Publishers Letter
Ben Malkin, Publisher
Let’s start with our cover girl, Isabella Gertz. She is a 16-year-old Agoura Hills High School student who started a nonprofit to raise money to help families in need. Utilizing her culinary passion and skills she started BellasBakes.org. She’s also won individual awards for her creations. We love featuring a brilliant young woman who contributes to the welfare of our community.
Our article about the best local public and private schools are a wonderful example of what a fine community the Conejo Valley is to raise a family—so many fine educational choices for your children are right on your doorstep.
We also feature Oxnard’s Pacifica High School English teacher John Beck, this year’s Teacher of the Year for Ventura County. He is an excellent example of a lifelong educator staying in his community and ensuring that the next generation is successful.
We’re excited to share something a little different with the opening of The Little Kitchen Academy in the Oaks Mall this month. Kids of all ages will learn to cook. Just think Mom and Dad; your kids can make their breakfast and prepare their lunch while you enjoy your morning coffee. I’ve always loved cooking. I would drive my mom nuts with questions while she prepared dinner. Had she had this opportunity she would have enrolled me in a minute.
The pets in this issue are amazing too. It’s all about dogs this time, and what great information we have to share. OBOL continues to provide aid and comfort to animals in what is a stressful shelter environment. Gold Coast K9 provides safety tips on active summer activity for your kids and pets. As a “cat person,” I was not aware of what to watch out for, so this article is really enlightening.
The therapy dogs providing a calming environment for children is something that could have helped me many years ago to settle down, pay attention and get better grades. Having kids read to these gentle canines is a creative and effective way to promote a love of literacy.
Every year, this is perhaps my favorite issue. I hope you enjoy it.