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SoCal Sleep Dentistry

30873 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Westlake Village
Tel: 818.864.0011 | SoCalSleepDentistry.com

Mon – Fri: 8 am – 5 pm
Sat – Sun: By Appointment Only

Written By Alicia Doyle Photography provided

Investing in family can look like many things: lingering over dinner, holding space for tough conversations or sitting beside a loved one in a vulnerable moment. For husband-and-wife team Dr. Nina Rastegar and Dr. Daniel Kohanchi, it also looks like building a dental practice that feels like an extension of home, where anxious patients, children and entire families can receive care in an environment rooted in warmth, safety and trust.

SoCal Sleep Dentistry in Westlake Village feels less like a clinic and more like a refuge for people who have long feared the dentist’s chair. In their practice, the couple is redefining what it means to “go to the dentist” by combining advanced technology, full anesthesia services and a deeply personal, family-centered approach.

“To us, investing in family means creating a home filled with warmth, laughter and emotional safety while being intentional with presence,” says Dr. Rastegar. “Success outside the home means very little if the people inside the home don’t feel supported and seen.”

A different kind of dental visit

From the beginning, the couple’s mission was simple: change how people feel when they sit in a dental chair.

“At our core, we want dentistry to feel safe, calm and human,” says Dr. Rastegar. “There’s no rush, no judgment, just honest conversations and personalized care.” The practice is designed for patients of all ages, including those with dental anxiety, special needs, strong gag reflexes, complex medical histories or a history of traumatic dental experiences.

Becoming parents only deepened the way they approach those vulnerable moments.

“Our family is the foundation of how we care for people,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “Becoming parents reminded us that people aren’t just coming in for a service; they’re placing trust in you during a moment of discomfort.” That perspective shaped an environment built on patience, gentleness and genuine human connection, so people leave feeling cared for and at ease.

Their model blends comprehensive dentistry with in-house anesthesia, allowing patients to complete everything from routine cleanings to complex full-arch smile restorations in one place. The result is an atmosphere where fear and anxiety are replaced by trust, comfort and a sense of genuine care.

Technology in service of families

SoCal Sleep Dentistry is one of the rare practices that offers the full spectrum of anesthesia—from light sedation to hospital-grade general anesthesia—within a private dental office. As a board-certified dentist anesthesiologist, Dr. Kohanchi safely administers IV sedation, deep sedation and general anesthesia while Dr. Rastegar focuses on conservative, cosmetic and restorative dentistry.

“Our technology allows us to give patients faster, safer and more comfortable treatment,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “Everything we’ve invested in is for their benefit.”

That investment shows up in their state-of-the-art equipment. Digital scanners replace messy, gag-inducing molds, capturing precise 3D images of teeth, while 3D imaging (CBCT) supports detailed diagnostics and guided implant surgery. An in-office milling unit makes same-day crowns possible, and a 3D printer allows the team to fabricate nightguards, retainers and surgical guides—often the same day.

For families, this means fewer visits, less time off work or school and the ability to complete significant treatment in a single, carefully managed appointment.

“Balancing parenthood and a career isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment,” says Dr. Rastegar. “When work reflects the same values practiced at home, everything feels more meaningful.”

Services families actually look forward to

Patients who have avoided the dentist for years often find their way to SoCal Sleep Dentistry seeking a fresh start. Popular services include sedation dentistry, preventive cleanings, in-office professional whitening, implants, full-arch restorations, same-day crowns and cosmetic smile makeovers, including veneers. Pediatric sedation dentistry is also a cornerstone of the practice, giving children who struggle in traditional settings a gentle, manageable way to receive care.

Their philosophy is simple: meet patients where they are.

“Whether someone needs a simple cleaning, cosmetic work or a full smile transformation under anesthesia, we meet every patient where they are,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “We guide them through their journey with compassion, honesty and expertise.”

As Dr. Rastegar adds, “Our mission is to help patients regain trust in dentistry and feel proud of their smiles again. We want to create a space where people feel genuinely cared for—where fear dissolves and confidence grows.”

A family caring for families

For Drs. Rastegar and Kohanchi, SoCal Sleep Dentistry is more than a business—it is an extension of their home life.

“We’re raising our children here. We care about this community, and our patients feel that,” says Dr. Rastegar. “We treat every person the way we would treat our own family.” Many patients become like extended family, returning year after year not just for the dentistry, but for the warmth and familiarity they find there.

When they talk about investing in family, they emphasize presence more than anything.

“Life gets busy, but having regular moments where everyone slows down—sharing a Shabbat meal, talking about the day or going on a family walk—gives a sense of connection and belonging,” says Dr. Kohanchi. “It’s less about any single tradition and more about creating space to consistently come back to each other.”

Those values shape the legacy they hope to pass on to their children.

“We hope our children grow up believing kindness and integrity are strengths, not weaknesses,” says Dr. Rastegar. “We want them to see that you can be ambitious and compassionate at the same time—that success isn’t measured by what you earn, but by how people feel around you.” She adds, “If they become adults who make others feel comfortable, respected and cared for, then we know we’ve done something right.”

“In many ways, the office is an extension of home: welcoming, calm and built on trust,” says Dr. Kohanchi. For those who thought they would never feel comfortable at the dentist, SoCal Sleep Dentistry offers something rare: a place where fear fades, confidence grows and every smile is given the time and attention it deserves.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

Cat in a Hammock

Outdoor Spaces Are More Than Just Landscape. Bespoke outdoor spaces that reflect your lifestyle, invite connection, and bring everyday peace home. Serving Thousand Oaks and the surrounding area

275 East Hillcrest Dr. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(805) 263-4200 | catinahammock.com

By Kristina Jones, Founder & Creative Director of Cat in a Hammock

After years of walking properties throughout the Conejo Valley—up quiet cul-de-sacs in Thousand Oaks, along winding drives in Westlake Village, and into backyards with spectacular promise—I’ve learned something reassuring: Most homeowners already know what they like. They just don’t yet know how to translate it into a space that truly works.

Backyards here are full of potential, but they’re rarely simple. Slopes, oak trees, sun exposure, wind corridors, HOA guidelines and irrigation realities all conspire to turn “We just want something beautiful” into a far more nuanced conversation—before we even talk about how people actually live.

“Botanical gardens have always been a wellspring of inspiration for me. Whether it’s Lotusland, Descanso Gardens or a tucked-away estate abroad, I make it a point to observe how nature is framed, layered and allowed to speak,” she says, adding, “I recently visited Casa del Herrero in Montecito to refill my creative well. I love blending classical and modern influences—creating spaces that feel rooted in tradition, yet fresh and relevant.”

One of the first questions I always ask isn’t about materials or style. It’s this: How do you imagine spending time here? Quiet mornings with coffee? Family dinners that stretch into the evening? Children running barefoot while adults linger near the fire? These answers shape everything.

What I’ve learned designing backyards in this area is that the most successful spaces don’t chase trends. They respond to lifestyle. Travel may inspire certain details—a texture, a planting choice, a way of gathering—but those influences are most valuable when interpreted through the Conejo Valley environment. When a backyard settles into its surroundings, it begins to feel inseparable from the land, the home and the lives unfolding within it.

One of the most interesting challenges I see is scale. Larger properties often have the freedom to include everything—pools, kitchens, fire features, lawns, pathways—but without thoughtful hierarchy, those elements can drift too far apart, leaving some spaces beautifully designed yet rarely used. When areas are connected by proximity and purpose, even expansive grounds feel intimate and alive. At the other end of the spectrum, smaller yards are often underestimated. With the right design, they can become private, layered retreats—secret gardens that feel intentional and surprisingly generous.

Another frequent issue is flow. Outdoor spaces should move you naturally—from the house outward, from sun to shade, from active to restful. When that flow is missing, homeowners tend to use only one corner of the yard while the rest becomes beautifully landscaped but largely ignored. That’s always a missed opportunity.

Then there’s the question of longevity. Families grow. Children grow. How a backyard functions today may look very different 5 or 10 years from now. The best designs allow for that evolution—spaces that feel complete now, but flexible enough to adapt later.

At Cat in a Hammock, we approach each project as a collaboration—between our design team, our build crews and the homeowners themselves. Design and construction need to speak to each other fluently. A beautiful idea that can’t be built well, or maintained realistically, rarely brings long-term joy. Our role is to guide the process thoughtfully, balancing creativity with practicality, and vision with execution.

There’s also a lighter truth I’ve learned along the way: No one ever regrets good lighting. It’s the quiet hero of outdoor design. The way a path glows in the evening or how a tree is softly lit after sunset often determines whether a backyard feels magical or merely functional.

Ultimately, what makes a backyard feel like home isn’t the size of the pool or the price of the stone. It’s how naturally life unfolds there. When spaces are designed with intention—when they respect the land, the climate and the rhythms of daily life—they become the backdrop for everyday moments and lasting memories.

What I’ve learned, above all, is that the best backyards in the Conejo Valley don’t try to impress. They invite. They endure. And on a Tuesday evening, when the light fades and the day finally exhales, they remind us why we chose to live here in the first place.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

The Sofa Guy

2520 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Tel: (805) 497-3222 | thesofaguy.com
Showroom Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm

For more than 20 years, The Sofa Guy has built its reputation on something far more meaningful than furniture alone. At the heart of the business is a commitment to service, comfort, and human connection—qualities that Owners Paul and Holly Trent have intentionally woven into every aspect of the experience. From the moment clients step into the showroom, the tone is set: warm, welcoming, and refreshingly unpressured.

What began as a family owned custom sofa business has grown into a full-service interior design studio. While sofas remain the cornerstone of what they do, The Sofa Guy has evolved into a trusted partner for furnishing entire homes.

“People don’t just need furniture,” Paul explains. “They need guidance, reassurance and a place where they can slow down and feel supported while making decisions.”

That philosophy is evident in the showroom itself, located on East Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Designed to feel comfortable rather than overwhelming, the space showcases a curated mix of custom upholstery and furnishings from respected vendors. Clients are encouraged to sit, test, touch and truly experience the pieces—something Paul believes is missing in today’s online-first retail world. While the internet is a useful resource, it can’t replace the value of physically engaging with materials or having an expert explain the nuances of construction, comfort and design.

Comfort, in fact, is where The Sofa Guy truly distinguishes itself. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, Paul and his team spend time understanding what comfort means to each individual. Seat depth, cushion firmness, back pitch and height are all explored using interchangeable components throughout the showroom. Cushions are moved, frames are tested and options are discussed until a client’s ideal comfort profile is discovered. Only then does the design process move forward.

One of the most appreciated services The Sofa Guy offers is the old-fashioned house call. By visiting clients in their homes, the team ensures that every piece fits the space perfectly—both physically and stylistically. These visits also provide insight into lighting, color palettes and personal taste, often leading to broader design solutions. Through TSG Interior Design, clients can complete their spaces with rugs, tables, lighting, artwork and accessories, all thoughtfully coordinated to create a cohesive result.

The business’s roots date back to 1996, when Paul and Holly opened their first store in Venice Beach. Over time, a nickname organically emerged as clients referred to their business as “the sofa guy.” Rather than resist it, the Trents embraced the name for its simplicity and approachability. That same spirit followed them when they relocated to Thousand Oaks in 2003—a move that began humbly, with Paul working out of his garage, personally delivering custom pieces in his pickup truck.

Despite the company’s growth, that hands-on mindset remains unchanged. The team at The Sofa Guy does not work on commission, a deliberate choice meant to remove pressure from the buying process. The focus is always on the project, not the transaction. Clients are invited to take their time, ask questions and enjoy what Paul describes as a “joyful process.”

Underlying everything is Paul’s belief in grace—an idea he feels is increasingly rare in retail. He strives to create genuine, kind interactions where people feel seen and heard, without forms, memberships or hard sells. That authenticity has resulted in long-term relationships with clients from all walks of life, many of whom return again and again, referring family and friends.

Ultimately, The Sofa Guy is about more than sofas. It’s about elevating the way people experience their homes—and the way they feel while creating them. By blending craftsmanship, thoughtful design and sincere hospitality, Paul and Holly have built a business that feels less like a store and more like a trusted place to begin.

The Sofa Guy is located at 2520 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. For more information, call 805.497.3222, email info@thesofaguy.com or visit TheSofaGuy.com.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

HRC Fertility

1220 La Venta Dr #103, Westlake Village, California 91361
Tel: 805-374-1737 | havingbabies.com/
Hours — Monday – Friday
8:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Lab Testing: Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
(For same-day results)
Call-Backs:  Monday – Friday
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (or as time permits)
Lab results are usually available by 4:00 p.m. Your coordinator will call with your results. We do our best to reach each patient before leaving for the day.

Our Commitment to Quality Reproductive Care

Photography By Provided

HRC Fertility Westlake Village is quietly transforming heartbreak into hope, one family at a time. In a community where playgrounds, schools and parks are woven into daily life, this clinic stands as a refuge for those who are struggling to build the families they’ve always imagined.

Where Science Meets Heart

At HRC Fertility Westlake Village, reproductive medicine is only part of the story; the rest is about human connection.

“People come to us at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives,” says Dr. Alison Peck, a Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist at HRC. “Our job is to pair the best science with genuine compassion so they never feel alone on this journey.” Her colleague, fellow Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist Dr. Roy Handelsman, shares that philosophy.

“We’re not just treating lab results,” says Dr. Handelsman. “We’re caring for people who are carrying enormous hope and often enormous grief at the same time.”

What HRC Fertility Offers

HRC Fertility Westlake Village provides a full spectrum of reproductive care, including diagnostic evaluations, fertility preservation, advanced treatments and third-party reproduction. Among the most popular services are IVF (in vitro fertilization), egg freezing, IUI (intrauterine insemination) and options involving egg donors, sperm donors and gestational surrogates, along with comprehensive male fertility evaluations and hormonal assessments.

“No two patients have the same story, so no two plans should look the same,” Dr. Peck explains. “We tailor every protocol to the individual or couple sitting in front of us.”

Behind the scenes is a state-of-the-art embryology lab and advanced genetic testing that allows the team to manage even the most complex cases. Dr. Handelsman emphasizes that the technology is a means, not an end: “Cutting-edge tools are powerful, but what matters most is how thoughtfully we use them. Every decision comes back to what gives this patient the best chance at the family they dream of.”

A Patient-First Philosophy

What truly sets HRC Fertility apart is its culture of warmth and partnership. Patients often describe feeling “seen” and “supported,” which is no small thing when appointments can involve deeply personal conversations and difficult news.

“Infertility can feel isolating,” says Dr. Peck. “We want our patients to feel that when they walk through our doors, they’re stepping into a space where they are heard, respected and believed.”

That ethos extends to patients from all walks of life, including single parents by choice and those growing families through donor or surrogate assistance.

“Families are created in many different ways, and all of them are valid. Our role is to support that diversity with both excellence and open-hearted acceptance,” notes Dr. Handelsman.

Rooted in the Conejo Valley

For the Conejo Valley community, HRC Fertility Westlake Village is more than a medical office; it is a place where futures are quietly rewritten.

“In an area so rich with families and children, it’s deeply meaningful to help those who are still on their way there,” Dr. Peck says. “Every positive pregnancy test, every birth announcement—we feel honored to be part of that story.”

Ultimately, the team views its work as creating a far-reaching “ripple effect of love,” one family at a time. As Dr. Handelsman reflects, “When a patient sends us a photo of their baby or stops by with a toddler who once existed only as a hope, it’s a reminder of why we do this. We’re helping turn possibility into new beginnings.”

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

FirstLight Home Care

2655 First Street, Suite 250, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Tel: 805-915-4706 | firstlighthomecare.com
Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Provide exceptional care so that your loved one has the support they need to enjoy the quality of life they deserve in the place they call home.

Photography By Provided

“Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.”  — Psalms 71:9

FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley is built on a simple but powerful belief: Every person deserves to have their best day, every day—especially in their later years. Guided by a deeply rooted “Culture of Care,” President Scot Kuratsu and his team provide non-medical, compassionate support that helps seniors and adults with disabilities remain safe, comfortable and independent in the place they call home.

Serving families throughout Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles—including West Hills and Canoga Park—FirstLight Home Care focuses on one-to-one connection at a time when older adults are increasingly at risk of being overlooked.

“We believe in building connections and bringing people together around a common purpose-driven mission: to help people have their best day, every day, whatever that means to them,” Scot shares. That mission shows up in the small daily moments: a caregiver preparing a favorite meal, a ride to a long-awaited appointment or a quiet conversation that eases loneliness.

FirstLight specializes in non-medical home care, offering a wide spectrum of services tailored to each client’s needs and preferences. Popular offerings include personal care, companion care, transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, memory care and respite care for family caregivers. Whether a loved one needs help with bathing and dressing, a companion to play cards and share stories, or support getting to social activities and medical visits, the goal is the same: to help seniors stay safe, healthy and comfortable in familiar surroundings where they can truly thrive in their golden years.

What sets FirstLight apart is its proactive approach to quality, anchored in what Scot calls “seven touch points” with clients and caregivers. These regular check-ins create real-time feedback loops, ensuring that care plans stay aligned with changing needs and that families feel heard and supported. Rather than waiting for a concern to surface, the team leans in—listening, adjusting and fine-tuning services so clients feel genuinely cared for, not simply “covered.”

That commitment to excellence extends behind the scenes, where caregiver education and professional development take center stage. FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley recently earned the distinguished 2026 Best of Home Care—Leader in Training Award from Activated Insights, a leading workforce and experience platform for post-acute care. This national recognition is reserved for agencies that go above and beyond in training, placing FirstLight among the Top 25% of home care providers participating in the Activated Insights Training program.

To qualify for the Leader in Training Award, FirstLight implemented a robust training initiative that supports continuous learning and growth for its caregiving team. Caregivers demonstrated strong participation in ongoing education, averaging at least eight completed training courses per participating caregiver. For families, this translates into something deeply reassuring: a care team equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate real-world situations with professionalism and heart.

“Being recognized by Activated Insights is a distinct honor that reflects our vision of a world in which all adults may live in comfort, dignity and independence in the place they call home,” Scot says. The award also underscores a philosophy shared by Activated Insights, which believes that investing in education directly supports better experiences and outcomes for clients, caregivers and care teams alike. As CEO Bud Meadows notes, when agencies consistently prioritize learning and development, it strengthens their workforce and the care they provide.

In today’s rapidly changing world—where the aging population is growing and AI technology is transforming many aspects of daily life—FirstLight’s emphasis on genuine human connection feels especially vital. Seniors, Scot notes, are a demographic that is currently underserved and increasingly at risk of being overlooked. By pairing high standards of training with an unwavering focus on person-centered care, FirstLight strives to ensure that older adults are seen, heard and valued—never reduced to a number or a task list.

At its heart, FirstLight Home Care of Simi Valley is about dignity: honoring a lifetime of stories while supporting the day-to-day details that make life easier and more joyful. From the first phone call to the ongoing touch points that follow, families find a partner committed to walking alongside them through each stage of the caregiving journey.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

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.”

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.

Summer Classics is meticulously crafted from premium materials using both age-old building methods and state-of-the-art finishing processes to ensure the furniture will last for years to come. While other manufacturers may be more well-known, Summer Classics is built to a higher standard and is more comfortable than anything on the market. Don’t just take our word for it either: Go and sit in the Majorca Swivel Rocker at Aldik Home and you’ll see (after they wake you up, of course)!

Marvel at the beauty of Summer Classics’ teak collections, which is sustainably harvested and is available in two finishes: natural and a pre-weathered, low-maintenance finish called Oyster. Center-cut from the heartwood of Indonesian Teak, this is the finest teak in the world, performing flawlessly even in coastal environments. Well-constructed from premium materials, that’s the mantra of Summer Classics that continues with their gorgeous resin wicker and aluminum furniture as well. You’ll fall in love with the new collections this year that feature Teak mixed with UV-rope for a modern look!

Summer Classics is that rare, luxury outdoor furniture line that hits every note. It is stylish and sophisticated, as luxurious as indoor furniture, and built to last. With more than 30 collections represented, Aldik Home features the finest showcase of Summer Classics furniture in the country and lucky for you, it’s nearby.

Even in the most comfortable furniture, you’re going to want some shade, which is why Aldik Home carries an extensive collection of the most beautiful patio umbrellas you’ve ever seen. Their Shademaker line is for those looking for the very best in terms of durability and ease of use. From center-pole market umbrellas to awe-inspiring cantilevers, there’s nowhere else that showcases and lets you operate the umbrellas like Aldik Home.

All of these beautiful outdoor furniture collections, outdoor umbrellas and even fire tables are interspersed amongst the most realistic artificial trees, gorgeous floral arrangements and so much more that make Aldik Home the most beautiful store in Los Angeles. Discover everything you need to turn your home into a revitalizing oasis. Prepare to be inspired: There’s no place like Aldik Home.

© Copyright 2025 Targeted Media Partners LLC All Rights Reserved

Publishers Letter

Ben Malkin, Publisher

The theme of this month’s issue is investing. Since I am not a stock market expert, I will leave that discussion up to the experts at two of our marketing partners, the Lake Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley and Montecito Bank & Trust. Robin and I invested in the Conejo Valley and Santa Rosa Valley communities when we launched Conejo Valley Lifestyle in 2015. Our magazine is a business, and our mission is to communicate with the folks who live here about some of the best our community has to offer. Our focus for the past 11 years and into the future has been primarily on small businesses like ours and the many nonprofits that flourish in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County.

More often than not, starting a small business involves investing your own money. It’s not about investors and “OPM” (that’s Other People’s Money for those who never saw the movie). Whenever I launched a new business (I’ve done more than a few) I never looked down from the tight rope. Aside from having the new “great idea”, I always made certain I had a marketing budget. Every entrepreneur in our community is investing in themselves and the neighborhood, town or city in which they do business. It’s a combination of a “family affair” and the community at large.

In this issue, we feature an honest-to-goodness family affair. SoCal Sleep Dentistry in Westlake Village was recently launched by the husband-and-wife team of Dr. Nina Rastegar and Dr. Daniel Kohanchi. While they are highly qualified and skilled dental health professionals, their practice has a vision that reflects family values and a commitment to health and wellness in the Conejo Valley. You can learn more inside this issue.

There are many more professional practices and businesses like SoCal Sleep Dentistry in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Oak Park and Agoura Hills. They are excellent examples of what is bestd about our cities and our country.