Agoura Hills' Top Stories of 2011

AgouraHillsPatch.com
27 December 2011

The election of a new City Council and the untimely deaths of young people were among the year's top stories. 

Photo courtesy of Susan Pascal

New government officials, the unexpected deaths of young people and a heart-warming rescue effort are just some of the news highlights of 2011.

Here’s our roundup of the year’s top stories and more:

New Mayor and New City Council Members

On November 8, incumbent John Edelston was re-elected to the Agoura Hills City Council while newcomer Illece Buckley Weber also won a seat on the dais.

Buckley Weber, who replaced outgoing Mayor Pro Tem Dan Kuperberg, earned the most votes with 1,427. Edelston garnered 1,362 ballots.

Edelston vowed to “continue what he started” while Buckley Weber “wants to strengthen the City Council’s relationship with the school district.”

During the annual council reorganization meeting on December 6, Edelston was being as mayor, replacing outgoing Mayor Harry Schwarz.

Photo courtesy of Esnewsreporting via YouTube

Death of Griffen Kramer

In October, Griffen Kramer, 18, a backup quarterback for the Thousand Oaks High School football team was found dead at a friend’s Agoura Hills home.

Two months later, the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office confirmed that Kramer died of heroin overdose.

Three of Kramer’s friends were booked on suspicion of involuntary  manslaughter. A fourth one was booked and arrested on a narcotics-related charge.

Kramer was the son of former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer, whose football career included stints with Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and San Diego.

October Suicides

Also in October, Joshua Feinberg, 21, was found dead at the bottom of Ridge Dam in Malibu.

The former Agoura resident was attending college at the time of his death. While the circumstances surrounding his death, friends believed he was “upset about his grades,” according to a text message and a note he left in his car.

A few days later, an Agoura High School senior committed suicide by intentionally driving his car off of Piuma Road and crashing.

Dan Behar, 17, died in the single-vehicle crash that sparked a small brush fire. Prior to his death, Behar bade his fellow students goodbye through a mass text message. He also indicated where they could find his body.

Though unrelated, the two suicides prompted parents, educators and local residents to gather at the library of Agoura High School, to offer comfort, seek answers and discuss other teen-related problems.

Photo courtesy of Laura Moss

Woman Brain Dead After Being Struck by Car

The Agoura woman who was hit by a car was pronounced brain dead by UCLA doctors.

Rachela Gorodenzik, 51, of Agoura Hills, was on her way to a Pilates class on December 6, when she was struck by a car driven by Danuda Raczek, 58, who is also from Agoura.

Gorodenzik was treated at the scene and airlifted to UCLA Medical Center, where she was first listed as being in critical condition, authorities said.

Father and Son Rescued at Pyramid Lake

A former Ukrainian singer demonstrated how to give a proper thank-you after being rescued.

Alexander Vasilyez, 60, and his son Stan, 29, were rescued from a dam in Pyramid Lake after their 10-foot pontoon boat capsized.

Father and son were fishing when a giant wave washed the two overboard. They awaited rescue for about 90 minutes.

On dry land, the older Vasilyez gave sheriff’s deputies a rendition of God Bless America to show his appreciation.

A Boutique Gym Opens in Town

AgouraHillsPatch.com
27 December 2011

Find out what a boutique gym is and if it's the right one for you. 

Photo courtesy of Ferrum Fitness

The New Year has brought a neatly wrapped present to fitness fanatics.

Ferrum Fitness opened its doors in November, at the corner of Kanan Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

“The boutique gym’s time has come,” said Jessica Unbewust, a certified personal trainer and one of the partners.

“It’s for those who desire working out in a smaller, more intimate setting,” she said, gesturing towards their 2,400-square foot open flooring design.

High-end commercial grade exercise equipment are strategically situated throughout the gym, without the familiar overcrowded feeling one gets in larger gyms. 

Unbewust and her business partner Jason Powers previously worked together at one of the fitness chains in town and exactly knew what they wanted in their new venture.

“We saw the need for a more individualized approach to fitness,” she said, describing the recent surge of boot camps, among others.

Unbewust and Powers bring their personal training philosophy to their new venture. “It’s paying attention to injuries and doing the appropriate modifications to the exercises,” said Powers, on what sets them apart from other gyms.

“When a client walks in, not only do we know his or her name, but we also know about previous injuries, goals, etc.,” said Unbewust, a former swimmer. “We really make an effort to know everyone well.”

Unbewust described their service further. “It’s one-on-one attention you’ll get from a personal training session but in a class,” she said. “It’s more cost-effective.”

Two trainers are on the floor all the time – one to train and one to spot or check on everyone’s form, she said. Classes are limited to 15 students.

“We want our clients to have proper form and to be injury-free,” said Powers., a personal trainer for over 15 years. “They can worry about tempo and pace later, but the correct form is first priority.”

Classes at Ferrum Fitness are six days a week, with three to four classes a day.  The pre-designed workouts include plyometrics and exercises tackling agility, balance, stamina, flexibility and power, among others.

“It’s functional training so you’re not just using machines all the time,” said Unbewust. “You’re doing multi-joint exercises so there’s no danger of over-use.”

“We really want to be a part the community and be the neighborhood go-to gym,” said Unbewust.

Right now, there is a 50-50 split between men and women clients. “There are more women in the mornings after school drop-offs I think,” said Powers. “Then students start trickling in, in the late afternoons.”

“We also want to partner with the schools and help tackle obesity,” said Powers, describing one of their long-term goals.

Meantime, they have their sights set on formally welcoming the public. Watch out for their grand opening on Saturday, January 28.

At the Farmers Market: Pomegranate Possibilities

CalabasasPatch.com
26 December 2011

Versions of this short-season fruit can be enjoyed year-round, courtesy of a Northern California-based grower. 

Photo courtesy of Skylake Ranch

Pomegranate season is in full swing but is typically very short, lasting from late fall to early winter in Southern California. 

To extend the enjoyment and numerous health benefits of this wonderful fruit beyond its short market season, one family decided to make pomegranate products.

Popular and versatile
Skylake Ranch, the Brown family’s 20 acres of farmland located around Chico and Durham in Northern California yielded 150,000 pomegranates. From that initial harvest in 2009, the Browns developed the now top-selling balsamic grill sauce and the marinade.

It was still early last Saturday at the Calabasas Farmers Market and several items were almost sold out, according to employee Karen Onifer.

“I really love pomegranates," said Diana Dibble who purchased the marinade and the jelly.

“The marinade has that subtle hint of sweetness and that vinegary taste,” said the Studio City resident, who will be opening a restaurant in the area in early 2012.

For everyday cooking or grilling, the balsamic grill sauce works well on meat and vegetables.

The marinade can also double as a low-calorie salad dressing. Low in sodium, meat is not supposed to dry out even after several hours or a day of using this marinade.

Onifer also described their other pomegranate products. The fruit spread was one. Made up of 60 percent fresh pomegranate juice, the fruit spread is perfect on scones, pancakes and English muffins, she said.

Another promising possibility was the syrup. “You can drizzle this over desserts or use it to glaze your barbecued meat,” said Onifer.

Gift-giving ideas
Beyond food, how can one overlook pomegranate juice? Certainly not the Brown family who painstakingly ensured that three-and-a-half pomegranates went into every 12-ounce bottle.

For a mean martini, margarita or Shirley Temple, try using the pomegranate grenadine, said Onifer. The all-natural grenadine can also be added to champagne or sparkling water for that added flair.
Except for the combo sets, most pomegranate products are in the $5 to $9 price range, with volume discounts available.

For the holidays and for corporate give-aways, try the gift packs of Skylake Ranch. There are unique combinations of grill sauce and marinade; jellies and syrup and one featuring the entire line-up of pomegranate products.

The Calabasas Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 23504 Calabasas Road, across the street from the Sagebrush Cantina.

Coroner: Griffen Kramer Died of Heroin Overdose

AgouraHillsPatch.com
CalabasasPatch.com
23 December 2011

The 18-year-old Thousand Oaks High School senior and football player was found dead Oct. 30 at an Agoura Hills home.  

Photo courtesy of Esnewsreporting via YouTube

The Los Angeles County coroner's office has confirmed that Griffen Kramer, a senior at Thousand Oaks High School, died of a heroin overdose.

"His exact cause of death is listed as acute morphine toxicity," Lt. Larry Dietz, watch commander for the day at the coroner's office, said on Friday.

Kramer, 18, was found dead on the morning of Oct. 30 at the home of Andrew Nernberg, 19, in Agoura Hills. Kramer's friends told authorities he started foaming at the mouth while consuming heroin with the group at a cul de sac in Agoura Hills.

Nernberg went back to his home and dragged Kramer into a bed, hoping he would sleep off the effects of the narcotic instead of immediately calling 911, Los Angeles County homicide Detective Sgt. Barry Hall told the Ventura County Star.

The following morning, Nernberg found Kramer unresponsive, Hall said.

Nernberg, Corey Baumann, 19, of Agoura Hills and a 17-year-old from Oak Park were booked on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, according to a statement from the Sheriff's Department.

Baumann faces additional charges of possession of heroin and cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Another 17-year-old boy from Agoura Hills was arrested and booked on a narcotics-related charge and was cited and released into the custody of his parents, the statement read.

Kramer was a backup quarterback for the Lancer varsity football team.
He was the son of former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer, whose football career included stints with Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and San Diego.

Students Attend Menorah Lighting

AgouraHillsPatch.com

22 December 2011

Children from a local Jewish day school troop to City Hall for the traditional lighting of the menorah. 

Photo courtesy of Laurie Tahir

About 30 students from the Conejo Jewish Day School gathered at Agoura Hills City Hall on Wednesday morning for the traditional lighting of the menorah.

 

The yearly City Hall event marks the start of Hanukkah, Judaism's Festival of Lights.

City Council members led by Mayor John Edelston, Mayor Pro Term Denis Weber, Ilece Buckley Weber and William Koehler joined the students and school staff.

This is the school’s 11^th year celebrating the lighting of the menorah at City Hall. Different grade levels come every year, according to teacher Miri Peck. This year, third-, fourth- and fifth-graders were in attendance.

Photo courtesy of Laurie Tahir

Rabbi Moshe Bryski of the Chabad of the Conejo presided over the important Hanukkah ritual. “This holiday is about religious freedom,” he told the students.

“It’s about change that we now enjoy since the time our forefathers were around,” he said. “The City Hall venue is symbolic because it means everyone in Agoura can practice their religion and the seat of government recognizes that.”

Hanukkah commemorates the historic victory of the Maccabees, a small group of resistance fighters who defeated the Syrian-Greeks and restored Jewish sovereignty.

The eight-day festival is signified by the nine-branch candelabra called the menorah. Eight candles are lighted from a central candle called a shamash.

Edelston and the City Council members were given a candle each as the students sang Hanukkah songs.

Rabbi Eli Broner talked about the Conejo Jewish Day School's theme of “attitude of gratitude.”

He said, “Go out in the community, do someone a favor and show you care.”

Before heading back to school, the students enjoyed a much-awaited traditional Hanukkah treat of jelly doughnuts.

Meet Candis Hong, Agoura's New City Treasurer

AgouraHillsPatch.com
21 December 2011

Candis Hong, a former assistant city manager of the City of Thousand Oaks, takes her post as the new City Treasurer. 

Photo courtesy of Candis Hong

Accountant Candis Hong is the City of Agoura Hills' new treasurer.
The Thousand Oaks resident is replacing Lily Ruff who passed away last March, after a 28-year stint as founding city treasurer.

Hong’s credentials are impeccable, having served as assistant city manager for the City of Thousand Oaks just before her retirement last September. She started working there 21 years ago as a senior accountant before moving up the ranks.

It was at her retirement party that she heard about the job opening in Agoura. “A few [people] came up to me and mentioned it,” said the mother of two grown children.

That gathering started the ball rolling and before she knew it, she was hired. “I already knew some of them, and they’re really good at what they do,” said Hong.

The demands of the city treasurer’s job includes working under the direction of the City Council and assisting with the planning and organization of city treasury activities at approximately five hours per month.

Newly elected mayor John Edelston also outlined the city treasurer’s priorities. “Safety, liquidity and return are important in terms of the city’s investment policies,” he said. “Candis will make sure the city’s monies conform with these priorities.”

“I’m also expected to advise the city on investments, maximize returns, review reports and implement internal financial controls,” said Hong. “Of course, all of that should be in compliance with all state and federal laws.”

Hong has an extensive history in public service, having also worked for the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura prior to her City of Thousand Oaks stint.

She obtained her accounting degree from California State University Northridge (CSUN).

With retirement, Hong has been looking forward to spending more time with husband Jerry, their two grown children and two grandchildren, ages 2 and 4.

Traveling, volunteer work and gardening are also part of her plans. The avid gardener has signed up to take part in a five-month master gardener program of UC Davis Extension in Ventura County.

As a volunteer, Hong is also heavily involved with the Conejo Schools Foundation, a couple of executive boards and her own church.

There may not be a lot of down time as she had anticipated but she’s not one to complain. “I can do it all even with this new job,” she said.

Community-Minded Yoga Studio Comes to Town

AgouraHillsPatch.com

20 December 2011

The people behind Burn Yoga, an independent studio located in the newly-remodeled atrium of Whizin Market Square, hope to build a healthier community. 

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

A feeling of serenity envelops yogis and yoginis alike when they enter Burn Yoga, a new yoga studio situated at the recently remodeled Whizin Market Square.

Over 42-feet of calming wall art, customized by prominent local artist and fellow Whizin tenant Mary Peters, adorns the studio located on the second floor of the atrium. The independent studio opened to the public last week, with 26 classes led by 15 certified and seasoned instructors.

Patch caught up with owner Brad Burnam at the studio’s recent open house. “We want to develop new yogis and yoginis,” said the 33-year-old entrepreneur. “We want to spread health and wellness around the community.”

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

Burn Yoga, short for its owner’s last name, is teacher and student-centered, following no corporate model. “I have nothing against the chain studios,” said Burnam, who was born and raised in Calabasas. “My vision is just a bit different, that of a community yoga studio with free workshops involving non-profits and fitness experts.”

In early 2012, Burn Yoga will be hosting workshops from kids’ yoga to women’s self-defense. “I want every girl going off to college to take our self-defense class,” said Burnam of the two-hour free workshop.

Cooking classes are also part of the upcoming schedule. On February 4, there will be a PlantStrong cooking class, which will take place in a vegan chef’s Santa Monica Mountain sanctuary.

Most of the workshops are free or cost a nominal fee.

A practicing yogi, martial artist, weightlifter and cyclist, Burnam will be teaching a workshop on heart health on February 5.

“He really genuinely cares about the community,” said instructor Lainie Divina of Burnam.

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

A former professional dancer, Divina was also drawn to Burnam’s close-knit family approach.  “He hired like-minded people who are in one way or another involved in local philanthropy like him,” she said.

Among the charities that Burn Yoga supports are the Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard, the Jewish National Fund, animal shelters and local schools.

“I want to extend huge discounts to teachers and employees of these non-profits,” said Burnam.

Also part of Burnam’s long-term vision is a teacher ownership model. “After the core group of instructors has been established, I want them to be part owners,” he said.

There are morning classes for the early birds as well as lunchtime ones for the working set. Classes are one to one-and-a-half-hours long, for all levels and abilities.

Photo courtesy of Burn Yoga

Divina teaches a level 1-2 class on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. “They are ‘foundation’ classes, covering the basics of yoga and a bit more,” she said. “Just like in most disciplines, we all need a strong foundation before we can progress and thrive.”

As his studio thrives, Burnam anticipates establishing his own total fitness company. “It’s in the works, but right now, all my energy is on making the most out of this new venture,” he said.

For a complimentary trial class, please sign up here.

At the Farmers Market: Free-Range Eggs and Chicken

CalabasasPatch.com

19 December 2011

A Temecula-based family farm brings the best of free-range and hormone-free eggs and poultry to the farmers market every Saturday. 

The Calabasas Farmers Market offers an abundance of organic and exotic fruits and veggies, but one vendor helps shoppers cross a particular item off their grocery list: eggs.

Based in Temecula, the family-owned La Bahn Ranch does not just carry eggs and chicken, but free-range, grain-fed, antibiotic-free and hormone-free ones.

“They’re as organic and as nutritious as you can ever get them,” said David Ruelas, a family member who was manning the stall last Saturday.

There were brown eggs and white eggs in large and jumbo sizes, with prices ranging from $3 a dozen to $6 a flat.

Free-range eggs generally have higher nutritional value because the chickens are better fed. In appearance, regular eggs tend to be more watery with a lighter yellow yolk.

Between white and brown eggs, the difference is in the flavor, according to Ruelas. “Brown eggs are usually richer in taste and more flavorful,” he said.

Market-goer Shirley Vincent could not agree more. “I always buy brown eggs and they’re more popular where I live,” said the native of Portugal who was in town briefly, visiting family in the San Fernando Valley area.

“My family was raving about this farmers market so I just had to stop by,” she said. “Imagine my pleasant surprise to find brown eggs, among other kinds of good stuff.”

The shelf life of eggs is six to eight weeks usually, said Ruelas, whose cousin Luis Silva, is the primary owner of the farm. “They are best eaten within a week for optimum flavor and quality,” he said.

La Bahn Ranch also sells free-range whole chicken and chicken parts like thighs, wings and legs from $3 a pound and up.

“Around Thanksgiving, we’ll even have a limited number of whole turkey,” said Ruelas.

Last Saturday, there was a limited number of avocadoes and grapefruits too. “We bring whatever’s in season but the quantity is not consistent and reliable,” said Ruelas.

“It’s unpredictable and sometimes dependent on the weather,” said Ruelas, describing buying trends and peak seasons at the Calabasas Farmers Market. “Sometimes, we’ll run out of eggs or chicken or both.”

There are regular customers who look for and buy the same things every week, according to Ruelas. “There are also some who will just try brown eggs one time, out of curiosity, and go back to buying white eggs” he said.

“We get all sorts of customers here,” he said, adding that that’s part of the farmers market attraction in general. “People can come in, sample and buy small quantities of food they’ve never tried before.”

La Bahn Ranch also provides eggs and poultry to select restaurants on a weekly basis. They can also be found at the Westlake Farmers Market and nine other L.A.-area farmers markets during the week.

The Calabasas Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 23504 Calabasas Road, across the street from the Sagebrush Cantina.

Where to Shop for Great Holiday Gifts in Agoura Hills

AgouraHillsPatch.com
15 December 2011

Independent local shops and farmers market vendors offer quite a selection of holiday gifts from food items to fashion finds. 

Do you get mall anxiety, especially around the holidays? The crowds, the long lines and the prospect of a multi-sensory overload can make even the toughest shoppers seek shelter elsewhere. We’re very fortunate that right here in Agoura Hills, there is a great selection of independent shops that offer merchandise for just about everyone on your holiday list.

From goody gift packs to hand-crafted items, our local stores have got you covered. And best of all, you’ll save on gas!

For fans of handcrafted gifts
Head over to Carol Solomon’s Gallery of Gifts and Framing in the Vons shopping complex for unusual, handcrafted gifts made by American artists.

“These ribbon scarves are my top-sellers,” said owner Carol Solomon, as she personally individually-wrapped a customer’s order of multiple scarves. Crafted by a Pennsylvania artist, the lightweight and multi-hued scarves are selling for $32 each. Solomon’s initial order of 100 scarves is quickly dwindling.

The oil candles from Arkansas, starting at $30 for a small one, are also popular, according to Solomon.

Other interesting finds include glass serving pieces from Nevada, signed handmade stained glass cheese trays from Texas, treasure totes from Oregon and mismatched socks from Vermont. Most items start at $15.

And exclusively for Patch readers, Solomon is offering a 10 percent discount through December 31. Just say you read about it in the Patch.

For foodies
At the Agoura Farmers Market, Sky Lake Ranch has quite an array of pomegranate-based gift packs. For $26, there’s the dessert gift pack with jellies and syrup for that someone on your list with a sweet tooth. For the grill master on your list, give the combo pack gift box for $20, composed of a bottle each of the balsamic grill sauce and marinade. For $28, the power pack gift box is equally appealing. The package includes a bottle each of the pomegranate marinade, balsamic grill sauce and pomegranate syrup. All gift packs come in handcrafted boxes. “These also make great corporate give-aways,” said employee Karen Onifer.

For teachers, co-workers and all those people you want to thank, Tifa Chocolate and Gelato has a large selection of gift baskets and trays starting at $8. Chocolates from esteemed chocolatiers such as Valrhona, the Santa Barbara Chocolate Company and Dolfin adorn most of the gift packs.

At The Olive Vineyard, check out the gift packs of mix-and-match extra virgin olive oil and/or aged balsamic vinegar.  For $24.95, take your pick from tantalizing flavors such as dark chocolate to pineapple balsamic vinegar or blood orange to Persian lime olive oil.  Owner Jennie Adams also pointed out other gift possibilities at the store, including the recipe cards and music CDs for $22, cookbooks from $8.95, wine pourers from $3.29 and goat’s milk soaps for $5, among others.

For fashionistas
If you’re in the market for more lasting, non-edible gifts, the choices are also endless.

BeDazzling Jewelry at the farmers market, carries hand-made, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces starting at $5 for a pair of shiny ornament-style earrings. Necklaces, bracelets, jeweled bookmarks and jewelry cases are in the $40 to $150 range. Every jewelry piece is a true “labor of love” designed and crafted by Agoura resident Shirley Brown, who uses natural and semi-precious stones from all over the world. Brown will also customize jewelry. “If you find a necklace that you like, I can also make you a matching bracelet or earrings,” she said.

For one-of-a-kind ensembles, fashion accessories and gift items, there’s Anne Michelle Casual Couture, located in the same strip mall as the farmers market. Sweaters, jackets, shirts and scarves are currently on sale from $50 up, said owner Jackie Wright. Lotions, perfumes, diffusers, soaps and candles from Sedafrance and Joseph Thomas are also on sale from $38 up.

A few steps away is the Popular Outlet Store with an abundance of 50 percent off items, including beanies from $12, slipper socks from $7.50 and Hello Kitty messenger bags and backpacks from $14.

A Perfectly Different Network

AgouraHillsPatch.com
CalabasasPatch.com
13 December 2011

Two local moms have created, The Perfectly Different Network, a one-stop resource for families with special needs kids. 

Photo courtesy of Pam Saul

The Perfectly Different Network, co-founded by friends Pam Saul and Robin Felton, was established to be a resource and networking center for parents and families with special needs children.

“People didn’t know what autism was when my daughter was little,” said Pam Saul, an Agoura Hills mother of two.

Felton, whose 14-year-old son has autism, said that starting up their business was challenging because there’s so much important information out there and parents have a hard time finding it in one place. “You don’t really know what’s out there until you ask or find the right connection,” said the Calabasas mother of three teenagers.

For example, one issue for families may be how to deal with going to the movies with children who have sensory disorders. Felton explains that Muvico Theaters in Thousand Oaks can lower the volume and make the theater a little brighter.

“They don’t advertise it and I only found out because I asked, but there’s no place to share the info,” she said. “They will even let kids with dietary restrictions bring their own food.”

Movie-going experience aside, parents with special needs children often make life-altering changes. In Saul’s case, her 19-year-old autistic daughter wanted to ride a horse. “So we bought a ranch and riding has been really therapeutic for her,” she said.

Photo courtesy of Pam Saul

Thinking back to her own experiences, Saul knew something was wrong with her child when she was a toddler but couldn’t put a finger on it “We spent a lot of time in the car driving to see several specialists who came up with six wrong diagnoses,” she said.

The frustration and exhaustion eventually led Saul to seek certification as a behavior therapist. “It actually happened accidentally, because I was exposed to all these experts and resources with my daughter, so I went back to school and took the test,” said Saul, who now has her own private practice.

“Pam has a lot of good info and I have a lot of good connections,” Felton said of their friendship and business partnership, which led to the birth of The Perfectly Different Network.

By early January, the pair is set to launch the maiden issue of their semi-monthly e-newsletter.

“It will have everything from events, sports leagues, medical practitioners, service providers, vacation recommendations, recreation tips, advice and anything you can think of that will serve the special needs community,” said Felton.

There will be specific sections for young children, teens and those transitioning into adulthood, said Saul, whose daughter is in the latter stage.

The e-newsletter will be free to subscribers and will eventually welcome advertisers. “We do need to sustain ourselves,” said Felton, who is in charge of the marketing side of the business.

The duo has been reaching out to school districts, parent-teacher groups, sports leagues and civic groups from Woodland Hills to Thousand Oaks to get the word out.

“Some people hide to avoid getting labeled, but we want them to know what’s out there,” said Saul, who also plans to utilize social networking groups such as Facebook to let the community know about their presence.

Both agree that they have their work cut out for them. “We just want to build a lifelong community of caring,” said Felton.

For more information, or to be added to the subscriber list, please e-mail Perfectlydifferent1@gmail.com.

At the Farmers Market: Holiday Shopping

CalabasasPatch.com
12 December 2011

There is something this holiday season at the farmers market for foodies and fashionistas alike. 

Have you ever considered doing your holiday shopping at the Calabasas Farmers Market?

There is a world of possibilities from salt gift packs to vintage antique jewelry to pomegranate product sets. Read on and go through your holiday list quickly.

Photo courtesy of Hepp's Salt Bar

For foodies
Started by young entrepreneur Brian Hepp, the Hepp's Salt Bar salt bar carries about 20 varieties of all-natural salt from Hawaii to the Himalayas.

Craving for something spicy? There’s the ghost pepper salt. Looking for a garnishing salt? Try the Hiwa Kai from Hawaii, which makes a fine vegetable, fish or chicken topper.

With the upcoming holidays, gift packs are in demand and salt is no exception.

“We just fulfilled an order for 90 gift packs,” said employee Tyler Tanner.

Bring home any three miniature bottles of salt for $20 or upgrade to a five-pack for $30. Add $5 to include black truffle salt.

For a fruitier present, head to the Sky Lake Ranch stall. The Northern California-based business has quite the range of gift packs from combo packs to a sampler of their entire pomegranate product selection.

For $26, give the dessert gift pack with jellies and syrup to someone with a sweet tooth.

For the grill master on your list, give the combo pack gift box for $20, composed of a bottle each of the balsamic grill sauce and marinade.

“These also make great corporate giveaways,” said employee Karen Onifer.

Speaking of sweets, there is no shortage of baked goods at the farmers market.

Photo courtesy of Kringlela

If Danish pastries are your thing, head over to the Kringlela booth and say “hello” to the Naczinski family. Family patriarch Steve moved from Wisconsin to California 30 years ago and brought the family recipe with him.

Choose from pecan, raspberry, cream cheese and apple, with prices ranging from $9 to $11 each. Ask about seasonal flavors.

For something more traditional but equally tasty, try the baked goods from A Little Nosh. Cindy Daniels’ bakes bundt cakes, cupcakes, mini-loaves, ruggelah and mandelbrots.

Prices range from $6 to $30. Pre-orders are encouraged especially during the holidays.

Diagonally across from Daniels is Valerie Whalin’s Charmed Scones. The lifelong baker has over 50 varieties of scones but usually brings about 15 of the most popular flavors to Calabasas.

Choose from bittersweet chocolate chip, cinnamon bun, fresh lemon, oatmeal brown sugar and glazed candied ginger, among others. There are vegan and gluten-free versions as well. Prices start at $3

For fashionistas and floral fans
For something more lasting than all the sweet delights at the market, duck into the corner stall of Victoria’s Creations.

Featuring eye-catching, limited edition pieces by La Cañada-based jewelry-maker Victoria Duque, there is definitely something here for every fashionista on your list.

Duque specializes in vintage antique pieces but there are other lovely pieces in sterling silver, 14-karat gold, gold-filled and semi-precious stones. Prices range from $5 to $150.

For the home decorator, how about a gift of artificial flowers from The Stalk Market?

The newest vendor on the block just debuted last Saturday but brought an impressive array of artificial floral arrangements for the holidays as well as for year-round use.

Prices start at $30 for a simple arrangement, said owner and designer Mary Alabashyan. Custom and volume orders are available.

Throughout the holidays, Thursdays Spa in Calabasas will also be at the market with a limited product selection and gift cards for purchase.

Buy a gift card in any denomination for that special person you want to pamper.

The Calabasas Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 23504 Calabasas Road, across the street from the Sagebrush Cantina.

Cyber-Bullying Prevention for Parents

CalabasasPatch.com
08 December 2011

How kids are bullied online, and how parents can help them respond to it, are topics tackled at a local speaker-series talk. 

“How many of you have children in middle school and high school?”

“How many of you have children that own smartphones?”

“How many of you have children that have Facebook accounts?”

These were just some of the questions asked of about 15 parents who attended a talk in Calabasas on Wednesday about youth and cyber bullying. The talk was part of an ongoing speaker series at the Congregation Or Ami.

One of the speakers was Eva Vega-Olds, project director of the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) A World of Difference Institute in the Pacific Southwest Region.

Another speaker was Matt Friedman, associate director of the ADL, who was giving a concurrent workshop with teens.

“Technology is a way to connect,” said Vega-Olds. “There are many things we need to know about it since it’s massive and ever-changing.”

Vega-Olds started off by defining cyber bullying as an “intentional and repeated mistreatment perpetrated through the use of technology.”

Aside from the widely used Facebook, she also cited other social networking sites that parents should be aware of, such as MySpace, YouTube, Friendster, FormSpring, Twitter, MyYearbook and the fairly new Google+.

Aside from social networking sites, kids can also be bullied in chat rooms, gaming sites and blogs, and by email, instant messaging and text messaging.

A parent brought up her concerns about not having access to her child’s text messages and therefore not knowing what may be going on.

“There are apps you can download for that,” said David de Castro of Oak Park.

According to Vega-Olds, most kids will not admit to being cyber bullied, preferring to use the term “drama.” “Admitting to it implies they don’t have power or their power is diminished,” she said.

She said cyber bullying can take many forms, including flaming or online fights, harassment, stalking, denigration, social exclusion, trolling or stirring conflict and trickery.

In more serious cases, some teens even impersonate their peers and create bogus email or Facebook accounts. 

“Anonymity intensifies cruelty,” said Vega-Olds. “Unlike in the old days, you don’t need to be big to bully online.”

She said girls are just as involved as boys. While it is more predominant in high school, that is rapidly changing too, with more and more young children being handed smartphones these days, she said.

As a family, Vega-Olds suggested several ways to deal with cyber bullying, such as not divulging personal information and passwords. “Even among best friends and people your children are dating, passwords need not be shared,” she said.

“Tell them there are other ways to show love and trust aside from sharing passwords,” she said, much to the amusement of the parents.

Vega-Olds also suggested monitoring the use of technology and using it for teaching and trust-building moments. “It’s like crossing the street; you go from holding their hand to eventually letting go,” she said.

Teens can respond to cyber bullying by saving evidence, by not replying or by reporting the offense to school authorities or law enforcement officials. The most important thing is to discuss it and let your children know you can handle it together as a family, she said.

A Christmas in Song

AgouraHillsPatch.com
08 December 2011

The Los Robles Children's Choir will be holding their annual holiday concert this Saturday at the Fred Kavli Theater. 

Photo courtesy of Los Robles Children's Choir

The celebrated Los Robles Children’s Choir will, once again, be regaling locals at their 15^th Annual Holiday Concert this Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Fred Kavli Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

 

Entitled Christmas in Song, the children, whose ages range from 6 to 19, will be performing such holiday favorites as Clement C. Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as well as Christmas carols and Hanukkah songs.

Musicians from the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra will be providing some of the accompaniment.

Photo courtesy of Los Robles Children's Choir

The choir, started by artistic director Donna Young back in 1996, was established as a music performance and education program for children and youth that emphasizes the development of musical skills and understanding. Singing is the major focus of the musical experience.

“I had always wanted to start a local children’s choir,” said Young.

She began the program with a handful of children from across the region in beginner’s and advanced groups, who rehearsed weekly at Moorpark College. Five years ago, the choir started rehearsing at United Methodist Church in Westlake Village.

With 125 members, there are now four sub-choirs, including an Apprentice Choir (introductory), Bel Canto Choir (beginning), Amadeus Choir (advanced treble) and Camerata Chamber (advanced high school singers).

The repertoire is selected according to each choir's level of skill and encompasses a wide range of musical styles, according to Young. While singing everything from classical works to folk song arrangements, the children learn various styles of music as well as many languages, she said.

Agoura Hills resident Emma Brandon, 10, is happily anticipating this year’s holiday concert. “It’s her third season but her first year in the Amadeus choir,” said mom Kathy.

The fifth-grader has been putting in hours of daily rehearsal time with the group. “We had to learn about 10 songs in English, Latin and Hebrew,” she said.

Like Brandon, Kara Thackston, 19, also had to juggle rehearsals and schoolwork. The college freshman might be one of the more senior choir members, but she is just as enthusiastic. “Performing really makes me happy,” said Thackston, who also hails from Agoura. A choir member since she was eight, Thackston joined to follow her older brother’s footsteps.

“Their family probably has the longest history with the choir,” said Young of the Thackstons. “Jared, the older brother, sang with us for the first 12 years.”

Thackston has toured with the choir twice, including a much-talked about performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. “That was really an unforgettable time in my life,” she said.

The choir has performed in various festivals around US and Europe and has worked with several world-renowned conductors.

Photo courtesy of Los Robles Children's Choir

“They don’t sound like other children when they sing,” said Young. “They have beautiful head voices and excellent tone quality. Think Vienna Boys’ Choir.”

This year’s holiday concert will be bittersweet, as Young recently announced that she is retiring at the end of the season. “The time has come for me to use my energy in other places,” said the recent grandmother. “I adore the children but they will be in good hands.”

To purchase tickets to the show, click here.

For more information about the choir, click here.

Be Dazzling With BeDazzling Jewelry

AgouraHillsPatch.com
06 December 2011

An Agoura resident and entrepreneur literally makes heads turn at the farmers market with her dazzling, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces. 

On her first day at the Agoura Farmers Market, Agoura resident Shirley Brown already knows how to stand out and dazzle. After all, she is in the jewelry business.

The owner of BeDazzling Jewelry makes every piece by hand, using colorful semi-precious and natural stones from all over the globe.

Topaz from Germany, citrine from France, jade from Peru and pearls from China have made their way into her creative hands. She also uses jasper, amethyst and turquoise from the U.S.

“No two pieces are alike,” said Brown, describing her array of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, jeweled bookmarks and jewelry cases.

An interior designer in her native Scotland, Brown signed up for jewelry-making classes after migrating to the US.

“I’ve always had it in me–this being creative,” said Brown, who is also a district trainer at the Michael’s stores in Westlake Village and Moorpark.

Everyday is a “creative day” for Brown, whether she’s at home, teaching a class or training others to be as equally creative.  “Colors and texture inspire me,” she said.

A perfectionist, Brown spends hours fashioning every single piece of jewelry in her collection. “If it doesn’t feel right, I won’t hesitate to take it apart and do it all over again,” she said of her “labors of love” which are in the $40 to $150 price range.

Barbara Stern has purchased several jewelry pieces from Brown over the years and considers herself a regular client of the Agoura-based business.

“I love the variety and you can choose to dress up or dress down with her jewelry,” said the Oak Park resident.“She really puts her heart and soul into every unique and hand-made piece,” said Stern.

Brown will also customize jewelry for bridal showers, weddings and other special events. “If you find, say a necklace that you like, I can also make you a matching bracelet or earrings,” she said.

For the holidays, Brown has earrings resembling round, shiny tree ornaments, in red, green, silver and gold.

“I try to make something new for the major holidays, so people will have something to look forward to,” she said.

The Agoura Farmers Market is open from 9 am to 2 pm every Sunday at 5835 Kanan Rd.

At the Farmers Market: Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars

CalabasasPatch.com
05 December 2011

For the foodies on your holiday list, try these bottled presents. 

Photo courtesy of Gourmet Blends

A Torrance-based business has been attracting a loyal following at the Calabasas Farmers Market.

“We were just here last month,” said Bjorn Paulssen, toting several bottles of olive oil and balsamic vinegar from Gourmet Blends.

The Woodland Hills resident was shopping with his wife Panaya, a chef in her native Thailand.

“We thought our stash would last for six months but we were wrong,” said the couple who have taken a liking to the raspberry balsamic vinegar and basil olive oil.

Balsamic vinegars
The balsamic vinegars are barrel-aged by an artisan in Modena, Italy, according to employee Danielle Merrill. The intricate process of barrel aging produces a richer, sweeter and less acidic balsamic vinegar. 

Balsamic vinegar is akin to wine. “The older it is, the better it tastes,” said Merrill.

Aside from the Paulssens’ favorite raspberry variety, Gourmet Blends also carries five other flavors: traditional, vanilla fig, black currant, pomegranate and white, its newest addition.

The traditional balsamic vinegar is popular in this market, said Merrill, who suggested drizzling it over ice cream or strawberries.

Olive oils
“We love using the olive oils at home and taking it to office parties,” said the Paulssens who divide their time between the U.S. and Thailand.

While the basil olive oil is their favorite, the couple has been slowly trying out the other flavors, which include lime, Meyer lemon, rosemary and blood orange.

“All the olive oils sell really well,” said Merrill.

Though there are no hard and fast rules with pairings, the rosemary and blood orange olive oils seem to be paired quite frequently with the traditional balsamic vinegar.

Dipping oils
There are dipping oils as well, which are good with crusty bread, as a salad dressing or as chicken marinade.

There are five variants, including gourmet, chipotle chili, garlic basil parmesan, Asian and sun-dried tomato.

With the holidays a few weeks away, Merrill suggests the Gourmet Blends gift pack composed of any six small bottles of balsamic vinegar, olive oil and dipping oil for $75.

Individually, the 6-ounce bottles are $18 and the 12.7-ounce bottles are $30 each.

Gourmet Blends products are available at 15 farmers markets around Southern California. Online ordering is also available.

The Calabasas Farmers Market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 23504 Calabasas Road, across the street from the Sagebrush Cantina.