Life + Culture

Every Day Is a Celebration

Article by Kim Pagano This past year gave me a new perspective on what it truly means to celebrate. After a recent health scare, I realized that every day is a gift, and every moment is worth cherishing. We often wait for big occasions—birthdays, anniversaries or holidays—to come around before we allow ourselves to feel joy. But the truth is, every sunrise is worth celebrating, every meal shared is a reason to be grateful and every connection with someone we love is a holiday in itself. For...

Home + Design

Housing Trust Fund Breaks Fundraising Record for Fourth Year!

Community Unites to “Raise the Roof” for Affordable Housing at Housing Trust Fund Ventura County’s 6th Annual Compassion Campaign Article by Heriberto Rodriguez | Photography by Casey Rodgers Housing Trust Fund Ventura County (Housing Trust Fund VC) announced that its 6th Annual Compassion Campaign raised record-breaking funds for the fourth consecutive year. Held in September at Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms in Moorpark and supported in part by Keystone Sponsor HOPE (Housing...

Health + Wellness

Operation Blankets of Love

Giving Homeless Animals Hope and Comfort Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Provided Eighteen years ago, Eileen Smulson witnessed something that changed her life—and the lives of countless animals. While visiting a local shelter, she saw puppies trembling from cold, lying on hard concrete floors with no blankets or comfort. It was a moment that sparked a mission. Eileen, who had never owned a pet until age 50, had recently adopted a 4-month-old mutt named Ginger. That deep bond...

Health + Wellness

Cancer Support Community Celebrates Hope

Photography by Robin Chesler On Sunday, September 14, under radiant blue skies in Thousand Oaks, 255 guests gathered at Los Robles Greens Garden for the annual Celebration of Hope Garden Party. The afternoon was filled with warmth, unity and heartfelt tributes as this year’s Oncology Hero and Founders’ Distinguished Service Award recipients—true exemplars of courage and service—were honored. Laughter and stories of resilience echoed through the garden, reminding participants why they come...

Arts + Culture

At Pacific Festival Ballet, Dreams Do Come True!

Catch the Magic of "The Nutcracker" Dec. 19-21 Article and Photography by Provided “The Nutcracker Ballet” is a holiday tradition beloved by communities around the world, and for 31 years, Pacific Festival Ballet has brought that same cherished experience to the Conejo Valley. Each December, young audience members at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center watch in awe as Clara’s magical Christmas Eve dream unfolds on stage. Last season, Ailis Kinney—a pre-professional ballerina from...

Travel

Taste of Christmas

Sweet Traditions From Every Corner of the Globe Article by Shantha Mony, Luxury Destinations Concierge | Photography by Shantha Mony The holidays are a feast for the senses, with twinkling lights, the fresh smell of pine and best of all, the mouthwatering scent of something sweet baking in the kitchen. Every culture celebrates the season in its own special way and around the world, Christmas is filled with joy, togetherness and delicious flavors that share stories of family, tradition and...

Arts + Culture

Aldik Home for the Holidays

The Best Christmas Store in the Country–Right Here in L.A. Article and Photography by More than ever before, we could all use an escape from the outside world. There is one place you can visit during the holiday season that is guaranteed to lower your blood pressure. It’s the most spectacular Christmas store in the country and you don’t even have to travel all that far to experience it. We’re talking, of course, about Aldik Home: a name that rings out across Southern California this time of...

Arts + Culture

The Story Behind the Canvas

An Artist’s Inspiration Article and Photography by John Hanley As a boy, I dreamed of playing professional baseball. If I wasn’t throwing a ball, I was sketching. Drawing and painting have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, a passion that only deepened as I grew older. The true spark came from two cousins whose creativity left a lasting impression: one a gifted draftsman, the other a talented woodworker. Their imagination and craftsmanship lit a fire in me, and what began as...

Education

Real-World Education

The Center at Thousand Oaks High School Article by Alicia Doyle The Center for Advanced Studies and Research at Thousand Oaks High School, affectionately known simply as “The Center,” is quietly reshaping what’s possible for motivated students in Ventura County. Situated on the Thousand Oaks High School campus, this innovative 3-year program blends rigorous academic challenge with individualized mentorship, research and meaningful life skills—earning its graduates not just top college...

Home Services

Top Armour Roofing

Serving Neighbors With Craftsmanship, Integrity and a Personal Touch Article by Alicia Doyle When you talk with John Condon, you can tell pretty quickly that roofing isn’t just his job—it’s his craft. As president of Top Armor Roofing in Westlake Village, John speaks about every project like it’s personal, because in many ways, it is. “I’ve been licensed in California since 1992,” he says. “Top Armor Roofing is a family owned roofing contractor providing high-quality repairs and reroof...