The Acorn

Westlake coping with new economic realities

by John Loesing newstip@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Even Westlake Village, the pristine community with spacious homes and well-manicured parks, isn't immune to the economic malaise sweeping the region. Mayor Philippa Klessig told a Nov. 19 meeting of the Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village Chamber of Commerce that a loss of taxes and other revenues due to the poor economy had lopped about 7 percent off the city's budget.

Finders leaves school board

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Terilyn Finders announced her resignation from the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education on Nov. 18, prompting an outpouring of support and the hope from her colleagues that she might continue her service to the education community.

High school's noteworthy conductor

11/26/2008

DYNAMIC TONES— John Mosley, chairman of the Agoura High School Music Department, leads students in the choir on a warmup exercise prior to a concert last week that showcased not only the school's top young voices, but also their wind and string ensembles. The Agoura High music department gives many talented young musicians the opportunity to perform.

Agoura rec center chooses Forest Cove

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Forest Cove Park in Agoura Hills has been selected as the best location for the city's new recreation center, Amy Brink, director of community services, an nounced. The rec center is currently renting space from a church on Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

This holiday, they're thankful for the things they have

11/26/2008

NOT EVERYBODY'S SO LUCKY— Students attend a candlelight vigil on the campus of Agoura High School hosted by the End World Wide Genocide Club, a campus group that tries to raise awareness about genocide in Sudan. The word "One" was spelled out in candles to demonstrate solidarity with the young people abroad.

City buys Reyes Adobe open space

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The rolling hills, creek bed and ancient oak trees in a secluded area at the end of Reyes Adobe Road in Agoura Hills was declared permanent open space at a Nov. 21 ribbon-cutting on the 18.3-acre parcel. The land was left vacant by the Las Virgenes Unified School District after the construction of the new Yerba Buena Elementary School.

Youngest Schindler survivor speaks to Westlake audience

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The youngest survivor of the Schindler Jews spoke at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza last week. Leon Leyson of Orange County described how he survived World War II thanks to businessman Oskar Schindler, whose story was told in the 1993 Academy Award winning film, "Schindler's List.

Donations still needed for food drive

11/26/2008

Several sites are accepting items for the Santa Comes to Agoura and Beyond food drive. Donations may be dropped off at these sites: main lobby of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, 4232 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas; Do-it Center, 28750 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills; First Federal Bank, 5701 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills; Beanscene,

Teen uses 16th birthday to give, not take

11/26/2008

As her 16th birthday approached, Katie Hoselton of Westlake Village knew that she wanted her party to be something special. Her plans didn't include an over-the-top blowout in a fancy hotel ballroom or a table piled high with expensive gifts. Instead, on the evening of Nov.

City Calendar

11/26/2008

The city of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services announces its upcoming events. For more information on any event, call (818) 597-7361 or visit the Agoura Hills Recreation Center at 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Agoura Hills.

Oak Park graduate wins Emmy

11/26/2008

Oak Park High School graduate Damien Alameda (1998) recently won an Emmy award in the Rocky Mountain Region Arts and Entertainment category for Program Feature Segment for "Overtime High School Football Skits." Alameda was also nominated for On Camera Talent—Sports and Sports Single Story. He is sports director for KOLD, a CBS affiliate in Tucson, Ariz.

Conejo Single Seniors meets Thursdays

11/26/2008

Conejo Senior Singles meets 7:30 p.m. every Thursday at the United Methodist Church of Westlake Village, 1049 Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. The group is for unmarried persons ages 55 and up, and is not church affiliated.

Economy doesn't hinder benefit event

By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Women came armed with cash to fight for local charities and they surprised organizers with their generosity when they purchased holiday gifts at the recent Westlake Women's Club Holiday Fantasy Tea and Luncheon.

Charity league hosts 27th annual ball

11/26/2008

The Conejo Valley Chapter of National Charity League Inc. will host the 27th annual National Charity League Ball on Sat., Nov. 29 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village.

Enjoy Paraiso shopping

11/26/2008

The Paraiso shoping center at Dos Vientos Ranch will host two Winter Wonderland holiday events at the ranch, 360 Via Las Brisas, Newbury Park. Paraiso's second annual open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6. The event will include horsedrawn carriage rides, face painting, visits with Santa, carolers and a snow play area.

Serving In Uniform

11/26/2008

Air Force Senior Airman Shane T. Cavette is deployed in Southwest Asia and assigned to a unit within the 386th Air Expenditionary Wing. As the primary aerial hub for Iraqi operations, Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo/ transport aircraft fly soldiers, Marines and cargo in and out of the area.

YogaWorks to host health fair

11/26/2008

YogaWorks Westlake Village is offering a free holiday gift and health fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6 at 2475 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. The fair will feature local artisans selling jewelry, pottery, candles, organic lotions, Chinese brush paintings, photographs and yoga clothing and accessories.

This looks good enough to eat

11/26/2008

VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS— Building a gingerbread house is serious business for Alana Olin, 2, a Thousand Oaks resident, during the Wellness Community Valley/Ventura Gingerbread House fundraising event in Westlake Village on Nov. 16.

American Red Cross launches new website

11/26/2008

The American Red Cross of Ventura County recently launched a new, upgraded website. The site is user-friendly and contains information including free classes and programs, upcoming events, how to obtain first aid kits, disaster preparedness and volunteer opportunities.

Datebook

11/26/2008

THURS., NOV. 27 Thanksgiving Dinner Community Christian Church of Moorpark hosts free Thanksgiving dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at church, 216 Moorpark Ave. For families, individuals unable to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner or anyone who is alone. Free.

Book Cellar named 'best' by L.A. Weekly

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The Book Cellar, a used book store in the basement of the Agoura Hills Library, is no longer the community's best kept secret. Recently named L.A. Weekly's "Best Literary Mine" in the publication's "Best of L.A.

Local Business Briefs

11/26/2008

They're making beautiful music The Beauty Collection Store will host a fundraiser for the Southern California Piano Conservatory Foundation from Fri., Dec. 5 through Sun., Dec. 7 at the store, 4732 Commons Way, Calabasas.

EYE ON LOCAL AREA STOCKS

11/26/2008

Company Name AMGEN BAXTER BEVERLY HILLS BANCORP CAMINOSOFT CORP. CHEESECAKE FACTORY DIODES, INC DTS, INC. ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY SENSOR INC. ESNR HOMESTORE.

Students appreciate local firefighters

11/26/2008

LEARING EXPERIENCE— A group of firefighters from Fire Station 89 on Canwood Street in Agoura Hills stops by to visit the children at the Sumac Elementary School Triunfo YMCA childcare facility in Agoura Hills. The kids took a tour of the fire trucks, asked questions such as "Who cooks for you?" and drew pictures for the firefighters.

Thanksgiving feast for special ed classes

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Chuck Cohen's math class at Lindero Canyon Middle School enjoyed an all-day Thanksgiving feast last Friday that included students, families, teachers and counselors.

The economy and college

11/26/2008

In recent years, families have worried about paying for college as tuition has increased faster than the rate of inflation. But this year, the state of the economy may lead to major changes for students, parents and colleges.

Free workshop on college financing

11/26/2008

National College Planners will hold a free workshop on getting money for college education from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Thurs., Dec. 4 at the Grant Brimhall/Thousand Oaks Library; 10:30 a.m. to noon Sat., Dec. 6 at the Newbury Park Library, and 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Mon., Dec. 8 at the Simi Valley Library.

High School Hi-Lights

11/26/2008

All events (subject to change) are listed by name, location and time if provided. If calendars are modified, school sources are asked to email updated information to newstip@theacorn.com. Agoura Chargers Fri., Nov.

Lindero Canyon to highlight history

11/26/2008

Lindero Canyon Middle School will hosts the 20th annual History Day Lindero beginning at 8 a.m. Wed., Dec. 10 at the school, 5844 Larboard Lane, Agoura Hills.

Chargers powered by guard play

By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

If the Agoura High boys' basketball team is going to make a legitimate run at the program's first Marmonte League title since 1995, the Chargers are going to need major contributions from a bunch of new faces.

Soccer team nets league championship

11/26/2008

WE'RE NO. 1— The Real SoCal girls' U-11 Black team won first place in the Coast Soccer League Silver North Division. The team was undefeated this season and next year will play in the Silver Elite Division. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Rachel Finegold, Megan Demijohn and Nicki Volante.

Westlake shows the heart of a champion in win at Oxnard

By Stephen Dorman sdorman@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

What a game, and what a win for the Westlake High football program. Last weekend's exhilarating 36-35 Warrior come-from-behind victory at previously unbeaten Oxnard in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Northern Division playoffs will forever be remembered as an alltime triumph—unless, of course, you are a Yellowjackets fan.

Calabasas' Spivack opts for Berkeley

11/26/2008

Seth Spivack, a Calabasas High senior and honor student, signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball for the University of California, Berkeley. According to the switchhitter, he signed as soon as he could, just after 7 a.m. on Nov. 12.

Thousand Oaks, La Reina and Oak Park's Skiba are biggest winners at CIF-SS Finals

By Thomas Gase tgase@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The CIFSouthern Section Finals took place at Mount San Antonio College in Walnut last Saturday, and the event produced three local winners. In Division II, the Thousand Oaks High boys took home first place with 73 points.

Pet of the Week

11/26/2008

NEEDS A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS— Lexi, 2, a female domestic short hair brown tabby cat, needs to be adopted with another cat, Ginny. Lexi and Ginny can be adopted from the Agoura Animal Shelter at 29525 Agoura Road. To take Lexi and Ginny home, ask for ID No. A3898974.

PETCO to open second store in T.O.

11/26/2008

PETCO will be a new anchor tenant at the North Ranch Mall in Thousand Oaks. The new store is adjacent to Trader Joe's and is expected to have its grand opening in the middle of December.

Sheriff's Blotter

11/26/2008

Agoura Hills A vandal caused $900 in damages to a vehicle parked in the 5800 block of Capehorn Drive Nov. 9. A man reported that he had been shot in the leg with a BB gun in the 5900 block of Carell Avenue Nov. 8. The victim was jogging on the sidewalk when he noticed a white Mercedes with tinted windows traveling in the same direction.

Case closed against band of identity thieves

By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Nine people have been convicted for taking part in a check washing scheme earlier this year in Agoura Hills. According to Sgt.

LaGrotta accepts manslaughter in death of woman jogger

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

Nicholas LaGrotta has pled guilty to gross vehicular manslaughter and DUI in the death of a woman jogger who was killed while running along Thousand Oaks' Lindero Canyon Road in August. The 23-year-old Santa Rosa Valley man reversed a not guilty plea he made during his September arraignment. Sentencing will take place at 3 p.m. on Jan. 30.

Westminster celebrates four decades

By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com — 11/26/2008

The members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village had plenty to celebrate last weekend as they marked the 40th anniversary since the congregation formed with about 160 charter members. Today they number 1,200.

Gateway women gather for dinner

11/26/2008

Gateway Church will have its annual Ladies Christmas Gathering from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 12 at the church, 29646 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. The event's theme is "Celebrate." The gathering will include dinner, dessert, coffee, tea, door prizes and table gifts. Singer Theresa Russell will perform.

Students fulfill Mitzvah promise

11/26/2008

RAISING HER VOICE— Heschel West Day School third-grader Miller Friedman leads her classmates in song for an audience of more than 200 at the school's Mitzvah Day/Blue Ribbon Celebration on Nov. 2. Heschel West received a 2008 Blue Ribbon Award, making it the valley's first Blue Ribbon Jewish day school.

Music, mangers in Simi event

11/26/2008

The Simi Community Christmas event featuring the international créche exhibit and music performances will take place on Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 9 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sinaloa Stake Center, 480 Sinaloa Road, Simi Valley.

Israeli media expert to speak

11/26/2008

Israeli media expert Chen Abrahams will speak at 7:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 2 at Temple Beth Haverim, 29900 Ladyface Court, Agoura Hills.

Making a new friend

11/26/2008

MUNCHIES— Drake Munson, 4, of Agoura Hills, feeds carrots to Antonio the miniature donkey at Underwood Family Farms in Moopark recently. Antonio is 15 years old.

Boutique to support schools

11/26/2008

The First Choice Boutique of Oak Park will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 9 at the Oak Park Community Center, 5801 Conifer St., Oak Park. Each vendor will donate a percentage of their sales to the school organization of the buyer's choice.

Comics bring relief to Manna

11/26/2008

CAN IT!— Oak Park High School Comedy Sportz teams up with Manna food pantry, giving audience members $1 off admission if they bring a canned food item to the team's game on Fri., Dec12. The show is at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7:15 p.m., athe school's Pavilion. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 fostudents. Manna gives the donated food to the needy.

Byrds guitarist to perform at Pepperdine

11/26/2008

Guitarist/vocalist Roger McGuinn of the Byrds will perform a solo concert at 8 p.m. Fri., Dec. 5 at the Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu.

Auditions for 'Willy Wonka Jr.'

11/26/2008

Conejo Players Theater will hold auditions for "Willy Wonka Junior" at 5:30 p.m. Sun., Nov. 30 through Tues., Dec. 2 at the theater, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Those auditioning should prepare a one-minute song and bring sheet music in their key. An accompanist will be provided. Instrumentalonly music tracks are also acceptable.

"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas"

11/26/2008

Bruno (Asa Butterfield) is 8 years old, the son of a high ranking Nazi offer, living in Berlin. In Bruno's world, the war is a distant rumor that barely threatens Germany's brave new world. Under the protective watch of his mother (Vera Farmiga), Bruno knows only peace and playfulness.

Cartoon just doesn't add up

11/26/2008

Bill Stanford's political cartoon of Nov. 20 is supposed to be clever and ironic with "new math" that Oak Park school taxes are supposedly going up as family incomes are going down. His facts are incorrect. He does a disservice to the community, our schools and those of us who work for the betterment of Oak Park.

Heschel school finally prevails

11/26/2008

Congratulations to all of the supporters of Heschel school for winning their long fought battle against the city of Agoura Hills and the residents of Old Agoura.

Economic history is doomed to repeat itself

11/26/2008

Secretary of the Treasury, Henry M. Paulson, Jr., spoke at the Ronald Reagan Library on Thurs., Nov. 20 and is quoted as having said that one cause of our current financial crisis is "outdated U.S. and global financial regulatory systems.

City stuck in a sewer squabble

11/26/2008

In the name of being "environmentally conscious," the city of Calabasas has targeted 100 homes currently on septic systems. Calabasas has proposed an unnecessary and extraordinarily harsh Ordinance to monitor OWTS (on-site waste treatment systems) that will result in thousands of dollars in costs to these few homeowners.

Look up and read the definition for marriage

11/26/2008

As for Proposition 8, leave religion, politics, tolerance and emotions out of it. It's simple. Just look up the definition of "marriage" in any dictionary, and you will find that it clearly states that it is "the formal union of a man and a woman,

Thoughts on Marriage

11/26/2008

My husband and I are coming up on 25 years of marriage. My parents have been together more than 50 years. Surprisingly, according to statistics, it is not highly probable that children of parents who remained married will have successful marriages.

"I should have ____ "

11/26/2008

"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now!

We can all be thankful for generous people

11/26/2008

For nearly 30 years, George Annino has shared a simple but incredibly compassionate philosophy: People who have food should share it with people who don't. It's common sense. That's why it works. It all started when he was growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., and more years ago than George would probably like to admit. George's parents lived by the same words.

Cartoon

11/26/2008

Take Your Acorn on Vacation

11/26/2008

MAJESTIC STEEPLE—Judy Tobor of Calabasas is dwarfed by the ruins of Tintern Abbey in Wales. The abbey was founded in A.D. 1131.

Penthouse Condo On Harbor Island

11/26/2008

Imagine living in an approximately 4,018squarefoot penthouse condominium on Harbor Island, nestled between the Ventura and Channel Islands Harbor. Magnificent views lie beyond the numerous windows overlooking the sea.

LoanSmart To Provide Homebuyer Readiness Reviews

11/26/2008

When purchasing a home whether or not it is your first home or you are you are moving up, there are some basic steps that you can insure a successful financial decision. *Review your monthly income.

Remodeled Single-Story Home

11/26/2008

This single-story, single-family 3 bedroom and 2 bath home with more than 1,500 square feet has been remodeled and upgraded from tip to top. Behind the front door is a formal living room with smooth, vaulted ceilings, access to the rear yard and a dual sided fireplace.

Lora Martin and Michael Radonic

11/26/2008

Veteran team Lora Martin and Michael Radonic won the award for Top Listing Agents from Prudential California Realty's Thousand Oaks Regional office in July 2008.

Senior Community Located In The Ventu Villas In Newbury Park

11/26/2008

This home is move-in ready. It's a new Cavco home, manufactured in 2006. There is a great front porch with views of the mountains. Inside is lots of natural light from sky tubes in laundry room and hallway, plus a skylight in the kitchen.

Terry Holland

11/26/2008

Terry Holland was awarded Top Listing Agent from Prudential California Realty's North Ranch/ Westlake Village office for July 2008. Holland has won 12 monthly awards for the North Ranch office this year. In 2007, he was recognized with some of Prudential's top honors at the national level.