The Father of Westlake: John L. Notter, Owner & Chairman of the Board
"I have been fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to the community," declares local financier and developer John L. Notter, humbly acknowledging his significant contributions to area charities, nonprofits, and businesses. In fact, the “father of Westlake” played a huge part in creating and shaping the entire community of Westlake Village in his role as president of American-Hawaiian Land Company.
“He is the man who Daniel K. Ludwig, owner of American-Hawaiian Steamship Company, hired to build Westlake Village,” writes Trica O’Brien in Images of America: Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village. “He brought the vision of the master plan to life. Every last detail for a better way of life was carefully thought out and he hired the best to complete each task. He was the person who came up with the name Westlake Village.”
And Notter is also to thank for creating some of the area’s premier locations—Stonehaus, Westlake Village Inn, Mediterraneo, Louie’s (formerly Bogie’s) and Spa Relais. Fashioned in the style of his most beloved places to travel, these popular community institutions reflect the feeling of Saint-Tropez, with beautiful vineyards and elegant open-air dining complete with a waterfall for all ages to enjoy.
“Mr. Notter has brought some of his favorite things from his travels to create Stonehaus,” says Maria Solorzano, director of sales and marketing/public relations for the property. “We were so fortunate to take a trip to visit Saint-Tropez to help us envision the project,” says Solorzano, adding that her employer’s generous spirit extends to the community as well as his staff.
“His love of giving back trickles down to include the entire staff, from executives to our line staff; he makes it possible for all of us to give back to the community, as he does,” by giving to various charities that help those in need every year, Solorzano adds.
Notter’s million-dollar donation to the Boys and Girls Club in Thousand Oaks will benefit hundreds of youth for years to come and represents his belief in the importance of education.
“Study! Don’t waste your youth,” Notter advises those hoping to follow in his footsteps and make their mark on the world.
He credits education and a strong work ethic for helping pave the way to his success. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, Notter emigrated to the United States at age 7. Settling in New Jersey before moving to California, he earned a degree in Business Finance from California State University, Los Angeles (class of ‘59) before embarking on an impressive 6-decade (and counting!) career. Beginning as auditor of Home Savings and Loan at Ahmanson Corporation in Beverly Hills. He became the president of several of their savings and loans.
He then went to work for the D. K. Ludwig Group and became the chief operating officer for the group, which included Universal Tankships, Princess Hotels and American-Hawaiian Steamship Company. His career took Notter around the world. Still, his favorite place, he says, is his desk.
“I like to study, read and learn languages,” says Notter, a colorful world map on the wall beside his stately office desk from where he conducts much of his daily business managing his interests in Westlake Properties, Inc., Sailview Associates Inc., Clark Road Development and Sherwood Holdings, among others.
Notter’s commendable accomplishments in the business world underlie his lifelong commitment to helping improve the lives of people in need. In fact, his philanthropic life’s work has been dedicated to working with two key organizations: the Ludwig Cancer Research Institute and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. His 40 years of service on the Ludwig Board and 20 years with the Hilton Foundation have allowed him to make a difference and improve lives for countless individuals. In 2010, he received the Celebration of Philanthropy award for his efforts to help people through his leadership with these organizations.
Thanks to the research conducted by the best and brightest minds at the Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, “We are contributing to lives all over the world,” says Notter, who currently serves as the global nonprofit’s board chairman.
An international community of distinguished scientists dedicated to preventing and controlling cancer, Ludwig Cancer Research Institute was established by Daniel K. Ludwig in 1971. Today, the institute’s level of support of the Ludwig Branches exceeds $60 million annually, and $2 billion since inception. Also established were Ludwig Cancer Centers at leading universities which are endowed with $200 million.
Through his work as a Director with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Notter supports the foundation’s efforts to improve the lives of individuals living in poverty and experiencing disadvantage throughout the world. Founded in 1944, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits to promote their vision of “a world in which improving the human condition is a shared and sustainable goal.”
Notter incorporates the Hilton Foundation’s mission to alleviate human suffering within his circle of influence, encouraging and supporting his executive and team members’ efforts to volunteer and give back to the community in a variety of ways.
“My life’s work has always been about serving others, especially those in need. Whether through my roles at Ludwig Cancer Research or the Hilton Foundation, my goal has been to contribute to something greater—to help save lives and create opportunities for the community. It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated people who share this mission” he says.
Notter’s compassion and empathy for people in need lead him to continue his resolve to improve the lives of all he touches, leaving a legacy of giving back for generations to come. His efforts are emulated by those in his professional sphere as well as his family, including his wife of 68+ years, three children and many grandchildren.
2024 Woman of the Year: Dr. Ranjini Kaushik, Founder/President, SciArtsRUs
“People should follow their passion and when you follow your passion, doors will open. I am definitely living proof of that!” says Ranjini Kaushik of Thousand Oaks.
A biochemist with a PhD from UCLA, Kaushik spent 15 years working at Amgen as a process development group leader in various roles and serving on numerous conference panels. A fervent promoter of the arts, Kaushik decided to pursue her passion to fill an unmet need and help curate programs to bring inclusion and diversity to the arts space.
“Something was calling out to me… I saw a need and when I followed it with the right intent, it all came together,” says Kaushik, noting the importance of following your passion—"try to do what you’re passionate about full time or at least allocate some time for it.”
In 2019, Kaushik founded SciArtsRUs, a nonprofit that works internationally to bring diversity and inclusion in the sciences, visual and performing arts and accessible design. Her organization has helped create a global movement around accessibility, disability inclusion in the arts, cross-culture art forms, and arts and science interface initiatives.
“Through disability inclusion and Artabilities 4 All, we want to shine the light on the abilities of everyone; this is a global initiative that we launched in the U.S, UK, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda and India, and since have featured over 400 artists from 21 countries,” she shares. “Inclusive curation involves featuring artists from underrepresented communities such as those with disabilities and other marginalized communities seamlessly with mainstream artists, whether it’s working with visual or performing artists with disabilities, who may be challenged visually, hearing or other physical impairment, including foot painters and mouth painters.”
The nonprofit also aims to integrate the arts and sciences and promote cross-cultural artists who practice music or dance from non-native cultures. Kaushik has been recognized for her work and was named Woman of the Year 2024 by California Legislative Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin this past July. One of the first women of East Indian descent to receive this honor, Kaushik says she is grateful that the community has embraced her mission that is driven by passion and looking to fill gaps.
“It’s been received with open arms. I’m grateful to the community. Without the support of the community, both local and global, nothing can be done,” she says.
Kaushik and her family, including a teenage son and daughter, enjoy living and working in the Conejo Valley community.
“We love the weather and the natural beauty of this area—including the mountains and the ocean—you can find natural beauty everywhere here; and the people, I love the diversity of the people,” shares Kaushik, whose involvement in the arts serves as a role model to the next generation.
“My son is a performer, and as an artist, he does his little bit to bring awareness of inclusion in the performing arts,” she says, adding, “he began including artists with disabilities where he can in his performances and raising funds for Vidyasagar,” an educational organization in India (Vidya means “knowledge” and sagar means “ocean”). He also trains children with neurodiversity in music. Supporting arts organizations that “bring access to people with disabilities, making them independent, making sure they can lead a life that is respectable,” and “those that support the underprivileged,” including Sankalp, Yutta Dance Company, India Friends Association and Inclusive World, to name a few, is a shared family value.
Kaushik acknowledges her own mentors for their positive impact in her life.
“In the arts, I have been lucky to have our own music guru and organizer, K. N. Shashikiran, whose tireless spirit to give back to the community has inspired me. In grad school at UCLA, Professor James Bowie really taught me how to think outside the box… to think about something from its starting point to the ending point. It helped me become organized about anything. I can apply that knowledge to any field. I learned a lot from him in terms of problem solving,” she shares. “And at Amgen, my mentor, Linda Narhi—who is not only an amazingly passionate scientist but is also a fantastic chef and is very passionate about children—taught me to balance profession and passion.”
Kaushik likes to balance her busy schedule by relaxing at one of her favorite locales, Gardens of the World, where “you would not expect a place like that in the middle of Thousand Oaks Blvd,” she says, noting the tranquility she finds spending time amidst the beautiful greenery in the quiet and serene environment.
“I used to always think about the future all the time, but somehow working with all these artists, I’ve learned to be mindful and live for now; to think about today. I’m able to savor every moment more,” she adds.
Around town, she enjoys eating at Marmalade Café in Westlake Village and hiking the myriad trails with her family.
Kaushik plans to continue growing her organization, hoping to scale the mission and “create a global consortium of arts and even science organizations that can come together and curate programs.”
She believes that uniting through the arts has a far-reaching effect.
“In an ideal world, I’d like to wish for a borderless world, if possible, and not just from the travel perspective, but looking at how can people truly collaborate and understand each other—through the arts is just one way.”
Her advice for bringing that harmonious vision to fruition is embodied in Maya Angelou’s quote: “Do the best you can, until you know better, then when you know better, do better…”
“It’s so profound to me,” Kaushik says. “Every single person can embrace this; knowledge is endless… keep learning and keep doing better.”
Leading Realtor: Rosemary Allison, Director of Estates, Coldwell Banker Realty #00545184
In the vibrant heart of the Conejo Valley, Rosemary has made her mark not only as a successful real estate professional but also as a dedicated community leader. Her journey began in 1975 when she moved from the San Fernando Valley, drawn by the area’s cooler climate and pastoral beauty.
Rosemary purchased her first home in Thousand Oaks’ Summerfield development in 1978, later relocating to Santa Rosa Valley in 1987. “With a growing family, I loved the larger lots and equestrian zoning,” she recalls. “As my children grew, we cherished the sense of community, riding our horses and building lifelong friendships with our neighbors.”
Why Conejo Valley?
In 2015, Ventura County was named the most desirable place to live in America by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a sentiment Rosemary wholeheartedly shares.
“The weather is perfect—mild winters and temperate summers,” she explains. “Our community is filled with committed citizens who are always ready to lend a helping hand.”
A Passion for Real Estate
Rosemary’s career in real estate was sparked by an early fascination with property. Inspired by the novel Gone with the Wind, she was determined to find her family’s dream home at just 14 years old.
“I would ride my bike to view listings, asking realtors questions and scouring newspapers for new homes,” she reminisces. Her early efforts culminated in her family buying the very home she discovered.
After working in the aviation industry, Rosemary took a leap of faith during a period of economic uncertainty.
“I enrolled in a real estate course while on furlough and decided to jump in,” she recalls. With winnings from a game show, she secured her first car and launched her career at Brown Realtors in 1975.
The Art of Selling Homes
Rosemary enjoys creating unforgettable first impressions for her listings.
“Every home deserves a chance to shine,” she says. Going the extra mile, Rosemary employs a staging team to design spaces, providing furniture and accessories to inspire potential buyers. The transformation often amazes sellers, rekindling their love for their homes.
“Selling real estate is like ‘The Love Boat’—I meet so many wonderful people,” Rosemary adds. Her proudest moments are when clients refer her to their friends and family, a testament to her commitment to excellence.
She’s also thankful for the support of her husband, Jim, a retired real estate attorney, who provides invaluable guidance in navigating the complexities of real estate’s ever-changing regulations.
Giving Back
Rosemary’s dedication extends beyond real estate. She has been a pillar in her community, advocating for various charities, including the American Cancer Society and For the Troops.
“I admire the volunteers who pack care packages for our servicemen and women,” she states. Serving on the board of For The Troops, she has chaired its annual gala for 8 years, raising significant funds to support the cause.
She looks forward to continuing her community involvement, especially during the holidays, which are filled with cherished traditions and gatherings.
“Our favorite time of the year is the holidays. We have treasured yearly family traditions revolving around the Loaves and Fishes program through our church and a grand holiday party where friends, neighbors and clients come from far and wide to celebrate and sing carols.
“We are really blessed to have grown children that want to still be around us! Jaime and her husband Adrian reside in Northern California with their four kids, Ronan, Shane, Siena and Aviana. Jennifer and her husband Luke live in Arizona with their two daughters, Faith and Liberty, and Cristina, a well-known and respected dentist in Newbury Park, owns Newbury Park Dental Arts. Our youngest, Joe, has joined me in the real estate profession and has received many awards as he is recognized as a Top Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. He and his wife Katie live close to us with their two young daughters, Elizabeth and Madeline.”
With a track record of success and a genuine commitment to her clients and community, Rosemary embodies the spirit of the Conejo Valley. Her accolades, including recognition as Woman of the Year by the California Senate in 2024, the California Legislature in 2020, Best Realtor in Ventura County consecutively by the Readers of the Ventura County Star, The Los Angeles Daily News, the VC Reporter and The Acorn underscore her impact, not just as a realtor but as a leader. As she continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, one thing remains clear: Rosemary’s heart is dedicated to serving her community, one home at a time.