January/February 2023

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Style Calabasas
| HIDDEN HILLS | WEST
| WOODLAND HILLS | BELL
MALIBU | AGOURA HILLS | OAK PARK | WESTLAKE VILLAGE | THOUSAND OAKS Jan/Feb 2 O 23 The NAPOLITANOS A perfect blend of family and hard work Health Check Physician and healthcare provider directory People to Watch in 2023 Inspiring leaders in our community Happy New Year!
CALABASAS
HILLS
CANYON

A NOTE FROM THE editor

"Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision and change." — Richard Branson

Change is not always comfortable, but it allows us to grow. Often, we get stagnant—because we think life is good and easy, so why not keep it as it is? But as the new year is upon us, we take stock of our lives, learning to trust the journey and where it might take us. Sometimes, it’s the journey that is more fascinating than the destination. Based on this, I have decided to follow my grandbabies to the Nashville area and leave the magazine in the very capable hands of Nic and Hayley Mattson. The Mattsons bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and enthusiasm to Calabasas Style . Many of you might know them already since they own Malibu Times magazine, along with other publications. The rest of the Calabasas Style team is still local and doing what they love to do for the magazine.

We always celebrate People to Watch in our first issue of the year. These are the industry leaders who are making a difference. We also showcase a medical directory highlighting trusted physicians and health care providers. It’s so important for us to stay on top of our health in order to achieve the wellness goals we have for ourselves.

Also, remember your Valentine this year! We’ve included our Valentine’s Gift Guide with ideas for that special someone... or even for yourself.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year and journey in life!

stylepublishing@gmail.com

22 Calabasas style
Nic Mattson, Gayle Barnes, and Hayley Mattson

PUBLISHER/ EDITOR

Hayley Mattson

BUSINESS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Nicholas Mattson

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kaylie Carafelli

26 Calabasas style
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Marc Cohen Dr. Anna Guanche
ADMINISTRATION Cami Martin ADVERTISING advertising@calabasasstyle.com INFORMATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS office@calabasasstyle.com 2945 Townsgate Rd., #200 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.379.4066 calabasasstyle.com CalabasasStyleMagazine @CalabasasStyleMagazine
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Elissa Linick ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Linda Perry ACCOUNT MANAGER Kaylie Carafelli STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Marvin Steindler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Steve Geldman Debbie Vaccarello Melissa Westervelt STAFF WRITERS Lori Berezin Irene Marshall Elena Richards Britt Aaronson
Dustin Troyan Mark Wendell COPY EDITOR Nicole Schubert

From our

Readers...

Calabasas Style receives many phone calls, emails, Instagram comments, and Facebook posts from our readers. We would like to share some of them with you.

"Every issue, I look forward to reading Calabasas Style magazine to find out what’s happening in the community, what events I want to attend, and to learn about the various people and businesses that are featured.”

— Lois

“Thank you for your help with this process. I'm very excited to be in Calabasas Style.”

— Emmanuel

"I really enjoy reading Calabasas Style cover to cover. I look forward to getting it in my mailbox!"

— Iliana

"Calabasas Style magazine is one of the most stylish and informative magazines around. A truly professional team is clearly behind this amazing publication!"

— Bryan

"I have enjoyed providing articles through the years, and I hope they have been helpful to you."

— Marc

"Love reading Calabasas Style. It has great flow. A very high-end publication."

— Julia

"You guys do an amazing job covering the local area. I just wanted so say great job and thank you!"

— Mark

stylepublishing@gmail.com calabasasstyle.com 2945 Townsgate Rd., #200 Westlake Village, CA 91361 805.379.4066

28 Calabasas style
~ We want to hear from you!
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32 Calabasas style Auto 56 The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae 126 19th Annual Motor4Toys Calendar 96 January/February Community 78 Valentine’s Day Ideas 97 People to Watch in 2023 120 Welcome to Wisteria at Warner Center 124 Synergy Academics 128 Enjoying Winter Wonders 166 Time Well Spent With Mayor Mary Sue Maurer Cover Feature 48 The Napolitano Family Country Club Living 88 Calabasas Country Club Fashion & Beauty 72 Styles of the Season 74 Valentine’s Gift Guide 80 New Year, New Skin Financial 57 5.5% Guaranteed? 170 Financial Health and Wealth Food & Wine 132 Takeout, Dine In, or Delivery 134 Valentine’s Recipes 164 Healthy Choices Health & Fitness 70 Shaken Not Stirred 79 Flower Apothecary 137 Physician and Healthcare Provider Directory 150 Calabasas Surgery Center 152 Health Benefits of Blueberries 154 Eat the Rainbow 156 How Healthy Is Your Home? 158 Ask the Pharmacist 160 New Year, New Outlook 162 Alone or Lonely? Home Furnishings 112 Radiata Natura 114 Décor 116 Style Trends 118 Inspired Closets Real Estate 171 What’s New in Real Estate Travel 168 The Magic of Croatia Table of CONTENTS

BBSVC 13TH ANNUAL BAGS, BLING, & BUBBLY

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County (BBSVC), Ventura County’s premier youth mentoring nonprofit organization, held its 13th annual Bags, Bling & Bubbly champagne luncheon on Wednesday, November 16th, at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks. The sparkling event started with a shopping boutique and silent auction, where a collection of designer and vintage handbags, jewelry, vacation getaways, and more were available for purchase and bidding. During the lunch program, BBSVC CEO Danica Selvaggio shared the importance of youth mentoring in Ventura County and the impact the agency has had on the community. Big and Little Sisters of The Year 2022 for Ventura County and California statewide, Karyn and Marcie, shared their story of their long and happy mentoring relationship. All proceeds from the luncheon provide financial support BBSVC needs to help serve youth in Ventura County and the greater community. For more information, visit BBSVC.org.

MARY HEALTH OF THE SICK CARE & COMPASSION GALA

The Sherwood Country Club ballroom came to life on Saturday, October 22nd, as over 150 members and supporters of Mary Health of the Sick and The Board of Regents joined together to celebrate the 12th annual Care and Compassion Gala. Wine and hors d’oeuvres were served as guests bid on silent auction items; special guest speaker Chris Thomas, former NFL player, shared a touching presentation; and a gourmet dinner and live auction rounded out the evening, raising over $60,000 for the convalescent and nursing hospital. The gala was made possible by Board President Francine Weisbecker, Development Director Vicki Samra, and Lisa Osborn. Mary Health of the Sick in Newbury Park is a five-star rated nonprofit convalescent and skilled nursing facility with the mission to provide the highest-level long-term care in Southern California. For more information, visit maryhealth.com.

THE MANOR MASQUERADE AT GRANDIOSO

Emil Hartoonian, managing partner and principal of The Agency’s Calabasas, Sherman Oaks, and Studio City offices, hosted a fabulous Masquerade Event at the Manor at Grandioso on October 20th. The estate home on Prado del Grandioso at the Oaks was the perfect venue for realtors, guests, and friends to wear masquerade masks while enjoying live entertainment, celebrity DJ music, hand-crafted cocktails, and delicious food. Guests had the opportunity to tour this estate, which boasts over 15,000 square feet on a 49,658-square-foot lot. Described as a “brilliant, reimagined vision of art and style, the home is a true culmination of specialty and flawless craft. One of the founding principles of The Agency is their commitment to serving the communities they call home and to support a wide range of organizations, events, and initiatives. The Agency’s official charity partner, Giveback Homes, is dedicated to creating social change by building homes for families around the world.

WEVILLAGE GIVES BACK FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Over 150 guests came out to support the 5th annual WeHoliday Holiday Give Back event at WeVillage Preschool in Sherman Oaks on Sunday, December 11th. Sponsors gifted over $10,000 to adopted families to complete their Christmas wish lists and spread holiday cheer. Kids enjoyed playing in the 3,800-square-foot state-of-the-art facility filled with decor by Balloon and Paper. They also participated in crafts with Little Artist Party, took pictures with Team G Tennis Santa, indulged in a hot cocoa bar by Ever After Bakery, and enjoyed gift box making with Hey Milstone, food by Simply Grazing and Fresh Brothers, and fun gifts from Mobi, KidsEmbrace, and Liberate. It was a wonderful community event and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season in style while helping others. WeVillage offers flexible and full-time care for ages 6-weeks to 12 years old. They also offer preschool programs, Spanish immersion preschool, afterschool care, camps, and event rentals. For more information, visit wevillage.com.

V'IBD BENEFIT CONCERT

IBD Strong, a grassroots nonprofit organization—whose community mission is to support, inspire, and empower individuals living with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis) and their families—held its annual V’IBD Benefit Concert to Fight Crohn’s and Colitis on November 5th at a private estate in Calabasas. Over 300 people attended this dinner and concert, including special guests from the music, film, and television industries, medical professionals, supporting local families, donors, and event sponsors. Featured young artists used their talents to express themselves and relay their experiences through the arts, celebrate resilience, and create a positive impact for their peers living with autoimmune disease in their pursuit to make a difference. More significantly, the artists were there to help change the narrative and stigma surrounding this disease and celebrate their triumphs. For more information, visit IBDstrong.org.

CASA PACIFICA SPOTLIGHT ON STYLE

One of Ventura County’s longest running fashion charity events returned to the Four Seasons Westlake Village as the Casa Pacifica Angels and hosts Susan and Ken Bauer presented the 21st Annual Casa Pacifica Angels Spotlight on Style Fashion Show on Saturday, November 19th. The chic, midday affair opened with a champagne reception as over 350 guests perused a variety of boutiques offering unique accessories, clothing, and gifts. A specially curated online auction featured an array of entertainment packages and personal pampering offerings. The main event, the runway fashion show emceed by former head of the Ventura County Naval Base, Brick Conners, showcased selections from the collections of established designers Candice Held, Aratta, Jovani, and DeLaunray. Proceeds from the event support Casa Pacifica’s therapeutic programs and services that bring healing and hope to vulnerable children and youth struggling with complex mental health issues due to circumstances that placed them into foster care and youth whose mental health challengers are disrupting and destabilizing their family homes. For more information, visit casapacifica.org.

A PERFECT BLEND OF FAMILY AND HARD WORK

THE NAPOLITANO FAMILY

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From the moment Casey and John Napolitano met, the two knew they’d found their forever home in each other.

Casey is a real estate expert, hailing from a real estate family. After spending 12 years as director of residential sales at Kennedy Wilson in Beverly Hills, Casey founded her own real estate firm, NDA Real Estate. "It was time for me to start my own company to service high-end clientele who require concierge service and complete discretion when it comes to their real estate investments,” explains Casey. She also invests in real estate with her husband, John, who works in sales at Yahoo! Together, they are constantly looking for new projects to revamp and keep as income properties.

Casey's entrepreneurial spirit is genetic, her great-grandfather Verne Winchell founded the iconic Winchell’s Donuts. But her true mentors are her dad, Rhett, a real estate expert known as the "Auction King," and her mom, Jennifer, a luxury realtor at Rodeo Realty Calabasas. Casey grew up in Calabasas, admiring her dad's work ethic and mom's hustle, and always hoped to return to her roots when it was time to build a family of her own. “My husband is from the San Francisco Bay Area and lived in Venice when we matched on Tinder,” notes Casey. “I grew up here and went to Pepperdine in Malibu, then moved to Hollywood to work as an event promoter and real estate agent. When I met John, I knew he was the one, and we actually talked about moving to Calabasas with dreams of raising kids in a safe and beautiful community right from the start.”

John shares his wife’s passion for the area. “We love the small-town feel and the access to outdoor activities like trails and beaches, but we can also easily get to the Comedy Store in Hollywood for a night out,” he says. “We love our community and sometimes even throw impromptu block parties right on our driveway. The schools are also really phenomenal. We feel our kids are safe and thriving here, which is our number-one priority.”

Siena, age 6, is in first grade. She’s also a Girl Scout and loves to sing, dance, cheer, and play soccer and tennis. Gemma, age 4, spends most days at Pre-K, where she loves to make her friends laugh. She also enjoys singing, dancing, and playing soccer. Their youngest, 2-year-old Jack, also attends preschool and is quite loquacious. “He’s obsessed with trucks,” remarks Mom.

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THE NAPOLITANO FAMILY

The Napolitano’s favorite things to do include spending quality time with friends and family, whether it’s dining out at Pedaler’s Fork or Taisho or hosting pizza night at their home. Casey loves to shop with the kids at Calakids, Elfin, and Shop Ever. They also enjoy playing with their two dogs, Sadie, an adorable Pomeranian, and Parker, a sweet Jack Russell terrier, and their cool leopard geckos named Ice Cream and Pickles. The family also spends as much time as possible at their vacation rental in Hawaii, aptly called Kauai Dream House. “We spent three months there during 2020 when Jack was only two months old,” recalls Casey. “The girls attended preschool where they ran around barefoot all day with local kids. We may like to dress up and host events, but we’re truly hippies at heart.”

These days, the family relishes going to the movies, comedy shows, concerts, and new restaurants.

“We all love cooking together in the kitchen. Even Jack’s learned to crack eggs.” John adds, “We include our kids in everything we do and don’t have strict schedules. We like to swim and go to the beach as a family.”

“We love to be involved with the schools and volunteer as much as possible,” says John. The family hosts an annual pumpkin patch fundraiser for Bay Laurel at Casey’s parent’s Calabasas Park Estates property with pumpkin decorating, an ice cream truck, face painting, and more for a crowd of 100-plus participants. They also relocated both of Casey’s grandmothers from Marina del Rey and Malibu to be next-door neighbors at Calabasas Lake. “The locale is perfect…they’re closer to us, yet still feel like they’re on the water with a sense of calm and relaxation,” explains Casey. “We throw parties and fundraisers at their houses and invite our friends on their boat. Everyone is always welcome.”

John works at Yahoo and has spent 15 years in the advertising technology business. Before that, he spent a few years as an assistant for a demanding literary agent at ICM and says, “I was Lloyd from Entourage.”

Casey also plays tennis, and John remains a serious cyclist and golfer at the Calabasas Country Club. The couple works out at the club after taking the kids to school. “It feels like a date,” notes John. “We like to make time for each other every week while the in-laws watch the kids.”

John and Casey continue transforming properties into gold mines, always looking for the next great opportunity. When they want something, they figure out how to get it. Seven years ago, when Casey was nine months pregnant with Siena, they put a letter in the mailbox of their current home asking if they could buy it off market since nothing was for sale. It was simply meant to be.

“My family raised me here,” explains Casey. “I was in the first graduating class at Bay Laurel Elementary. My mom and dad still live only three streets away, which is also where we got married. And my paternal and fraternal grandmothers are next door neighbors on Calabasas Lake.” Then, she adds with a smile, “We could live anywhere as long as we’re all together, but we’re obsessed with our community here in Calabasas.” And their Calabasas community is all the richer for it. n

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A PERFECT BLEND OF FAMILY AND HARD WORK

HADASSAH GIVES BREAST CANCER THE BOOT

The Hadassah group of Calabasas/West Valley held its annual breast cancer fundraiser on October 26th to “Give the Boot to Cancer.” The country western theme was complete with a live DJ and line dancing led by breast cancer survivor Candy Sherwin, and everyone dressed in pink country attire. B’yachad Hadassah member Jaqueline Hantgan spoke on how she, with the help of the organization, advocates for women’s health and medical research and the ways Hadassah has helped her and so many others. The evening, hosted at the home of Sheba Grobstein in Woodland Hills, with assistance from event chair Nancy Reiser, served delicious food donated by local restaurants, including Ike’s Sandwich Shop, Mort’s Deli, and Doan’s Bakery. Plenty of black and white cookies from Lovi’s were available, and beverages were provided by AJA, Santa Barbara Winery, and Pink Ambrosino Tequila. A silent auction and raffles helped raise money for Hadassah Medical Organization, which does extensive research for breast cancer. For more information, visit Hadassah.org.

PIERCE COLLEGE AT 75 AUTOMOTIVE CELEBRATION

In 1947, along the tree-studded rolling hills of the southwest San Fernando Valley, Pierce College opened its doors to students focusing on the study of agriculture. Seventy-five years later, this college has grown to become one of the most admired community colleges in the nation. Pierce just celebrated the opening of its new on-campus $22 million Automotive Technology Center. The center is scheduled to open for ambitious gearheaded students in the spring semester. This ultra-modern automotive facility rivals other colleges and trade schools by presenting the latest in technology for gas combustion engines, the emergence of electric motor powertrains, autonomous vehicle systems, alternative fuels, and much more. Our future of automotive transportation is changing along with technology so there will always be a need for qualified service professionals. Barbara Anderson, Academic Senate Officer, introduced dignitary speakers at the dedication. For more information, visit piercecollege.edu.

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae

There is absolutely nothing better than the scream of a big engine, revving to its limit, taking you into another world. A world of emotion, fear, speed, and dreams. Some might argue that Lamborghini appreciated and pushed the envelope more than any other car maker to achieve the ultimate emotion in driving. Part of that emotion is, of course, the sound. And as we push toward electric, that is going away. There is no replacement for displacement, but there is also the sound of that big motor working perfectly, like a fire-breathing dragon…The Lamborghini Aventador LP 7804 Ultimae is the last of the breed. The last of the big, huge, awesome, incredible, mean, gasoline-guzzling, pure, honest V12 engines that Lamborghini will make. A sound like no other car in the world. You know it when you hear it. You love it. You cannot believe it is street legal. And you want it.

From Lamborhini

“The Aventador LP 780-4 denotes the final, purest, timeless naturally aspirated production V12 Lamborghini,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It delivers the essential twelve-cylinder experience in terms of inimitable design, engineering solutions, and the most emotive driving experience, and is the definitive Aventador, concluding an extraordinary era. It is the last of its kind: It delivers the maximum power and conclusive performance expected from Lamborghini’s current V12 engine, combined with our inimitable flagship’s design DNA. The Aventador was destined to become a classic from launch, and the Aventador LP 780-4 is the most beautiful expression of timeless design and technical solutions in a final edition: Ultimae.” For more information, visit lamborghini.com . n

As this magazine issue goes to publication, there is an interesting phenomenon going on with financial markets. In short, they are in a downward spiral and volatility is a certainty.

Yet, the opportunity to preserve your capital has never, ever been better. Take, for example, CDs and T-bills, which are at a 20-year high. These are financial instruments which require a little bit of work to acquire, but can preserve your money for short periods of time.

There’s another instrument that sometimes gets a bad name—called an “annuity.”

What’s an annuity? This is an insured financial “bucket” offered by insurance companies, which guarantees a stated rate of return and defers the taxation inside the account (no taxable implications until later) until when you can either take your money at the expiration of the selected period or defer the tax more and roll it to another annuity.

Fixed annuities traditionally pay a higher rate of return than the above products, in exchange for locking up your money for a bit longer—somewhere between two, three, four, or five years. With an annuity, you cannot liquidate your assets without significant penalties, but you typically earn a higher rate of return over shortterm instruments like CD’s.

Fixed annuities are hard to beat for investors looking for safety and yield. They protect principal and outperform other safe investments. In early December, a fixed annuity had a five-year fixed rate of 5.40%, while five-year treasuries paid 4.4%, and the best five-year CD rates were around 4%. That’s a nice improvement with little management and no maintenance—annual statements only.

What’s the catch? None. No fees. No costs. You can use either qualified (pension/IRS) or non-qualified money (your savings) to lock in a guarantee. What’s the current rate? Around 5%—pushing even higher.

Fixed annuities are not to be confused by the various “other” types of annuities, which have names like “Index” and “Variable.” A fixed annuity is a simple instrument. An ideal asset for “some” of your money—the piece of the pie that can't afford to be lost. And at these rates, that could easily represent a very sizeable part of your investment portfolio depending on your age, risk tolerance, and goals.

What’s the risk? None. Who backs these products? Generally speaking, multi-billion-in-dollar asset insurance companies, with household names you know, with a backstop offered by most states, which also has a guarantee fund to assure any investor if the insurance carrier should ever default.

Who do you love? n

Martin Levy, CLU/RHU, is the founder of Corporate Strategies, Inc./CorpStrat, located in Woodland Hills, California, and a 30-year insurance industry veteran and Lifetime Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Contact: 818.468.0862 Marty@CorpStrat.com

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5.5% GUARANTEED? Why would you risk your SAFE dollars?

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE 56TH ANNUAL CHARITY BALL

The National Charity League, Inc., San Fernando Valley Chapter gathered at the stunning Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on the evening of November 26th for their 56th annual Charity Ball, themed “Dare to Dream,” to present 18 inspiring debutantes who have completed their six-year core mother-daughter program of leadership development, community service, and cultural experiences. On the arm of their fathers, the debutantes presented included: Miss Ava Browne, Miss Piper Dobson, Miss Faith Gideon, Miss Katelyn Hamilton, Miss Ashley Kaloustian, Miss Avonley Kliewer, Miss Saree Leifer, Miss Ava Mesghali, Miss Jennifer Morally, Miss Jordan Norris, Miss Neyha Parmar, Miss Emily Salz, Miss Sophia Schall, Miss Camryn Smaul, Miss Kearston Stepenosky, Miss Celia Vaughn, Miss Rylee Vizvary, and Miss Clare Williams. They were joined by Chapter President Sandra Chavarria-Roe and directors Gina Jacobellis and Tiffany Takac. For more information, visit sanfernandovalley.nationalcharityleague.org.

PACIFIC FESTIVAL BALLET HOSTS SUGAR PLUM SOCIAL

Pacific Festival Ballet (PFB) is celebrating 29 years of presenting the traditional holiday classic, The Nutcracker . This year’s production once again featured over 100 community dancers, joined by Los Angeles-based professionals and New York City Ballet superstars Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. On November 13th, Moorpark Country Club was transformed into the visually stunning "Land of Sweets" for PFB’s annual Sugar Plum Social. Guests were treated to photo opportunities with Clara, arts and crafts, spectacular raffle baskets, sweet treats, and a mini- Nutcracker suite performed by PFB’s pre-professional students. Each year, the social event raises funds to help underwrite their extravagant production. It also provides the opportunity for 2,000 local school children to attend a field trip to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks to see The Nutcracker in December and The Sleeping Beauty next May. Sharing the performing arts with the extended community and nurturing future artists is a continued focus for Pacific Festival Ballet. Visit pacfestballet.org for more information on happenings and upcoming performances.

SAFE PASSAGE’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIVING EVENT

Celebrating how the power of healing can restore women and children of all ages, Safe Passage’s founder Trish Steele and her team hosted an evening of spirit and fun on Tuesday, December 13th at the Calabasas Country Club. The Annual Holiday Giving Event, “For Such a Time as This,” allowed attendees to enjoy dinner, entertainment, and The Runway of Hope graduation for safe passage clients produced by founder Luisa Diaz and sponsored by the Luisa Diaz Foundation. The newest FoRe! Ambassador, Janet Cano, was also honored in a special ceremony for Women Crowned in Glory-Safe Passage Heals, Nevada. Emcee and keynote speaker Bodine Belasco also shared inspirational stories with all in attendance. All proceeds from ticket sales and the live auction support Safe Passage, which provides hope, opportunity, pride, and empowerment to women and children, leading them to a life of freedom and joy. For more information, visit safepassageheals.org.

Shaken Not Stirred.

For many years of my association with Calabasas Style magazine, I have had the pleasure of wishing you well, and hopefully, I have offered some beneficial ways to increase your health and live a healthy and long life. This year is no different as technology advances at a rapid rate, giving us so many options and ideas to make our lives healthier and more productive. This year includes some interesting new tech gadgets.

If you work out on a regular basis, it is vital that you keep hydrated. A com pany called hDrop Tech has devel oped a wearable device that can monitor hydration, temperature, and sweat in real time. It contains a dehydration sensor, and it even monitors your electrolytes loss. Dehydration can increase your respiratory rate and decrease your blood pressure and your heart rate, so it’s extra important to keep an eye on it. The device comes with an app that will track all of the above and retails for $159.99.

Getting the proper amount of sleep is essential to a healthy and long life. Withings has been producing health-related scales and products for many years. This one might be quite use ful. Withings Sleep analyzes your deep, light, and REM sleep; will track your heart rate; and offers snore detection. It syncs to their app and will even (through IFTTT integration) dim your lights or turn on the thermostat. It comes with a mat that sits under your mattress and automatically syncs via Wi-Fi. It retails for around $130.

I have always recommended—and still do recommend— smart watches like the one I use, which is the Apple Watch . Surprisingly, it motivates me to work out daily and try harder. There are many options to choose from—ranging in price from $60 to as much as a $1000 or more, depending on the bells and whistles you want to add on. Whether you choose a smart watch or you are just self-motivated, make sure you get moving every day—it has the ability to add years to your life expectancy.

This one is totally sci-fi but interesting none the less. The Muse 2 is a head gear that helps you meditate. It is a multi-sensor meditation device that will actually give you real-time brainwave feedback to help you focus and teach you how to breathe properly in ways that can actually help you calm down and fight stress. While not inexpensive at $250, eliminating the stress can actually save your life.

Just for fun, Williams Sonoma is selling Barsys Smart Coaster System for $150. Place the included mixing glass atop the Bluetooth-connected coaster and select your drink. The coaster changes color to signal when to start and stop pouring each ingredient and will shake and stir automatically for you. Remember, “shaken not stirred” is important if you are James Bond-like. After all, a relaxing cocktail can calm your nerves.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Gayle Barnes who has been such a tremendous editor of Calabasas Style for all of her great work putting together this wonderful magazine. Gayle is moving on to new endeavors, and as a result, I will be doing the same.

I have enjoyed providing articles through the years, and I hope they have been helpful to you.

I wish you all a great year of peace and, yes, calm. n

See you on the radio.

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STYLES OF THE SEASON » Make a fashion statement at the gym or while running errands

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FARM RIO
THE UPSIDE THE UPSIDE
ISABEL MARANT THE UPSIDE CHLOE VARLEY
Calabasas style 73 « FITNESS FASHION FINDS Calabasas Style chooses apparel and accessories to keep you fit and fabulous in the New Year BOGNER BALA HOLDEN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN CALL IT BY YOUR NAME AZTECH MOUNTAIN AZTECH MOUNTAIN

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Gift Guide

DÉJAUN JEWELERS

The Happy Sport, stunningly crafted with a diamond-set bezel, sparkles with femininity. Its curved lines and daring unconventionality are perfectly Chopard, with the signature moving diamonds playfully dancing around the silvertoned dial. The Village at Westfield Topanga: 6320 Topanga Cyn. Blvd., #1650, Woodland Hills 818.888.8292 dejaun.com IG: @dejaun.jewelers

THE FLOWER APOTHECARY

Psychologist-formulated flower remedies provide natural relief from stress and other negative emotions. They are vibrational remedies, not essential oils, which are safe and effective for people and pets of all ages. Try flowers with superpowers today! Available online and at: Erewhon Markets, Lassen’s, theflowerapothecary.com IG: @theflowerapothecary

Pamper yourself with a relaxing manicure and pedicure at one of the top salons in Calabasas. Gift certificates are also available and make a perfect gift for friends, co-workers, and teachers. Mention Calabasas Style for a 12% discount for new clients. 26500 Agoura Rd., #107, Calabasas (near Jack in the Box) 818.880.0499 cqnailscalabasas.com IG: @cqnails

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Valentine's Gift Guide

Sharon Segal Nina Segal is Westlake Village’s premier shopping destination. Discover unique apparel and jewelry like this beautiful turquoise and diamond heart necklace by Nina Segal. The perfect place for the perfect Valentine gift! The Promenade at Westlake 160 Promenade Way, #E, Westlake Village 805.777.7019 IG: @sharonsegalninasegal

Make sure your romantic evening includes Nabu’s Wine N Roses event for Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 10-12). Voted 2022 Best Of The Southland Los Angeles Times, Best Wine Tasting, Best Winery by Los Angeles Daily News 2022 Readers Choice Awards, and Best Winery by 2022 Readers Choice Awards Ventura County Star. 2649 Townsgate Rd., #200, Westlake Village 805.778.1100 nabuwines.com IG: @nabuwines

Love is in the air! Indulge your cravings with individually packaged Bundtlets. Single, double, and triple Bundtlet towers are beautifully gift-wrapped and ideal for Valentine's Day or any day you'd like to show your love. How about today? Certified Kosher. 6524 Platt Ave., West Hills 818.340.2253 215 N. Glendale Ave., Glendale 818.945.9010 nothingbundtcakes.com

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Valentine's Gift Guide

ELYSEWALKER

Inspired by the beauty of nature, Nadine Aysoy’s fine jewelry combines timeless elegance and unique design. Emerald, chrysoprase, peridot, and tourmaline cascade in their captivating Catena Earrings. A perfect gift for someone special, including you. The Commons at Calabasas: 4719 Commons Way #J, Calabasas 818.937.9190 elysewalker.com IG: @elysewalker

SEE'S CANDIES

Say "Be my Valentine" with this beautiful Classic Red Hearts collection from See’s Candies. It’s filled with assorted milk and dark chocolate confections that are sure to capture their heart. Approximately 30 pieces. The Commons at Calabasas: 4719 Commons Way, Calabasas 818.591.1356 sees.com IG: @seescandies

FEATURE

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day with new apparel, footwear, jewelry, and other arrivals from FEATURE, Nike, Acne Studios, Givenchy, Palm Angels, and other must-have brands. The Commons at Calabasas 4751 Commons Way, #I, Calabasas 818.912.6148 feature.com

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VALENTINE’S DAY Ideas

Valentine’s Day is the perfect reminder to stop and smell the roses of friendship, family, and romance—but it can be easy to get swept away in expectations. So, we’re sharing some fun and easy ways to show your loved ones (including yourself!) just how glad you are to have them in your life.

Make creative cupcakes together

Share your love of baking with family and friends to create the perfect heartwarming dessert. Top rich red velvet cupcakes with heavenly cream cheese frosting and red raspberries or cherries. Use your own tasty recipe or find one online and splurge!

Write a love note to yourself

Write a love letter to yourself reflecting on all your good qualities. Expressing self-love in words not only awakens creativity, it also decreases stress and raises self-confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to show your number one valentine just how much they mean.

Go on a coffee date with your partner

Wake up your love life with a Valentine’s Day visit to your local coffee house. Food and love go hand in hand, so indulge in some of your favorite sweet treats. Share your heart as the caffeine goes to your head.

Day date to the farmers market

Grab your favorite guy and gal pals or significant other for a jaunt to the local farmer’s market to explore heart-healthy goodies. Pick up some honey for your honey and other favorites to make a Valentine’s feast together that night.

Create a romantic dinner menu entirely of red foods

Start with an appetizer of red beets or bruschetta with heart-smart tomato, olive oil, and basil. Bake lasagna or spaghetti floating in savory red marinara. Feed each other chocolate cherries or strawberry short cake, and toast your romance over bubbly pink champagne. n

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THE Flower Apothecary

Nadia Ameri knows a lot about feelings and helping people cope with emotional problems. Nadia was a psychologist for over 13 years before finding her true life’s passion. Today, she is the founder and owner of The Flower Apothecary, an online store specializing in creating flower essences designed to change your mood and outlook in an empowering way. “When you first hear the term flower therapy, it conjures up a whimsical image of someone providing therapy to a flower. Ironically enough, it is the exact opposite,” says Nadia. “Flower essence therapy is an ancient botanical healing modality that remedies emotional imbalances in people and pets of all ages. Unlike traditional medicine that focuses on alleviating symptoms, flower essence therapy is believed to bring an individual into emotional equilibrium naturally by remedying the root of the issue that caused the emotional disarray.”

Flower essences, which are not essential oils, address trauma, low self-esteem, fears, sadness, grief, and more. They are similar to homeopathy and safely assist a spectrum of people— from post-partum women navigating baby blues to people grieving the loss of a loved one. Flower essences can also be safely used by allergy sufferers.

Flower essences are a vibrational infusion of flowers stabilized in natural spring water. Every flower has a vibrational frequency that carries healing properties and information pertaining to a specific emotional theme. The healing information that a flower contains can be imprinted into the spring water using heat. When ingested regularly in the form of a flower essence, flowers can support emotional balance. Flower essences are the best kept secret in wellness and are a beneficial addition to all self-care routines. As Nadia says, “Just as you brush your teeth, people can take their flower essences every day.” Flower essences will not interfere with any medications and/or supplements that you are taking. You can choose from an array of ready-to-use remedies from The Flower Apothecary line or work one-on-one with Nadia in her private flower therapy practice. n

The Flower Apothecary Available at Erewhon and Lassen’s Markets Personal Consultations: nadia@theflowerapothecary.com Order at: theflowerapothecary.com

January is the time for fresh starts and renewal. Our skin health is important, and just as we recommit to going to the gym to shed pounds, we can commit to a “skin gym” of sorts, where we commit to restoring and refreshing our skin. We all know that injectables like Botox ® and Juvederm ® are a go-to for reducing lines and rejuvenating the skin, however, they alone are not enough to maintain a youthful, healthy glow. Skin integrity changes over time, making it thinner and more translucent. The tone of our skin changes, as well as its elasticity. Brown spots and broken blood vessels begin to appear. Luckily, we can build collagen, smooth the surface, reduce redness and brown spots, and firm the skin. We will discuss some of the pro -

New Skin New Year,

cedures that can improve the health and glow of our skin so that we can start this year afresh!

REJUVENATE

We now know how to harness the power of our own growth factors to stimulate collagen and renew the skin. PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is procedure that employs our own platelet-derived growth factors to stimulate collagen production in the dermis. PRF—platelet rich fibrin is the newest concept in skin rejuvenation, where growth factors are delivered over a longer period of time and result in more robust, longer-lasting results. PRF can be used in a similar way that we use fillers. These procedures may be combined with peels, Fraxel, microneedling, and

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Bella FX radiofrequency microneedling. A new option for rejuvenation includes treatment of genital areas of both men and women for enhancement of sexual function and pleasure. Yes—PRP/PRF can enhance sensation and therefore the sexual experience.

RESURFACE

Texture changes and increased visibility of pores are things patients complain about daily. A popular and effective treatment that smooths the skin and reduces pore size is Bella Microgold. Tiny doses of neuromodulator (like Botox) and injection-grade hyaluronic acid are injected into the skin superficially to provide a perfect glow and beauty filter in real life! It is an instant-gratification procedure with consistent results. Patients who come in regularly every three or four months enjoy smoother and smoother skin. Another option is the laser series Fraxel Resore ® . The laser energy from this device goes deep, and yet the fractionated technology allows for the skin to heal quickly, within two days. A series of four to six Fraxel ® treatments stimulates collagen regeneration for thicker, smoother, more youthful-appearing skin. Another way to resurface is deep microneedling. In fact, the concept is the same except microneedling does not use thermal energy. Microneedling is an older technique that has become new again. Its benefits are stimulation of col lagen and smoothing of fine lines. Radiofrequency microneedling is another option, which takes microneedling to the next level, with energy arcing through the collagen layer to tighten skin and remodel collagen.

PEEL

Peels are lovely for the skin—allowing that glow to shine through. I, myself, do a Jessner's peel monthly, and it keeps brown spots and fine lines at bay. This peel is very mild, with minimal to no visible flaking, but with excellent results. Deeper peels, such as TCA (trichloroacetic acid), can provide even more results, particularly in the under-eye area, but with about seven days of downtime.

CLARIFY

Brown spots, growths, and broken blood vessels mar the complexion. The VBeam laser is the gold standard for reducing redness and broken blood vessels. It also stimulates collagen and can be performed in conjunction with a Jessner's peel. In addition, the Perfecta device can be used to remove specific individual brown spots. IPL (intense pulsed light) is a device that rejuvenates the skin by removing unwanted freckling from sun damage and is used to rejuvenate the face, neck, chest, hands, and legs with minimal downtime. Small growths that appear, such as benign keratoses and enlarged oil glands, can be very simply removed with liquid ni -

trogen treatment or electrocautery, depending on the type of growth. Many people don't realize how simple and quick it is to remove unwanted moles and growths. On the face in particular, these procedures heal beautifully, leaving minimal to no trace.

REGENERATE

The skin has five layers on the surface that regenerate naturally about every 48 days. The dermis is the "hide" of the skin, where collagen lives. There is one injectable that more specifically targets collagen stimulation in this area. Sculptra ® is a suspension of particles that induces a healing response and collagen genesis in the dermis. This results in volume restoration to the face and a thicker, more robust dermis.

TIGHTEN

Skin tightening is great for restoring a rested, youthful appearance. Sagging in the lower face as well as crepiness of neck skin appear shortly after changes in the eyelid skin. For the eyelids, Thermage ® is a great firming option that has no down time and lasts up to two years. For the neck and lower face, Ultherapy ® is the strongest skin-tightening device known to us at this time. Bella FX, or radiofrequency microneedling, tightens skin, reduces pore size, stimulates collagen and reduces the appearance of broken blood vessels. Skin tightening with these devices is a great option for those who want a nonsurgical pick-me-up.

The New Year is here, and there is no doubt that getting in shape is on all of our minds. Why not get our skin in shape as well? I saw a quote once that said: "If I could firm my face with exercise, I would." The procedures discussed above address the most common skin texture, tone, and color concerns. We are fortunate to live in a time when technology can help us be our best selves. When it comes to your face, choose a board-certified dermatologist and only trust your skin to the best. Happy New Year! n

The statements in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not substitute for individual medical advice. Dr. Anna Guanche is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic injectables and energy devices for non-invasive rejuvenation. Follow her @annaguanchemd.

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club life

Thankful for Family, Friends, and Food!

The Club’s Athletic Center Hosts “Let’s Get Moving” Event

Members and guests were invited to attend a special mat Pilates class to experience the health benefits of attending any of the group fitness classes offered each week. The event included a trunk show to debut a new line of athletic apparel for men and women and concluded with a free buffet of healthy food and drinks, giving guests the opportunity to mix, mingle, and shop.

For information, please visit calabasasgolf.com General Information: 818.222.8111 | info@calabasasgolf.com

Calabasas Country Club hosted their first in-person Thanksgiving celebration since the pandemic this year, much to the delight of members and guests. Thanksgiving was a sold-out event for all four seatings, validating the Club’s “home away from home” philosophy. Diners enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie, along with the endless Thanksgiving buffet of food and desserts.

AtCalabasasCountryClub

Science of Sport Charity Golf Event Raises the Bar

Golf

Daren

of Sport, an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit

goal is to translate the passion for sports into an appreciation, understanding, and application for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Players enjoyed fun activities at each hole, followed by a great awards ceremony.

Holiday Activities Delight Kids of All Ages

Parents and their kids had lots of fun over the holiday season, with several events geared towards spreading happiness and cheer. Kids had the opportunity to interact with their favorite superheroes at a great kids’ buffet and unleashed their unbound energy in an indoor bounce house. Kids also enjoyed a special “Kiddle Kristmas” holiday puppet show, complete with a Frosty the Snowman photo op, and the Club’s traditional “Breakfast with Santa” on December 18th.

Planning your private or corporate event or have membership questions? Joey Hotaki, Member Services 818-444-5551 Jhotaki@calabasasgolf.com or Doreen Nesher, Member Services Director 818-444-5553 doreen@calabasasgolf.com

member Heaton hosted the Science of Sport charity event at the Club on October 24th. Heaton is the executive director at Science that brings math and science to life using sports examples. Their

CALABASAS SENIOR CENTER BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER

The Calabasas Senior Center, including its Caring Calabasas Club, partnered with Caruso’s The Commons at Calabasas for their 6th Annual Holiday Toy Drive, collecting new, unwrapped toys at the Calabasas Senior Center and additional donation boxes through the city and at The Commons from November 14th through December 16th. The Holiday Toy Drive was celebrated on December 12th with a special Holiday Cheer party—a festive evening of joyful entertainment and refreshments. The program included performances in Founders Hall by the Calabasas High School Music Club and Calabasas Senior Center’s Savvy Singers. All toys were donated to the Volunteer League of the San Fernando Valley. The Caring Calabasas Club is Calabasas Senior Center’s service group known for providing charitable contributions in the form of collecting goods, crafting needed items, and doing other charitable work.

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CALABASAS CHAMBER HOSTS HOLIDAY MIXER

The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce hosted a Holiday Champagne Mixer on December 8th at Pedaler’s Fork in Calabasas. Chamber members and guests got to mingle while enjoying great appetizers and bubbly, along with handcrafted chocolates provided by Tifa Chocolate & Gelato in Calabasas. The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission was on hand to collect new, unwrapped toys and donations to help bring holiday joy for deserving children. Many of the Chamber’s board of directors attended the event. The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization comprised of businesses, individuals, organizations, and leaders interested in enhancing the Calabasas community. The Chamber also serves as a liaison for residents, businesses, and visitors seeking information, referrals for products and services, and events and activities.

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WEST VALLEY FOOD AND WINE OASIS

The West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce hosted its most popular annual event on October 19th. The 16th Annual West Valley Food and Wine Oasis Fundraiser was held at the new Luxurious Jaguar / Land Rover Showroom in Woodland Hills. The event featured food, wine, and spirits from 20 different restaurants, bakeries, and wineries and 22 local business sponsors and exhibitors. The emcee for the event was Mark Sterling, and entertainment was provided by DJ Arckopolis and Tycoonlands. The event was organized by West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce CEO, Diana Williams. As the largest and most influential chamber in the San Fernando Valley, the West Valley-Warner Center Chamber of Commerce is comprised of professional men and women who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for those who live and work in the area...now and in the future.

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MAYOR MAURER'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

Calabasas Mayor Mary Sue Maurer gave the 2022 State of the City Address on December 1st at the Calabasas Civic Center Founders Hall. Her address focused on the city’s accomplishments during 2022 and applauded the city team for keeping them responsive to the Calabasas residents, being fiscally sound stewards of the public’s money and constantly looking forward with the city’s first strategic plan. She also praised the LVMWD, LVUSD, and firefighters and sheriffs who keep the city safe. Mary Sue also recognized Dr. Negin Ghaffari as the 2022 Calabasas Resident of the Year. Dr. Ghaffari, owner of Montessori of Malibu Canyon, sits on the Park and Recreation Commission, champions fundraising causes in education, and has been a brave advocate for human rights in Iran. Mary Sue was honored throughout the evening for her 17 years of service. Mary Sue Maurer’s fourth and final term as mayor ended December 14th, 2022.

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Adopt a Fur Baby

! RESCUE • FOSTER • ADOPT • LOVE

Gregory

This adorable 2-year-old terrier mix needs time, patience, and lots of love to become your best friend for life. He loves to cuddle and sleep under the covers with you. He loves all dogs, so a home with another dog is a must.

Louie

This tiny 2-year-old pit bull weighs only 35 lbs. He is loving, mellow, happy, affectionate, and loves hanging out with you and getting belly rubs. He gets along with other dogs and cats too and entertains himself well.

Sage

The cutest little puppy ever! She will likely be medium size full grown, though her breed is unkown. She is a bit of a wild child—very playful and funny. She is happy, loving, affectionate, and ready for her forever home!

Fang

This stunning shepherd/husky mix is 4 months old will grow to be a large dog. Fang will make you laugh all day—the perfect addition to any family. He is happy, playful, loving, super sweet, and just waiting for a family to call his own!

NLYM LENDS A HAND AT

OUR BIG KITCHEN LA

It was a charitable day of mother-son bonding as the National League of Young Men (NLYM), West Valley Chapter, and their moms ventured to Our Big Kitchen LA (OBKLA) to prepare and package over 250 meals at the local community kitchen initiative. On the menu were hot dishes, including meatballs, vegetables, and rice, all prepared in an assembly line. The ultimate sweet treat, chocolate chip cookies, was also prepared, and every volunteer was provided a package to pay forward. OBKLA distributed the packaged meals prepared by the NLYM team to those in need. Big Kitchen Los Angeles is a community-run, non-denominational, industrial kitchen initiative, where meals are prepared for distribution to people in need across the Los Angeles area. For more information about NLYM, visit nlymwestvalley.org. For more information about OBKLA, visit obkla.org.

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If you are considering a new furry family member, Calabasas Style has partnered with Foxy & the Hounds to bring you the sweetest selection of dogs looking for their fur-ever home. The family that opens their hearts and home to these precious pups is in for a lifetime filled with love and loyalty. All pets are spayed/neutered and micro-chipped. If the dogs pictured have been adopted, there are more dogs waiting for a good home. Foxy and the Hounds. foxyandthehounds.org foxyandthehounds@gmail.com

january

EVERY SATURDAY | 8 AM – 1 PM | CALABASAS FARMERS MARKET

Rain or shine, local vendors bring a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits, veggies, and flowers; artisanal baked goods; and prepared foods to go to Old Town Calabasas. Call 818.591.8161 for more information.

EVERY SATURDAY | 9 AM – 2 PM | AGOURA FARMERS MARKET

Whizin Market Square hosts a new farmers market in collaboration with the creative team behind Calabasas Farmers Market. It includes a kids' area, local farmers, a collection of vintage vendors, live acoustic sets, and more. Visit facebook.com/agourahillsfm for more information.

JANUARY 7 | 8

PM | BEATLES TRIBUTE BY BRITAIN’S FINEST AT THE CANYON CLUB

If you haven’t seen Britain’s Finest in action, you’ve been missing out on a terrific show that brings families and friends together for a wonderful time filled with singing and joy. The appeal for the music transcends all audiences of any age. Under 18 must be accompanied by adult. Doors open at 6 PM. Tickets and more information: wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com.

JANUARY 28 | 5 PM – 9 PM | 7TH ANNUAL UNCORKED: L.A. WINE FESTIVAL

Enjoy over 150 wines from across the globe, local food trucks, a live band, DJ, and more. Early admission ($80) at 5 PM includes an extra hour of tasting plus special pours from select wineries during the first hour. General admission ($65) is at 6 PM. Located at Union Station, Los Angeles. Tickets and information: uncorkedwinefestivals.com.

JANUARY 28 | CALABASAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INSTALLATION GALA

The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce will host their Annual Installation Gala at the Calabasas Country Club. Join them as they install the new board of directors, present the Spirit of Calabasas award, and honor their Milestone Chamber members. For details: calabasaschamber.com.

february

FEBRUARY 2

TO

MARCH 26

| DISNEY’S THE LION KING AT THE PANTAGES THEATRE

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, unforgettable music, and uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular—one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, The Lion King brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Schedule and tickets: ticketmaster.com.

FEBRUARY 4 | 8 AM – 10:30 AM

| MOORPARK GROUNDHOG DAY 10K, 5K, AND 1-MILE FUN RUN

Benefitting Moorpark High School’s cross country and track programs, the event consists of three races, starting and ending on the high school track. All ages and abilities are welcome. Post-race festivities include an awards ceremony, refreshments, vendors, and a raffle. To register, visit runsignup.com/race/ca/moorpark/moorparkgroundhogday.

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 23 TO MAY 21 | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM |

2023 PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE OF DESIGN

The 58th Showcase House of Design returns to Pasadena, reimagining the Stewart House, a 1933 grand colonial estate with spectacular acreage in a storied neighborhood. The Shops at Showcase features a variety of craft purveyors. Plated meals, grab-and-go snacks, wine, beer, and soft drinks are available at the restaurant. Tickets and more information: pasadenashowcase.org.

Send calendar submissions three months in advance to infocalabasasstyle@gmail.com.

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People to WATCH In 2023

Thousands of books and articles have been written about the different traits and characteristics required to succeed in business. We’ve identified some of the most innovative and pioneering business leaders in our community, and discovered one element that they all have in common: From them, we learned that “success is not the key to happiness” but rather that “happiness is the key to success.” Simply put—if you love what you do and are passionate about your purpose, you have the key to achieving true success. We hope these stories inspire you in your field of endeavor in 2023.

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People to Watch

Julia Wong

OWNER

Julia Wong Designs

Calabasas-based interior designer Julia Wong continues to be recognized for her sophisticated and luxurious interiors. She’s earned an international reputation for incorporating richly layered textures and patterns that result in comfortable and elegant residential and commercial spaces. This multi-talented interior designer began her career in the fashion industry under renowned designer John Galliano at Dior. Looking to create designs that were more permanent, Wong transitioned to interior design.

Her international travel and diverse experience in the fashion world served as a foundation for her exquisite yet effortless interior design aesthetics, fusing European tradition and American culture.

“Some of my design disciplines come from my travels,” says Julia. “I was transfixed by even the smallest gestures, such as the gift wrapping in Japan, meticulous visual presentation in France, and sublime architecture of Italy.” Julia utilizes that same meticulous attention to detail, passion for refined finishes, and excellent workmanship to inspire others to reimagine their dream homes.

Julia’s stylish interiors and home furnishings have been featured in The Wall Street Journal , Luxe magazine , California Homes magazine, Interiors , and Aspire and on E! Entertainment . Raised in London, she studied design at the Ravens-Bourne School of Art and Design and is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese.

Whether designing a Ritz Carlton Residences penthouse on Michigan Avenue or a Tuscan home in Malibu, Julia incorporates her unique international aesthetic in every project. Always keeping the client's vision in mind, she creates spaces that exude elegance, luxury, and ease throughout Calabasas, Westlake, Brentwood, Bel Air, London, New York, and Miami.

Julia brings her expertise not only to spaces but also to her growing collection of furniture and rugs. Recent brand collaborations include Thermador, Duchateau, Kalista, Brizo, Walker Zanger, Mansour, and Cambria Stone. She also serves as an active member of ICAA (Institute of Classical Architecture and Art) and SIA Projects (Save Iconic Architecture), which supports the landmark process to protect historic structures. 818.223.8886 4349 Park Vicente Calabasas juliawongdesigns.com

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People to Watch

The Davis Group at UBS Financial Services, Inc.

Stephen joined UBS as a financial advisor in 2014. He has a combined 30 years of experience as a financial advisor and holds a Certified Investment Management Analyst ® designation from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Stephen’s practice displays a strong focus on enhanced quality and effectiveness within the managed accounts arena. As a portfolio manager in the UBS Portfolio Management Program, Stephen manages proprietary model portfolios and tailors investment strategies to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. His practice allows him to provide holistic and comprehensive conflict-free advice on the individual investment recommendations as well as in financial planning. Having a strong commitment to helping people achieve their financial goals and staying in constant communication with his clients gives him the opportunity to stay connected on more than just a business level.

Stephen and his team at The Davis Group serve as their clients’ financial advocates—helping each client navigate every type of market environment while diligently researching trends and investment opportunities. For The Davis Group, building a comprehensive financial plan is the key to pursuing financial success. This experienced and seasoned team of professionals also has access to one of the world’s largest suites of industry-leading resources and solutions.

Stephen’s professional experience provides the perspective to help his clients confidently prepare for opportunities and addresses their financial challenges. From potential growth and wealth preservation strategies to estate and legacy planning, he offers a consultative process that can help address all aspects of his clients’ planning needs. Through careful analysis and tailored guidance, Stephen provides tactical solutions that clients face during life’s important transitions and financial decisions. He believes that a full suite of services not only tackles the complex issues his

clients face today but also helps them plan for the future they envision. “What matters most to me is that my clients know how much I care,” says Stephen.

Stephen believes in having a strong commitment to philanthropy and giving back. Currently, he serves on the Board of Ambassadors for The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley and Las Virgenes communities of California. Stephen is also an elected member of the UCSB Alumni Association Board of Directors. Outside of the office, he enjoys being active in sports and spending time with his wife of 22 years, Amparo, and his children, Jacob, Robert, and Alessandra.

Stephen currently hold the Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, Series 9, and Series 10, as well as a California Life, Accident and Health Insurance license.

3011 Townsgate Rd., #300 Westlake Village 805.367.3680 Stephen.W.Davis@ubs.com financialservicesinc.ubs.com/team/davisgroup

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People to Watch

Brad Wiseman

Managing Partner - Calabasas Branch Specializing in Luxury HOME Sales L.A. Senior Solutions Founder

Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc.

Brad Wiseman has been a licensed real estate broker since 1983. With 40 years of experience under his belt, Brad is an educator to other real estate professionals and has earned his position as a managing partner at Pinnacle Estate Properties, Inc., in Calabasas. In addition to selling luxury homes in Calabasas for the past 30 years, Brad is the director of commercial real estate for Pinnacle.

In recent years, Brad had the opportunity to assist his mother, Felicia, in navigating the move into assisted living. In doing so, Brad learned a lot about the challenges such a move places on the elderly and their families. As a result, Brad began to assist others with this important process and earned his credentials as an SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist). Brad now operates L.A. Senior Solutions within the Pinnacle family and is helping countless seniors and their families navigate the challenging process of selling their long-time home, obtaining a reverse mortgage, or staying at home and aging in place with the help of a healthcare provider.

Brad serves on the board of directors for Beit T’Shuvah (BTS)—a Jewish-based charity that houses nearly 140 residents in recovery from drugs and alcohol—and oversees the BTS Thrift Store that raises over $1,000,000 per year for residents in recovery. Brad utilizes his thrift store to assist seniors with decluttering and donating furniture, clothing, and housewares as part of the process of downsizing or transitioning into assisted living.

Brad and his wife, Dolly love their Calabasas community, where they raised their collective five children. As an involved member of our community, Brad recently served as a commissioner with the City of Calabasas on the Parks, Recreation, and Education committee. This

is near and dear to Brad after having raised his family here in Calabasas. Brad is also a volunteer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and works out of the Lost Hills Station as a DCS member with their Disaster Communication Services

Brad is a top-producing real estate professional who serves the Calabasas community that he has lived in since 1987. Brad has an outstanding reputation in his field and is known for his integrity and hands-on approach with his valued clients.

818.880.9900 24025 Park Sorrento, #110 Calabasas Cal BRE #00780341 NMLS #349287

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People to Watch

Etiquette During the Holidays

Attorney at Law | Estate Planning LAW OFFICES OF LISA

APLC

For attorney Lisa Golshani, estate planning is about more than death and taxes; instead, it’s about empowering families to protect everyone they love and everything they own while taking control of the legacy they are leaving behind. Lisa founded the Law Offices of Lisa S. Golshani in 2004 with a focus on providing compassionate and family-focused legal planning for Calabasas residents. Her firm serves clients in the areas of trusts and estates, including children’s protection planning and special needs trusts.

As a busy mom herself and small business owner, Lisa understands the sensitive needs of her clients and how to approach tough conversations that are critical to a worry-free tomorrow. This includes helping parents make sure their family wealth is protected now from unexpected creditors, lawsuits, and divorce, as well as making sure their kids will always be raised by the people they want if tragedy strikes. Lisa is equally passionate about serving entrepreneurs, blended families, and families of special needs children, all of whom require specialized planning and an “outside the box” approach to asset protection and guardianship issues.

Lisa received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Marymount University Law School. She is licensed to practice law in California and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

As a Los Angeles native and a resident of Calabasas, Lisa’s roots are deep in the community. She is a frequently requested speaker in the areas of children’s protection planning, special needs trusts, and estate planning. Additionally, Lisa has had the privilege of serving on the board of The Betty Ferguson Foundation and LETMESAIL. She currently serves as the chair of the SFV chapter of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center.

Most importantly, Lisa is happily married to her husband, Peyman Golshani, a neurologist and neuroscientist and a professor in the Department of Neurology at UCLA. Their pride and joy are their three boys—Aaron, Jonah, and Joshua.

Lisa decided to focus on the area of estate planning because she is passionate about the impact that the work she does has on not just her clients, but also their loved ones and future generations in the family. According to Lisa, "We never know what could happen, which is why having a properly built and maintained estate plan in place is so important. Many people put estate planning off, but I have seen how devastating that can be to families. I am proud to be able to provide peace of mind to my clients so that they can focus more on living and know that they have already helped set up their families for success."

26556 Agoura Rd., #200 Calabasas 818.334.2805 lisa@golshanilaw.com GolshaniLaw.com

Calabasas style 101

People to Watch

Vahid Naziri, Esq

Personal Injury Attorney VN Law Group, P.C.

Vahid Nazari is a personal injury attorney at his law firm, V.N. Law Group, P.C., where he has represented Southern Californians in personal injury cases for the past 20 years. While many personal injury firms pass these cases onto paralegals or secretaries, Vahid handles each of his client’s cases personally and helps his clients seek damages by holding the negligent person or entity accountable. His primary goal is to make sure his clients know that he is committed to fighting for them no matter what they’re up against.

In his 20 years of legal experience, Vahid has represented hundreds of Californians in a wide variety of personal injury and wrongful death cases, and he always vigorously advocates for the full, fair compensation each claim is worth.

Vahid was born in Shiraz, Iran. When he was two years old, his family moved to Minnesota, where Vahid spent most of his childhood years. His family relocated to Northridge, California in 1979. It was here that Vahid had a life-changing incident that forever altered his life.

At the age of 18, Vahid almost perished after being severely injured in a random shooting attack while he was driving to a restaurant. After a slow and painful recovery, Vahid realized God had given him a second chance at life. He made the decision that he would find a profession where he could help other people who had also suffered from personal injury. This incident played a major role in Vahid’s decision to the become a lawyer specializing in personal injury and to advocate for accident victims in California.

Vahid earned his B.S. from California State University, Northridge and his J.D. from the University of LaVerne

College of Law. After successfully passing his BAR exam, he opened his law office in Woodland Hills. Vahid and his family moved to Calabasas in 1989, where Vahid purchased his own home at age 28 in Calabasas Park Estates. Today, Vahid lives with his wife, Yesenia, and they are proud parents of a beautiful 2-years-old daughter. His parents and brother also reside in the same gated community, where they enjoy every aspect of family life. He is also a member of the Calabasas Country Club, where he enjoys working out and meeting other members.

21300 Victory Blvd, #635 Woodland Hills 888.9GotLaw 818.888.6675 getVNlaw.com

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People to Watch

Michal Behar Brison

Principal MBB Design Studio, Inc.

MBB Design Studio's principal, Michal Behar Brison, vividly remembers the space that most significantly inspired her to become an architect.

During one of her international travels, Michal was wandering through the heart of Toronto and found herself walking through the Galleria and Heritage Square—a five-story, free-standing gallery structure of soaring vaulted steel arches that create a block-long linear passage. The atrium integrates the façades of buildings from multiple time periods into a modernist arcade. As Michal recounts, “Old buildings juxtaposed into a new space— seamlessly combined and bathed in light. It reminded me of my home country, Israel. A portrayal of harmony between old and new, complementing each other in a perfect way.” It is with this essence that Michal approaches her projects, always with a consciousness of preserving the best attributes of the structure, when applicable, and with meticulous attention to detail and functionality for modern life.

Michal relocated to NYC, where she graduated with honors from the City College of New York, was recruited by a mid-size New York-based architectural firm, and began her career. Michal was involved in several projects, including large-scale commercial transportation depots and train stations. She then joined a boutique residential firm focused on high-end multi-family residential buildings in Manhattan and Brooklyn. As a licensed architect and a LEED-certified designer, to Michal, smart design work means that there is no trade-off required between beauty and the preservation of our environment. “It is very possible to both ‘do good’ and ‘do well’ for our clients,” she explains.

After moving to Los Angeles in 2009, Michal founded MBB Design Studio in Calabasas. The small, dynamic studio provides design services to the luxury residential segment

in the area. The firm focuses on new construction, additions, extensive remodels, interior design, exterior hardscapes, and pools. MBB Design Studio strives to streamline the design process to all of its clients. As Michal notes, “guiding the project to completion with the client’s goals and budget in mind” is her top priority. Whether the client desires a complete remodel or a brand-new home, the process is a fulfilling journey for her. Working closely with her clients has served her well in her practice as the majority of her clientele referrals come from clients, neighbors, and friends.

Beyond her full-time architecture and design practice, Michal spends time with her husband, four children, and Labrador retriever, enjoying Southern California’s sunny weather, beautiful trails, and beaches.

22231 Mulholland Hwy, #114A Calabasas 424.644.4722 mbbdesignstudio.com Lic. #036422

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Photography by Marvin Steindler

People to Watch

Oliver Slosser

Engineering Program Manager Las Virgenes Municipal Water District Project Manager

Pure Water Project Las Virgenes |Triunfo (LVMWD)

Oliver Slosser is rapidly becoming the face of the future of water for the Conejo Valley region. As engineering program manager for Las Virgenes Municipal Water District (LVMWD) and the project manager for the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes – Triunfo, a soon-to-be multi-million-dollar advanced treatment facility that will create up to 20% of the district’s water supply, he is on the cutting edge of water in California.

Originally from Malibu, Oliver stayed close to home, receiving his B.A. from UC Berkley and his M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Loyola Marymount University, receiving honors and graduating with a 4.0 GPA! Oliver is both analytical and creative in his approach to work, making him an excellent fit to lead the region into the 21st century, solving increasingly critical water-reliability issues.

In the not-so-distant past, Oliver worked as a writer and editor for CurtCo media, based in Malibu, where he learned how to craft stories and connect with audiences. Now, he applies these skills to his current position and loves being able to translate highly technical engineering concepts into everyday language to communicate the benefits of the Pure Water Project to the public.

Although Oliver has a zest for the creative, his engineering calling dominated his drive for success. For eight years, Oliver worked as a senior engineer and project manager for Stantec, an internationally renowned civil engineering consulting firm. However, doing something that would benefit his regional community was an opportunity that was too meaningful to pass up. With two small children and a wonderful wife, Oliver works to solve one of the most significant challenges of our lifetime in water reliability so that his children and yours will have a clean, reliable water supply for years to come.

This challenge is quite significant. As a region where just a singular source of water quenches the thirst of residents and outdoor living spaces, the need for implementing advanced technologies to diversify the region’s water portfolio could not be more important.

Oliver is the person you want on your team as his sense of humor, humility, highly skilled mind, and strong work ethic work to help all of us sleep a little better knowing that one of the best in the state’s water industry is working assiduously for us and our families.

If there is one message Oliver has, it is to work together as a community. What one does impacts another. So, let’s do things that benefit us all.

4232 Las Virgenes Rd. Calabasas 818.251.2100 lvmwd.com

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People to Watch

Lisa Clayden

President | CEO CALABASAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Lisa Clayden, new CEO of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce, has hit the ground running, paving the way for future success by transforming the Chamber’s ideologies and member benefits to meet 21st-century needs and expectations. In the six months of her tenure, Lisa has energetically applied herself to the task of reimagining the organization to meet its full potential in the post-COVID world. Since assuming the role, Lisa’s drive has allowed her to accomplish an increase in Chamber events and participation, new memberships, a weekly newsletter, Chamber committee revitalization, new sponsorships, a new cornerstone event in the Spooky Fiesta, and the reestablishment of the Calabasas Commerce Foundation—providing local students with financial scholarships for their continuing education and career development.

Lisa is a tenacious leader. In her eyes, the Chamber should progress from a largely event-planning organization, whose function is to provide opportunities to network and grow one’s business. She believes it can, should, and will be much more, providing expert assistance in marketing, communication, and employee development and extending a gracious and warm embrace to existing and new businesses. Calabasas is a renowned name, with a brand that continues to gain global recognition. Lisa’s ideas are designed to raise the stature of this unique community through a robust local economy that meets the expectations of its residents, businesses, and city officials. Her strengths to assist in this goal include partnership development, ingenuity, and leadership. Her integrity, along with an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, aligns with the current climate of economic and cultural evolution—one that embodies celebrating and supporting everyone.

Lisa sees the Chamber as an umbrella organization under which all businesses and residents can be included, contribute, and benefit.

By bringing her skills and experience to the role—in concert with an engaged voluntary board of directors—Lisa provides the Chamber with the potential to fashion an even more successful and vital organization. The Chamber will further its mission to advocate for member businesses, while remaining a core liaison with the City of Calabasas and community leaders. Growth will come with a unique approach to promoting and uplifting the local economy, utilizing modern practices and platforms. The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce with Lisa Clayden as its CEO is proudly “Moving Forward.”

23564 Calabasas Rd., #108 Calabasas 818.222.5680

CalabasasChamber.com

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People to Watch

Trish Steele

Founder SAFE PASSAGE HEALS

Trish Steele drew upon her own experience with domestic violence and hopelessness. With help, counseling, and guidance, she was able to rebuild her life and break the cycle of abuse. She also conquered hearing loss due to a childhood illness, proving that any challenge can become a person’s greatest victory.

Throughout it all, Trish became an accomplished woman. She won the 1987 California Gold Coast Pageant and was the first runner-up of The Beauties of America Pageant. That same year, Trish published her first book entitled “The Compelling Life Changing Stories of 12 Women.” She also created and hosted a two-time Angel Award-winning cable talk show entitled “Women Crowned in Glory.” Her newest book, “Discover the Mind of Steele,” is transforming the mindset of thousands of readers that have been carrying around years of pain and unhappiness.

In 2000, Trish decided to pay it forward and founded Safe Passage Heals, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Her mission is to help break the cycle of domestic abuse by healing and empowering women and children and enabling them to live new, safe, and productive lives. What began as a small ministry operating out of her own home, Safe Passage Heals has now served over 2,000 women and children in need of shelter and counseling. Her clients have a 90% success rate in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and creating a new life for themselves and their children. Upon completing the six-month program, Trish helps her graduates find steady employment and secure housing. Trish also provides “extreme makeovers” through a network of pro-bono doctors, dentists, and plastic surgeons who repair the physical effects of her clients’ domestic abuse. The organization also collects donated clothing, shoes, and accessories to empower women to feel more confident.

In April 2011, Trish received the “President’s Volunteer Service Award” from President Barak Obama. She has also been honored by numerous political appointees throughout Los Angeles and the state of California. This year, she and her husband, Jim Steele, began their first international mission in Greece to transform the mindsets of worthy and capable women. She also earned a new title, Ms. Ambassador FoRe, as the global representative encouraging women around the world. At the age of 71, Trish looks forward to continuing to be a “trailblazer” and “legacy of love,” pioneering the fight against domestic violence and abuse both locally and abroad.

7120 Hayvenhurst Ave., #314 Van Nuys 818.232.7476 800.799.SAFE safepassageheals.org

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People to Watch

Greg Barnett

PRESIDENT NABU WINES

Greg Barnett began NABU Wines a decade ago during the harvest of 2012 picking Syrah out of Trancas Canyon, Chardonnay from Newton Canyon on the Malibu Coast, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Calistoga in Napa Valley.

Barnett named NABU Wines because he produces wines from Napa and Malibu. “We pick grapes grown along the ocean, mountains, and canyons,” explains Barnett. “The soil is so different, and each vineyard possesses its own special character.” While most Malibu wineries focus on their estate, NABU produces wine from the entire Malibu Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area)—along the Santa Monica Mountains from Zuma Beach to Topanga Canyon and all the pocket canyons in between. This way, customers can truly understand what wines from Malibu taste like.

Barnett began his career during the 1980s as a graphic designer in the music industry. He combined his passions for music, art, and wine to create NABU, a cozy, beautiful setting where visitors can experience a myriad of California wines while enjoying live music. “I’ve had a lot of fun designing the tasting rooms, bars, wine packaging, and all the promotional imagery you see in the tasting room and in print and social media,” says Barnett.

Blending red wines from an assortment of tiny vineyards, he created “Backbone,” named after SoCal’s infamous Backbone Trail, and “Elevations,” from grapes grown on five different elevations on the Malibu Coast, which remains one of NABU’s specialties. In 2021, due to drought and fires, Barnett started producing wines from Sonoma and Mendocino counties, and now, plans to make wine again in Paso Robles in 2023, as he did from 2001 to 2009. In 2018, Barnett also created Viognier in Paso. He looks forward to offering that popular vintage again soon—with its crisp white peach, soft melon, and citrus flavors.

Barnett continues to enhance NABU’s tasting room experience with a new back lounge and by showcasing live local music during Singer Songwriter Night, Truck Stop Mixtape Series, and Sunday Night Live Music Series. The tasting room is open seven days a week with live music Friday through Sunday. In 2022 alone, NABU was voted Best Winery and more from such outlets as the LA Times, LA Daily News, and Ventura County Star We look forward to seeing what award-winning NABU showcases next.

2649 Townsgate Road #200 Westlake Village 805.778.1100 nabuwines.com

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People to Watch

Aviv Tzalalihin

Construction Project Manager VITOLI Builders

At the young age of 24, Aviv Tzalalihin has already succeeded in creating an indelible footprint across Southern California. As the construction project manager at Vitoli Builders, he is responsible for designing hundreds of beautiful outdoor living spaces for local homeowners, which have been brought to life by his spectacular landscape and hardscape design skills. These beautiful construction projects will be a long-lasting tribute to his talents for years to come.

Aviv was born and raised in Woodland Hills and attended El Camino Real Charter High School and Arizona State University. He began his construction career at the early age of 18, working as a laborer during his summer breaks. From there, he worked his way up the construction-industry totem pole by taking on bigger interior and exterior construction jobs. He became a project manager for a construction company, working mostly on interior home remodels until the pandemic hit. “COVID really changed things up for the whole industry and forced me to pivot to exterior work,” Aviv notes. As luck would have it, he met the owner of Vitoli Builders, who was immediately impressed with his candor, desire to learn, and professional demeanor. Aviv began his career at Vitoli in October 2020 and instantly found his life’s calling.

“No backyard is the same and tackling all the different challenges that come with each homeowner’s unique space is inspiring and rewarding,” says Aviv. “I’m passionate about helping my clients’ dreams become a reality by introducing new elements to projects that they didn’t even know existed.”

In addition to his career at Vitoli, Aviv has also begun to do projects for Yardzen, a Los Angeles-based design firm that specializes in 3D design technology. On the completion and acceptance of the designs, Yardzen works with

a pro-network of licensed and insured landscape contractors stretching from coast to coast.

In addition to Aviv’s passion for creating beautiful and functioning outdoor living spaces, he is equally passionate about doing his part to offset climate change. He wants to make a difference by designing sustainable landscaping to help halt the devastation of our warming planet. Despite his young age, Aviv feels responsible for his projects today and well into the future. What gives him the most joy and pride is knowing that whatever project he is a part of will create everlasting memories for families and generations to come.

23586 Calabasas Rd., #209 Calabasas 818.618.5141 vitolilandscapedesign.com

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Photography by Yarin Darshan

People to Watch

Greg Kovacs

CEO | President Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley

Greg Kovacs has a new and important job that will impact children and teens throughout our community. Greg was named as the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) this past November. He joined the Boys & Girls Clubs to continue his lifelong passion for helping children and teens achieve their true personal and academic potential. Throughout his career, Greg has had the great fortune and opportunity to design, develop, and lead educational nonprofit organizations, schools, and camp programs towards great success.

Greg earned his M.B.A. from the University of Southern California (USC) and his B.A. from the University of California, Irvine. He has dedicated more than two decades of his life to helping our nation’s youth find safe and engaging environments, providing the opportunities needed for them to grow and achieve personal success. Greg has gained experience in both traditional school settings and in less formal outdoor experiential education learning environments.

Out of the gate, Greg began implementing a new initiative called LEAP (Learning Enhancement Acceleration Program), which will serve as a learning recovery program for kids who fell behind throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic and the ensuing school closures and/or hybrid learning formats have severely impaired overall learning and social emotional well-being. Recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress reveals that 4th and 8th graders across the country suffered significant declines in their math and reading scores. The primary objective for the LEAP initiative is to provide additional support to youth by helping them “leap” across the learning loss gap, get back on track, and accel academically. Funding for LEAP will support the hiring of additional staff and help retain current staff, attract new volunteers, and provide additional resources for the facilities to expand their reach across all demographics in the greater Conejo Valley communities, from Calabasas to Newbury

Park. At the same time, Greg is striving to meet and expand the original objectives set forth when the Boys & Girls Clubs opened their very first club in 2003—to enhance the lives of young people and their families by providing a positive environment that cultivates academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character, and citizenship.

Greg is passionate about his new role to lead the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley, serving a vital need in our community and directly impacting the lives of so many children. He looks forward to working with businesses, organizations, school districts, and other partners around the area to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential, helping them make a true impact on the world in which they live.

1 Dole Dr., #3331 Westlake Village TIN: 91-2151731 818.706.0905 bgcconejo.org

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LVMWD HOSTS PURE BEER EVENT

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District hosted a “Pure Beer” event on November 10th at the Tomoko Tavern and Ladyface Brewery in Agoura Hills. The beer was brewed with pure water from Las Virgenes Water District’s Pure Water Project Demonstration Facility, giving guests the opportunity to taste the delicious brew made from purified wastewater. The Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority (JPA) was established to cooperatively treat wastewater for the two bordering areas that share the Malibu Creek watershed at the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility (TWRF). The Pure Water Project utilizes “potable reuse,” a water supply strategy, now adopted by many cities and water agencies in California and across the United States, to provide local, reliable water supplies. The project begins with the installation of the infrastructure needed to deliver recycled water to the proposed advanced water treatment facility where proven state-of-the-art technology will be used to further purify the water. The pure beer, with a slight citrus taste, was enjoyed by all!

BOTTEGA LEGNA

X

COYNE DESIGN COMPANY

Bottega Legna is a luxury goods brand birthed in Los Angeles, California and created by A Collective of Artisans. Bottega obsesses over bespoke wood plank flooring design, yet cultivates collaborative partnerships with the finest craftsmen & designers, the world over.

where “A Collective of Artisans” would cement the foundation from which all “works of design” will bloom!

In 2020, Bottega Legna offered Conejo Hardwoods a landmark opportunity granting them international exclusivity to showcase their bespoke wood plank flooring collection, “ILLÚME.”

It was at this moment that Francisco A. Mondet, Director of Sales and Product Development for Conejo Hardwoods, cultivated a relationship of fluency and passion between Art & Commerce. This collaborative partnership promised a landscape where “Artisan & Market” carry equal weight and so inspired the process

We recently caught up with Francisco A. Mondet, no stranger to the world of design. For 25 years he has been curating and crafting bespoke furniture to handbags and is now a revered tastemaker in the luxury flooring industry. His obsession with Avante Garde design and fanaticism towards sourcing only materials of high substance has proven itself a destined communion with Bottega Legna. Their shared love towards purity, quality, and integrity is evident in The Product, The Process and The People…. “It’s always the character of those humans involved in creation, which determines the Beauty, or as we like to say ’Purity In Form’!” Mondet explained.

Francisco shares with us their latest collaboration with Designer & Wood Craftsman, Ryan Coyne of Coyne Design Company. A Malibu native himself, Ryan and his team now design and craft in Newbury Park.

Ryan Coyne’s devotion to craftsmanship and sharp eye for scale have proven the formula that elevated his design and craft firm, COYNE DESIGN COMPANY. As

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Photography by Esteban Huambachano

Bottega Legna & Conejo Hardwoods were manifesting their next collaboration, a serendipitous meeting between Francisco A. Mondet and Ryan Coyne proved to be the catalyst. Francisco, upon visiting Ryan Coyne’s studio, found himself speechless. Within minutes of standing in the midst of bustling Craftsmen and majestic lumber, from the mouth of Mr. Coyne unfurled the vision that set this collaboration in motion! Ryan bluntly exhaled, “I’m seeing lines, radiating down like light rays or water… Mondet remembers instantly expressing, “That’s it!”

RADIATA NATURA would come to be the namesake endowed onto the Furniture Collection that followed. Inspired by all that radiates in our world: rays of sun, trees from the earth and love from our souls!

What followed was 10-months of inspired ingenuity and plain love for the sake of Craft + Design. CONEJO HARDWOODS meticulously procured the Central American Parota drip-slab & African Mahogany lumber. Michele Hamilton at RM PRECISION sourced & crafted the steel meticulously purposed for the radiating bases which define the Collections namesake. Sam Thomas, a seasoned furniture maker of over 25 years, honorably accepted the opportunity to birth the Spirits Armoire which undoubtedly is where we reach to raise our spirit! And finally, Ryan Coyne and the COYNE DESIGN COMPANY meticulously oversaw that all the pieces came together, not withstanding their direct handcraft applied onto the Dining Table and Butterflied Benches.

BOTTEGA LEGNA endeavors to gather inspired Artisans to soulfully express their passions, “PURITY IN FORM” declares Mr. Mondet!

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Décor

CALABASAS STYLE’S FAVORITE ELEMENTS

FACTOR HD

Factor HD has always known that the finishing touches make the space. Since 1998, their talented and experienced designers have been laying the foundation for surfaces that feel rich in texture, tone, and distinctive finish. Visit their new website, complete with new kitchen and bathroom visualizers to help you design your dream space.

22419 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills 818.348.0401 factorhd.com

STONEWOOD KITCHEN AND BATH

There is cabinetry—and then there is artistry. Stonewood Kitchen and Bath offers fully customizable cabinetry plus award-winning design for colors that stand out, woods that warm, and finishes that glow. Precision fit and unlimited accessories make your kitchen, baths, entertainment centers, and more uniquely your own.

32123 Lindero Canyon Rd., #207 Westlake Village 818.851.9589 stonewoodwc.com

PACIFIC PATIO

Pacific Patio Furniture has a variety of outdoor furniture, fire pits, and accessories in beautiful styles and materials. With a great selection of manufacturers, you'll be sure to find the perfect pieces to suit your outdoor aesthetic.

28505 Canwood St. Agoura Hills 818.949.6120 pacpatio.com

PTS FURNITURE

This beautiful narrow bar from BDI has sleek louvered doors to keep everything out of sight—a perfect addition to your home for entertaining! Find this and more at PTS Furniture in Thousand Oaks.

250 Conejo Ridge Ave. Thousand Oaks 805.496.4804 ptsfurniture.com

CONEJO HARDWOODS

Elevate your space to the next level with quality hardwoods and softwoods that will add timeless warmth and beauty to your home. You’ll also discover wood slabs, reclaimed-wood and hardwood decking, windows and doors, countertops and moldings— the essential finishing elements.

31275 La Baya Dr. Westlake Village 818.889.0487 conejohardwoods.com

INSPIRED CLOSETS

Inspired Closets partners with homeowners to solve everyday organizational problems, big and small, in inspiring ways. They believe in the transformative power of custom organization to turn a closet, pantry, home office, garage, and more into a custom space that you’ll absolutely love.

6465 De Soto Ave. Woodland Hills 818.346.1800 inspiredclosetswc.com

Calabasas Style has perused the local area to locate some of our favorite home décor elements, and we are excited to share them with our readers!

Style Trends

As we enter the new year in these mid-winter months, the time for planning and selfreflection is in full swing. During this period, the home is the biggest influencer of our vision for the year as we’re bundled away inside to avoid the cold weather. Planning the year can

be a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, it can be almost meditative. Reflections of the past year should be balanced with future aspirations and successes. The vision of the year should not be a complete conversion of lifestyle—that’s just too unrealistic for most of us. Instead of buying into fad diets and time-consuming workout routines, the main focus should be on changes that fit seamlessly into the already existing routine.

The first step in changing your life is refreshing your home. As the new year rings in new beginnings, a fresh look to your environment can help evoke a change in mindset and feeling. It doesn’t always have to be a massive remodel either; it can be simple housekeeping, annual maintenance, re-staining the teak wood of your lounge

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chairs, and resurfacing your stone countertops—all to the end of breathing new life into tired pieces. A personal favorite of mine is reupholstering to give old furniture a contemporary feel. I also enjoy updating the textures of a place. Adding new stone work or tile work in a bathroom adds an interactive tactile element of newness that excites. These subtle changes in the house work to bring your space up to date with your mindset.

In my home, my wellness sanctuary is a dual-functional room that can be a home gym one moment and a cozy conversation pit the next. The key to these kinds of areas is laying out the space and furniture design so that things can be easily arranged without effort depending on the day. I personally fit the space with a foldable Pilates mat and bring in small hand weights when it’s time to work out, and my phenomenal massage therapist Aaron Porter brings his custom massage table that can also be used for a stretch session. These small changes transfer the room from a den to a wellness space within minutes. This metamorphosis is possible because of the open space within the existing floor plan; both for functionality and for ambience, it is never good to clutter a room. The new year is all about transformation, emerging from the chrysalis for both the personal and the interior. n

Article co-written with Chloe Wong-Beddows.

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inspired closets

Top Things to Consider Before Building Your Own Custom Closet

With the many decisions you make when building a new home or completing a home remodel, it’s not surprising that little attention is given to your closet design, which can result in this seemingly basic area of the home becoming an everyday source of frustration. If this sounds familiar, then it’s time to bring in a professional. But before hiring someone, think about the end-to-end experience you desire, how much time you can give to the project, and how equipped the company is to deliver on your expectations and support the project from the initial conversation through to post-installation service and warranty. Below are four key questions to ask before you begin.

Does the company have a showroom?

Closet design is a niche expertise. If this is your first experience with a custom remodel, that lack of experience can create doubt and fear. At Inspired Closets, they understand and empathize with feelings of apprehension, which is why they encourage a trip to their showroom where you can see their work, see colors in full scale, interact with different custom closet features, and meet the team.

Is closet design the professional’s core competency?

Design services vary greatly depending on the option you’re considering. A contractor or handyman is often a jack of all trades but not a master of closet design. At Inspired Closets, the core competency is solving everyday organizational problems in beautiful, functional ways that leave you feeling inspired. They specialize in closets, and their designers guide you through the process—offering expert advice and making it fun and easy for you to have a closet you love.

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The team at Inspired Closets believes in fixing the problem once, which saves you time and money in the long run, increases your enjoyment, and adds value to your home when you go to sell it. They manufacture your closet to your exact specifications, as measured by their design professionals, and their installers take great care installing it in your home. In addition, their closets are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

How much time will you need to dedicate to the project?

The professionals at Inspired Closets know you’ve already got a lot on your plate. Their team of experts coordinates all work so that you don’t have to be the designer, project manager, or installer. They lead the way, guiding you through every key decision and communicating with you so that you always know the status of your project.

Can the closet adjust to your changing needs?

Change is the only constant in life, and that’s true for fashion and your wardrobe. The word “custom” can mean different things to different companies, and often,

it means limited adjustability. Many site-built closets look beautiful but lack adjustability. At Inspired Closets, the closets are designed for now and later. They make it easy to add or remove shelves, hanging rods, drawers, and almost anything else as your needs change. Their goal is to make sure you love your closet now and for as long as you own your home.

Inspired Closets is a family-owned and operated local business led by Jim Delaney and his daughter, Marye Silvers. They work with homeowners just like you to solve organizational problems, big and small. With showrooms in both Woodland Hills and Warner Center, their experienced team of design experts is ready to help. n

Inspired Closets

6465 De Soto Ave. Woodland Hills 818.346.1800 inspiredclosets.com

What is the long-term return on your investment?

welcome to WISTERIA at Warner Center I

n early 2022, the City of Los Angeles formally approved the development of Wisteria at Warner Center, which will be the only Type A Life Plan Retirement Community in Los Angeles County. This will be the first comprehensive (all levels of care included) Life Plan Community to be built in the greater Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley/ Conejo Valley area in 15 years.

The underlying concept for a Type A Life Plan Retirement Community is vastly different from other types of retirement communities in that it plans for the future. As a Life Plan Community—sometimes referred to as a Continuing Care Retirement Community, or CCRC—Wisteria at Warner Center will be more than just a place to live. This new leading Life Plan Community combines the comforts of a new home with the convenience of best-in-class services and priority access to the adjacent health center for assisted living, memory care, and long-term care in a skilled nursing center, if ever needed. This combination provides the peace of mind that comes with being able to truly age in place—in a beautiful and enriching environment as needs change over time.

As a Life Plan Community, Wisteria at Warner Center allows residents to enjoy retirement with confidence, knowing that the move puts a plan in place for future needs while protecting the nest egg. Wisteria residents pay a onetime highly repayable entrance fee when they move into the community. The amount is based on the size and location of the home they select, and most of this fee is repaid to the resident or their estate at the end of the contract.

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The retirement you want. On your terms. In the area you love.

The developers of Wisteria at Warner Center have designed the new community to provide residents with an elegant and simple plan for the future. The underlying concept is to provide the perfect blend of beautiful homes, attractive amenities, helpful services, and convenient access to longterm care. Residents can choose from a wonderful variety of beautiful homes in varying shapes and sizes—ranging from one-bedroom apartments to deluxe penthouse suites, with dozens of floor plans to choose from.

Wisteria at Warner Center also prides itself in providing “Hassle-Free Living at Its Best.” They believe that retirement dreams belong to each resident—and that the responsibilities belong to them. Gone are the worries about housekeeping, home upkeep, and landscape maintenance. For example, if the faucet drips, residents just call the on-site maintenance team and the problem is fixed—and that’s just the start. Residents can also let go of all the everyday expenses and bills, including all utilities, taxes, and home insurance costs they may be currently paying at home. The comprehensive resident service package includes everything from housekeeping and linen service to 24-hour emergency response and transportation services.

The developers also know a new home is just the start. The community also includes ways to enhance living spaces with well-designed amenities and engaging activities located within a short walk of the front door. The community includes on-site restaurants, an indoor aquatic center, spas and a sauna, a fitness center, pickleball and tennis courts, a performance hall and movie theater, and a hobby center offering a wide variety of activities and classes.

To learn more about the exceptional benefits and unsurpassed value of Wisteria at Warner Center, information is just a call or a click away. Interested residents are also encouraged to schedule a visit at their concierge center in Woodland Hills to get all details. n 5850 Canoga Ave,

#110 Woodland Hills 818.514.1160 wisteriaWC.com info@wisteriawc.com

Synergy ACADEMICS

Brings out the best in every student

After operating remotely during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Synergy Academics realized that some students actually fare better with remote services—whether due to a need for flexibility or to save time or because they prefer to work from home. In response, Synergy now offers the option of either in-house services at their state-of-theart tutoring center in West Hills or remote tutoring and other services via Zoom or a similar online method. With this flexibility, Synergy is able to address the learning loss that many students experienced during the pandemic, often causing them to fall below grade level.

Synergy Academics in West Hills affords students from kindergarten through college the confidence to accomplish their educational objectives with positive reinforcement and hard work. With over 20 years of experience, founder Jennifer Lopata believes every student is capable of learning with an individualized program.

For students who benefit from individualized assistance to reach their academic potential, Synergy Academics provides one-onone subject tutoring in over three-dozen subjects for all students grade K-12. Pairing students with compatible tutors who focus on their individual learning styles, Synergy Academics brings out the best in each student.

Additionally, Synergy Academics offers college-application services. Independent professional college counselors work with students and their families to navigate the complicated college-application process and assist those applying for financial aid. While some colleges have made SAT/ACT test scores optional, many students’ applications will be strengthened with strong test scores. Synergy’s excellent SAT and ACT test prep begins with an assessment test to determine which of the two tests best suits each student. One-on-one test prep with highly trained tutors has proven very effective in improving students’ confidence and, ultimately, their test scores.

“We set out to develop a unique model for providing tutoring and academic services both in-house and remotely,” explains Lopata. “We know that parents want flexibility to help their students navigate their busy schedules. We provide flexible programs and excellent tutors and college-counseling professionals who are not only highly qualified but also compassionate and encouraging.” To read more about the services offered by Synergy Academics, visit their website or call their office. 6700 Fallbrook Ave, #101, West Hills. 818.888.8665. synergyacademics.com. n

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19th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive

The 19th Annual Motor4Toys Charity Car Show and Toy Drive was a huge success. The car community and the community at large supported this great event by coming out in record numbers. Cars from all over the Western United States showed up with cars packed with toys to donate to underprivileged children. It has become an annual tradition for thousands of people and tens of thousands of toys!

Presented by Porsche Woodland Hills, Motor4Toys has become the show to go to in December. Just about every car club imaginable supported the event, from Porsches and Lamborghinis to classics, imports, hot rods, and 4x4s. And everything in between.

Over the last 18 years, Motor4Toys has collected well over $6,000,000 in toys that are then distributed to children in need all over the state. A little grassroots movement has turned into one of the largest toy drives in the state.

Motor4Toys has continued to grow outside of the car community. Partnering with schools, businesses, clubs, and volunteer organizations, it is the foundation’s goal to include as many people as possible who can assist during the holiday season. Their goal is to hopefully cover the entire state of California.

For more information, to participate, or donate, please visit motor4toys.com. n

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ENJOYING Winter WONDERS

Head to Big Bear to play in the snow

The snowy slopes of Big Bear lie just a few hours away, so grab those skis and go.

Host a game night

Enjoy plenty of good cheer sharing games and good times with friends.

Enjoy local museums

Explore history at the Leonis Adobe in Calabasas or any of SoCal’s 60-plus museums.

Now that the temps are a bit chillier, it’s fun to find cool winter activities the whole family can enjoy. Whether heading towards snowy mountain highs, quenching your thirst for knowledge at a nearby museum, or gathering the gang for laughter and games around the fireplace, you’ll find a myriad of options in SoCal’s jolly winter wonderland. Here are some ideas to help you get the good times started.

Visit a flea market or swap meet

See what great bargains you can discover exploring local flea markets and more.

Paint ceramics with family and friends

Unleash you and your loved ones' inner Picasso painting pottery.

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ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

St. Bernardine of Siena Parish and School held its 24th annual Fall Festival the weekend of October 14th to 16th for the first time after a two-year pause. The highly anticipated fundraiser drew an outstanding attendance of over 3,000 supporters from Woodland Hills and the surrounding communities. Offering an assortment of rides and games for all ages, the festival also hosted international food booths, and live entertainment from local bands to dance schools showcasing various talents was provided. A silent auction offered a wide range of items for all to bid on, from luxury vacations to Hollywood memorabilia and more. Major sponsors this year included Louisville High School and Dependable Dodge. Proceeds from the fundraiser benefit St. Bernardine Parish and School and the numerous ongoing programs it offers to support the community. For more information, visit stbernardineschool.org.

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VIEWPOINT SCHOOL PRESENTS WILLY WONKA AND CLUE

This fall, Viewpoint School presented two theatrical productions, bringing joy to the many families who attended a performance. The Middle School performed Roald Dahl’s beloved Willy Wonka in the school’s Carlson Family Theater from November 4th to 6th. Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , the music was enjoyable for children of all ages. The Upper School Conservatory of Theatre presented three performances of the delightful comedy who-dunnit Clue (High School Edition) , inspired by the Hasbro board game and the 1985 film of the same name, from November 18th to 20th. Viewpoint School is committed to creating exceptional readiness for extraordinary futures by cultivating the critical skillset, courageous mindset, and resilient identity of each student. For more information, visit viewpoint.org.

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TAKEOUT, DINE IN, or Delivery

Treat yourself to a night off, and support our local eateries.

Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers 4776 Commons Way, #D Calabasas 818.854.6026 barneyshamburgers.com

Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant 2799 Townsgate Rd. Westlake Village 805.557.1882 brentsdeli.com

Crossroads Kitchen 4776 Commons Way, #A Calabasas 747.230.4210 crossroadscalabasas.com

Emil’s Bake House 5005 Kanan Rd. Agoura Hills 818.532.7663 emilsbakehouse.com

Farfalla Trattoria 160 Promenade Way Westlake Village 805.497.2283 farfallawestlakevillage.com

Julio’s Agave Grill 2809 Agoura Rd. Westlake Village 805.370.145 julioswestlakevillage.com

King’s Fish House 4798 Commons Way Calabasas 818.225.1979 kingsfishhouse.com

Lovi's Delicatessen 24005 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas 818,223,8777 lovisdeli.com

Mastro’s Steakhouse

2087 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks 805.418.1811

Mastro’s Ocean Club 18412 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu 310.454.4357 mastros.com

Mediterraneo 32037 Agoura Rd. Westlake Village 818.889.9105 med-rest.com

Morton’s The Steakhouse 6250 Canoga Ave. Woodland Hills 818.703.7272 mortons.com

Nothing Bundt Cakes 6524 Platt Ave. West Hills 818.340.2253 nothingbundtcakes.com

Paul Martin’s American Grill 100 S. Westlake Blvd. Westlake Village 805.373.9300 paulmartinsamericangrill.com

Pearl District 982 S. Westlake Blvd., #8 Westlake Village 805.230.9944 pearldistrictrestaurant.com

Pedalers Fork 23504 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas 818.225.8231 pedalersfork.com

Porta Via 4799 Commons Way, #J Calabasas 818.746.2020 portaviarestaurants.com

Sagebrush Cantina 23527 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas 818.222.6062 sagebrushcantina.com

Seabutter Sushi 180 Promenade Way, #E Westlake Village 805.221.6096 seabutterla.com

Social Monk Asian Kitchen 4000 Thousand Oaks Blvd., #C1 Westlake Village 805.370.8290 socialmonk.com

Sugarfish 4799 Commons Way, #G Calabasas 818.223.9966 sugarfishsushi.com

Sweetgreen 100 Promenade Way, #A Westlake Village 818.806.0400 sweetgreen.com

Sweet Lady Jane 23653 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas 818.914.5080 sweetladyjane.com

The Grill on the Alley 120 Promenade Way Westlake Village 805.418.1760 thegrillonthealley.com

The Six Social House 26500 Agoura Rd., #116 Calabasas 818.222.6969 the6socialhouse.com

The Stonehaus 32039 Agoura Rd. Westlake Village 818.483.1152 the-stonehaus.com

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato 23655 Calabasas Rd. Calabasas 818.912.6911 tifachocolateandgelato.com

Toscanova 4799 Commons Way, #A Calabasas 818.225.0499 toscanova.com

Zin Bistro Americana 32131 Lindero Cyn. Rd., #111 Westlake Village 818.865.0095 zinwestlake.com

Contact the restaurants directly for details. The days and hours they are open are often updated.

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3 small or 2 large racks of lamb, frenched good olive oil

1 ½ tsp. kosher salt

½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 c loosely packed fresh parsley leaves

Ingredients

1 tbsp. chopped garlic cloves (3 cloves)

1 c fresh white bread crumbs

2 tsp. grated lemon zest (2 lemons)

4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

Rack of Lamb Persillade

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450° F.

Place racks in roasting pan, fat side up. Rub tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast lamb for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, place parsley and garlic in bowl of food processor fitted with steel blade, and process until both are finely minced. Add bread crumbs and lemon zest and process for a second, until combined.

Take lamb out of oven and quickly press parsley mixture on top of meat. Drizzle with melted butter and return immediately to oven. Roast for another 15 minutes.

Take lamb out of oven and cover with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes, cut in double chops, and serve.

Valentine's Recipes

Decadent (Gluten-Free!) Chocolate Cake

I nstructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease 8-in. springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper. Place 1 lb. chocolate in large heatproof bowl set over pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until chocolate is melted. Off heat, immediately stir in butter, flour, sugar, coffee, and salt. Whisk in egg yolks until smooth. Place egg whites in bowl of electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Beat until soft peaks form. Scrape into chocolate mixture and fold in carefully, just until combined. Scrape mixture into prepared pan, smooth top, and bake for 15 min. exactly. (Be sure oven temperature is accurate!) Turn oven off and leave cake in oven, door slightly ajar. Allow to cool in oven for 1 hour. Cake will sink in middle.

Carefully release sides of pan and slide cake onto flat serving plate. Place 3 oz. chocolate and heavy cream in heatproof bowl set over pan of simmering water. Heat just until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Add a drop of cream if mixture is too thick to pour. Pour chocolate onto sunken part of cake, leaving edge unfrosted. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream or berries.

Ingredients

1 lb. plus 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate chunks

1 1/4 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature cut into pieces, 1 tbsp. gluten-free flour

1 1/2 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. instant coffee granules

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

4 extra-large eggs, room temperature, separated 1/4 cup heavy cream

Vanilla or coffee ice cream, for serving

Wendy Gale is a 36-year resident of the Calabasas area and mother of three. She found her passion for cooking and baking driven by her desire to make elaborate family dinners, spending many hours reading cookbooks and many afternoons preparing multi-course meals. She loves challenging herself with new recipes and food presentation.
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Physician and Healthcare Provider DIRECTORY

Our local medical professionals are always on the front lines and all deserve our deep appreciation for continuing to provide us with the medical care and services we need. We are fortunate to have access to some of the best hospitals, doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals in the country, dedicated to helping us achieve the health and wellness goals for ourselves and our families. Calabasas Style is proud to present you with this medical resource guide to help you learn more about some of the incredible medical professionals living and working in our community. As we enter into a new year, we hope that you will find this resource guide helpful on your healthy and happy journey!

PROVIDENCE CEDARS-SINAI TARZANA MEDICAL CENTER

Nick Lymberopoulos |Chief Executive 18321 Clark St., Tarzana | 818.881.0800 | providence.org

Nick Lymberopoulos is Chief Executive of Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, an award-winning hospital nearing completion of a major $644 million Tarzana Reimagined expansion and renovation. In 2019, Providence and Cedars-Sinai Health System agreed to a joint venture to own and operate the Tarzana hospital. The partnership coincided with construction of a new five-story patient tower and renovations throughout the existing hospital. The centerpiece of the new hospital is the five-story Friese Family Patient Tower featuring all-private rooms and the latest in sustainable, energy-efficient design. The Emergency Department is being expanded to more than double its capacity. State-of-theart technology will be added throughout the hospital, and there will be a healing garden offering a tranquil experience to patients, visitors and staff. U.S. News & World Report ranked Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana one of the top hospitals in Southern California and in the top 40 across California for quality care. It was lauded as high performing for performance in 10 procedures and specialties, including neurosurgery and treatment of COPD, heart attack, kidney failure, pneumonia and stroke. In 2022, the hospital was the first in the San Fernando Valley to perform a robotic-assisted lobectomy to remove an aggressive earlystage lung cancer. The hospital was also the first in the Valley to perform leadingedge Aquablation therapy for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. By year’s end, physicians performed more than 100 of the latter procedure. In 2023, Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana is celebrating 50 years serving the community and will open the new patient tower in October.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SINUS INSTITUTE

Alen N. Cohen, MD, FACS, FARS 7345 Medical Ctr. Dr., #510, West Hills 818.888.7878 | socalsinus.com

Anyone who has suffered through the pain and discomfort of severe sinus infections knows just how debilitating they can be. The good news is that these conditions are not just treatable but actually curable now. Dr. Alen Cohen is a board-certified nose and sinus surgeon and assistant clinical professor of surgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He is also the founder and director of the Southern California Sinus Institute (SCSI), which has become one of the premier sinus centers in Southern California. He has also been named a Los Angeles Magazine Super Doctor annually since 2013 and a national Castle-Connolly Top Doctor since 2017.

As such, thousands of patients have benefitted from Dr. Cohen’s life-changing procedures, which include the medical and surgical treatment of patients with all nasal and sinus disorders, including nasal obstruction, deviated septum, environmental allergies, acute and chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, and sinus headaches. One of the most common procedures Dr. Cohen routinely performs is the revolutionary in-office Balloon Sinuplasty™ procedure, for which he is one of the top three performers on the West Coast. This amazing procedure dilates the sinus openings with a balloon so the sinuses can drain, thus preventing sinus infections, and so the patient can breathe better. As such, patients routinely come to him from all over Southern California for management of their chronic nose and sinus problems and definitive relief.

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BELLA SKIN INSTITUTE

Anna Guanche, MD 23622 Calabasas Rd., #339, Calabasas 818.225.0117 | bellaskininstitute.com

Anna Guanche, MD, is a board-certified celebrity dermatologist and author specializing in cosmetic procedures. Her practice, Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, is where she has assembled her “derm dream team” of professionals to care for the concerns of celebrities, CEOs, and supermoms. The state-of-the-art facility is warm and engaging and provides clients with the most innovative procedures available to perfect skin. Bella Skin Institute is dedicated to combining medical science and cosmetic beauty to provide clients with customized treatments to meet their needs, from dermatology services to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed at the facility. Procedures include the 15-minute filler facelift called the GuancheLift™, Fraxel laser resurfacing, Bella FX RF microneedling for skin tightening, Bella Microgold skin perfecting facial, platelet rich plasma for collagen rejuvenation and hair growth, Thermage CPT™, Ultherapy™, non-invasive body contouring with KyBella™, CoolSculpting™, EmSculpt™ procedures, and the latest injectables for wrinkle reduction. Aesthetician services include Diamond Glow, dermaplaning, acne facials, waxing, and so much more! General dermatology services include skin cancer screening and surgery and acne, rash, and eczema treatments. Dr. Guanche is a fellow of the American Board of Dermatology, was a member of the dermatology staff at the UCLA Dermatology department for 13 years, and continues to teach physicians and residents in her office. Dr. Guanche and her staff approach their work with absolute joy and infectious enthusiasm, which is felt throughout the practice. Follow Dr. Guanche on social media @annaguanchemd and @bellaskininstitute.

AESTHETIC SMILE DESIGNS

Bernie B. Villadiego, DDS 23622 Calabasas Rd., #119, Calabasas 818.341.1345 | powerofthesmile.com

Cosmetic, functional, and restorative dentist Dr. Bernie Villadiego is an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which recognizes him as being among the top cosmetic dentists in the world. It is this accreditation that separates him from other dentists.

Unlike dentists who focus on short-term fixes, treating one tooth at a time, Dr. Villadiego focuses on long-term solutions. To do this, he uses a functional corrective dentistry approach which focuses on the chewing system as a “whole” and how that relates to the overall health of the body. Part of this approach uses a unique restorative technique called Biorejuvenation, which incorporates esthetic and functional long-term practices in order to give patients a stable, natural, and pain-free smile.

As one of only 480 dental professionals in the world to be accredited, Dr. Villadiego’s devotion to the art and science of cosmetic dentistry means patients will have a beautiful smile that will last. Dr. Villadiego teaches advanced techniques in cosmetic dentistry to other dentists at the world-renowned Spear Education Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Additionally, he is a participating dentist for the national Give Back a Smile program, providing esthetic dentistry to victims of domestic violence.

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Photography by TMatthew Cooke

SKIN BIO

Cristina Borhani, MSN, NP & Korosh Borhani, D.O. 22263 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas 818.222.9797 | skinbio.co

Cristina Borhani, NP, and her husband, Dr. Korosh Borhani, bring a unique approach to their latest endeavor, Skin Bio, which rebranded a well-known Calabasas med spa in 2018 to offer the same aesthetic services in addition to cosmetic dermatology and functional medicine. With over 10 years of experience in medical dermatology, Cristina is an expert in all things related to skin. She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University as a family nurse practitioner. Her specialties include creating a natural yet youthful appearance using injectables and anti-aging lasers. Korosh completed his medical doctorate at Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. His post-graduate training and board certification was in emergency medicine at Michigan State University–St. John’s Providence Hospital, where he graduated as Chief Resident. In 2019, he completed his advanced fellowship in anti-aging and regenerative medicine from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. His comprehensive medical approach allows him to use individually tailored testing and in-depth analysis of each patient’s mind and body, creating a personalized treatment plan. Dr. Borhani also treats critically ill patients at West Hills Hospital. The husband and wife team, both alumni of Calabasas High School, feel incredibly fortunate to serve the community that shaped them.

The team at Skin Bio is dedicated to developing creative solutions in skincare and wellness to help their patients look and feel their best.

CALABASAS PHARMACY

Brenda Johnson, R. Ph. 22277 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas| Inside Gelson’s Market 818.223.8656 | calabasaspharmacy.com

Calabasas Pharmacy has been proudly caring for customers since 1996, when the pharmacy first became a cornerstone of healthcare for the community. Pharmacist Brenda Johnson opened the pharmacy because she wanted to practice pharmacy by getting to know her patients and providing comprehensive care in an efficient manner. Consumer Reports states that independent pharmacies make fewer errors, offer swifter service, and are more likely to have medications ready for pickup when promised—which holds true for Calabasas Pharmacy.

Brenda was one of the first pharmacists to become certified to administer immunizations over 25 years ago. She is certified in all immunizations and offers COVID vaccines in addition to shingles, pneumonia, flu, Tdap, and travel vaccines. Brenda is also trained in hormonal contraception and can conveniently furnish birth control to patients without a prescription. Calabasas Pharmacy provides medication synchronization, which means they will synch all your medications so they can be picked up together once a month before you run out of anything. Your prescriptions and vitamins can also be prepackaged into a blister packaging system to remind you to take them at the correct time each day. Home delivery is available. They take most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, and work with your doctor to get your medications approved. Calabasas Pharmacy is open seven days a week. It is very easy to transfer existing prescriptions by calling directly at 818.223.8656.

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HEAR CLEAR HEARING AIDS, INC.

Iris Stone, AuD., FAAA, Doctor of Audiology| Diagnostic Clinical Dispensing Audiologist 4764 Park Granada, #109, Calabasas 818.222.HEAR (4327) | hearclearhearingaids.com

Iris Stone, AuD, FAAA, Doctor of Audiology, earned her degrees from New York University, St. John’s University, and A.T. Still University in education, health administration, and audiology. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Audiology, the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, and the California Academy of Audiology. She sits on the board of directors of the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce and was the United Chambers of Commerce San Fernando Valley’s recipient of the 2016 Small Business Award and the 2017 Chamber of Commerce Chairmans’ Award for service in the Calabasas community. Her clinical expertise is in diagnostic testing, including comprehensive audiological evaluations, tinnitus evaluations, and management with a specialty in hearing-aid fittings and rehabilitation. Her unique style is her ability to listen to the concerns of each individual and find a solution based on patients’ budget, acoustic, and cosmetic needs. Her focus is on her patients’ lifestyles, always delivering thorough care with complete follow-up. Hear Clear Hearing Aids, Inc., offers a completely new approach to a hearing care facility. Appointments start on time and last as long as needed. Despite the fact that hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the country, technology has become so advanced that it is possible to restore a person’s hearing almost 100% if they are properly diagnosed and fitted correctly with the right product. Dr. Stone uses state-of-the-art technology to test, counsel, and complete the needs of her patients, as well as provide the best quality care. Hear Clear Hearing Aids office is conveniently located on Park Granada across from The Commons at Calabasas.

HOEFFLIN PLASTIC SURGERY

Jeffrey Hoefflin, MD FACS | Calabasas Surgery Center 23621 Park Sorrento, #102, Calabasas | 818.617.9713 8929 Wilshire Blvd., Penthouse Suite, Beverly Hills | 310.273.5100 hoefflinplasticsurgery.com

NEED COPY & PIX

Dr. Hoefflin completed his plastic surgery training at some of the country’s most prestigious hospitals, including Cornell and Columbia-Presbyterian Hospitals and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City. Dr. Hoefflin has garnered a reputation for his surgical excellence and expertise in plastic surgery. He is frequently complimented for his natural and rejuvenated results. Dr. Hoefflin has maintained an established practice for close to two decades in Beverly Hills and has recently joined the esteemed group of surgeons at the new Calabasas Surgery Center to better serve his patients in the greater Calabasas area.

Dr. Hoefflin is often sought out for the most innovative and safest surgical techniques in facial, breast, and body rejuvenation. He frequently combines the newest skin-tightening lasers and techniques with his plastic surgery operations. Dr. Hoefflin’s highly visible patients have appeared in magazines, including Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Playboy, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Elle magazines. Dr. Hoefflin is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and International College of Surgeons. In addition, he is a member of the Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Hoefflin holds admitting and operating privileges at the UCLA Medical Center. He has lectured extensively worldwide on a diverse array of plastic surgery topics, including safety in the operating room, facelifts, laser liposuction, and combination procedures. Dr. Hoefflin works with numerous medical specialists to offer his expertise in plastic surgery. As a resident at The Oaks of Calabasas, he looks forward to working with his patients closer to home.

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CALABASAS MEDICINE

Daniel Rosen, MD | Internal Medicine Specialist

23621 Park Sorrento, #102, Calabasas | 818.797.8000 | calabasasmed.com

Daniel Rosen, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and the founder of Calabasas Medicine. He opened his concierge practice to allow his patients to experience a new paradigm of health—one without long office wait times or feeling rushed at appointments. At Calabasas Medicine, Dr. Rosen and his experienced team offer personalized concierge medicine to make his patient’s healthcare experience as enjoyable, educational, and convenient as possible—all with a level of personalized care above and beyond traditional medical practices.

Dr. Rosen specializes in adult outpatient and hospital medicine, managing both common and complex illnesses of young adults, adults, and the elderly. Dr. Rosen’s philosophy is to merge the best of “old-school medicine” with modern technology. As a concierge physician, Dr. Rosen organizes care, focusing on prevention and lifestyle treatments as well as needed medications. He offers acute and chronic disease management, diagnostic testing, comprehensive physical exams, and personalized treatments that get patients on the road to recovery quickly. He utilizes the most innovative, advanced technologies, recommending the least invasive options first.

While Dr. Rosen currently has a wait list for new patients, he recently expanded his practice with the addition of Dr. Jacob Cohen and Dr. Nathan Alyesh, who are also board-certified Internal Medicine physicians offering the same concierge healthcare services. Both doctors look forward to welcoming new patients to Calabasas Medicine Group, where patients are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and who have a voice in their own care.

CALABASAS SURGERY CENTER

Dr. Mayank V. Patel, MD | Medical Director | Calabasas Surgery Center 23621 Park Sorrento, #100, Calabasas | 818.746.1444

Genesis Healthcare Partners | Urologist 18321 Ventura Blvd., #150, Tarzana | 818.776.0660

Mayank Patel, MD, is the medical director of the Calabasas Surgery Center, where he oversees the clinical and administrative staff and helps to maintain and improve the quality of care for all patients. Dr. Patel specializes in minimally invasive surgery for urologic diseases. Following his desire to pursue medicine, Dr. Patel moved from Zambia and graduated from Boston University with his undergraduate degree before attending Tufts University School of Medicine, where he received his medical degree in 2006.

Dr. Patel completed an internship in general surgery and then began his urology residency at UCLA, where he was awarded the prestigious Willard E. Goodwin Resident Teaching Award. In addition to his role as medical director at the Calabasas Surgery Center, Dr. Patel sits on the Cedars-Sinai Valley Network Medical advisory board and is actively involved in the robotic surgery program at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center.

Dr. Patel is also a physician at Genesis Healthcare Partners, an affiliate of Unio Health Partners. Genesis Healthcare Partners is a multi-specialty physician practice dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of urologic conditions, digestive health issues, and many cancers. They have integrated offices throughout Southern California and provide access to cutting-edge technology and minimally invasive treatments.

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CALABASAS MEDICINE GROUP

Sagi Jacob Cohen, MD | Internal Medicine Specialist 23622 Calabasas Rd., #122, Calabasas | 818.881.8252

Dr. Sagi Jacob Cohen is a board-certified internal medicine physician in Calabasas. Dr. Cohen completed his internal medicine residency at UCSF Fresno in 2014 and has been a full-time clinician while also teaching students. He is affiliated with and has maintained his privileges with Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center since 2014.

Dr. Cohen offers personalized concierge medicine to make his clients’ experience welcoming, efficient, and convenient. The focus is on timely, compassionate, preventative care and a patient-centered approach. With a gentle bedside manner, Dr. Cohen and his team are dedicated to their clients’ health and well-being and strive to provide the highest level of care. He believes that patients deserve longer visits with minimal waiting time, expedited access to top specialists, and access to thier doctor outside of regular office hours.

Dr. Cohen sees a limited number of patients to ensure non-rushed visits and enable a comprehensive understanding of each patient's health needs. Dr. Cohen offers management of acute and chronic conditions, in-office diagnostic testing, comprehensive physical exams, and personalized treatment plans utilizing the most innovative and advanced technologies.

The Calabasas Medicine Group is a fully equipped practice with a variety of the latest diagnostic modalities and treatments for convenience and faster results.

CALABASAS MEDICINE GROUP

Nathan Alyesh, MD | Internal Medicine Specialist 23622 Calabasas Rd., #122, Calabasas | 818.881.8252

Dr. Nathan Alyesh is a board-certified internal medicine physician and has opened a new concierge practice in Calabasas. Dr. Alyesh is affiliated with and has maintained privileges at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and the California Rehab Institute.

In his concierge practice in Calabasas, Dr. Alyesh can schedule new patients with extended appointment visits to address all their health and wellness needs. He is a skilled physician, who is kind, compassionate, and has excellent bedside manners. Dr. Alyesh strongly believes in shared decision making between patient and doctor. He understands that no two patients are alike and devises a plan unique to each individual. Dr. Alyesh encourages patients to ask questions about their medical care to allow each visit to be educational and enjoyable. He focuses on preventative care and offers management of acute and chronic diseases. As a concierge medical physician, Dr. Alyesh limits the number of patients he works with to ensure each patient receives ample time for each visit and top-quality care.

Dr. Alyesh offers management of acute and chronic conditions, in-office diagnostic testing, comprehensive physical exams, and personally treatment plans, utilizing the most innovative and advance technologies. He looks forward to welcoming new patients to his Calabasas practice.

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TOTAL SPINE INSTITUTE

Andrew Fox, MD

23632 Calabasas Road, #100, Calabasas 4849 Van Nuys Blvd., #203, Sherman Oaks 818.616.4429 | totalspineinstitute.org

With more than two decades of specialized experience and clinical expertise, Andrew Fox, MD, employs the most advanced solutions for spine pain and injuries. In his role as a surgeon at Total Spine Institute, Dr. Fox helps patients review all non-surgical options before exploring spine surgery. If surgery is the best solution, Dr. Fox uses modern, minimally invasive techniques that only require small incisions and reduce risks for the patient. His specialties include minimally invasive surgery, outpatient procedures, artificial disk technology, cervical and lumbar procedures, motion preservation technology, and techniques for a quicker and easier recovery.

Dr. Fox earned his medical degree at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (formerly Chicago Medical School and the Finch University of Health Sciences) in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his internship at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of California Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. Dr. Fox is also a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and is an instructor and consultant for the FDA-approved Coflex® Interlaminar Stabilization® device. Dr. Fox, a board-certified neurological spine surgeon, treats patients at Total Spine Institute and serves as the chief of neurosurgery for Tarzana Providence Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Many of his minimally invasive surgeries can be performed at the new Calabasas Surgery Center located in the same complex as his Calabasas office.

TOTAL SPINE INSTITUTE

Ryan Mattie, MD 23632 Calabasas Rd., #100, Calabasas 4849 Van Nuys Blvd., #203, Sherman Oaks 818.616.4429 | totalspineinstitute.org

Dr. Ryan Mattie is an interventional spine and pain management specialist with more than 10 years of experience. He offers advanced treatments, including image-guided injections, spinal stabilization devices, spinal cord stimulation, and regenerative medicine therapies to address acute, chronic, or cancer-related pain. Throughout his career, Dr. Mattie has helped countless patients with back and neck pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and nerve-pain disorders like complex regional pain syndrome. Dr. Mattie earned his medical degree from the University of Miami School of Medicine, where he received the Physician Commendation for Exceptional Professionalism and Service. Dr. Mattie completed his internship at the University of California, Irvine and his residency at Stanford University School of Medicine, serving as chief resident. After residency, Dr. Mattie continued his training in advanced interventional pain management at one of the top fellowships in the country at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine.

Dr. Mattie is board certified in both pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation. He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed articles in renowned pain, spine, orthopedic, and sports medicine journals. Dr. Mattie serves on the board of directors for the Pacific Spine and Pain Society and is the chair of their research committee. He also serves as vice chair of the standards division for the Spine Intervention Society. Additionally, Dr. Mattie is the associate editor for the Minimally Invasive Surgery section of the Interventional Pain Medicine journal.

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BRILLIANCE DERMATOLOGY

Hal Weitzbuch, MD 23501 Park Sorrento, #216, Calabasas 818.222.7495 | brilliancedermatology.com

Dr. Weitzbuch is an award-winning, double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon. An adjunct professor of medicine at UCLA, he specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases, cancer, and age-related changes of the skin, hair, and nails. Dr. Weitzbuch received a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University, followed by a Master’s Degree in Applied Physiology at the Chicago Medical School, where he also went on to obtain his medical degree. Dr. Weitzbuch then undertook a oneyear internship working at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, training exclusively in surgery. After successfully finishing a dermatology residency at the famed Cook County Hospital, he completed specialty training with an extended Mohs surgery preceptorship. Dr. Weitzbuch's vast training in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery combine to provide his patients with extraordinary results beyond their expectations. Dr. Weitzbuch has presented at numerous national and local meetings and has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. He obtained a patent and grant for prior research and has received many awards throughout his extensive career. A Calabasas native, Dr. Weitzbuch completed his formative education at Calabasas High School, A. E. Wright Middle School, and Round Meadow Elementary. Funny enough, his wife did as well, but they didn’t meet until much later in life at just the right time! After 12 years of training in Chicago, Dr. Weitzbuch loves being back home in Southern California spending time with his wife and daughters, coaching them in soccer, and of course, they are always wearing sunscreen!

THE SMILE SPA

Shawn Nguyen, DDS | Joelle Abed Elahad, DDS 27509 Agoura Rd., #200, Agoura Hills | 818.699.9377 agourahillscosmeticdentists.com | IG: @thedentalcouple

Warmly known as “The Dental Couple,” Dr. Joelle Abed Elahad and Dr. Shawn Nguyen have created a unique and comprehensive dental experience for their patients at their beautifully modern Agoura Hills office. While providing pristine technique and evidence-based dentistry, they also pride themselves on the ability to cater to each patient’s unique concerns and needs. Their ultimate purpose is to create a friendly and stress-free environment where their patients feel heard and confident that they are receiving the best care possible. Dr. Joelle and Dr. Shawn both attended the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry after completing their undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego. They enjoy sharpening their skills and expanding their knowledge by participating in additional continuing education courses as often as possible. Dr. Joelle’s compassionate personality and enthusiasm for life make her an approachable and trustworthy clinician as evidenced by her happy and ever-growing patient family. Her love for dentistry and human connection go hand in hand. Dr. Shawn is a strong advocate for volunteering and loves giving back to underserved communities both domestic and foreign and has been fortunate enough to travel with the U.S. Navy on dental humanitarian missions in countries such as the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, East Timor, Cambodia, and the Dominican Republic. When they aren’t curating beautiful and healthy smiles, Dr. Joelle and Dr. Shawn enjoy traveling and being with their family, especially their two young sons. Find them on social media @thedentalcouple.

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ALLURE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Pedram Bagheri, MD 540 N. Moorpark Rd., #6, Thousand Oaks | 805.870.5848 ama-medspa.com | IG: @ama_medspa

Pedram Bagheri, MD, completed his internal medicine residency training in Phoenix, Arizona in 2007 and subsequently earned his board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Since then, he moved back to his home state of California to be close to the most important people in his life—his family and friends. He partners with local hospitals, including West Hills Hospital and Los Robles Hospital, to care for critically ill patients in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas and heads a large private hospitalist group in the community.

After training with some of the top injectors in Southern California, Dr. Bagheri’s longtime passion for aesthetic medicine inspired him to open Allure Medical Aesthetics (AMA), a top-notch med spa in the heart of Thousand Oaks. The doctor brings his expertise in many aesthetic procedures to AMA, including Botox and other neuromodulators, hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable fillers, radiofrequency (RF) devices for skin tightening (Morpheus8), Y lift and PDO thread lift procedures, Cortessa Tetra CO2 and Aerolase Neo Skin lasers, and Magnym male penile enhancement. He has selected highly trained aesthetic specialists with years of experience in their field to complete AMA Med Spa’s team.

Dr. Bagheri prides himself on creating a subtle aesthetic improvement that accentuates each person’s signature look. He continuously seeks out new training opportunities for himself and his staff to provide his patients with the most up-to-date technology and procedures.

COURTYARD PHARMACY

Greta Goldshtein, PharmD, APh 23693-B Calabasas Rd., Calabasas 818.403.3072 | courtyardpharmacy.com

NEED COPY?

Courtyard Pharmacy’s founding pharmacist, Greta Goldshtein, is an advanced practice pharmacist who earned her doctor of pharmacy from USC School of Pharmacy in 1997. Greta honed her skills as an inpatient pharmacist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and then as an outpatient pharmacist and owner of Roxbury Pharmacy in Beverly Hills. She based Courtyard Pharmacy’s services on a collaborative-care model that includes a pharmacist who can augment physician-provided care, deliver medication therapy management, provide preventative care services, such as vaccinations and travel health, and facilitate transitions of care. Greta believes that patients should have the opportunity to engage in meaningful partnerships with caring and knowledgeable health professionals who work together to simplify the process involved in receiving medical care. The pharmacy’s staff can steward the care of your family members to alleviate the burden on busy caregivers having to navigate medication therapy on their own.

Greta and her staff strive to build strong relationships with their neighbors so that they can get a full understanding of every patient’s needs, meet their expectations, and keep them involved in their care at every phase. They invite all potential patients to call the pharmacy or stop by to find out how the team can support them. State-of-the-art healthcare and wellness support are now available to all age groups at your doorstep in Calabasas.

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CALABASAS PEDIATRICS WELLNESS CENTER

Tanya Altmann, MD, FAAP 23586 Calabasas Rd., #107, Calabasas 818.914.4429 | calabasaspeds.com

Dr. Tanya Altmann is a UCLA-trained pediatrician providing personalized, concierge pediatric healthcare with an emphasis on integrative medicine, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. As a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics and Adjunct Clinical Professor at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Tanya has a broad understanding of the most recent medical developments. She is the author of several bestselling parenting books, including Baby and Toddler Basics , and is a sought-after child-health expert for numerous local and national news programs and talk shows.

With more than 25 years of experience helping families with everything from day-to-day health concerns to choosing the best preschool to gathering experts from around the country to solve unusual cases, Dr. Tanya is the goto concierge pediatrician in Calabasas and surrounding areas, seeing children from birth through college. Her clean, modern office is conveniently located in old town Calabasas.

Calabasas Pediatrics offers comprehensive convenient appointments, virtual visits, home visits, coordination of care with specialists, email and text access, and 24/7 availability for today’s busy families to reach their pediatrician when needed, even while traveling. In addition to top-notch pediatric medicine, the wellness center also offers an advanced newborn care specialist for lactation and feeding support, mommy and me classes, parent education, and nanny training.

ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT MEDICINE MEDICAL CARE FOR EATING DISORDERS

Leslie Kaplan, MD | Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center 23586 Calabasas Rd., #107, Calabasas 818.739.0330 | drlesliekaplan.com

Dr. Kaplan is a pediatrician specializing in adolescent and young adult medicine with over 20 years of experience treating and helping guide the medical treatment of patients with eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, and related disorders. She now offers her unique medical expertise in a concierge-type practice at the Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center, one of only a handful of doctors in the country with a private practice specializing in eating disorders. In this ideal setting, she is unfettered by time constraints and can devote as much time and attention as is needed for optimal care of her patients. After receiving her medical degree from UCLA, Dr. Kaplan went on to pediatric residency and an adolescent medicine fellowship. Since then, Dr. Kaplan has treated adolescents and young adults in a variety of primary care settings and has worked with countless eating disorder patients at Pepperdine University and elsewhere. She also helped establish the Eating Disorder Treatment Team at KPMG, Woodland Hills, and served as supervising physician at a local eating disorder treatment center.

Dr. Kaplan works in conjunction with community therapists, psychiatrists, and nutritionists to offer the gold standard of eating disorder treatment team care. In addition, she provides general medical care to adolescents and young adults in the Calabasas Pediatrics Wellness Center model, which couples the best of conventional medicine with a holistic, integrative approach.

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CALABASAS DENTAL INSTITUTE

Armen Galustian, DDS

4764 Park Granada, #107, Calabasas 818.224.2420 | calabasasdentalinstitute.com

Dr. Armen Galustian has been a dentist since 2002 and is a graduate of USC School of Dentistry. He comes from a family of dentists, where both his father and brother share the same passion for dentistry. Dr Armen has many years of experience as a cosmetic dentist, offering the most comprehensive treatments to get the best smile makeover for his patients. He has extensive training in the use of digital imaging and photography and offers comprehensive cosmetic, restorative, and preventive care, including top-quality porcelain veneers, dental implants, Invisalign ®, and dental bonding. Dr. Armen is committed to going the extra mile by educating his patients and making sure they are as comfortable as possible during their treatments while providing them with the smile they deserve.

Dr. Armen’s goal at Calabasas Dental Institute is to provide a one-stop shop for all his patients’ dental needs. From preventive-care check-ups to cosmetic and restorative procedures, his staff can provide the whole family’s complete dental care. This eliminates having to be referred to a specialist or driving around to different offices for multiple issues. Dr. Armen is a standing member of the American Dental Association, Los Angeles Dental Society, California Dental Association, and University of Southern California Dental Association. Dr. Armen is a professional travel photographer and enjoys spending time with his family and playing piano.

CALABASAS DENTAL INSTITUTE

Razmik Galustian, DDS 4764 Park Granada, #107, Calabasas 818.224.2420 | calabasasdentalinstitute.com

Razmik Galustian, DDS, has been a dentist since 2003 and is a periodontist specializing in gum disease. After moving to the United States, he received his DDS degree from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He continued his education to achieve his specialty certificate in periodontics and dental implants and his master’s in oral biology from Temple University. Dr. Razmik is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a fellow of the Misch Implant Institute in both surgical and prosthetic modules. He is an active member of the American Academy of Periodontology, Academy of Osseointegration, American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the San Fernando Valley Dental Society. He is a Diplomat of International Congress of Oral Implantologists and is also part-time faculty in the periodontology program at the USC School of Dentistry.

Dr. Razmik places tremendous value in a courteous and gentle chair-side manner in addressing all aspects of periodontics, including but not limited to surgical and non-surgical treatment of periodontal diseases; surgical placement of dental implants; root coverage and gum grafting; bone regeneration, including sinus augmentation; and minimally invasive tooth extractions. His goal is to provide his patients with the highest quality, thorough, and state-of-the-art periodontal and dental implant therapy. Dr. Razmik is married and enjoys traveling the world with his wife to expand their horizons.

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CALABASAS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Elena Rumack, DDS 23622 Calabasas Rd., #101, Calabasas 818.222.4543 | calabasastoothfairy.com

Dr. Elena Rumack is a board-certified pediatric dental care provider. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UCLA and completed her residency specializing in caring for patients with special needs. Dr. Rumack furthered her experience by completing a second residency in pediatric dentistry and continues to lecture and provide clinical instruction at UCLA.

Affectionately called the “Tooth Whisperer” by parents, Dr. Rumack is known for her gentle touch in treating children and her comforting communication with parents. She is also known among pediatricians, lactation consultants, and peers as an expert in laser frenectomy procedures for infants as well as children. These procedures are performed to assist with breast feeding, palatal development, and speech. Dr. Rumack has been successfully performing frenectomies for over eight years.

Dr. Rumack is known for her calm demeanor that puts children at ease pre, during, and post dental treatment and strongly believes in preventive dentistry. Dental visits include focus on nutrition, education, and positive reinforcement in a nurturing environment to encourage early prevention of dental disease. As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Rumack encourages parents to bring their children in for their first dental visit by 1 years old.

PAIR ORTHODONTICS

Jason Pair, DDS 23622 Calabasas Rd., #119, Calabasas 818.222.4543 | pairorthodontics.com

After graduating from UC Los Angeles with a B.S. in physiological sciences, Dr. Pair traveled north to dental school where he attended UC San Francisco. He then completed his orthodontic residency in 1999 at UCLA, where he was chief resident. His research project was published in the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, the leading peer-reviewed journal in the profession. He has had multiple case reports published since that time.

Dr. Pair is a member of the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, where he was president for the year 2007. He is a lecturer and clinical instructor in the UCLA Orthodontics Residency Program. He is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists and the Angle Society of Orthodontists. He is currently serving as Vice President of the Southern California Component of the Angel Society. In addition to lecturing at UCLA, he has lectured to the California Society of Pediatric Dentists, the San Fernando and San Gabriel Valley Dental Assistant Societies, and the ROP program of Santa Clarita and at the University of Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala. He has participated in various volunteer dental organizations, traveling to Guatemala, Mexico, and Israel. Dr. Pair is dedicated to creating beautiful and healthy smiles and offers orthodontic services for children and adults. He is proud to be associated with Dr. Rumack, serving the community where he resides. Services include all forms of self-ligating braces, Invisalign, and surgical and accelerated orthodontics for children, teens, and adults.

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Calabasas Surgery Center: Creating a Healthier Future for Patients

The compassionate surgeons and staff of the Calabasas Surgery Center (CSC) dedicate their time and extensive experience to ensure patients receive the utmost care and attention. Clients at the state-of-the-art downtown Calabasas center can trust they’re in the reliable hands of expert surgeons— ranging from urology, urogynecology, ENT/nasal and sinus, neurosurgery, pain management, cardiology, orthopedic, plastic, and general surgery—employing the most innovative techniques and treatments.

Medical Director Mayank Patel, MD, Urology, oversees the surgical staff, who are all renowned experts in their fields and actively involved in the broader medical community. Bringing together leading surgeons and knowledgeable staff, the team founded this multi-surgical center one year ago to improve the health and wellbeing of clients throughout the region.

“We saw a real need for an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) in Calabasas, as the closest ones were in West Hills and Tarzana,” explains Dr. Patel. “We opened the ASC, the first of its kind in Calabasas, to provide a better environment and standard of care than other local centers.”

Surgery is stressful and inconvenient, so Calabasas Surgery Center was fashioned to feel more like a world-class spa than an impersonal surgical center. Focusing on each client’s needs, surgeons and staff work together to ensure the best possible outcomes with minimal recovery time. Utilizing two operating rooms and one procedure room, the surgeons offer a myriad of cutting-edge treatments all in one place.

Calabasas Surgery Center offers a more convenient option to hospitals, providing patients with a wide range of outpatient surgical options, including diagnostic and preventive procedures. From valet car service to a relaxing lounge designed to soothe the senses, the Calabasas Surgery Center offers a warm and welcoming environment. The CSC provides the highest standards of care while making the entire experience as safe and comfortable as possible. n

Calabasas Surgery Center 23621 Park Sorrento, #100 Calabasas 818.746.1444 calabasassurgerycenter.com

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Meet Our Leading Renowned Surgeons

Mayank Patel, MD | Urology

Medical Director - Calabasas Surgery Center

18321 Ventura Blvd., #150, Tarzana 818.776.0660 mygenesishealth.com

Richard Shapiro, MD | Urology

Ali Afshar, MD | Urology

Jennifer Mehdizadeh, MD | Urogynecology 18370 Burbank Blvd., #407, Tarzana 7345 Medical Center Dr., #300, West Hills 818.996.4242 sfvua.com

Andrew Fox, MD | Neurosurgery

Ryan Mattie, MD | Pain Management 23632 Calabasas Rd., #100, Calabasas Appointments: 818.975.3604 General inquiries: 818.616.4429 totalspineinstitute.org

Nojan Toomari, DO, FACS | General Surgery

16661 Ventura Blvd., #408, Encino 818.570.1845 toomarisurgery.com

Andrey Petrikovets, MD, FACOG | Urogynecology

15222 W. Eulalia St., #211, Glendale 13 S. Grand Ave., #400, Los Angeles 888.487.6496 socalurogyn.com

Farhad Rafii, MD | Cardiology

Joseph C. Yu, MD, FACC | Interventional Cardiology Aamer Jamali, MD | Interventional Cardiology Ramin Farshi, MD | Cardiology

Benjamin Cohen, MD | Cardiology 23101 Sherman Pl., #110, West Hills 818.702.8800 icardiomg.com

Alen Cohen, MD, FACS, FARS | ENT 7345 Medical Center Dr., #510, West Hills 818.888.7878 cvsurgicalgroup.com

Elise Perer, MD | Urology

Robert Klein, MD | Urology 18350 Roscoe Blvd., #701, Northridge 818.885.9400

Nirav Shah, MD | Orthopedics 7301 Medical Center Dr., #400 West Hills 818.264.3344 cosortho.com

Jeffrey Hoefflin, MD, FACS

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 23621 Park Sorrento, #102, Calabasas 818.617.9713 9301 Wilshire Blvd., #100, Beverly Hills 310.273.5100 hoefflinplasticsurgery.com

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Blueberries

THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF L

ow in calories and fat but mighty in fiber and nutrients, blueberries deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. They also pack one of the highest antioxidant levels of any fruit. Not bad for a berry about the size of a pea.

Chronic inflammation lowers our ability to fight disease. Berries, such as blueberries, contain antioxidants, which promote a soothing anti-inflammatory effect in our bodies. The flavonoids within these tiny treats also help regulate our immune system for better overall health.

These lovely little morsels can be eaten fresh or blended into a scrumptious smoothie. While blueberry harvesting occurs mainly during spring and summer, they can be frozen and enjoyed all year long. Their antioxidants, known as anthocyanins, may be even more potent frozen. Freezing makes these nutrients, which produce their deep blue color, even easier for our cells to access.

Juicing blueberries improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, lowering the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Eating blueberries regularly also reduces the oxidative stress on our hearts and strengthens blood vessels to better control clotting and blood pressure. Antioxidants in blueberries slow our brain’s aging process.

Drop a handful of fresh or frozen berries into your next smoothie for a boost of flavor and good health. Mix them into whole wheat or gluten-free pancakes—or even savory sauces, such as mole, a Mexican-inspired fusion of chiles, spices, fruits, and seasonings. You can also make homemade blueberry jam by combining four cups of fresh blueberries, one cup of sugar, and one tablespoon of lemon juice. For an even healthier treat, forgo the sugar and thicken with ground chia seeds or xanthan gum. You’ll find dozens of delicious recipes online.

Mother nature created the perfect bite of pure health in each tiny berry. When it comes to blueberries, great things really do come in small packages. n

Eat the Rainbow

Our natural world provides a rainbow of healthy fruits and vegetables, each containing phytonutrients that give them their particular pigment. Eating the entire spectrum of this colorful cornucopia enables our bodies to benefit from a range of immune-enhancing vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

The more the merrier

The color of fruits and vegetables stems from four main sources, chlorophyll (green); flavonoids: anthocyanins and anthoxantins (red, blue, purple); carotenoids (yellow, red, orange); and betalains (red, yellow, purple). Each serves a unique purpose.

Chlorophyll helps reduce inflammation and bacteria, build blood, increase lung capacity, and detoxify harmful chemicals in our bodies. Flavonoid antioxidants fight heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and cognitive issues, such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Anthocyanins, a category of flavonoids, lower risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol and fight urinary tract infections. Carotenoids, found in carrots, squash, corn, pumpkin, and more, protect cells from free radical damage. They’re best absorbed when combined with a variety of other colorful foods and healthy

fats. Betalains, such as those found in red beets, Swiss chard, and cactus pear, lower inflammation and boost fiber intake to keep blood sugar levels in check. The potassium in beets also reduces blood pressure. People with kidney stones should keep beet consumption to a minimum, however, due to its oxalates. Otherwise, they’re hard to beat.

To cook or not to cook

While cooking vegetables destroys many essential nutrients, such as water-soluble folate, vitamin C, and B vitamins, heating may actually boost absorption in tomatoes, carrots, and more. Cooking provides other advantages as well. Spinach, for instance, contains oxalate, which blocks calcium and iron absorption in the gut. Although heating lowers the amount of B and C vitamins, it also reduces the oxalate’s undesirable effect. Garlic and onions, on the other hand, lose some of their potency when cooked.

The American Heart Association and others suggest we consume two servings of fruit and three cups of vegetables each day to obtain optimal results. From eye-healthy lycopene found in tomatoes and anti-inflammatory polyphenols packed in pomegranates to green superfoods, spinach, kale, and broccoli and potassium-rich bananas, avocados, and dried apricots, it’s easy to find an assortment of flavorful produce to produce a rainbow of health benefits every day. n

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How Healthy Is Your Home?

Most of us view our homes as a place of health and solace. However, some of the products we bring into our environment may actually be making us sick.

While many of us read food labels to ensure our family’s health, we might not be as careful with other home and beauty products. The Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) recognizes 12 common toxic chemicals found in cosmetics and personal care products.

Formaldehyde and related methylene glycol, paraformaldehyde, and quaternium 15, for example, are known carcinogens. Formaldehyde—a strong-smelling, colorless gas—is, unfortunately, used in myriad household products, including furniture, cosmetics, and personal care items, such as shampoo, lotion, shower gel, and fingernail polish. According to the American Cancer Society, formaldehyde exposure has been shown to cause cancer and/or induce skin and eye irritation, coughing, and more.

Other toxic ingredients include such hormone disrupters as dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates and isobutyl and

isopropyl parabens. Hair dyes, which have long been considered carcinogenic, often contain m- and o-phenylenediamine. These chemicals may also irritate your scalp and damage DNA. Supposedly safer, organic dyes can incorporate highly unhealthy ingredients, such as resorcinol and ethanolamine, as well. You can go natural and forgo dye altogether. Or try healthier options, such as henna, which may still cause undesirable side effects, especially when used in combination with such unhealthy products as bleach.

You are what you eat, especially when it comes to PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl) substances found in some cookware, as well as stain-resistant coatings on carpets, furniture, and other household fabrics, increasing cancer risk and dampening your immune system. Even waterproof mascara and foundation may contain these lingering “forever chemicals.” The best way to avoid bringing any of these unwanted guests into your home is to read labels, ask questions, and choose organic products with recognizable ingredients, rather than a laundry list of hard-topronounce names. n

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Ask the Pharmacist

The only true way to tell is to be tested for all of them. However, there are some differences. With all three, you’ll have a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, and possibly a sore throat. Flu and COVID are known for a fever, body aches, and a headache. Although, RSV can present with a fever or headache. RSV is rare in healthy adults; it can appear as a mild cold. RSV can cause severe infection in some people, including babies 12 months and younger (infants), especially premature infants, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system. Of course, you can also have multiple viral infections at the same time!

The incubation period varies with all three viruses. Flu has a sudden onset of symptoms with a very short incubation period of one to two days post exposure. COVID and RSV have a more gradual onset of symptoms. COVID’s incubation period is a little longer at three to four days. Finally, RSV has the longest incubation period with four to six days.

Of course, no matter what virus you have, you should stay home to avoid exposing others, and if you must go out, wear a mask. If you test to determine which virus you have, there are prescription antivirals available for both flu and COVID which shorten the length and severity of the infection. The medications need to be started soon after symptoms first appear. Calabasas Pharmacy offers a test that will check for all three viruses (COVID, flu, and RSV) with a single nasal swab. It is a self-swab test, so you may pick it up, take it home to swab the infected person, and return it to the pharmacy. We will overnight it to the lab, and you will get the results the next day.

1ST ANNUAL MALIBU SEARCH AND RESCUE TRAIL RUN

Brenda Johnson, R.Ph.

Calabasas

Pharmacy Owner

Inside Gelson’s Market

22277 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas M – F: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. P: 818.223.8656 F: 818.223.8750 calabasaspharmacy.com

The inaugural Malibu Search and Rescue (MSAR) trail run began bright and early on Saturday, October 29th, as 171 runners lined up at the starting line for either the 3.1-mile or 6.2-mile race to raise funds for the Malibu Search and Rescue team. The all-volunteer team of reserve L.A. County deputies typically makes more than 150 calls a year in the Malibu area to find missing hikers, rescue cars and drivers who go over the sides of canyons, and complete other daring rescues. Nathan Allen won the 10K, with Charlie Harper taking second place. Taelor Young was the fastest female to cross the 10K finish line. Food trucks were on-site to serve spectators, and post-race snacks were available. Mini therapy horses were a highlight for young guests, and fire protection services, Sheriff’s Department Volunteers on Patrol, MSAR team members, and others were on hand to share information and take photos.

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I am sick; I feel terrible. How do I know if it is RSV, flu, or COVID?
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NewNewYear, Outlook

Every December, many of us look optimistically towards the upcoming year. Before we begin this new journey, it helps to unpack any baggage that may drag us down.

Live and let go

What thoughts and possessions no longer serve your higher self? It’s hard to let go of things we once cherished, but it helps to leave some of them behind to make way for the new. Let go gently and make room for all the great things 2023 has in store.

Clear your space and calendar

Whether you live in a seven-bedroom house or small studio apartment, clearing away the clutter renews energy and helps you live in the present. Everyone feels better with less mess. Throw out the old and ring in the new. Pay it forward and donate items you barely wear or use. Clean up your “To Do” list as well. Cancel unnecessary appointments and consider how you’d rather spend all that extra free time.

Take a breather

The holidays feel hectic. Use the next couple of months to unwind and focus on one or two things that will improve your life. If you promised yourself to start exercising or meditating, begin a regular practice now. Turn off the television and computer for a while. Read a book or even write one, if that’s your dream. And take nature walks to breathe it all in.

Build a foundation

Those lofty goals we promise ourselves each year just don’t magically happen. Break them down into smaller parts so you feel a real sense of accomplishment as you cross each one off your list. Create steps you’ll want to stick with. For instance, walk to the park a few times a week and observe all the beautiful plants and flowers along the way. Make it pleasurable instead of a chore. Start with minor changes. If snacking is an issue, choose healthier treats and indulge earlier in the day. Only sumo wrestlers and newborns benefit from late-night eating. Focus on each moment and remember to practice gratitude. And have a fulfilling and healthy 2023. n

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Alone or Lonely?

HOW DO WE KNOW?

So, what can we do about it? A beloved mentor of mine says, “Run toward pain,” our own and others. I’d like to add to his wisdom: “Run towards pain with your arms open to embrace. Or sometimes even more importantly, sit in stillness with the pain.” Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” what if we were simply present with the person in pain, even if it’s ourselves?

It is in being seen and honored that we begin to heal from loneliness. We find the courage to raise our eyes in hope and risk inviting connection. Today, if we feel alone or suspect someone around us might be, let’s steal some wisdom from Gillian Sandstrom, who recently shared on The Hidden Brain podcast about the gift of “tiny interactions.” Her personal and research experience affirms that if we feel isolated and unsafe, starting a small, genuine, friendly interaction with a barista or the delivery person we interact with daily can begin to reconnect us in small but meaningful ways.

If, on the other hand, we’re feeling good, we can dig into our overflow and share some bitesize-candy-bar moments of genuine connection with the people around us today. n

Around us today, might there be an unexpected hidden killer in plain sight? According to the extensive research conducted by Vivek H. Murthy, the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, “Loneliness is the new smoking.”

Much like nicotine, the mental-emotional effects of isolation lure us into further withdrawal, exacerbating the problem. As if the ache of segregation isn’t enough, the research also affirms that long-term loneliness leads to a 45% greater chance of premature death.

Let’s try something. Bring to mind someone you know who is lonely or think of a moment when you felt the sting of isolation. What do you notice in your body? Your heart? When I try this, I feel my chest contract as if the breath of life is literally being cut off. My eyes soften with unshed tears.

MaryCay Durrant, a once serious-suit executive, guides vision keepers to live/work with the vitality and beauty that nature models. She is devoted to cultivating our unique greatness, purpose, and joy. MaryCay integrates neurosciences and nature’s wisdom to help people create deep connection and meaningful impact. MC@leadingnaturally.com leadingnaturally.com

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Healthy Choices INFLAMMATION

FIGHTERS!

Many major health conditions have been linked to chronic inflammation, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and depression. One of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store or local farmers market. Experts believe the body absorbs nutrients more efficiently from dietary sources rather than supplements. This means eating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods may be the primary line of defense in reducing your risk of illness. Here’s a variety of reasons why you should plan meals including these inflammation fighters proven to help improve your overall quality of life.

Kale

One of the healthiest, most nutritious plant foods in existence. Packed with vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. Excellent source of vitamin C. Top source of vitamin K. May help lower cholesterol.

Avocados

Packed with potassium, mag nesium, fiber, and heart-healthy monosaturated fats. Contains antioxidants linked to reducing the risk of cancer. Anti-inflammatory properties so strong they may offset less healthy food choices.

Strawberries

Abundant source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. Rich in antioxidants and plant compounds that may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control. Linked to lowering C-reactive protein.

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Oranges

High in beneficial plant compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Helps promote heart health. Boosts immune system. Helps heal wounds and gives you smooth skin. Can lower levels of cortisol.

Cherries

Almonds

Deliver a massive amount of vitamin E, protein, and fiber. Loaded with antioxidants to protect from aging and disease. Can assist with blood sugar control, blood pressure levels, and lowering cholesterol.

Chock-full of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Can boost workout recovery. High concentration of plant compounds that combat oxidative stress and reduce cell damage. May benefit heart health.

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TIME WELL SPENT WITH MAYOR MARY SUE MAURER

Mary Sue Maurer grew up in a tiny Illinois community until her family settled in Torrance, California. She recalls a traditional upbringing in a diverse political household with a father who she describes as a “Nixon Republican” and a mother who embodied a “Kennedy Democrat.” One of her first memories is the actor Marlon Brando leading civil rights marches in front of her home to protest a developer's opposition to selling a new tract to people of color in her segregated community. The desire

for justice grew in her as she recognized discrimination occurring on her own block.

Saving Madrona Marsh was one of the earliest issues advocated by the young activist, which led to her interview of the first female Mayor of Torrance. When the wetlands were restored, she shifted to saving the whales, connecting to different issues until beginning a professional career in entertainment. Working at Disney was exciting and financially rewarding but not personally satisfying, pivoting her into social issue marketing,

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specifically on environmental issues and storm water runoff.

Mary Sue began work on a presidential campaign, as press secretary to John Garamendi, and as field deputy for Assemblymember Fran Pavley. She has three adult sons—Martin, Derek, and Neil, who inspired her to become a Special Education Advocate after gaining an understanding of their learning ability and independence differences. She co-founded the group Middle School Now to get a controversial public elementary school built at Mulholland Highway and Paul Revere Drive. For three years her determination was unrelenting and A.C. Stelle Elementary School was completed in January 2004. Members of the community encouraged her to run for the Calabasas City Council.

Concurrent with her successful election came her acknowledgment that “the adjustment from moving as an activist with strong opinions and a set agenda to a council member was challenging at first because I had to make sure my mind wasn’t made up on different issues. I had to be a better listener to the community, to staff, to subject matter experts, and render an opinion only after gathering all the information I could. I remember the first time I sat at the dais. We had before us a challenge to a planning commission decision, and I was so nervous because I did not know how to vote on this and I had done a lot of research. Then I realized I shouldn’t know how I was going to vote if I was doing what I should be doing.”

With her thumb on the pulse of the Calabasas community for over 17 years, it is difficult to fathom where Mary Sue found the time to get trained as a Wildland Firefighter. She has scorched the ceiling at the California Conservation Corps managing CalFire’s 15-acre residential Camarillo Fire Center since 2017. She has placed hundreds of at-risk men and women in jobs with the National Forestry Service and CalFire as director of the wildland firefighting work development program while honing her emergency preparedness skills.

For decades, she has been a member of the Advisory Board of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy protecting open space. She helped establish the Senior Task Force leading to the Calabasas Senior Center being constructed. A triumph is her work with the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station converting an interrogation room to a comfort room serving crime victims of all ages. During her fourth and final term, she developed and implemented a Climate Action and

Adaptation Plan which will serve as a roadmap for how to reduce greenhouse emissions and mitigate the impacts of global warming.

The longest serving woman on the Calabasas City Council doesn’t plan on disappearing when she retires. Villedge Partners is her Public Affairs Consultancy Business, and it will expand her environmental record to continue to set a standard for meaningful local, state, and international climate legislation. After two decades in public service, Mary Sue leaves Calabasas healthier than it's ever been. As she says, “with a strong city manager, for the first time ever a developed strategic plan to guide us for the next year or two. It sounds bureaucratic but it sets the city on the strongest foundation I could have ended.” n

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Photo by Cassel Photography

The magic of CROATIA

Located at the intersection of Central and Southeast Europe, along the northwest Balkan Peninsula, Croatia wears its beauty gracefully. From its shining star, Dubrovnik, to the turquoise seas of Vis island’s renowned Stiniva Beach and red-tiled roofs of Hvar, Croatia remains a sparkling land of contrasts. One of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, Croatia boasts thousands of breathtaking islands. Visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Hvar island’s serene Stari Grad, meaning Old Town, founded more than 2,400 years ago by the Greeks in 384 B.C. It lies in Dalmatia, one of the country’s four regions. Stroll amid the area’s largest city, the ancient town of Split. Take a bite out of history in Peristil Square at Lvxor Café and Restaurant, named for the Egyptian city of Luxor. Learn more about Split’s remarkable past at the Palace of Diocletian, Split Ethnographic Museum, and Split City Museum.

History blends seamlessly with modern civilization throughout this amazing country. Yachts and ferries dance in its delightful harbors while 13th century castles tower above. One of the most beautiful, Trakoš ć an Castle, lies perched on a verdant hill, its alabaster-colored walls peering out from deep blue skies, just an hour from the capital city of Zagreb.

Uncover this jewel of the Adriatic’s picturesque villages and historic UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Croatia’s rocky shores and celebrated beaches to its majestic castles and fortresses. n

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A Country at the Crossroads

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Financial Health and Wealth

Traditional definitions of financial wellness focus on the economic aspects of a person’s life. This focus points to possessing enough material wealth to withstand any reasonable economic shock and allow for the purchase of today’s gratification pleasures but neglects quality of life and peace of mind. A finance-only definition of wellbeing assumes that emotional wellbeing will automatically follow economic stability. This is usually not the case. Fearful penny-pinchers may be wealthy but they are not well. Blissful spendthrifts may be joyful, but the instability of their economic state could easily lead to ruin. Financial wellness, then, must be defined in a way that includes economic and emotional health.

What factors motivate better cash-management, debt-reduction, savings, and delayed-gratification behaviors? Morningstar’s research found that a person’s perspective on time is far more influential than income, age, education, or gender when it came to personal finances. A person’s ability to extend her or his time horizon into the future versus only being able to look at short-term planning resulted in significantly increased savings. In other words, life circumstances matter some but perspective matters more. Having a future-oriented mindset can make the difference between allowing expenses to crowd out one’s income and finding ways to save money.

According to the American Psychological Association, money is the number-one source of stress in U.S. households, regardless of the economic climate. Given that stress leads to health problems, lost productivity, relationship problems, and overall loss in quality of life, it’s clear that the emotional aspects of a person’s financial life are a critical part of

their overall financial health. Ideally, economic stability would naturally couple with emotional wellbeing since the ability to withstand shocks should foster a sense of peace and satisfaction. However, emotional satisfaction and financial wealth aren’t always linked. By identifying patterns of thought that may sabotage overall financial health, one can make better financial decisions and increase satisfaction and peace of mind.

In the Morningstar research, people who feel empowered in their financial lives experienced more joy, peace, satisfaction, and pride in their financial lives. The size of impact of empowerment on emotional wellbeing is more than twice as large as that of income. Therefore, a sense of personal power, not money itself, may be the key to emotional wellbeing in our financial lives. It is the feeling of and the belief in our power over our lives—not the exercise of it—that is linked to emotional wellbeing. The solution to feeling disempowered doesn’t necessarily lie in behaving differently, but in a person’s belief that only they can shape their own financial future, that nothing can limit their ability to get ahead, that nothing can stop them—not government, family, or social or demographic interference or pressures. By helping themselves think further into the future and to feel more personally empowered in their financial lives, they can change their economic behaviors and emotional wellbeing over time. n

MD Wealth Partners, Inc.: A personal wealth enhancement boutique for select clients. mark@mdwealthpartners.com. mdwealthpartners.com. 805.402.8642.

Copyright © Mark Wendell 2022. All rights reserved.

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WHAT’S NEW IN Real Estate

“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”

STREET NAME NEIGHBOORHOOD SQ. FT. LIST PRICE SALE PRICE

5560 Ruthwood Calabasas 1598 $824,000 $875,000 26925 Deerweed Calabasas 2048 $1,249,000 $1,100,000 5438 Parkmor Calabasas 1850 $1,250,000 $1,150,000

5487 Parkmor Calabasas 1891 $1,399,999 $1,350,000 3637 Avenida Cumbre Calabasas Hills 4090 $2,269,000 $2,005,000

4455 Park Alisal Calabasas Park 2256 $1,575,000 $1,475,000 23825 Park Belmonte Calabasas Park 3390 $3,595,000 $3,350,000 24825 Paseo Del Rancho Calabasas Park Estates 3286 $2,399,000 $2,375,000

3829 Calle Joaquin Calabasas Park Estates 2425 $1,850,000 $1,850,000 24214 Park Athena Westridge 4169 $3,385,000 $3,200,000

24772 Hermosilla Vista Pointe 3411 $1,850,000 $1,700,000 22439 Founders Mulwood 2449 $1,399,000 $1,399,000 3825 Algonaut Mulwood 2343 $1,499,000 $1,280,000 3129 Mountain Park Mountain Park Estates 4563 $3,295,000 $3,100,000 3020 Mountain Park Mountain Park Estates 5445 $5,295,000 $5,200,000 5056 Parkway Calabasas Hidden Hills West 5931 $3,400,000 $3,376,000 25599 Prado De Las Flores The Oaks 5030 $4,995,000 $4,700,000 25314 Prado De La Felicidad The Estates at The Oaks 14021 $24,995,00 $20,000,000

23547 Long Valley Hidden Hills 2824 $3,299,000 $3,212,000 5300 Whitman Hidden Hills 8435 $12,500,00 $12,280,000

*Sales represent closed transactions between 10/21/2022 - 11/30/2022 (Standard Sales only)
© 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting this information. Display of MLS data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Broker DRE 01317331.

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