Conejo Valley Aug 2015

Conejo Valley AUGUST 2015

premiere issue

ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com

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by Community

ENJOY BONNIE BOWDEN’S BEAUTIFUL VOICE HAIL TO THE CHIEF AT RONALD REAGAN LIBRARY ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER AT ALDABELLA WINERY

Trust. Integrity. Responsiveness.

Whether you’re looking for a partner to help you reach your personal financial goals, grow your business, or manage your assets, choosing the right bank is important. For the last 40 years, our customers have partnered with Montecito Bank & Trust because we take the time to understand their unique needs and respond with timely financial solutions.

We invite you to discover what you can accomplish with the leading community bank on your side.

Member FDIC

montecito.com For more information call (805) 963-7511 Solvang • Goleta • Santa Barbara • Montecito • Carpinteria • Ventura • Camarillo • Westlake Village

Publishers’ Letter

Welcome to Conejo Valley Lifestyle

W

ith the exciting launch of Conejo Valley Lifestyle, we’d like to say thank you for allowing us into your home to share our mission and goals.

AUGUST 2015 publishers Ben Malkin | Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com Robin Chesler | Robin.Chesler@Lifestylepubs.com

editor

Our mission statement is direct but simple: to support our vibrant Conejo Valley community with meaningful, useful and entertaining information about its people, places and businesses.

Tracy Marcynzsyn | Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com

contributing writers Melissa Giller, Ben Malkin, Kendra Mathewson, Rebecca Murphy, Tom Strongman

contributing photographers

We want this magazine to grow and become an integral part of all of the Conejo Valley communities in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Newbury Park and Agoura Hills, bringing neighbors closer and businesses together for the greater good of this very special part of Southern California. We want this to be your publication, personal and supportive with the topics that you find important to you.

Ronn Canzano, Capture by Light Photography, ElsjeProductions@aol.com, Tom Strongman, Hector Perez Photography

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt chief sales officer | Matthew Perry

Because the success of the publication depends on the community, our venture is really a full-circle approach. If we provide relevant and interesting information to our readers, then you will support us. When you make Conejo Valley Lifestyle a part of your day, our partners will want to commit to us by promoting their goods and services in these pages. Finally, when you support our partners, their dedication to Conejo Valley Lifestyle will be validated. With that, we come full circle, providing a magazine every month that benefits the beautiful Conejo Valley community in every way.

chief financial officer | DeLand Shore director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Sara Minor ad coordinators | Cyndi Vreeland, Chelsi Hornbaker layout designer | Nicole Sylvester copy editor | Kendra Mathewson executive assistant | Lori Cunningham

We won’t take your trust lightly and will focus on family and family-first values, with an emphasis on giving back to the community we love so much.

So thank you for allowing us this opportunity to come into your home and be a small part of this wonderful place. We know this will be the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship.

application architect | Michael O’Connell web developer | Hanna Park it director | Randy Aufderheide

Ben Malkin, Publisher Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com

Robin Chesler, Publisher Robin.Chesler@LifestylePubs.com

by Community ™

ConejoValleyLifestylePubs.com ON THE COVER Conejo Valley’s natural

open spaces are a joy to behold

4 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

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P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Conejo Valley’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Conejo Valley Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

BUYING OR SELLING A HOME IN TODAY’S MARKET CAN BE CHALLENGING. Success is achieved by paying attention to the details. Details like a high level of expertise, a proven sales approach, targeted marketing campaigns, local and global networks, agent collaboration, and true customer service.

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B R E # 0 1 9 4 374 0

August 2015

20

Departments 8

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Giving Back

18

Now Open

28

Your Neighbor

30 Driver’s Notebook 32

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

20 Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

and Museum

Interactive exhibits allow visitors to re-enact historical events.

28 Bonnie Bowden: The Local Voice of Legends

Local singer brings legendary songs to life.

18

28 Lifestyle Publications

California | Colorado | Arizona | Texas | Missouri | Kansas | Georgia | Illinois | Oklahoma | Idaho | Montana | Utah | Wisconsin

30

(805) 491-2100 RosemaryAllison@aol.com www.CallRosemary.com

hy are so many sellers choosing this nationally recognized Real Estate Agent?

Rosemary Allison, Estates Director, Coldwell Banker Previews International is one of the country’s most successful Realtors. Rosemary has set the standard for excellence throughout her career and is truly a legend. Her vision and reputation as a trend-setter in the science of marketing Ventura Counties finest estates, established her as the most innovative leader in Ventura County real estate. Rosemary’s dedication to this community and strong work ethic have earned her a reputation as one of the most trusted and admired real estate professionals.

Rosemary’s numerous honors and accolades include recognition in the Wall Street Journal as one of the top selling 250 agents in the USA.

Marketing know-how and over 30 years of experience have established Rosemary as the leader in the Ventura County Real Estate Market. Rosemary masterfully unites sellers of the finest homes in Ventura County with quality buyers from across the globe. Join Rosemary’s long list of satisfied sellers by contacting her today at 805.491.2100 RosemaryAllison@aol.com or on the web at www.callRosemary.com

All in the family

Jim, a real estate attorney, is an esteemed member of the California Association of Realtors Legal Affairs forum. Jim’s awareness of the current laws and legislation assures Rosemary’s clients that they have the security of knowing that their contract has been carefully reviewed to avoid many of the problems facing sellers today.

Dedication to community

Rosemary has dedicated decades of public service to the people of Ventura County. From championing the installation of new synchronized signals that slowed traffic and allowed pedestrians and equestrians to navigate safely to establishing the a local Neighborhood Watch program, and her area Community Emergency Response Team.

Rosemary Allison is well known for her hard work and generosity including Chairing the most successful American Cancer Galas in Ventura County. As quoted in a resolution presented when she was recognized in 2010 as Ventura County Volunteer of the Year: “Rosemary Allison is the yarn that weaves this close knit community together, setting an example for residents of all ages on how a committed individual can work to change the world for the better. Rosemary Allison has been recognized for her exemplary community volunteer work over the years”. Since 2003, in addition to her busy career, she has served as an elected Councilwoman on the Municipal Advisory Council.

Rosemary BRE #00545184, Jennifer (01779233), Joe (00616212) and Cristina (01779482)

Recognized. Respected. Recommended.

(805) 491-2100

RosemaryAllison@aol.com

www.CallRosemary.com

2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office is owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker®and the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International®and the Coldwell Banker Previews International Logo, are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. CalBRE Lic # 00545184. ©

Their children, Jennifer, Joe and Cristina all are licensed agents who have become part of Rosemary’s support team. They’re experts in the details and subtleties that define multi-milliondollar negotiations. They possess a passion for fine architecture, and an intimate, lot-level knowledge of Ventura County. They innately understand the finer points of caring for clients with high net worth, and even higher expectations.

Good Times

Arthritis Foundation Fundraiser

The Arthritis Foundation fundraiser at Aldabella Winery generated funds for AF’s California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour, an eight-day, 525-mile ride along scenic Highway 1 to raise $1.2 million to find a cure for arthritis.

PHOTOS BY CAPTURE BY LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY, ELSJEPRODUCTIONS@AOL.COM

8 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

Good Times

The Sofa Guy and Arteriors’ Spring 2015 Design Trends Presentation The Sofa Guy in partnership with Arteriors Home presented an exclusive peek at Arteriors’ Spring 2015 Design Trend Presentation with Jen Dolan, Arteriors’ National Sales Manager.

PHOTOGRAPHER HECTOR PEREZ PHOTOGRAPHY

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10 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

When you support local businesses in Conejo Valley Lifestyle, you get to: ~ Shop Businesses Conveniently Located Near You ~ Enjoy Special Offers Only Available to Our Readers ~ Support Our Local Economy

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Around Town MEAD DAY If you’ve never tasted (or heard of) mead, the first Saturday in August—named Mead Day by the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) in 2002—is the perfect time to try this ancient beverage. Sometimes called “honey-wine,” mead may be the oldest known fermented drink and is made by combining honey, water and yeast.

Ranging from the sweet to the dry, mead is often flavored with fruits, flowers and spices. Bottle and Pint in Newbury Park is one favorite locale serving up several types of delicious mead.

and under are free all day, Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Day on August 11 and Military Appreciation Day on August 13. And be sure to catch the Fair Parade on August 8 and the Junior Livestock Auction on August 14. Admission to the fair is $12 for adults and $9 for kids under 12 and seniors. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Visit VenturaCountyFair.org for more information about special days and events.

ABOUT THAT DROUGHT California’s drought requires citizens to save and use water responsibly. Learn to become a good steward of our limited water resources at the Ventura County Building and Safety Division’s Graywater and Rainwater Workshops to help homeowners convert waste water from washing machines to yard irrigation and capture rainwater for reuse. These drought-savvy techniques are easy to implement, and the workshops will teach homeowners everything they need to know to use water wisely, including a materials list, hands-on demonstration and personal instruction. Workshops take place at the Ventura County Hall of Administration, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Room 311, in Ventura from 6 to 8 p.m. on August 6 and 20. Call 805.654.2795 to register.

LET US SHARE YOUR BIG NEWS! DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY! The second annual “Cabrillo Dance Marathon” takes place for a continuous 24-hour period from 6 p.m. Friday, August 7 through 6 p.m. Saturday, August 8 at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks. All proceeds go to support Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Outreach Programs. There is no age limit nor dance training/ability needed to participate in this event. “Dancers” will need to stay on their feet moving/ dancing continuously for as long as they can. Friends, family and supporters will donate “pledges” on the Cabrillo website per hour of dancing. Participants may start dancing at any time of the 24-hour period to log continuous dancing.

Dance for an hour or the full 24 hours! Pledges can be in the form of a flat fee or a “per-hour” donation. To participate as a dancer or donor, register online at CMTDanceMarathon.DoJiggy.com (it’s free!). Set up a webpage for yourself (it’s easy!), and show up on August 7 with your dancing shoes on and dance the night away for Cabrillo Music Theatre.

"A COUNTRY FAIR WITH OCEAN AIR" Come on down to the 140th Ventura County Fair, August 5 through 16 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., in Ventura. Young and old will delight at the fair’s attractions, exhibits, displays, demonstrations, farm animals, petting zoo, carnival rides, games and entertainment. And don’t forget about the delectable fair food! Open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, the fair offers fun for all ages. Special admission days include Dia de la Familia on Sunday, August 9, Youth Day on Friday, August 7, where kids 12 12 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

The team at Conejo Valley Lifestyle looks forward to sharing the good news of our neighbors each and every month. If you have an engagement or wedding to announce, please send standard announcement text and a high resolution photo to Tracy.Marcynzsyn@ LifestylePubs.com so we can include it in our Wedding Bells section.

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Giving Back

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Music Theatre BEYOND THE FOOTLIGHTS PROGRAM PROVIDES ENHANCED THEATRE EXPERIENCES FOR ALL AUDIENCES

ARTICLE BEN MALKIN

T

he other day Robin Chesler and I were delighted to finalize our relationship as a VIP Sponsor with the Cabrillo Music Theatre. We are both lifelong fans of musicals...stage and movie...and we look forward to supporting the talented and dedicated performers during the 20152016 season. Damn Yankees, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, Children of Eden and The Little Mermaid will delight audiences of all ages. Here in the Conejo Valley, we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful cultural resource right on our doorstep.

However, our delight in partnering with the Cabrillo Music Theatre goes beyond our love of the art form. This partnership is the start of a more general commitment to supporting charitable organizations throughout the Conejo Valley. If our readers look at what our new partners do by way of “giving back,” it will give you an idea of where we are headed with this commitment. Cabrillo Music Theatre goes “Beyond the Footlights” with outreach programs to give back to the community, and to provide enhanced theatre experiences for all audiences.

Since the inception of “Beyond the Footlights,” more than 40,000 underserved children, in-need seniors and active military have enjoyed Cabrillo Music Theatre’s productions at no charge. In addition, Cabrillo provides ASL signed performances of every production, talkbacks with cast and staff, and Cabrillo’s Animal Rescue program, which raises funds and awareness for homeless and abused dogs and cats.

In our community and beyond there are dozens of worthy charities in need of our readers’ support. The charity may focus on health issues, those who are economically marginalized, disaster support, the environment, children, animals, the arts or education. The fact is that the Conejo Valley is one of the most affluent communities in the U.S. Sharing and giving back to our community is and should continue to be part of our culture.

If you as an individual or as part of a charitable organization have something you believe would be of interest to our readers…over 40,000 every month… please get in touch with us. Email me at Ben.Malkin@LifestylePubs.com or our editor at Tracy.Marcynzsyn@LifestylePubs.com.

16 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

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Now Open

Conejo Off-Leash Areas THREE NEW AREAS ADDED FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS

L

ocal dogs have much to celebrate, thanks to the efforts of COLA Friends, a 501c3 volunteer-run nonprofit, created to help establish more off-leash areas in the Conejo Valley.

With the mission of promoting enjoyable and safe use of Conejo Valley off-leash areas, COLA Friends, in collaboration with the Conejo Recreation and Parks Department has added three new off-leash dog parks in the area, as part of a community pilot study.

The three parks provide a place where dogs can socialize and play off leash. If the sixmonth pilot program is successful, the offleash areas will become permanent places for community pooches to play.

Learn more at ConejoOffLeash.org.

 OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS:

Kimber Park (3295 Bear Creek Drive, Newbury Park) Estella Park (300 Erbes Road, Thousand Oaks) Walnut Grove Park (400 Windtree Avenue)

18 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

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ARTICLE MELISSA GILLER, THE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION 20 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

he American Presidency comes alive at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, where 18 galleries and dozens of interactive displays wait to entertain, educate and excite visitors. Open since 1991 and wholly renovated in 2011, the galleries bring history to life. Where else in California can visitors walk on board an actual Air Force One aircraft that flew seven U.S. presidents, touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall or lay a hand on a real steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center after 9-11?

Visitors will learn about the history of the American Presidency by immersing themselves in Ronald Reagan’s journey to the White House. Starting back in his days as a sports radio announcer to his years as a Warner Brothers movie actor and then the host of GE Theater, visitors step into his shoes via Green Screen technology and call a Cubs game, introduce a GE Theater and even act in a movie! Follow President Reagan to the White House and deliver the Presidential Inauguration through the use of a teleprompter. Travel the world on diplomatic missions aboard Air Force One. Explore the White House Oval Office and the East Wing.

Museum guests will also enjoy the Library’s outdoor grounds, where they can stroll through a replica of the White House Rose Garden or West Lawn. Numerous picnic benches across the property encourage patrons to eat outside and enjoy the gorgeous vistas. For those opting to eat indoors, the Reagan Library boasts two restaurants, Reagan’s Country Café and The Ronald Reagan Pub. Group tours are encouraged to call ahead and reserve seating.

From Air Force One to historic photos and video to interactive games to exquisite landscaped grounds, the Reagan Library is truly one of the most unique and beautiful travel destinations in Southern California. The Library is sure to be a fun, entertaining and educational experience for everyone, of every age, in your group.

Open seven days a week, the Reagan Library is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. VISITING THE REAGAN LIBRARY

With more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space to explore, visitors should plan at least a half-day to visit the Reagan Library. The Library is wheelchair accessible, and audio wands (in English, Spanish and hearing impaired) are available for a separate charge. For a complete list of admission pricing and exhibits, please visit ReaganLibrary.com.

CONTINUED >

August 2015 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

21

RONALD REAGAN (CONTINUED)

“The doors of this library are open now and all are welcome. The judgment of history is left to you, the people.”

—Ronald Reagan

The South Garden's expansive views 22 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum hosts an array of historical exhibits for all ages.

Air Force One and the Presidential Motorcade CONTINUED >

RONALD REAGAN (CONTINUED)

A piece of the Berlin Wall

SPECIAL EXHIBITS The Reagan Library features many world-class traveling exhibits. Check the Library’s website or call to see which exhibits may be open for touring during your visit.

FOOTBALL! THE EXHIBITION

Just in time for pre-season, Football! The Exhibition opened on June 6. Running through January 2016, Football is a 5,000-square-foot exhibition featuring more than 600 artifacts, including some of the rarest historic and iconic football memorabilia in the country. The exhibit displays remarkable artifacts from the legends of the game, as well as sections on the L.A. Rams, USC and UCLA, and scores of other historically important players and organizations. In partnership with Gary Cypres and the Sports Museum of Los Angeles, the exhibit also features rare artifacts related to Ronald Reagan and football—from his days playing high school and college football, to memorabilia from his role of George Gipp in Knute Rockne: All American, to signed balls and jerseys he received while president, to his honorary Heisman Trophy—the first and only person to ever receive one.

24 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

The exhibition showcases the glory days of football—from the first balls, helmets and jerseys ever used, to iconic pieces of football history, such as the prototype for the Heisman Trophy, signed Lombardi trophies by Super Bowl MVP recipients and dozens of game-worn jerseys by the sport’s best.

Featured items on display in Football! The Exhibition include: • Game-worn jerseys, some autographed, by football’s greats, including Peyton Manning, John Elway, Tom Brady, Kurt Warner, Drew Bledsoe, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman, Johnny Unitas, Terry Bradshaw, Brett Favre, Drew Brees, Dan Marino, Steve Young, Ben Rothlisberger, Joe Theisman, Eric Dickerson, Jim Kelly and Fran Tarkenton • Signed Lombardi trophies from Joe Namath, Eli Manning, Bart Starr and more • Heisman trophies from Doug Flutie, USC’s Marcus Allen and UCLA’s Gary Beban • Special sections featuring the Los Angeles Rams and the rivalry between UCLA and USC • Some of the first footballs, cleats, helmets, uniforms and folk art, as well as an unmatched collection of football cards and photographs of the astonishing athletes who played the game.

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Your Neighbor

Southern Californian Bonnie Bowden is one special songstress who has dedicated her life to entertaining audiences worldwide with her beautiful voice.

28 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

A LOCAL VOICE OF LEGENDS

P

ARTICLE BEN MALKIN

eople of all ages love good music and the talented singers who bring it to life. Southern Californian Bonnie Bowden is one special songstress who has dedicated her life to entertaining audiences worldwide with her beautiful voice.

Gracing multitudes with her skillful and passionate renditions of legendary hits, such as those in “The Great American Song Book” created between the early 1920s through the mid-1980s by composers and lyricists like Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George and Ira Gersh-

win, Jerome Kern, Harold Arlen, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Johnny Mercer, Stephen Sondheim, Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn, Bowden’s spectacular musical performances keep these greats alive.

Her love of music began as a toddler when her mother gave her the soundtrack album “The King and I.” Three-year-old Bonnie fell in love with the album and set to performing every song for anyone who would listen.

Thus began her lifelong, self-taught journey in music that has taken her around the world singing everything from jazz to show tunes, pop, bossa nova, blues and amazingly, opera. This musical savant with a four-octave range began her professional music career when she moved from her native Texas to California, where at age 18, she landed a gig singing at Disneyland. Performing on the Tomorrowland Terrace with soon-to-be husband and world-class guitarist David Amaro, she was recruited by Sergio Mendes and began a career recording and touring the world as lead singer of Brasil ’77 and Brasil ‘88.

Today finds Bonnie and her husband living in the Conejo Valley. She performs her One Woman Show throughout Southern California at various events and venues such as performing arts centers, senior centers, fundraisers and the Motion Picture & Television Fund, an annual favorite where she entertains retired film and television professionals.

“The One Woman Show has been a great joy,” says Bowden. “It allows me to blend all the styles of music that I love in a one-hour performance including jazz, pop, Broadway, Brazilian and classical.

I sing in eight languages and in addition to the One Woman Show, I love performing with big bands, small bands and jazz combos.”

Whether singing with a professional orchestra such as The Late Nite Big Band or a jazz quartet comprised of world-class musicians such as Hubert Laws, Llew Matthews and Rickey Woodard, Bowden gives audiences a performance worthy of the legendary songs she sings.

Her amazing voice, perfect pitch and innate musical sensibility, along with the demands she places on herself when she performs and her ability to convey the emotional connection she has with her songs makes Bowden a great performer and a technically accomplished singer.

For more information about Bowden and her upcoming appearances, visit her website, BonnieBowden.com, where CDs are also available for purchase, and her Facebook page at Facebook.com/BonnieBowdenSinger.

FREE CONCERT IN CALABASAS

Bonnie is especially excited to entertain locals at her upcoming free concert in Calabasas, hosted by the City of Calabasas. “It will be like a mini Hollywood Bowl event right in our own backyard,” says Bowden. Guests should plan to arrive early and bring picnic dinners, wine, chairs and blankets.

Friday, September 18 6 p.m.

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Intravenous therapy is the infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein.

Healing the disharmonies between internal organs and blockages to the circulation of Chi, or energy, through meridians.

Live without the added physical burden of unsafe metals.

Safe metal filling removal is imperative for preserving your health.

Dr. David Villarreal

Owner and Formulator of Estrella Natural Oral Care Products

805-375-2233

1000 Newbury Rd., Suite 225 • Newbury Park, CA 91320 www.BioDentalhealing.com August 2015 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

29

Driver’s Notebook

2015 Infiniti QX80 FULL-SIZE SUV DELIVERS WHEN IT COMES TO COMFORT, LUXURY ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY TOM STRONGMAN

T

he Infiniti QX80 is a vehicle of contradictions and it always leaves me with mixed feelings. I’ve never been a fan of the exterior styling, yet the interior beckons with soft leather and wood trim. The V-8 engine guzzles fuel, but it is extremely smooth and strong enough to tow 8,500 pounds. In summary, this full-size SUV shines from the inside out and delivers luxury on par with anything in its segment.

Styling is certainly subjective. Infiniti updated the QX80 with a new grille that reflects the design language of the Q50 sedan. It’s an improvement, for sure, but the big nose is still imposing.

The QX80 used to be called the QX56. The new name is part of Infiniti’s revamped nomenclature. The SUV comes in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, with a direct-injection, 5.6-liter engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. The 400-horsepower V-8 can tow up to 8,500 pounds. Fuel economy is rated at 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 on the highway. Base prices start at

30 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

$63,250 for rear-wheel drive and $66,350 for all-wheel drive. The rear-wheel-drive test vehicle from Infiniti’s press fleet had a sticker price of $77,185.

On the road, the QX80 felt as if it were gliding over the pavement, even with the optional 22-inch wheels, yet the vehicle didn’t seem overly soft or mushy in turns. That’s a benefit of the optional hydraulic body motion control system that links shock absorbers from one side to those on the other, keeping the lean body in check without forcing a stiff ride. The smooth ride was enhanced by a lack of wind and road noise.

The optional Driver’s Assistance Package includes blind-spot warning, backup collision avoidance intervention, forward emergency braking and forward predictive collision warning. The backup intervention applies the brakes if something is behind the vehicle, and forward emergency braking does the same when it senses an imminent collision.

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This full-size SUV shines from the inside out and delivers luxury on par with anything in its segment.

Gridiron Legends to Todays Superstars: Namath, Montana, Manning, Brees…

Game Worn and Signed Jerseys,

The best part of the QX 80 is the lush interior that has seating for eight with a second-row bench seat. Stratford Burl wood trim was a tasteful accent to the wheat-colored leather interior of the dark blue test vehicle. The fit and finish are all that one expects in a full-size luxury SUV. Standard equipment includes a navigation system, a Bose stereo with 13 speakers and an Around View monitor that gives a birds-eye view of the vehicle. Moving object detection alerts the driver to approaching vehicles in parking lots.

Around View was especially helpful in tight confines.

The front seats could benefit from bottom cushions with deeper contours. The split-folding second seat had plenty of legroom, and the power-folding third seat was big enough to be usable.

There is not much cargo space with the third seat in place.

The test vehicle was equipped with the theater package that had 7-inch monitors in the back of each front headrest. Games or videos can be watched separately on either screen.

Price: The base price of the test car was $63,250. Options included the theater package, blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, upgraded Bose stereo with surround sound and 15 speakers, heated and cooled front seats, and 22-inch wheels. The sticker price was $77,185.

Warranty: Four years or 60,000 miles with a six-year, 70,000mile powertrain warranty.

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2015 Infiniti QX80 ENGINE: 5.6-liter, 400-horsepower V-8 TRANSMISSION: Seven-speed automatic Rear-wheel drive WHEELBASE: 121.1 inches CURB WEIGHT: 5,633 pounds BASE PRICE: $63,250 AS DRIVEN: $77,185 MPG RATING: 14 city, 20 highway

REAGANLIBRARY.COM/TICKETS Tickets include admission to the Library. Touch an authentic piece of the Berlin Wall, and climb aboard Air Force One & Marine One! 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 800.410.8354 August 2015 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

31

Lifestyle Calendar

August AUGUST 2

able on a first-come, first-seated basis and food is available for sale from local restaurant vendors each week. WLV.org

plants. Workshops address every phase of the process to make it easy for anyone. Call 805.645.1455 to register. Ucanr.edu

AUGUST 7

AUGUST 22 & 23

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO 35TH

17TH ANNUAL TONI YOUNG HUENEME

13TH ANNUAL FREE JAZZ CONCERT SERIES

ANNIVERSARY TOUR

BEACH FESTIVAL

GARDENS OF THE WORLD

FRED KAVLI THEATRE

HUENEME BEACH PARK

Free Sunday concerts take place in this beautiful garden setting. The Mills Brothers, featuring John Mills Jr. and Elmer Hopper, formerly of The Platters, kick off the season by continuing the 75-year legacy of one of the greatest vocal groups of all time. Parking is available on Thousand Oaks Blvd. Arrive early for the best seats and please bring lawn chairs/blankets for your comfort. GardensOfTheWorld.info

Rock-n-roll legends Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo wow audiences with their undeniable chemistry and unprecedented sound at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. This powerhouse duo is sure to spice up the night.

CivicArtsPlaza.com

Head out with friends and family for fun in the sun, great food and live music, hosted by the City of Port Hueneme and dedicated to Toni Young, former Port Hueneme mayor and city councilman for 16 years, who passed away after a sudden illness in December 2008. The festival has a children's area with rides, games and attractions for all ages. Free admission and parking! HuenemeBeachFest.org

AUGUST 5 - 16 140TH VENTURA COUNTY FAIR VENTURA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

This year's fair offers something for all ages, from arts and crafts to rides, musical entertainment and livestock exhibits. Special days offer free and reduced admission for children, seniors, military and those with disabilities. VenturaCountyFair.org

AUGUST 7 & 8 2ND ANNUAL CABRILLO DANCE MARATHON HILLCREST CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Dance all night and into the next evening to support the Cabrillo Music Theatre's Outreach Programs. There is no age limit nor dance training/ability needed to participate in this event.

"Dancers" will need to stay on their feet moving/dancing continuously for as long as they can. Friends, family and supporters will donate “pledges” on the Cabrillo website per hour of dancing. Participants may start dancing at any time of the 24-hour period to log continuous dancing. CMTDanceMarathon.DoJiggy.com

AUGUST 7 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ BY "RIVERBOAT DIXIE" WESTLAKE VILLAGE CIVIC CENTER

Summer evenings in Westlake Village provide the perfect backdrop for the 12th Annual TGIF Westlake Village series of free performances. Families and friends of all ages will enjoy a night listening to wonderful music while relaxing. A limited number of chairs and tables are avail32 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

AUGUST 8 VENTURA COUNTY FAIR PARADE MAIN STREET, VENTURA

See the annual Ventura County Fair parade march down Main Street! Parade begins right before the opening of the fair! This favorite event features delightful entertainment for all ages. VenturaCountyFair.org

AUGUST 8 OPENING RECEPTION VALLEY VISIONS ART SHOW THOUSAND OAKS COMMUNITY ART GALLERY

Experience the visions of the Valley's premier artists at the Valley Visions juried art show. Local artists will present various media including sculpture, painting, collage and photography that spark the viewer to new visions of the Valley, be it San Fernando or Kegel Canyon. TOArtGallery.com

AUGUST 16 SPIN-SPRINT-SPLASH YOUTH TRIATHLON CAL LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY POOL

Kids ages 5 to 14 test their skill and endurance in this run, bike, and swim triathlon.

Participants should bring a bike and helmet, swimsuit/goggles/towel, and shoes/socks suitable for running. Must be able to swim unassisted in deep water. CRPD.org

AUGUST 22 WATERWISE PLANT SELECTION & MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP THOUSAND OAKS LIBRARY

The Thousand Oaks Library and Master Gardeners of Ventura County's Water Wise gardening program is designed to help residents replace lawns with drought-tolerant

AUGUST 22 SATURDAYS IN THE PARK BERNIECE BENNETT PARK

Disco band Boogie Nights performs 70s' favorites like “Shake Your Booty,” “Get Down Tonight,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “I Will Survive,” “Funkytown,” "The Hustle,” and many more in the park. A limited number of chairs and tables are available on a first-come, first-seated basis and food is available for sale from local restaurant vendors each week. WLV.org

AUGUST 23 BONNIE BOWDEN WITH JOE GRAY AND THE LATE NITE BIG BAND GARDENS OF THE WORLD

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and arrive early to get the best spot for this treat of an evening. Let Bonnie Bowden and the Late Nite Big Band orchestra take you on a musical journey of legendary swing standards and nostalgic music from the 1940s and beyond. GardensOfTheWorld.info

AUGUST 28 REAGAN COUNTRY BARBECUE COOKOUT & DANCE RONALD REAGAN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY

Enjoy a delicious barbecue and dance to outstanding entertainment by a live western band while watching the sunset at the South Lawn of the Ronald Reagan Library. Whether you want to hang out on a hay barrel, play Horseshoes, or dance the night away, there is something for everyone to do at this funfilled event. ReaganFoundation.org

business directory ANIMALS & ANIMAL CARE

HEALTH & WELLNESS HOME DESIGN & FURNISHINGS Dr. David Villarreal

PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE

AUTOMOTIVE

Hill Top Dental (818) 865-8651 hilltopdentalcare.com

Rosemary Allison Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (805) 491-2100 callrosemary.com

Paw Hills (818) 889-7387 pawhills.com

Infiniti of Thousand Oaks (805) 494-1200 toinfiniti.com Premier Coach (805) 373-7366 premiercoachautocollision.com

CHARITIES & FUNDRAISERS

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (800) 410-8354 reaganfoundation.org

FINANCIAL SERVICES & PLANNING Montecito Bank and Trust (805) 963-7511 montecito.com

(805) 375-2233 biodentalhealing.com

HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS

Danmer Custom Window Coverings (888) 233-8598 danmer.com/CVL

Nu Scape Designs (818) 422-4229 nuscapedesigns.com

The Agency (818) 237-9426 johnpjacksonre.com

American Vision Windows (805) 418-5601 americanvisionwindows.com

The Sofa Guy (805) 497-3222 thesofaguy.com

NHance Wood Renewal (805) 491-2930 nhance.com/venturacounty

The Drapery Guy & More (818) 707-8500 thedraperyguy.net

System Pavers (844) 728-3226 SystemPavers.com

MEDICAL CLINICS & FACILITIES

Tailored Living featuring Premier Garage (805) 988-0900 tailoredliving.com/ventura

Chase Financial (818) 730-7200 chasefinancial.com

Duben Holistic Chiropractic Center (805) 494-1339 docduben.com

SENIOR LIVING & SERVICES

Horizons at Calabasas (866) 884-0683 horizonsatcalabasas.com Meadowbrook Senior Living (818) 541-5041 meadowbrook-agourahills.com

SPECIALTY SHOPS

Los Robles Hospital (877) 888-5746 losrobleshospital.com

Sunland Vintage Winery (805) 379-2250 sunlandvintagewinery.com

Draperies & Valences | Blinds, Shades & Shutters Roman Shades | Reupholstery & Slipcovers | Area Rugs Custom Bedding & Pillows | Sunbrella Outdoor Fabrics Free In-Home Consultations

Hunter Douglas Showroom • Entire product line including the Alustra collection • Motorization controlled by your mobile devices • Numerous working samples at your finger tips • ANSI child safety standard • Lifetime Warranties • Certified Installers

(818) 707-8500 • thedraperyguy.net • 31133 Via Colinas #101 Westlake Village, CA 91362 August 2015 | Conejo Valley Lifestyle

33

Parting Thoughts

Birds on a Wire WORDS KENDRA MATHEWSON

O

ne of my dear friends is a painter who sees the world through her amazing artist eyes. When she was the newbie in our neighborhood, her heart was sensitive to how to integrate her family into the community. Driving one day she noticed how birds perched on a wire seemed to choose when to gather, and who to pause with. As she watched the birds sit, and then come and go, those birds spoke to her of how we create community, who we keep counsel with, and even the dynamic nature of the process.

She had moved in down the street, and it was my love of her work that initially drew us together. We shared a moment of connection on my front porch steps, and lingered like the birds chatting on the telephone wire, before we f lew off back to our hectic lives. Over the years, through working on house projects, painting together, building a club, learning new skills together, cooking meals at each other's homes, playing cards as couples, we’d pause from the “f lights” our lives demanded (me f lying around in my minivan and she in her miniCooper) to sit like those birds on a wire and talk over tea.

This is how we became friends.

That is community. That is how community begins and how it grows. These one-on-one connections expand and extend and become a beautiful web of interconnectedness.

Through words, stories, shared experiences and common interests, we find inspiration to create our communities, which is where we call, "home."

My friend’s keen observations became the main theme of a series that has become her signature. The beauty of her Birds on a Wire series, and her reflections on community, have inspired me to embrace and celebrate more the important place it has in our lives. We live in such an individualistic society that our personal empowerment sometimes overshadows the significance of our need for each other.

Like the ingredients of an exceptional recipe, or the materials used to

34 Conejo Valley Lifestyle | August 2015

construct a quality home, a community is only as good as the people who comprise it. Because the people are who ignite an idea, imagine a future, share an event, take the bull by the horns, see a need and fill it, spread the word about a new business, open their home to new families, bring a meal when there’s an illness, invest in a neighbor or believe in a student, give witness to struggles and celebrate successes.

This magazine is your “wire.” Let us pause to read the stories that have been inspired by our home, our community, to drink in the beautiful photographs that paint the story of us. Email your editor and publisher, or better yet reach out and enjoy a cup of coffee together. Let us stop here in the pages of our publication each month and celebrate like birds on a wire, before we fly off back to our busy lives.

You inspire us.

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