CECE WOODS Founder, Publisher, Editor in Chief Creative Director
SHERRY SABETY Co-Publisher, Director of Brand Partnerships
TARA OWENS Director of Lifestyle & Beauty
LILY MONTASSER Director of Fashion
JEFF BLISS Director of Photography
GINA CLARKE Director of Food & Entertainment
MICHAEL MENACHEM Entertainment Editor
DANA FINEMAN Contributing Photographer
As the saying goes, “The journey is the destination”.
That couldn’t be more apropos when describing the challenges and the victories we experienced in 2022 both personally and professionally.
The concept for this new endeavor originated during the 2020 lockdown, shortly after our freedoms were seemingly stripped from us at a moment’s notice.
It was during that time that we understood the true value of our California roots and how lucky we are to enjoy this idyllic coastal lifestyle.
After multiple hurdles over the last two years, the vision for the premier issue was finally realized. The last six months of ‘22 saw quick advancement with story concepts, including our cover, featuring iconic actor
Michael Madsen, who inspired the theme of this issue, “The New Frontier”.
Michael’s life has been full of success, personal struggles, heartbreak and growth and in this feature he fuels us to put fear aside and take a giant leap forward into the new year.
As we enter 2023, we are exited to celebrate the unique and inspiring stories that makes California the “State of Soul”.
FOUNDER, EDITOR IN CHIEF
Twitter: @ceceswoods
Instagram: @cecewoods
Big screen bad ass MICHAEL MADSEN opens up to Cali Mag Director of Lifestyle Tara Owens in our premier issue, “The New Frontier”. Madsen talks about the challenges he faced in 2022, including the loss of his son and how he is healing and persevering in the new year.
Jewelry designer JES MAHARRY collection of bold gemstone fusions with affirmations of love and i nspiration on each piece making her designs unparalleled in her distinctive style.
Photographer to the stars ANNA GABRIEL published her first book EYE-D, an inspiring collection of photographs and excerpts shared over years of travel, backstage and in celebrity homes and ais perfect coffee table book to treat yourself in the new year.
In our OLD HOLLYWOOD section, writers WAYNE CLINGMAN and DOUG HESS give us a glimpse into the rise of actress Jean Harlow and her shocking relationship with New Jersey mob boss Longy Zillman, part of the notorious Big Six.
1 / VOL 1 / 2023
Local talent turned international entertainer Ryan Bingham, our 90265 inside cover feature reaches the pinnacle of his career (so far) with his breakout role in the #1 hit show Yellowstone.
Malibu local Jenefer Taylor embarked on her new journey lauching BLUEM (pronounced “bloom”) last year creating phenomenal organic baked goods and tablescapes with beautiful floral arrangements.
Malibu Seaside Chef and Cali Mag food editor GINA CLARKE visits magical MARFARM the ultimate farmstay destination in Edna Valley.
The golden standard of meusic fesyivals SoCal has to offer emarked on a new frontier adding BEACH LIFE RANCH country music festival. Cali Mag was there to give you the low down the biggest and best acts live on stage and what’s in store for BEACH LIFE this May.
Calamigos Guest Ranch and Beach Club is the only luxury destination in Malibu that encompasses both a private 250 acre Ranch in the Malibu Wine Country as well as an exclusive beachfront Beach Club for its guests.
“It's the good, the bad and the ugly. No whitewash bullshit. It’s not a fucking Popeye cartoon. It's real and it's heavy. If I got struck by lightning, I would thank God somebody made that thing."
Photography by Dana Fineman
There are a few words that come to mind when thinking of iconic actor Michael Madsen; intense, raw, and authentic.
Born and raised in Chicago by working class parents, a firefighter father and a mother in the arts, Michael, a typical scrappy young boy openly acknowledged his trouble-prone youth in the streets of his tough Chicago neighborhood. “My mother used to say I was born with two black eyes”.
DIRECTOR OF LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY
In his early 20s and inspired by his hero, American Nascar driver Richard Petty (a.k.a. “The King”), Michael took a job as a tow trucker driver and a mechanic building race cars never imagining that his destiny would lead him to Hollywood and a successful acting career.
Ironically, his first break into Hollywood was by pure chance. His friend Kip was an actor and would continuously ask Michael to go to auditions with him. Finally, Michael decided to take Kip up on his offer and that fateful day was the beginning of his long and very unique Hollywood career.
“My mother used to say I was born with two black eyes”. Tara
With 328 movies under is his belt to date, there is no question Madsen is considered a seasoned professional. Best known for his raspy voice and quintessential bad ass roles, Madsen had made himself known playing dark characters in Quentin Tarantino films.
Madsen’s first role in a Tarantino film, was as Mr. Blonde, in the epic movie Reservoir Dogs alongside such greats as Harvey Keitel and Tim Roth (who was unknown at the time).
Mr. Blonde’s character was known as "the psycho", freshly out of prison with an axe to grind, which Madsen depicts so well. His roles naturally have an intense, authentic edge to them which is why he was initially perplexed when cast in the 1993 movie Free Willy as the loving dad Glen Greenwood, however, the experience, which he would later come to understand, opened him up in different ways both personally and professionally.
His working relationship with Tarantino spans over two decades with Madsen cast in major roles; Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight and a cameo appearance in Once Upon a Time in America.
In a recent interview exclusively with Cali Mag, Madsen was fresh off the set of his latest movie where he moves in a completely new direction in character.
Known for his typical big screen bad boy persona, Madsen is switching gears this time playing the the role of a Samurai (Japanese warrior). Always confident in his craft, Madsen was thrilled by the new direction telling Cali Mag the most difficult part of the role wasn't learning how be an authentic Samurai, it was getting used to wearing a kimono andChinese underwear that threw him for a loop.
The last few years have been challenging for Madsen battling addiction with alcohol and he says looking back, alcohol was like “rocket fuel” for him and surprisingly, he was able to accomplish a tremendous amount of work while drinking heavily. Madsen has since re-entered rehab and is focused on healing for himself and his family.
When talking to him, it is evident that Madsen is first and foremost a family man and you get the sense that nothing is more important. Married to beautiful model Deanna for 26 years, Madsen and his wife raised five boys in the idyllic coastal community of Malibu. Remembering his simple upbringing in Chicago, Madsen says raising his family in Malibu is a far cry from where he grew up on streets of Chicago. Madsen also opened up for the first time since the tragic loss of his 26-year-old son Hudson Madsen, a heroic Afghanistan veteran who made it to the rank of Sergeant and a beloved member of the Malibu community. Madsen says it’s been traumatic for the whole family.
Although the last few years have been tough for him, he says “I have been really lucky and blessed with all the films I have done and all the people I have met. I have been all over the world for god’s sakes. What does an auto mechanic from Chicago have the right to travel around the world making movies...I still don’t know”.
“I’ve
had the best of both of the worlds. I had great fun ... doing something I never imgained... Later on, I’m realizing there is so much more.... Now I’m in the middle somewhere.”
Madsen also says he likes to keep his ego in check and "If you walk around telling yourself that you are talented, then it becomes dangerous and egotistical because you start walking around a room thinking you deserve this and that and people will turn on you in this industry and can’t wait to knock you down. When you see the deterioration of people it’s really sad, you have to keep your pants up. You really do".
Once you get everybody used to a certain lifestyle, then everybody expects that lifestyle. And then everybody is like wow whats up with dad. Why aren’t we going to Hawaii for Christmas, why can’t I have Tesla, why aren’t we flying in a rocket to the moon. You guys, please, I’m just a man... it gets very complicated.
After getting treatment for his alcohol abuse, he says his path to regeneration was enlightening for him, He looked deeply into the relationship with his father and even discovered recently he had a brother that he did not know. After his parents divorced, his father was living with a woman and they had a child. Madsen, almost mystified that his father took it to the grave, met with his Spanish newfound brother who is 10 years younger than him not long ago. He says "The father/son relationship is really heavy".
Looking forward to the future, Madsen shares with Cali Mag the upcoming release of the documentary made in France about his 35-year career titled "American Bad Ass". The film features appearances by John Travolta, Charlie Sheen, Robert Forster, Paul Sorvino, Daryl Hannah, Ron Perleman, Roger Donaldson and of course, Quentin Tarantino.
Madsen says the project took three years to make and is the most authentic representation of his career "It's the good, the bad and the ugly, no whitewash bullshit. It’s not a fucking Pop Eye cartoon. It's real and it's heavy. If I got struck by lightning, I would thank God somebody made that thing."
Celebrity photographer Anna Gabriel's new book EYE-D is a vision
Photographer to the stars Anna Gabriel published her first book EYE-D back in October, celebrating its release with a pair of Morrison Hotel Gallery exhibitions in Los Angeles and New York. It’s an inspiring collection of photographs and excerpts shared over years of travel, backstage and in celebrity homes, and a perfect coffee table book to treat yourself in the new year.
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Instagram: @menoxmusic
Twitter: @menoxmusic
Anna Gabriel’s extensive studies of photography from undergraduate all the way up to a Masters program ultimately led her to switch gears to music video and documentary work, directing music videos since 1997 for her famous father, musician Peter Gabriel, as well as artists like Joseph Arthur, Emmanuel Jal. Jesca Hoop, Less Than Jake, her husband, Adam Masterson and Shelley Segal. Gabriel’s schedule did not really ever include photography full-time, and it was designing album insert artwork for her father’s 2010 title Scratch My Back that ultimately led to exploring photography once again, and eventually curating EYE-D.
Anna Gabriel
The list of musicians, actors, public figures (and one chef) whose eyes are featured in the book sounds like a major award show, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or Kennedy Center Honors lineup with the likes of Mick Fleetwood, Johnny Depp, Eddie Vedder, David Byrne, Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Sting, Susan Sarandon, Kevin Bacon, Michael Stipe, Bon Iver, Nile Rodgers, Debbie Harry and so many more. Through Gabriel’s own long-term relationships and connections for many years in the entertainment business, she traveled mostly around New York and London, but also stopped in Los Angeles, Ireland and some other locations along the way to illuminate the wonders of the eye and the expression around it, detailed with eyelashes, eyebrows, creases and folds in the skin. Gabriel poignantly reminds us that our eyes are a two-way window to the world —both our way to experience our surroundings and a way into viewing a glimpse of ourselves.
Anna Gabriel broke it all down with Cali Mag, detailing her way back to photography after projects with her famous father, the long and winding road capturing images and finally publishing EYE-D, observing perception of people and celebrities alike and finally tapping into what makes each eye so special and memorable.
“I thought there was something interesting here in just the eyes and forget so much the identity and focus on the spiritual identity and make it EYE-D.”
CALI MAG: When masks and Covid were in full swing, you were already years into creating your book. What sparked the idea of publishing EYE-D as your first book initially?
ANNA GABRIEL: In true Gabriel fashion, as I like to joke, it’s many years in the making. It was sort of a side project. It started as dad’s album Scratch My Back insert, for the CD cover and I did I think 11 images for that and as I was doing that I thought this is an interesting project and decided to continue on with it. At that time, we wanted to come up with an idea to show people’s identification, but not just a
passport. People can use eyes and fingerprints as your unique identity so that’s what we wanted to do for the album. I thought there was something interesting here in just the eyes and forget so much the identity and focus on the spiritual identity and make it EYE-D. EYE-D was sort of born at that point, and then it was a side project for many years. Since I started the project, I’ve had two children, I got married, so it’s been a while, and working on other things at the same time. It is also about getting time to grab the people and for them to be available and not on tour, although most of them I did grab them on the go, backstage, or a hotel room or something like that. It’s wonderful to finally have it out there.
CALI MAG: You have written beautiful things about your relationship with your dad. You also compared David Byrne to your dad in one passage. Youssou N’Dour is like a member of your family. The subjects in the book feel like one big extended family for you. You have worked with your father and collaborated with him a lot. You’ve mentioned the intimacy of looking at your dad —not just the star we all know but the man, knowing his facial expressions as you’ve grown up. Now as a mom, do you see that differently being the adult figure in your children’s life?
AG: Yes, they say when you're a baby and you first make eye contact with your parent there are actual physical things that happen in your brain, physiology that happens with the eye contact that creates the oxytocin, the feeling of love, and there's a real connection. An amazing spiritual connection, and now that I'm a mother myself I've had those moments with both of my children, as babies and every day. There's nothing sort of like looking at your child, or even anyone you love, but particularly a parent/child bond. When you're that close and you're looking in their eyes and there's just an overwhelming sense of love, and those feelings are released and you really can see it. It's interesting because on the other side of the sort of extreme love that you can pass through to each other by looking in their eyes, you can also do hate and the opposite emotions, and I think that it can be very intense and very uncomfortable to stare someone in the eye that you don't like and it can be very threatening. It can create all of those opposite emotions. So either way, it's just an incredible, powerful tool to just be looking directly into somebody's eyes. So I think it's really fascinating.
MAG: Love them or hate them, masks have been with us for nearly three years and for many, they have
given us just enough expression to interact with friends and family, as well as complete strangers and passersby. What did you experience during this period?
When you’re that close and you’re looking in their eyes and there’s just an overwhelming sense of love, and those feelings are released and you really can see it.
AG: For me, during Covid it was sort of interesting because you can still tell if people are smiling at you or not, but you can also get the wrong idea. I was on the subway and someone was staring quite
intensely at me and my kids and I thought they are not happy, they are annoyed, maybe my kids were too loud. And then they got off and said your kids are so cute, and that’s the exact opposite.
CALI MAG: If we could, how about breaking down some of these fascinating eyes in your book? Téa Leoni’s is rather striking, Michael Stipe’s is more sleepy, Willem Dafoe’s is intense, Debbie Harry is just smoldering. Noel Gallagher and U2’s The Edge have mischievous eyes, while Annie Lennox’s eye is full of wonder. Youssou N’Dour has a warm and welcoming eye.
AG: He [Youssou N'Dour] is such the loveliest, warmest person, that it really comes across. It's funny, because the last few years when we've all been walking around with our masks on and just covering our nose we've been kind of now trained to look at the eyes and get that emotion from someone. It's really interesting to me because you really can get so much from just the eyes and not the rest of the face. You don't need someone's mouth to see that they're smiling.
CALI MAG: What is the story with Michael Stipe's eye that you captured?
AG: He was interesting because he was in his apartment and he was one of the earlier ones. He really wanted to put on gold eyeliner and I was close up. He ran to the bathroom to put on this eyeliner and it looked incredible in color because of the gold. That was the one image in the entire book that I really thought would have
Shane MacGowan
been brilliant in color, because just having the gold eyeliner really expressed something about him and what he wanted to do and show for that moment. I also get asked why didn't you do it in color, 'cause obviously you want to see the color of somebody's eyes. The reason being, that's the first thing that everyone says is you've got blue, green, brown eyes, instead of looking at the emotion of the eyes.
CALI MAG: Willem Dafoe is a fantastic actor, and his characters are often intense, scary and even creepy. Whether it’s intentional or not, we make judgments about people based on what we see or know or even don’t know. What can you say about how we may perceive his eye?
AG: Absolutely, that was consciously in this book. I used well-known people in the book, these are faces that we see all the time.
We all have judgments on who we think they are, it's also being the factor of celebrity and being in the public eye, you are put out there and you are judged, from what the press says and what people say and what you hear. And you don't know the person even though a lot of the time you think that you do. I thought by doing this it was another way to look, cut the rest of the eye out and really try and see the emotion and see a person there, who they are for real and what they might be thinking, feeling in the moment.
CALI MAG: What were some of the stories from the shoots in California like? Nadya Tolokonnikova from the band Pussy Riot was one of your subjects here.
AG: [Nadya] is mainly in LA now, and I shot her on the street, along Sunset [Blvd.] somewhere, and it was a
really beautiful day as usual, a typical California day. She grabbed this hat off a stand on the street and cut a hole in it and put it over her head. The light against the white wall was just beautiful, it really popped through the mask. I thought the combination of shooting her in what she represents and what the mask represents for her in a beautiful, sunny California setting was kind of the opposite, but it really felt and turned out beautifully, it's one of my favorite images in the book.
CALI MAG: And you photographed members of the band TV On The Radio
AG: I shot two of the TV On The Radio guys, two of them live in LA. It's funny, that was an interesting band because two of them lived in LA and two of them lived in New York, so it was half-half. The ones in New York were in an apartment just down the road from where I live in Williamsburg and the LA ones were I think in the Highland Park area. We went up to their house and they had all these great dogs in their yard and we played with them, and we shot them outside. The best part about shooting this project in California is obviously the light is always great as I'm shooting in daylight, whereas London and New York can be iffy.
CALI MAG: You photographed some others in California as well, what were those adventures like?
AG: And then Randy Newman was another one of my favorites. I shot him at his house in the Pacific Palisades, he has a beautiful place up there and we went to his garden and shot outside of his house, so that was lovely. And Rosanna Arquette too, I shot her in Malibu. We had some flowers and we were on the beach and hers was interesting because I wanted to get the flower sort of shape across the face and actually her eye is slightly out of focus, which I deliberately did because I didn't want to make them all the same. For me, it felt like imagewise it was more beautiful, in that out-of-focus sense.
CALI MAG: Your travels saw you off to Wisconsin with Bon Iver and in the Florida Keys with singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier and Ireland for both The Edge and Shane MacGowan. You even got a celebrity chef in there, Mario Batali.
AG: Yes, I really wanted to get more people like writers, sportsmen and different people and just really because my access is primarily to musicians so that's the way it went really in the end.
CALI MAG: This year America’s Got Talent judges and fans roared for Lebanese dance troupe The Mayyas to eventually win the 17th season, a talented act baring only their eyes. It’s clear the eyes are really the only external part of the body to tell you something.
AG: A lot of people come back and say how they were surprised at how much emotion you can get from the photographs, which is lovely to hear. I always felt taking the images you can really capture a lot of emotion out of the closeup of one eye. For more on Anna Gabriel and her book EYE-D visit: eyedphotographs.com Instagram @annagabrielphotography
The golden era sex symbol’s rise to fame and her unusual relationship with New Jersey mobster Longy Zwillman that shocked Hollywood.
Wayne Clingman& Douglas Hess
Twitter:@themilwakeemob, @doughess14
Born in Kansas City, Missouri on March 3, 1911, Harlean Carpenter, who the world would later come to know as Jean Harlow, became one of Hollywood ‘s first sex symbols.
Determined to carve out a life of her own, Harlean ran away from home at 16 years old to marry wealthy 23-yearold businessman, Charles McGrew. The couple lived off Charles’ rather large inheritance and shortly after they were married they moved to Beverly Hills.
In Los Angeles, Harlean found work as an extra in films and a year later, in 1928, she landed her first small role in the movie Moran of the Marines.
Landing that first role seemed to be the inspirational spark Harlean needed to continue with her newfound craftgoing on as many casting calls as time would allow.
That same year, at 17 years old, Harlean was photographed nude in Griffith Park by Hollywood photographer Edward Bower Hesser. This quite possibly was the catalyst that led to more roles for the young would-be sex symbol.
By 1929 Harlean had small roles in no less than eleven movies. Unfortunately at that time, her marriage to McGrew was on the rocks and they would soon divorce. The marriage lasted barely two years.
It is believed that his drinking led to the divorce. However, if anything good came from the end of their marriage, it gave her the freedom to invest more in her acting career. It was shortly afterwards that Harlean adopted her new stage name, Jean Harlow.
Jean’s big break came in 1930 when she landed a stellar role in Howard Hughes’ 1930 WWI epic film Hell’s Angels, which turned out to be a box office hit. Not long after the film’s debut, Hughes sold her contract to MGM for $60,000 where her career rose to unprecedented heights. However, it was her appearance the following year in Platinum Blonde that truly cemented her role as America’s new sex symbol.
After the filming of Hell Angels, Jean was kept busy with publicity and did not appear in any films. Hughes made sure Jean was in the limelight by having her on a personal appearance tour and attending premieres. Subsequently, Paul Bern, an MGM producer, convinced Hughes to loan Jean out to his studio for the film The Secret Six.
“It was her appearance the following year in Platinum Blonde that truly cemented her role as America’s new sex symbol.”
In the 20’s and 30’s Hollywood “film factory” it was a very common practice for actors and actresses under contract to studios to churn out back-to-back films year after year. As a still young girl and somewhat novice actress trying to find her way in the industry, Jean started to become overwhelmed with the mad pace. Jean’s sex appeal was spreading throughout the country with the release of these films. On one hand, her star power was being solidified with her fans, but she faced criticism because of this by the critics and the newspapers. Friends and colleagues remember Jean was truly unhappy and displeased with the unwanted and unflattering attention.
With all her film appearances maximized, Hughes gave Jean a rest from filming and sent her on a vacation, which in actuality turned out to be another personal appearance tour for the studio.
Although she disliked going on these personal appearance tours, Jean went as directed. Her stops included appearing at the Oriental Theater in Chicago of May, 1931, the Fisher Theater in Detroit and she continued to travel on the east coast until June, where she appeared in New York.
It was during one of the evenings at the Oriental Theater in Chicago where she met New Jersey mob boss Abner “Longy” Zwillman.
Jean had been married three times until this point. During the filming of Red Dust, Jean’s second husband of only two months, producer Paul Bern, committed suicide. Tongues were wagging over her well-known affair with actor William Powell, who later became the love of her life according to family and friends. However, it was her relationship with notorious mobster Longy Zwillman that shocked many.
Zwillman would soon take a liking to Harlow and although he was known to have a violent and homicidal history, he was also (allegedly) a gentleman and women seemed to love him. Jean seemed to be fascinated by him and would turn to him when she was unhappy with her roles.
Zwillman would rise to become the undisputed mob boss earning his new title as the “Al Capone of New Jersey.” ... Zwillman would be one of the most feared and respected members of the “Jewish Mafia” and one of the “Big Six.”
Zwillman grew up in Newark, New Jersey with very humble beginnings. At a young age, his father passed away forcing him to become the man of the house and support his family.
At 6’6”, Zwillman towered over many and with his fearsome reputation, he quickly gained the nick name “Longy”.
With his fiery temper, Zwillman fast became known as a defender in the neighborhood. Local Jewish pushcart peddlers were routinely harassed by area anti-Semites. When they were threatened, they would shout: “Get der langer!’ which translates to “Get the long one!” summoning Zwillman for help.
Zwillman would rise to become the undisputed mob boss earning his new title “the Al Capone of New Jersey.” Besides Meyer Lansky, Zwillman would be one of the most feared and respected members of the “Jewish Mafia” and was one of “The Big Six” (with Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Lucky Luciano, Joey Adonis, and Frank Costello) and became one of the organizers and a founding member of the nationwide crime syndicate known as Murder Incorporated.
During Prohibition and height of his power, Zwillman controlled as much as 40% of all the liquor bootlegging in the country. He was a powerful mobster, but doing a much better job of flying under the radar as the other well-known members of The Big Six.
Zwillman and Jean would date briefly. He bestowed her with expensive gifts, among them a bracelet and a red Cadillac among other things. Coincidentally, or maybe not, during this time Jean received a two-picture deal plus a salary increase at Columbia Pictures. It is rumored that Zwillman loaned Columbia studios head Harry Cohn a $500,000 during that same time period.
On May 23, 1932 the contract between Howard Hughes’ Caddo Company and Columbia Pictures was signed, which lead to Jean’s two films Platinum Blonde and Three Wise Girls.
Ironically, Marino Bello, Jean’s stepfather, who was married for only a short time to Jean’s mother, was also a
gangster. Marino would go on to use his stepdaughter to ingratiate himself with gangsters. While Zwillman did help advance Jean’s career, it was not all fun and games. Allegedly the FBI had Zwillman on tapes, making derogatory remarks about her to other mob associates and rumors circulated that Zwillman liked to give his pals lockets containing snips of her pubic hair as mementos. Why would Jean subject herself to such demeaning behavior? One can only assume that since Zwillman helped her succeed in her career, she was willing to take the verbal and private ridicule as the price to pay.
Longy Zwillman
Monroe was offered the opportunity to star in a biopic as Harlow. Jean was her idol, but on reading the script she rejected it outright, saying to her agent, “I hope they don’t do that to me after I’m gone.
To the public Harlow was a sex goddess. However, in reality she was wildly more than what the public thought she was. After her second husband’s tragic death, Hollywood insiders say she set herself two private goals – to learn how to enjoy sex and to become a mother.
Donning different colored wigs and makeup, she is alleged to have embarked upon an extraordinary spree of one-night-stands, picking up men in bars and truck stops in and around nearby towns. For months she let men from all walks of life service her for free, sadly she never discovered any real enthusiasm for the act – nor did she become pregnant.
Then, all too soon at just 26, she died suddenly from uremic poisoning. By most accounts, on the sets of her movies, she was both popular and down to earth; enjoying the company of the crew as much, or more, than that of her fellow thespians.
Decades later Marilyn Monroe was offered the opportunity to star in a biopic as Harlow. Jean was her idol, but upon reading the script she rejected it outright, saying to her agent, ‘I hope they don’t do that to me after I’m gone.’ Of course, the circus that ensued after Marilyn’s demise dwarfed even Jean’s. Coincidentally, both actresses would be playing opposite the same leading man, Clark Gable, in their final films – Jean in Saratoga in 1937 and Marilyn in The Misfits in 1961.
Malibu based money manager Jeff Runyan gives us the key moves to make with your money in 2023.
In the US, we as citizens benefit from the Freedom of the Press, which unequivocally protects our populous by keeping us informed, educated,
and capable of making intelligent decisions. However, exhaustive access to information, endless news articles, TV commentators, and other information sources generates voluminous data and information that can nearly paralyze an investor. The reality is that most readers viewing this 2023 update have a strong grasp and understanding of where we stand economically. They recognize several of the challenges ahead and, as seasoned investors, are aware of the meaningful factors that can affect the trajectory of investment returns one would reasonably expect in stock, bond, and real estate markets in the year ahead.
“...exhaustive access to information, endless news articles, TV commentators, and other information sources generates voluminous data and information that can nearly paralyze an investor.”
First, let’s address some of the obvious economic challenges. Rising interest rates increase the cost of capital. The Fed has raised rates eight consecutive times in the recent ten months and is expected to do so again in the week ahead. That in and of it self isn’t bad news, but it curtails the expectations an investor can anticipate for returns from a stock or equity investment. Keep in mind that the cost of capital affects profit margins, an element an investor hunts for in making a good decision about what to purchase. Rising rates increase the amount of money required to service the same level of debt previously required, reducing free cash flow for businesses and households.
The Federal Reserve raises interest rates to cool the economy and maintain an inflation rate of ~2% and decreases interest rates to achieve full employment. One of the most famous excerpts from a Federal Reserve Chairman was from William McChesney Martin, who famously stated, “to take away the punch bowl just as the party gets going.” The statement simply means: no more stimulus or access to inexpensive capital is necessary for the market and economy to flourish. Currently, the Fed has aggressively raised rates because they see the worst of two outcomes being 1) not raising rates sufficiently to dampen inflation as a more severe outcome than 2) raising rates and slowing growth, reducing company profit, margins, and stock valuations.
Since the 4th quarter of 2021, asset prices have felt the ramification of rising rates, and bonds have seen their prices decline, pushing yields to the highest they have been since the fourth quarter of 2007.
Today we believe earning returns from fixed-income investments like bonds is not only a smart way to earn a reward but also a solution to do so with a lower level of investment risk. Although 2022 was one of the worst outcomes for bonds in nearly all of recent U.S. history, the returns still exceeded the NASDAQ (32.4%) and S&P 500 index (18.1%).
Risks that are apparent in the near term include a federal debt ceiling being navigated by elected politicians. The negotiations that occur in the weeks and months ahead determine how institutions and countries around the world perceive the US dollar and the financial strength of our underlying economic system. It’s also fair to conclude that Republicans and Democrats would be served in achieving a resolution, but the challenge of solving fiscal problems often comes down to the lens that one sees how best to cure the illness. So, we likely wait for the final hour for an agreement.
Opportunities for continued growth and expansion exist in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and technology. As people live longer, the need for health care, medical devices, and high-end
Also, the increase in interest rates to fight persistent inflation has made equity prices more favorable, and it seems possible that as revisions to profitability for companies continue, stock prices will become even more attractive. As that happens in the six to twelve months ahead, it could present the opportunity to deploy capital to equities serving as a strong foundation and reward for years ahead.
One of the most transformative technologies, while in its infancy, is artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is becoming more accessible through one platform called Open AI, where the platform Chat GPT is intuitive enough that it can pass a Wharton Business School MBA final exam. Understanding the magnitude of technology like this creates an opportunity to either 1) resist or 2) harness the strength and power that it provides. Schools and universities around the country are grappling with navigating a changing world where students can write a paper or essay at any education level that satisfies a professor or teacher’s request. And that’s just scratching the surface of what it can accomplish. quality of life from pharmaceuticals and related businesses creates the opportunity to address issues from cancer to Alzheimer’s and the other ailments that affect your family and mine.
At the beginning and end of every business day, the singular most important issue on my mind is helping you achieve your financial goals and objectives with the lowest level of investment risk. At times that will mean making changes in the portfolio to better reflect where we are during an economic cycle. Most would agree we’ve achieved a peak, and we’re headed through this period of slowing growth into a trough. The good news is that this creates opportunities for your investment portfolio to grow successfully in the years ahead.
Nestled in the hills of Topanga, Cafe 27 is a unique breakfast/lunch spot with multiple levels of terrace seating with expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains serving delectable dishes and delicious lattes complimenting the incredible canyon cool hippie vibe.
1861 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290
@cafe27topanga
In the heart of Westlake, Joi Cafe brings a certain level of unparralled joy to its vegan, gluten-free menu. Choose from unusually coffee combos (our favorite is the Lavendar Latte) to full breakfast and lunch menus, desserts and an array of wellness products surrounded in a cheerful sherbert palette decor. 2855 Agoura Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361
@joicafe
With sweeping views of the bay at Lido Marina Village locally sourced and sustainable ingredients and an impressive line-up craft beer or home-grown California wine, Lido Bottle Works is hard to beat on every level.
3408 Via Oporto, Ste 103, Newport Beach, CA 92663
949.529.2784
@lidobottleworks
Ojai based jewelry designer Jes MaHarry followed her heart and passion when she began creating jewelry when she was in college.
Her empathic nature and spirited energy is the driving force behind her bespoke jewelry line featuring ethically sourced gemstones.
MaHarry is self taught and comes from a family of artists , painters, musicians etc Her first memories of making jewelry were found objects and driven by a force of wanting people around her to feel loved and good about themselves, she started giving her friends her handmade jewelry.
It was not until her mother gifted her a silver smith class at the Art Gallery in New York that Jes knew her life was about to change.
Driven by her belief that each bead, stone, charm, gem, thread and raw recycled metal holds a power and story of its own, it is imperative to her that pure goodness resonates through all.
Once MaHarry realized that she could merge her love of art and jewelry together by drawing in metal, she was hooked.
Driven by her belief that each bead, stone, charm, gem, thread and raw recycled metal holds a power and story of its own, it is imperative to her that pure goodness resonates through all. So began Jes’s journey searching the globe for the most beautiful, rare and ancient earth elements available.
Based in Ojai, Jes pours love and good energy into each piece taking the extra step to work with a block chain company tracing every step of the gemstones she uses in her pieces to ensure they are ethically sourced from start to finish
Designing in her studio on the family ranch, which is home to an accrue of beloved rescue animals, Jes gets her inspiration from her surroundings. Each piece is hand carved with symbols of life, love, and words of inspiration.
Featured since 2000 in Sundance Catalog, which MaHarry says was a huge turning point in her jewelry making career, she was able to create a distinctive style which has attracted jewelry collectors from all over the world.
Maharry has amassed a cult like following of kindred sprits who want something more in life and want to wear jewelry that has meaning.
She is a pioneer in designing free form hand drawn inspiring messages.
“I design my jewelry with the hope that it will bring a bit of beauty to our world and a measure of solace and peace to you. I try to represent the wonder of the natural and spiritual worlds through my work. I hope it resonates in a deeper place within you.
Free and Love Life”
- Jes MaHarry
jesmaharry.com
Gina Clarke
DIRECTOR
Malibu Seaside Chef Gina Clarke takes us on a tour of a magical Farm-Stay deep in the Edna Valley wine region.
BY CECE WOODS, Editor in Chief
PHOTOS by Jennifer Olson and Cameron Ingalls
Situated on the southern border of San Luis Obispo with sweeping views of the Edna Valley wine region, MARFARM , a unique farm-stay experience, is one of Malibu Seaside Chef Gina Clark’s favorite place to play and stay.
The down to earth need-to-unplug getaway oozes quintessential Califor nia-cool with a contemporary vibe. Right up this native SLO girl’s alley, complete with a chef approved gourmet kitchen.
Chef Gina took us on a 5 star tour of the three bedroom, four bath converted dairy barn-turned-horsestables which is now the ultimate farm-stay vacay.
The property is owned by Hamish and Jill Marshall who have lived in the area for over thirty years and own multiple properties in San Luis Obispo; Hotel Cerro, SLO Brew, the Rock,Rod & Hammer’s, Slo Stills, The SLO Brew Lofts and QUIKY Carwash.
The Marshall’s opened up the MARFARM farmstay in 2019, after having bought and restored the dilapidated horse and cattle property back in 2013. This one, they are very proud to add to the list of dynamic spaces they share with the community of San Luis Obispo and those who visit the unique region.
The spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces are designed to promote relaxation and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. MARFARM is also home to a wide variety of animals including 16 horses, a miniature donkey Gizmo, 3 KuneKune pigs, 2 alpacas Lenny & Squiggy, 20 chickens and 4 dogs. Three new foals have just been added in the last year! So it’s a magical mixture and they all get along!
“I love that the MARFARM lies at heart of the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo” said Clarke. “The property is surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills and open space, you get the feel of a country lifestyle yet you are close to the beach.”
“You get the feel of a country lifestyle, yet you are close to the beach...”
- Chef Gina Clarke
Jill, a talented artist and designer originally from Santa Barbara, designed the space with accents of bright color which enlivens the spirit among a neutral palette. Earthy details are perfectly paired to enhance the property’s personality. Jill and Hamish’s impeccable touch can been seen and felt throughout. “Their unique spin on the modern farmhouse makes it a perfect spot for a weekend get-away, a wedding or a corporate retreat and will leave you wanting more.” said Chef Gina after a recent visit.
Jill’s passion and enthusiam for interior design is contagious as she explained her process for developing MARFARM’s unique style.
“The kitchen layout is my favorite, and inspired from one of my mother’s favorite “chef’s” kitchen designs
“It’s the perfect spot for a weekend get-away, a wedding or a corporate retreat and will leave you wanting more.”
where the kitchen island is massive. It’s so fun for entertaining big groups, which is exactly what happens at MARFARM!
I used my favorite appliance brand, Wolf, for the cook top and refrigerator. The big white farm sink is Shaw, and the lovely brushed gold faucets are Kohler which really holds up with use, I’m super impressed with them (also in the bathrooms) The island itself is white Carrera marble, which seems maybe excessive, but you really get what you pay for and good materials hold up and also create such a wow factor! The kitchen island lighting is also super fun and unique.
They come from Spain and their called PET Lamp made from recycled plastic liter size soda bottles. That bottle is then beautifully woven into local basket material and attached seamlessly to the cords. They look like beautiful hats!
Lastly, one of the funnest details in the large living space are the carved wooden cow heads from Bali. You can apparently change the lighting scheme 1200 different ways. Jill or Aleigh the GM usually set it to a fun MARFARM “green” or a soft warm rose for guests when they arrive.
One of our first guests, thought they were real and she was upset, until we assured her they were individually hand carved and no harm was done to the animals! We are animal lovers at MARFARM after all!”
A beautiful fresh Bronzino fish from Giovanni’s Gourmet Fish Market in Morro Bay. Dish prepared by Chef Gina Clarke.
“I love New West Knives because they are not only American made, they have unique look and style that sets them apart from other knives. I call them the Rolls Royce of knives.”
- Chef Gina Clarke
PET Lighting from Spain made from repurposed PET plastic bottles that would otherwise collect in landfills, are woven into colorful plastic strips, turning out captivating light fixtures that beautifully illuminate your space. goodeeworld.com
Get the Look
Chef Gina Clarke in the Mar Farm kitchen. Left and below the coveted New West Knives. Visually striking, ergonomic handles. G-Fusion turns tools into functional art. The knives have been described by Bon Appetit Magazine as “the perfect balance of power and grace.” newwestknifeworks.com
Photos by Mika Larson
Calabsas based super stylists Stephanie Tiara Lewis and Kara Shaw recently enetred the equstian space with the launch of their new show worthy line of custom horse tails
Calabasas based celebrity hair stylist Stephanie Tiara Lewis, an 18-year veteran in the industry and her business partner Kara Shaw, owner of My Salon Bae in Calabasas, created deluxe hair extensions line, Mane Bae Hair Extensions in 2021. At the time, Lewis and Shaw set out to offer the highest quality extensions the industry has to offer made of 100% virgin hair without any harsh chemical treatments.
Mission accomplished.
Now the dynamic duo has now taken the leap into a new arena - the horse arena - offering custom made horse tail extensions for the equestrian world.
Stephanie and Kara have been long associated with the horse world and have an obvious flair for the grooming process bringing out the beauty in every horse they design for.
“When I was a kid, well into my teens, I rode horses. I participated in a program at camp where I was able to have responsibility for a horse where I got to do all the daily duties to get them ready to ride and groomed them down for the day. I had such passion for the grooming process and then realized how amazing horses are.”
-Kara Shaw
Main Bae Extensions are perfect if your horse has a thin tail lacking in luster and is offered in every color, length and width to suit your riding style. The custom tails are used in the show pen, in all disciplines of riding from western pleasure to reining, ranch riding dressage and beyond.
The process starts with defining the needs of your horse’s tail. An exact match in color and your
preference in volume and length to create a natural look and the effect you need for your horse and riding style.
It’s as is as easy as sending a photo of the horse to the Stephanie and Kara, or if time and proximity permits, they will arrange to see the horse in person to match and decide on tail length, weight and color.
They also have ambassadors in other areas to help set up custom fit appointments.
The tail comes with a chic storage bag to ensure preservation of style and quality.
Mane Bae Extensions brings a whole new level of confidence every time you go into the show pen, knowing your horse looks perfectly polished.
