Life + Culture

A Lasting Legacy

Living a lifetime dedicated to his country, community and colleagues, Michael Towbes continues giving back Article by Tracy Marcynzsyn | Photography by Provided “Everybody can do something,” Montecito Bank & Trust founding member and Chairman Michael Towbes became famous for saying. While he spoke these words to encourage his colleagues to use their time, treasure or talent to help organizations they are passionate about, Towbes also modeled this sentiment throughout his life. From serving...

Life + Culture

Local Nonprofits to Love

Article and Photography by Conejo Valley nonprofits support people in need across the community. Help by donating, volunteering or attending a fundraiser.   Assistance League of Conejo Valley Assistance League of Conejo Valley is a volunteer-led nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults throughout the local community. Its programs include Operation School Bell, scholarships, medical support, vision assistance, Assault Survivor Kits, Share-A-Bear and other services...

Health + Wellness

Live Your Best Life

Conejo Valley Primary Health Care Delivers Customized Care for Midlife Health Concerns Article by Alicia Doyle When Lynn Coates‑Leisen, MSN, FNP‑C, MSCP, first began working in a practice that offered hormone therapy, she noticed something striking: Women and men experienced profound improvements when their hormone needs were addressed. The experience sparked a deep curiosity that led her down a 12‑year path of advanced hormone education, clinical practice and a commitment to filling what...

Health + Wellness

Cancer Support Community

Celebration of Hope Garden Party Brings Community Together Photography by Robin Chesler Hope was in full bloom at the 7th annual Celebration of Hope Garden Party, held at Los Robles Greens Event Center. The evening brought together generous supporters for a bountiful dinner, an abundant silent auction, a spirited live auction and a heartfelt program honoring those who make a meaningful difference in our cancer community. More than 225 guests gathered for a memorable evening of connection...

Health + Wellness

Soirée on the Seine

Senior Concerns Celebrates 2026 Boat Bash Article by Provided | Photography by Ben Malkin and Provided Paris came to Westlake Lake as Senior Concerns transformed its 2026 Boat Bash into  Soirée on the Seine , a charming Parisian-inspired evening at the Westlake Yacht Club. Guests dressed with French flair and cruised the lake before returning to enjoy dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions filled with French-inspired touches. Beyond the festive atmosphere, the sold-out event had a...

Life + Culture

Gratitude Changes Everything

Article by Kim Pagano November is a beautiful reminder to slow down and think about what we are truly thankful for. But gratitude shouldn’t be something we practice only once a year. It can become a way of living, and it really can change everything. It is easy to feel grateful when life is going well. The greater challenge is finding something to appreciate when plans change, doors close or life takes us in a direction we never expected. This is the gratitude I have been practicing, as I...

Home + Design

Investing in Community  

A Strong Workforce Starts With an Affordable Place to Live: Housing Trust Fund Ventura County Community Impact Note Article by Linda Braunschweiger, CEO, HTFVC    Ventura County runs on the people who work here. Teachers, nurses, first responders and the professionals our employers depend on to keep this county moving every day. Too many of them cannot afford to live here. Renters in Ventura County must earn $50.65 per hour, three times minimum wage, to afford the average $2,634 monthly...

Beauty

Conejo Valley Med Spa

A Boutique Practice Built on Experience and Continuity of Care Article by Alicia Doyle | Photography by Violeta Meyners In the heart of Agoura Hills, Conejo Valley Med Spa has quickly become one of the region’s most sought‑after destinations for aesthetic and wellness treatments. Known for its boutique approach, natural‑looking results and advanced non‑surgical technologies, the practice is led by CEO and Founder Sofia Eselin, RN, BSN, whose philosophy centers on education, individualized...

Education

The Cavaliers Have Arrived:

Carden Conejo School Launches a New Era of Athletics Article and Photography by When Carden Conejo School launched its first competitive athletics program last year, there were plenty of unknowns. Many students were stepping onto a competitive field or court for the first time. The teams were new. The uniforms were new. Even the Cavaliers name was new to competition. What happened next exceeded expectations. Carden’s inaugural teams competed in boys soccer, girls volleyball and boys...

Education

Local Students Give Thanks

Ventura County Community Foundation Awards More Than $2 Million in Scholarships Article by Provided Thanks to the generosity of thousands of donors, the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) helped more than 400 students fund their educational goals, awarding $2,009,312 in scholarships this year. Founded in 1987, VCCF aims to create a lasting community impact by connecting people, resources and solutions. With more than 24,000 donors from throughout Ventura County and across the...