Village, CA 91361 818 851 0030

www.nersimcha.org

Email - events@nersimcha.org

acornucopia

Back-to-school Out to Lunch

Plastic takeout bags, step aside. Fred and Friends’ insulated tote made of synthetic paper also features a strong magnetic closure to seal in the cold (or heat). $12 www.fredandfriends.com (855) 739-1500

Written by ALLISON MONTROY

Brown Bear Bag

Brown bear, brown bear what do you see? We see a cutefaced friend made of insulating material that keeps food and drinks cold, with interior mesh pockets for stashing snacks. $30 dabbawallabags.com (877) 500-2708

LUNCH BREAK SEND THE KIDS PACKING Lost Signal TV

Trying to adjust your television set signal may have ruined a few TV dinners back in the day, but this retro SMPTE Color Bars tin will only make lunchtime better. $12.99 www.retroplanet.com (888) 242-6633

Chill Out Tote

When lukewarm lunches fill you with frustration, grab this holographic tote and chill out!

Insulated lining keeps food and drinks cool for hours. $34 (800) 980-1180 www.francescas.com

FlatBox

With this machine-washable neoprene carrier, kids have a clean eating surface (and not the germy cafeteria table) because the bag unzips into a fullyfunctional placemat—and zips right back up when done. $24.50 www.flatbox-lunchbox.com (855) 352-8269

20 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

Yumbox

Touted for its eco-friendly solution to food packaging, this lunch box includes a sixcompartment removable food tray with food group labels to encourage healthy eating. $28 www.yumboxlunch.com

Canvas VW Camper Van

Cruise through lunchtime with this 1965 VW camper van tote.

Made of oxford canvas with an insulated aluminum foil interior so food can hang ten all day. $19.99 www.retroplanet.com (888) 242-6633

Heritage Lunch Kit

A modern update to a classic, this tin box comes with three leakproof containers and a placemat that uses elastic loops to keep containers in place. $29.99 www.aladdin-pmi.com

Classic Lunch

Bento Colors

Three stacking microwave- and dishwasher-safe interior boxes slide inside a colorful outer container to make this chic, sleek lunch box. $25 en.bentoandco.com

The bag says it all.

Fluf’s washable certified organic cotton tote with water-resistant and food-safe lining comes with a snap closure that’s easy for small hands. $22.50 fluf.ca

For more cool lunchbox ideas visit www.beyondtheacorn.com

around the table

Thirst quenchers

LEMONADE It's not just for kids

Written by ALLISON MONTROY Photo by BOBBY CURTIS

When life hands you lemons . . . well, the truth is there’s a lot you can do. In 12th-century Cairo, you’d make qatarzimat by adding sugar. In a French café, waiters bring water, sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice separately so patrons can mix their own citron pressé to taste. And at a pub in Ireland you’re sure to hear requests for “paddy and red,” a signature red-colored citrus sodawhiskey mix. But here in our little corner of the world (a little corner that produces 90 percent of the country’s lemons) we take the iconic fruit and turn it into lemonade. It’s the drink of nostalgic Americana: sticky-hot July days that seem to melt into August, clear blue skies reflected into backyard swimming pools and entrepreneurial youth set up on every corner with signs touting their 25-cent cups of ice-cold lemony goodness. And though we can always enjoy the sour-sweet simplicity of a refreshing glass of lemonade, we’re sharing creative twists on the summer classic, courtesy of Lori’s Original Lemonade. Bet you won’t find these recipes at the kids’ corner stand.

Lavender-Blood Orange Lemonade Sweet, smooth and refreshing citrus cooler 1 oz. organic tequila 7 oz. Lavender Lemonade ½ blood orange, squeezed 1 lime Combine tequila, lemonade and orange juice in a glass filled with ice. Top with a squeeze of lime and garnish with a lime wedge.

Pirate Rum Lemonade

The perfect sunset cocktail after a day on the water 1 7 1

oz. spiced rum oz. Ginger Lemonade lime Candied ginger, to garnish

Combine spiced rum and lemonade in a glass filled with ice. Top with a squeeze of lime and garnish with candied ginger.

Wild Strawberry Lemonade Spritzer A real thirst-quencher

6 3 1 1

oz. Wild Strawberry Lemonade oz. sparkling water lime strawberry, to garnish

Combine lemonade and sparkling water in a glass filled with ice. Top with a squeeze of lime and garnish with a fresh strawberry.

When Life Gave Her Lemons

The story of Lori Volk’s lemonade company started, as one might imagine, with a lemonade stand. On hot summer days she’d whip up a pitcher of “fancy lemonade,” as her kids called it; a concoction of citrus and lavender that was a hit at the kids’ driveway popup shop.

The mother of two would pull lemons from the tree in her backyard and lavender from the bouquet she kept in the kitchen. It wasn’t until years later, after losing her school district job to budget cuts, that Lori thought to turn her famous drink into a business venture. The all-natural drink, bottled as Lori’s Original Lemonade and now available in several flavors, is delicious straight from the bottle or when mixed in one of Lori’s spiked lemonade recipes.

Lori and her husband, now empty-nesters, reside on their boat in the Channel Islands Harbor.

A little help.

A big difference.

The assisted living services at The Foothills at Simi Valley Senior Living Community are about the whole family and the whole YOU. Of course, we can help you with your daily needs. But did you know you will also have options for fitness, socializing, healthy fine dining, and more?

And services are tailored to you, so you’ll get just the right amount of help you need, when you request it.

But the best part? No matter if you need a little help or a lot, the difference you’ll feel will be amazing.

Please call now to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.

I n de p e n de n t & A s s i s t e d L i v i ng M e mor y C a r e

5300 East Los Angeles Avenue • Simi Valley 805.263.7417 • SRGseniorliving.com RCFE# 565801533

Tiny House

Big Idea Written by LESLIE GREGORY HAUKOOS

“Not everyone is meant to live in a tiny house.” Most would find it too small; a very few might find it too big. But for Vina Lustado, this tiny house is just right.

Not only does it suit her needs, she says the 140-square-foot dream house she designed is very dear to her.

The solar-powered house, built on wheels and permanently bound to a 20-footlong trailer, is mobile and self-contained, requiring only water hookups. Right now Vina has it on a property in Ojai. She and her husband, Cliff Hultgren, have built a 16-by-8-foot outdoor deck which nearly doubles her living space. She runs her architecture business out of a separate tiny structure, one she calls a “sol pod.” Cliff lives in a separate structure.

No, not everyone is meant to live in a tiny house but for folks like Vina, it is freeing. “It’s living very simply, efficiently and sustainably,” she says. The beauty of a tiny house springs from the philosophy of living small and uncluttered. “People ask me, ‘Where’s all your stuff?’” Vina laughs. “But it’s liberating to not include too much stuff. If a space is designed for exactly the way you live, then it’s not so hard to stay tidy. You design the space to be customized to how you live.”

Still, there are some design tricks to prevent a tiny space from feeling claustrophobic. “The vaulted space lets in light and helps it to feel spacious,” she explains.

“You want to be able to look outside, so windows are very important. I have windows in every direction.”

Vina chooses light-colored materials to reflect light. Her wood cabinetry is all natural finished wood. “And you pay attention to the circulation of movement so everything has very efficient functions.”

Other design tricks are important as well. Vina makes sure there is multi-functionality in each element of her tiny house. Things are on castors for easy mobility and she has hidden storage in lots of nooks and crannies.

But the nifty tricks to maximizing space and creating the illusion of airiness only tell part of the story of Vina’s tiny house. The rest is very personal.

“My house is very dear to me. Even if I wanted to, I feel I could never leave it.

I’m never going to let it go.”

24 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

CALEB THAL Loft: EILEEN RINGWALD

Top: Vina Lustado relaxes just outside her tiny house on a 16-by-8foot deck which nearly doubles her living space. Above: her sleeping loft has a great view of the trees surrounding the house. At night she can look up at the stars overhead. Every inch in a tiny house must count, serving multi-functions with nooks and crannies planned as compact storage spaces.

SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 25

EILEEN RINGWALD 26 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

CHIBI MOKU

The entrance to the tiny house leads directly into Vina's desk/guest room/living room. Lightcolored natural wood helps the small space feel airy.

Constructing this tiny house was a true community effort. Vina’s husband (before they were married) did a lot of the welding on the structure. And, several of Vina’s artisan friends contributed to it—one making silk pillows, another painting lovely sycamore leaves on the cabinet doors, yet another helping to build the flooring, and someone else creating the art glass on a reclaimed pocket door.

“I asked them all to participate, they all have special talents,” Vina says. “This was really a community effort. It’s very personal to me.”

In all, the house cost $40,000, in part because Vina and Cliff supplied most of the labor.

The tiny house movement is growing in a big way. Vina is part of the effort to pave the way for what she says is a growing demand for this kind of housing.

Along with other tiny house proponents, she is working to help to make tiny houses a reality in communities all over.

The tiny house—known as an Accessory

Kitchen window: CHIBI MOKU

Fireplace: EILEEN RINGWALD

KERI OBERLY

Left: one of Vina's artist friends painted the sycamore leaves on her cabinetry, inviting the outdoors into the small space. The bathroom, center, is compact and functional as is the kitchen. And windows all-around bring in light and glimpses of nature.

Below: a kitchen still life is artful and functional.

The woodburning stove is a touch of luxury in the otherwise barebones design.

Dwelling Unit—is an easy answer to the need for affordable housing requirements, Vina explains.

As the movement grows, it should become easier to build and permit these small, mobile structures, especially since a California law enacted this January requires cities to remove many of the hurdles that tiny house enthusiasts have previously faced.

In the meantime, Vina continues to sell her plans for this and other tiny houses. Her plans have already been built in various parts of the U.S. as well as Korea, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Canada.

Vina, who holds an architecture degree from USC (although she is not yet a registered architect), has worked in the field for some 20 years but it was an international fel-

lowship in Germany researching ecological and affordable houses that helped her evolve her philosophy about “simplicity, sustainability and living within one’s means.”

She and her husband are contemplating buying some land and building a 400-squarefoot house on a foundation but, she says, even if they do, she will always keep her tiny house because it’s just right for her.

SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 27

W

himsical beauty

Hidden garden has a healing touch Written by STEPHANIE BERTHOLDO Photos by DAVID McMARTIN

W

hen you wander into the Ebensteiner Garden and Courtyard, you might expect to enter a world of tranquility with a rolling lawn, sweet-smelling roses and the coddled, soft sounds of nature.

The garden does indeed engender feelings of peace and serenity, but residents and guests soon discover that the one-acre plot of land behind Mary Health of the Sick, a skilled nursing home and rehabilitation center in Newbury Park, is not your typical garden. Rather, the fastidiously tended wonderland offers up whimsical surprises at every turn. And the garden itself is so beautiful that I actually touched petals to find out if they were real and did double takes on some of the statuary (geese) to verify life or a facsimile.

The flowers, lawn, and the fat, colorful koi that shimmer in a range of colors in the pond as they follow guests en masse in hope of being fed, are absolutely real and thriving. And the delicate, multi-colored roses are fully bloomed to perfection.

While the private garden is not a wild sanctuary as depicted in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic, “The Secret Garden,” there’s something about this patch of paradise that reminds me of a magical hidden space.

Delphina, a life-sized cow sculpture, is a visitor's first clue that this garden has a sense of humor.

Top: the leaping frog frozen in mid-hop is a close second. But surrounding the cheery creatures is a garden that is serene and richly beautiful.

SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 29

A bright pink gazebo stands at the center of the exquisite rose garden, each bush tenderly cared for and bursting with color. Carved wood stations of the cross circle the roses. Right: the koi in the pond are the heartiest and most social around, swimming eagerly to meet guests in the hope for a nibble of food.

30 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

There are more than 400 rose bushes in the garden, most of which are in a circular formal garden surrounding the gazebo. Top right: humorous pieces, like these stacked meerkats, are intermixed with statues of saints, angels and wildlife. They all cohabitate in a delightful, lighthearted menagerie.

Maybe it’s the quirky sculptures strategically placed throughout the garden that lend to the enchantment. Fanciful critters reveal themselves with each step. There’s a large cow named Delphina and dogs, frogs, bunnies and geese seem to romp here, there and everywhere.

The trickling pond and waterfall are inviting to visiting ducks, and together with the chirping birds, the garden lends itself to spiritual rejuvenation.

The facility is owned and operated by the Servants of Mary, Ministers to the Sick, a Catholic congregation of religious women dedicated to compassionate care of sick people of all faiths. The congregation was founded in Madrid in 1851 by Maria Soledad Torres Acosta. “The service of Mary is to take care of the sick people in their own homes,” GARDEN ON PAGE 55 SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 31

For the Love of

Horses

By Allison Montroy

I

t was October of 1980 when the Hagman family purchased a sizable swath of cactus-covered land against Moorpark’s Tierra Rejada hillside with plans to build a family home and a place where their son, Jim, could ride horses.

But Jim had other plans. Those 13 acres became the canvas for his childhood dream: to design and build a full-service equestrian facility.

It’s been 30 years now since the Elvenstar dream became reality, and every corner of the school and show stables bears testament to Jim’s hard work, from the stone walls he built using rocks from the property to the plaques that line the fence of the main training arena commemorating decades’ worth of champion riders trained here.

• PH OTO S B Y M I C H A E L C O O N S •

Every inch of Elvenstar's 13-acre facility bears Jim's handprint.

He planted all of the trees that shade the property; he turns cabernet sauvignon grapes growing on the hillsides into wine; he built the stone walls lining the training rings using rocks found on the property.

Decorated stone pillars lead the way to Elvenstar's picnic area, where one might find a cat lazing in the shade or kids at a birthday party taking a break from riding to play a game of horseshoes.

That’s the thing about this place. Not only is it both a topnotch, nationally respected riding school and training ground for competitive horse shows, Elvenstar is also a place for athletes and horse-lovers alike to just, as Jim puts it, “come hang out.” Jim’s blend of ranching background and horse show experience is what sets his facility apart: at Elvenstar, you aren’t just learning how to ride a horse—you’re also learning how to care for it.

“Our mission is not to make them show riders—yes, we’re capable and good at that—but it’s the enjoyment of learning how to be around a horse,” says Jim. Meander through Elvenstar’s bucolic grounds on any given day and you might meet coach Lauren Franco mentoring riders of the school’s newly formed Athletic Equestrian League (AEL), which gives young equestrians the opportunity to hone their skills riding, communicating and competing on a variety of horses.

Above: a young Jim Hagman takes the reigns at his first junior Grand Prix in 1978. Below: horses, like people, have unique personalities. It takes a special horse to be a riding academy horse. Elvenstar's school is home to 46 horses that possess the patience and temperament for new and younger riders.

34 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

Courtesy of JIM HAGMAN

Lauren, who was a student at the riding academy for five years before becoming the AEL coach two years ago, emphasizes that part of what sets Elvenstar apart is Jim’s set of horsemanship principles instilled in riders at every skill level: compassion, respect, patience, a sense of responsibility, a desire to learn and a positive attitude.

At the end of the day, she says, it’s about learning how to feel at home on a horse.

“When you can listen to and feel the horse, it’s a completely different feeling than anything else . . . just learning how they react and how to understand the horse.”

This all stems from the idea that riding is akin to learning a nonverbal language: it takes immense practice and dedication.

“But also, it teaches empathy between two living beings,” Jim explains. “It’s an incredible sport that teaches ambidexterity, patience and balance. You learn to be part horse . . . the best riders are one with the horse. But there’s also that love for horses that comes in caring for them.”

Jim’s own Thousand Oaks upbringing reflects that.

Raised riding his family’s ranch stock, Jim grew up exploring the Santa Monica Mountains, learning how to jump over fallen oak trees with his father and taking on the responsibility of grooming, mucking and feeding horses at home.

Above: at Elvenstar, students are encouraged to embrace all aspects of riding horses—including prepping, grooming, tacking and caring for the horses. Right: Jim's horse, Vancouver, gives coach Lauren Franco a kiss after a jaunt around the training ring.

“I just loved animals, just loved all of it,” he remembers.

“Horses were part of the family, because they were how we made a living. It was fortuitous that I grew up before technology and grew up in the Western school of riding . . . and was raised by a family of givers.”

It was Jim’s father, Tommy, who named the property Elvenstar, a nod to “Lord of the Rings” and a metaphor for Tommy’s upbringing on the rural North Dakota prairie.

“In 'Lord of the Rings,' the Evenstar guides the elves. And some of my dad’s earliest memories are of my grandfather teaching him that if you can see the North star, you know where you are,” Jim explains.

“I originally wanted to change it, but after I heard that story I just couldn’t,” Jim says. Though he admits it’s not a name one would typically associate with horses, Jim seems proud of the fact that today the Elvenstar name has earned a respected place in the show world.

Horse culture bears deep roots in this region, but in the 1970s, the Western U.S. knew little about the sport of show jumping. When Foxfield, a Lake Sherwood riding academy, opened its doors in 1967, it was a pioneer for English riding schools in the region.

HORSES ON PAGE 56 SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 35

Written by ERIN NEWMAN Photos by KELSEY McCLELLAN

With flavors like Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk, Gooey Butter Cake and Brambleberry Sorbet, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is likely to attract plenty of new fans after opening their newest scoop shop at the Calabasas Commons in June.

With only a smattering of storefronts nationwide, Jeni’s has gained a cult following. Devotees of artisan ice cream clamor to the bright, white-tiled shops to peruse the cases of colorful ice creams, sorbets and buttermilk frozen yogurts, take advantage of the company’s liberal sampling policy and debate their tasty choices.

“Ice cream really does bring people together,” says Jeni Britton Bauer, namesake of the Columbus, Ohio-based company. “Our scoop shops are the sets for our ice cream to spark conversation.”

Conversation-sparking flavors like Goat Cheese with Red Cherries and Juniper & Lemon Curd are only part of the story, however. The company takes ice cream very seriously, buying ingredients directly from a tight network of local family farms and carefully sourced suppliers they call their Fellowship Model.

The other secret to success is in the absence of stabilizers, emulsifiers and synthetic flavoring and coloring. “Ice cream should lie on your tongue and relax there, and it won’t do that if it’s made from stabilizers. . . . Stabilizers also increase whippability, meaning a lot more air gets whipped in by design.

That’s not the texture we’re going for. We want a dense ice cream with a buttercream-like body and texture,” Jeni says.

Achieving that dense, buttercream mouthfeel takes work. “To make the best ice cream—with the best flavor, texture, body and finish—you need to know a lot about chemistry,” Jeni says. “We make ice cream more like cheesemakers than ice cream makers.”

A self-proclaimed ice cream nerd who’s been creating the sweet treat for 22 years, Jeni was ahead of the artisan ice cream trend when she began experimenting. But she didn’t start in the kitchen.

“When I made my first ice cream flavor—cayenne essential oil mashed into store-bought chocolate ice cream—I was an art student dreaming of becoming a perfumer. . . .Tasting the sweet ice cream and then feeling the heat warm in the back of my throat, I realized the 36 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

enormous potential of ice cream as a carrier of scent. It was like the sky opened up—I could see my whole life in front of me.”

Jeni’s future included popular scoop shops, online ice cream sales and three cookbooks, including the James Beard awardwinning “Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home.”

Creativity infuses everything Jeni does. “Art has always been a part of my life . . . I am rarely, if ever, inspired by food trends. I’m much more influenced by culture, literature, history and art.” Those inspirations make their way to the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams test kitchen, where Jeni and her team perfect recipes and ensure that large quantities can be made consistently.

“Our ice cream brings people together,” Jeni says. “It takes all of us at Jeni’s to do it right. That’s why it’s so good!”

Pêche Melba 1 scoop Jeni’s Ndali Estate Vanilla Ice Cream 2 Tbsp. Salty Graham Gravel 1 Poached Peach Half 2 Tbsp. Fresh Red

Raspberry Sauce

Makes 8 ice cream sandwiches

To build each sundae: Place one scoop of ice cream in bowl or small dish. Top with Poached Peach Half, Fresh Red Raspberry Sauce and Salty Graham Gravel.

16 1

Salty Graham Gravel Makes 2 cups

Jake’s Chocolate Truffle Cookie Sandwiches Jake’s Chocolate Truffle Cookies pint Jeni’s Savannah Buttermint ice cream*

To assemble: Freeze cookies on a sheet pan for 1 hour. Soften ice cream until scoopable. Remove cookies from freezer and, working quickly, scoop 2 to 4 ounces of ice cream onto each cookie. Smoosh ice cream by placing another cookie on top. Repeat. Return assembled sandwiches to the freezer for at least 2 hours to harden.

Jake’s Chocolate Truffle Cookies

8 8 ½ 2 ¼ ¼ 2 ½ 2 1

Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter oz. dark chocolate (64% cacao or higher), coarsely chopped cup unbleached all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour Tbsp. Dutch-processed cocoa powder (99% cacao) tsp. fine sea salt tsp. baking soda large eggs, room temperature cup sugar tsp. vanilla extract cup dark chocolate chips (64% cacao or higher)

Melt butter and dark chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring occasionally until completely melted. Cool completely.

Combine flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda in a small bowl. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer, beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl on high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla and melted chocolate and butter mixture and beat for 1 to 2 minutes until combined.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl and stir in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 325°.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Wet your hands with water and roll dough into 2" balls, placing them about 2" apart on lined baking sheet. Work quickly, and if you are baking the cookies in batches, refrigerate the remaining dough between rounds.

Bake for 12 to 13 minutes until the edges have risen slightly and the center is mostly set. Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for at least 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack and let cool completely. *Also works great with Jeni’s Orange Blossom Buttermilk Frozen Yogurt.

Recipes adapted from “Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Desserts” by Jeni Britton Bauer (Artisan Books). Copyright ©2014.

Visit www.beyondtheacorn.com for more of Jeni’s delicious ice cream recipes.

1 ¾ 2 ½ 2 8

cup finely ground graham crackers (about 13 crackers) cup unbleached all-purpose flour tsp. cornstarch cup sugar tsp. fine sea salt Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preheat oven to 275°.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, flour, cornstarch and sugar in a small bowl. Add the butter and stir until large lumps have formed and dry ingredients are moistened (mixture should resemble lumpy wet sand). Add salt, mixing just enough to distribute it evenly. Pour crumbs onto a baking sheet and spread evenly.

Bake the crumbs for 10 minutes. Remove pan from the oven and toss crumbs with two bench scrapers or metal spatulas, then chop into ⅛" to ¼" pieces.

Bake for 10 more minutes or until gravel is a rich brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Poached Peach Half Makes 8 servings 1 2

4

bottle white or red wine or 3 cups water cups sugar Spices or herbs as desired (Jeni recommends star anise in winter, sweet basil in summer) large peaches*

Combine wine, sugar and spices or herbs in 4-quart saucepan and bring to just under a boil over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Gently place prepared fruit into the warm poaching liquid and cook 15 minutes, turning the fruit in the liquid as needed, until tender.

Using a slotted spoon, gently remove fruit from poaching liquid.

Serve hot or allow to cool on a plate. Fruit may be stored in airtight container, covered with poaching liquid, in refrigerator for up to 3 days. *May substitute other summer fruit. Poaching times: 4 pears (15 min.); 8 plums (10 min.); 16 apricots (5 min.); 1 lb. cherries (2 min.).

Fresh Red Raspberry Sauce Makes 1½ cups

12 oz. raspberries, frozen, or 1 pint fresh ½ cup sugar

Purée ingredients in a blender. Pour into a small bowl, cover, and place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the sugar to dissolve.

SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 37

S

IP & SAVOR

SHARKY’S WOODFIRED MEXICAN GRILL $ MEXICAN | Innovative menu strives to use fresh, natural and organic ingredients combined with unique cooking styles for enhanced flavor and the promise of excellence and satisfaction. In Camarillo, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura with Oxnard location coming in August 2017. www.sharkys.com LD CAMARILLO AGAVE MARIA’S RESTAURANT & CANTINA $ MEXICAN | Award-winning Mexican food and margaritas. Menu offers a wide variety of entrees such as chile verde, chicken mole, rib-eye steak and barbecue chicken salad. Pixie margaritas on the patio are a special treat.

710 Arneill Road agavemarias.com (805) 383-2770 LD MONEY PANCHO $$ MEXICAN | Family-run restaurant serves authentic, homemade food and the best margaritas in town. Book your event in newly redesigned dining area and bar or have Money Pancho cater in your home.

3661 Las Posas Road www.moneypancho.com (805) 484-0591 BLD THOUSAND OAKS DARBAND GRILL $$$ PERSIAN | Considered by fans to be the best Persian food in Southern California. Darband has been serving enticing kabobs (chicken, lamb, filet mignon or fish) paired with exotic rice dishes for 30 years. Full bar and entertainment.

868 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. darbandgrillandbar.com (805) 449-1323 LD DELITEFUL $$ LOW-CARB | The folks at Deliteful believe that food is medicine and should be free from harmful additives.

The meat is nitrate- and nitrite-free with grass-fed options. Dishes are spiced with fresh herbs and not with MSG or

Great spots to dine, drink and enjoy the local flavor

other chemical enhancers. Their motto: It tastes good because it is good.

322 W. Hillcrest Drive Delitefulmeals.com (805) 418-5118 BLD MOQUECA BRAZILIAN RESTAURANT $$ BRAZILIAN | Savory seafood dishes are cooked and served in handcrafted clay pots. Delicious fresh vegetable stew. Steaks, salads and pastas are also a must try as is the Caipirinha, Brazil’s signature cocktail made with cachaça, to complete the authentic Brazilian experience.

1610 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.moquecarestaurant.com (805) 230-3585 LD Res WESTLAKE VILLAGE BIG FISH POKE $ JAPANESE | Master Sushi Chef Kimura, who has worked with some of the finest chefs in the world, prepares exquisite poke, sushi and chirashi as well as other fine Japanese dishes.

2728 Townsgate Road #6 www.bigfish-poke.com (805) 719-1151 LD

WINERIES VENTURA PLAN B WINE CELLARS $-$$$ TASTING ROOM AND WINERY It's about the wine. It's about the pleasure of the experience. Visitors to the barrel room will encounter the winemakers' journey from vineyard to glass.

Open Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and Fridays 5 to 8 p.m. starting in July.

3520 Arundell Circle, #107 www.planbwinecellars.com (805) 233-1453 No food service CAMARILLO CANTARA CELLARS WINERY

$-$$$ TASTING ROOM AND EVENT SPACE | Perfect for a fun afternoon of wine tasting or enjoying a glass or a bottle of wine accompanied by a lovely cheese plate. Call for event planning.

126 N. Wood Road #104 www.cantaracellars.com (805) 484-9600 L, Appetizers

BACK PATIO CELLARS $-$$$ WINERY | Small boutique winery crafts artisan wines that have the casual elegance to be enjoyed with a good meal or relaxing on your back patio. Mostly red wines. Raise a glass and become friends and family.

930 Flynn Road, Unit F www.backpatiocellars.com (805) 388-3457 No food service

WESTLAKE VILLAGE NABU WINES $-$$$ TASTING ROOM | NABU makes wines from grapes grown in the local Santa Monica Mountains and the Napa Valley. Currently producing chardonnay and syrah from Malibu and pinot gris, merlot and cabernet sauvignon from Napa.

2649 Townsgate Road #200 nabuwines.com (818) 835-3704 No food service

THE GRILL $$$ AMERICAN STEAKHOUSE A contemporary steakhouse with exceptional cuts cooked over a live fire, robust sides and impeccable wines and spirits in a chic ambiance with modern décor.

120 Promenade Way, Westlake Village thegrill.com (805) 418-1760

BLD, Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour AGOURA HILLS TWISTED OAK TAVERN $$ GASTROPUB | A unique twist on the classic tavern. Twisted Oak combines an in-house brewery and full bar featuring craft cocktails with a scratch kitchen preparing pub cuisine.

Awarded Best Beer Bar in California by craftbeer.com.

30105 Agoura Road www.twistedoaktavern.pub (818) 735-0091 LD

Symbol Guide $.....Average entrée $15 or under $$.....Average entrée $16 - $25 $$$.....Average entrée $26 - $35 $$$$ .....Average entrée $36 and higher B.....Breakfast L.....Lunch D.....Dinner Res.....Reservations suggested

38 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

HARVEST KITCHEN & BAR

$$$ AMERICAN | Local and seasonally inspired cuisine is served in two private dining rooms as well as on the patio warmed by fire pits and in the relaxing lounge area. Happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 p.m.

880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village westlake.regency.hyatt.com (805) 557-4710 BLD

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readers corner

Making memories

Barry Tallman of Thousand Oaks and his buddy Mark Whitney of Gaithersburg, Md. are on the lookout for whales at Kilauea Lighthouse on the island of Kauai.

Nothing like a day at sea to bring the guys together. Richard Campos of Camarillo inspects the 3½-foot halibut his friend Bobby Garcia reeled in off Santa Cruz Island.

Summertime

FUN

Sometimes summertime fun means a hike in the 'hood. Chris Passmore shared this photo of his wife, Adrian, at the top of China Flats Trail in Oak Park.

Jacob Castroll and his cousin Andrei catch up on news from home while visiting Vilnius, Lithuania.

More than any other time of year, this is the season made for best friends.

Here's how some of our readers like to hang with their BFFs.

Lisa Friedmann of Moorpark shares a heartfelt laugh with her "soul sister" of 34 years, Nancy Lindsey, at Hollywood Beach.

Lori Brown and her BFF, Kim Flintoff, both of Moorpark, savor summer in Palm Desert.

Julie Merrick of Camarillo enjoys a reunion hike at Camarillo Grove Park with her Westmont College friend, Suzanne Marble, who was visiting from Washington.

This gaggle of guys from Moorpark show off their (handdrawn) six-packs. From left: Kaden Judd, Jonathan Flintoff, Vin Krueger, Cole Brown and Cameron Judd.

Mark and Rena Whitney and Barry and Kay Tallman of Thousand Oaks are on the watch for dinosaurs at Allerton Garden, in Kauai, where "Jurassic Park" was filmed.

See more

awesome photos at www.beyondtheacorn.com

COMING UP:

Believe it or not, 'tis (almost) the season and we want to see you modeling your ugly holiday sweaters. Go ahead: be loud and be proud!

Self-proclaimed besties Jenny Lang of Malibu and Kim Aitken of San Diego throw their cares to the wind while exploring the Oregon coast on horseback.

SEND PHOTOS TO: beyond @ theacorn.com before Aug. 14.

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Fueling Young Minds

After-School Ed & Enrichment

The kids will be back to school before you know it and it’s time to plan for it. Enrichment describes just about anything a child does after school. It can mean classes in the arts, learning new languages or programs that support a student’s school academics.

Our comprehensive listing, aimed at children age 6 to 14, will get your child on track with whatever piques their interest, yearround. But remember to pay attention to those flyers that come home from your child’s school; many schools have on-campus after-school enrichment provided by outside vendors. Plus, your local YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, libraries and parks and recreation departments offer even more opportunities for extracurricular enrichment.

Sylvan Learning Tutoring and help with homework in the core subjects of reading, writing and math. Woodland Hills location also offers a variety of STEM sessions including robotics, coding, engineering and math “edge.”

600 Hampshire Road, Ste. 120 Westlake Village (805) 497-3216 20644 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills (818) 616-8141

www.sylvanlearning.com

ACADEMICS C2 Education Customized academic programs and support plus test prep skills.

23661 Calabasas Road, Calabasas (818) 428-1078 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Unit P Westlake Village (805) 269-6034

www.c2educate.com Huntington Learning Center Learning programs customized by collaborating with each student’s teachers.

22151 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 102 Woodland Hills (818) 716-0100

huntingtonhelps.com Kumon Math and Reading Center Math and reading help along with motivation, focus, self-reliance and a love of learning is fostered.

Locations in Agoura Hills,

Calabasas, Camarillo, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

The Tutoring Center One-to-one instruction for students behind grade level in reading, writing or math.

Mathnasium Math concepts taught in an individualized setting along with homework help.

moorpark.tutoringcenter.com

www.kumon.com

630 Lindero Canyon Road, Oak Park (818) 735-0007 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 124 Thousand Oaks (805) 777-8403

www.mathnasium.com Sophie’s Education Corner Tutoring in all subjects. Critical thinking, test taking skills and homework help are offered. French language classes are also taught using bilingual instruction and immersion methods.

2699 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks (818) 521-7301

sophieseducationcorner.com

235 W. Los Angeles, Ave., Moorpark (805) 876-0288

Tutorific Educator-owned center that designs individual programs for students in any subject.

484 Mobil Ave. #12, Camarillo (805) 482-3730

www.tutorific.org Sandbox 4 Kids The inner nerd in your kid will have a field day with all types of STEM-oriented classes. Students can build robots out of Legos, learn to modify Minecraft using an easy computer language, create artwork digitally using painting software, invent products using

3D printing, build gadgets using snap-together electronic modules, or edit movies and program new video games and interactive stories.

Math tutoring is also available.

215 N. Moorpark Road, Ste. G Thousand Oaks (Janss Marketplace) (805) 379-3939

www.sandbox4kids.com

MUSIC 123 Rock Private and group lessons, ensembles and music workshops in piano, guitar, bass guitar, drums, percussion, voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, songwriting, arranging, garage band and logic.

31368 Via Colinas, #102 Westlake Village (818) 386-8850

www.123rock.net Music School To Go In-home private lessons in piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, violin/viola, voice, drums/percussion, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

Conejo and San Fernando valleys (818) 914-4950

www.musicschooltogo.com Rock Nation School Programs for all levels of students interested in rock music performance. Also offers private weekly lessons.

30125 Agoura Road E & F, Agoura Hills (818) 706-2326

rocknationschool.com

SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 43

Lewis Music Academy Ensemble workshops, family lessons and private lessons for bass, drums, guitar, piano and voice.

216 Moorpark Ave., Ste. 100, Moorpark (805) 523-1615

lewismusicacademy.com Children’s Music Academy Beginner musicians learn piano/ keyboard, singing, theory, harmony, rhythm, composition, recorder, guitar and ensemble.

31836 Village Center Road Westlake Village (805) 495-8981

childrensmusicacademy.org/ westlake-village-ca/ Dave Janssen’s School of Music Rock band workshops, vocal skills and choral development and all levels of instrumental musicians.

1109-B E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805) 520-7858

www.davejanssen.com

Conejo Valley Youth Orchestras Three levels of orchestras help youth musicians develop performance skills and experience.

Westminster Presbyterian Church 3211 Watergate Road, Westlake Village (805) 523-8045

cvyo.org Instrumental Music Private lessons on several instruments offered in music shop.

1501 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 496-3774

instrumentalmusic.biz Knauer Music School Singing, piano, bass, violin, saxophone, flute, cello, drums and guitar lessons for all levels.

Knauer Pianos, 29360 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills (818) 206-3379

www.knauermusicschool.com

Los Robles Children’s Choir Four levels of vocal groups from beginning to advanced, where children learn performance skills and vocal techniques.

Ventura County’s Master Children’s Choir Quality vocal training and music education and professional level performance training in the classical bel canto choral arts.

singingchildren.org

www.mastercc.org

Oaks Christian School, 5776 Lindero Canyon Road Ste. D-289, Westlake Village (805) 496-9616

First Baptist Church, 1601 Temple Ave. Camarillo (805) 796-1951

Musician’s Depot Private music lessons for a variety of instruments.

30839 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Westlake Village (818) 706-3795

THEATER

www.musiciansdepot.com

Gray Studios Learn how to ace auditions during weekly classes offered by this Los Angeles-based acting studio.

Wally World Music Private music lessons offered at music store.

graystudiosla.com

1459 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. G2 Thousand Oaks (805) 496-8322

www.musicstorethousandoaks. com Rock City Studios Private guitar, piano, vocals, bass and drum lessons. Rock band workshops, rehearsals and live shows.

2258 Pickwick Drive, Camarillo (805) 383-3555

www.rockcitystudios.net CSUN Youth Orchestras Philharmonic, Symphony and Camerata Strings orchestras give young musicians performance opportunities in educational ensemble experience.

CSUN, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-1200 www.csun.edu/csun-youthorchestras

Hampton Inn and Suites 30255 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818) 582-3943

Young Artists Ensemble YAE helps youth develop an appreciation for the arts while giving them a chance to perform.

Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747

www.yaeonline.com Youth Musical Theatre The program, led by Broadway veteran Raymond Saar, teaches performers self-confidence and self-esteem as they stage a musical.

Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (818) 884-9909

www.youthmusicaltheatre.com California Dance Theatre Classes in musical theater are taught year-round.

2282 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village (818) 707-3267

www.caldancetheatre.com

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Bobbie’s School of Performing Arts Teaching kids how to act, sing and dance for the last 35 years.

2320 Teller Road, Newbury Park (805) 498-7747

www.bobbiesschool.com Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory Classes in acting, voice, directing and theater history.

1414 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 427-5314

www. goldcoasttheatreconservatory. com High Street Arts Center Kids in the winter youth production will sing, dance and act as they learn about character development and set and lighting design.

45 E. High St., Moorpark (805) 529-8700

www.highstreetartscenter.com

Playhouse 101 28720 Canwood St., Ste. 108 Agoura Hills (805) 816-4204

playhouse101.com Premier Musical Theatre Ongoing, four-month-long programs cover acting, singing, dancing and improve and culminate in a live production.

Breakthrough Studios 1489 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. C Thousand Oaks (818) 668-5528

www.premiermusicals.com Stage Door Players Members of this all-youth troupe attend theater workshops, get audition assistance and perform staged readings and revues.

Camarillo Skyway Playhouse 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo (805) 388-5716

FINE ART Art Is Our Passion Oil painting, digital illustration, drawing, animation, watercolors.

www.dramastars.com

www.artisourpassion.com

Rubicon Theatre Company Classes cover script analysis, character development, stage presence and memorization techniques.

Art Trek, Inc. Independent, nonprofit after-school arts program includes homework time, a creative snack and art.

1006 E. Main St., Ventura (805) 667-2912, ext. 234

www.rubicontheatre.org Antonio Sabato Jr.’s Acting Academy The ex-“General Hospital” star owns this academy and former “Baywatch” actress Erika Eleniak is an instructor. Classes cover scene study, movement, voice and acting.

31368 Via Colinas, Westlake Village (800) 228-1963

www.myactingacademy.com Center Stage Agoura This music store/theater offers performance-driven programs in theater, TV acting and playing in rock bands.

Center Stage Agoura 28311 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818) 991-3030

www.centerstageagoura.com Curtain Call Youth Theatre This teen theater group stresses etiquette, discipline, teamwork and camaraderie in addition to acting, singing and dancing skills.

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Shayna Turk’s Academy of Rising STARS Shayna Turk started this theater academy when she was 11 to give kids, no matter their ability, the chance to perform.

Miller’s Pavillion, Hidden Hills (818) 835-4962

Practicing the Art and Science of Dentistry

2940 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Ste D

805-409-9009

www.milroblesdental.com

1321 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 126 Thousand Oaks (818) 991-5514

703 Rancho Conejo Blvd., Newbury Park (805) 499-1700

arttrek.org

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Bantu Arts Atelier For Kids Arts and crafts classes in English, French and German, storytelling, singing and dancing share Central African culture.

LASER THERAPY RELIEVES LIEEVES PAIN PAIN AND AND INFLAMMATION ASSOCIATED WITH: INFLA IATED DW ITH: SPRAINS & STRAINS TRAIN LOW BACK PAIN SHOULDER & KNEE SPORTS INJURIES NECK PAIN

5023 N. Parkway Calabasas, Calabasas (818) 805-4100

www.bantuartsatelier.com Blank Canvas, Inc. Learn basic design, explore art movements, art history and elements and principals of design.

DISC ISSUES SCIATICA TENDONITIS & TENDONOSIS FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS AND MUCH MORE!

1414 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 113 Thousand Oaks (805) 497-1600

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www.paintblankcanvas.com CReATE Studio Drop-in DIY arts and crafts studio for all ages geared toward creative exploration though open-ended art using recycled, artistic and crafty materials.

APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT

Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center therapy lasers

3625 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Ste 172 Westlake Village • 805-494-1339 www.DocDuben.com

31840 Village Center Road Westlake Village (818) 575-9566

createstudiofun.com

SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 45

For Art’s Sake Oil painting instruction, exploring different styles and subjects to expose them to a variety of techniques and applications.

Agoura Hills Dance Ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, competition and performances.

www.4artsakestudio.com

agourahillsdance.org

Heart4Art Kids learn to express themselves as artists in a fun and nurturing studio with a flexible schedule.

Aspire Dance Studio Ballet, tap, jazz, acro, lyrical, hiphop, musical theater, performances.

30317 Canwood St., Ste. 38, Agoura Hills (818) 707-1952

In-Home Music Lessons University Trained Instructors

• All Ages • Flexible Scheduling • All Styles of Music • Guitar, Piano, Voice, Violin, Drums & more

NO REGISTRATION FEES • STUDENT RECITALS

We Come To You! $50 OFF First Month’s Tuition When Your Enroll By July 30!

818-914-4950 • www.MusicSchoolToGo.com

5200 Kanan Road, Ste. 214, Agoura Hills (818) 203-5031

heart4art.me Michelle’s Young At Art School Fine arts basics using pencils and charcoal and instruction in watercolor, acrylic or oil paints.

1633 Erringer Road, Ste. 201B, Simi Valley (805) 579-7076

www.youngatartschool.com Mission: Renaissance Fine Art Classes Classes in drawing and watercolors taught by instructors trained and certified in the Gluck Method.

5776-A1 Lindero Canyon Road Westlake Village (818) 735-0980 21761 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills (818) 710-7991

www.fineartclasses.com Kindling Studios A partnership of nonprofit Reid’s Gift, Inc. and Studio Channel Islands, Kindling Studios is a working art studio for special needs artists and entrepreneurs.

2222 E. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo (310) 853-0794

www.kindlingstudios.org The Arterie Students learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting and are taught to appreciate art and artists.

Creative expression is encouraged.

Avoid video game brain-drain this summer by taking advantage of our flexible summer scheduling! Choose how many weeks you want your child to attend, then choose morning or afternoon sessions.

The choice is yours. We offer personalized math, reading, writing, and college prep courses as well as robotics, coding, and Algebra EDGE. Get ahead at Sylvan today!

Mention the Acorn and Save $50 off your summer programs!

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Sylvan of Westlake Village 600 Hampshire Road, Suite 120, Westlake Village, CA 91361

805-497-3216

locations sylvanlearning.com/us/westlake-village-ca

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Enroll now.

SYLVANLEARNING.COM 46 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

2219 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 105 Thousand Oaks (805) 379-1426

www.thearterie.org

DANCE Thrive Dance Center Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, voice, acting and performances.

3623 Old Conejo Road., Ste. 100 Newbury Park w(805) 375-9988

www.thrivedancecenter.com Academy of Dance Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary/lyrical, acro, improv, choreography and musical theater.

5700 Corsa Ave., Ste. 106 Westlake Village (818) 889-1515

www.academyofdancewestlake.com

5015 Cornell Road, Suites A/B/F Agoura Hills (818) 991-8883

1655 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 101 Thousand Oaks (805) 379-3822

www.aspiredancestudio.com Calabasas Academy of Dance Ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theater, lyrical and acrobatic dance plus performances.

4505 Las Virgenes Road #102, Calabasas (818) 880-8152

calabasasacademyofdance.com California Dance Theatre Classical ballet utilizing American Ballet Theatre curriculum and audition opportunities to perform with the Pacific Festival Ballet.

Many dance styles plus recitals and competition team.

2282 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village (805) 906-2087 www.caldancetheatre.com Camarillo Academy of Performing Arts Ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, acrobatic, aerial, hip-hop.

2520-A Las Posas Road, Camarillo (805) 383-6446

www.camarilloacademy.com Dance Creations Ballet, tap, lyrical, jazz acrobatics, hip-hop and competition.

888 E. Easy St., Simi Valley (805) 582-2598 dancecreations.com

Gotta Dance Academy Ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hiphop, lyrical and competition teams.

1555 Simi Town Center Way, #185 Simi Valley (805) 526-5655

www.gottadancesimivalley.com Pam Rossi’s Dance Ten Ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, musical theater, acting and performances.

650 Flinn Ave., #6, Moorpark (805) 529-1958

www.dance-ten.com The Dance Company Jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, contemporary and performances.

4014 Camino Ranchero, Unit D/E Camarillo (805) 383-2307 5285 Kazuko Court, Unit E, Moorpark (805) 529-0165

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SCENE AROUND TOWN Cajun & Blues Fest Photos by BOBBY CURTIS

Revelers danced to zydeco and blues tunes at the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise’s 28th annual Cajun & Blues Fest in May. Clockwise from top: Don Wallace plays his washboard tie for grandson Tuff. Keyonderia Bunch and Tyrell Pack demonstrate the art of eating crawfish. Ken Liebenson of Crawdaddio performs. Linda Bredemann and Ron Crosthwaite two-step to the music.

48 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

Summer 2017

AROUND TOWN & BEYOND LOCAL OUTDOOR CONCERTS Through Aug. 19:

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Rancho Simi Rec and Park presents concerts at two locations this summer. Tribute bands salute Huey Lewis and the News (July 15) and Fleetwood Mac (Aug. 19) at Rancho Simi Community Park and Bruce Springsteen (July 29) at Oak Canyon Community Park.

Rancho Simi Community Park 1765 Royal Ave., Simi Valley Oak Canyon Community Park 5600 Hollytree Drive, Oak Park (805) 584-4400; www.rsrpd.org

Through Aug. 20:

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Bands salute the music of U2 (July 9), the Who (Aug. 6) and The Police (Aug. 20) at this concert series presented by the City of Agoura Hills and The Acorn Newspapers. A July 16 concert by the Conejo Valley Community Concert and Jazz Band will be held at Agoura High School’s Performing Arts Education Center.

Chumash Park 5550 Medea Valley Drive, Agoura Hills Agoura High School 28545 Driver Ave., Agoura Hills (818) 597-7361 www.agourahillsrec.org

Through Aug. 26:

SATURDAYS IN THE PARK

The City of Westlake presents

A HEALTHIER YOU STARTS WITH THE Y

tributes to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac (July 15) and U2 (Aug. 26).

Berniece Bennett Park 31800 Village Center Drive Westlake Village (818) 706-1613; www.wlv.org

Through Aug. 27:

8), Justin Timberlake (July 22), Neil Diamond (Aug. 5), Garth Brooks and Shania Twain (Aug. 19) and Elvis (Sept. 9).

Constitution Park 1287 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo (805) 987-7847 camarilloartscouncil.org

SUN SETS

Through Sept. 4:

Calabasas Lake (enter at Tennis & Swim Center) 23400 Park Sorrento, Calabasas (818) 224-1600 www.cityofcalabasas.com

Conejo Rec and Park’s annual series continues with tributes to Johnny Cash (July 4), Buffalo Springfield/Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young/Neil Young (July 23) and Green Day/Blink-182 (Aug. 13).

Thousand Oaks Acorn sponsors the Sept. 4 concert with Melvin Seals and Jerry Garcia Band.

The concert series features Latin jazz artist Hamid Cooper (July 16), The Stars of Beatlemania! (Aug. 13) and New West Symphony (Aug. 27)

Through Sept. 9:

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

The Camarillo Arts Council presents tributes to Motown (July

SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Conejo Community Park 1175 Hendrix Ave., Thousand Oaks (805) 495-2163; www.crpd.org

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Financial Assistance is Available

The Miller Family YMCA 805.480.0309 The Conejo Valley YMCA 805.523.7613 The Triunfo YMCA 818.707.9622 The Simi Valley YMCA 805.583.5338

www.SEVYMCA.org

MUSIC July 1:

ROADSHOW REVIVAL

The eighth annual celebration of American roots music features rockabilly and outlaw country bands, Johnny Cash tribute acts, a pin-up girl pageant, custom cars and bikes and children’s activities.

Discovery Ventura 1888 Thompson Blvd., Ventura www.roadshowrevival.com

July 9:

“GILBERT & SULLIVAN FAVORITES”

The duo behind Victorian-era operetta hits like “The Pirates of Penzance” and “H.M.S. Pinafore” will be celebrated at this concert, presented by the Ventura County Gilbert & Sullivan Repertoire Company.

Anderson & Roe (July 15); violinist/ festival artistic director Nuvi Mehta (July 16); singer Perla Batalla paying tribute to Leonard Cohen (July 21); bass/cello/violin trio Simply Three (July 22); and pianistsinger Michael Feinstein (July 23).

Various venues (805) 648-3146 www.venturamusicfestival.org

July 16:

THOUSAND OAKS PHILHARMONIC

Young soloists and professional players, under the direction of Edward Francis, perform together in the ensemble’s “Opus 49” concert.

Scherr Forum Theatre Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 376-2485; www.tophil.org

July 23:

Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747; www.hillcrestarts. com

805 SUMMER SLAM

July 9:

Borderline Bar & Grill 99 Rolling Oaks Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 446-4435 www.borderlinebarandgrill.com

MOONSVILLE COLLECTIVE

The Americana quintet performs songs off its new EP at this show, a fundraiser for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Fund.

Rock duo Feisty Heart opens.

Peter Strauss Ranch 30000 Mulholland Hwy., Agoura www.tinyporchconcerts.com

July 13:

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR

Flo & Eddie of The Turtles are once again headlining this hitpacked summer revue. They’re joined by Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night, The Association, The Cowsills, The Box Tops and The Archies’ Ron Dante.

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006; canyonclub.net

July 13-16, 21-23:

VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL

“An American Season” is the theme of this 23rd annual festival.

Performers include J2B2, a bluegrass supergroup founded by Desert Rose Band members John Jorgenson and Herb Pedersen (July 13); jazz pianist Roger Kellaway (July 14); classical piano duo

Get ready to mosh with punk bands the Dead Kennedys, Ill Repute, Agression, Bad Samaritans and Despicable Good Guys.

July 27:

JOHN WAITE

The rocker celebrates 40 years of music—from hits with the Babys (“Isn’t It Time,” “Every Time I Think of You”) to solo successes (“When I See You Smile,” “Missing You”).

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006; canyonclub.net

Aug. 5:

BERKLEY HART

This acoustic folk-pop duo, featuring Jeff Berkley (guitar, percussion) and Calman Hart (guitar, harmonica), will make you laugh, think and cry when it performs as part of the Brogden Bay Presents concert series.

Four Friends Gallery 1414 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 358-4970 www.brogdenbaypresents.com

Aug. 5:

COLBIE CAILLAT

The “Bubbly” singer-songwriter, who grew up in Thousand Oaks, performs tracks off her latest sun-drenched CD, “The Malibu Sessions.”

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787 www.civicartsplaza.com

Aug. 19-20:

“TERI BIBB: ONCE UPON A SONG”

The soprano, who has played Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera” more than 1,000 times on Broadway and the national tour, pays tribute to Shirley Jones, Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and other movie musical icons who helped shape her career.

Rubicon Theatre Company 1006 E. Main St., Ventura (805) 667-2900 www.rubicontheatre.org

Sept. 9:

OXNARD JAZZ FESTIVAL

The lineup for the second annual fest features Evelyn “Champagne” King, Jessy J, David P. Stevens, Malo Anthology, Pamela Williams, Adam Hawley, Gerald Albright and Jonathan Butler.

Oxnard Beach Park 1601 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard (805) 813-9392 oxnardjazzfestival.com

COMEDY July 8:

Mean” follows Don Rickles’ game plan: She says every horrible thing she can think of about everyone in the audience and, as a result, by the end of her show, everyone feels equal and included.

The Canyon 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006; canyonclub.net

THEATER Through July 2:

“A CHORUS LINE”

Seventeen dancers, all desperate for work, vie for eight spots in a Broadway musical. The show, featuring such classic songs as “One” and “What I Did For Love,” was a massive success when it premiered in 1975, winning multiple Tonys and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

High Street Arts Center 45 E. High St., Moorpark (805) 529-8700 www.highstreetartscenter.com

Through July 9:

“THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE”

This “Bee” got an “A” from Tony and Drama Desk voters, winning for best book. It’s a musical about six kids in the hunt for a spelling bee championship. As they rattle off letters, hilarious and touching tales of their home lives unfold.

STAND-UP COMEDY ON Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley THE HILL

Host Jason Love welcomes comics Dwayne Perkins (named one of Rolling Stone’s “Five Comics to Watch” in 2012) and Andy Hendrickson (“Live at Gotham,” “Late, Late Show”) to this monthly laugh fest.

Theatre on the Hill at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-1246; www.hillcrestarts. com

Aug. 11-12:

BRAD GARRETT

The 6-foot-8 actor/comic, who played Ray Romano’s brother for nine seasons on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” performs his stand-up act.

Levity Live at The Collection Riverpark 591 Collection Blvd., Oxnard (805) 457-5550; oxnard.levitylive. com

Sept. 8:

LISA LAMPANELLI

Comedy’s “Lovable Queen of

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June 30-Aug. 6:

KINGSMEN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: The outdoor Kingsmen fest returns for its 21st year with two Shakespeare classics.

“Love’s Labour’s Lost” is a rollicking tale of love and language; “Julius Caesar” packs so much political intrigue that it could be ripped from modern-day headlines.

Kingsmen Park at California Lutheran University 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3452 kingsmenshakespeare.org

July 14-23:

“PETER PAN”

Carly Bracco, a 2006 Thousand Oaks High School graduate, stars as the boy who wouldn’t grow up in Cabrillo Music Theatre’s season-

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ending production. This 1954 musical version of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale features a score by Morris “Moose” Charlap and Jule Styne with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, Betty Comden and Adolph Green.

Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 497-8613 www.cabrillomusictheatre.com

July 22-Aug. 27:

“BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL”

Elton John wrote the music for this musical about a British boy who transcends class and circumstance to become a ballet star.

Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805) 583-7900; www.simi-arts.org

Aug. 4-Sept. 10:

“THE LAST FIVE YEARS”

A love affair between two 20-something New Yorkers, from romance’s first flicker to its final dying ember, is examined in Jason Robert Brown’s inventively structured musical. Jamie, the man, recounts the relationship from start to finish; Cathy, the woman, tells her side from finish to start. Time magazine

picked “The Last Five Years” as one of the 10 best shows of 2001.

Camarillo Skyway Playhouse 330 Skyway Drive, Camarillo (805) 388-5716; skywayplayhouse. org

July 14-Aug. 13:

“YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN”

It’s alive! Mel Brooks’ 1974 bigscreen spoof of classic Universal Pictures horror movies is turned into a bawdy, boisterous musical . . . complete with a singing/ dancing monster.

Conejo Players Theatre 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715; conejoplayers.org

Aug. 18-20:

“NEXT TO NORMAL”

YA4Ever, the alumni offshoot of Young Artists Ensemble, performs this Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical about a suburban family struggling with mental illness.

Hillcrest Center for the Arts 403 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-2747; www.hillcrestarts. com

Sept. 13-Oct. 1:

“INCOGNITO”

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Four actors play 21 characters in this Nick Payne play, which weaves together three stories in a tale about the intersection of memory and identity.

Rubicon Theatre Company 1006 E. Main St., Ventura (805) 667-2900 www.rubicontheatre.org

Through Oct. 1:

“ANIMAL FARM”

Talking animals reject their human master and work to create a world of equality in this stage adaptation of George Orwell’s classic 1945 novel that satirizes manipulative, power-hungry politicians.

Theatricum Botanicum 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.

Topanga (310) 455-3723; theatricum.com

FINE ART Through Aug. 3:

“DECORATIVE ART”

This exhibit showcases massproduced art pieces—often displayed on floors, mantels and desks—that became popular in the 19th century, giving homes an air of prestige without the price.

William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art at Cal Lutheran University 160 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3697 rollandgallery.callutheran.edu

Through Aug. 5:

“32 DEGREES LATITUDE”

A juried exhibit devoted to the discovery, introduction and promotion of emerging artists in the Conejo Valley and beyond.

California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks 1948 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 405-5240; cmato.org

Sept. 7-Dec. 9:

“EXPOSED"

The show spotlights conceptual and contemporary work by both prominent and emerging female California photographers who are underrepresented in our nation’s museums. The exhibition will also touch upon the influence California’s landscape has had on these photographers.

California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks 1948 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Thousand Oaks (805) 405-5240; cmato.org

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FESTIVALS AND FAMILY FUN

July 12:

Through Jan. 7:

The New York Metropolitan Opera’s production of Verdi’s “Nabucco,” with Plácido Domingo in the title role, is being broadcast in theaters nationwide. Another Met transmission, on July 19, features mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca starring in Bizet’s steamy “Carmen.”

Hundreds of artifacts from the ill-fated ship—including boarding documents, sheet music, a deck chair and a passenger’s pocket watch—in a massive 10,000-square-foot exhibit. Items from the Oscar-winning 1997 movie also will be on display.

“NABUCCO”

Century Riverpark Oxnard 16 2766 Seaglass Way, Oxnard www.fathomevents.com

Sept. 16:

“AMADEUS LIVE”

“Amadeus,” the 1984 Oscarwinning biopic about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, will be screened with live accompaniment by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and members of the LA Opera Chorus.

Valley Performing Arts Center 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge (818) 677-3000 www.valleyperformingartscenter.org

WINE AND SPIRITS July 22-23:

TEQUILA AND TACO MUSIC FESTIVAL

Tequila takes center stage on the first day of the fest, margaritas are the drink of choice the next; tacos and live music are spotlighted all weekend. Proceeds help benefit FOOD Share.

Plaza Park 651 E Thompson Blvd., Ventura www.tequilaandtacomusicfestival. com

July 30:

A TASTE OF CAMARILLO

Sip fine wines, craft beers and gourmet foods under the shade of 100-year-old trees at Ventura County’s longest-running wine and food festival, a fundraiser for Meadowlark Service League.

Also on tap: auctions, shopping and country music by Caught Red Handed.

Camarillo Ranch 201 Camarillo Ranch Road Camarillo (805) 279-8909 www.tasteofcamarillo.com

“TITANIC”

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley (805) 577-4066 www.reaganfoundation.org

June 29-July 2:

SEASIDE SPECTACULAR ALL-BREED DOG SHOW

Fur will fly at this competition, presented by the Ventura County Dog Fanciers Association.

Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura (805) 648-3376 www.venturacountyfair.org

July 15:

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COPPERS AND CHOPPERS

Children can meet Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies and K-9 unit dogs; sit inside police cars, helicopters and other emergency vehicles; and learn about searchand-rescue teams.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Air Unit at Camarillo Airport 375 Durley Ave., Camarillo (805) 492-4398 vcsheriffsfoundation.org

Aug. 2-13:

VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

Roasted corn! Funnel cake! Giant turkey legs! Deep-fried . . . everything!

Plus concerts, exhibits, rides and crafts.

Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura (805) 648-3376 www.venturacountyfair.org

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ACTION FROM PAGE 15

in a videotaped intro prior to the ceremony. “He is one of the greatest stunt people who’s ever lived.”

All in the family

Gayle couldn’t help but be impressed by Buddy Joe’s full-throttle occupation. She grew up playing sports and once got to floor it on Germany’s Autobahn, so she had a taste for adrenaline. It wasn’t long before she was telling Buddy Joe, “I want to try that.”

He agreed, reluctantly, and began prepping her for the 1990 Steven Seagal film “Hard to Kill.” She learned how to fall and fight.

Their seven-acre Agoura property became a punishing stunt camp.

“He’d jump out from behind a corner and grab me and throw me across a table,” Gayle remembers. “Because it was my first film, he was very thorough. People would ask, ‘Is that bruise from a stunt?’ And I’d say, ‘No, that’s from a Buddy Joe rehearsal.’ ” Gayle’s resume now includes credits in movies and TV shows.

For six seasons she was Teri Hatcher’s stunt double on “Desperate Housewives.”

Her learning curve was steep, but stunts came naturally for sons Houston and Kanan. They were 4½ when Buddy Joe directed them in a big snowball fight scene for the 1998 Michael Keaton movie “Jack Frost.” Stunt work in several other movies and TV shows followed.

“Our children took after Buddy Joe’s genetics and were born with wings,” Gayle says. “I had to have them sewn on.”

The twins wanted to pursue full-time stunt careers after high school, but Buddy Joe insisted they continue their education. So they studied film producing at Chapman University in Orange,

graduated in 2015 and now live and work in Hollywood. Houston is a post-production coordinator for on-air promotions at CBS Television City; Kanan recently left his executive assistant job at an L.A. talent agency to do stunts and work as Buddy Joe’s assistant on “Turn: Washington’s Spies,” a Revolutionary War drama on AMC.

For decades, Buddy Joe and other stuntmen have been lobbying the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to create an Oscars category recognizing stunts. He’s baffled at the Academy’s resistance, considering how many Oscar-winning films have featured action-driven sequences requiring stuntmen and stunt coordinators.

“We’ll keep hammering away,” Buddy Joe says.

When it comes to stunts, his motto is “go big or go home.”

“If you’re not going to do the best you can do, and the best you’re capable of, then you shouldn’t be there,” he says.

But that doesn’t mean taking unneeded risks. He’s maniacal about preparation, rehearsals and safety. In his career he’s broken just one bone and had one major injury: separating his ribs from his sternum following a motorcycle stunt on “Airwolf ” in the ’80s.

After more than six decades in the business, Buddy Joe is still going strong though he’s scaled back the stunts he does himself, focusing more on working behind the scenes as a stunt coordinator.

On the rare occasions he’s home, he retreats to his art studio and paints oils and watercolors. Still, he says, “there’s nothing in a car I don’t feel I can do anymore.”

For Buddy Joe, the thrill of the job remains unmatched.

“You get to crash all these cars, do all this stuff, and they pay you,” he says. “It doesn’t get better than that.”

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GARDEN FROM PAGE 31

explains Sister Lourdes Lara, executive director of Mary Health.

For those who cannot remain at home, Mary Health offers compassionate skilled nursing care in an uplifting environment.

In tune with that mission, the garden is a perfect place for residents and their families to visit. It’s common to see a teen pushing a grandparent’s wheelchair while admiring the roses or adult children holding the hand of an infirm parent in the shade of a large tree, perhaps forgetting their illnesses for a time, or enjoying peaceful meditation.

“Some residents have a favorite spot,” Sister Lourdes says. “My favorite spot is the green area near the small koi pond where the baby koi are born.”

Twenty years in the making If the fantasyland at the garden feels a little like heaven on earth, it is because June Ebensteiner, a Westlake Village resident, who at the age of 88 is as vibrant as the roses she grows, designed the garden to inspire the imaginations of all who visit.

June says she discovered Mary Health of the Sick when she was looking for a place for her mother to live. As one of the founders of the National Hospice Foundation, she was particular about how residents should be treated in their final days on earth. Mary Health’s philosophy of loving care jelled perfectly with her own.

“I told Mother (Purification) that I wanted to . . . create a beautiful garden,” June recalls, referring to the nun who was mother of Mary Health at the time. “Mother says to me, June, come with me, and she showed me the land in the back of the hospital.” When it opened in 1964, Mary Health of the Sick was much smaller. “It was a little hospital, it had nothing. I wanted to put it here for the sisters.” Today Mary Health has 61 beds for men and women of all faiths and offers skilled nursing and palliative care.

And so, with the help of her husband, Paul, who owned Ebensteiner Construction, June built a small paradise to share with the sick. And, each year, she added to the garden. A koi pond here, a sculpture there.

Before Paul died on New Year’s Eve, 2000, the garden was only a year old, but it was the place Paul wanted to visit most. The couple was proud of the garden, and both knew that their labor of love would grow and bloom.

“At the time when Paul went to heaven I wondered where I would get the money to complete the garden,” June says. “The money would come out of the blue. (Paul) always made sure I had money to finish the garden.”

June says she designed the garden as a fantasy, starting with about 400 rose bushes, and then adding the koi pond, waterfall and eventually the fanciful animals. Mother Purification helped her locate what she calls the “elegant” stations of the cross, which circle the gazebo at the center of the rose garden.

“I developed the garden for what I think heaven would be like, and heaven has a sense of humor.”

For more information about Mary Health of the Sick or to make a donation, visit: www.maryhealth.com, email: office@maryhealth. com or call: (805) 498-3644.

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56 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

HORSES FROM PAGE 35

“We copied Foxfield—they were the place,” adds Jim, who trained there for some time as a young teen.

Jim remembers his father telling him, nearly 40 years ago, that someday this region would be the center of the horse world. He wasn’t wrong. Today, there are at least 10 equestrian facilities in Ventura County alone.

Elvenstar itself has grown from its humble beginnings. At its start, the riding academy included only Jim and his pony, Rufus.

Today, along with a satellite program in Huntington Beach, the property has grown into a recreational facility that’s recently acquired 11 more acres and is home to 46 horses and ponies, four training rings, a show barn, a dressage program, a clubhouse, picnic area and an array of local wildlife that, for the most part, are welcome guests. Under the shade of the 900 trees Jim planted himself around the facility, riders of all levels learn to walk, trot, canter, jump and communicate with their horses in a warm, inclusive environment.

“You know, (show riding) can be a snotty, unfriendly sport,” says Jim. “But that’s just not us.”

Kaycee Bischoff, who teaches hunt-jump and equitation, laughs as she recalls a lost-looking family who stumbled onto the grounds recently.

“The parents came up to me and just said, ‘Our kid has been talking about horses since she was two years old, and we don’t know anything about them!’

I guess it’s just in your blood.”

Along with teaching lessons at the school, Kaycee coaches the Elvenstar riders who compete in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA), a nonprofit organization that introduces students to equestrian sports.

“It brings a team aspect to an otherwise individual sport and it’s a fantastic learning experience, where students really develop a sense of a horse,” she says of IEA, now heading into its seventh season. The best part, she says, is seeing firsthand how much kids improve from that first day in the ring.

“I grew up riding. And for a kid to grow up in this environment . . . it teaches responsibility and gives them a sense of freedom, too. The best part of my day is seeing kids improve and how they feel rewarded. That connection with the horse—how could that not be worth (the work)?”

As a trainer works with a rider in one of the tree-shaded rings, a pony trots around a neighboring ring, enjoying the late afternoon sun. Nearby, a donkey stretches his neck toward a passerby in hopes of earning a scratch while an affable cat naps on a cushioned wicker chair. Several rows of cabernet sauvignon grapes are growing against a small hillside.

There’s a house tucked away behind the vines; Jim’s parents still live on the property—just as they intended all those years ago.

“This . . . it’s my childhood dream,” Jim says. “But this place was always meant to be bigger than me. I will eventually fade, but Elvenstar will not.”

That connection with the horse—how could that not be worth (the work)?

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Mon-Sat 11-5 | Closed Sundays • Indoor Playground • Giant Slides • Toddler Zone • Restaurant • Bumper Balls • Arcades

1OFF

$

818-338-8888

www.kidsworldla.com

618 Lindero Canyon Rd., Oak Park

admission

See website for hours

818-233-8944

www.blastcityla.com

• Birthday Parties • Group Events • Camps

KIDS WORLD • 818-338-8888 With this coupon. Limit 1 per admission.

Not valid with other offers.

• 3 Different Game Chapters: Beginner To High-tech Warrior • 18 Mission Based Role Playing With Obstacles & Targets

1OFF

$

• The Only Interactive Arena-X Laser Tag In The U.S.!

game of laser tag BLAST CITY • 818-233-8944 With this coupon. Limit 1 per admission.

Not valid with other offers.

CREMATION Simple and Affordable

$648.00

COMPLETE COST** ** Includes Permit, Sales Tax and 1 Death Certificate

BURIAL PACKAGES

Church Service

$2,800

Graveside Service

$2,200

Includes Casket** Includes Casket** ** Choice of 11 different 20 gauge steel caskets and Permit, Sales Tax and 1 Death Certificate

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Freshen up your wardrobe in 3 easy steps: I’ll help you decide: • What to keep • What to donate • What to buy

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Serving all of Ventura County (805) 230-2297 / (805) 558-8900 Pre Arrangements Available

valleyofpeace.net SUMMER 2017 | WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM 57

Local lore

Surfer

Girl

58 WWW.BEYONDTHEACORN.COM | SUMMER 2017

Photo by ERNEST LENART, with permission from KATHY ZUCKERMAN. Malibu, 1957

snapshot

She is legend: the plucky teen who shoved her way into what was then a boysonly club, the 1950s Malibu surf culture. Her coming-of-age story, set against the backdrop of the shimmering Pacific and bursting with hormones, was captured in a charming novel written by her father, Hollywood screenwriter Frederick Kohner, in 1957. “Gidget, The Little Girl With Big Ideas” was an instant best-seller, inspiring three movies (remember Sandra Dee, James Darren and Cliff Robertson?), a shortlived television series (starring Sally Field) and several made-for-TV movies.

When the first “Gidget” movie hit the silver screen in 1959, the summertime adventures of Gidget, Moondoggie and the Big Kahuna rode a wave into mainstream teen culture, turning the real Gidget, Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, into an icon and opening up the world of surfing to women.

Today the inspiration for that beloved “girl midget” is still part of Malibu life, serving as Ambassador of Aloha at Duke’s restaurant in Malibu where she can be found greeting guests and sharing images on the wall of Gidget surf memorabilia on Tuesday nights and Sundays. “The mission became fun for me, healthy for me to re-enter the community of surfers,” Kathy says. “Malibu doesn’t change much. Only the people who come down there.”

—LGH

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1515 Flynn Rd. Camarillo 805|484|4391 www.thompsonbldg.com

We Carry Products by: El Dorado, Sparkstone, Olsen Pavers, Belden & much more!!