It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Leonis Adobe Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Calabasas, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Grape Arbor Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local SUGARFISH by sushi nozawa or visit Calabasas Schoolhouse Bell, City of Calabasas Historic Landmark, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Calabasas, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Calabasas, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Calabasas, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Do you have the best Christmas decorations in town? Send us photos and a description for Patch's 2024 holiday tour o' lights.Patch StaffLOS ANGELES, CA — Can the holiday lights on your home be seen from space? Does it look like the Las Vegas strip?If you've spent days or weeks painstakingly hanging strands of lights on your house, palm trees and shrubs, or hauling multiple figurines out to your lawn — Patch wants to hear from you.Soon, we're compiling a Patch California tour o' lights, where readers ...
Patch Staff
LOS ANGELES, CA — Can the holiday lights on your home be seen from space? Does it look like the Las Vegas strip?
If you've spent days or weeks painstakingly hanging strands of lights on your house, palm trees and shrubs, or hauling multiple figurines out to your lawn — Patch wants to hear from you.
Soon, we're compiling a Patch California tour o' lights, where readers can explore the best holiday light displays in the Los Angeles County area.
We aim to have the list up as soon as possible — so email photos and a description of your winter wonderland to Kat Schuster at [email protected].
For many of us, taking in our neighbors’ outdoor holiday lighting displays and other decorative touches is as much a part of the season as exchanging gifts and singing Christmas carols.
There’s a good reason twinkling holiday lights and colorful displays make us feel good, according to mental health experts.
“It does create that neurological shift that can produce happiness,” Psychologist Deborah Serani, a senior professor at New York’s Adelphi University, told NBC’s “Today” show. “I think anything that takes us out of our normal habituation, the normal day in, day out ... signals our senses, and then our senses measure if it’s pleasing or not.”
Decorating for the holidays “will spike dopamine, a feel-good hormone,” she said. “For a lot of us, Christmas is a magical time, it’s a time of innocence. It’s a time of joy.”
That’s why Patch and T-Mobile are partnering to find the lighted homes around Los Angeles to visit.
A few details:
If you’re including a video, please upload it to YouTube and send us the link so we can embed it (make sure it's marked “public”). We also request that the homeowner submit their own yard or a close relative.
We’ll keep updating the list for Los Angeles County throughout December.
Once you've provided the information — and submitted a photo or two or a video (after you uploaded it to YouTube) — you will be entered and included in our roundup.
Pro-tip: If you haven't photographed your light display before, a good time to take photos is at dusk.
IMPORTANT: By submitting a photo, you're giving Patch permission to publish it for this feature and future stories. Photos should be original and taken by the person submitting the photo.
So, be sure to check back for updates and sign up for your local Patch.com newsletters as well!
Please copy and paste the following information into an email, along with photos or videos, and follow these guidelines:
Include the exact address of the yard display and your phone number (not for publication) in case we need to get in touch with you.
Let us know the dates when your holiday display goes live and when it shuts off for the evening.Does your winter wonderland have a name? Be sure to include it, or we can help you make one up.Tell us what makes your twinkly lights special. Will you be planning anything special for your display, like Santa or other holiday characters, FM frequencies for your synchronized light show, walk-throughs, popcorn machines, etc.?
Does your display have a Facebook page or website? Be sure to include the links.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Remember, email Kat Schuster ([email protected]) to submit photos of your holiday lights.
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This post is sponsored and contributed by Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, a Patch Brand Partner.Arts & EntertainmentDedicated Young Pre-Professional Ballerinas Perform in 51st Annual ProductionWestside Ballet of Santa Monica, Brand Partner|Updated Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:18 am PTThis is a...
This post is sponsored and contributed by Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, a Patch Brand Partner.
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica, Brand Partner
|Updated Wed, Dec 4, 2024 at 5:18 am PT
This is a paid post contributed by a Patch Community Partner. The views expressed in this post are the author's own, and the information presented has not been verified by Patch.
Three talented pre-professional dancers from Calabasas will take the stage in Westside Ballet of Santa Monica’s annual Nutcracker. This is the 51st anniversary of Westside’s production, making it the longest running Nutcracker in Southern California. The students at Westside Ballet spend all year dreaming of and working towards what they will be able to accomplish in The Nutcracker. Three pre-professional ballet dancers from Calabasas will be dancing in Westside’s production.
The prestigious dance academy of Westside School of Ballet and the performing opportunities through the nonprofit pre-professional performance company Westside Ballet of Santa Monica draw these dedicated students to make the commute from Calabasas to Santa Monica. Other dancers from areas in the Valley such as West Hills, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Burbank, and Northridge also make the trip to receive world class training and perform in the productions. The Nutcracker is a rite of passage for any aspiring ballerina. Dancers have the opportunity to work on musicality, performance skills, corps work (when the group dances as one), and eventually performing on their own as a soloist.
Ivy Clinton is a Freshman at Calabasas High School. This is her second year at Westside. Ivy is in level 5+ at Westside, the start of the upper division. This means the classes as well as rehearsal schedule are getting more intense. This year Ivy is dancing as a charming Peppermint Candy in Act II, the Land of the Sweets.
Louisa Damborg is performing in her first Nutcracker at Westside, but has a featured role as the Center in the Chinese Tea Dance. Louisa is in eleventh grade at Calabasas High School. She sits on multiple councils including the Superintendent's Youth Council for LAUSD and the California Scholarship Federation. Westside is a special place to Louisa who says, “I love training at Westside because the current dancers become part of a continuous thread of artistic excellence. It is a special place to be a part of.” Although a busy and accomplished student, as well as a daily commute to Santa Monica, the training and performing opportunities at Westside make it all worth it. Louisa’s love for dance is apparent as she expresses, “I get to experience the joy of dance every time I enter the studio. But, my favorite part of performing is that I get to share that joy with other people.” Louisa gets to show that joy as she performs in the breathtaking Waltz of the Flowers and in her featured role of Center Chinese Tea.
Sofia Strauser has been dancing with Westside since she was eleven years old. Sofia has danced in five Nutcrackers at Westside and made her way through the ranks of roles. She has danced things such as the center dancer in Candy Canes and Chinese Tea, and is now tackling principal roles such as Snow Queen and Dewdrop. Sofia also has the special opportunity to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy in this year’s student matinee shows. Sofia’s dedication and love for this art form have resulted in learning skills that also apply to her life outside the studio. She says, “Specifically, I have learned discipline, patience, and hard work will almost always result in a positive outcome. Ballet has taught me lessons that I believe no other sport could have taught me and I am forever grateful for the discipline this art has provided me with.”
Sofia is achieving a dream of her’s this year by dancing the Sugar Plum Fairy. She remembers looking up to the older dancers performing principal roles and says, “Little me never thought she would be able to perform Dewdrop, Snow Queen, or Sugar Plum.” But, Sofia has made this dream possible and says, “However, I seem to have proved my younger self wrong because of the consistent effort that I put in to make myself better everyday… By being patient with myself and convincing myself to stay determined, I have reached my goals with pride.” Sofia has a packed Nutcracker schedule dancing those three principal roles along with the Center French Mirliton and as a Demi-Flower in the iconic Waltz of the Flowers, but will tackle this challenge with the grace and dedication she displays in the studio daily.
In addition to her ballet studies, Sofia is an accomplished student at Harvard Westlake. She is currently on honor roll, and has been every year of high school so far. She says that her future aspirations are to attend a prestigious college, but also to “forever have ballet be my anchor
in life to bring me joy.” Another interest for Sofia that ties into her ballet studies is the study of Human Anatomy and Physiology. For Sofia, “Nothing makes me happier than filling my day with ballet and studies.”
The dancers, including three talented Calabasas ballerinas, will perform alongside New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, who return to Westside after their dazzling performance in last year’s Nutcracker. This year, Peck and Mejia will appear in eight shows at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage—with the Friday, December 6th performance featuring all of Westside’s top pre-professional talent in leading roles.
Running from November 30th to December 8th, this production brings holiday magic to life, fueled by the dedication and artistry of these young dancers, set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score performed by The Santa Monica College Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets are still available for Friday, December 6th, 7pm performance at tinyurl.com/12624ballet.
This post is an advertorial piece contributed by a Patch Community Partner, a local brand partner. To learn more, click here.
From Italian to seafood to Middle Eastern, these 7 Los Angeles County eateries are among the top 100 in the nation, according to a new list.Patch StaffLOS ANGELES, CA — Nineteen restaurants in California are among the nation's top 100 and seven of those are in Los Angeles County, according to a new ranking based on reviews from diners who attest to their quality.The online restaurant reservation service OpenTable develops the Top 100 Restaurants list from reviews left by verified users, not by food critics....
Patch Staff
LOS ANGELES, CA — Nineteen restaurants in California are among the nation's top 100 and seven of those are in Los Angeles County, according to a new ranking based on reviews from diners who attest to their quality.
The online restaurant reservation service OpenTable develops the Top 100 Restaurants list from reviews left by verified users, not by food critics.
Restaurants from Los Angeles County that made the cut are:
Antico Nuovo — 4653 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles. Italian
The East Larchmont Village that draws inspiration from the Italian countrysid with hand-made pasta and wood-fired meats, vegetables, and fish, according to OpenTable.
Bavel — 500 Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-2222. Middle Eastern
This is the Arts District's Middle Eastern prize.
Bestia — 2121 E. 7th Place, Los Angeles. Italian
"A multi-regional Italian restaurant in the Arts District of downtown Los Angeles."
Ori and Genevieve Menashe’s acclaimed California-Italian restaurant has made a name for itself for excellent cocktails, wood-fired pizzas, and now-iconic dishes like slow-roasted lamb neck.
Fishing With Dynamite — 1148 Manhattan Avenue, Manhattan Beach. Seafood
According to OpenTable, Fishing With Dynamite is "a celebration of summers spent on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and SoCal’s vibrant beach communities. The cheerful, 32-seat restaurant is anchored by a lively oyster bar and features a menu of “old school” traditional seafood fare and “new school” dishes highlighting flavors from around the globe."
Musso & Frank Grill — 6667 Hollywood Blvd. Steakhouse
The iconic Hollywood stalwart is among the most-booked restaurants in Los Angeles on OpenTable, which also considers its service and ambiance among the best in the neighborhood.
Providence — 5955 Melrose Ave. Seafood
"Providence is the restaurant that seafood dreams and celebratory dinners are made of: James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti puts sustainability front and center for his two-MICHELIN-Starred tasting menus featuring the likes of Santa Barbara spot prawns, Golden Kaluga caviar, and Columbia River king salmon. Expect excellent wine pairings, white tablecloths, and exceptional service that doesn’t feel stuffy—just the way LA fine dining should be," OpenTable wrote.
Saffy's — East HollywoodMiddle Eastern
"Of Ori and Genevieve Menashe’s three restaurants, Saffy’s is the most laid-back—but still has a laser focus on technique. Dig into shareable plates like wood-fired lamb and beef shawarma, hearth-grilled lobster tail skewers, and 18-hour spiced short rib in a gorgeous dining room that pays homage to mid-century Morocco. Playful cocktails and a Mediterranean-focused wine list add to the always-lively vibe," OpenTable wrote.
The East Hollywood restaurant was also named by Michelin as a Bib Gourmand pick in 2022.Other nearby restaurants that made OpenTable's list include Antico Nuovo in Larchmont and Bavel and Bestia in the Arts District.
This year, OpenTable’s elite list also includes restaurants in Arizona, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington.
Patch staffer Chris Lindahl contributed to this report.
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Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are sticking together.The stars — who have previously shared that they are working on their relationship and ...
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are sticking together.
The stars — who have previously shared that they are working on their relationship and "still figuring it out" — were photographed during a rare public outing leaving Crossroads Kitchen in Calabasas, Calif. on Thursday, Nov. 7, after having dinner with mental health podcast host Jay Shetty, according to E! Online.
The I Am Legend actor, 56, wore a white T-shirt under a gray button-up with dark gray pants, while the Girls Trip actress, 53, opted for a gold jacket over a white shirt and blue jeans.
The pair appeared to be in good spirits as they chatted with one another while walking. They could even be seen getting close, with Jada leaning in and wrapping an arm around Will in one photo.
Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Relationship Timeline
The stars were last spotted together in May at the Los Angeles premiere of Will's film Bad Boys: Ride or Die alongside their children Jaden, 26, Willow, 24, and Willard Carroll “Trey” Smith III, 31, whom Will shares with ex-wife Sheree Zampino.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at a May screening of the film, Will shared that he considered his wife of nearly three decades his “ride-or-die.”
“I have always been blessed that there has never been a time in my life when I didn't look to the side and have a ride or die right there," he said. "Jada is one of the most gangsta ride-or-die's I've ever had."
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The comments came several months after Jada revealed that she and Will had been separated since 2016 on Today ahead of the release of her memoir, Worthy. However, she also noted that though they have their ups and downs, she "made a promise that there will never be a reason for us to get a divorce."
"We will work through ... whatever," she explained. "I just haven’t been able to break that promise," she added.
She further opened up about her relationship with the King Richard actor to PEOPLE in October 2023, saying that the two were “still figuring it out” and have been “doing some really heavy-duty work together."
Additionally, in an interview with YOU Magazine, The Matrix Resurrections actress noted that seeing her husband slap Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars made her realize that she “will never leave him.
"I nearly didn’t even attend the Oscars that year, but I’m glad I did," she said. "I call it the 'holy slap' now because so many positive things came after it."
Three structures burned in the Broad Fire, which came during 75 mph winds amid a Red Flag warning.Patch Staff|Updated Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 5:09 pm PTMALIBU, CA — At least three buildings were damaged in a fire that broke out along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Wednesday morning before firefighters stopped forward progress of the blaze after it had burned 50 acres, according to the city of Malibu.The Broad Fire was burning between 5 and 10 acres on the south side of PCH at Malibu Bluffs Park, near Malibu C...
Patch Staff
|Updated Wed, Nov 6, 2024 at 5:09 pm PT
MALIBU, CA — At least three buildings were damaged in a fire that broke out along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu Wednesday morning before firefighters stopped forward progress of the blaze after it had burned 50 acres, according to the city of Malibu.
The Broad Fire was burning between 5 and 10 acres on the south side of PCH at Malibu Bluffs Park, near Malibu Canyon Road, as of 9:30 a.m. and had grown to 30 acres a half hour later, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The fire had grown to 50 acres and there was "no active brush fire currently," city officials said at around 11 a.m.
Fixed wing aircraft dropped water on the flames and were being released from the scene at that time, the city said.
Three structures, including at least one home, were damaged in the fire, according to officials.
No injuries have been reported, fire officials said.
View of the #BroadFire from near Pepperdine, where conditions are currently showing NNW wind gusts to 51 mph and humidity of 11%. Stay safe everyone! #CAwx #CAfire #Malibu pic.twitter.com/oSxkPcA55K— NWS Los Angeles (@NWSLosAngeles) November 6, 2024
PCH was shut down in both directions between Webb Way and Corral Canyon Road, according to the city of Malibu.
*Traffic Alert - Malibu Brush Fire*@LACOFD responded to #BroadFire at E88 |W. Pacific coast Hwy & S. Malibu Canyon Rd. in Malibu Bluffs Park.@LACOFD requested northbound PCH closed at Webb Way & southbound PCH closed at John Tyler Road. Map below. https://t.co/xbyTKr2hic pic.twitter.com/1cUfSUIcOT— Caltrans District 7 (@CaltransDist7) November 6, 2024
A shelter in place order remained in effect for Malibu Road from Webb Way west to PCH as of 11 a.m., according to the city.
Power was shut off for most of Malibu and in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains into Calabasas and Agoura Hills, according to Southern California Edison. The outage lead some traffic lights to be non-functional.
"When fire conditions end, restoration is expected to take up to 8 hours but could take longer if we need daylight for safe inspections or if we find damage," SCE said.
Malibu officials warned residents to be prepared for potential evacuations and additional power outages. Malibu's famously steep canyon walls limit evacuation routes.
A Red Flag warning is in effect through Thursday in Malibu as 75 mph wind gusts rip through the canyons, making challenging firefighting efforts.
Malibu school officials said that students at the nearby Webster Elementary School were safe.
"Currently, all lanes of PCH are closed from Corral Canyon to Webb Way, however, we have been told they are hopeful to have lanes reopened by dismissal time," Isaac Burgess, executive director of Malibu Pathway and secondary schools said in an email.
Pepperdine University officials said the fire was not threatening its nearby campus and school operations are continuing as normal, though it's monitoring the situation in conjunction with fire authorities.
The Santa Monica College Malibu Campus was closed Wednesday due to the fire, officials said.
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