Join us for the annual crowning of our 2025 Don & Doña Celebration. Tickets

The Conejo Valley Historical Society invites the community to celebrate a milestone 60th year of La Fiesta del Triunfo, its beloved annual fundraiser, on Saturday, August 16, 2025. This cherished event will be held on the scenic grounds of the Stagecoach Inn Museum at 51 South Ventu Park Road in Newbury Park.

A longstanding summer tradition, La Fiesta del Triunfo brings together neighbors, history lovers, and supporters of local heritage for an evening of food, music, and meaningful recognition. This year, the Society will honor two outstanding community leaders, George Lange and Denise Cortes, as Don and Doña Triunfo, in recognition of their many years of dedicated service to the Conejo Valley.

Guests can look forward to an evening under the stars that includes museum tours, a silent auction, a delicious barbeque dinner prepared and served by the Kiwanis Club, and live music by the DVR Band. With the museum’s historic buildings as the backdrop and the grounds lit up with festive spirit, the evening promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

All proceeds from La Fiesta del Triunfo directly support the continued operation and preservation of the Stagecoach Inn Museum.  “We are proud to continue sharing our local history with the community, thanks to the generosity and participation of events like this.”

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Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate six decades of local heritage and honor two of Conejo Valley’s most devoted citizens.

Don Triunfo Award Honoree

George Lange served for 34 years on the Board of Directors for Conejo Recreation and Park District, shaping the recreational landscape of our community with vision and integrity. His work didn’t stop at parks and programs.

He has also served and continues to serve on the board of directors for the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) and on the advisory committee for the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy (SMMC), protecting and preserving our region’s open space. George was instrumental in helping to lay the groundwork for Safe Passage Youth Foundation.

A pillar of our community, George has devoted time and energy to a remarkable range of organizations including the Kiwanis Club, the YMCA, and his Lutheran Church. He has been the chair on the Scandinavian Festival Committee at California Lutheran University and served as President of the Ventura County Special Districts Association. In recognition of his civic contributions, George was named Grand Marshal of Conejo Valley Days, a celebration that reflects the very spirit he embodies.

George’s community work is deeply rooted in his devotion to family. Alongside his wife Judy, he raised two children, Kirk and Megan, and now delights in the joys of three grandchildren. He was a presence in local youth programs, supporting AYSO, Little League, Bobby Socks Softball, and the Thousand Oaks High School Booster Club. As a proud Navy veteran, he continues to volunteer in our community through his work with Americans Serving Americans, serving others with humility and heart.

George Lange exemplifies the values of leadership, community, and family that define the Don Triunfo Award. The Conejo Valley Historical Society recognizes not only his many accomplishments, but the spirit in which he has lived a life of service.

Congratulations, George—and thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our community.

Honoring a Beacon of Compassion and Community Leadership

With deep respect and admiration, we honor Denise Cortes, a woman whose life’s work has transformed the lives of countless individuals in the Conejo Valley. As the founder and Executive Director of Harbor House, Denise has been a guiding light for those experiencing poverty and homelessness in our community.

For over thirty years, Denise has called this community home, raising her family here while dedicating her professional and personal life to lifting others. Her journey began with her impactful work as Area Director for Lutheran Social Services, where she oversaw vital operations throughout Ventura County. But Denise saw a deeper need—a gap between community resources and those most vulnerable. From this vision, Harbor House was born in 2018, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to connecting compassionate donors with those in need, creating a direct and lasting impact.

Denise’s advocacy goes beyond basic needs. Her seven years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth gave her a front-row seat to the struggles faced by young people aging out of the foster system. This experience inspired one of Harbor House’s most meaningful initiatives: Pi House, a transitional home that offers stability, hope, and opportunity for former foster youth finding their footing in adulthood.

In addition to being a compassionate leader and visionary, Denise is a gifted speaker, teacher, and trainer, sharing her knowledge on community engagement, organizing, and leadership with grace and clarity. She inspires others to act, to serve, and to believe in the power of a unified community.

Today, we honor Denise Cortes not only for what she has built, but for who she is—a tireless advocate, a thoughtful leader, and a true force for good in the Conejo Valley.

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