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10:16 pm
Editor Letters Publisher Letters

Editor’s Letter

Tracy Marcynzsyn, Editor

As the last month of the year rolls around, it’s incredible to realize that 2025 will soon be a memory, referred to in the past tense! There’s still so much to experience as we close out the year and head into 2026, and our holiday issue features several ways to soak up the spirit of the season and celebrate.

Attending the annual performance of Pacific Festival Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” tops the list of favorite holiday traditions! Bring the whole family to this inspiring event to witness the beauty and grace of these talented dancers, who have spent months (and even years, in some cases) preparing to wow audiences and spread holiday cheer.

A trip down the 101 to Aldik Home presents another opportunity for holiday awe that all ages will enjoy. Strolling through the breathtaking displays of delightfully decorated Christmas trees, colorful lights and festive décor makes for an afternoon of memories that will last for years to come, especially if you find a special ornament or a new tree to brighten up your home for the holidays.

Our local Luxury Destinations Concierge shares about Christmas traditions around the world. From Italy’s panettone to South Africa’s malva pudding, people from cultures far and wide gather together around the table to eat unique and tasty treats. This season, consider discovering a new recipe (try the Hot Mulled Wine in Shantha’s article) along with those tried and true favorites. Whatever you choose to serve or sample at your table, as Shantha reminds us, “the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped in ribbons. They’re found in shared laughter, new discoveries and unforgettable memories of moments together.”

Cheers to a happy, healthy and hopeful holiday season to you and yours!

9:14 pm
Christmas December Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Aldik Home

7651 Sepúlveda Blvd, Los Ángeles, CA 91405
Tel: 818-988-5970 | aldikhome.com
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm   |   Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm

“You owe it to yourself to visit. When it comes to Christmas in Los Angeles, there’s no place like Aldik Home.”

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Aldik Home

Article and Photography provided

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 year as a place of wonder and magic.

If you think back to being a kid, you may remember that shopping used to be more magical. With mom-and-pop shops closing left and right and everything disappearing into the soulless void that is shopping online, you may think that feeling is gone forever. Take one step inside Aldik Home and you’ll see that the magic of shopping in person is alive and well!

This wonderland is unlike anywhere you’ve ever been! There are 50 fully decorated Christmas trees, each with their own theme, ornaments, ribbons and lights all designed to delight and inspire. There are two whole rooms of lights, including a whole collection of so-called “infinity lights” that will have you questioning the laws of physics while simultaneously making you grin from ear to ear.

There are a near-endless procession of ornaments, each more intricate and delicate than the last. You could spend an hour alone just marveling at all the examples of luxurious Christmas ribbon. An entire wall of Christmas flowers and glimmering stems in every design and hue imaginable will have you giggling with glee. Nothing, though, can prepare you for just how jaw-droppingly gorgeous the Christmas trees themselves are.

The team at Aldik Home are experts at Christmas and they have wielded all of that expertise to craft a bespoke line of artificial Christmas trees that is unparalleled on planet Earth. Their exclusive line of AH Gold Label Christmas Trees are head and shoulders better than the Balsam Hills and the lot of other online retailers. AH Gold Label Trees are built better, are more realistic and feature a lighting system that puts a light at the end of every prominent tip. If you order a Christmas tree online from somewhere else before you check out these trees, the ghost of Christmas Mistakes will haunt you for years. With the best selection of the highest quality trees in the country so close to you, why even take that risk?

Christmas is a time for friends, family and fun. So text your friends, throw the family in the car and venture over to the one place in L.A. that’s guaranteed to put you at ease this holiday season. People from all over the country fly in just to visit this store because when it comes to Christmas, there’s no place like Aldik Home.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

8:52 pm
Giving Back

Coalition for Family Harmony

1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 500, Oxnard, CA 93036

Tel: 805.983.6014 | thecoalition.org

Coalition for Family Harmony provides direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; to educate the community regarding violence against women, children, and men; to prevent the cycle of violence.

Learn More About About Coalition for Family Harmony

Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn
Photos provided.

For 5 decades, the Coalition for Family Harmony has been a lifeline for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault across Ventura County. Founded by a small group of dedicated volunteers who began with a simple phone line in their homes, the organization has grown into a full-service agency that provides comprehensive, compassionate and culturally competent care for individuals and families in crisis.

Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, the Coalition offers a continuum of services that support clients from the moment of crisis through the healing journey. Programs include 24/7 emergency and transitional housing, rape crisis intervention, counseling, legal and medical assistance, education and outreach, and advocacy. The organization’s holistic approach ensures that every survivor—regardless of gender, age or background—receives the resources and support needed to rebuild their life.

“While more women statistically report domestic violence and sexual assault, we serve women, men, children and entire families,” says Dr. Prijatel-Sutton. “Our mission is to meet the needs of the community by providing programs that are effective, inclusive and sustainable.”

One of the Coalition’s distinguishing features is its commitment to creating programs that fill critical gaps in local services. The organization operates Ventura County’s only Rape Crisis Center and an Indigenous shelter staffed by trilingual advocates, ensuring survivors from diverse communities receive culturally sensitive care. By partnering with local agencies and service providers, the Coalition maximizes resources to ensure every client’s needs are met.

As the Coalition celebrates its 50th anniversary, it reflects on its remarkable journey—from a grassroots movement to a countywide leader in crisis response and prevention. What began as a single hotline has evolved into an integrated network of lifesaving services that touches thousands of lives each year.

Looking ahead, the organization remains focused on expanding its impact and advocating for a safer, more compassionate community.

“We are proud of our history, but even more excited about the future,” says Dr. Prijatel-Sutton. “Our goal is to continue serving Ventura County with excellence for the next 50 years and beyond.”

The Coalition will host its annual Denim Day fundraiser on April 29, 2026, inviting the community to stand in solidarity with survivors and support its mission of healing and empowerment.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

9:53 pm
Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Written By Tracy Marcynzsyn

Photography provided

For Rosemary Allison, giving back to the community isn’t just something she does — it’s who she is. A longtime Santa Rosa Valley resident and one of Ventura County’s most respected Realtors, Rosemary has spent decades pairing professional excellence with a deep commitment to philanthropy, public service and leadership.

As an elected member of the Santa Rosa Valley Municipal Advisory Council, Rosemary has overseen projects ranging from the creation of a local equestrian and hiking park to the installation of traffic lights that improved neighborhood safety. She also helped establish the Santa Rosa Valley Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which connects residents with vital updates on fires, mountain lion sightings and local crimes while maintaining supplies to assist during natural disasters.

Her dedication to public safety and civic engagement is matched by her philanthropy. Rosemary serves on the Board of For The Troops, a nonprofit that ships 2,000 “We Care” packages to deployed service members every month. For the past 7 years, she has chaired the organization’s annual gala at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, raising essential funds to cover nearly $30,000 in monthly postage costs. She has also championed fundraising for the American Cancer Society, YMCA and countless local schools and youth sports programs.

This commitment has earned her numerous accolades, including

  • Woman of the Year 2024, bestowed by Senator Henry Stern, who praised her “lifelong dedication to bringing people together for the greater good.”
  • 2025 marked her Golden Jubilee Year, commemorating 5 decades as one of Ventura County’s most respected and consistently top-performing Realtors.
  • First Annual Supervisorial Leadership & Excellence Award (2025), honoring her outstanding leadership and service to Ventura County.
  • City of Thousand Oaks Community Service Award (2025), recognizing her lasting impact through real estate, civic service, CERT and nonprofit work.
  • Volunteer of the Year, Ventura County (2010 National Philanthropy Day), awarded by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and American Cancer Society after she chaired a gala that raised more than $225,000 for cancer research and programs.
  • The Conejo Simi Moorpark Board of Realtors Community Service Award.
  • Multiple reader-voted honors as Best Realtor, including 8 consecutive years in the Los Angeles Daily Newsand repeated wins from the Ventura County Star, VC Reporter and Thousand Oaks Acorn.
  • National recognition by The Wall Street Journalas one of the Top 250 Realtors in the United States.

Rosemary’s path to service was shaped early on.

“Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of service and reminded me that true success is measured by the impact we leave on others,” she explains. Later, in real estate, she saw firsthand how deeply life-changing a move could be for a family — and realized her work could extend far beyond contracts to touch lives in meaningful ways.

Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: The big secret to my success is that there is no big secret,” Rosemary says. “Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work. You get out of life what you have the courage to put into it.”

When she was 21, she was so worried about getting married and “starting” life.

“What I know now is that each and every wrong turn in life can still lead you to where you want to go,” she emphasizes. “The road to success is always under construction. Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

For Rosemary, the ultimate goal has never been recognition, but inspiration. She hopes her efforts encourage others to give of themselves, to strengthen the bonds of community and to create a legacy of generosity that endures for generations to come.

Beyond Rosemary’s own story, her devotion to service is mirrored by her family. Her daughter, Cristina, and son, Joe, have each carved their own paths as passionate philanthropists—extending the family legacy of generosity, civic engagement and leadership into a new generation.

United by shared values and a drive to uplift others, Rosemary’s family continues to shape their community, proving that compassion and service are woven deeply into their lives. The following sections shine a light on Cristina and Joe’s unique contributions and the growing impact of Ventura County’s family of philanthropists.

Dr. Cristina Markiewicz: A Life of Service and Leadership

For Dr. Cristina Markiewicz, service is not simply part of her career—it is the foundation of her life. As the owner of Newbury Park Dental Arts, she blends a passion for dentistry with a deep commitment to giving back, creating lasting impact both within the Conejo Valley and beyond.

“Giving back has always been central to my life,” she affirms, a sentiment that defines both her mission and her legacy.

At her practice, Dr. Cristina is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality care while continually investing in advanced technology and ongoing education for her patients and team. Yet her influence extends far beyond the dental chair.

She has served as president of the Conejo Valley Academy of Dentistry, a nonprofit devoted to mentorship, collaboration and continuing education for local dentists. Today, she continues shaping the profession as a member of the California Dental Association’s Board of Managers, helping set the course for patient care and professional standards statewide.

Her community involvement is equally robust. Dr. Cristina has held leadership roles as Event Chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, contributed to numerous ACS galas, and supported initiatives such as the For The Troops gala. She has chaired California Lutheran University’s Community Leaders Association Hats & High Tea and led the Westlake Village Women’s Club, raising funds for organizations including Conejo Free Clinic, Many Mansions, Temple Adat and Cancer Fit. Her generosity bridges diverse causes and communities, strengthening families and local connections.

Her service also spans across borders. On a mission trip to Fiji, she provided essential dental care and education to underserved populations. In San Francisco, she organized outreach efforts for Project Homeless Connect, ensuring those most vulnerable had access to critical services.

Recognition has followed her work. Named one of the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce’s “40 Under Forty” and honored with the prestigious Dugoni Service Award, Dr. Cristina remains grounded in her inspiration: her mother.

“My philanthropic heart was inspired early in life by my mother, who taught me the importance of generosity, relationships and service. Watching her treat clients like family and give back to the community shaped my values,” she reflects.

Mentorship and collaboration remain at the core of her vision for the future.

“True leadership means lifting others up—patients, colleagues and future generations of dentists alike,” she says. Her goal is to create a ripple effect of support, education and care, fostering communities where people feel valued, supported and inspired.

Ultimately, she believes that success is meant to be shared. Whether through her dental practice, nonprofit leadership or community outreach, Dr. Cristina approaches every role with unwavering commitment.

“Dentistry is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling and a way to make a difference every single day.”

Joe Markiewicz: Philanthropic Leader Strengthening Conejo Valley

Joe Markiewicz, a real estate agent based in Santa Rosa Valley, stands out as one of Conejo Valley’s most dedicated community leaders, blending hands-on involvement with heartfelt inspiration from family.

“I serve as a board member on the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation and act as the Firewise contact for my neighborhood. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved in community cleanup efforts, safety initiatives and supporting programs that strengthen the bond between law enforcement and our residents,” says Joe, whose reputation as a generous neighbor is grounded in visible results and ongoing commitment.

Joe’s presence is felt across countless local initiatives, whether championing brush clearance campaigns for fire safety or serving as the neighborhood Firewise captain.

“I’ve been recognized for my community cleanup work and was honored as part of the 40 Under 40 awards, highlighting leadership and impact in the local community,” he shares, reflecting on accolades from the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce and the County of Ventura. Joe is also a driving force behind major events like Coppers and Choppers and the Shop with a Cop Children’s charity, always seeking ways to enrich the environment for families and first responders.

For Joe, the heart of Conejo Valley lies in its “sense of community, the beautiful open spaces and trails, and the farmland that gives our area such a unique character. It’s a place where neighbors know one another, families thrive and nature is always close by.” 

The married father of two daughters credits his passion for service to his family roots.

“My inspiration comes directly from my mom. Growing up, I saw her give so much of herself to others, and it left a lasting impression on me. Giving back became part of our family fabric. My sister Cristina also shares that same heart for service, and together we’ve continued the tradition of contributing wherever we can.”

Joe’s philanthropic goal is simple but profound.

“My ultimate goal is to create a positive impact that strengthens and sustains the community—whether through safety, service or simply showing up for one another. I want to help ensure that Ventura County remains a place where families feel supported, connected and proud to call home.” 

Whether organizing safety campaigns, fostering neighborly connections or volunteering at charity events, Joe says, “beyond my professional and philanthropic commitments, I find joy in fostering connections—whether it’s through community events, local organizations or just being there to lend a hand. At the end of the day, it’s about leaving things better than how I found them and setting an example for the next generation.”

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

7:42 pm
December Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Thousand Oaks High School

2323 N Moorpark Rd. Thousand Oaks CA 91360
Tel: (805) 495-7491 | tohsthecenter.org/

The Center for Advanced Studies and Research at Thousand Oaks High School provides gifted and high-achieving students with the opportunity to engage in disciplined and scholarly research through college-level courses in order to be prepared with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for post-secondary success and to stand out to top universities in the college admissions process. This program was designed based on the feedback from higher education that students conduct and present authentic research while in high school.

CLICK HERE: Learn More About The Center

Written By Alicia Doyle Photography provided

The Center for Advanced Studies and Research at Thousand Oaks High School, affectionately known simply as “The Center,” is quietly redefining what’s possible for motivated students in Ventura County. Located on the Thousand Oaks High School campus, this innovative three-year program combines rigorous academic challenges with personalized mentorship, research opportunities, and essential life skills—earning its graduates not only top college acceptances but also lasting confidence and a toolkit for success in higher education and beyond.

At its heart, The Center is a response to real change in the college admissions landscape.

“Universities were no longer looking for students who checked off boxes,” explains Tasha Beaudoin, co-coordinator of The Center and a teacher of its AP Seminar course.

Senior Finn Kerns was one of 11 Center students invited to present their research at the Department of Defense Junior Sciences and Humanities Symposium held at Cal State Long Beach in February.

Instead, colleges wanted students who took initiative, delved deeply into their interests and could communicate and collaborate effectively.

“We had a course on campus, Scientific Research, that allowed students to conduct collegiate-level research in a high school setting. Those students were thriving and their college admissions proved it,” Tasha says.

The program’s journey began a decade ago, when Thousand Oaks High School became one of just 11 schools in California tapped by the College Board to pilot AP Capstone. The Center’s founders had already been pioneering research coursework, and when the College Board came out to visit, they were so impressed they recruited Thousand Oaks High as a launch site almost immediately.

“Dr. Nikki Malhotra—who has a PhD in cell biology and biochemistry—was flown to Washington…to work on the design and implementation of the second year course, AP Research,” Tasha recalls.


Senior Grant Stillerman competing at last year’s Ventura County Science Fair where he was awarded 1st place in the microbiology category.

What makes The Center truly unique is its structure and ethos. Students progress through a carefully crafted sequence designed to set them up for success not just as students, but as thinkers and changemakers. In their first year, they master foundational research and writing skills through the AP Seminar class—choosing topics genuinely meaningful to them.

“The intent is to solve problems all while learning how the world of research and data analysis works,” Dr. Malhotra shares, adding that students can choose one of two pathways: STEM or Humanities and Social Science.

By sophomore and especially junior year, students embark on a year-long independent research project, designing experiments, interviewing experts and collecting original data.

Failure isn’t just allowed—it’s embraced.

“We really emphasize that research and experimentation often don’t go as planned—it’s part of the process on the way to success,” Dr. Malhotra says.

The Center’s curriculum teaches students to “pivot” productively when things go off course, whether that’s a failed experiment or a poorly responded survey. Along the way, every student is matched with a mentor—sometimes from NASA, MIT or the city government—to guide, advise and provide professional-level expertise.

“During The Center class period, students can frequently be seen meeting virtually with mentors and other experts,” says Tasha, emphasizing the real-world networking and communication skills students develop. She also noted that “when we work with students on their college applications, we focus on fit, not the name of the university. Students apply to colleges because the programs within those schools align with the students’ interests. It goes beyond rankings and prestige. It’s really about fit.”

The outcomes are striking. More than 400 students have graduated from The Center since its inception, with over 95% entering 4-year universities immediately after high school. Each student, on average, earns $72,000 in scholarships and merit aid; last year’s class shattered records with $112,882 per graduate.

For families, “If a parent were to hire a private college admissions counselor, they would spend anywhere from $4,000–$9,000 and more for what they are provided in their 3 years in the program,” Tasha says. “We have a 100% acceptance rate to 4-year universities with 96% of students choosing to go to a university rather than a community college.”

The college support and application guidance students receive is personal, extensive and entirely built into the program. All this happens within a public school context, but funding does require creativity.

“Because we are a public school offering a private school experience, we rely on donations and fundraisers to run The Center,” Tasha says. Each family is asked to contribute $400 per year, which goes directly toward student research supplies, competition entry, travel—and even fun extras like pancake breakfasts and a hot chocolate bar inside “The CoRE,” The Center’s research workspace.

And as for future impact? Tasha is clear.

“In the end, we hope the students graduate from college and change lives. We’ve given them the tools to see problems as potential. Potential to make change. To make our world truly better, as cliché as that may sound.”

For anyone curious, The Center invites visitors to tour or stop by Future Lancer Night on December 10th for a firsthand look at this powerful educational experiment in action.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

11:34 pm
Arts • Entertainment December

Illustrator John Hanley

By combining John Hanley’s love of sports and movies with his artistic talent, he has achieved his current success, painting athletes, celebrities, and the legends of today and yesterday. His dedication to excellence in capturing sports heroes in their finest moments and documenting celebrities in their on-screen roles is John’s passion.

johnhanleyartist@mac.com
(815) 546-4508 | johnhanleyartist.com

Learn More about Illustrator John Hanley

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 childhood curiosity grew into a lifelong devotion—one that has defined not only my career but also my identity as an artist. While baseball was my childhood dream, art ultimately became my destiny.

My art has always been a form of storytelling, shaped through dramatic light, color and shadow. My work has consistently centered on people and their stories. I am drawn to subjects with a dynamic presence—pop culture icons, accomplished athletes and figures whose character tells a tale. Throughout the years, I have found inspiration in recurring themes of movement, expressive poses and dramatic lighting, all of which reveal both energy and emotion. Painting people in the prime of their lives is particularly inspiring to me. I see those years as a time when the human spirit shines at its best, and capturing that strength on canvas feels both powerful and timeless.

My palette is as much about mood as it is about color. I often work with gray, blue, sienna and red tones, but it is lighting that brings my work to life. I am inspired by watching the sun break through clouds or a single beam of light pouring into a room. I am fascinated by the interplay of light and shadow, using both not only to create perspective but also to add layers of meaning. Strong contrasts between light and dark can create a sense of mystery, drama or tension, while gentle light evokes warmth and serenity. For me, the mood of a painting begins with my voice as the artist, but it is always completed by the interpretation of the viewer.

Over the years, my work has also become a tribute to the masters who inspired me: Bernie Fuchs, Maxfield Parrish, Frank Frazetta, Burt Silverman and Bart Forbes. Each infused their art with a balance of realism, imagination and narrative, and I strive to carry that same spirit into my own practice. As I matured as an artist, my style has become looser and bolder. I have learned to take risks, to embrace imperfections and to see mistakes not as setbacks but as opportunities. Many of my most meaningful breakthroughs happen during the act of creating, not before it.

At its core, my art and my inspiration are about people, light and story. Whether I am capturing the intensity of an athlete in motion or the quiet strength of a figure in shadow, I aim to create work that feels alive. My paintings invite viewers to pause, to look closer and to imagine. For me, art is always a shared journey: I set the stage through intention, style and choice, but it is the viewer who completes the story. That conversation—between artist and audience—is what makes art enduring and endlessly powerful.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

10:51 pm
December Giving Back

Operation Blankets of Love

16911 San Fernando Mission
PO Box # 187 Granada Hills, CA 91344

Tel: 818.402.6586 | obol.info

Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to improving the well-being of homeless animals. We provide life-saving supplies—such as food, blankets, and medical aid—to animal rescues, shelters, and pets of the homeless, ensuring that every animal gets a second chance at a safe and loving life.

Learn More About About Operation Blankets of Love

Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn
Photos 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 with her first dog inspired her to take action.

With the help of her husband Brad, who now serves as Director of Operations, Eileen launched Operation Blankets of Love (OBOL), an animal welfare emergency nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of homeless animals by providing essential supplies like blankets, food and support to shelters, rescue groups and foster caregivers.

Starting its 18th year in January 2026, OBOL continues to grow and impact communities across California, Baja Mexico, Southeast Asia, China and the Caribbean Islands. The organization donates monthly to approximately 50 animal welfare groups, providing lifesaving supplies not just for dogs and cats, but also for wildlife and farm animal sanctuaries.

“Shelters don’t have a budget for basic comfort items like blankets or towels. So many rescue groups depend on us for food and other critical pet supplies.” says Eileen. “That’s where we come in.”

To date, OBOL has donated to 122 shelters and over 1,055 animal rescues. Their work helps homeless animals get stronger, healthier and more adoptable—giving them a better chance at finding loving forever homes.

But OBOL’s mission goes beyond material donations. They are deeply committed to education and outreach, promoting humane treatment and responsible pet ownership through their Humane Education Learning Program. More than 10,000 children have learned about compassion and animal welfare through OBOL’s school and youth group visits.

The organization also supports pets of the homeless, plus veterans, seniors and low-income pet owners, helping ensure that no animal is surrendered due to temporary hardship.

“We want to keep people and their pets together,” says Brad. “No one should have to give up their beloved companion because they can’t afford food or supplies.”

OBOL operates every day, collecting and distributing the essentials that make a real difference. Their impact is possible thanks to the support of caring individuals who donate pet items or financial contributions. With so many organizations relying on their help, Operation Blankets of Love always needs food, blankets and other pet essentials. Whether you’re an animal lover, teacher or simply someone who wants to make a difference, your support helps OBOL continue its life-saving work.

Together, we can help to save the lives of homeless animals and give each one a chance at comfort, care and a loving home.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

8:45 pm
Arts • Entertainment December

Pacific Festival Ballet 

Resident Ballet Company at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center. Pacific Festival Ballet is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. 

​2282 Townsgate Road, Suites 4/5/6, Westlake Village, CA 91361 

Tel: (805) 906-2087 |  pacfestballet.org

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Pacific Festival Ballet

“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 Pacific Festival Ballet’s training school, California Dance Theatre—was awarded the coveted role of Clara. Her lifelong dream of dancing alongside ballet superstar Tiler Peck from New York City Ballet came true. This year, the magic continues as Ailis’s younger sister, Ronan, steps into the very same role.

“As a child, I danced multiple roles with Pacific Festival Ballet and only dreamt of one day performing as Clara beside Ms. Peck,” Ailis shares. “Not only did my dream come true, but now my sister has the chance to share and cherish the same experience.”

Both sisters have trained daily at California Dance Theatre and performed in Pacific Festival Ballet productions for more than a decade. Taking on the role of Clara is no small feat. Each year, auditions seek dancers who possess a rare blend of skill, artistry and heart.

“The requirements for this role are vast,” explains Artistic Director Kim Maselli. “Our Claras are typically 15 to 17 years old. They must be technically strong, emotionally expressive and able to carry the audience on a journey from beginning to end. Because of the role’s demands, we always award the part to two deserving ballerinas.”

This season, another pre-professional dancer, Lisa Wilson, will share the spotlight as Clara.

“I’m beyond thrilled,” says Lisa. “It’s every little girl’s dream to be Clara. As a graduating senior, I’m honored to perform this role and excited to see where the journey leads me.”

Over the years, many former Claras from Pacific Festival Ballet have gone on to professional careers with companies such as San Francisco Ballet, American Midwest Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet. For each of them, dancing Clara was more than a role—it was a stepping stone toward realizing their dreams.

This December, the Civic Arts Plaza will once again fill with families celebrating the timeless tradition of “The Nutcracker.” And perhaps, somewhere in the audience, one little girl will be inspired to dream big. With talent, hard work and passion, dreams really do come true!

Join Pacific Festival Ballet for the magic of “The Nutcracker,” December 19–21, at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks.

Tickets are available through the Box Office or Ticketmaster.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

8:05 pm
December Giving Back

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County

360 Mobil Avenue, Suite 213  Camarillo, CA 93010

(805) 384-1144 | housingtrustfundvc.org

The Housing Trust Fund is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle.

Learn More About About Housing Trust Fund

Written 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 Opportunities for People Everywhere), the evening brought together more than 200 community leaders, advocates and supporters to “RAISE THE ROOF” for affordable housing in Ventura County.

During the evening, Denia, a mother of three who endured years of housing instability before finally finding stability through affordable housing, delivered a moving testimony. With persistence, faith and community support, Denia and her daughter received the keys to a safe, affordable home. She recalled the moment they stepped into their apartment, filled with sunlight, space and hope: “We couldn’t sleep for days out of pure joy. After so many years of uncertainty, this was a blessing from above.” Her story, both deeply personal and profoundly relatable, served as a poignant reminder of the life-changing impact of affordable housing in Ventura County.

Building on Denia’s experience, distinguished guest speakers Dr. John Nunes, President of California Lutheran University, and Giorgio Angelini, Director of “OWNED: A Tale of Two Americas” and producer of the upcoming documentary “Evicted,” adapted from Matthew Desmond’s Pulitzer Prize–winning book, explored how stories like Denia’s reflect the broader urgency of affordable housing in America, and how art, education and faith can inspire systemic change. Their dialogue connected the audience back to Denia’s journey, reminding everyone that behind policy debates and cultural narratives are real families whose lives are transformed when safe affordable housing is within reach.

Other memorable highlights of the 2025 Compassion Campaign included a local case study from Executive Director of Many Mansions Doug Menges, who shared the story of Central Terrace, an 87-unit affordable housing development in Oxnard funded in part by Housing Trust Fund VC. Menges highlighted how partnerships between the Housing Trust Fund VC, local governments and financial institutions made the project possible. Pillar sponsors Adey Tesfaye, SVP CRA Manager of City National Bank; Leona Rollins of the City of Ventura; and Veronica Quintana of Montecito Bank and Trust emphasized the critical role of public-private collaboration in sustaining developments like Central Terrace. A special moment of recognition occurred for Chair Emeritus Dawn Dyer, recently honored with the California Association of Realtors Champions of Home Impact Award, for her unwavering dedication to supporting affordable housing initiatives and community development. Guests were also invited to participate in a live vote as part of the “Build a Home” lending library decorating competition, selecting McCarthy Companies as the inaugural “Paint It Forward” award recipient. The libraries were built by local Life Scout Andrew from Troop 858 as part of his Eagle Scout project. Each library will be placed in communities supported by Housing Trust Fund VC, extending the impact of Compassion Campaign beyond the event.

Joining Keystone Sponsor HOPE in supporting Compassion Campaign 2025 is a prominent list of sponsors, including City National Bank, City of Ventura, Montecito Bank and Trust, Community West Bank, McCarthy Companies, Mission Bank, L.A. Lath & Plaster, Kaiser Air Conditioning, and Wicks Roofing, Solar, and Electric.

Housing Trust Fund Ventura County: Launched as a 501c3 nonprofit corporation in 2011, Housing Trust Fund VC is the local trusted leader in helping to increase affordable housing options throughout Ventura County by leveraging public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans early in the housing development cycle. As of July 2025, Housing Trust Fund VC has committed to investing $48.8 million through its Revolving Loan Fund, creating 1,899 affordable apartments and homes for very-low, low-and middle-income employees, transitional age foster youth, veterans, farm workers and the homeless.

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9:09 pm
December Giving Back

Cancer Support Community

4195 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., #107Westlake Village, CA 91362

Tel: 805-379-4777 | cancersupportvvsb.org

We provide support and help for cancer patients in San Fernando Valley, Ventura County and Santa Barbara County

Learn More About About Cancer Support Community

Article Provided. Photos 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 together: to uplift and strengthen those impacted by cancer and to inspire hope for brighter tomorrows. This year’s event was a powerful testament to the strength of community and the healing power of compassion.

Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara extends their deepest gratitude to their generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers and every guest who joined them. Their presence helped raise vital funds—and even more importantly, lifted countless spirits.

Together, they continue to grow hope.

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