Arts + Culture

Hometown Tradition Returns

Conejo Valley “Good Old Days” Parade Article by Barbara Burke | Photography by Michael Coons “You don’t know what you had as a child in your hometown until you go away for awhile, return to where you grew up and find out that a tradition that provided you with wonderful childhood memories is gone,” says Wendy MacLeod, a Conejo Valley resident who is resolved to revive the Conejo Valley Days Parade. The Thousand Oaks tradition was discontinued in 2006 and had been an annual mainstay of CVD...

Arts + Culture

Holiday Open House Sparks Goodwill

Photography by Ben Malkin Every Christmas season Rosemary Allison celebrates the holiday by opening up her home and her heart to friends, family, neighbors and folks from throughout the Santa Rosa Valley and Conejo Valley community. Sharing goodwill and camaraderie helps bring everyone together to toast the Christmas holiday and the upcoming New Year. We still remember how much our then 5-year-old granddaughter enjoyed this event while visiting from the Netherlands. She still has memories of...

Life + Culture

Boys and Girls Clubs

Spread Holiday Joy and Cheer Article and Photography by In a heartwarming celebration of the holiday spirit, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley played Santa to hundreds of children. Their first ever Holiday Gift Giveaway event turned a regular day into a festive wonderland as gifts totaling nearly $20,000 were distributed to children of all ages. The generosity of donors, volunteers, and local businesses made this event possible. The gifts ranged from toys and books to winter...

Health + Wellness

Sherwood Cares Supports Seniors

Senior Concerns Honors Philanthropist of the Year at Ultimate Dining Article and Photography by Join Senior Concerns for its 36th Annual Ultimate Dining Experience on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Westlake. Themed, “A Night at the Moulin Rouge!” the event features signature cocktails, silent and wine auctions, and food and wine pairings from celebrated local restaurants, breweries and wineries. The evening’s festivities include a gourmet three-course dinner and a...

Home Services

Erinn V. Designs:

Creating Beauty for a Living Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn When it comes to creating the home of your dreams, “Be clear about your goals, budget and priorities,” advises nationally renowned interior designer and real estate developer Erinn Valencich, aka Erinn V., who recently made Santa Rosa Valley her hometown. Applying this advice to her own life has catapulted Erinn into a league of her own, resulting in impressive success at a young age. Driven to succeed and clearly focused on her goals...

Arts + Culture

Nabu Wines

Our Community’s “Go To” for Premium Wine and Great Music Article by Ben Malkin NABU Wines is a very popular winery in the heart of Westlake Village on Townsgate Road, just west of Westlake Blvd. It also happens to be our favorite winery and is also my partner’s choice for getting her Fleetwood Mac fix. I come for the wine and she comes for the music and we are both happy! The exclusive mix of top-shelf premium wines, a tasting room that is welcoming and also designed for the enjoyment of...

Home Services

Home Sweet Home

Industry Pros to Create Your Castle Article and Photography by Design, remodel or upgrade your home with the help of these local pros. With years of experience and expertise, they are equipped to transform your home visions into real-world comfort and style to enjoy for years to come. Contact them today to get started on that project you've been dreaming about! Aldik Home With warmer temperatures comes the promise of outdoor get-togethers and let’s face it, life’s best moments seem to...

Travel

We Loved AmaWaerways' Active River Cruises

Article by Melissa Curtin | Photography by AmaWaterways Exhausted and happy, we arrived in Melk, Austria after a 17-mile bike ride along the Danube River. Passing by charming cottages and family farms, whisking through vineyards and cobblestone villages, we admired the picture-perfect countryside of the stunning Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and region known for its natural beauty. This dreamy ride was one of the active daytrips available on board our “floating boutique hotel”...

Travel

Love at First Sail: Why Rivers Capture Traveling Hearts

Top 10 Reasons to Love a River Cruise Article by Shantha Mony | Photography by Ama Waterways Discovering new experiences brings a unique thrill that’s often just around the riverbend. Imagine finding a hidden treasure that opens up a whole new perspective on traveling—a gem called river cruising. With its up-close and personal approach, river cruising escorts you to the heart of destinations the majestic ocean liners merely wave to from afar. If an adventure is what you seek, consider...

Arts + Culture

Local Author Pens Perfect 40!

An enlightening self-help guide for millennial women approaching age 40 Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn What sparked you to write this book? The idea emerged from my personal journey. Around age 37, I entered a phase where I felt discontent with myself and began journaling. I discovered that my dissatisfaction stemmed from a fear of aging, particularly the approaching milestone of turning 40. I was surprised to find a dearth of information on this specific fear. I was motivated by the...