The Beautiful Power of Lemons

                                                                                                                                                                           

Limoneira Allures Beauty Experts From Around The World To “Unleash the Beautiful Power of Lemons”

Leading agribusiness joins forces with noteworthy beauty experts to highlight the various ways lemons can be used in skin, nail and hair care

(SANTA PAULA, CA) – Limoneira Company, the largest provider of lemons in the country, has launched a new marketing campaign, Unleash the Power of Lemons, which connects Limoneira to experts in the areas of health, beauty, food and beverage, lifestyle, and cleaning; promoting the many innovative uses of lemons. “The local leaders we’ve paired with are the movers and shakers in their industries and they’re experts in using lemons in a variety of creative, useful, and fun ways,” says John Chamberlain, Limoneira’s Director of Marketing.  He continues, “Our ten beauty partners are excited to share their tips for using Limoneira lemons with consumers for easy and natural beauty solutions.”

Limoneira has come together with beauty experts in Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Texas, Japan, Manila, China and Canada.  The experts suggest the following uses for lemons as part of a beauty regime:

·         Billy Yamaguchi: Celebrity stylist and force behind Yamaguchi salons; applies ancient principles of Feng Shui to beauty techniques; Billy and his team use Limoneira lemons for their Lemon Cooler Pedicure at the Yamaguchi Salon at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village.

• Dr. Chiaki Kawashima: beauty and skin care expert and graduate of Tokyo Medical University, member of the Japanese Dermatology Association, the Japanese Cosmetic Science Association and more, her Azabu Skin Clinic specializes in natural rejuvenation and creating beautiful skin. Dr. Kawashima offers this simple and natural exfoliation technique:  Simply rub a cut lemon dipped in ½ teaspoon of sugar over your face for a few minutes.  Do this weekly to remove dead skin cells and keep your complexion refreshed.

·         Shizuka Bernstein: Lauded as a beauty expert in New York Magazine, Marie Claire, Shape, and NY Daily News, among other publications, Shizuka recommends the following for dull or damaged hair.  Simply combine ¾ cup of olive oil, ½ cup of honey and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and set aside.  After shampooing your hair, towel dry and comb lemon juice mixture through and cover hair with a plastic cap.  After ½ hour, shampoo hair and rinse thoroughly.  It works beautifully and will make your hair shine.

• Tayler Rogers and Kendra Lovik: The wise women behind the Beauty Mark one of Vancouver's longstanding beauty boutiques that offers Canadians highly coveted brands and products north of the border. For their own radiant skin they mix equal amounts of lemon juice and honey and apply on your face and neck.  After 10 minutes, rinse off with cold water. 

·         Kristin Akins: Professional and passionate dedicated Skin Therapist; owner of Pelle Sana Salon in Chicago; draws on natural elements and knowledge of medical esthetics to find the perfect treatment for clients, including softening cuticles with Limoneira lemons.

·         Christine Dychiao:  Best known for her blog Manila Fashion Observer, retail consultant and full-time family woman.  She loves easy and natural beauty tips and suggests applying equal parts of lemon juice and honey to the face and neck for radiant skin.  Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse off with cold water.  Lemons contain alpha hydroxy acids which are highly valued in beauty products.

• Paula Valdés Avila: Lauded as one of the finest hotels in the world, the 32-room Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa is an oasis in the rugged Chilean outback. The Tierra Atacama's Uma Spa is located in a beautiful green retreat with sweet multi-colored gardens and majestic views of the volcano. A devotee of aromatherapy, Spa Director Liliana Elgueta, recommends combining 1 part lemon essential oil with 10 parts jojoba oil to revitalize the complexion.
• Elizabeth Canler: Owner and founder of Miami Skin Boutique and Spa. Elizabeth is sought for her suggestions for beautiful, glowing skin.  Elizabeth is familiar with the fact that lemons contain a number of natural properties that enhance hair and skin, such citric acid, which is often used in skin-creams, toners and face cleansers to balance the pH of your skin. 
• Sarah Redmond: Founder of Cocoon Urban Day Spa, an exclusive urban sanctuary in the heart of San Francisco where their treatments and services are carried out in a serene and tranquil environment.  Sarah is European trained and has an internationally recognized degree specializing in skin care. She recommends using the “Smooth and Clean Skin Rub” (which can be found on the Limoneira website).
• Norma Garza: Founder of Norma’s Touch Skin Specialty Spa, helps Houstonians achieve a glowing complexion by combining nature and science.  The spa offers a comprehensive array of treatments including microdermabrasion, herbal and chemical peels, anti-aging, non-invasive skincare and treatments.   To control Oily Skin, Nora recommends combining 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp. vodka, 1 tbsp. distilled water, and 1 tsp. of witch hazel.  Apply mixture with cotton ball to skin then rinse.  This oily skin treatment will keep in the fridge for up to a week.  

“Lemons are one of the most versatile items in the produce department” says John Carter, Limoneira’s Director of Global Sales. “Our Unleash the Power of Lemons campaign takes advantage of today’s technology, and its fun, informative and easy. Everyone knows that lemons are a great recipe ingredient and enhancer, but they also have many uses in the areas of health, lifestyle, beauty, and cleaning. These applications are represented by fun icon images in conjunction with our consumer QR code that links to our website lemon shopper pages.”

About Limoneira

The Limoneira Company was founded in Ventura County, California in 1893.   Their dedication and innovation in the agricultural industry helped found and develop many institutions that still exist (Sunkist Growers, Fruit Growers Supply and Diamond Walnut). Today, Limoneira has evolved into a global company whose mission is to preserve and promote its tradition, heritage and legacy in agriculture and community development.   With over 7,000 acres of agricultural production, Limoneira is the largest provider of lemons and avocados in the United States. In addition to agriculture, Limoneira has a long history of community building and involvement in residential and commercial real estate. Finally, sustainability has been woven into Limoneira’s fabric for over a century with strategic investments in water, solar, soil, and integrated pest management.  For more information, visit www.limoneira.com.

 MEDIA CONTACT:    Ann Flower Communications:    Ann@AnnFlowerPR.com                                                                                                                     

Surf Rodeo!

10 ROCKIN’ REASONS TO VISIT SURF RODEO – INCLUDING A CHANCE TO DRIVE OFF IN A CLASSIC CAR

Ventura’s iconic Surf Rodeo is back after a decade hiatus

 and isn’t missing a beat

(Ventura, Calif.) – It’s no secret that California beaches aren’t strangers to surfing, or surf competitions, and Ventura is no exception to this.  Meanwhile, say the word “rodeo” and the mind tends to conjure up images of bull-wrangling and cowboy hats.  However, all that is about to change… again.  While “surf” and “rodeo” are not two words one might typically expect to find next to each other in a sentence, Surf Rodeo aims to turn preconceived notions about what a rodeo really is upside down.  This two day surf and music festival is back and ready to ride after a decade’s rest, and below are ten great reasons to join the fun.

1.   The raffle – Surf Rodeo is the proud host of a classic car raffle this year. A donated ’64 Ford Falcon has made its way around Ventura, being spruced up and restored to her former glory. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event and the winner will get the car – with all proceeds going to the Boys & Girls Club. Do a good deed; get a cool car… for only $20.

2.   Good eats – Between the permanent restaurants just off the beach on South Seaward and the event-only food trucks, bellies will be pleasantly tantalized with options for yummy food. Plus, with two beer gardens in place, there will be plenty to wash it all down with for those old enough to partake.

3.   The music – Surf Rodeo’s two music stages will be graced by 22+ bands, including: Makua Rothman;  Timmy Curran;  Tom Curren;  Todd Hannigan;  Raging Arb & the Redheads;  Shaky Feelin’;  Kyle Hunt & the King Gypsy;  Cherri Bomb;  False Puppet;  Lion I’s;  SkaDaddyZ;  Pilot Touhill;  Bloody Mary Morning;  Wordsauce;  Slater;  Happens Again;  Cool Arrows;  the 44’s;  Jackass;  Deer Leg;  Los Dudes;  Jah Mon Soul;  the Pullmen;  Jan Michael & the Vincents and more!

4.   The surfing – Get up bright and early because surf competitions start at 6 AM daily! Rumor has it that stunt surfers will be on-site doing what they do best on Day 1… Note: Deadline to enter surf competitions has passed.

5.   The shopping – Home to over 70 vendors showcasing their (often local) wares, the possibilities are endless for the shopper in everyone. 

6.   The competitions – Whether as a spectator or participant, the Surf Rodeo’s assortment of crazy competitions are sure to entertain all. From “surfing” the mechanical bull to the hay bale obstacle course to the “greased pig” buoy race, contestants will battle it out for the coveted “Surf Rodeo Grand Champion” title.

7.   The unique atmosphere – Adding to the fascinating juxtaposition of surfers and cowboys, Surf Rodeo will feature a General Store/waterhole hole in addition to its previously mentioned amenities – but the fun doesn’t stop there. Also gracing Ventura’s Pierpont Beach will be a quirky 10-foot horseshoe that will make for a perfect photo-op for attendees.

8.   The “Bikini Cowgirl Roundup” – For the ladies who may be interested in a crown that involves less surf, there is the chance to be crowned Surf Rodeo’s reigning queen via a (family-friendly!) bikini competition. Deadline to enter is July 10^th.

9.   Bring the family – Surf Rodeo is all ages! Nobody has to miss out on the fun. There will even be a special “Kids Corral” where youngsters can get their faces painted, bounce around in a jumper and experience Surf Rodeo in ways that only kids can.

10.                 GREAT VALUE – Advance tickets are only $15 for a weekend pass or $8 for a single day! Children 5 & under are always free.

Surf Rodeo takes place July 13^th (10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) and 14^th (10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.) at the Ventura Pierpont Beach. Visit www.facebook.com/SurfRodeo for up-to-date event information and specials.  Tickets are available now online at www.surfrodeo.org/BUY-TICKETS-NOW.html.  For more information, please visit www.surfrodeo.org or call (805) 655-5700.  

10 TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP FROM THE VETERINARIANS OF VCA WEST LOS ANGELES

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month, and the veterinarians of VCA West Los Angeles share their Top 10 Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership

LOS ANGELES – Responsible Pet Owners Month is right around the corner in February, and several of VCA West Los Angeles’ veterinarians wanted to share their tips for responsible pet ownership. Whether you need to hone your parental instincts or not, these 10 tips will certainly make your canine or feline happier and healthier.

1. Animals are very good at coping and hiding their medical ailments.  Because they cannot speak, by the time they start showing symptoms, their ailment can be very advanced.  Therefore, if an owner is wondering if their pet should see a veterinarian for noted symptoms, odds are they should. –Dr. Johnny Chretin, DACVIM, Oncology
2. Notify your veterinarian if you notice any sudden change in your pet’s weight (gain or loss) as such changes can indicate the presence of a significant health problem. Early recognition is key to ensuring a good outcome. –Dr. David Bruyette, DACVIM
3. Many common foods that you eat may be harmful to your pet. Avoid feeding your pet foods such as grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and foods with caffeine such as coffee or tea. –Dr. Karen Eiler, DACVIM
4. Keep your veterinarian's business card in your wallet; if you have to take your pet to an emergency clinic they will appreciate this information. –Dr. Teresa Reiser, DACVECC
5. It is important for an owner of a pet who has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition to obtain adequate information so that goals for their pet can be met.  Speak with their veterinarian, research online, and/or seek referral to a specialist if necessary. –Dr. Johnny Chretin, DACVIM
6. Many people don't realize that marijuana and tobacco are toxic to pets and they should not be exposed to the smoke or allowed to ingest the plant material. –Dr. Karen Eiler, DACVIM
7. Notify your veterinarian if you notice any sudden change in water drinking and/or urinary habits as these changes can be signs of serious medical conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes. –Dr. David Bruyette, DACVIM
8. Medications that are safe for people can be very harmful to your pet. Do not give your pet any medications without first consulting with a veterinarian. –Dr. Karen Eiler, DACVIM
9. Food does NOT equal love - feeding an unbalanced diet or feeding to excess can be bad for your pet's health. –Dr. Teresa Rieser, DACVECC
10.  Exercise is just as important for pets as it is humans.  It promotes mental and physical health and is a great time for bonding. –Dr. Johnny Chretin, DACVIM, Oncology

VCA West Los Angeles will open its newly-constructed animal hospital early this year. For the past 14 months, construction crews have been hard at work on VCA West L.A.’s new hospital, just one block south of its current location. The facility will be nearly 42,000 square feet, house state of the art treatment equipment, and provide parking for over 230 vehicles, all of which make it the largest small-animal hospital in the western United States.

VCA will host an open house on March 16 from  noon - 6 p.m., open to the public, at the new VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital, located at 1900 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025.

Spread the word! Follow VCA West Los Angeles on Twitter: www.twitter.com/VCA_WLA (@VCA_WLA) or Like it on Facebook: www.facebook.com/VCAWestLosAngeles for hospital updates, insider info, and helpful pet ownership tips.

About VCA West Los Angeles

VCA has over 600 neighborhood animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada and over 1,900 primary care veterinarians as well as 36 specialty hospitals with over 200 board certified specialists who provide services in oncology, dentistry, surgery, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, stem cell therapy and more. VCA West Los Angeles serves as a general practice animal hospital for the West Los Angeles area, a specialty treatment facility, a referral hospital for veterinarians in Southern California, and as a teaching hospital to provide post-graduate education for veterinarians. For more information visit www.vcahospitals.com/west-los-angeles.

VCA WEST LOS ANGELES TO OPEN NEW 42,000 SQUARE FOOT ANIMAL HOSPITAL

Early this year, VCA West L.A. will move from its current location to a new facility, making it the largest small-animal hospital in the

 Western United States

LOS ANGELES – VCA West Los Angeles announced today that it will open its newly-constructed animal hospital early this year. For the past 14 months, construction crews have been hard at work on VCA West L.A.’s new hospital at 1900 South Sepulveda Boulevard, just a few blocks south of its current location. The facility will be nearly 42,000 square feet, house state of the art treatment equipment, and provide parking for over 230 vehicles, all of which make it the largest small-animal hospital in the western United States.

“For nearly 30 years, VCA West L.A. has provided the highest quality animal treatment and customer care in Los Angeles,” said Dr. David Bruyette, VCA West L.A. Medical Director. “Our new facility will elevate our medical care and hospitality even further, and we’re excited to bring this level of veterinarian services to the pet owners and referring veterinarians of West Los Angeles and surrounding areas.”

The new VCA West L.A. facility will house a rare linear accelerator room to treat cancer patients, MRI and CT equipment, a physical therapy center including hydrotherapy treatment, state-of-the-art surgical suites, bone marrow transplant technology, pituitary tumor surgery facilities, alternative and holistic medicine specialists, and Board Certified Specialists in all areas of medical treatment.

There will be two open houses early this year in celebration of the new VCA West L.A. facility; one of which will be for the general public, the other for individuals working in the veterinary industry as well as public officials.

About VCA West Los Angeles

VCA has over 600 neighborhood animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada and over 1,900 Primary Care Veterinarians as well as 36 Specialty Hospitals with over 200 Board Certified Specialists who provide services in oncology, dentistry, surgery, orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, stem cell therapy and more. VCA West Los Angeles serves as a general practice animal hospital for the West Los Angeles area, a specialty treatment facility, a referral hospital for veterinarians in Southern California, and as a teaching hospital to provide post-graduate education for veterinarians. For more information visit www.vcahospitals.com/west-los-angeles.

Bocce Ball Festival

Gourmet Food Truck and Bocce Ball Festival Returns to Limoneira Ranch

Santa Paula citrus grower to host October 7 food truck, bocce ball, and music festival to benefit the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation

(SANTA PAULA, CA) – Limoneira today announced the return of their 2nd Annual Gourmet Food Truck and Bocce Ball Festival on October 7 at Limoneira Ranch. From Noon-5:00 p.m., guests will enjoy gourmet food trucks, a bocce ball tournament, and three live bands. The family friendly event will benefit the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation and the National Association of Catering Executives. The Gourmet Food Truck and Bocce Ball Festival takes place at Limoneira Ranch, 1141 Cummings Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060, on October 7 from 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m, with the bocce ball tournament beginning at 11:00 a.m.

“We are so excited to bring back the Gourmet Food Truck and Bocce Ball Festival to Limoneira Ranch,” says Chef Jason Collis, the event organizer. “This year will be bigger and better, featuring a new Kid Zone, VIP Tasting Lounge for adults and amazing art vendors from around Ventura County.”

“We’re also featuring an all-star food truck line up, headed by Ventura County’s gourmet truck, Rock Chef Rolls, and many more. Our amazing live music line up will be lead by Ventura County’s award-winning DJ, Bruce Barrios, as the Master of Ceremonies,” adds Collis.

The mission of the Ventura County Sheriff's Foundation is to support the Department by providing funds for urgently needed programs and equipment that cannot be paid for within the constraints of the county’s budget. Some of the funds raised will be used to support the K9 unit, modernizing the training facilities, the SWAT team, community outreach and other ongoing Department projects. For more information, visit www.vcsheriffsfoundation.org.

“We live in one of the safest places in the nation. That distinction is a testament to the men and women in Ventura County law enforcement and the support of our communities. Your support will help provide us with the tools we need to keep our communities safe,” says Geoff Dean, Sheriff of Ventura County.

The National Association of Catering Executives is a professional organization whose mission is “to provide catering and event professionals superior education, networking and resources to enhance career success and deliver excellence to clients.” A percentage of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the NACE National Foundation, which provides scholarships for students entering into the catering and events industry. For further information, visit www.nace.net.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children or $50 for VIP tickets, which includes festival entry and access to special tastings in the VIP tent. Four-person bocce ball teams may enter into the tournament for a $150 entry fee. In addition to competing for the $500 first place prize, teams will have access to VIP tastings throughout the day. For ticketing, directions, and a complete lineup of gourmet food trucks and musical acts, visit http://www.boccefestival.com/#anchor or contact Jason Collis at jasoncollis@yahoo.com or (805) 525-5736. For sponsorship information, contact Nancy Frawley at nancyfrawley1@verizon.net or (805) 492-4398.  Media contact:  Ann Flower Communications at (310) 305 7169 or Tom@annflowerpr.com

The Limoneira Company was founded in Ventura County, California in 1893. Their dedication and innovation in the agricultural industry helped found and develop many institutions that still exist (Sunkist Growers, Fruit Growers Supply and Diamond Walnut). Today, Limoneira has evolved into a global company whose mission is to preserve and promote its tradition, heritage and legacy in agriculture and community development. With over 7,000 acres of agricultural production, Limoneira is the largest provider of lemons and avocados in the United States. In addition to agriculture, Limoneira has a long history of community building and involvement in residential and commercial real estate. Finally, sustainability has been woven into Limoneira’s fabric for over a century with strategic investments in water, solar, soil, and integrated pest management. For more information visit www.limoneira.com.