Fall in TO

The Meaning Behind the Photo: Old Oaks Cigars & Liquor Co.

"Old Oaks Cigars & Liquor Co.," established in 1996, has long been a Thousand Oaks landmark. Nestled on Thousand Oaks Blvd, this Armenian-owned shop has become a trusted neighborhood spot where people from all over the Conejo Valley gather to unwind, share stories, and connect over a cigar. For me, however, it holds a deeper, more personal meaning. While it’s not specifically an Armenian gathering spot, the shop’s Armenian ownership resonates with my own family’s journey in the area. My family was one of the key founders of the Conejo Valley/Ventura County Armenian Apostolic Church, building a foundation for our heritage in a place where the Armenian community is relatively small. Through family friends, we have a personal connection to the owners of Old Oaks Cigars, and, over the years, this shop has become a place that reminds me of the importance of roots and community, even when far from home. Through my photography, I hope to capture the essence of Old Oaks Cigars as a welcoming space where diverse lives and stories intersect. Each photo is a tribute to the spirit of connection that this shop fosters, and a nod to the unique ties that make Thousand Oaks feel like home.

Fall in Malibu

The Meaning Behind the Photo: Mulholland Highway and the Santa Monica Mountains

Mulholland Highway is more than just a scenic road; it’s a legendary stretch winding through the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, representing the spirit and allure of Southern California. Known for its sweeping views, sharp curves, and rugged beauty, this iconic highway has long been a haven for adventurers, car enthusiasts, and artists alike. Stretching through landscapes that seem untouched by time, Mulholland offers a journey through history and natural wonder, where each turn unveils another perspective of the vast Santa Monica Mountains. The Santa Monica Mountains themselves are steeped in history, holding deep cultural significance. Originally inhabited by the Chumash people, these lands later became a backdrop for ranchers, pioneers, and Hollywood filmmakers, transforming over the years into the beloved trails, viewpoints, and canyons that Californians and visitors cherish today. This rugged expanse of mountains and valleys stands as a testament to California’s rich past and continues to shape its vibrant culture. For me, capturing Mulholland and the Santa Monica Mountains is a way of honoring this landscape’s role in the Southern Californian experience. Each photo reflects the freedom, beauty, and spirit of exploration that these mountains offer. Through this image, I hope you feel the timeless appeal of Mulholland—a place where history, adventure, and nature converge, leaving an indelible mark on all who pass through.

Chasing Legends: The Notorious California 23 Adventure

The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over Grimes Canyon Road, its curves unfolding before me as I drive into the rugged hills. The road twists and turns, hugging the cliffs, the scenery shifting between golden grasslands and jagged rock formations. Dust lingers in the air from a car that passed minutes ago, caught in the breeze that rolls down from the higher elevations.

My camera rests on the passenger seat, waiting for the right moment. I have no destination—just the road, the fading light, and the quiet hum of my engine. Each mile feels like an invitation to discover something unseen, something hidden in the folds of this old highway. Ahead, the road dips, revealing the next stretch of adventure, unknown but waiting.

An Unexpected Encounter on Grimes Canyon Road

My journey led me along Grimes Canyon Road, where the rugged landscape meets the gentle charm of rural life. As I meandered past rolling fields and weathered farmsteads, I eventually reached California State Route 23, a road steeped in history that connects Moorpark, Simi, and Fillmore. It was here, at the end of my drive, that I happened upon a local farmer and an old car—two figures seemingly plucked from another time, standing as reminders of the past along this storied stretch of pavement.

A Brief History of the Roads

Grimes Canyon Road and Route 23 aren’t just asphalt and dirt—they’re veins of history in Ventura County. These roads once served the hardworking farmers and ranchers who shaped the region long before modern highways carved their way across the state. Over time, their scenic beauty and winding curves made them a favorite among car enthusiasts and road wanderers alike, blending nostalgia with adventure. Today, they stand as testaments to California’s agricultural heritage and car culture, where the past and present collide with each mile.

A Moment Captured in Time

As I stood there at the roadside, camera in hand, I found myself in an unexpected yet perfectly fitting encounter—a farmer with decades of stories in his voice and an old, well-loved car that looked like it had seen its fair share of these roads.

There was something poetic about it: the well-worn pavement of Route 23, the hum of engines past and present, and the quiet presence of a man who had watched it all unfold over the years. That moment reminded me why I love these roads. Not just for their curves or their history, but for the unexpected stories waiting to be discovered.

Sometimes, it’s not about where you’re headed—it’s about what (and who) you find along the way. So next time you find yourself cruising through Moorpark, Simi, or Fillmore, take a moment to slow down, look around, and listen to the whispers of history. You never know what—or who—you might run into.