Calabasas gives final okay to apartment smoking ban
Ordinance goes into effect on Feb. 16
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com
      The outside smoking ban that ignited flames of controversy in Calabasas in 2006 has now been expanded to include rental units in the city. The ordinance currently prohibits smoking in all public places, including businesses, hotels, parks, restaurants and multiunit housing common areas.
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Calabasas Chamber plans gala annual event
Van Gieson award announced
      The 2008 Calabasas Chamber of Commerce board installation and "Hollywood Glamour Evening" is set for 6 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26 at the Calabasas Country Club, 4515 Park Entrada in Calabasas. According to the Chamber, it will be an evening of recognition and fine entertainment.
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Local volunteers spend time, money on presidential campaigns
By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com
      California voters, for the first time since 1972, are expected to have a real impact on choosing nominees during the hotly contested 2008 presidential primary race. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision in March to move the state's presidential primaries from June to Feb.
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Senior Congress to discuss safety
      Senior safety will be the topic of the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation fourth annual Senior Congress at 9:30 a.m. Wed., Jan. 30 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Westlake Village.
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When it comes to the environment, 'green' is clean
Friendly policies widely adopted
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      Green policies- guidelines geared toward reducing pollution and protecting the environment- have become increasingly popular with schools, govern ments and other groups. Rudy Gonzales, public affairs representative for Southern California Edison, discussed the green initiatives undertaken by his utility during a recent meeting of the Agoura Hills City Council.
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School is committed to the environment
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      Teachers, administrators, students and parents at Heschel West Day School in Agoura say green is good. Green programs are woven into every aspect of the Jewish school, including classroom projects, field trips and special assemblies.
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Return of the ancient didgeridoo
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com
      William Thoren is only 20, but his interests are as diverse as the continents. The Agoura Hills resident is a didgeridoo player and a photographer and has already become skilled at both disciplines. The didgeridoo, which is one of the world's oldest wind instruments, was developed by the indigenous people of northern Australia.
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Library offers children's storytime
      The Agoura Hills Library will present children's stories, music and art activities at 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Wednesday through March 12. The Tuesday storytimes are geared toward preschoolers ages 3 to 5; the Wednesday storytimes are for toddlers ages 1 to 3. The library is at 29901 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills. For more information, call (818) 889-2278.
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Agoura Hills announces upcoming programs
      The city of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services announces upcoming events. Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd. •A women's self-defense workshop will be taught 2 to 5 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26.
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Calabasas man is new Masonic leader
      Eduardo Estrada of Calabasas will be installed as Worshipful Master of Home Masonic Lodge No. 721 at 4 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26 at the lodge, 14750 Sherman Way, Van Nuys. Estrada, accompanied by his wife Natasha, will be elevated to the highest position in the lodge. He has been a mason for nearly 10 years.
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They're all shook up
     JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers GOOD ROCKIN' TONIGHT- Westlake High School band instructor Mike Gangemi, right, dances with freshman Sara Persichette, while "Elvis," Moorpark High School teacher Raymond Michael, performs on stage during Westlake High Schools's fundraiser at the Thousand Oaks High School Performing Arts Center on Saturday. The school band is raising money for an upcoming trip to New York to perform in Carnegie Hall.
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Longtime Calabasas resident earns top planning award
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com
      When David Brown moved to Calabasas in 1966 the area was mostly undeveloped open space. After Calabasas incorporated in 1991, the longtime planning commissioner made sure the city kept in touch with its environmental roots.
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Spelling star
     W-I-N-N-E-R- Red Oak students Lucas Hsiong, left, and Ryan Harris applaud as their classmate Kevin Lu spells the winning word in the school's annual spelling bee. Kevin will represent Red Oak in the upcoming district level competition.
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Library offers break room for students
      Teens can take a break from studying in the finals break room from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sat., Jan. 26 at the Agoura Hills Library, 29901 Ladyface Court. The room will have video and board games, music, magazines and books available, as well as snacks for sale courtesy of the Friends of the Library.
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Agoura, Oak Park alumni raise funds for orphanage
High school buddies host dinner
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      Two former local students found an ingenious way to raise funds for charity. Simply host a dinner party, charge guests for the feast and channel the money raised to worthy causes. Aaron Horwitz, an Agoura High School alum, and Bryan Wiedenheft, who attended Oak Park High, have been putting a twist on traditional dinner parties for two years running.
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Volunteer Opportunities
      Residents are invited to participate in any of the following volunteer opportunities in the area. •Malibu Lagoon Museum/ Adamson House at Surfrider Beach offers docent training program from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. beginning Tues., Jan. 29 for six weeks.
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Intergenerational prom on tap
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com
      Oak Park High School students are busy planning a prom, but not for themselves. Students for a Cure, a high school service club, is inviting Oak Park couples and singles age 55 and older to attend a "senior" prom from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Wed., Feb. 13 at the high school Pavilion.
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Canines cavort at Bark Park
Pets and owners can mingle outdoors in Calabasas
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com
      It's a puppy playground, a place where canines can cavort and dog owners kibitz. The Bark Park in Calabasas is only a small strip of land, but it's a popular hangout for dog lovers who want their dogs to romp and play leashfree.
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Sponsors needed for golf tourney
      Players and sponsors are being sought for the Agoura High School baseball program's second annual golf tournament fundraiser Mon., Feb. 25 at the Moorpark Country Club, 11800 Championship Drive. The Texas Scramble-style tournament has check in and putting contest at 9:30 a.m., shotgun start 10:30 a.m., cocktails and music 4:30 p.m.
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Calling all cheerleaders
     JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers SHOUT!- The Calabasas High School Varsity Cheer Team takes the floor at the USA Regional Cheer Competition at Agoura High School last Saturday. More than 40 teams participated.
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