Arts + Culture

Artist Blends Passions

to Create Legendary Paintings Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by John Hanley Hank Aaron, Derek Jeter, Ernie Banks, Greg Maddux, Ferguson Jenkins, Pedro Martinez, Anthony Rizzo, Gale Sayers, Vin Scully, Robin Yount, Brian Urlacher and many more original paintings of athletes, celebrities and legends from all walks of life—even Greek mythology—showcase the impressive portfolio of artist John Hanley’s 25-year career as an artist. It’s no surprise that many of his original art and...

Arts + Culture

Community Celebrates Senior Concerns Boat Bash

Article and Photography by Ben Malkin We enjoyed our cruise with Laura and Darius Raulinaitis and friends and family as we celebrated the Senior Concerns 2024 Boat Bash. While everyone had a great time, the fundraiser helped support the mission of Senior Concerns with members of our senior community. There were dozens of party boats touring the beautiful lake at Westlake Village. Everyone partied Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville style and had a great time. Seniors are the top priority at Senior...

Finance + Legal Services

Smart Money Moves for 2025:

Laura Marie Raulinaitis, CFP®, Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor Article and Photography by What’s new regarding financial planning in 2025? Any changes from 2024? Not much has changed from the operations of financial planning going into 2025, and the focus continues to be on client goals and figuring out what is important to them. There are different tools that may be used, but the main idea is the same: have short-, medium- and long-term goals, and the investment strategies will...

Fitness

Growing Through Giving:

The Big Brothers Bond That Built a Business Article and Photography by Sixteen years ago, an 11-year-old Daniel Mayer eagerly awaited his match through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County. At the same time, Richard Burke, a local entrepreneur, was navigating life after a difficult divorce that distanced him from his own children. Seeking a way to channel his parental love and make a positive impact, Richard’s therapist suggested he become a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. “I...

Professional Services

House Call Doctor:

Old-Fashioned Care Provides Advanced Results Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn While time brings progress, sometimes the old ways have their advantages. As so many have experienced, in today’s fast-paced, efficiency-focused world, even the medical system with its latest advances and technologies can fall short of fully addressing patients’ needs. Enter House Call Doctor Thousand Oaks, Inc., a group of talented medical doctors that make house calls to treat patients’ routine and emergency medical...

Life + Culture

Tails of Valor

The Military Animal Project Celebrates the Greatest Generation   Article by Barbara Burke | Photography by Military Animal Project “When you care, you demonstrate human compassion and empathy… When you care enough to act, you change the world,” said Bill Mors, Lt. Ret., a WWII Navy veteran who was assigned to the 31st Special Naval Construction Battalion, also known as the Seabees. Mors cared enough to generously leave a portion of his estate to fund an endowment for the Military Animal...

Wellness

Spirit of Giving Fills the Air

Caring for Neighbors is a Hallmark of Conejo Valley Living Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program’s Charity Karaoke Sing for a Cause benefits 20 nonprofits with its musical fundraiser and Karaoke Competition. To date, more than $175,000 has been raised for local charities. CharityKaraoke.org Sherwood Cares , the philanthropic arm of Sherwood Country Club, enriches children and families' lives. Focused on educational, medical, nutrition and safety needs, the...

Arts + Culture

Community Gives Over $1 Million to Empower Local Youth

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley Celebrate Record-Breaking Success at Annual Gala Article and Photography by The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) proudly announces its most successful gala to date, raising an incredible $1,053,110 to support vital youth programs in the community. Held at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village, this unforgettable evening was filled with inspiring stories, heartfelt speeches, and overwhelming support from donors...

Life + Culture

Gallant Givers

Local Icons Dedicated to the Greater Good Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn 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...

Life + Culture

Giving Thanks by Giving Back

Yields Immeasurable Gains Article by Kim Pagano Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and often, the most meaningful gifts are connections and opportunities when we least expect them. Sometimes referred to as serendipity , or as I call it,  God incidents , these occurrences suggest that there is a natural flow to life that, when embraced, can lead us to the right people who are meant to benefit from our gifts or to share their gifts with us. It’s as though the universe has its own...