Beyond the Acorn February/March 2019 by Beyond the Acorn

THE ACORN

Beyond February/March 2019

We Love

Love

The spirit of local living

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THE ACORN

Beyond

contents

18 nastassia johnson

Feb/March 2019

35 We love love Three local weddings, three totally unique styles. Plus, trendy dog weddings and the latest in engagement ring designs.

A comprehensive guide to wedding venues around the region.

Greer Von Muellner combined a love for yoga and a mission to live sustainably to create Honey Feet Yoga Mats.

Acornucopia

Sleep and relaxation essentials that will leave you feeling rested and refreshed.

18 Enjoy life, eat cake

22 Adventure Is Out There!

When your relationship is in a rut, these creative date ideas will give your romance—and your adrenaline—a jump-start.

26 Diana & Jaco

A Thousand Oaks couple’s tale of love, art and a marriage to last the ages.

30 Romancing the Oyster

The minds behind Cake Monkey Bakery divulge some oh-so-sweet recipes with a nostalgic twist.

READERS CORNER

48 They Said Yes!

Readers share their most romantic engagement photos.

AROUND TOWN & BEYOND

The truth behind this delicacy and its aphrodisiac reputation. Plus, recipes to try this Valentine’s Day.

52 Our region’s spring calendar of events. SCENE AROUND TOWN

54 The community rallies together at Borderline

benefit events.

SNAPSHOT

58 All in the Family

Weddings in the Conejo Valley looked a little different at the turn of the 20th century.

ON THE COVER: Hidden by heart balloons, future bride

and groom Christina Cox and Kevin Scaringi playfully pose in front of the Camarillo Ranch House's red barn. Photo by MICHAEL COONS

MICHAEL COONS

Conejo Valley native Paige Peel is a songwriter and an athlete with a love for her community.

around the table

features

12 Her Home

16 Sweet Dreams

45 Perfect Place, Perfect Day

NEIGHBORS

14 Meditating On Sustainability

35 Dream Weddings

WELCOME FROM BEYOND Greetings from the editor.

INNOVATORS

special section

becca rillo

DEPARTMENTS

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welcome | From the editor Love—for such a short, simple word, sure is powerful. Love has been the force behind history’s greatest—and sometimes most devastating—stories. We spend our lives searching for that special love, the one that inspires us to exchange promises to hold each other close, to support one another for years to come, no matter what the world throws our way. And, every day, we find ourselves falling unconditionally in love with the people, pets and even places that touch our lives. I love Thousand Oaks. Growing up on my little cul-de-sac in the suburbs, it's where I first began to understand the definition of “community.” It’s where I went to grade school and fumbled, like most, through my own first love. It’s the place I returned to after college and several years away. And it’s where I imagine I might raise a family someday, maybe on a little cul-de-sac. This town is home—and the inexplicable tragedies that hit our community in November inflicted the most painful heartbreak I could possibly imagine. It’s in these moments I’m reminded of love's resiliency. Through heartbreak and loss, battered and broken, our hearts continue to find each other. And love, that ever-powerful force that makes us so intrinsically human, endures. It always will. This issue isn’t just our wedding edition. Its pages are filled with all the ways love touches us: stories of hope, of romance, of companionship and of community. Enjoy the read.

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THE ACORN

Beyond Publisher Lisa Rule Editor Allison Montroy Advertising Director Nick Oliveri Creative Director David McMartin editorial staff writers Ela Lindsay, Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff Contributing Writers Ian Bradley, Kirsty Fowler, Darleen Principe, Anne Star Copy Editors Erin Newman, Mark Wyckoff editorial assistant Monique Abrahamsen ART contributing designers Sarah Ely, David Lopez, West MaĂ¤tita, Robert Ramirez, Timm Sinclair WEB DESIGN David Lopez photoGRAPHY photo editor Richard Gillard staff photographer Michael Coons 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 SUBSCRIPTIONS

To subscribe to Beyond the Acorn magazine, go to www.theacornonline.com/gobeyond/ or call (818) 706-0266 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

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That's a wrap! Cover models Christina Cox and Kevin Scaringi take a break to kick up their heels with Beyond staffers David McMartin and Michael Coons at the Camarillo Ranch House.

neighbors | Paige Peel

Her Home

This athlete and singer-songwriter's love for community runs deep Written by ian bradley Photo by Michael Coons

Six months ago, if visiting friends or family asked 22-yearold Paige Peel to show them around town, she probably would have taken them to Borderline Bar & Grill, if only because it was her brothers’ favorite hangout. “That’s Thousand Oaks to them,” she explains. When the shooting at Borderline on Nov. 7 claimed 12 lives, including friends of her brothers, and shook Thousand Oaks to its core, Paige, a born-and-raised resident of the city, was one of the many left confused and horrified in its aftermath. So she wrote a song about it. “Our Home,” Paige's tribute to the Borderline victims, gained her some local fame and provided comfort to those who heard it. She’s played it at several vigils for victims of the shooting, and says people from around the country have contacted her to say how the song affected them. “This is our front porch and our backyard,” she sings. “A small town with big hearts on the borderline of heaven, where we never thought this would happen.” The lyrics speak to Paige’s impression of her hometown: friendly, welcoming, and far removed from danger. “Whenever I was talking to someone who wasn’t from the area, I would always say, ‘Oh it’s a small town, everybody knows everyone,’” Paige says. “Which is not necessarily true . . . (but) that’s the feeling that I grew up with. You just had that sense of family—in your neighborhood, at school, anywhere you went. You’re connected because you’re from Thousand Oaks.” Though she says “Thousand Oaks,” she’s referring to the greater Conejo Valley area as well as Simi Valley and Moorpark, where she’s lived for the last three years. Paige says that although each city is unique, they’re all “in the bubble”— they’re safe, family-oriented communities that don’t feel like anywhere else. Paige’s family has called Thousand Oaks home since her mother was in college, and, except for a church mission that sent her to Ecuador for two years, Paige has lived in the area her whole life. She says she can’t picture moving away—even when she feels like she might be missing out on something. “For the last two years while my friends were off at college and graduating and moving on to different states or whatnot, I’m just stuck here,” Paige recalls. “I’m like . . . ‘It’s not a bad thing. It feels good.’” But that’s not to say she doesn’t have plans. Paige is an aspiring professional singer-songwriter. She is currently working with a producer in hopes of establishing herself in Nashville’s bustling music scene and taking online 12 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

music production classes through Full Sail University. She says the courses give her an opportunity to learn about the music industry and a chance to sharpen her songwriting skills. Paige has been writing songs since she was 7 years old. She briefly took piano lessons as a child, and then picked up the guitar when she was 16—that’s when music became a serious pursuit rather than a hobby. She jokes that she had to come out to her family as a musician, because for most of her life it was all about sports. Paige’s older brother, Tyler, was an athlete growing up, and Paige says that she and her younger brother, Tucker, followed suit—whatever sport the eldest played, the other two played as well. When he stuck with basketball, so did she. “I played varsity basketball all four years in high school and then I played at Moorpark College and it was always kind of a struggle trying to decide what I wanted to do. Singersongwriter? Basketball?” Paige explains. “Nobody really knew when I was growing up that music was a thing (for me) and so in the back of my head it was like, ‘Wow, one day I’m going to come out and sing a song and everyone’s going to be shocked, because it’s always been about basketball.” She’s not sure what drove her to pursue music, but says it was something she did for herself, rather than something in which she would be following in her siblings’ footsteps. When she writes songs, Paige tries to pull ideas from her daily life. “When I’m talking to someone, I’m really listening, because they might say something that would work as a hook or a punchline,” she explains. “I’ll try and take what they say and relate it to something I’ve gone through.” Her process is all about the words and the melody—she doesn’t sit down with a guitar and write a song, because starting with the chords is too restricting. Once she hammers out the lyrics and the tune, she’ll sit with a friend who plays guitar, and they’ll figure out the chords to support her. “Sometimes we’ll figure out that the chords take an unexpected turn, something you wouldn’t necessarily think to do if you started writing with an instrument.” She’s written lots of songs, but only shared a handful, all posted on her YouTube channel. But it was “Our Home” that put her on the map, reaching thousands of people and capturing the familial spirit that made her community feel so safe to Paige her whole life. B

Watch a live recording of "Our Home"

innovAtoR | Honey Feet Yoga

Meditating On Sustainability Using cork yoga mats to help yogis and nature thrive

Greer Von Muellner's quest to find a nonslip yoga mat led to her own creation made of ecofriendly cork and rubber.

honeyfeetyoga.com

The practice of yoga is all about mindfulness and listening to the body’s needs—a difficult feat when you find yourself slipping all over your mat while trying to hold trikonasana pose in your hot yoga class. Westlake Village native Greer Von Muellner realized this for herself when she began hot yoga six years ago and noticed that she could only keep her body steady by constantly wiping her mat with a towel. Fed up with the countless towel washes and expensive mat cleaning products, Greer decided to find a grip-sustaining mat with an eco-friendly touch. Her research led her to one material that was both environmentally conscious and beneficial to yogis: cork. While reading about cork’s nonslip properties, she also learned about its environmental advantages over traditional mats’ harmful plastic and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials, which release toxins during production and make mats difficult to properly recycle. She was inspired to start Honey Feet Yoga and make biodegradable yoga mats using only cork and natural tree rubber. Honey Feet Yoga maintains a low ecological footprint during and after production by sourcing its cork from the bark of oak trees in Portugal, which are all at least 25 years old the first time they are stripped. After that, they aren’t touched again for another 10 years to ensure natural growth. To make her mats 100 percent natural and nonslip, Greer submerges the harvested cork into natural latex found in the sap of rubber trees in Malaysia. Greer has sold about 300 mats through her online shop so far, and since starting Honey Feet Yoga has also become a certified yoga instructor. Beyond reached out to Greer to learn a bit more about her quirky business venture.

Courtesy of GREER VON MUELLNER

Written by Kirsty Fowler

BEYOND: What inspired the name of the company? GREER: Since the mat is nonslip, I wanted a name that would explain a feature of the mat. The first thing that came to mind was honey. I also wanted a name that would appeal to everyone and not lean either masculine or feminine. BEYOND: Why did you decide to use cork? GREER: Cork is an amazing material. It is . . . antimicrobial and biodegradable. I also love the natural feeling of the cork while practicing yoga.

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BEYOND: What benefits will people see from using your mats? GREER: Because cork is a natural, nonslip material, people will not need to use a yoga towel—even in a hot flow where there is excess sweat and added moisture. Since the mat is also antimicrobial, it “self cleans” and does not trap in bacteria. This means it prevents the mat from getting smelly as quickly as other yoga mats and is completely mildew-proof. BEYOND: How have your mats helped the environment? GREER: Our mats are made out of all sustainable and natural materials. There is zero plastic used in our mats and when someone wants to dispose of their Honey Feet mat it will biodegrade. BEYOND: What was the most important thing you learned during the creation of Honey Feet Yoga? GREER: . . . that even when I felt like something was not going to work out or an obstacle got in my way, I just kept going and didn’t stop. If I had a roadblock, I just dealt with it and didn’t let it discourage me from starting Honey Feet. BEYOND: Right now, you offer two different mats on your website—each varying in thickness. Anything new in the works? GREER: Not yet, but I’d love to figure out a way to collect used yoga mats made from PVC, plastic and other harmful materials and properly dispose of them. BEYOND: What’s your biggest hope for the company? GREER: I want to spread awareness . . . I was so shocked to learn that most yoga mats contained PVC, which is not only bad for the environment, but harmful to those practicing on the mat. BEYOND: What advice would you give to people who want to become more eco-conscious? GREER: Begin with small changes. I started out this way and it helped change my overall mindset in everyday situations— like getting a coffee and opting out of a plastic lid or telling your waiter that you don’t want a straw with your drink. There are so many things we do every day that can be easily changed that you will barely notice and help our planet.B

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Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 15

acornucopia | Online finds

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This essential oil aromatherapy spray from Roots & Blooms envelops you in a world of tranquility. Spray it on your pillow before bed and feel the stress of the day drift away. $45 rootsblooms.com

Bamboo Sleep Set

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Sleep Tracking Mat

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Bath & Meditate Bundles

These incense and soap bundles are fair-trade sourced and support indigenous artisans. Bath time never felt so good! $22-$39 incausa.co

Starling Candle

The sale of these natural soy wax candles housed in recycled glass votives helps support UNICEF’s development of solar power in developing nations. So kick back and relax—it does the world good. $55 starlingproject.org

Five More Minutes Eye Mask

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Ubud Herbal Steam

Breathe it in—this Bali-inspired face steam uses pink rosebuds to brighten skin and contains lavender, chrysanthemum, calendula and chamomile to soothe, calm and hydrate. Ahhh. $22 rootsblooms.com

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around the table | Cake Monkey Bakery

nastassia johnson

enjoy life eat cake

Retro-inspired treats that delight the palate—and your inner child Written by darleen principe

Sometimes all it takes to satisfy a sweet tooth are a few big bites of cake. Add to that a dash of nostalgia and a whiff of whimsy, and voilà! It’s the stuff that Cake Monkey Bakery in Westlake Village is made of. The brainchild of cake-loving entrepreneur Lisa Olin and executive pastry chef Elizabeth Belkind, Cake Monkey has be18 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

come famous throughout the Los Angeles area for its retroinspired treats. Take the bakery’s signature Black & White Cakewich, for example: it’s an elevated homage to the Hostess Ding Dong. And the also-chocolatey and cream-filled El Rollo harkens back to Lisa’s personal childhood favorite—Drake’s-brand Yodels. “The gist of what we do,” says Elizabeth, “is we want to

Chris cordone

provide an experience that is reminiscent of childhood and the things you enjoyed eating as a kid after school, but do it in a refined way and with ingredients that are top-notch.” “It’s fun and whimsical, with a sophisticated twist,” Lisa adds. The duo came together about a decade ago after Lisa, who had worked 20 years as a producer in the entertainment industry, decided it was time for a career change. As a lifelong lover of sweets, she came up with a concept, a business plan and a name—a nod to her dog Tug, whom she affectionately called “Monkey.” “Then I needed a pastry chef, so I put the ad on Craigslist,” she says. Elizabeth, who had recently gained major recognition for launching the Wednesday Night Doughnut Shoppe at Grace restaurant in Los Angeles, answered the call. “(Lisa’s concept) just kind of fit in with what I was interested in,” the pastry chef says. “It just clicked.” What started out as a two-person operation out of Lisa’s home kitchen evolved over time into a wholesale commissary in North Hollywood that supplies treats to places like Umami Burger, PizzaRev and dozens of other L.A. hot spots. Cake Monkey then opened its first retail shop on Beverly Boulevard in Mid-City in 2015. The bakery made its way into the Conejo Valley last summer by opening its second storefront, in Westlake Village. The expanded bakery includes a full espresso bar, as well as a breakfast and lunch menu featuring salads, sandwiches,

Elizabeth Belkind, left, and Lisa Olin, right, opened Cake Monkey's second location, in Westlake Village, last summer.

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Party Pleasers provides carefully curated, one-of-a-kind finds giving us the nickname of Southern California’s “boutique” rental company. Our warehouse is full to the brim with unique furniture, dishware and décor pieces. We love all things designbased and our goal is to help you create the WOW factor that lingers long after your guests have gone home.

Mini layer cakes line the glass cases inside Cake Monkey Bakery.

toasts and quiches. Lisa says she wants customers to experience “delight” when they walk into Cake Monkey Bakery. “I want their eyes to light up when they see everything and when they take their first bite,” she says. And a delight it truly is, just to peer into the glass cases at Cake Monkey. The bakery’s shelves are filled with an abundance of mini layer cakes and foil-wrapped snack cakes. Some come in classic flavors like chocolate or vanilla, while others are a little more adventurous, such as the raspberry red velvet cakewich or triple berry crumble mini layer cake. Then there are treats like the Inside Out S’more, a graham cracker and chocolate ganache sandwich topped with a tall spiral of toasted marshmallow; or the ooey-gooey Magic Bar, chocolate, pecans and coconut on top of a chocolate cake crumb crust. Freshly baked cookies and croissants, doughnuts and tea cakes and chocolate hazelnut babka—made with brioche dough and topped with hazelnut brittle—tempt hungry eyes from behind their glass window. And of course, there’s the Pop Pies—Cake Monkey’s take on the toaster pastry—which come in flavors such as blueberry, apple, chocolate almond and brown sugar cinnamon. Every treat at Cake Monkey feels familiar and approachable, but raised to a higher level. It’s the guiding principle behind all of Elizabeth’s creations. “We certainly put a lot of effort into what we make,” she explains. “Everything is made by hand. Technique is super important and the ingredients are the best. “We want people to know that they’re eating something remarkable in some way.” B

cake monkey recipes Sticky Toffee Blondies with Sea Salt and Roasted Pecans Serves 20

nastassia johnson

24 oz. unsalted butter 1½ tsp. kosher salt 3 cups pastry flour 6 whole eggs 2 Tbsp. vanilla extract 2¼ cups medium brown sugar 2 cups muscovado sugar 1¼ cups roasted pecans, finely chopped (roast for 9 minutes or more at 325º until very aromatic) *Sticky toffee glaze Preheat oven to 325°. Brown the butter. Pour into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Using nonstick spray, coat a baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray bottom and sides. Whisk flour and salt together in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla. Add the sugars to the brown butter and mix by hand for a minute. Add the egg/vanilla mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until well combined and shiny, about 20 seconds. Blend in flour mixture until there are only a few pockets of dry flour remaining. Do not overmix. Fold in pecans. Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake at 325°, rotating after 12 minutes. Continue baking another 12 minutes. Blondies are done if the top is crackly and glossy and the center feels slightly firm to touch. Allow to cool. Prepare glaze while blondies bake. Turn cooled blondies out of the pan on to a cutting board. Cover with another board and flip again to right side up.

Slice into 3" x 3" squares. Dip the top of each blondie into the glaze. Sprinkle with sea salt. Serve, or store covered once completely cooled. They will keep for up to four days in a covered container and up to two weeks if frozen. *Sticky toffee glaze 2¼ cups medium brown sugar 12 oz. unsalted butter 3 cups heavy cream 4 oz. honey 4 oz. light corn syrup Fleur de sel or other medium-grain sea salt for finishing Combine ingredients in a large, heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to a boil. Boil on high heat for about one minute. Do not leave the glaze unattended to keep the sauce from getting too thick.

Lil' Merri's are Elizabeth and Lisa's tasty version of an oatmeal cream sandwich cookie.

Lil’ Merri’s

Makes 12 to 15 2 cups brown sugar ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2 eggs ½ tsp. kosher salt 2 cups pastry flour 2 cups rolled oats (not instant) 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. baking soda 1½ tsp. boiling water *Maple buttercream

Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar for 2 minutes on medium speed. Add the eggs one by one, allowing each to incorporate before adding another. Combine the flour, salt, cinnamon, oats and baking powder and add to the creamed mixture. Combine baking soda and boiling water and add to the batter. Mix thoroughly. Refrigerate dough for 4 hours before using. Assembly: When the dough is chilled, scoop with a ¾-oz. scoop on to a tray lined with parchment. Gently flatten each scoop of dough with moistened fingers into an even shaped round about ¼" thick. Bake at 350° for 4 minutes. Rotate tray 180° and bake another 3 to 4 minutes until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are dry but still chewy and pliable. Using a small spatula, gently coax any overly spread cookies back into a round shape. Cool completely. Once the cookies are cool, fill a piping bag with maple buttercream. Pipe a flat round of buttercream on half the cookies. Top with the other cookie halves. Keep cookies at a cool temperature. Do not refrigerate. Cookies may be frozen in airtight containers. Exposure to moisture will cause the cookies to soften and dissolve. *Maple buttercream 1¼ lb. unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 1 cup grade B, unrefined dark amber maple syrup 1 tsp. kosher salt 1½ tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups presifted powdered sugar Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on medium speed until soft and creamy and pale in color. Scrape the bowl down with a spatula intermittently to ensure even mixing. Slowly drizzle in maple syrup. Mix until thoroughly combined. Add the kosher salt and vanilla extract and mix well. Scrape the bowl down again. Add the powdered sugar and mix until combined. Set aside.

For more recipes visit www.beyondtheacorn.net Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 21

i s e ur t n Adouvet ! e r e th Written by Erin newman

It’s a familiar feeling: the relationship is going great, but the comfort zone is getting too . . . comfortable. That doesn’t mean the spark is gone—it’s just been muffled by the routine of work, smartphones, kids and commitments. Reignite the romance by getting outside and doing something completely different, maybe for a day, maybe only a few hours. The key is trying something new together. Mixing up routine does the mind and the body good. It increases the heart rate, which releases endorphins that trigger positive feelings—a perfect recipe for romance and passion. Plus, trying a new activity together is a great way to develop a fledgling relationship. Bonus for long-term marriages: sharing new experiences with a longtime partner revives what you felt when you were dating, when everything was a new, shared experience. Venture out of the uninspiring dinner-and-a-movie zone with unique, active adventures for two—right here in our region.

On the Trail

Let the restorative power of nature balance your relationship. Visit a parks and rec office and grab a trail map, then head out to one of the thousands of trails that cover our region’s open space. There’s something for all levels of trekkers, from steep ascents to a low-key walk around a lake. Top a hike with wine or champagne at the summit of Simi Valley’s Rocky Peak, or choose a beachy sunset view as a celebration point. For an adventurous challenge, try geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunt that requires teamwork—and GPS—to find hidden “caches.” Two heads are better than one as you travel on foot, mapping your way together and looking for clues.

Creative date ideas to reenergize your relationship

Fitness Fun

Train together for an upcoming race event—a great way to bond over a common goal and get fit at the same time. Moorpark’s Groundhog Day 5K—a distance of only 3.1 miles that can be walked—is a great place to start. These beginner races often have a theme, raise money for charity and provide celebratory fun at the finish. Or try the Color Run, “the happiest 5K on the planet,” where participants are doused in color as they run. Keep that friendly competition going as you take it to the next level with a longer race, such as the Ventura Seaside Marathon’s 10K course or get messy in a local mud run, an obstacle-laden endurance event.

Adrenaline Adventures

Up the date night ante with a dash of risky business as you try rock climbing at an indoor gym—learn the ropes by bouldering first and then test your trust in each other as you take turns belaying up the gym’s vertical walls. Couples who prefer to keep their feet on the ground can visit a go-kart track and test their ability to handle corners and straightaways while racing to the finish line—let the winner pick the next date idea! Or, team up against opponents and test your abilities to strategize and cooperate together in a physical, real-life adventure by playing a game of airsoft or paintball, both combat simulations. Take cover in bunkers, trenches and behind hay bales while you dodge incoming pellets and plan your next move together.

e Find mor hy date-wort ideas on page 52

Pedal Power

Zip around the sycamore-lined streets and sparkling lakes of Westlake Village on Pedego electric bikes—a great way to take in the scenery without too much exertion. The bikes’ quiet motors share the load of pedaling while whirring past miles of scenery so couples can connect over conversation without becoming breathless. At the Ventura Pier or Channel Islands Harbor, it’s easy to enjoy the cool coastal weather from under the shady canopy of a Surrey bike for two—a fun way to pop in and out of restaurants, shops, pubs or tasting rooms while also getting in a good leg workout. Or rediscover the joy of bicycling on a pair of old-school cruiser bikes—perfect for bike paths. Take in seaside views as you pedal south from Oxnard Beach Park on the smooth two-lane bikeway, or try the twomile Calleguas Creek bike path that begins at Pleasant Valley Fields in Camarillo.

Seaside Splash

With a harbor or marina never too far away, it’s easy to get a great arm workout in a kayak for two or ramp up your core stability in Channel Islands Harbor as you find your balance on a standup paddleboard, a growing sport that is catching on quickly because it’s a snap to learn. Both are a fun way get out in the sun and play on the water, exploring the nautical scenery and local sea life together. There’s even room for a picnic! Or, paddle out and away from civilization for a secluded moment to steal a kiss at sunset. Raise the fun factor by taking personal watercraft, such as a pair of Jet Skis, out for a spin. Aquatic adventures abound all around the region.

Written by Mark Wyckoff Photo by RICHARD GILLARD

A marriage filled with love and art

26 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

“This is the house of the weird . . . the weird and the unique,” Diana Berkman says as she welcomes a visitor into the Thousand Oaks home she shares with her husband, Jack. The Berkmans are retired now—Diana is 70, Jack is 73—and they fill their days with love. Love for each other after 48 years of marriage, love for their grandchildren and, yes, a love for the weird. In the living room are three 3-foot-tall wooden spoons. “I used to tell my grandkids that I have a friend who’s a giant,” Diana explains. “He’s a good giant, who likes to sleep in a hammock.” Sure enough, three rope hammocks are tucked neatly next to those spoons. On the walls are Diana’s captivating portraits of their grandkids. The sparse, uncluttered drawings look as if they’re done in charcoal, but they’re actually created using a very unusual medium—eye makeup. Jack’s art is similarly unique: He creates with a hammer, pounding out three-dimensional wall art made out of nails. “We search for the different,” Diana says.

Her treasures include an antique nesting doll that belonged to her mother, a Jewish-Russian émigré whose family fled religious persecution in Russia in the 1930s and settled in Mexico, where Diana was born. Like that doll—which opens up to reveal 12 other dolls—she and Jack have lived multilayered lives. Jack was a pro water skier when he “was young and skinny”; Diana made cakes, sold Avon and wrote and illustrated Spanish-language versions of comic books like “The Jetsons” and “Huckleberry Hound.” They met in Mexico City. Jack was born there, too, the son of Jewish-Polish parents who left Lithuania to avoid similar persecution. On a blind date in 1969, Jack and Diana watched the Apollo 11 moon landing on TV. After they married in November 1970, Jack bought a struggling toy company with eight employees. Over the next dozen years, the Ensueño staff swelled to 400 and became Mexico’s No. 2 toy manufacturer, producing flying Superman dolls and stretchable Batman action figures. Jack oversaw product development and manufacturing, Diana designed the packaging and wrote advertising jingles. Their kids, Stephanie and Jean Paul, starred in Ensueño’s TV commercials. In 1982, as Mexico’s economy started to nosedive, the Berkmans sold the company and moved to the United States. They settled in Calabasas and, with no experience, opened a rotisserie chicken eatery called Chick’s on Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills, serving an odd pairing of Mexican and Jewish menu items. It was a success for over two decades until business slowed following the Great Recession. Jack finally

Left, Diana stands next to an eyeshadow portrait of her grandson, Jayden. Jack created this twin towers piece after 9/11. Below, Diana and Jack's grandson, Dylan. Diana says Jack created the dolphin nail art piece, bottom, "just for fun."

Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 27

pulled the plug in 2012 after 30 years in business. Suddenly retired and now living in Thousand Oaks, Diana and Jack had more time for art. To them, it was a hobby, not a career. Diana started drawing in Mexico when she was 9, but her talents weren’t encouraged. “My mother wouldn’t allow a nice Jewish kid to be painting and be a hippie,” Diana says. “So I collected her eye shadows and I used to paint with them secretly.” She’s tried using oils and watercolors, but those mediums require too much time to dry. That’s never a problem with her makeup brushes and Revlon Formula 2 color palette. “With my medium, I’m done—I just use hairspray to set it,” she says. “Jack will go to sleep, and when he wakes up the painting is finished and framed.” She’s done portraits of her grandkids—Stephanie’s son Harrison, 10, and Jean Paul’s sons Jayden, 11, and Dylan, 9—and is eager to draw them again. She’s also mulling a “My Three Sons”-style portrait of their beatup tennis shoes. Jack’s nail art, done under the moniker “Jaco,” dates back to 1975. He picked up a hammer instead of a paintbrush because “I cannot even draw a straight line.” His first creation was, in a word, abstract. “It was . . . whatever came out,” he says. “When you start putting in the nails, you have an idea, but then one nail pushes the other one and then you cannot fix it. Now I have more control.”

Diana drew the portraits above and at right, the latter of which once hung in the couple's Woodland Hills eatery. Jack hit the right notes with his nail art guitar, left, and his hinge-heavy creation, top right, won second place at a Westlake Village Art Guild show.

28 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

Over the years, he’s pounded out giraffes, dolphins, flowers, flags and bells, all made with hundreds and hundreds of nails in different colors and styles, from horseshoe nails to upholstery nails. “Whatever ends in the word ‘nail,’ I use,” he notes. Balsa wood is his canvas. He hammers out the main image first, then fills in the background. For a 3-D effect, he mixes longer nails and shorter nails, varying how far he pounds them in. Additional pieces of wood are used to add height. Finished creations can weigh 80 to 100 pounds. A piece depicting piano keys was purchased by Grammy Award-winning musician David Foster. Moved by the 9/11 tragedy, Jack hammered out a piece honoring the twin towers of the World Trade Center that now belongs to someone who lost a family member there. Arthritis and a sore back have slowed him down, but Jack has his next project picked out. “A friend would like to have a frog,” he says. Until then, he’s got his grandkids to keep him busy. He and Diana look after the boys three days a week and every other weekend. “It’s a good life,” Diana says. “A simple life. A combo of kids and adults and weird art . . . and love. Lots of love.” B Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 29

Oysters provided by King's Fish House in Calabasas

Romancing the

For centuries, oysters have famously carried a reputation as aphrodisiacs. These barnacle-like bivalve mollusks may be rather ugly, but they are coveted little creatures with a sensual tag attached. The idea that oysters pack romanceboosting powers dates back at least to the Roman Empire. But it was late 18th century Italian scam artist Giacomo Casanova who revived their reputation. Considered a notorious lover, playboy and womanizer, Casanova boasted that he consumed over 50 oysters for breakfast each morning to sustain his amorous desires. Rumored to have had hundreds of romantic affairs during his lifetime, Casanova was convinced that consuming large numbers of oysters daily aided his stamina and heightened his passionate lifestyle. Despite the many naysayers of his day, Casanova may have been on to something. His substantial meal of slimy, plump raw oysters actually was brimming with a number of vitamins and minerals known for their libido-lifting power. Not only do oysters contain lipids, carbohydrates and proteins such as magnesium, calcium and iron, but they’re also packed with zinc, a mineral that supports testosterone production in the body, and dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that’s said to increase both men’s and women’s libido. Casanova may have been naturally lusty, but the romantic little oyster could have had a hand in helping him maintain his reputation as a renowned ladies’ man. This Valentine’s Day, have fun with your loved one by putting Casanova’s theory to the test and exploring new ways to enjoy oysters. Why not . . . the world is your oyster!

Story and recipes by anne star Photos by MICHAEL COONS

How to Love an Oyster Oysters stay freshest when stored in the refrigerator and, once opened, served raw over a platter of crushed ice, often garnished with lemon slices. To eat a raw oyster, take a very small fork and detach the oyster meat from its half-shell. Then, pick up the shell by its wider sides and slurp up the oyster. Depending on your preference, you can swallow it whole or chew to savor the flavor of the meat. Enhance the romantic potential with white wine or a glass of Champagne. Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 31

Left, bloody Mary oyster shooters are a deliciously different way for the reluctant diner to try raw oysters. Above, chargrilled Parmesan oysters are an easy and quick way to enjoy dinner in no time at all. Top, the spicy remoulade sauce is a French classic that adds the perfect amount of kick to oyster loaf baguette sandwiches. From page 30, if dining out is more your style, order a platter of fresh oysters served on ice from the raw bar at the newly remodeled King's Fish House in The Commons at Calabasas.

Oyster Tips and Facts ● Oysters are important to our ocean’s health. When they eat, they filter water through their gills and help remove pollutants, which as a result helps keep our oceans clean.

Oyster Loaf Baguette Sandwiches *Spicy Remoulade Sauce Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters Chargrilled Parmesan Oysters Oyster Loaf Baguette Sandwiches Serves 2 Seafood has always played an important role in San Francisco’s history. During the rowdy days of the city in the late 19th century, husbands who were out late carousing often carried home an oyster loaf sandwich instead of flowers or candy as a peace offering for their annoyed wives. We’re not saying it will work today, but you can give it a try! 1 French baguette (1 lb.) 6 Tbsp. room temperature butter, divided ¼ tsp. nutmeg ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper 1 tsp. salt ½ cup flour ½ cup milk 1 egg 16 medium shucked oysters ¾ cup dry bread crumbs 2-3 Tbsp. vegetable oil Spicy remoulade sauce* Slice the baguette and scoop out the soft center. Using 3 Tbsp. of butter, coat the inside of the bread shell. In a small bowl, mix together the nutmeg, cayenne, pepper, salt and flour. In a second bowl, beat the milk and egg and dip oysters into egg mixture, then the seasoned flour and finally roll in bread crumbs. Sprinkle with additional bread crumbs and chill for 1 hour. In a medium skillet, sauté the oysters in oil and remaining butter over medium high heat until golden brown and crusty—about 3 to 5 minutes. Arrange cooked oysters in bread shell and serve sandwiches with spicy remoulade sauce.

*Spicy Remoulade Sauce Serves 2-4

1 cup mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. Creole mustard 1 Tbsp. paprika 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce Dash of hot sauce (such as Tabasco) to taste Salt to taste Freshly ground pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until mixed thoroughly. Serve or refrigerate immediately.

Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters Serves 2 3 oz. chilled bloody Mary mix 2 oz. chilled premium vodka 2 tsp. prepared horseradish 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2-4 freshly shucked raw oysters In a cocktail shaker, combine bloody Mary mixture, Worcestershire sauce, vodka and horseradish to taste. Shake thoroughly. Divide oysters into two small glasses and pour the bloody Mary mixture over each. Toast your Valentine, and down the hatch.

Chargrilled Parmesan Oysters Serves 2 6 fresh oysters on the half-shell 1 stick of butter, melted ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan Prepare and heat grill until the coals are white hot. Place the oysters with shell sides down directly on the grill grates. Gently brush melted butter over each oyster and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Close lid and grill for 3 to 5 minutes until cheese has melted. Remove from grill and serve. Careful, they’re hot!

● Oysters taste different depending on where they come from. East Coast oysters tend to have a higher salt content and West Coast oysters are sweeter with notes of cucumber and even watermelon. Every oyster has encountered a different story, making its flavor unique. ● Ignore the old adage of only eating oysters during months that have the letter “r.” Today, most oysters are farm-raised and can be safely consumed year-round. ● When purchasing, avoid oysters that have a cracked shell or rotten smell. Oyster meat should be juicy and have sheen, not dull or dry. ● Beware of raw oysters at the market with shells that are already open: they may be dead and are unhealthy to consume. To check, tap on the outside shell a couple of times and if it quickly closes, the oyster is still alive and safe to shuck. ● If you don’t have an oyster knife, you can shuck an oyster with the point of a basic metal hand can tapper by inserting it in the front point of the closed shell and prying it open.

At Simi Valley ValleySchools, Schools, At Simi our unlocktheir theirfuture future our students students unlock

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At Simi Valley Schools, we value and celebrate every family passing through our doors. It's so

At Simi Valley Schools, we value and celebrate every family passing through our doors. It's so important to us that we've made it Our Promise to our community, that we will inspire each important to us that we've made it Our Promise to our community, that we will inspire each and every student to succeed in school, career and life. and every student to succeed in school, career and life. As Ventura County's second largest school district, our 28 schools provide our families with

As Ventura County's second district, our 28 provide our families with many varied programs andlargest coursesschool that meet the needs andschools interests of every student many variedtoprograms and courses that meetand thediverse needsasand every coming us. Each school is as distinctive ourinterests studentsof are, and student while all of our coming to us. Each school is as distinctive and diverse as our students are, and while all ofitsour K-12 schools follow state-mandated curriculum guidelines, each also offers more, through K-12unique schools state-mandated curriculum guidelines, each also offers more,schools through its andfollow specialized classes, Pathways and extra-curricular activities. Our high offer unique and specialized classes, Pathways and extra-curricular activities. schools offer the most Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes inOur thehigh county. We have the many most Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes in the county. We have schools that are California Gold Ribbon winners and National Blue Ribbon winners, along with numerous other awards acknowledgements that best Blue reflectRibbon the excellence and many schools that are California Goldand Ribbon winners and National winners, creativity found in our schools. along with numerous other awards and acknowledgements that best reflect the excellence and creativity found in our schools. www.SimiValleyUSD.org , contains pages and links filled with school and Our website, as do the websites for each school District. All of and www.SimiValleyUSD.org , contains pages andwithin linksour filled with school Ourprogram website,information, our friendly, knowledgeable are available andschool excitedwithin to answer questionsAll and program information, as do thestaff websites for each our District. ofgive tours their schools for curiousstaff families. Just call and or email any to school you're interested andtours ask. our of friendly, knowledgeable are available excited answer questions andingive If you're already with us, thank you for being an important part of our family. of their schools for curious families. Just call or email any school you're interested in and ask. If you're already with us, thank you for being an important part of our family. Simi Valley Schools: From here to anywhere.

Simi Valley Schools: From here to anywhere.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Arroyo Elementary School Arroyo Elementary Atherwood ElementarySchool School Atherwood Elementary School Berylwood Elementary School Berylwood Elementary School Big Springs Elementary School Big Springs Elementary School Crestview Elementary School Crestview Elementary School Garden Grove Elementary School Garden Elementary Hollow HillsGrove Elementary SchoolSchool Hollow Elementary Hills Elementary Katherine SchoolSchool Knolls Elementary School School Katherine Elementary Madera School KnollsElementary Elementary School Mountain Elementary School MaderaView Elementary School Park View Elementary School School Mountain View Elementary Santa Elementary School ParkSusana View Elementary School Sycamore Elementary School School Santa Susana Elementary Township Elementary School Sycamore Elementary School Vista Elementary School Township Elementary School White Oak Elementary School Vista Elementary School Wood Ranch Elementary School

White Oak Elementary School

MIDDLE SCHOOLS Wood Ranch Elementary School Hillside Middle School MIDDLE SCHOOLS Sinaloa Middle School Hillside Valley ViewMiddle MiddleSchool School

Sinaloa Middle School HIGH SCHOOLS

Valley View Middle School Apollo High School HIGH Royal High SCHOOLS School Apollo High School Santa Susana High School Simi Valley High School Royal High School Santa Susana High School OTHER SCHOOLS

101 West Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065 805.306.4500 www.SimiValleyUSD.org Follow us at: www.Facebook.com/SimiValleySchools

101 West Cochran Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065

SimiEarly Valley High School Justin Learners Academy (Comprehensive Preschool) OTHER SCHOOLS Monte Vista School Justin Early Learners Academy (K-12 Independent (ComprehensiveStudy) Preschool) Simi Institute for Careers & Monte Vista School Education (Adult School) (K-12 Independent Study) Simi Institute for Careers &

In this corner of the world, walking down the aisle can be a glamorous affair or a sand-in-yourtoes stroll. These couples tied the knot at local spots â&#x20AC;&#x201D;each with a style all their own.

ge 40 Flip to pa y for a beach g din ed w o oh b

TANA HAYES PHOTOGRAPHY

Dream Weddings

Classic Elegance Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks Photography by Sara Knobel Photo

Erin and Alex met, of all places, on a spring break trip to Iceland. But they decided to exchange vows a little closer to Erin’s home. “The setting itself means a lot to us because it’s where my parents live and where he asked me to marry him. And since Alex is in the Navy, once we went with the uniform, we realized we needed to elevate our style.” The white-and-brick estate paired well with the patriotic elements, while the bucolic scenery around the club complimented the couple’s relaxed, easy style.

“Choose a venue space that is meaningful to (you) . . . with views you think are beautiful and an energy that matches you and your partner!” — Sara

“We went with some of the more relaxed finishes, like string lights inside, which made it more modern and relaxed and easy.” — Erin

“(At) Sherwood Country Club everything is contained in one beautiful . . . stunning ceremony and reception space.” — Sara

“The traditional Navy sword arch (at right): naval officers walk out in formation and form an arch over you; as you walk forward the two swords in front drop down and the rite of passage is a kiss. At the end, they smack you on the butt with a sword and say, ‘Welcome to the Navy, ma’am!’” — Erin

“We tried to be really simple and traditional with the theme colors: navy, gray and white.” — Erin

“

Erin’s dress and florals were probably my favorite elements to photograph from the day.

“I wanted something that looked natural. Alex—he was much more picky!—came up with the blush and pink touches.” — Erin

— Sara

”

Rustic Romance Strathearn Historical Park, Simi Valley Photos by Becca Rillo Photography

For Nicole and Josh, who first met in high school and later reconnected, their rustic-style wedding was inspired by the small furniture-refinishing business they had formed together. “We loved creating a rustic farmhouse look with our refinished pieces and started to incorporate these themes into our wedding,” says Nicole. “We are huge DIYers and loved being able to add our own unique touch!” “This venue matched our rustic theme perfectly! We were married outside in front of the gazebo and had our reception in an old barn with beautiful string lights.” — Nicole

“Rustic weddings can be so beautiful but they can also be so over-designed. Take one rustic element and then add it to a classic style wedding to ensure that your wedding will be both rustic and timeless!” — Becca “Pink daisies are my favorite!” — Nicole

“

It's hard to pick a favorite part (to photograph) . . . but . . . I'll always pick the romantics. The time during the wedding when I get to steal away the newlyweds for portraits of just the two of them.

— Becca

”

“There are so many interesting areas around the property to capture beautiful portraits, and the old barn lets light peek in through the boards, giving it the most romantic look during the reception.” — Becca

“Details are one of my favorite things to photograph! Being able to capture all of the things (the couple) won't see during the day so they can see them later is really special!” — Becca

Beach Boho Rincon Beach Club, Carpinteria Photos by Tana Hayes Photography

It was a match made in Lululemon, where Paddy—a surfer and great DOFI (director of first impressions) according to yogini Charisse—asked her to go for a run and, as they say, the rest is history. The beach-loving couple spends as much time surfside as possible because they both find comfort and peace outside in nature. So having a coastal wedding was another perfect match.

“I’m a very candid photographer, so for me the most important photos are ones that show the connective emotion between the couple. Although, for everyone, I believe getting that one shot of them looking into the camera is important for the couple to take home to Mom and Grandma.” — Tana

“

Our wedding was very much of the following: beach, music, surf, yoga, chill because those words pretty much describe us as people.

— Charisse

”

“(The color scheme was) earthy beach neutrals. For our wedding cake, I sent them a picture of a sunset I took at the beach and asked them to frost the outside of the cake to look as much like a sunset as possible.” — Charisse

“A beach wedding is very free-flowing, and usually requires an easygoing couple who is willing to cope with the elements.”— Tana

“I envisioned our theme to be Beach Boho—it was very organic, earthy and beachy. Surf was a theme as well, as we used one of Paddy's old surf boards as our guest book for people to sign.” — Charisse

“They love the ocean and adventure. They embrace music and they combined these into their décor so brilliantly. They had driftwood that they have found from all over engraved with sayings and Jack Johnson lyrics . . . these told a story of the journey they have been on together.” — Tana

t n e m e g a g En Bling Written by Monique Abrahamsen

â&#x20AC;&#x192; The coveted diamond ring is considered a traditional token of love and commitment in modern American culture, but its beginnings held a different meaning. In ancient Rome, iron rings were given to brides as a symbol of ownership. According to the American Gem Society, Archduke Maximilian of Austria was the first to add some bling when he gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until the Victorian era and the establishment of diamond mines in South Africa, however, that the diamond engagement ring was truly popularized. â&#x20AC;&#x192; Today diamond rings continue to be a cherished tradition, but modern brides and grooms are putting a twist on classic designs. We asked local jewelers to give clarity to rising engagement ring trends.

ing gagement R Custom En sca .com kirkjeweler

“A trend I see is custom engagement rings. They see a design they like and want to modify and make it their own, or a completely new design that they create or we help design.”

Verragio Couture Ring jewelrycouture .com

– Steve Weiss, Kirk Jewelers in Westlake Village

“Recently we’ve been seeing rose gold, yellow gold . . . (and) vintage details in modern setting. Halos are a huge trend—it gives a showy look. People like mixing metals, stone shapes, mixing tones. Marquise stones are coming back and oval is becoming very popular . . . With things like Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook, brides come in knowing what they like and are more open to different . . . real artisan pieces.”

– Alyssia Spoerlein, Jewelry Couture by Sehati in Ventura

Tacori Full Bloom

Engagement Ring artisansjewele rs.com

“Most of the new trends seem to be subtle and elegant. We’re selling a lot of yellow gold and different shape stones like oval, teardrop and marquise.”

– Paul Terterian, Artisans Jewelers in Thousand Oaks

ark Little Bird L g in Modern Rs.com vangundy

Permian Blue Dinosau r Bone Inlay Black Ceramic Beveled Edge Ring lozanosjewelr y.com

“Right now we’re starting to see a reconditioned traditional look, like setting a pink sapphire with rose gold. Newer geometric lines and designs and polished metal, classic precious metal bands are starting to become appealing.”

– Aaron VanDerMaas, Van Gundy Jewelers in Camarillo

"Contemporary metals and materials for men's wedding bands like tungsten, wood inlay, lava rock, deer antler and Permian dinosaur bone (are trending)."

– Armando Lozano, Lozano's Jewelry in Westlake Village

Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 43

Puppy Love What could be more doggone adorable than the muttrimonials of two of man's best friends?

Written by Ela Lindsay

aking the idea of posting their fur babies’ birthday celebrations on Facebook and tweeting special pet festivities to the max, trendy pet parents are now upping the ante—with pet weddings. The catalyst for this ever-popular pet party may have been the 2012 celebrity-studded nuptials of a dog named Baby Hope Diamond and her beau, a poodle named Chilly Pasternak; it was a fundraiser that raised over $110,000 for the Humane Society of New York and also set a Guinness World Record and gained international fame for most expensive pet wedding. Baby’s wedding gown alone cost a whopping $6,000—not to mention the cost of a sushi chef and an orchestra. Even though the idea of adorable pooches bedecked in wedding outfits and having festivities to match has definitely caught on, pet weddings don’t have to break the bank in order to provide a fun time for all. Adina Slotsky, owner and CEO of Hollywood Pet Parties, specializes in pet event planning. Her repertoire includes games for dogs and children like “hide and seek the bone,” ceremonies officiated by a pet reverend and custom clothes and even specialty cakes and treats for the reception celebration. 44 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

And, with local venues like The Barkley, Camp Bow Wow and Dioji, pet weddings can also be a DIY affair. Kayla Kassabian, the event coordinator and dog trainer at Paw Hills Luxury Pet Hotel & Spa in Agoura Hills, is no stranger to pet events. Her own friend’s boxers, Titus and Hailey, are “ambassadogs” who were wedded in happy muttrimony. Kayla shared her thoughts on how to create a pawfect pet wedding: • The bachelorette and her pupsmaids can get weddingready with pedicures while the bachelor party indulges in Zen massages, a specialty at Paw Hills. • Choosing a great venue for the happy couple’s wedding night is important. Honeymooners at Paw Hills are given the Majestic Suite, which Kayla says has a full-size bed, private adjoining play yard and an ocean view (on a wall screen). • Prevent a wedding party from going rogue by signing up the pooches for pre-wedding dog training. Human wedding essentials are also (mostly) possible for their furry counterparts: pet parents can supply a pup-friendly wedding cake, dinner for pets and their peeps and of course, the perfect outfit for both the blushing bride-to-be and her gorgeous groom.

Perfect Place, Perfect Day A sampling of fantastic wedding venues Calabasas

Becca Rillo

Saddle Peak Lodge

With four private indoor spaces and two seasonally available outdoor areas, this rustic mountain lodge once hosted Hollywood luminaries Errol Flynn and Clark Gable. 10-200 guests Calabasas (818) 222-3888, ext. 14 saddlepeaklodge.com

Calabasas Country Club

In the evening, after golfers have gone home, wedding parties often take over the clubhouse patio, landscaped with islands of roses and magnolia trees. The property’s waterfalls, bridges and oaks add to the ambiance. 300 guests Calabasas (818) 222-8111 calabasasgolf.com

Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center

If you’re looking for a spot to hold a big wedding, the center’s banquet room can accommodate 300 people and its gymnasium can hold 800. 10-800 guests Calabasas (818) 880-2993 ahccc.org

Orcutt Ranch

With its manicured gardens and towering oaks (including one that’s reported to be more than 700 years old), this historic ranch makes a picturesque wedding spot. It also features a cozy guest house with two separate dressing rooms. 175 guests West Hills (818) 346-7449 tinyurl.com/orcuttranch

Agoura Hills/ Westlake Village The Lodge at Malibou Lake

This long-popular venue, shaded by sycamores and oaks and located within a private residential community, has been transformed into “a new beauty with an old soul,” according to event staff. Choose between the Great Lawn overlooking the lake or the ballroom. 180-280 guests Agoura Hills (818) 268-0689 maliboulakelodge.com

Oak Park Community Center and Gardens

The center’s pavilion area has a gazebo, manicured lawns and a mountain backdrop; its banquet room has a high, wood-beamed ceiling with tons of natural light. 150 guests 1000 Kanan Road Oak Park (818) 865-9304 tinyurl.com/oakparkcenter

Triunfo Creek Vineyards

The site specializes in “handcrafted weddings” set amid a French country farmhouse and surrounded by gently rolling, vine-covered hills with eucalyptus, heritage oak and sycamore trees all around. 300 guests Agoura Hills (818) 914-5186 triunfocreek.com

Flower girl Lillian, 9, peeks out of the church at Simi Valley's Strathearn Historical Park.

North Ranch Country Club

Panoramic mountain views are a highlight at this private golf club, which promises to give wedding parties “the country club experience.” 25-300 guests Westlake Village (805) 496-1995 northranchcc.org

Hyatt Regency Westlake

Westlake Yacht Club

Get married on the club’s expanded deck overlooking glistening waters. The serene, relaxing setting offers beautiful sunset views over the lake. 200 guests Westlake Village (818) 889-4820 westlakeyc.org

Malibu/Topanga

Hold a gala ceremony in one of Ventura County’s largest ballrooms or keep things intimate in the garden gazebo with views of cascading waterfalls and manicured grounds. On-site planners can help with all the details. 450 guests Westlake Village (805) 557-1234 westlake.regency.hyatt.com

Adamson House

Westlake Village Inn

Since its construction in 1930 this charming site has been a country club, gambling house, nightclub, American Legion hall and Jewish boys’ school. Now it’s a unique horticultural retreat that offers garden ceremonies followed by receptions by the pool or in the great room. 15-120 guests Topanga (310) 455-3181 themountainmermaid.com

This boutique resort offers four al fresco wedding ceremony sites plus reception venues that include bi-level ballrooms, fireplaces and lakeside settings. On-site planners can help coordinate everything from custom-designed wedding cakes to music ensembles. 230 guests Westlake Village (818) 889-1460 westlakevillageinn.com

Unique and historic oceanfront property with expansive lawns and courtyards is ideal for picturesque beach weddings. 151-200 guests Malibu (310) 457-8144, ext. 2 adamsonhouse.org

The Mountain Mermaid

Rancho Del Cielo

Tucked into the hills above Paradise Cove, this scenic ranch house property feels sky-high. Say “I do” under oak trees, olive groves and gardens with outdoor fireplaces. 200 guests Malibu (310) 589-9398 ranchodelcielomalibu.com

Malibu Seaside Wedding Elopements

Exchanging vows is a private, intimate affair on this sandstone bluff overlooking Zuma beach. After the ceremony, escape to the secluded honeymoon Airstream for a romantic evening with an ocean view. 10 guests Malibu (310) 908-1605 malibuseasideweddings.com

Le’ Sangreal

A picturesque estate tucked into the Malibu Wine Trail offers outdoor ceremony sites and reception spaces that include a pool, waterfall, vineyards and 100-year-old olive trees. Bridal villa features a steam shower and full sauna. On-site accommodations for up to 15. 200 guests Malibu (310) 435-1100 lesangreal.com

Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate

Exchange vows in the clouds at this elegant 37-acre hilltop vineyard venue that offers 360-degree views from its unique helipad ceremony site. 250 guests Malibu (877) 676-7660 maliburockyoaks.com

Malibu West Beach Club

Bride and groom can tie the knot under a flower-covered arch overlooking the waves, then stroll down to the beach for wedding photos. 150 guests Malibu (310) 457-0195 malibuwestbeachclub.com

Malibu Solstice Vineyards

This estate overlooks the coast and offers a classic vineyard setting above Solstice Canyon. 30-150 guests Malibu (310) 589-0773, ext. 222 malibusolsticevineyards.com

Thousand Oaks/ Newbury Park

Quail Ranch

Palm Garden Hotel

Casual meets contemporary at this venue, where you’ll exchange vows under the garden gazebo before dancing the night away in one of the hotel’s four indoor reception areas. 40-250 guests 495 N. Ventu Park Road Thousand Oaks (805) 716-4335 palmgardenhotel.com

TOI Banquet Center

Exchange vows in the garden courtyard gazebo and choose between three banquet rooms for the fully-catered reception. Out-of-towners won’t have to travel far for a place to sleep; the hotel offers discounted rooms for guests. 150 guests Thousand Oaks Inn Thousand Oaks (805) 413-1288 toibanquetcenter.com

Inn of the Seventh Ray

There’s conjecture that this site might once have been a sacred meeting place for Chumash Indians. It’s now a New Age-y restaurant that doubles as a romantic wedding spot, complete with “grand old sycamores, waterfalls and a flowing creek.” 40-250 guests Topanga (310) 455-1311 innoftheseventhray.com

Stagecoach Inn Museum McCrea Ranch

Farm windmills, tractors and white rail fencing set the scene for a rustic wedding at this historic ranch. 40-100 guests 4500 N. Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks (805) 495-2163 mccrearanchfoundation.org

Sherwood Country Club

Find wedded bliss at this meticulously maintained club with elegant indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception sites. 200-300 guests Thousand Oaks (805) 496-3036 sherwoodcatering.com

46 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

Posada Royale Hotel

This venue is great if you’re planning on lots of out-of-town guests, as there are overnight accommodations for up to 360. Choose between indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception sites. 50-250 guests Simi Valley (805) 584-6300 posadaroyale.com

The Vineyards

Time your wedding vows to the sunset or celebrate next to a waterfall, then dance under the stars—all within the comfort of The Vineyards’ unique setting. 300 guests Simi Valley (805) 583-2525 thevineyardsimi.com

Strathearn Historical Park

Saddlerock Ranch

The sprawling property features vineyards, manicured lawns, ancient oaks, rose gardens, exotic annuals and ribbons of white fences. 500 guests Malibu (818) 889-0008 saddlerock-ranch.com

Secluded Spanish Revival estate and avocado ranch has a rustic elegance complete with fire pits, ancient oaks and romantic terraces against a pastoral backdrop. 250 guests Simi Valley (805) 328-4928 quailranchevents.com

Get hitched in another era at this historical museum which hosts rustic outdoor weddings with the inn as a backdrop. 200 guests 51 S. Ventu Park Road Newbury Park (805) 498-9441 stagecoachinnmuseum.com

Simi Valley Hummingbird Nest Ranch

This hidden retreat blends elegance and whimsy in its modern romantic outdoor setting with a villa as the backdrop. 1,000 guests Simi Valley (805) 579-8000, ext. 4157 hummingbirdnestranch.com

This rustic, historic site has spacious grounds, a barn reception area and a vintage wedding chapel. 200 guests Simi Valley (805) 526-6453 simihistory.com

Camarillo/Oxnard Maravilla Gardens

This family-run outdoor wedding venue provides a romantic garden setting. 75-300 guests Camarillo (805) 491-1400 mgardens.com

Scarlett Belle Riverboat Weddings

All aboard this paddlewheel riverboat in the Channel Islands Harbor for a memorable wedding. 150 guests Oxnard (805) 204-0977 scarlettbelle.com

Spanish Hills Country Club

Camarillo Ranch

Rustic charm and Victorian elegance intertwine at this historic mansion, built as a romantic gesture by Adolfo Camarillo for his wife, Isabella. 250-2,000 guests 201 Camarillo Ranch Road Camarillo (805) 389-8182 camarilloranch.org

Pacific View Tower Club

Choose from three elegant options for your ceremony: the outdoor garden, the Tower Club or on the beach. Then, enjoy 360-degree views from the indoor reception in the penthouse banquet room. 250 guests Oxnard (866) 966-3009 wedgewoodbanquet.com

Elegant atmosphere evokes Spanish Mediterranean luxury with an outdoor terrace, grand dining room and ballroom complete with fireplaces and a grand piano. 264 guests Camarillo (805) 388-5000 spanishhillscc.com

Gerry Ranch

With a cozy event space and hotel room blocks available at a special rate, this wedding venue allows for an intimate and modern wedding reception. 45 guests 2912 Petit St., Camarillo (805) 388-7997 bit.ly/residenceinncam

Oxnard Historic Farm Park

Host a casual, rustic wedding under a shade arbor surrounded by history. The farm park features a historic home and winery, vineyards, orchards and vintage tractors. Catering is available. 200 guests Oxnard (805) 844-9877 oxnardfarmpark.org

Private estate has tropical gardens, a lagoon and a large pavilion with covered arches and beautifully lit bridges that make for a magical day. 75 guests minimum Moorpark (805) 529-6699 ranchodelaspalmas.com

Ventura Rincon Beach Club

The ranch offers a picturesque setting at a working lemon, avocado and blueberry farm. 200 guests Camarillo (805) 377-5568 gerryranch.com

With ocean and mountain views, this coastal venue offers two sites, a banquet hall or covered outdoor space on the beach. 250 guests Carpinteria (805) 566-9933 eventsbyrincon.com

McCormick Home Ranch

Poinsettia Pavilion

Historic, rustic-chic ranch built in 1918 provides a lovely garden gathering spot. 250 guests Camarillo (805) 482-1549 mccormickhomeranch.com

Moorpark/Somis Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Ranch

Residence Inn by Marriott

Rancho de las Palmas

This enchanting ranch-style venue holds ceremonies in the grove under towering walnut trees. The creekside reception area is tranquil and private. 250 guests Moorpark (805) 558-8279 walnutgroveweddings.com

Eden Gardens

Babbling brooks, sparkling fountains, lush lawns, meandering pathways: it’s a scene from a storybook. Choose from three sites. 300 guests Moorpark (805) 208-3098 edengardensweddings.com

Hartley Botanica

With two unique garden settings, this outdoor wedding paradise has aviaries and lush floral landscapes. 25-375 guests Somis (805) 532-1997, ext. 3 hartleybotanica.com

Panoramic views with spacious reception rooms. Also offers a variety of catering services. 20-300 guests Ventura (805) 648-1143 poinsettiapavilion.org

Vintage glamour abounds at this historic Tudor-Craftsman style hotel that offers Italian-meetsCalifornian catering services. 200 guests Santa Paula (805) 933-5550 glentavern.com

A charming outdoor venue surrounded by citrus groves in Heritage Valley can accommodate gatherings large or small. 75-3,000 guests Santa Paula (805) 525-5736 platedeventsoutdoorvenue.com

The Ranch House

Santa Paula/ Fillmore/Ojai

Hidden among the citrus and avocado groves, this historical country venue enchants guests on its 34 acres of rustic beauty. 250 guests Fillmore (805) 377-5499 bellavistagroves.com

Limoneira Ranch

Italian-style villa evokes a Prohibition-era feel and includes overnight accommodations for 20 on a sprawling and luxurious historic property. 150 guests Ojai (805) 797-4549 acaciamansion.com

In the heart of historic downtown, the museum has a pavilion and garden plaza with palms, fountain and mosaics. 200 guests Ventura (805) 653-0323, ext. 328 venturamuseum.org

Bella Vista Groves

Opulent Victorian estate “where antique meets chic” offers private event space for a beautiful outdoor ceremony and expansive courtyard reception under the stars before the bridal party retires to the on-site overnight accommodations. 300 guests Piru (805) 398-5042 newhallmansion.com

Acacia Mansion

Museum of Ventura County

The Glen Tavern Inn

Newhall Mansion

Colorful garden with meandering streams and awardwinning menu makes for a romantic outdoor wedding with a variety of settings to choose from for the big day. 180 guests Ojai (805) 646-2360 theranchhouse.com

Ojai Valley Inn

Peaceful mountainside setting offers multiple outdoor ceremony sites followed by a reception in one of the two expansive on-site ballrooms or on the orchard lawn. 60-400 guests Ojai (805) 640-2070 ojairesort.com

To see more wedding venue ideas, visit www.beyondtheacorn.net Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 47

readers corner | Engaged

They said Yes! Readers share their sweetest proposal stories and most romantic engagement shots.

Jamie Lane of Moorpark and Bria n Croy of Lancaster, Pa. celebrate their engagement at the happiest place on earth: Disneyland.

r Center in Westlake Ryan Hunter, a corporate photographer for Guita at the L.A. County Room Rain the in Village, gets down on one knee t. stylis a er, Nusz n Devo Museum of Art to propose to

Megan Cummings and PJ Prager of Thousand Oaks celebrate their engagem ent and their relationsh ip “dancing, laughing and eating through life as be st friends.”

r the hills of Montecito m a helicopter ride ove fro h rus e alin en adr e Th gfellow’s proposal i Valley resident Keith Lon Sim g rin du fun ra ext s add rs, Brent Sua, in 2017. to his boyfriend of six yea

Send us photos of you splashing into summer—pool, beach, sprinklers, lake—for a chance to be included in the next issue. Email photos to: readers@theacorn.com before March 11

Joe Litzinger surprises Melissa Soltman with her grandmother’s ring during a hike to the Wishing Tree above Toluca Lake. The Agoura Hills couple is now expecting their first child.

nt photo shoot A rainy engageme nette Yanchev didn’t dampen Jean spirits—the and Oren Gotlib’s ol sweethearts Agoura High Scho make their Napa think the showers otos, “even more Valley vineyard ph tiful.” authentic and beau

After waiting patiently for six years, Simi Valley resident Lau ra Carlson happily accepts Sean Sen a’s proposal in front of their closest friends and family members at the ir third annual ugly Christmas sweater party in 2018.

Dr. Ashley Lai, a Westlake High Scho ol grad, and her fiancé, Kevin Park, light up with happiness as they celebrate their engagement.

After two years of naviga ting the 405 and 101 fre eways to date one another, Newbury Park resident Tony Manriqu e masterminded a surprise proposal to L.A . native Alyssa Pablo wh en he asked Alyssa’s photographer friend to use them as models for a mock couples photo shoot during which Ton y popped the question .

A bit of trickery was involved at the Magic Castle when a magician turned a hundred-dollar bill into a ring to help longtime former Thousand Oaks resident Spencer Kelley propose to Melissa Kihneman of Houston.

y Nichols and Avi Camarillo residents Ashle their big moment e Bandaranayake celebrat with pup Bailey.

Sarah Shmerling, who has lived in Thousand Oaks nearly her entire life, celebrates her engagement to fellow T.O. resident Nicholas Salzer. The couple plans to tie the knot in Agoura Hills in March.

To see more reader-submitted photos, visit www.beyondtheacorn.net

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Around town & beyond

BOBBY CURTIS

So much to do. . . so little time to do it. . .

Olive Clark, 5, of Thousand Oaks looks for Easter Eggs during the 2018 Springtime Easter Festival at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark.

february

“Mary Poppins”

A “practically perfect” nanny descends from the clouds to teach a British family how to value each other again. The musical is based on the beloved 1964 film starring Julie Andrews. Through Feb. 24. High Street Arts Center, Moorpark (805) 529-8700; highstreetartscenter.com

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The 34th annual fest celebrates the art of cinema with exclusive screenings, panels and star-studded tributes to Viggo Mortensen, Glenn Close, Melissa McCarthy, Sam Elliott and Michael B. Jordan, among others. Through Feb. 9. Various locations (805) 963-0023; sbiff.org

“Pompeii: The Exhibition”

After Mount Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii lay destroyed—and perfectly preserved—under 15 feet of ash and volcanic debris. This exhibit features more than 150 artifacts from the city, including full body casts of the volcano’s victims. Through April 21. Reagan Library and Museum, Simi Valley (805) 577-2977; reaganfoundation.org/Pompeii

Hawaiian Chieftain

This authentic replica of a 19th century square rigged ship is available for dockside tours and adventure sails. Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard (Through Feb. 11) channelislandsharbor.org Ventura Harbor, Ventura (Feb. 13-24) venturaharborvillage.com

Whale Watching Tours

Our watery backyard is a busy thoroughfare for gray, humpback and blue whales as they make their annual roundtrip breeding voyage between Alaska and Mexico. Through April 30. Island Packers, Ventura (805) 642-1393; islandpackers.com Channel Islands Sportfishing Center, Oxnard (805) 382-1612; www.channelislandssportfishing.com

“Catalysts of Change”

In the aftermath of the 2017 Thomas fire, Luther Gerlach took his camera and explored Ventura’s charred hillsides, capturing images of the destruction and regeneration. He collected ashes and sulfur-laden water at the fire’s origin, then sprinkled those elements on his prints. Through Feb. 17. Carnegie Art Museum, Oxnard (805) 385-8158; carnegieam.org

“Heisenberg”

Two strangers (Faline England and Joe Spano) collide in a train station, setting off romantic sparks that will change their lives forever. Through Feb. 17. Rubicon Theatre, Ventura (805) 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org

52 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

“The Little Prince”

Young Artists Ensemble presents the magical story of a boy who journeys through the cosmos to share adventures with a pilot stranded in Earth’s Sahara Desert. Through Feb. 17. Additional Conejo Theatre for Everyone performances, featuring performers with disabilities, take place Feb. 22-24. Hillcrest Center for the Arts, Thousand Oaks (805) 381-1246; yaeonline.com

february 2 Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

O’Farrill and his orchestra recorded their latest album, “Fandango at the Wall,” at the Tijuana-San Diego border in an effort to bring the people of the United States and Mexico together through music. The Soraya, CSUN, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

The five-piece group whips up a musical brew that blends gypsy, swing, tango, folk and classical sounds. Four Friends Gallery, Thousand Oaks (805) 358-4970; fourfriendsgallery.com

Gourmet Food Trucks

Enjoy a culinary feast under the stars as food trucks roll in on the first Thursday night of every month. Plaza Park, Oxnard twitter.com/oxnardfoodtruks

Anderson & Roe Piano Duo

Pianists Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe have a singular vision: making classical music a relevant and powerful force in society. Ventura College Performing Arts Center, Ventura (805) 648-3146; venturamusicfestival.org

Student dancers and choreographers showcase new works. Through Feb. 9. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu

Camerata Pacifica

The chamber ensemble performs works by Beethoven (Sonata for Piano & Violin in C Minor, Piano Sonata in C Minor) and Steve Reich (“Different Trains”). Museum of Ventura County, Ventura (805) 884-8410; cameratapacifica.org

“The Spouse Whisperer”

Comedian Mark Cordes takes a laugh-filled look at romance, starting with “love at first sight” and ending with “’til death do us part.” Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, Oxnard (805) 486-2424; oxnardperformingarts.com

“As You Like It”

Shakepeare’s romantic comedy—featuring his iconic “all the world’s a stage” line—opens the company’s 2019 season. Through March 10. Camarillo Skyway Playhouse, Camarillo (805) 388-5716; skywayplayhouse.org

Boys Don’t Cry, the British band that scored a 1986 hit with “I Wanna Be a Cowboy,” and The Reflex, an ’80s cover band, headline this benefit for people impacted by the Woolsey fire. The Canyon, Agoura Hills (888) 645-5006; wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com

Café Musique

“Dance in Flight”

Fire Aid: ’80s Party Benefit Concert

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart’s Dinner and Dance

Couples can tour “Pompeii: The Exhibition,” then listen to live music and enjoy a romantic three-course meal under the wings of Air Force One. Reagan Library and Museum, Simi Valley (805) 522-2977; reaganfoundation.org

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Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 53

scene around town

The band The So and So's perform during the Boots for Borderline fundraiser at Sunland Vintage Winery in Thousand Oaks. The event featured food vendors and raffles, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting the Borderline tragedy victims and their families.

Above, Amber and Sean McCarthy of Thousand Oaks, with glasses of wine in hand, find comfort in each other. At right, Leslie Schneider and her fiancĂŠ, Brian Pechi, enjoy cupcakes from Celebrate With Sarah.

54 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

Photos by MICHAEL COONS

february 15 “Night Must Fall”

Emlyn Williams’ psychological thriller was the first play ever produced at the Ojai Art Center Theater in 1939. Eighty years later, it’s being revived to celebrate the theater’s eight decades of drama and musicals. Through March 10. Ojai Art Center Theater, Ojai (805) 640-8797; ojaiact.org

Boys & Girls Club Auction and Dinner

“Shanghai Nights” is the theme of this 15th annual fundraiser, the biggest of the year for the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley. Saticoy Country Club, Somis (805) 525-7910; bgclubscv.org

Lantern Street Festival

Lanterns will light up the night as revelers listen to live music and munch on street eats. Each adult ticket comes with one lantern, which can be decorated and hung during the event. Palm Street, Ventura lanternstreet.com

Rosanne Cash and Band

Johnny Cash’s daughter, who grew up in Ventura County, will perform songs from her latest album, “She Remembers Everything,” plus selections from “Norma Rae,” a new musical she’s writing based on the 1979 film. The Soraya, CSUN, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

Presidents’ Day Celebration

“Die Fledermaus”

“Breaking Legs”

RescueCon

The free, 26th annual event features crafts, music, storytelling and presidential and first lady look-alikes. Reagan Library and Museum, Simi Valley (805) 522-2977; reaganfoundation.org

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Pepperdine students perform Johann Strauss II’s beloved operetta, a romantic tale that floats by in three-quarter time as people search for love in 19th century Vienna. Through Feb. 23. Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, Malibu (310) 506-4522; arts.pepperdine.edu Murder and menace are served up with plenty of pasta in this madcap comedy, about three restaurant-owning mobsters who bankroll a playwright’s latest production. Through March 24. Elite Theatre Company, Oxnard (805) 483-5118; elitetheatre.org This convention promises a tail-wagging good time with workshops, art exhibits and speakers—not to mention bunny yoga and dog, cat and rabbit adoptions. Through Feb. 24. Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, Oxnard (805) 486-2424; oxnardperformingarts.com

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Couples planning to walk down the aisle can meet with top wedding industry vendors and learn about the latest in rentals, florals, beauty, photography, music, décor and more. Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo (805) 389-8182; camarilloranch.org

“Bad News, Good News, Real News, Fake News”

Laurie Lattimore-Volkmann, an adjunct journalism professor at the College of Charleston, discusses news reporting in the Trump era. Lundring Events Center, Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks callutheran.edu

The spirit of local living Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 55

March 1 “Sweeney Todd”

Stephen Sondheim’s musical thriller about a vengeful barber cuts deep, slicing through the underbelly of 19th century British society and blanketing all involved in buckets of blood. Through March 24. Conejo Players Theatre, Thousand Oaks (805) 495-3715; conejoplayers.org

If it glitters and gleams, you’ll find it at this 57th annual show. Through March 3. Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura vgms.org Two married couples—Kirsten and Stan Chandler and Kim Huber and Roger Befeler—who are friends in real life star in a concert revue about the trials, tribulations and joys of friendship, love and marriage. Through March 3. Rubicon Theatre, Ventura (805) 667-2900; rubicontheatre.org

La Santa Cecilia

The Grammy-winning group fuses Latin rhythms with rock ’n’ roll, creating a mesmerizing musical mix that leapfrogs cultural borders. Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, Oxnard (805) 486-2424; oxnardperformingarts.com

Sakura Cello Quintet

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

“Matilda the Musical”

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The five-member ensemble brings its warm, colorful sound to a repertoire that spans eight centuries. Among its members is Yoshika Masuda, an assistant professor of music at Cal Lutheran University. Samuelson Chapel, Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-3306; callutheran.edu/music

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“Origami Tales”

Kuniko Yamamoto shares tales from ancient Japan and brings those stories to life with masks, puppets, flowers and a dragon . . . all made from folded paper. Ojai Art Center, Ojai (310) 890-1439; ptgo.org

This family friendly event features live Irish music, food and face painting, plus a 5K race and fun run. Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, Calabasas ahccc.org Five-Star Theatricals presents the regional premiere of this Tony-winning musical about a young girl who uses her extraordinary imagination to rise above an unhappy home life. Through March 31. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

San Fernando Valley Symphony Orchestra

The ensemble, featuring violinist Blake Pouliot, performs Brahms’ violin concerto. Performing Arts Education Center Calabasas High School, Calabasas performingarts.lvusd.org

Springtime Easter Festival

Hunt for eggs, ride a pony and get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Through April 22. Underwood Family Farms, Moorpark underwoodfamilyfarms.com The annual fest is back with a new lineup of top country acts. Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Simi Valley (805) 807-5100; roundupsimi.com

april 1 “The Magic of Adam Trent”

This magician has a unique mantra: entertainment first, tricks second. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; civicartsplaza.com

Los Robles Master Chorale

The choral ensemble will perform works by Copland and Randall. Performing Arts Education Center Agoura High School, Agoura Hills (805) 526-7464; losroblesmasterchorale.org

Skull & Roses

The third annual festival celebrates the Grateful Dead’s trippy music. Through April 7. Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura skullandrosesfestival.com

“The Crucible”

Arthur Miller penned this 1953 play about the Salem witch trials as a veiled protest against Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s anticommunist crusade. Through May 5. Camarillo Skyway Playhouse, Camarillo (805) 388-5716; skywayplayhouse.org

Conejo Valley Community Concert & Jazz Bands

The ensembles, under the direction of Bob Hackett, perform their annual spring show. Lindero Canyon Middle School, Agoura Hills (818) 597-7361; agourahillsrec.org

Thousands of dazzling blooms in every imaginable shape, color, pattern and texture will be showcased at this 74th annual show. Through March 17. Earl Warren Showgrounds, Santa Barbara (805) 403-1533; sborchidshow.com

Round-Up Country Music Festival

“Disney in Concert: A Silly Symphony Celebration”

The CSUN Symphony provides live orchestral backing as early Walt Disney animated shorts flicker to life. The Soraya, CSUN, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

An eight-member troupe uses a host of unconventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to send good vibrations straight into your soul. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (805) 449-2787; americantheatreguild.com

Santa Barbara International Orchid Show

“Spamalot”

This Tony-winning musical is “lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Through March 24. Moorpark College Performing Arts Center, Moorpark (805) 378-1485; moorparkcollege.edu

“Stomp”

Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Lapidary Show

“Side by Side by Side by Side”

Scandinavian Festival

At this 44th annual celebration of Nordic culture, you can make authentic head wreaths with flowers and ribbons, nosh on Swedish meatballs and Danish æbleskiver, play croquet and dance around the maypole. Through April 7. Cal Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks scandinavianfest.org

april 6 New West Symphony

Russian pianist Yulianna Avdeeva guests as the orchestra performs Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Also on the bill: Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 and “Polonaise” from Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.” Through April 7. Kavli Theatre, Civic Arts Plaza, Thousand Oaks (April 6) Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center, Oxnard (April 7) (866) 776-8400; newwestsymphony.org

Sat Nam Fest

“RISK et al: Suburbs Edition”

Practicing the Art and Science of Dentistry

Chant, dance, meditate and rejuvenate at this Kundalini yoga retreat. Through April 14. Camp Lawrence Daley at Mt. Crags, Calabasas (888) 599-6757; satnamfest.com Thousand Oaks resident Kelly Graval, better known as the groundbreaking graffiti artist RISK, plans to transform California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks’ new gallery space at The Oaks mall into a work of art. Through Sept. 1. California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (805) 405-5240; cmato.org

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The Temptations

The legendary Motown group, featuring original member Otis Williams, will perform such classics as “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Libbey Bowl, Ojai (805) 272-3881; libbeybowl.org

“Singin’ in the Rain”

This stage adaptation of the 1952 Gene Kelly/Debbie Reynolds big-screen classic splashes down at the Soraya in a lavish new production from McCoy Rigby Entertainment. Through April 14. The Soraya, CSUN, Northridge (818) 677-3000; thesoraya.org

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“Mamma Mia!”

From “Dancing Queen” and “Super Trouper” to “SOS” and “Winner Takes It All,” ABBA’s classic pop hits power this tale about a young woman’s search for her birth father. Through May 12. High Street Arts Center, Moorpark (805) 529-8700; highstreetartscenter.com

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Spring Fine Arts Fest

Munch on food, listen to live music and browse through the work of painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramists, jewelry makers and clothing designers at this free festival. Through April 14. Civic Arts Plaza grounds, Thousand Oaks calfineartsfests.com

Spring and Shout Dinner and Dance

Hot August Nights, a Neil Diamond tribute band, will explore all facets of Diamond’s glittering career. Ronny and the Classics, a five-piece show band, will open the show. Reagan Library and Museum, Simi Valley (805) 522-2977; reaganfoundation.org

Community Street Festival

The fest, now in its 25th year, features classic cars, kids’ activities, entertainment, vendors, food and beer. Lakeview Canyon Road, Westlake Village rotarywlv.org

Submit calendar listings to beyondcalendar@theacorn.com For more on what's going on in the area visit www.beyondtheacorn.net

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Feb/March 2019 | Beyond the Acorn 57

All in the Family A century ago, when fields of grain covered the gentle hills of the Conejo Valley’s western edge, Casper Borchard Jr. and his new wife, Ida Ayala Borchard, photographed here on their wedding day with Edward Borchard, Teresa Borchard, Frank Borchard and Beatrice Ayala, settled in on land owned by Casper’s family in present-day Newbury Park. Their Sept. 28, 1910 wedding exemplified the melding of Ventura County’s farming families, as did many local marriages of the day. Ida Ayala, the daughter of Oxnard pioneers, and Casper Jr., the son of Caspar and Theresa Borchard, both attended, and perhaps met at, Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard, where their wedding would eventually take place. The Borchard family, originally from Germany but with deep roots in Ventura County stemming from their 1867 arrival, farmed the Oxnard Plain and the Conejo and were instrumental in the development of local hospitals, schools and churches. Casper’s father, Caspar Borchard Sr., was a prosperous 58 www.beyondtheacorn.net | Feb/March 2019

farmer whose 4,000-acre ranch spread from present-day Highway 101 to Old Boney Mountain. Casper Jr. carried on the farming tradition, as did most of his seven siblings. He and Ida made a home near Borchard Road and Wendy Drive, growing wheat, barley and walnuts and raising six children. The couple later moved to a home on Old Conejo Road, where they remained well into old age. The tight-knit Borchard clan is still going strong. Over 250 descendants—whose heritage also includes pioneering names such as Maulhardt, Olsen, Kelley, Friedrich, McLoughlin, Scholle and Daily—gathered in August 2017 at the Oxnard Historic Farm Park to celebrate 150 years of Borchards in California and to honor the influence of the region’s earliest farming families. — Erin Newman Special thanks to Borchard descendants Mary Olsen Rydberg and Jeffrey Wayne Maulhardt for sharing their family’s history. B

Courtesy of Conejo Valley Historical Society

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